I grew up in sometimes stuffy New England in a house where it was a crime to stand out or look different from other people. I work hard these days at being comfortable with who I am, what I wear, and how I look.

For most of my life, I’ve worked khaki pants, jeans, and blue cotton shirts. Finally, I’m branching out a bit. I’m guessing part of this is that I have nothing to lose.

I’m comfortable being photographed and am always on the lookout for individuals who are not afraid to be themselves and are comfortable in their own shoes. I always want to take their pictures. We went out for breakfast this morning at a cafe nearby that we are coming to love.

There, I saw this man who walked in with a startling 70’s hairdo and his own kind of mask. I asked if this was a Halloween thing, and his wife said perhaps, but he has been working on his hair all weekend.

People in the restaurant loved his look, many came up to tell him, and ask him about it. I’m’ thinking he’s an artist of one kind or another. He was very happy to pose for me. I thought this might be a Halloween look, but his wife says it is just his look.

I don’t know his name, but we shook hands on my way out. He seemed very happy with his look. Most of the people I know, including me, would be afraid to do that. People who are comfortable in their own skin without apology are blessed by the angels.