I have a very clear memory of my 4th grade picture day.
I wore my best dress, the black one with the white lace ruffles. It made me feel grown-up and sophisticated. And I knew exactly how I wanted to style my hair. However, I had to enlist my mother’s help to compete the coiffure.
So there we were, my mother and I, standing in front of the bathroom mirror. She was poised behind me with a comb and I held the hair band and white lace ribbon at the ready.
“Are you sure this is what you want, honey?” my mother asked.
“Yes, mom, I’m sure!”
“But do you really think that this is a good hairstyle for your school picture?” She paused for effect, trying to let that sink in. “I mean, wouldn’t it look much prettier if you just had your hair down and we put a barrette in it?”
“No, mom, it won’t.” I rolled my eyes. “Now will you please help me?”
Oh, yes, the side ponytail is a timeless classic that will never go out of style. I sure showed you, mom.
