I never really thought too much about the visual impact I portray when dressed in primitive clothing (by that I mean scruffy mountainman look). People at demonstrations, craft fairs and country shows know well enough that what I'm showing is part of a show and while the skills and crafts I demonstrate are real, the persona I portray is not.
Well, on Christmas morning I had to really think hard about how I come across to others. It was a cold and clear morning and I was up early checking out my new bagpipes that Santa brought. The wife got sick of the racket I was making so I decided to go for a bimble in the woods. I figured nobody would be around with it being Christmas day, so I wore my army blanket capote and took along my hobo stove and tin mug to make a cuppa en-route.
I walked a couple of miles, admiring the frost on the twigs and branches, having a close look at spider webs standing out bright and white against the darker vegitation behind. I found a nice clearing about 25 yards from the footpath. I decided to stop fo a cup of tea before going back home for lunch.
I set up my hobo stove, got some dry twigs burning in it, was adding small sticks and waiting for the water to boil when a small dog bounded over and started yapping at me. I befriended the dog and was petting it when a middle aged couple walked over and said hello.
I greeted them and wished them a happy Christmas, passed the time talking about what good weather we were having for the time of year and such, then they wandered off with their dog. They had not gone 50 yards down the path when they came back and asked me if I'd like to come home with them and share their Christmas lunch. Then it dawned on me.
They thought I was a homeless person. I explained that I was just out for a walk, and the blanket coat and my hobo stove were just part of my hobby. I don't know who was more embarrased, me or them. They both blushed profusely though. Anyway, I thanked them for such a kind and selfless gesture but assured them I was OK.
Anyway, when I got back home I felt slightly shaken. I suppose I must have looked like a tramp to them as I had taken the persona completely out of context. So, after lunch I trimmed my beard and moustache and got the shears on my head and gave myself a No1 all over. Now my wife says I look like a gangster. Bloody hell, I can't win, can I?
Eric
Well, on Christmas morning I had to really think hard about how I come across to others. It was a cold and clear morning and I was up early checking out my new bagpipes that Santa brought. The wife got sick of the racket I was making so I decided to go for a bimble in the woods. I figured nobody would be around with it being Christmas day, so I wore my army blanket capote and took along my hobo stove and tin mug to make a cuppa en-route.
I walked a couple of miles, admiring the frost on the twigs and branches, having a close look at spider webs standing out bright and white against the darker vegitation behind. I found a nice clearing about 25 yards from the footpath. I decided to stop fo a cup of tea before going back home for lunch.
I set up my hobo stove, got some dry twigs burning in it, was adding small sticks and waiting for the water to boil when a small dog bounded over and started yapping at me. I befriended the dog and was petting it when a middle aged couple walked over and said hello.
I greeted them and wished them a happy Christmas, passed the time talking about what good weather we were having for the time of year and such, then they wandered off with their dog. They had not gone 50 yards down the path when they came back and asked me if I'd like to come home with them and share their Christmas lunch. Then it dawned on me.
They thought I was a homeless person. I explained that I was just out for a walk, and the blanket coat and my hobo stove were just part of my hobby. I don't know who was more embarrased, me or them. They both blushed profusely though. Anyway, I thanked them for such a kind and selfless gesture but assured them I was OK.
Anyway, when I got back home I felt slightly shaken. I suppose I must have looked like a tramp to them as I had taken the persona completely out of context. So, after lunch I trimmed my beard and moustache and got the shears on my head and gave myself a No1 all over. Now my wife says I look like a gangster. Bloody hell, I can't win, can I?
Eric
