An Alternate Version of Locks of Love

Family history notwithstanding, I only recently discovered that Saint Anthony's who you try to bargain with when you've lost something of value. In yesterday's case, my wallet. After hastily "securing" my checking account--explaining to the bank rep that I couldn't recite my license number for verification since I was now missing various forms of ID including my bank card--how 'bout my providing other crucial info such as the name of my first blue-eyed crush (Casey Morris)?--of course it turned up.

Since we were spared a last-minute trip to the Department of Public Safety, I was okay with receiving a few "I told you so's" from the girlfriend. And while the jury-has-pretty-much-fled-the County-without-so-much-as-a-forwarding-address when it comes to my harboring any leftover desire to rejoin the ranks of organized religion, I'm unabashadly *for* acknowledging the existence of everyday miracle workers. Which is why, in all seriousness, I'd like to give a shout-out to folks whose efforts bring relief to battered and endangered lives. From one of many cool sites googled tonight, a chron.com interview with

Luke McKibben, manager of training and volunteer services at the women’s center, [who agrees] outreach to salons is a great idea because women feel safe there.

“Abusers are very controlling people,” McKibben said. “They will go to a doctor’s appointment with their victim so they know what is being said. For some reason with beauty appointments, it’s not as common.”

And there are certain things stylists can watch for.

“We know abusers don’t want to get caught,” McKibben said. “So often, they will physically abuse the victim in a place (on their body) they know the average person won’t be able to see. Blows to the body, and blows to the head, where hair will cover up the injuries. Stylists might notice bruises on somebody’s scalp...

All Beauty Brand stylists are familiar with the women’s center crisis hotline phone numbers, and there will be pamphlets available at the checkout counter.

“Our focus is to bring as much possible awareness to our customers that we can,” said Jenni Cutbirth, district manager of Beauty Brands, 4606 FM 1960.

“Women often establish a trusting relationship with their stylist,” she said. “They spend a lot of time one-on-one talking, and sometimes confiding extremely personal things. Sometimes abuse. So we want to make sure we’re prepared.”

WANT TO HELP?
• What: It takes Guts to Reduce Abuse campaign
• Where: Beauty Brands Salon
• Where: 19661 Highway 59 in Humble
• When: October, which is Domestic Violence Awareness Month
• For more information: www.beautybrands.com or http://www.hawc.org/

Crisis hotlines to Houston Area Women’s Center
• Domestic Violence: Call 713.528.7273
• Sexual Abuse: Call 713.528.2121

Where 48-hr bug blows its top and wins

You know you're in a bad way when you a bring a sleeping bag, wool hat, and sick bucket to bed.