Thoughts.com Blogs - The Physio, Coco the Clown and Me

Some weeks ago I had an appointment with my physio before joining a friend for lunch in town. Now the friend is someone from my business past who I hadn't seen for some time and I wanted to look smart just for a change. These days I seem to be so much more comfortable in jeans and sweaters and my favourite Ugg boots and rather out of the way of wearing suits. However, I decided it was time to smarten up so I chose some black pants, black heels and a cashmere polo neck with a dramatic necklace and dangly earrings. The finishing touch was a new lip gloss I hadn't used before but it was a rather bold red which I felt would brighten up the outfit. I found it rather heavy to apply but the finishing touch had the desired effect.

When I arrived for my appointment I was told my usual physio was off ill but that Andy, a locum, would see me. I was secretly quite pleased when I saw him that I had taken some time with my appearance as I did notice he was quite handsome. He asked me to lie on the couch, face down with my face through the cut out in the paper sheet, something I was used to doing. We chatted as he worked on my shoulder and then he asked me to turn round onto my back so he could apply some traction to my neck. Adjusting my eyes to the light, I did notice him look rather oddly at me but he continued to chat as though everything was normal.

Back out in reception I imagined that the girl making my next appointment also seemed to look at me in an odd way. However, she smiled as she handed me back my card. Just then I heard someone speak my name and came face to face with my barrister who had represented me in court about a year ago. He was also a frequent visitor to my gallery. Again, I was so pleased I had made some effort with my appearance and felt quite confident as we chatted. I suggested we must meet up for coffee sometime and I would bring him up to date with some of the artists. He agreed and I gave a cheery wave as I left.

Walking back towards my car again I noticed some folk giving me strange looks. Now I knew it was really my imagination as I checked my outfit and saw nothing out of place. Maybe they were just admiring my rather striking turquoise cross and chain which had been made for me by one of my artists. I smiled to myself and rubbed the stones with my leather gloves.

In the car I checked in my mirror before reversing out. I almost collapsed at the sight which met my eye. My lipstick had spread all over my face in a grotesque way making me look like Coco the clown. I exaggerate not, it was like something from a fancy dress party gone wrong. I ducked beneath the steering wheel and reached in the glove box for my grandson's baby wipes. I rubbed my face until it hurt but it still looked pink and I could have haunted a house for nothing. I got so mad that nobody had thought to tell me and then I remembered their faces and even I had to laugh. Proof at last that pride comes before a fall!

My lunch date laughed until her sides ached when I told her and couldn't wait to get back to work to tell her colleagues. 'And you always so smart,' she laughed with great hilarity. Just as well, then, she hasn't seen me in the overstretched green sweater with a big furry sheep on the front!