Break Out of Conformity, Wear a Spicy Hat.

In the middle of summer I enjoy a pleasant walk into Harvard Square, pleasant even despite the heat and humidity. Everyone else can hide inside air conditioned offices wearing their suits and beige pumps. Normally I’d join their ranks with the typical monochrome ensemble, sensible shoes and pantyhose. I’d defend my turf on the crowded but cooler subway. But not this time.

This time I’m working my own cause. I’m ditching conformity and embracing humidity. Little beads of sweat drip down my freshly shaved legs. I am sporting my favorite hat, a cowgirl hat, one I picked up in Santa Fe.

So I’m walking and this small sense of confidence is building as I jaunt down the pavement. The little city of Somerville is struggling with the heat and brilliantly bright sun and no one, not a soul has the smarts to be wearing any hat. No baseball hats, no floppy leg-horns, no granny visors or camping hats. Nothing but bald heads, ponytails and lots of squinting.

I hit the hottest spot in town, by the tracks going into Cambridge, near all the old factories and rundown apartments. Someone honks, but I don’t know this honker in a maroon Cadillac so I keep walking. A few buildings down I see the Cadillac parked in a drive, hood up and there’s a man tending to his car and he’s wearing a cream fedora with a wide black band. It’s beautiful.

Unlike any Bostonian I’ve ever met, this guy calls out, “Hello.” and I hello him back.

He says, “I like your hat.” I thank him and of course its due, I call out, “I like your hat too.”

What a wondrous result from a simple interaction. Oh, how I miss friendly strangers. It makes a big town seem a little more human.

So now that I’ve had my little recognition, I feel, well, recognized and valued. My hat has sparked more liveliness. And the bounce in my step, plus the cute little braids in my hair have given me a sense of spice. I’m thinking I should go somewhere spicy.

Just to give the New Englanders a bit of credit deserved, a handsome man at the Tealuxe counter did give me a free ice tea. Maybe I’ll give the place a second chance.