With thanks to Muscato, from whom I swiped this.
One of the rewards of having arrived at a certain age is that I can actually remember people looking like this. When I was a mere child, most of the ladies I was exposed to had nailed this look down flat. Of course, as the perceptive Muscato points out, “Louise Wallis” sounds an awful lot like an anagram of "Walter A. Lewis," and it seems possible that Louise is, in fact, Walter. Give either of us a chance and we will unerringly head for the trannny connection.
Still, the cats-eyes, the slightly wilted bouffant, the insipidly understated accessories; all of it could have been any of my aunts, Sunday school teachers, or cashiers at the Piggly Wiggly that I knew so well. To the best of my knowledge, none of them could jam on an organ and a piano simultaneously, but then, I led a rather sheltered life.
One of the rewards of having arrived at a certain age is that I can actually remember people looking like this. When I was a mere child, most of the ladies I was exposed to had nailed this look down flat. Of course, as the perceptive Muscato points out, “Louise Wallis” sounds an awful lot like an anagram of "Walter A. Lewis," and it seems possible that Louise is, in fact, Walter. Give either of us a chance and we will unerringly head for the trannny connection.
Still, the cats-eyes, the slightly wilted bouffant, the insipidly understated accessories; all of it could have been any of my aunts, Sunday school teachers, or cashiers at the Piggly Wiggly that I knew so well. To the best of my knowledge, none of them could jam on an organ and a piano simultaneously, but then, I led a rather sheltered life.
It's probably a couple of years after this album, but you just know the walls of that franchise dining room rang to the haunting sounds of "Lara's Theme" and "Theme from Love Story". Probably as a medley that also featured her rousing "Hooray for Hollywood"...
ReplyDeleteBeing from Mississippi and a state that is late in catching on to trendy looks I remember my great aunts working this look well into the late 1970’s. Very Farside.
ReplyDeleteAnd yes I tend to veer towards the tranny hypothesis too, but what tranny worth her salt would go for wash-n-wear polyester, shampoo-set, and cat eyeglasses?
I, too, recall this type of woman. It's a look that was endearingly memorialized in all those "Far Side" comics, by Gary Larson.
ReplyDeleteIf you can believe it, I still see them every now and then.
ReplyDeleteRara avis indeed.
Oh Jason, trust me, I know they're still out there, circulating. I'm related to most of them.
ReplyDelete"She's a man, baby..."Said in my best Austin Powers' voice...
ReplyDeleteMiss J would LOVE to start a cover band with her.
ReplyDeleteLouise on keyboards, you on drums and me on tambourine.
ReplyDelete