This week's Sepia Saturday is about shaking hands. I don't have any photos that I can think of that have people shaking hands, but I do have a sort of story.
But first, my contribution for this week.
Click on image to see it larger.
I'm wondering if these ladies might have preferred just a handshake instead of what appears to be big smacks on the lips. Of course, the big smacks aren't real, just someone doing some hand tinting to the photo. I love how they're all smeared.
I remember an old woman in line at the Hollywood post office that wore lipstick like this. She looked as if she'd put the bright red lipstick on and then run her hand across her face because the lipstick was smeared diagonally from nose to chin. She looked like an old silent screen actress who should have moved back to the farm when she had the chance. Seeing her convinced me Hollywood was not a town to grow old in.
Messy kisses aside, often even a handshake can be too familiar.
When I was very young my family lived on Midway Island for a year. When a plane landed with someone important on board the residents would go down to the airport to take a look. A particular high ranking government official came through following a trip to Japan. I was a cute curly headed blonde kid and this government official handed me a Japanese yen. I grabbed that money and when he tried to take it back I said, "Mine!" There's actual 8 mm movie footage of me giving him a dirty look as I clutched that bill to my chest. My mother was embarrassed. The official laughed. Really the only interesting part of this story is that this official later went on to create quite a mess for himself by scamming people over money. I'm thinking I was a good judge of character even at that age. Alas I have no idea what became of that yen note. And I won't reveal the name of the high ranking government official…but if it was today you could just pick one out of the hat and be right.
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Interesting, I wonder why someone would do that to the photo?
ReplyDeleteAt the time it was a popular thing to do. Some had talent, and then...
DeleteWhat a lovely meandering path from smudged kisses to politicians.
ReplyDeleteSort of the best you can hope for with a politician.
DeleteFun post. The only sad part are those last few words about picking a name out of a hat. Sad, but oh so too true! And yet the general populace can't be encouraged to vote those scoundrels out of office! Go figure?
ReplyDeleteWouldn't it be nice if we could put them in stocks like they old days? All lined up on the Mall in stocks with people walking by laughing.
DeleteYou must find one of those 8mm cels!
ReplyDeleteOh I know where it is, but nobody will ever see it.
DeleteA super photo.I'd like to think that the little boy added that lip color with his crayons. I bet children in coveralls could be a category too. And a Midway residence is way cool (even if it was way hot). It sure beats Hawaii, Guam,or Okinawa for exotic places to visit.
ReplyDeleteI too have always hoped he did the tinting.
DeleteThere was still wreckage on the beaches when we lived on Midway. I recently found a site that has google driving around part of the island and sat with my father as we looked at it. Sadly none of our quarters were shown. They were probably all torn down. But the old exchange, commissary, and theater were still there…in horrible condition. They recently stopped the eco tours to the islands which makes me sad. I hoped to someday go back to see the place.
What a shame. The colouring has ruined what would have been a lovely photo!
ReplyDeleteI look upon it as one of a kind, personalized.
DeleteI don't understand--why give you a yen and then try to take it back?
ReplyDeleteHe was a crook.
DeleteAwesome stories, Ms Tattered. Feel well cheered by what you wrote. Thank you!!
ReplyDeleteYes, a crooked politician getting caught can always bring a smile.`
DeleteI think he deserved that reaction. What a horrible thing to do. Give a child something and then take it back!
ReplyDeleteIn high school, my world history class was right after lunch. My teacher would stand in front of the class and put her red lipstick on without a mirror. Perfect every time. Someone should have asked her to color that photo.
ReplyDeleteThis is a super photo in spite of the hand colouring attempt. I love the little chap in the overalls with his shock of fair hair.
ReplyDeleteLovely story...the kid in the picture and yourself knowing to hold onto what's real, if only momentarily. Midway must be past its prime, and unlikely to become a tourist spot. Glad you have your memories (and film!)
ReplyDeleteSounds like we share the same view of politicians - basically you can't trust any of them!
ReplyDeleteFun post with a great story! "Pick one out of a hat" Isn't that the truth?
ReplyDeleteI have seen many of those old tinted photographs and believe me the "professional" ones can be just as bad.
I know what you mean. I rather like the delicacy of the color choices for this one, smears and all.
ReplyDelete