Short Balding Guy
I'll Lock Up
- Messages
- 9,871
- Location
- Minnesota, USA
On our way back from picking up my hats from Mike at NW Hat Co, we stopped to get something to eat at McD. It was rainy, windy and stormy with worse weather on the way, so we wanted to make things quick. As we were waiting to order, this guy walks by and says "I like your hat," or "Nice hat," or something like that. I said thanks, and after we got our food and picked a table I told my wife, "this may sound crazy to you, but I feel like I want to give that guy my hat." To which she replied, "You ARE crazy!"
But I couldn't help that feeling. I had a new custom 100% beaver fedora in my trunk, along with the Stratton western-to-outback conversion that Mike had also cleaned up for me. I felt like I had 2 new hats in my trunk, and the hat on my head is going to get less use because I like the Stratton outback so much. I was wearing an LL Bean Moose River hat that was made by Stetson. I paid $45 for it, and use it a lot as a beater hat that I don't care about getting soaked or a little dirty. And there was that young man, sitting with his wife and two young daughters eating their breakfast at McDonalds. I felt like it was the right thing to do but let my wife's remark stop me.
I'm not rolling in dough, so just giving away $45 is not something I would normally do. But I still wish I had given my hat to that guy.
I understand the urge. For folks who appreciate hats it is easy to gift a hat. My guitar buddy appreciates hats and I regularly source him hats or gift him a hat our of my wardrobe. We wear nearly the same size and it it is an easy gift. He makes his living playing acoustic blues guitar and wears hats and suits when he plays in public. This summer I found him a great vtg. Stetson Whippet. We get a kick out of playing together in vtg. hats and suits/jackets and dress shoes. My nephews who are nearly the same size regularly come over and "trade-in" a previously gifted hat for a different one. Between vintage and modern (VS) they are well hated. For a couple of my athletes, graduated and off in college who appreciate, they have been gifted and I have been rewarded with pics of them out and about.
I enjoy sharing the hats with those who appreciate. For those who see them as novelty costume items - no way. For those who reach out to touch them - no way. For those who are uncommitted - a polite I do not have one at the moment.
Hatted or capped daily, Eric -