People Who Wear Hats

Sisters--Florida

2011-03-28T06:15:00.004-05:00

When our two nieces, April and Renee, get together, they get a little wacky. In a cute sort of way, doncha think? They are such happy little punkins. If you ever get to feeling blue either one of them can cheer you up. St. Patrick would have been proud of them, too.

And by the way: the girls in our family are the prettiest girls of all, doncha think?

My Grandson--Georgia...I mean Texas

2010-07-17T12:29:00.000-05:00

Our grandson and his family traveled from Texas to Georgia for one of their many family vacations this year. Cool Grandson posed for this terrific mug shot while they were having dinner in the world-famous Varsity Drive-In there in Atlanta. Grandson is poised to be world-famous one of these days, too. He runs track really, really fast. Maybe he should play baseball, though. They give hats when your team wins the pennant. Do they give hats at track meets? Hope so.

Darla, Irma and Carolyn—Arizona

2010-06-21T16:33:00.003-05:00

On Father’s Day 2010 one of our best friends (Carolyn, the little one on the right) hosted an afternoon bash in her back yard. Can you bash in the Arizona Afternoon Heat? There was a swimming pool nearby, but the pictures I got didn’t show these pretty girls in it. So I guess they beat the heat with their real shady hats. Girlfriends will be girlfriends, won’t they?

Kristi—Washington

2010-05-18T22:44:00.001-05:00

Those late-night TV wedding extravaganzas got nothing on Kristi. If you’re gonna throw a wedding, do it the right way—get creative! In a beautiful white Hat.

Kristi is aboard her mustang pony, Cody, whom she has nurtured into a gentle and fine-looking friend. Kristi is a friend of a friend whom I have mentioned on this blog before.

Thank you for this heart-warming photo, Kristi. The entire staff here at PWWH wish you and your husband many fond years together.

Amy and Katina—Texas

2010-05-08T16:28:00.001-05:00

It was cold on May First in the Texas Panhandle. It was a windy, blanket day if you were sitting in the bleachers. And that's where my daughter and her friend were sitting—in cool Hats—watching a track meet. I couldn't resist the photo op. So I took advantage of it and took the photo, too.

Amy's wearing the white Hat, Katina the knit Hat behind her.

Beautiful girls. Proud moms.

Phil—West Virginia

2010-05-04T20:52:00.003-05:00

It was in the Dark Ages when I first met Phil; 6th or 7th Grade, I think. We weren’t chummy friends or pals (he was quiet and unassuming; I was not), but we shared several classes and got along well. I've always remembered him. Suddenly, almost 50 years later I got an e-mail from him that invited me to visit his Web site.

Who knew? Who knew? Who knew that Phil has more skills in his hands than most of us do in all the rest of ourselves.

He quilts. Phil and his bride are quilters. They make beautiful little blankets for little ones.

And he makes beautiful music, too. In fact, he makes beautiful musical instruments for making beautiful music—Dulcimers. I only know one thing about making musical instruments: it requires skill, patience and a deep love for music. I had no idea that Phil had all this coolness in him.

And he does all this in a Hat.

Doesn't he look great in this shirt ?

Please note the Dulcimer in Phil’s lap.
Ooh look! They also quilt until they get matching outfits!

I know this: Phil won’t mind if you stop by his Web site where you can enjoy more of his handiwork.

Oldest Daughter—Alabama

2010-03-31T07:58:00.001-05:00

If you want to read a wonderful blogger, read Dust Bunny Hostage. She's fun and funny. If you visit her blog, please don't tell her you saw this photo here. I "stole" it. I stole it because Ms. Hostage's Oldest Daughter looks so delightfully cool in her hat. I don't know if she's in band class at school, performing at a gig somewhere, or just standing around enjoying some applause. It doesn't matter. She radiates the self-confidence that only a Hat can reflect.

The Good Humor Man—Kansas

2010-03-19T11:09:00.000-05:00

My mouth was watering for some ice cream recently, but all I got out of it was a reminder of this picture. I should have posted this man’s photo several months ago. (You can tell by the greenery.) He was real nice to pose for me. He politely waited and waited to let me take as many photos as I wanted. I’m glad I took this picture. Without realizing it at the time, I got a nice photo of a cool bronze Hat, too.

Maybe if I post this in the middle of March, summer will get here a little sooner.

The Mad Hatter -- Wonderland

2010-03-06T20:37:00.001-06:00

Normally, well-known people are not shown on this Hats Blog, but I'm making an exception in this case. It's the Mad Hatter. My grandson and I went to see the movie Alice in Wonderland (not the 3-D version, though). The Mad Hatter was downright exceptional. He wore an excellent hat, which was a featured character, too. I don't do movie critiques, but in this case, it's so good that I think you should take your family and go enjoy it. It's good. And watch out for flying hats.

If you're a Johnny Depp fan, you'll like the movie, too.

Miss Petunia—Kansas

2010-02-15T17:20:00.001-06:00

I took my bride to a Valentine’s dinner the other night. Part of our evening entertainment was Miss Petunia from Topeka, Kansas. Note how colorful she is. She was real funny.

No, funneee! One quip I’ll always like: “Why is a dollar so small in the mall and so big in church?”

In her routine, she used at least nine hats. Her hats made her routine come alive. I was sitting up close, so when she saw me yank out my camera, she posed a little. Good comedy and good hats make good medicine. Thank you, Miss Petunia.

Please come back sometime.

Eric—Alabama

2010-01-08T06:12:00.003-06:00

Well, Alabama defeated the Texas Longhorns to win this season’s national college championship football game.

And what a time to introduce one of my nephews, the son of my niece’s daughter. (Whew!) See, Eric lives in Alabama. Notice, however, that he’s wearing a fine-looking Texas cowboy hat. I figure for him, it’s the best of both worlds. And notice that his hat is just like his Uncle Paul’s. The best of three worlds.

His grandmother, my niece, proudly asked me, “Isn’t that the cutest picture ever?” I’d say so.

Maia—Florida

2010-01-01T19:42:00.007-06:00

Maia’s brother had a birthday today (Jan 1). Maia’s dad is downright cool. Maia’s mom published my exceedingly entertaining memoirs last summer.

But only Maia wears a hat!

Not only that, but Maia’s smile can light up Disney World. What a great photo to light up the first post of this year's blog. Thank you, Maia.

Sandy--Kansas

2009-10-19T16:40:00.001-05:00

This is Sandy. She was rounding up kids and parents at church recently (between services, of course) encouraging everyone to participate in our church's "Great Pumpkin" here pretty soon. She's a sweetie. Brave, too.

Kansas Family--Heart of America

2009-09-22T07:16:00.003-05:00

"The family that rides bikes together in the Heart of America stays together."

I took this photo last November (note the trees) and remember what a great day it was. I walked about eight miles that afternoon on a walk/bike path. Anyway, I spied this hearty, handsome, hat-covered family coming and managed to get my camera clicking just in the nick of time.

I don't know their names, but this 1/1000 of a second was the best part of the walk. I like this photo.

Pack--Colorado

2009-09-15T08:21:00.001-05:00

Pack and I grew up in Douglas, Arizona. And like a lot of pals, as soon as they gave us that diploma, we hurried off to the rat race. Natcherly, we lost track of each other easy enough. But thanks to Facebook, we have discovered each other again. I discovered that he wears mucho bueno hats all the time. I also discovered that Pack (not his real name) has a happy and beautiful family. I’m sure that’s because his roots are in Arizona.

Here he is blasting away in a major shooting competition. I wanna play. But look at that plastic ID badge hooked to the back of his hat. The Old West is spinning in its grave!

I guess somebody bought him a razor blade. But they'll never get to his great hats. His name is not really Pack, but don’t we all go a little eccentric when we leave Arizona?

The Tin Man's Brother-in-Law--Kansas

2009-04-15T21:28:00.005-05:00

Tin Man has a brother-in-law? Well, hey, here we are in Kansas, noted for its big farms and big families. I just figured...and anyway it'll make a fine story for my little grandkids.

You can click the picture to see better detail.

Please visit me in Pancake Flats, too. Thank you.

Carol--Kansas

2009-03-16T18:17:00.005-05:00

When I went through the door, there she was, greeting people. I've seen her there before in a few other hats, but never had a chance to take her picture. But last Saturday morning I turned right around, went back to the pickup for my camera.

"Oh, I love hats," she said. "Got all kinds of 'em. I even make my own for special occasions like Valentine's and St. Patrick's."

Carol had on all kinds of green stuff. Hat, beads, jacket--a lot of stuff. But her hat, made with her own hands, was the best of all.

Cat in the Hats--Kansas

2009-03-02T20:35:00.002-06:00

Now here's a cat that would inspire the poetry in all of us. Except Dr. Seuss did it first.

Friends of the Bride—Florida

2009-02-18T15:41:00.005-06:00

Bram (Cool name, too)
Bram is a friend of the bride. He told me, “My mom and her have been friends forever. Like, for 15 years or something.” Bram’s mom told me that he insisted on going out shopping for his Fedora just for Heather’s wedding. He done good.

Vernell
I sorta took a liking to Vernell. “If I’m going to stand out in a crowd, then I want everyone to really see me,” she told me.
I said, “Well, I think an orange hat will do it every time.”
"That's why my hair is orange, too,” she said. She proudly told me that she’s six-foot-four.

Sunshine
Sunshine was the evening’s entertainer. And a great one he was, too! That man can entertain! He wore more than one hat during the course of the evening. He is also an employee of the bride.

Sunshine rocking the house.

Sunshine dancing.

Sunshine singing a love song.

In the picture below, Vernell really is the tall one; Sunshine was sitting in her lap. They worked the entertainment together.

Tristan—Colorado

2009-01-29T21:19:00.003-06:00

Some photos are timeless. This one of Tristan will bring out the cutest comments from all of us for years and years to come. What a charmer!

And ain’t that the coolest hat? Tristan’s mom took this photo on an unusually warm Thanksgiving day, not long before the turkey was served. Do you suppose that's where Tristan was headed with all that cute determination?

The Lanigans—Chicago (for a wedding)

2009-01-07T20:29:00.004-06:00

Heather is my Great Niece. Her daughter Zoe is my...my...my...well, she’s my other great niece. That tall dude in the back is the great husband/dad, Brian. They were all in Chicago with us recently when my sister got married. When the rehearsal was over, they packed themselves in appropriate winter clothing—including cool hats—before heading for the hotel swimming pool.

Okay. Now can you guess who Zoe looks like? And can you guess who has the coolest hat? Hint: the hat is red. Shall we vote Zoe into the "Junior Red Hat Society?"

Our Conductor--Amtrak from Chicago

2009-01-02T08:06:00.004-06:00

We recently took a delightful train trip to Chicago and back.

What's a train trip without a Conductor? What's a Conductor without a really cool hat? I'd like one of those.

Dorcas--Kansas

2008-12-14T19:35:00.003-06:00

Sometimes as you walk along, certain people just stop you in your tracks. Dorcas stopped me in my tracks today. What a hat! She tried to convince me that she’s shy, but she let me take this photo, anyway.

She was visiting our church today with this cool hat. “Why are you wearing the hat?” I asked.

“Because it goes good with my shirt, my sweater…I like the color gray.”

After I took the picture I thought about opening a blog titled, “People With Fabulous Smiles!”

Horse Ranch--Missouri

2008-12-07T07:34:00.004-06:00

I was on a country road when I saw this mailbox in front of a horse ranch. Well, quick! I found a place to pull over and walked back a quarter of a mile to take this photo. It was worth the walk.

Mike--Missouri

2008-11-18T05:48:00.004-06:00

He's a 14 year old boy. He's an actor. And a good one. He recently played in his high school's production of Les Miserables, a three-hour production. He had a short singing part in the first scene (slaves); and then played different characters in several others scenes.

Here he is as 'Babet,' part of a gang of bad boys. But he was really a good boy that night. And so were all the kids. A night to remember--and the hat helped.

He's our grandson, too!

The Mayor's Granddaughter--Arizona

2008-10-22T10:48:00.007-05:00

While we were in Arizona at my high school reunion, we were introduced to Mayor Gomez, his wife and their granddaughter. This picture is a magazine cover, is it not?

The Mayor’s Granddaughter was not feeling well that day, after some days with the flu, but she managed this delicious smile for us, and now all of us are feeling better. If it wasn't for her hat, this picture may not have been so terrific.

Or maybe it's those eyes. Or that smile. Whatever: she's a glamorous little model!

Hats--All Over

2008-10-02T20:42:00.001-05:00

Wanna buy a hat? Get it here. And tell 'em I sent you.

Blogstock ‘08—Nebraska

2008-08-02T08:35:00.007-05:00

My First Wife and I couldn’t go to Blogstock ’08 like we wanted. So Janell sent Blogstock to us. What a cool gal. She sent photos of the all lucky participants wearing her hat. They are all fellow bloggers.

Ralph and Cliff thunk up the whole thing and pulled it off last 4tha July weekend. You can read comprehensive report after comprehensive report on the lucky participants’ blogs (Check with Cliff). Every report says that a good time was had by all. And everyone, including us, is already looking forward to Blogstock ’09. I want to have my picture taken in Janell's hat.

Scroll South for more excellent hat photos. And thanks for visiting.

Judy (Kenju)—North Carolina

2008-07-16T15:35:00.004-05:00

Judy and I have been reading each other’s blogs for two, three years. Click to enjoy hers. She recently sent me this elegant picture. Talk about class—Judy has class!

This picture was originally published in the Charleston (West Virginia) Daily Mail. Or was it the Gazette? Anyway, Judy was a cute little 20 year old college sophomore at the time. A newspaper lady saw her modeling some department store clothes and not long after, this picture developed.

Judy’s so beautiful you almost don’t see her hat.

Ying—China, England, Missouri

2008-05-11T18:15:00.005-05:00

Many people wear mortar boards at this time of the year. But only one of them is Ying. My First Wife and I love Ying. We’ve known her for four years. Already?! She came to the US for college at the tender age of 17. Alone.

Ying speaks impeccable English—with a British accent. She lived in England for several years where her father was a Chinese government diplomat. While she’s been in the US, she’s made two trips to visit her parents “back home” in Beijing, China. Alone.

This Saturday she graduated—Summa Cum Laude , thank you very much!—from the University of Missouri at Kansas City (UMKC). Next semester, she’ll be at Purdue University to study for a PhD in Pharmacy. Alone.

Ying’s very brave and determined, and quite a lot of fun, too. It’s been our blessing to be a tiny part of this beautiful and special young woman’s career.

And, oh yeah...doesn’t she makes that "hat" look good?

Terrissa—Kansas

2008-05-10T07:13:00.002-05:00

While I was in the park with my granddaughter recently, Terrissa came and sat in the grass for her photographer. They were doing their homework for a photography class: a portrait that captures everything special about the subject (Terrissa). They let me take a couple of photos, too. Nice girls.

Terrissa is wearing that hat because she loves country music. And she wears it often. As we can see, she’s also into laptops, guitars, and K-State Powercats. Most of all, she knows how to put on a real pretty Kansas smile.

Don—Kansas

2008-04-24T16:02:00.003-05:00

Don’s a new friend. We were busy together recently serving Angel Food groceries to people with low food budgets.

“I like your cool hat, sir,” I told him.

“Well, my son-in-law serves on this ship,” he pointed out. “He sends me all kinds of stuff. I like this hat best.”

I managed to find the time to take his picture.

If you can't make out what the hat says, it's from the USS Ronald Reagan.

LaDawn—England

2008-04-12T16:02:00.003-05:00

LaDawn sent pictures from England. I like her pretty name, LaDawn. It perfectly fits a pretty lady. Anyway, something old; something new.

Her family was out ice skating; the first time for her children (new). And she wore a special hat she bought years ago (old) to commemorate her Grandmother’s visit. (I think everybody should buy a hat in honor of their grandparents.) Her husband took this excellent and delightful picture. Well done.

A couple of days later, she and her kids took a stroll in Queen Elizabeth’s Great Park in Windsor UK. LaDawn took this picture and it looks like her daughter is taking an imaginary picture right back at her. The kids have cool hats.

Kohen--Kansas

2008-03-28T07:40:00.003-05:00

Kohen is just three months old. Isn't he cute? Yes, he is.
I spied him at my niece's wedding a couple of weeks ago and he let me take his picture.
Kohen'll grow up to be a handsome young man cuz both his folks are really good looking--and nice. His mommy cut me a big piece of wedding cake with thick icing slathered all over it.

I want a beret like Kohen's.

Jordan--Kansas

2008-03-17T12:05:00.004-05:00

You don't want to mess with Jordan. He's one big boy and one tough hombre.

Why, he's so fast that he can stand, er...sit in front of a mirror and outdraw hisself.

He's my nephew. This picture was taken last week when he turned 8 months old.

Here's wishing you many happy Hats, Jordan.

"My Unca Paul is right. You don't wanna mess with me, podner."

Loretta--Kansas

2008-01-27T20:02:00.000-06:00

One day last summer, 80-year-old Loretta saw us as we were about to leave that Assisted Living Center. No, she was not panhandling. She waved us down because she loves My First Wife. So they talked through the car window till it started raining a little. "Ooooh, I gotta get in!" she screamed.

"Here, take the world's best umbrella," I offered, and plunked my hat on her head.

"Well, thank you, sir. Heh-heh," she said and kept on talking. I had plenty of time to take her picture.

I walked her indoors. By the time I got my hat back, my hair was all wet.

Sean and Pop-Pop--New Jersey

2008-01-14T20:30:00.001-06:00

Wanna feel happy? Just enjoy the photos below. Have you ever seen a "Pop-pop" any more happy to be next to his grandson? Have you ever seen a grandson so tickled to show off Pop-Pop's hat? This is the way all granddads should look when their grandsons get to horsin' around. And this is one way young boys can make their granddads glow. Here are two cool dudes having one of their best of times together.

Sean's mom is Jennie. Her blog features one of the finest families in New Jersey. She was behind the camera, but I'm willing to bet she was glowing just as much as her dad and son. God bless 'em all. And God bless that cool hat!

Heather—Texas

2008-01-07T20:05:00.000-06:00

Heather is the third blogger I put into my Blogroll many years ago. She’s got a blog that grows on you. She sent me this picture (after I pleaded with her to send it). One day her step-dad put the camera up to his eye for a picture of Brad and Heather. “Wait!” he exclaimed, and plunked his hat on Heather’s head. Heather makes that hat look good, doesn't she?

Heather and her step dad have a fantastic relationship, which is one reason her elegant smile is so attractive. Oh, yeah. Brad is Heather’s husband, the guy without the hat. He needs to send us a picture, too, doesn't he?

Allison--Nebraska

2008-01-01T08:13:00.000-06:00

Everyone should have a New Years Day hat.

Cliff Morrow is one of my favorite bloggers who sent this picture of his granddaughter. I've had it a little while, waiting for today. Notice how two-year-old Allison artfully chose the color of her hat to match her eye. To me, this delightful photo says, "Peek-a-boo and Happy New Year, too!"

This vision should warm our hearts all year long. Thank you, Cliff and Allison.

Colleen--Virginia

2007-12-26T21:06:00.001-06:00

We've been blogging buddies for a couple of years. Colleen and her husband Joe are both multi-talented. Joe, according to Colleen, "...helped to start a a local oral history program for teens, is a soccer coach, went to Asheville four times this year to help my son prepare for and build his kiln, does four kinds of martial arts, chops wood, hunts, plays golf, takes me to the ocean in our camper--and has a full time job." He wears hats all the time, too.

For a sneak peek of even more of her hats, visit her blog. Colleen's a talented, published writer whose charm and skill is regularly displayed on her friendly, eclectic blog. She's a Scrabble player par excellence, a photographer, a poet, a story-teller of the highest order, a small town girl (Floyd, VA) with friends around the country. And she likes to dance!

Unfortunately, she thinks hats are just props. Just props? Naw, I don't think so. Without this leopard hat, she'd just be another pretty face.

Darling Again--Washington

2007-12-20T05:45:00.000-06:00

I promise—I didn't copy these pictures from any of those Christmas catalogs. Darling's mom let me use them. I believe that Darling has a love affair with both cameras and hats, don't you?

And Darling's Mom knows how to take a picture, too, doesn't she!?!

Merry Christmas.

Dorene--Kansas

2007-12-13T20:34:00.000-06:00

Turns out that Dorene and I are relatively close neighbors. She and I were pawing through a stack of Christmas cards the other day, each trying to find the perfect box. We spoke a little at each other a time or two, when finally I could contain myself no longer.

"I like your hat," I said.

She turned softly toward me, the way a Princess turns to acknowledge someone. "Do you really?" she replied.

"Yes, ma'am. Do you wear hats a lot?"

"Not really," she replied. "But you know, with this wet, rainy weather—[pause]—and I'm in and out shopping today—its just so much easier than an umbrella."

"Well, I like it," I told her. I explained my blog and gave her one of my cards.

She leaned toward me and, out of the side of her mouth, quietly asked, "Where's your camera?"

"Out in the car. Hold on, I'll go get it." And out into the cold I went for it.

"You're serious about this aren't you," she said when I came back. "What will your wife say?"

For the record, My Wife thinks this is a "cool" picture.

Di--Kansas

2007-12-08T10:49:00.000-06:00

You meet the nicest and most enthusiastic people when you're out walking. Just as I finished the last long walk of my season (Nov 3), here came Di and her companion, just getting ready for a walk. Well, would you look at her hat?

Naturally, I chased them down and asked for a picture. She graciously said, "I'd like that." Di was a charm! Pretty as a princess and as friendly as can be. And it's all in her eyes. After I took the picture, I gave her my card (it has my blog URL on it) and invited her to take a look at the other folks. You know what she said?

"I'll do that. And I'll pray for every one of them, too."

I'm just sure there will be hats in heaven.

Alex--Missouri

2007-11-30T23:25:00.000-06:00

Last summer, just a day or two before school started, I walked past Alex and some friends who were busy in some hot, noontime skateboarding. On my next lap around the park, I stopped and asked if I could take pictures. The others were a little shy, but Alex said, “Well, if you want a picture of someone messing up all the time, I’m the one.”

“Do you wear that hat all the time?” I asked. “It’s pretty nice.”

“Yeah. Mostly.”

It's an expensive cap with all the NFL team logos on it.

Actually, she pretty good on a skateboard. She’s unafraid, she’s fast and she can do several skillful things. She's better on that thin little rolling board than I am with my camera. I couldn't catch her in the air.

My First Wife--Kansas

2007-11-18T17:30:00.000-06:00

She really doesn't like to wear a hat. I don't know why. Every hat that ever got plunked on her head has made her look cute, sexy, young and thin. When she puts a hat on, I can't resist grabbing my camera. This picture was taken on the evening of our 44th Wedding Anniversary.

My Fair Lady—England

2007-11-11T20:06:00.000-06:00

My First Wife and I recently attended the play, “My Fair Lady.” What a performance! That play is full of wonderful hats! Better yet, it's full of wonderful junior high and high school students who performed it. They played in the orchestra, too, and did all the stage work, and—oh, we’re proud of those kids. All of them.

These are not the best photos because I took them—without flash!—from the back of their small auditorium. Nevertheless, we’re proud of these hats…er, kids!

Eliza Doolittle and Col. Pickering

Freddie Eynsford-Hill, Eliza Doolittle, and the Colonel again.

The Ascot “crowd.” Look at those hats!

And the young man, third from the right, is our grandson. Uh-oh. Now you know why we went to the play. But really: you shoulda been there.

Mill Creek Trail--Kansas

2007-11-04T20:54:00.000-06:00

When you go out walking on one of Eastern Kansas' many trails, you meet the neatest folks. Like this hatted family that was out being a family together. Bless 'em.

And then this Mommy was carefully leading her girls across the road and on up the trail. All three of them smiled at me and said, "Hi." Bless 'em, too.

Eric and Steve--Missouri

2007-11-03T10:12:00.000-05:00

Ever seen policemen filling their motorcycle gas tanks in a public gas station? Well, I pulled into a gas station the other day and two of them pulled in next to me. Eric and Steve. Steve's the one filling his gas tank.

They're really not policemen; they're rent-a-cops and were on their way to escort a funeral procession. I talked to Eric a minute. He said they're both proud of their jobs--and their hats.

Katy--Missouri

2007-10-24T17:24:00.000-05:00

Katy and her parents were on vacation in Wyoming when this picture was taken. Katy's in 4-H and working hard to earn her first horse. All little girls should have a horse—and it looks like she's ready for one.

Oh, by the way: her hat features those awesome "stampede strings."

Dean—Kansas

2007-10-20T19:12:00.000-05:00

I met Dean one evening about four years ago when I was out walking. Since then, we’ve run across each other several times and developed a fine friendship. I suppose I’ve seen him a ka-jillion times out on one sidewalk or another, and I’ve never seen him without his hat, without a smile or without his little dog, Lucky. We always pause for a “…how ya’ doin’?” chat.

Once I saw him driving away from the grocery store. I didn’t know he could drive a car, because he has MS or MD; I can never remember which. That doesn’t keep him from doing what he enjoys: walking Lucky two or three times a day. Dean and Lucky will stay out about a half an hour at a time or until Lucky gets tired. Then he jumps up onto Dean’s scooter for the long ride home. Lucky is blind.

What a world we live in! Lucky can't see, Dean can't walk; but they can go around the block together! Dean and Lucky make life inspirational for the rest of us, don't they?

Darling—Washington State

2007-10-17T18:26:00.000-05:00

One of the most fun blogs I’ve run across is Tracey’s at Carpenter Creek. She’s always got something interesting up her sleeve. (I think she must have two sleeves, cuz she has more fun and wacky ideas than the Spanish Inquisition.) It's a great blog.

She has some good-looking kids, too. And she knows what to do with the business end of a camera. So natcherly, a pretty girl and a good camera always go well together. She sent me these pictures of her daughter, Darling, who wears a Hat quite well, don't you think?

Mike with mike—Missouri

2007-10-08T16:48:00.000-05:00

My oldest grandson Mike is an actor and performs regularly with Christian Youth Theater. This picture was taken immediately after the play/musical Tom Sawyer, makeup still in place. Mike played a secondary character this time, and if you look closely, you can see the mike taped to Mike’s right cheek. He earned the coveted “Screwball Award” for adding a little levity to his role. But you can trust me—his proud granddad—he’s no screwball. The kid knows what to do with a mike. Aptly named.

Yes, every hat has a story, and this hat appeared in six performances on top of my grandson’s head—not to mention rehearsals. Mike made it look good, didn't he?

"PacMan" and "C"--Connecticut

2007-10-05T22:52:00.000-05:00

When I began blogging 4 years ago, Wordwhiz is the first blog I put on my blog roll. Since then, we've become good friends. She said, "I want to play, too!" and sent me these neat pictures of her two teenaged kids.

"For some reason," Wordwhiz said, "my 13-year-old son 'PacMan' has a fascination with the beatnik generation. Not too long ago he and his sister "C" put on these hats. The transformation from small-town-kids-next-door to far out, groovy hippies was captured on film—or should I say, digital memory card?"

Every hat has a story and in this lower picture Jack Kerouac's stories come to my mind.

Wordwhiz has another son who wears a military helmet. Pray for him. If he hasn't gone overseas yet, he will be going soon. Oh, and give Wordwhiz a visit. She's terrific—and she knows how to write.

Jamie Dawn--Arkansas

2007-10-01T19:53:00.000-05:00

My blogger pal-ette Jamie Dawn took a five-day driving trip with her dad, brother, and son to enjoy the World's Longest Yard Sale. It’s 450 miles up and down Highway 127 from Alabama to the north part of Kentucky.

The day was a hot one, so her dad bought hats to provide shade from the scorching sun. This picture was taken at Noccalula Falls; Gadsden, AL last August. Jamie Dawn's son passed on his grandad's offer for a hat, but agreed to take this picture of his mom, grandad, and uncle—looking "ridiculous."

Jamie Dawn, her dad Jim, and her brother Jason

Julia and Joe--Massachusetts

2007-09-22T12:23:00.001-05:00

Julia and I are blogging buddies. She's a runner; I'm a walker. One of these days, she's gonna come to Kansas and run in the Heart of America. We both enjoy gourmet dinners and excellent wine. Somehow or another we connected and read each other's blogs. Graciously, graciously she sent me these two pictures. They were taken just moments after she finished The 2007 Boston Marathon—her fifth one.

In the first picture, her husband Joe is presenting her with a bouquet of roses at the finish line. Joe had already finished the race, went home for a shower and a change of clothes, stopped by a florist for the flowers and then made it back to finish line in plenty of time to cheer for Julia. That's Julia in the white hat—still huffing and puffing.

In the second picture, Julia's a little more composed, thinking, "This man is a keeper!"

Julia also has an affinity for bucket hats.

Lyph and Vince--Missouri

2007-09-15T07:33:00.000-05:00

Pictures are worth how many words? Father-son pictures like this don't come along very often. Vince is giving his son Lyph his first fishing lesson. And fishin' ain't fishin' without a hat, right?

Ralph—Colorado

2007-09-11T20:29:00.000-05:00

Ralph is an excellent story-teller, photographer, golfer and all-around upright man. Many months ago, before I had my Hats blog, he made the mistake of publishing this picture. I told him what I was about to do and he said I could use the picture. So we can say that Ralph is the first contributor to my Hats blog. Thanks Ralph.

Then his daughter got married recently and just before he walked her down the aisle, our friend Cliff Morrow snapped this picture. Right in front of a magnificent Colorado Blue Spruce. Ralph cleans up real good, don’t he?

Daniel and Andrea’s Outdoor Wedding—Illinois

2007-09-04T18:41:00.001-05:00

Some months ago I ran across The First Hundred, a family-friendly blog of the highest order. Daniel’s mom uploads quite a few pictures at a time—mostly family. And I’d say 99.9% of those pictures are pre-packaged with the most delightful smiles you ever turned your head at. Their’s is a happy Christian family, a well-balanced family, a self-confident family, a joyful family and all the new brides and grooms who come into it bring more of the same—plus the cutest little grandkids. It’s a great blog. Go visit.

These pictures were taken at Daniel’s wedding about five years ago. Being black and white adds a touch of class.

See, look. Smiles all around. “…it was a last minute whim…” to wear those hats. That’s Daniel in the middle, Dad on the left and Mom on the other left.

Now, knowing what’s behind the scene—a wedding—this is one romantic picture. Where’d they go? There must have been a dance floor somewhere.

Well, hats or not, everyone's smiling. You can just feel it.—July 2002

"Blessings. Be fruitful and multiply your smiles—and your hats."

Darby--Texas

2007-08-31T20:57:00.000-05:00

Remember this picture? From April '04, it's one of my favorite pictures of my grandkids.

Well, Darby's growing up and hanging out at the lake. That hat is still with her. Cool, huh?

Byrtle--Missouri(?)

2007-08-27T19:51:00.001-05:00

Sue, aka Mom, sent me this picture of her mom, taken in 1945. She was ready for church. On the back of the photo is only says, "Byrtle's Hat." It was a proud Sunday morning, I'm sure.

What did your mother/grandmother wear to church—on her head? Lemme see.

Darby and Mari--Texas and Missouri

2007-08-24T16:59:00.001-05:00

Darby and Mari went to Disney World together last summer.

I love my darlin' granddaughters! In a few days I'll love my other darlin' granddaughter!

After that I'll love my darl--er, grandsons.

Brandon--All Over

2007-08-21T19:05:00.000-05:00

One hot afternoon recently I was exiting from the freeway and saw a man down by the stop sign. He hurried across the street in a pretty nifty hat. I had to drive a half a mile before I could turn around and look for him. I found him, too, up under the freeway, sitting in the shade.

I parked and ran across traffic and climbed up there with him. I asked if I could take his picture. "Sure, go ahead," he said. I have such a good new camera that he never knew when I tripped the shutter. "I just came up here for a little rest and a cigarette."

We talked for about 10 minutes. He told me he was from "All over!" He had walked from Belton, Missouri, to this spot since 7 a.m. That was about 8 hours and 14 miles ago, and "I've still got 12 miles to go." He was on his way to "...see about gettin' a job down on Front Street."

The best part of our whole meeting was, "I sure do appreciate you stopping and talking with me. Nobody ever does that. Thanks a lot, man. A picture of my hat, huh? I've had it for two years. Worn it everywhere." I got blessed by this homeless and sunburned young man and I hope I see him again someday.

Elsa—Missouri

2007-08-17T17:57:00.000-05:00

There’s a new employee where I work who has a new baby girl. Her name is Elsa.

“Elsa!?” I exclaimed. “I just finished writing a story about a girl named Elsa.”

“Really?” New Employee asked with a big, wide smile. “There aren’t too many Elsa’s around.”

I gave him a copy of the story (and it’s a good story) and he took it home to his wife—and little Elsa. Not long after that there was a pretty picture of Elsa on his desk. I asked him for it for my Hats! blog. He gave me three pictures of Elsa. Welcome her. She’s only been here a few months.

Elsa (with the Hat) and her mom, Rebecca.
It's her first time at a swimming pool.

Elsa snoozing

Elsa. Her hat is a skew and her door is a jar.

Cowboys--Idaho

2007-08-15T18:28:00.000-05:00

What do you do on a peaceful evening in Emmett, Idaho? You rope wild women and you kiss pretty horses. Or you could go to a rodeo.

"Doods"--Missouri

2007-08-13T20:37:00.001-05:00

I couldn't resist taking a picture of these "doods." They were at the National Bike Rally, a motorcycle rally featuring about 40,000 people in Kansas City, MO. While they're not really wearing hats, I'm willing to make an exception this time. Of course, they're not really people, either.

Matthew--Kansas

2007-08-10T18:33:00.000-05:00

Matthew was in line ahead of me at the supermarket deli. Lunchtime. I asked if I could take his picture and he said, “Sure.” He called his hat a “Tam O’Shanter, but without the button up here in the middle.” I thought it was a beret, but he knows better than I.

“Do you wear it a lot?” I asked.

“All the time! I used to have a wool one, but I wore it out, so I just got this a little while ago.”

We talked some more while we waited for our orders. Lo and behold! We work in the same industry; we used to work in the same building; and we have a couple of mutual friends. They don’t wear hats, though.

Vicki--Missouri

2007-08-08T18:41:00.000-05:00

Vicki and her retired friends faithfully play tennis every weekday from 10 till noon in one of the prettiest neighborhood parks around. Vicki is the ringleader. Actually, they let anybody play—retired or not. One of the friendliest people I ever ran across, Vicki never met anyone she didn't like. Her smile and her face define her: lots of character; lots of integrity; lots of friendliness, lots of "vim and vinegar." Her visor defines her morning activities. (July 2007).

Herb--Colorado

2007-08-06T21:41:00.000-05:00

Hats off to Herb who was the first person to send a picture after reading the rules. Thanks Herb. He said that his daughter took this photo. She sure made him look good, eh?

Two interesting things about Herb: first, not only was he the first person to send a picture, he was also the first person to see my new blog. And he found it sorta by accident, liked what he saw and sent his picture. "I like hats!" he exclaimed. Second, I think he's a preacher or a youth pastor.

He has a nifty blog that all good people should read and enjoy. Stop by and tip your hat to him.

By the way, just today I bought a hat like his.

Tracey—Washington

2007-08-05T06:38:00.000-05:00

Aren’t these hauntingly beautiful photos? They’re of Tracey, who wears many hats.

I’ve been reading her blog almost every day for several months, and I recommend it. It's well-written, wholesome, family-friendly, educational… Her hat is a requirement because she spends a lot of time in the great outdoors. She and her City Boy foster wild mustangs and get them ready to ride and adopt. She loves her horses. She also loves her sheep. She’s a cowboy, a shepherd—huh? Oh, okay, cowgirl, and she's a lady, too. She knows what to do with the business end of a camera—I mean, she does!—and is remarkably skilled at not photographing her full face.

See what I mean? Here she is wearing a safety helmet the first time she [carefully] sat on Jet, a wild mustang. It took that horse six months to allow this brief moment. But Tracey's special.

Alvan--Kansas

2007-08-03T21:28:00.000-05:00

You meet the neatest people in the mall. I spotted Alvan one Saturday morning and asked if I could take his picture. He didn’t seem to understand and so I found his adult daughter and asked her. Well, no wonder he didn’t understand: he wears a Cochlear implant. I guess I didn’t make myself clear. Alvan also has damaged legs, which explains his wheel chair. He’s awfully proud of his hat. “My daughter gave it to me,” he finally said. Then he posed with that pleasant smile. (July 2007)

Rosemary--In the Park

2007-08-01T21:14:00.000-05:00

Rosemary is 16 months old and is already a "big sister." I met this little darling when I was walking through a city park. Her dad said I could take her picture, but she didn't want to have anything to do with me. (Don't talk to strangers?) And she wanted to protect her patriotic ball. I asked her dad about her hat. He said, "She just likes to wear it."

And this is her dad trying to coax Rosemary to come a little closer. He wears some kind of hat/cap on his head all the time, too. (July 2007)

Mrs. Evans--Kansas

2007-07-29T21:20:00.000-05:00

Mrs. Evans is the inspiration for this blog. She's the one who struck the idea into me about a year ago. When I got my new digital camera, I went looking for her at church.

She has worn a hat to church for years and years. She has "...at least thirty hats," she said. "Oh, and my niece has many more than I do." If she goes to church without a hat, people ask, "Where's your hat?" She is forever young.

Now, Mr. Evans has one summer hat (pictured) and one winter hat. But that's okay. The Evans are faithful attenders and inspirational people. (July 2007)

Sean--Georgia

2007-07-25T21:41:00.000-05:00

Here’s my Grandson on his ninth birthday wearing my hat. “I love hats of every kind, Granddaddy!” In fact, he has quite a few baseball caps displayed in his bedroom. He wouldn’t give me my hat back the whole evening, so later I bought him one of his own. "Just like Granddaddy's." He’s a good kid and this is a good photo. July 2005.

Sean, I remember I told you that your picture would be first on my blog. Well, I slipped up a little and posted your great-granddaddy’s picture first. Hope you don’t mind. I love you.

Want to submit a picture? Read the rules here.

2007-07-25T21:12:00.000-05:00

Let’s cut to the chase. I do not pay for the pictures that are sent to me.

I’m looking for people whose hats are part of their persona. Readers are welcome to submit photos of People Who Wear Hats. Please submit a jpeg. attachment to an e-mail. Do not include the photo in the body of the e-mail. Send to mr.paulnichols@yahoo.com. (Yes. there a 'dot' in there.) In the subject line please put “[Your name’s] Inner Hat.” Your e-mail address will not be sold, distributed or used for any purpose. You may submit as many photos as you can handle, but please keep the image size down.

First, the subject(s) of your photo must be a person or people wearing a hat(s). That’s the whole point of This Cool Blog, right? Any gender. Any age. Any category. Pictures easily obtained from the Internet probably won’t be posted here. If you took a picture of a well-known person, you’d probably be better off publishing or selling it elsewhere.

By submitting a picture, you give me permission to publish the picture and its accompanying text on this cool blog. I may contact you later to publish it elsewhere; such as in a Pulitzer Prize-winning coffee table book or something. Can’t guarantee that.

When submitting a photo, please give me your first and last name. Then give me the first name only of the person(s) in the photo. Nicknames are acceptable. Please give me the name of the state and the month/year the picture was taken. Notice how I have formatted the other pictures on this cool blog.

With your photo(s) please include a short—a short!—paragraph about the person, the hat or both. One hundred word limit please. Quotations are welcome and encouraged. Lucky me, lucky you. I have the right to edit your short paragraph for proper spelling, punctuation, grammar and length and so forth. Succinct paragraphs are best and quotations bring your pictures to life. Honest.

I may or may not publish the picture(s) you send. I will not publish objectionable photos (naughty stuff, seditious, slanderous, demeaning and the like). I’ll be the judge. If you send me objectionable photos, I will put your e-mail address in the black hole of “Block Sender” and you will be banned forever. As nice as I am, I won’t care.

I will try to notify you when/if I use your photo. (No guarantees.) Tell your friends.

So hurry! Be the first on your block to send me your creative, crazy, delightful, lovely fun pictures of people wearing their hats. Let's have fun.

Dedicated to Dad, 1904-1981

2007-07-25T09:43:00.000-05:00

Dad—Arizona

I never dedicated anything to my dad, so I guess this will have to do. He passed away in 1981. Up till then he put on a hat every time he stepped outside. He only had three hats that I remember, but they were important to him.

Way back before the Depression, he worked for the Rock Island Railroad. It broke his heart when he was laid off. He couldn’t get railroading out of his blood so he wore this engineer’s hat whenever he was tinkering around in the backyard. And he tinkered a lot.

When he went to town, or any place casual, he donned his Panama hat similar to this one. Any time he entered a building, he removed it. And any time he walked past a lady, he tipped it.

Dad was an Immigration officer for 37 years, so he wore a government issue “saucer” hat at work.

He lived his whole life in the Midwest and the West, but never wore a cowboy hat. I loved him anyway.