When I was a small child and growing up in a Victorian-themed Bed & Breakfast, I was always exposed to people dressing up for events at our inn: garden parties, weddings and historic tours of Denver. With these events and guests present, some of the men present were sporting beards and facial hair, but specifically moustaches... Handlebar moustaches.
As a man who is somewhat finished with puberty at twenty-one years of age, I have finally been blessed enough to grow and groom my own facial hair. The only problem is that I, apparently according to Mother Nature, have not finished growing up and can't grow hair on my cheeks for a beard. So I try to grow a beard and I just look dumb. I am, on the other hand, able to grow out the hair on my upper lip into a moustache.
I began this endeavour towards Victorian-era manhood my sophomore year of college, beginning in Movember (for those who don't know, also known as "No-Shave November," but more for moustachioed men). With it being my first time growing a moustache, it looked rather weak going into December and on the way home for break. I found respite as the New Year of 2015 arrived and the growing continued. Now fellas, if anyone gives you poor commentary on your moustache or preference of facial hair, simply give them a flick of the wrist as you twist your manly and well-groomed 'stache.
I continued to grow my moustache for several more months and into April, when I ultimately shaved it off before formal and in hopes of impressing a woman I was wooing. I thought a clean-shaven face might be more enjoyable to snuggle with, but not once was I complained to. Lesson learned: if it ain't broke... don't shave it.
Let me give some history and background on the wonder that is a Handlebar moustache...
-The name stems from the hirsute facial appendage's look resembling that of a bicycle handlebar.
-Famous individuals who have sported a handlebar: Rollie Fingers, William "Buffalo Bill" Cody, Wyatt Earp, Franz Ferdinand.
-Social clubs, such as the Handlebar Club, exist for the pursuance and enjoyment of men who wear a handlebar moustaches.
In the summer of this year in June, I decided to recommit myself to this holy endeavour. I have been growing ever since. Often times people will ask and want to touch. They'll ask how you maintain such an extremity: moustache wax. You wash and water and feed the moustache, just as you would normal hair on your head. I have managed to return my facial appendage to even greater status and have finally achieved the one reason I have sought for growing my moustache:
Happy Thanksgiving all and enjoy the coming finals. My moustache and I will be writing and making some holiday cheer.
