I gently grabbed a woman's elbow this evening. I saw her rubbing it as she stood at the head of the check out line, placing my groceries in a bag. I surprised her, when I asked her if it was painful. She smiled, but hesitated to answer. It would have been more awkward if I had stood there another moment longer. I let go, and walked away slightly stunned, carrying my bag in one hand and a watermelon in the other, still wondering what I was thinking. Did I actually think I could take her pain away? I amused myself thinking so.
Tasteless Watermelon
Earlier, a short, friendly, Latin man in the same store saw me patting a few watermelons. He came over, tapping on some as well, making an odd rhythm. He smiled at me, and said, "this is a good one". "Oh, really?", I answered. "Yes… listen." He tapped on the one I put in my grocery cart, and then thumped on one still sitting on the pile. We both laughed, because this watermelon had a tune unlike the dull thud I heard from my cart. It was really quite melodious in comparison. "Yes, you are right, it does sound very different! Thank you!" He helped me put it into my cart, very pleased with himself. How sweet... he was, that is... but the watermelon proved to be quite tasteless. Not sure what sound a good watermelon should have, but it was worth the experience, anyway.
Summer Solstice
Today is the longest day of the year, marking the beginning of summer. I am a bit irritated with myself because I have failed to notice how long it was. I was working in my studio till the light felt dimmer, and then I decided to head for the grocery store. It was still fairly bright out, but I was rather engaged in thought about touching a stranger. It is also the day of my first grandson's birth - just 4 years ago. It is interesting, because he was born a day before his grandfather, and his great grandfather, who were both obviously born on the 22nd. I tend to believe these things are not a coincidence. In all, it has made for a very pleasing day.