Her gray hair was pulled back into a soft bun. She was tall and trim, dressed in black slacks and shirt, with a small black apron. Maybe she was coming home from work. Her groceries told me she was stocking up on supplies and that she cooked from scratch. She smiled readily and talked casually with the clerk.
Soft wrinkles lined her face. She exuded maturity, confidence, and at the same time apparently not concerned that she wasn't wearing the latest style, or that her hair had gone gray. She had reached that stage of life where she was comfortable with who she was.
As she headed out of the store, grocery bags piled high in her cart, I moved up to the counter. I wanted to follow her home and have a cup of tea at her kitchen table. I think I could learn things from her.
It was just one of those moments that I haven't forgotten.
(not my photo)
I love how you watch and really "see" people.
ReplyDeleteI would love to have followed her with you. Dotsie, you will appreciate this: lately in my yoga class (where I am the youngster), I've taken to noticing the beautiful, beautiful knarled hands and feet that echo across the room in poses reaching... reaching... my heart just fills with love every time I see them. I continue to wish I could capture them in photos... but the lights are dim and a camera would be so intrusive... I have it photographed in my mind... and I love to think on it... such beautiful, wise, gentle women... like the woman you saw, too. ;) Thank you for sharing this with us. blessings and hugs ~ tanna
ReplyDeleteYou relate the moment so well... I can almost see her, too.
ReplyDeleteLovely post. And Tanna's response just adds another layer. I would have loved to join the three of you for that tea and conversation.
ReplyDeleteBest,
Bonnie
Podso,
ReplyDeleteLovely post! I think I've almost reached that point in my life where I'm "comfortable" with whom I've become!
Fondly,
Pat
Beautiful observation. Thank you for writing about it. I'll take it with me into the day and I know I'll be looking more closely at people as I go along.
ReplyDeleteHow observant you are.
ReplyDeleteJust yesterday my daughter told me how much she has admired my hands over the years. I used to think them beautiful, too, but now they are aging, along with the rest of me, and I try not to draw attention to them. Her comments, and now this post, have me thinking otherwise - these hands show the life I've lived.
Thank you, Podso.
I have had those same kinds of moments. It is so very interesting, isn't it. What we can read from just watching people.
ReplyDelete: ) Kris
Beautifully written, you make me curious about her, too. I am a people watcher and I truly believe our hands tell so much about us. You make me want to pay this woman a visit, too!
ReplyDeleteXO,
Jane
Ahh, the secret of being comfortable with who you are. I'm loving easing into this decade of my life. I enjoyed reading your post. Older women often have so much to share just by ...as you said...being around them and observing.
ReplyDeleteI remember that you have a 'thing' about hands. Love this post, btw. :)
ReplyDeleteI need to open my mind when I people watch, I only look at faces and clothes. I'm glad you've related how hands can tell something about a person too.
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing Dotsie.
Judith
This made me tear up...I totally get it, I have seen her, you know the one that you think, "Lord I want to be like her, she reflects your glory" Not the one put on the front of a magazine cover, but one who has given to those she loves.
ReplyDeleteWell I will stop...great post!
Isn't it funny how we're just drawn to some people. I've had a few experiences like that too. Have a nice weekend.
ReplyDeleteOh my, don't you love seeing people that you know you would be great friends with given a chance? I do, only it makes me a little sad because I know it will most likely never happen.
ReplyDeleteHugs, Cindy
It's lovely that you are able to take that away from a simple encounter in a grocery store line. Most folks are oblivious to their surroundings or impatiently making their way through every moment of their day. Wishing you a wonderful weekend. Tammy
ReplyDeleteI loved your observation of that woman. She probably would have loved to have you over for tea. My Grandmother used to make all her own bread, 12 loaves a day, her kids called her Arm & Hammer (from the baking soda box with the big arm). Her arms her strong from all that bread baking. I loved the picture of your Great Grandmother, liked her shoes. Thanks for stopping in, Laura PS I may have fixed my blog problem, we will see on our next post…...
ReplyDeleteYour words described this so wonderfully. I thought that it was from a book that I'd love to read. I sometimes see people like this too.
ReplyDeleteHope that all is well. It's been awhile since I've been by to comment, but I've been reading right along with you.
Enjoy the rest of your weekend1
Leann
Lovely post...I want to have tea with her too!
ReplyDelete