Jackie texted me that she was running late. I sat in the Round House Cafe, at the small table closest to the big old store front windows and told myself I would just sit and wait for her.
I wouldn’t take out my iPhone and check my email or pull out my sketch pad. I would take the time waiting to observe my surroundings. To notice the sun lighting up the hand thrown ceramic mugs, cloth napkins and bees-wax candles that were on the old general store shelves lining the walls.
Each time someone came in or went out of the cafe, I watched the bell on the door bounce on its metal bracket until it was still.
But when I saw the light coming through my glass of water, reflecting and casting shadows on my paper napkin on the table in front of me, I couldn’t resist. I pulled out my iPhone and took some pictures.
When Jackie got to the cafe, I showed her the picture. She said she wouldn’t have known what it was if I hadn’t told her.
I wish I could see it that way. As a mystery. But I’m too close to it.
At least I was able to see it to begin with.
Oh.My.Yes. Wistful beauty abounds where we least expect to find it!