While warmer air cleared away some of the snow outside, I cleared away some of the clutter inside. I dragged the Christmas tree out to the swamp to provide habitat for our little wild friends. There were tiny bird tracks on the surface of the snow where I left the tree. I rearranged a little indoors, cleaned some surfaces with vinegar and lemon juice ,and then lit these candles as evening fell.
Yesterday, I went to the college bookstore to purchase materials for the upcoming semester. One of my books is an autobiographical narrative by Frederick Douglass about his experiences as a slave. The clerk at the bookstore is an immigrant with a strong accent and a brisk manner that camouflages a friendly, personable nature. She commented that the book is a very good one. "I like to read a story where a person faces adversity and survives!" she comment. Stepping to the cash register, she added, "I'm tired of sob stories!" In this harsh season, where light is dim and a chill lingers in the air, I have to agree with her. Let me read a story of the triumphant human spirit! With her recommendation, I am looking forward to reading this book.
Not realizing that the clerk remembered seeing me in the bookstore over the past several semesters, I was pleasantly surprised when she added, "It won't be too long now and I'll be able to see you graduate!" Her friendly comment was like the candlelight on my piano top: a warm flicker of light added to my day.
photo by Aisling, January 5, 2008
8 comments:
As Always, love the pictures you post. What are you studying, Aisling? I love learning and reading.
Chellie, I am working on a liberal arts degree. This semester I have the history couse and a computer programming course. I like diversity! *Grin*
Thank you for your nice comment on my photos! :)
I love it when someone in a store takes the time to remember and recognise their customers. It makes the shopping process so much more personal.
Kate
Kate, This lady must have a particularly good memory because I am only in there at the start of each semester to get my books. In a fast-paced world, it is nice to have a cashier or store clerk who takes the time to be personal! :)
I read that Frederick Douglass book in college (I too have a Liberal Arts Degree), and it is a powerful book. Heartbreaking in some respects and freeing in others...
Katie, I've read about him before, but I imagine reading his own words about his experience will have more immediacy and be fairly intense.
Aisling, isn't it funny how just a little conversation, words from someone we don't even really know can make us feel so good? Things in everyday life we may say to people can mean so much more than we even know, postive or negative.
Robbin, It's true, isn't it? We should all remember that when we're talking to people. Maybe we could be the one to say the one little thing that makes someone's day. :)
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