and other anecdotes.

As I’m sure you are aware, we have SO MANY more friends now because of social media. Whether we know them in person or not, they count as friends. I was at an event a few weeks ago and got to meet a FB ‘friend’ with whom I share a mutual real-life acquaintance that I hadn’t seen in much too long. Assuming this new IP friend would see the other before me, I gave her a hug to pass on.

It is so nice to be able to hug again.

Interestingly enough, I met up with our mutual friend before the hug could be passed on, so I guess that’s my new IRL friend’s hug now. To keep, or share, as needed.

A Napkin between Kindred Spirits

I was at Mary’s Market recently, killing time and making novel notes. When I got up to refill my coffee cup, I passed a woman about my age, about my size, who was dabbing a napkin on her chest. I recognize that action, so I grabbed her a few more napkins and offered them. Seems she had a pile of extras already because this chest catch-all mode of dining tends to be a chronic situation, but she appreciated the gesture. We chatted for a few minutes, laughing at our shared foibles. She said this exact thing is a running joke in her family. She mentioned to me that whenever she dines with her mother, her mom watches and waits for the spill, the drip, the drop, and eagerly points it out. She told me how her long distance sister placed a French fry on her shirt and took a selfie, sending it with the caption, Miss you!

Silver Sisters

Holding the door for a woman at a restaurant the other day, not only did she thank me, but she also complimented my hair. I cannot tell you how much random flattery means–or maybe I don’t have to? Of course we want our friends, family, and co-workers to notice our apparent appearance efforts, but honestly, they see us so frequently, what they encounter is who they remember us to be. But a stranger! They don’t know us. They don’t know how hard we worked to get this look or what cost was paid. They don’t know if the gray is new, or cheap and lazy, or ridiculously premature. She thought it looked nice, so she told me. And I swooned. She, too, was au natural and I thought, we Silver Sisters need to stick together! I’m eager to pass on the compliment as easily as she did. In the moment, in passing, with no build up or fall out. Just because your (hair) looks pretty.