People Watching
My oldest daughter and I were able to join kids and moms from our homeschool group for a field trip to the Oregon Shakespeare Festival. The students studied Romeo and Juliet and were fully prepared to understand the play. After the curtains closed, we went to the lobby where one of the actors came out to answer questions. As the kids listened, I walked to a tall window and took in the view.
Ashland is a magical place, designed for people watching. As I watched an elderly couple walking together, I took note of how he tipped his head toward her and the way they navigated the brick walkway. They disappeared and my attention was drawn to a leaf-bare tree. I imagined how my protagonist would sketch the long reach of branches, and how she’d desire the supplies to add color to the background.
That’s when another couple walked by below the window. This young couple looked familiar and on my second glance I realized they were a prominent pair from the play we’d just seen. As the young woman came closer, I saw a cigarette in her hand. She took a long drag as she passed a white sign with bright red lettering, NO SMOKING.
Ten feet further and she tossed the butt toward a grate.
Only twenty minutes earlier she’d been someone else.
How often are we like that actress? Do we perform out in the world only to remove our masks at home for our families?
Well, that’s just something I was thinking about. Those of you who keep popping in here to read my random rambles are real troopers. Thanks!
Christina
Christina Suzann Nelson is an inspirational speaker and award-winning author of six books, including More Than We Remember, What Happens Next, and the Christy Award-winning The Way It Should Be. She is the mother of six children and is passionate about helping others find hope after trauma.
One Comment
gramma
glad we know you at home and away…both the same …no split personalities in your family. I don’t think we qualify.
Love ya.