Day 42

The day started  with a long stretch of no interaction. Although I was on a busy thorough fare, there was very little foot traffic. About mid morning, as I approached a service station, I saw this fully equipped airstream at one end of the service station property.  As I got closer, I saw that if I wanted to I could treat myself to an eyebrow threading. However, I decided to hold off for now and continue the Walk.

Next I came upon these two lovely blooms dancing together in the soft breeze. I stood and watched, feeling the warmth of the sun on my back and the happiness at noticing such beautiful color along my way. 

Chandler walked with me for a bit, but mostly, she looked for places that we could rest. This was one of several stops we made today (to her credit, it was fairly warm, and we both did well to take the breaks).

Late in the afternoon, I had as I stood in line to get a coffee, the elderly gentleman in front of me was getting more and more agitated by the interaction between the cashier and the patron trying to order. He told me (in a rather loud voice) that “people should not get in line before they are ready, and if they do, they should be kicked to the end of the line.”  I said, “I wonder if she’s had a busy or rough day and just really wants a cup of coffee.” I also asked if he was in a hurry. He wasn’t. As we talked a little more, the cashier and her customer were able to complete their business, and it was the gentleman’s turn. As he stepped forward, I heard him quietly apologize to the woman for being “impatient”. I love being able to be curious about people. When I am curious, judgement falls away, and there is permission for whatever wants to come in.

Chandler and I are resting at my friend Cristina Spencer’s house tonight, tired from a warm day on the Walk for Peace.