"Oh, look!"

LowTide Morning - November 3, 2018

"Oh, look!"

I can't remember the last time I strolled through a proper mall. Does it seem that the new trend in outdoor plazas has replaced malls? That suits me; I prefer plein air opportunities, especially on a crisp fall day.

In addition to shopping and eateries, the thing I like most about browsing a mall, or other public venue, is people-watching. (Although, it was far more interesting before people started plastering their noses to electronic devices.) Airports abound with people-watching opportunities, which were most enjoyable before we were expected to report anything unusual. Unusual? That used to be our source of entertainment.

Observation is in our genes—watching other people and wondering...

For a brief period, stimulated by a college assignment, I entertained the thought of becoming an ethnographer.

In some ways, the power of obsevation increases with age, e.g., reading every single street sign and billboard along the way, and commenting on almost everything that is said and done. When Mom and I are out and about, she reads, observes, and provides commentary to which I nod and offer the occasional "uh huh" while keeping my eyes on the road. I learned long ago how easily I'm distract by, "Oh, look!" or, "Look out!" (which makes me nearly jump out of my skin.) I'm so much better now at staying focused on what I'm doing while Mom describes everything in sight.

I believe the ritual of reading passing signs along the roadway might be an effort to maintain one's abilities. Or keep us on our toes.

Heading out of our subdivision today, Mom starts—she reads the name on the side of a service truck and continues, "There's a mailbox. There's another mailbox. Maybe you could hit some." I'm pretty sure Mom tosses things into the mix to see if I'm listening to her "live broadcast."

Oh, really? I'm not sure how to respond to that one, Mom.

I'm inching toward retirement and have little desire to mindlessly sit it a rocking chair and watch the world go by. Although, I could document and study my observations, right?

Oh, look!

~ LowTide explorer, Carolyn Fjeran

[LowTide is an eclectic collection of discoveries and reflective writings.]