I love to people watch. It's fun to try and guess where they came from, like their heritage but also the place they previously visited, just before walking into my world. I try to guess what type of fitness/diet program they ascribe to, if any. I like to make up stories about who they are and their family drama. I like to work on my descriptive techniques and vocabulary.
She has 4 kids and they're not sure of their baby's daddy, or daddies. This guy is a Harvard grad trying to forget that he came from money and privilege, trying to be an 'average Joe'. This couple is on their first date, giddy with excitement and possibility. Those people have just gotten engaged and he's wondering how the weather is on the ninth green as she's rattling on and on about the most recent flower arrangement catastrophe.
I would love to take pictures of these people, but I haven't got the guts. Not yet, at least. I would take vague, indistinct pictures, to represent the way I don't really know them, the way I will remember them, then post those pictures and tell imaginary stores of each one.
Maybe I will.
There are better places, to people watch, than others. Diners and coffee shops are good for beginners, but everyone starts to look the same, have the same story after awhile. The mall, except around the holidays when there is less variety. Grocery stores are alright, except for the screaming kids that need a good spanking. Plus, I always get distracted thinking of my own shopping list. Walmart is the worst. Also the most strange. Target is too distracting, with all their enticing merchandise and eye grabbing marketing. I like quiet, boring places to sit and wonder.
Today: the laundromat.
Let's see. I had the place to myself at first. There were some washer and dryers going, so someone was there and was coming back. There was also a baby stroller with a blanket over it sitting all alone by the front window. The little momma, let's call her Abby, was the first to come back, carrying the little tyke and groceries. She was just getting over the sniffles and the recent break up of baby daddy #1. She had walked over to the nearby market for formula, dish soap and a pack of smokes she swore she didn't need. Momma likes peanut M&M's and shared with little Rashad, even though he is way too young for anything other than baby mush. They live with her momma, Faye. It's just the three of them and they like it that way. Faye works at the doctor's office, where she's been for almost twenty years. Abby just started at the dollar store on 6th street and thinks the manager is a pervert.
Then, we were joined by Lily. She had jet black curly hair, cut short, not in any particular style. It was slightly pushed back with a pink sparkly headband. She was wearing a black Hello Kitty t-shirt, black jeans and a black studded belt. As you might guess, she was a little heavy, but tall for a girl. She acknowledged my presences and drank the sugar free Rockstar she brought in from the car. She hates being in this hick town, but stays to get away from her parents in the city. They don't know where she is exactly but she cares enough to keep them from worrying too much. She works at a local pet grooming shop and thinks about donuts and dieting daily. Never jumps though. Never pushes hard for any particular desire. Drinks with 'friends' to forget or fit in, but secretly wishes she could freeze time and cover their skin with ridiculous unmentionable permanent drawings.
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