Overhearing conversations

Y'all,

I have decided to blog from time to time about conversations I overhear. Every writer I know has this fascination with overhearing other people's conversations. Sometimes what I hear is funny, sometimes it's sad, often times it's plain old interesting. Whether the talker is on a cell phone (as often as not) shopping or sitting face to face at a diner, remember: You, too, could appear on my next blog. Or at least, your conversation.

So, today I was in my fave store, (hunting SHOES), the store that's edgy, urban and chic--plus cheap! This woman was on her cell phone talking ninety miles an hour, also trying on shoes (though I don't know how!) and she said out loud, "What is the big DEAL?" She pronounced every word loud and clear, but also with an a-t-t-i-t-u-d-e! Picture this: Snapping her fingers and zig zagging her shoulders, neck and head. She went on to say someone had supposedly "shut the door to the bus in his face," but that she "didn't believe it." Then she said, (and this is the BEST part): "Yes, that is what he had said." Snap! I've heard this atrocious grammar so much lately that it's starting to sound right. "Is that what you had said?" Ya'll: HAD does not go with SAID. "Is that what you said?" sounds much better. Hmmm? But it's not nearly as fascinating.

Okay, gotta run. Time to cook some shrimp sauted in butter, blue-cheese coleslaw and local corn on the cob. Oy!

Toodles,
Ann

This is a test - September 18, 2009

My blog did not publish last night. Pooh! Before I write a loooooooong new post, I want to see what the problem is. Hmmmmm.

Happy Birthday to Me (and Ellen!)

Well, it's a small world. On your birthday, do you ever wonder how many other people are celebrating the same exact birthday? Well I do. And now I know at least one more. Ellen. There is a fabulous Thai restaurant here in town that Katie (daughter #2) took me to today to celebrate my fifty-something (closer to 55 than 60) birthday. We ordered our pad Thai and sat there enjoying the interesting surroundings--silky, colorful scarves tacked at each window, lucky bamboo plants and tiny gold buddhas here and there--when Ellen stopped by our table. We chatted about her business, (she's the owner), the weather, news in town, etc. The usual. When Katie told her it was my birthday, Ellen smiled, then laughed, then bent over laughing. She said, "We share birthdays!" Now this occurs to me: It's easy, even natural, to share smiles, laughter, food and memories. It's kind of a universal, even. But how often can you share a birthday? That, I've decided, is pretty rare. Special, even...