September 20, 2009

• An Early Morning Walk

  I took a walk in my neighborhood in the early morning the other week.  I usually walk around my 'hood in the afternoons or evenings.  The 'hood has a different personality in the early morning.  There's almost a small town feel to it.  I nod good morning to a few folks and they do the same.  The air is cool and the sun is still low.  It's the weekend so there's very little traffic. 

  All the stores were closed and I was surprised there was a coffee shop that was open.  One of the guys was still sweeping out the front and setting up the patio.  I walked in and there were a few early birds in there reading already.  After I placed my order, my ears perked to the music of the Beatles.  Of course - the store was also selling their CDs.   I walk over to a great seat by the windows humming along to "While My Guitar Gently Weeps".   The coffee was good and soon I was engrossed in a photography magazine my brother had lent me. 

  Every so often I would glance out the window and watch the street slowly come to life.  Soon, a couple sits just outside the window with a muscular, short haired dog.  It didn't take long for another dog walker to come by and greet them.  The other dog walker had a smaller dog.  As they were talking the bigger dog playfully pounced on the smaller one.  The small dog did everything possible to avoid the bigger dog.  This simply ended up in leashes being constantly tangled and untangled by the owners.  Whenever the smaller dog tried to move out of range, the bigger dog simply dragged his owner over. 

  They were soon replaced by a small boy with golden locks and 2 puppies.  The mom was inside ordering a coffee.  The puppies gave the small boy everything he could handle.  One would wander off in one direction while the other sensing freedom was at hand, would try and sneak away.  The boy was probably just 6 years old, with big curls of hair hovering over his head.  He took his job seriously and managed to maintain order until mom came back. 

  When I walked backed home, I thought to myself that I should do more early morning walks.  It's as if I stumbled on to an open secret.  An hour later and the whole streetscape and feel of the neighborhood is different.  When you're out too early - there's nothing happening.

  Survey question - what did you do today?
   (ed note:  this is another ploy by Matt to get more comments). 

  • 2:23 PM
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