Tonight was my last night at the restaurant.
I look down at my coat again. It’s splattered. But what is it?
Salsa, I decide. I am splattered in salsa.
Ten months ago I wore regular clothes. Now I wear salsa.
I just got an email from my best friend from college. She’s in Boston. She was just in a fashion show and she’s attached pictures. I write back, telling her that I like her hair. Somehow, she’s wearing blue lights in her curly frock of jet-black waves. And cascading to the right of her bare, lean torso, she holds part of her wardrobe — fabulously draped, elegantly ruffled.
It’s ironic. I still smell like squash. I’ll need another bottle of detergent for my checkered pants. And there’s just no telling what’s become of my shoes. They look like black socks, suctioned to my feet from hours and hours of standing.
But we’ve always shared something in common –– Danielle, the French-major-turned-designer and me, the designer-turned-cook. We were never waiting around for something to fall into our laps. We were both curious and passionate in college, bound by a wicked sense of humor and an inexplicable belief that we had something to give.
I have no fabulous proof of my experience at the restaurant, no picture to hang on the wall. Isn’t it funny? The big moments in life never have a soundtrack. They never move in slow motion.
They just pass in real time, without flash photography.
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I have goosebumps… That is all
Love reading your thoughts. You’re right, often times life’s important moments come and go in our daily path. It’s only after we’re past them, that we realize their significance. No flash. All the best………
Joan — your words are appreciated. Thanks for taking the time.
With Julie Francis, I am confident there will be no good-byes. You’re both class acts and your mutual respect will keep the relationship alive. It’s just that we won’t be able to spot you any longer through the long window pass that looks out into the dining area.
I should have stopped by and snapped your picture, through that window to the kitchen door. No flash, however.
Wow, that went by quickly, didn’t it? Thanks for sharing glimpses from the other side of the pass with us. And I hope Dale is right
Things happen so quickly. Usually I try to carve a narrative around them, but sometimes they are too complicated or scary or ugly or strange… we just hope they arc toward wisdom.
Best wishes.
Well said, Jeff. Here’s hoping.
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