i must confess, i have a thing for older men. like much older. 80. i was at kramer books with a girlfriend tonight chatting about the foundation when the cutest man in a seersucker jacket, hat, and kahki pants was seated next to us. i can't help but notice. i'm smitten. he drops his napkin. i pick it up. he asks for a second glass of riesling. turns out we're drinking the same wine so i agree aloud that it is very good. finally, my girlfriend encourages me to go in for the kill. i asked him where he was from and 30 minutes later we're still chatting. he was born in nyc, boarding school in malta, foreign service, diplomat -- whole nine yards. SUCH a darling man.
i've always had a soft spot for older men, ever since i was a little girl. my grandfather, who died of lung cancer when i was six, was (and is) my most favorite man ever. he could do no wrong. he stood 6'4" and was my biggest fan. ok, not hard to be a fan of your average six-year-old but he was special.
tonight reminded me of the importance of reaching out. he kept saying how lovely it was to meet two nice girls from such a different place (we're from texas and oklahoma--kinda like another country). i gave him my card and invited him to come by the studio anytime during the afternoon for tea and cookies. i hope he will take me up on my offer during his 1-2 mile daily walks. (i learned all about this sweet soul tonight - his walking schedule, his history, his interests, his love for brooks brothers). reach out to that cute soul next to you. it may have happened for a reason.
may you come across a nicholas on your hip and tranquil path . . .
2 comments:
I know how you feel about grandpas. I too lost mine when I was six and he also died of lung cancer. He still is my favorite man in the entire world. Actually, my the similarities between my fiance and my grandpa are uncanny.
I had a similar situation this week! I teach a spinning class at a rec center and the other morning, an older man, in Dickies work pants, Rockport dress shoes, and a t-shirt came to the class and wanted to give it a try. I got him set up on his bike, and he trudged along for 25 minutes of the 45 minute class. I give him so much credit for trying something new! Remember the ad campaign in the 90's "Be Like Mike"? Well, this man's name was Ralph, and my new mantra is "Be Like Ralph". It reminded me to not be afraid to try something new!
Post a Comment