Six Feet Back
I remember gauchos, Earth Shoes, and landlines with cords so long you could stretch them into the other room to hide from your parents while you were on the phone. Those were also the days before the World Wide Web—and computers. I’m that old.
Someday I’ll be able to say that I remember face shields, six-foot spacings, and lockdown with the same reaction from the reader.
I’m writing at a coffee shop today for the first time in over a year, and damn it feels good. Actually, I’m sitting at a long wooden table outside the coffee shop, enjoying the breeze and shade provided by the trees overhead, because indoor seating is currently closed due to the pandemic. I’m surrounded by others also out enjoying the day. That feels good, too. They hash out plans with coworkers, clack at computers of their own, and enjoy an afternoon stroll through the plaza as if nothing ever happened, as if the world didn’t shut down for the entirety of last year.
Is this my new normal? Is it my temporary normal? We’ll have to wait to find out. More research first.
Inside the coffee shop, masks were required, even for those fully vaccinated. We’re still being careful here in LA—COVID numbers are back up. So I ordered my tea and then found a spot outside where I could work up a word or two. I’m distracted by skateboarders. Skateboarders! And the gray-haired woman dressed in a blazer and woolen tights, carrying one of those bubble coats. I mentioned it’s a California summer day, right? Ahh, life!
Initiating dating site conversations is always an awkward task. Ever married? How long? Divorced? Kids? What do you like to do when you’re not working? Bonus points to the guys who can think of an opener besides “Hey beautiful” or “You have a nice smile, gorgeous.” Points subtracted for the one who told me that while he’s not into the hook-up culture, he does like to make out, that he didn’t have any physical contact with anyone during quarantine, and that if I’m a good kisser, he’d be interested. But the hands-down winner is the guy who asked me what I like about life.
LIFE!
That’s what I like. I like life in the form of a plaza snapshot. I like water that flows from downtown fountains, the laughter of children as they try to get wet. I like eavesdropping on couples in disagreement over which smoothie flavor to share. I like to watch joggers run through the center of it all, oblivious to the goings-on, in their own little playlist world. I like to hear the wheels of the bicycle, the squeak of the juice shop door, the songs piped out from speakers overhead. I like to feel the warmth of the sun turn to a chill as the afternoon wears on. This! This is what I love.
Yes, face shields, six-foot spacings, and lockdown are life as well, and I’m thankful to have the perspective and experience. But, wow! I can’t get enough of this day.
To the little guy over in the grassy area, the one with the saddle shoes and slow pace, waving the fleece Superman blanket as if it could carry you away, I see you over there, appreciating life—hang onto that, my friend.
