When I set out to learn about my mother's bridge club, the Jewish octogenarians behind the matching outfits and accessories, I never expected to fall in love with them. This is the story of the ladies, their game, their gen, and the ragged path that led me back to my mother.
I have jury duty tomorrow and I’m probably one of the few people in America who likes being called. (I also like conventions and trade shows). I love the people watching/scrutinizing, the bailiffs, the lawyers in their ill-fitting suits, and the ceremony. It feels like walking into a short story. I like the rules. I like to see what people are reading, if they are reading. I like the boredom, the slow hands of the clock, the linoleum. The thing I love about being a writer is the goddamn anthropology of everything.
What do you like that everyone else hates?
Filed under: Uncategorized |
Betsy Lerner 
I love ironing. I set up the board in front of an old movie and take great pleasure in smoothing out the wrinkles. It makes me feel like I’m solving an important problem. One day they’ll make pills for it.
Me, too. It’s an art form.
Solitude.
Sent from my iPhone
>
Of course. Totally.
Running – or so it seems where I live currently. In other little towns and cities I’ve lived – there were always other runners. Here? Not so much. I get a lot of side-eye looks – and I’ve been running in this particular neighborhood for 20 yrs. I’ve seen others a few times – usually just after New Year. Their new habit doesn’t long.
getting into a car that’s been parked in the hot sun for hours. baking my bones in the blast of heat for a few minutes.
YES.
No, no, I love it all. That’s the point. As an observer: the inside of an ambulance, how a lie detector machine works, the tattooed cashier in a grocery line, how a cow is inseminated (pretty gross), a corporate meeting, a faculty meeting, blank faces on Metro North, decorum in a courtroom. It’s all material.
“What do you like that everyone else hates?”
Rational discourse.
Work. I like being busy. I’m conscientious, something you’d never expect upon meeting me. I’m a serious worker (again, what?) and I take a lot of pride in doing a good job. Perfect day: never leaving the farm and only relaxing, satisfied, when all (well, most) of the chores are done.
I think the whole process of jury duty is fascinating and the deliberating is a good glimpse into people’s souls. A lot of cases are resolved simply because many jurors are tired and willing to allow their vacillating minds to be swayed; influenced; changed. And watching the lawyers at work is amazing also. Ha! this guy’s guilty. Well, maybe not guilty. Somewhat guilty? Yeah, guilty of something, but what?
Bad thing is, I have to miss work to serve.
Copy that. I love work. Also find the jury/trial process fascinating. How could it not be, as you so well posit.
Black cats. I’ve always had one, mostly rescue cats from the shelter.
Black cats are the last to be adopted because people think they’re possessed or something. Some say they harbor witches souls. In Japan, they are honored. I just think they’re smart, savvy and loyal to a fault. My current one is 16. She’s perfect. =^^=
Humidity
Spinoza
separating the garbage into the recycling bins is enjoyable probably because it’s straight forward. the rules are the rules are the rules.
i observed a gory 5-week murder trial this January and i’m not over it. the police work that went into the case was astounding.
rea
Stacking dishes.
February, (got a Country Living article out of that one in 1995).
Eminem, he’s brilliant.
An ordinary day.
Anticipation. Making plans. I like to see the map in front of me. I like packing for the trip. Shutting off the mail. The air conditioner. Loading the car. Locking the front door. The squeal of tires as I back out of the driveway. Heading for adventure.