Monday, May 12, 2008

Quiet Comforts

My life lately has been pretty darn good. I'm grateful for all I have, and can't make any personal complaints. However, a lot of people I care about are going through tough times. They're suffering, confused, and exhausted. They're also brave, awesome, and inspirational. To the best of my ability, I want to be there to give them support and cheer them on.

I feel their pain. It makes me more serious, quieter. I don't shrug it all off as soon as I leave them. I think of them, pray for them. I have been very aware of the bittersweet quality of life. I try to keep my blog posts on the light side, but sometimes the heaviness is pressing and needs attention.

I have been craving the comfort of peace and quiet. When the demands of the world get overwhelming, I need time to myself to collect my thoughts and get centered. Even input that's usually a welcome break, like TV or radio, is intrusive.

One of my favourite simple treats is to take myself and a book out for dinner at a clean, homey, not-too-busy restaurant. Like my favourite soup noodle joint.



Can you imagine yourself sitting there, listening to Korean soft rock, pouring yourself another tea from the hot-water spigot embedded in the table? It's soothing.

I took myself on a solo date to a bagel bakery, where you can get a sandwich on a bagel that came out of the oven only an hour or so ago. It's a big space with high ceilings and generous windows that allow natural light all the way to the back. When I went in, there was an old guy at one table, reading a newspaper and enjoying his sandwich. There was a young couple with a little boy grabbing a quick bite. A middle-aged woman was sipping coffee and working her way through a crossword puzzle.

I got myself egg-salad on a Montreal-style bagel, and settled in with my book. It was a superior sandwich, not on account of the taste (which was fine) but because none of the egg salad fell out into my lap. Egg salad always squishes out of sandwiches. I don't know how they managed to create non-squishy egg salad, but my hat is off to them.

9 comments:

Emma Gorst said...

Yes, the times and places we can be alone are special. Glad you've found a spot.

Anonymous said...

Solo date ends with masturbate.

Warped Mind of Ron said...

Nothing like a good egg salad sandwich and a quite place to hang out. It's only when you go on solo dates for a couple decades that it starts to get sort of old.

Jameil said...

what is a a Montreal-style bagel? i don't normally like bagels-- too much bread. but i really like bagel sandwiches... go figure.

Keera Ann Fox said...

Korean soft rock???

Nilsa S. said...

I love that you're taking yourself on solo dates. I sometimes wish I had the time for it. Enjoy what you've got!

Jenski said...

Maybe a solo date is what I need.
I am in awe of that egg salad. You usually have to scoop it up and put it on your next bite!

Karen said...

I haven't had egg salad in years. I think I might have that lunch one day this week. That is a good comfort food.

ConverseMomma said...

I've never gone to eat at a restaurant by myself. I've also never gone alone to the movies. I've always wanted to do both.