Vince and I had not been together long when we found ourselves in a rather long line waiting or a table in a cajun restaurant somewhere in south Louisiana. I struck up a conversation with an older couple in line in front of us and then when their table was ready, it was a table for four so they asked us to join them. We did and we talked like old friends. We left the restaurant and Vince said “You never introduced me!” I said “I don’t know who they are!” and he couldn’t believe we carried on conversations like we were old friends.
When I started to Missouri last week, I knew pretty quickly into the trip that I had a tire issue. I had recently taken it in to have the tires balanced and rotated and I kept thinking something might not be right. I called them and they said . . drive it a while . . it sometimes takes a few miles for . . something . . I forgot what they said. Just when I’d think I was taking it back, it would seem better so I never went back but by the time I got near Tulsa, I knew I wasn’t going to make it all the way to Chad’s. I googled to find a Cooper tire dealer and found one and went there. They were busy and it took close to two hours. There was a man waiting and the TV was on some crazy show – one of those where the mom and daughter are fighting and getting advice. The man started talking about how bad TV is these days and I told him we don’t even have cable any more. He said he has it and doesn’t watch it much but he’d been watching the National Rodeo finals. I told him . . I have friend’s whose son is competing . . last name is Martin. He said “Is it Casey Martin?” Yes! It is! The guy in Tulsa knew about him, knew his standings (he was #9 that day) so we had a big discussion about steer wrestling. Then we started talking about land and how many acres you need for one cow and he said “You probably don’t know the Drummons but . . ” and he was telling me how much land they have just north of Tulsa and I said “Well, yes, I know Pioneer Woman!” It was kinda funny . . we knew the same people . . though really I don’t know Casey Martin . . I just know his mom and dad and it’s been 25 years or more since I saw Casey and of course, we all feel like we know Pioneer Woman but I really don’t know her!
Purple House
Casey Martin’s dad is who built my purple house, which was my favorite house I’ve had! The last time I saw it, someone had painted it blue but it will always be the purple house to me. Casey’s mom was the one who was the main reason we were able to adopt Chad, so the Martin family will always be special to me.
That guy left and another young man came in. He is in chef school and had on his chef coat and we got to talking about food – Italian food and cajun food and that was a good conversation.
When the guy came and told me my car was ready . . and all four of my tires were out of balance and that’s why I was having so much trouble with it . . I wanted to stay and chat a while longer but it was getting dark. I had planned to be at Chad and Nicole’s before dark and was barely getting out of Tulsa before dark.
I was thankful for good weather – no rain or snow, since I do not like driving after dark. I was also thankful for good conversation with strangers that made the time pass quickly. I was knitting too but it was just ribbing so I was able to talk and knit!
Carolyn says
I am like you and can seem to start a conversation with a total stranger. My husband is very quiet and he use to always ask, “Who was that?” To which I would answer …I don’t know. The he would ask, “How did you get the conversation going?” Gee whiz! I never think about it because it comes so natural to me. I learn something sometimes and others it’s just chit chat. One thing I will say, those of us who talk are never bored. Sounds like it helped shorten whir waiting time which was a good thing.
Susan T says
My family soon got used to me talking to strangers, although when our sons were younger, they were a bit embarrassed when I did! I’ve spent many a happy time, chatting with people in lines, waiting for an appointment etc. I’ve met many wonderful and interesting people that way. My first visit to the quilt show in Paducah, many years ago, my friend took way more time inspecting every item at each vendor, so I often found someone to chat with while waiting.
Julie Stocker says
My mother used to say I could find someone to talk to in a closet. I have always felt people talked to me first, and I just carried on with them. My one daughter has the gift, and I’ve often felt I was put in the right place at the right time to hear something someone needed to tell. So nice when we don’t know them, and they feel safe to get something out in the open. Then we’re gone, and the secret is safe.
Joyce says
That happens to me every once in a while. The best was once at an airport where we had a several hour delay. Everyone started talking in the waiting area, and by the time they cancelled the flight and shuffled us all around to different flights, we felt like we were all leaving good friends behind.
Bon says
Wish I could do that more readily. Sometimes it seems easy and other times, not so much.
wanda j says
Judy,
Did or do your parents or grandparents to this too? Mine did.
I was a small child and would do to town with my grandfather. Riding on his shoulders he would always greet people sayng howdy, good morning or good evening. He never met a stranger. As I grew up I was the same way.
Always took the new kids in school around and introduced them to everyone. I wasn’t popular but everyone knew who I was. I’m still that way. Never meet a stranger always try to my friends with someone new. Never know might have friend in common like you just had.
My hubby like others here is quiet. No matter where we go someone will speak to me and we strike up conversation. Went to NYC one year and even someone there struck up conversation at Hard Rock cafe with me of all places.
It is a good thing to do I think. You learn so much about people and places you other wise wouldn’t know.
My daughter has become the same way and I’m glad. It makes working in customer service so much easier. I think Chad might be like you too and sounds like Addie might join the group.
I’m glad you were able to get tires fixed. It is so nerve wrecking to have something happen on the road like that. Also glad you didn’t have a wreck due to someone now doing their job right the first time.
MERRY CHRISTMAS and HAPPY NEW YEAR