I was off work today for the holiday and spent some time shoveling the driveway again. Seems like that’s all I do anymore when I’m not working or sleeping, but it needed to be done and I got to talk to the neighbors for a bit.
When I was done, I went back inside to take care of the dogs and then decided to treat myself for lunch. I had a list of errands to run as well, but lunch was first on the list.
I went to Honeygrow – a savory bowl/yogurt/honey bar – and ordered at the kiosk. That’s the only way to order in person and I took my time building the perfect bowl. I subtracted a few ingredients, added a few, and topped it off with a drink. Easy. I got my cup from the counter then found a small two-person table.
I had a book with me and started reading while I waited for my food. It was a good book, but I managed to keep enough of my attention free to listen for my name to be called.
When they brought over the food I was genuinely grateful – it smelled amazing and I couldn’t wait to get started. With a book in one hand and a fork in the other, I dropped into a bubble and tuned out the rest of the restaurant.
And I might as well have been the only person for a hundred miles in any direction – so thoroughly did I tune everything else out.
When I finally got to my last few bites I “surfaced” and took stock of my surroundings. The restaurant had been nearly deserted when I walked in and was now bustling with people ordering at the kiosks, waiting for to-go orders, or trying to find a table. I realized a family of 5 was near me looking for a table and if I vacated, they would have the table of 4 next to me and my table as well. I finished up, collected my tray and book, and offered them my seat.
I took my tray and dishes to the bin and refilled my drink on the way out.
It’s been a while since I’ve lost myself so thoroughly in a book – the phone has made my attention span go to shit – but I was in a bubble while I ate and read.
But the meal ended and I was back in the real world. I went on about my way and carried a little of that simple peace on my travels.
I had been lost for a little while there and I was more than fine with that.