Whenever I get my hair cut, I enjoy chatting with my hairdresser about how other people wear their hair, whether it’s flattering or not. What does she think about the women anchors on the Today show, for example. “You must notice haircuts everywhere you go,” I tell her. “Pretty much,” she says.
And I realize that each of us has some kind of specialized knowledge, something we know more about than most people—which can become a lens through which we view the world. A friend of mine is a fine carpenter and when he was visiting, I noticed him standing at my kitchen window. “I know the lawn needs mowing,” I said. “Maybe,” he replied, “but I was admiring the nice trim work.”
Several years ago, I was referred to a physical therapist for some help recovering from an injury. She was a very knowledgeable woman who stood up impossibly straight. “You must notice everybody’s posture,” I said. “Oh, yes, I do,” she said proudly.
“I’m a writer so I notice how people use language,” I said and she slumped a little. “I don’t offer corrections,” I added, “I just admire interesting words.”
So, I’m wondering, Dear Listener, what do YOU notice?
