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The Consortium…
Posted under How I See It by Mike
There they sat around the patio table outside of the local grocery store. Eight of them, men and women, all of them had lived a generation more than I. Their discussions ranged from who screwed up the economy to whom to blame for the recent weather. One might stop to bite into the muffin they brought or to break off a bit of doggie biscuit to hand to one of their four footed companions.
These last few months have found me falling into routines. One of them is to get up in the morning, throw a leash on the dog and walk the couple of blocks to the local grocery store. There I find coffee and a newspaper to take back to the house.
Most mornings I see the group and stop to say a brief hello. After the quick pleasantries I call the dog and we’re on our way home. Yesterday was different. As I turned to head home one of the group members invited me to sit and join them.
I was taken aback. This was the first time I had been invited after several months. I actually hesitated not sure what to say. I’m not a shy person by any stretch of the imagination. Ask my wife, she’ll tell you that I will talk with just about anyone. The problem is usually getting me to stop talking.
I kindly declined and made an excuse that I had something pressing to get to. In reality I think I was really intimidated by the group. These people have seen and have done a lifetime more than I had. What could I possibly add to their conversations?
I got home and kicked myself for being so naive. It wasn’t what I could bring to their conversation, it was what I could gleam from their experiences. These are the people who existed before the “baby boomers” category that I fit into. They have lived through more wars, more economies, more politics, more life experiences than I’ve had. Things you won’t find written in any books. They lived it.
So tomorrow morning as I call the dog, grab her leash and head out the door, I going to find a way to get myself invited to “The Consortium.” I figure that even at my age you’re never too old to learn.
Looking forward to hearing more on this; just hope they’re not talking about sex!
Cocotte´s last blog ..Those Crazy Neighbors
it’s also never too late to turn around and go back. Grab the dog and go see if they’re still there
M@´s last blog ..My first employee
Can’t wait to hear how it goes! enJOY your “meeting”.
Go for it – Do not be afraid! I enjoy coffee most mornings with my new best friend and neighbor. She’s not tons older than me (not quite two decades) and I enjoy her friendship and insights more than I can say. You’re going to have fun.
Anne in SC´s last blog ..That’s One Wrong Step for Annekind
Don’t wait for an invitation from them. Invite yourself. They’ll be thrilled, I promise!
terri´s last blog ..Life is Good – August 28, 2009
just go back and sit your ass down
this new place´s last blog ..A few days into vacation…
Very true, but you can teach them new things too like how to use a computer or DVR or evn what a blog is.
Otter´s last blog ..Engineering vs. Fatherhood
I hope you get another chance to join the inner sanctum, then tell us all their secrets.
Tara R.´s last blog ..SkyWatch Friday ~ 16
If you sit with them you will save money as well. The group will know more than the paper and you wont need to buy it.
above average joe´s last blog ..I Wonder How Much They’ve Grown
I thnkI might not wait for a second invitation if one is not quickly forthcoming. I’d just say hi and hang out.
secret agent woman´s last blog ..Taking some time to let go.
So what happened? Do you get to sit at the cool kids’ table?
Worried Dad´s last blog ..Obesity Epidemic Strikes Kid-Friendly Burros
So, how’s it going with these guys?
Anne in SC´s last blog ..My Relationship with Coffee
[...] and a t-shirt (this is Southern California) and head out the door with the dog to meet with my Coffee Consortium at the patio of the local shopping center. We all b.s. about the economy, jobs, money, how it was [...]
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