What a Beautiful World

I must confess to a minor flirtation.

Not one that should worry Mr. K or any other persons that might feel it's their business to police my romatic life. Just the sort of flirtation that leaves me with a smile on my face as I make my way to work.

You see, during my daily commute I take a train from home to the middle of a downtown area, and as I emerge from the station to commence my 25 minute brisk (and at this time of year, very chilly) walk to work, there is a man who hands out papers for free.

I never take a paper. Mainly because I get my news from my Google Reader subscriptions and my dedication to the Today Show (I <3 Meridith Viera). But also because I know that I will not have time to read it while I walk (I have to pay attention to the uneven sidewalks and other commuters who rarely look up from the uneven sidewalks, especially when it's coated with a thick layer of ice), or when I get to my office.

I do, however, always smile and say hello. And I always get some sort of comment back. Now this man, who stands in the cold in a bright orange coat with faux fur trim, smiling eyes hidden by a pair of dark shades, is always in a good mood. It amazes me. I am sure he is the best thing that happens to most people between getting off the train and getting to work. I'd even venture to guess he's the highlight of most people's day. He is often a highlight of mine.

So a few months ago, when fall was transitioning to winter and I still refused to don a hat for fear of messing up my hair (really, I'm not vain), he would tease me about not keeping myself warm. He even called me out for "not wanting to mess up my pretty hair." His words not mine. And he usually calls me sugar, beautiful or any number of other lovely terms that would normally either make me want to smack him or puke. Somehow, it's all in good fun, and I adore my daily interaction with him, though neither of us knows the other's name.

In fact, today as I came up the steps, he leaned over and said to me "it just got a whole lot more beautiful around here," with a big grin. And I told him to keep warm. How nice is that? I don't even know this guy's name, and yet he has the ability, just by being cheerful, to brighten up my daily commute (which in a big city is a tough task).

And then I arrive in my office building. On the first floor is a lovely cafe that keeps me caffeinated throughout the day (though it's via the low caffeine content of the fresh roasted decaf I've come to love), and provides me with cookies, sandwiches and (hips forbid) perfectly flaky croissants when hunger strikes. The man who runs it (I don't know if he owns it, but he's always there and seems to be in charge), is delightful. He's artistic, sarcastic and has a great attitude about life. He also employs cheerful, artistic people. Often I find myself going downstairs for a chat when I'm overwhelmed by work or have a sense that my coworkers are being less than friendly.

In fact, one day, after a coworker had a seizure that left everyone a bit shaken, I got a hug from the lovely lady who I've decided is my new "work friend." I told her what happened, and she could see that I was still not completely calm (I remained calm during the incident, keeping my coworker safe until the paramedics came), she came around the counter and gave me a great big bear hug. How is that for kindness and genuine caring? We don't know one another outside the context of work, and we don't even work together as it were.

Still, I've decided to call her a friend, and I'm super excited about the pair of handmade legwarmers I've commissioned from her. Tomorrow when I go to purchase an egg sandwich for breakfast and a cup of coffee, I'll look at the yarn swatches she's bringing for me and the sketches she's drawing up. And by Friday she says I'll have my pair! Then I can wear skirts and tights even when it's 5 degrees out, and not lose my legs to frostbite. This is a good thing.