passing by

Today, on my way to my ritually scheduled volunteer work downtown. I got off the bus in front of a chinese group celebrating the new year of the dragon and welcoming the coming of Christ. They had a beautiful dance, but what was their message exactly, I'm not quite sure and even though I wasn't in a huge hurry, I speedily passed them by instead of finding out.

This is my story. Speedily passing people by. I was going to say things, but that's not true it's usually just people that pass by.

This morning's episode reminds me of my recent (4 weeks to be exact) passing by the chance for romance, love at first sight, at least a decent encounter? But, like usual, I was in a fictional hurry.

The quick story is, I was approach a street corner to cross, I made eye contact with a man across the street. Twice. For a long time. And I felt something crazy. I knew I should talk to him. When I reached the other side, I stood waiting for the walk light to turn green (uncharacteristically of me) and once it did, we both began to cross. To make the story shorter, we had a short conversation as we crossed the road, a little banter, and then I crossed behind him to took the stairs down to Pioneer Court, my destination. As I did that, he paused and turned as if to say, why are you leaving this conversation so soon? There is more surely!

Why did I leave so soon? Because in my head, I needed to buy more bus tickets. But I was in no hurry... it wouldn't have killed me to continue for even just a few more blocks, and who knows where the conversation would have gone?

But as always, my mind was determined and had a destination. I was in a hurry to go nowhere.

As always. Trying to get there quickly almost always leads to a quicker downfall.

Now, I go to this corner every Wednesday, but I know my chance has passed. Once again.

Is there another serendipitous encounter possibility?