Second glances (or glasses)

Tonight I took stake of the people around me. In a busy restaurant, with two different groups of people from the same company, enjoying a glass of wine (OK I had a martini), and communicating with each other in a way that is guarded yet real at the same time.  It reminds me that we have layers so much deeper than the ones we live with and publish on a regular basis. Myself included.  Should we live more openly, or are our inner selves just for that, ourselves?  Tonight I won't pass judgement on that decision; it's personal. But when we are brave enough to unmask the inner workings, sometimes we discover that we have much more in common with the people around us than we might acknowledge or want to admit.

I appreciate the folks that I work with, although they may aggravate me with their politics or strong personalities  (not that I don't have one).  The loss of a sibling and then a father (whether it's a step parent or not) is a tragedy   and a challenge for one to endure in two weeks' time. And, on a different note but adding to my sentiment tonight, I might not have known Doc Watson personally, his recent passing is poignant in my life nonetheless.  My parents knew and loved him, and it makes me proud and sad that I managed to figure that out 3 years ago. Typically if I'm home, comfortable in a post-martini state, I'm listening to some jazz and recollecting on a martini.  But tonight, Doc and the very real people in my life, take the honor.

My martini - 6.  My reality check - 10.