My family and I have recently discovered the joys of a discount theater on 12th street. If you are patient. you can see everything you want for about three dollars! I tried to inquire about the discount for seniors which would be another dollar off, but although I am old, I am not sixty yet! We went to see a fast-paced action film on Wednesday night called "Unstoppable". My son Ben made fun of it because although it was based on a true incident, the only true thing was that it was about a unoccupied train that was stopped after one hour. No one was hurt, no one died....and it was not carrying explosive materials! However, as I mentioned to Ben. a show doesn't have to be true to be enjoyable, and it was that....on-your-seat suspense with entirely believable characters and a heart warming conclusion. And,...can any show be bad with Denzel Washington starring in it? So....there we were, packed into that small theater with lots of other folks who wanted nothing more than greasy buttered popcorn and a little caffeine, sugar and an opportunity to just get out.... As we stood in line for our fattening and totally unneeded snacks, I took the time to observe the other patrons closely. I love to people-watch...and for ten minutes, I got to listen in on other people's conversations and make judgments. Not bad ones, mind you, just contemplative musings about what they were thnking and doing. One middle aged couple were snuggling there in line, and I was curious because Jerry and I almost never do that. He was a bit stout, and she was even more so....probably leaning more to " looking drab and mousy" if I can state that without sounding cruel. They hugged and whispered as we moved through the winding line. He leaned forward and gently kissed her cheek, saying affectionately, "you"re sure cute!" I was enthralled, thinking, "hmm!...wondering if they were dating...second marriage of just a fewmonths....or imagine this, perhaps they were totally in love and enjoyed showing it! She smiled, and for a minute her face lit up and she was almost pretty! And....it didn't matter that to most people, she was an ordinary, middle aged, overweight woman with a messy ponytail. To the guy who held her in a tight embrace, she was the love of his life. I was mesmerized, and looked around to spy on others. A group of girls were just ahead of us, giggling constantly as they regaled the events of the day. Two of them were mid--teens, and were accompanied by two littler girls, who gazed adoringly at the more mature girls. The older girls simpered and primped, and talked confidently about people and school. The little girls seemed delighted to be in their company, and when they could sneak in a sentence of their own, the older girls would stop and listen attentively. I hoped they were going to see an appropriate show, and that the older girls would continue to be the good role models they seemed to be providing for their younger counterparts.
I then listened as a elderly gentlement playfully punched a young boy, saying "You're alright, Weasel!.." watching as the young boy broke into a delighted smile. I'm thinking that this was a Grandfather and his much beloved grandson enjoying time well spent because any time spent with family and friends is what gets us past the dreary days of winter, and sometimes the dreary days of life. I was happy to be in the company of my family who loves me, and I was so heartened to see people who felt the same way....! Somehow, the winter days and nights will pass more easily with a movie and a dinner, and a party or gathering here and there.... and Spring will come soon enough.
