Soaring Solo 2010

[Gardener]

Dinner with long-time best bud last night. Great time. At one point, I went out to my truck to get something. When I came back, saw an attractive woman (late 30s) outside, looking upset, cigarette in mouth, frantically fumbling through her purse, seemingly holding back tears.

I offered her a light. "Thank you," says she. "You're welcome."

And then, completely, inexplicably, 180ing out of my "under the radar" comfort zone, I found myself introducing myself. She did the same.

I then said, "Some might find this offensive and if you do, I apologize. But may I say that you are one very pretty woman." "Why, thank you! How nice of you."

Regarding obvious tears, I said, "I hope your night gets better." She said, "It just did. Thank you."

That was it. She felt better. I felt good. I had stepped outside that "zone." Wasn't looking for a pick-up or anything.

And then I went back inside to my friend after a most uncharacteristic, non-Gardener initiated exchange.