The Watcher

I have always loved looking at people.

Not in a, “I’m separate from you and want to peer into your world” sort of way, but just as a matter of fascination. I have always been intrigued.

I may see someone standing a certain way, wearing a certain type of clothing, walking in some learned or unnatural way, or just smiling in one of a thousand different ways; and my mind plays games with the uniqueness.

How did this person get here? What has life taught them? What does this body language say to me?

As much as I love being by myself; give me a vantage spot with plenty of people to watch, and I can be entertained for days.

There was a song, by Simon and Garfunkel, entitled “America” that I loved in the late 60’s and much of the 70’s. There was a part in the song which went like this:

“Laughing on the bus
Playing games with the faces
She said the man in the gabardine suit was a spy.
I said "Be careful his bowtie is really a camera"

I can totally relate to this game, although I have never played with another person.

I was just reading a book by Elizabeth Berg, entitled “Escaping into the Open”. In this book, Elizabeth encourages writers, and would-be writers, to express what is in their hearts.

She points out that writers tend to be individuals who look at things and people in greater depth than the average person. They typically notice details that escape the casual observer.

Suddenly I do not feel so quirky. Now I can come out of hiding about my watchful eye.

That is really what this “ET’s Reflections” is all about. It allows me to share my inner observations.

I thank each of you for granting me this forum.

One of my favorite movies, of all times, is “Being There” starring Peter Sellers. I own a copy on VHS and watch it at least once a year.

There is one line in this classic, “I like to watch, Eve” which has always spoken to me.

I, too, like to watch. Not as a replacement for being engaged, but as food for thought, or entertainment, or merely reflection on who “we” are and why we are here.

What a wonderful world we have to embrace and enjoy.

Thanks for being a part of mine!