Tilt a world
We noticed her as the waitress moved away to get our appetizers: Very Audrey Hepburn-ish.
Casually draped on the chair like an artist’s model at the patio’s sunny edge.
Striking in silky black.
Eyes evaluating each person strolling along the pier.
Calm. Cool. And collected. Obviously waiting. It was Valentines.
She glanced our way, then model-walked over to our table.
To chat.
To pass the time.
“Do you come here often?” we inquired.
“Oh, yes, I’m a regular. BOI (born on island). The staff knows me quite well.”
Which was confirmed by the waitress’ “Oh, I see you’ve meet Olympia,” and a smile at the young miss.
That afternoon on the patio was as warm and luxurious as the finest cashmere.
The three of us like lizards relaxing in the sun.
Watching the shrimp boats waltz back and forth across the channel as the sea gull swooped around them.
Olympia was enchanting – despite the differences between us.
So witty. So charming. So polite.
Had to be coaxed into sharing a bite or two of this and that. “Only a nibble, thank you. Used to late diners.”
“Your party must have been held up,” we worried as the shadows moved across.
“Oh, just on island time. But this has been very pleasant. Thank you for your kindness and company.”
And with that she strolled stylishly to the next table – it looked like they had an excess of shrimp.
Oh, hope you’ve got your red on (Tell me it’s a coincidence with Valentines Day happening when it did this year.)
It’s Chinese New Year (February’s new moon: Feb.15th-16th) depending on where you are.
Tradition says the color “red” wards off evil spirits and bad fortune, so many choose to wear red underwear everyday – or at least on Chinese New Year. And it’s supposed to be bought by someone other than yourself – so you see the Valentines connection. Hey, it may be on sale now, too.
If you’re not going for the red, at least make sure all your shoes are placed pointing the same direction in your closet…to make sure you go in a straight line towards success this year without getting distracted or sidetracked.
I know, you’re reeling.
Life’s a tilt-a-whirl.
Phil, the Philosopher Mouse of the Hedge.
Related posts about Galveston
- “Simply a damp slipcover” (Visit in the fog warps time. The tall ship Elissa docked by the Strand near the Pier 21 always looks like a fine lady.)
- “A haunting. Ending in waves.” (Beach time and a little sight-seeing)
- “Promises made. Ugly demands” (The Strand and Galveston Island rebuilds after 2008 Hurricane Ike)
- “A Lady Defiant” (A Grand Dame of the South survives. Links for news article with pictures of the Hendley building with is over 150 yrs old and one of the oldest surviving commercial buildings in Galveston)
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26 Comments
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So many holidays colliding this week. Hard to give each one their due but we do our best to celebrate!
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Well, if you’re going to have a party – have a massive one. HAHA
(Guess red wine is called for instead of white? White with fish, but red’s lucky?)
Thanks for adding some cheer to this comment table
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Just finishing up Mardi Gras. I have donuts to eat, ashes to get and wonton soup. Running just a little late. Oh yes, president’s day too. Cherry pie!
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It’s holiday food buffet! (How convenient/thoughtful that the pie will feature “red” – any of this week’s leftovers will still work! YEA!)
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completely by accident, stumbling along a virtual path… I found this post and read it… and it made sense to me. thanks so much for the pleasure…
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Appreciate your kind visit and kind words. Thanks for wandering this way
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This has been a doozy of a week for holiday celebrations. I rather like it, makes me appreciate the human need to party on.
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I think you are right. Had a professor one time that said humans needed festival/holidays – especially ones with masks – to get out all the unacceptable at other times behavior and without that, society could never be orderly, polite, and civilized on the other days. So are we having too many or not enough parties, I wonder.Thanks for tossing a jewel of a comment this way
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Delightful post! Our son was here for Valentine’s Day, and we’re expecting a niece and a grandson today.
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I saw you on the porch! (Just can’t comment with those tiny phone buttons). A crowd continues the fun. Have a great weekend and thanks for nibbling here!
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Sounds like it was a lovely day.
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Much better watching seagulls and waters with cats than screens these days. Hope the writing’s/publishing’s going well – March is coming!
Thanks for breezing by to chat
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WP still won’t let me “like” your blog posts, but your last one about the marketing book is really valuable to authors and aspiring authors. Timing with the right type of promo piece seems to be key. Learning “lead times” and purchasing cycles is a big help and worth keeping track of. Get your title in Library Journal and watch library sales zoom. March is coming – everyone get ready for Carrie’s new book!
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I submitted to Library Journal, but I doubt they’ll bite. I don’t think many small press books get reviewed. But it’s worth a shot.
It’s weird that you can’t like my posts. Have you tried doing it through your WordPress Reader? Maybe it will allow you to click it through that.
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If I see your blog in Reader, I can often click “like” there in the Reader blurb – but not if I go directly to a post and try there. Sigh.
Check who is writing reviews in LJ and other library sources….as you say there are so many books, but get yours in front of the right person – worth a contact/marketing piece and ask “if I send you a copy?”
Any chance a librarian friend could write and submit a review?
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Good ideas, thanks. I’ll see how it goes. I sent off a couple paperbacks a while ago.
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BOI ! I read a book a few weeks back might have nee Grisham could have been GIminez,
it was set in Galveston and it revolved around BOI’s and non BOI’s, It’s some form of snobbery is it not?
I think I’d find it amusing if I ever get to Galveston, 😀
Te first and last photos; were they taken by somebody who had a tipple or two too many? 😈 😛 🐻
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In some places BOI actually is desirable and necessary for social position. Galveston there days? Not so much so – I do know some, and it counts when trying to get into certain Mardi Gras Krewes.Times change; hurricanes arrive. Galveston is something of a sleeping Grande Dame who could be what she was once, but it would take effort and motivation. For years the old saying was “Galveston will never return to glory because those who have the money and control things like it the way it is and don’t want anyone else challenging them. That does poke it’s head dup once in a while, but “newcomers” with big businesses are wedging in and making progress.There’s also the first medical school in TX on the island and a huge old medical complex (not to mention the top level dangerous bio lab)
Now back when Galveston was “The Wall Street of the South” and the Moody family other old money families owned most of the business and property, BOI was a badge.
Happily some of the Strand still had some decorations up – wish I could have gotten the street arches, too – but narrow street, horses and carriage, tourists and cruise passengers milling around the busy traffic means quickly taking pictures out of the moving car. With a drive ahead of us, actual toasts to Valentines had to be delayed until returning home…and after walking the dog….first things first HAHA
Thanks for sailing in with a comment
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Sort of snobbery,like the English nobility, and will probably always be with us no matter what other changes take place
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A fascinating insight into an area of know basically nothing about. All I know is the song by Glen Campbell, a favourite one of my parents, many moons ago!
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That song – the haunting notes will probably live for ever. Thanks for stopping by and leaving a smile!
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Love this encounter! She’s a lovely one. And s sociable!
Ahhh…shoes! Very interesting. I have two pairs of shoes. They hang when not in use. Toes pointed upward. Not sure how good or bad that is but it keeps Princesses from climbing into them.
💐😀💐
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Fun twist, Phil. At first I thought cat and then changed my mind to stylish young lady. You caught me! –Curt
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If that shoe thing is correct, I’m in a world of hurt! On the other hand, it explains a lot …
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Shoes pointed in the same direction. Check. Ready for success…without distractions! As for that “red” suggestion for good fortune, I may have to work on that a bit…have clothing with red as a trim but nothing really where red is the primary color. Valentine’s Day is in the rear view mirror so indeed perhaps a sale on all things red is underway…even for the underwear.
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Dumped for a plate of shrimp? 🙂
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