The air is still chilly, though we have more sun and the temperatures are getting better. Those of us still train in hand to hand combat attended our training sessions. Although this week something interesting and unexpected happened. I overheard two of the younger martial artists talking. This first girl, a pretty blonde with a confident air about her, is a black belt. She gained the rank recently and, as one of her fellow martial artists, I am proud of her for this achievement. The other girl is a quiet brunette who is still working her way to a black belt.
The girls were discussing the requirements for a black belt and the blonde was encouraging the brunette that she would get there. In doing this, she related the story of her first class. As she fondly talked about that first experience, she mentioned that she distinctly remembered me as being her first teacher. The comment struck me as interesting because I often taught the white belts. I was not a black belt then and limited to teaching basic blocks and stances. I never taught the entire class at once. But she remembered me as her first martial arts instructor.
A few days after this interesting revelation, Tim, the halfling, and I returned to the village in search of my spectacles. We found the new shop, and Siobhan, the shopkeeper, greeted us enthusiastically. She remembered us from a previous trip last year when we upgraded Tim’s glasses. And to be honest, it surprised me. I’m not used to shopkeepers remembering our little party.
The new shop is bright, with a small area devoted to keeping halflings entertained. Popular images with oversized eyes, brightly colored seating, and a display of antique eyewear give the shop a fun atmosphere. The best part is there is so much more room now for spectacles. Siobhan displays them on shelves, in drawers, and on noses that hang from columns. (This might be my favorite way to view them.)
The halfling entertained himself in the halfling area, while Tim scoured for frames that he thought I might like. There is so much to see and so many styles. Everything from vintage to mod, metal to plastic. Any color you want and Siobhan has something. Once we completed our mission, we took a brisk walk through the village. It was hosting an ice sculptor who had made a sculpture for most of the stores. More interesting than his sculptures, was watching the father and son team work.
We grabbed lunch at an eatery across the street and returned to our base camp. The day was enjoyable and I’m excited about debuting my new spectacles once they arrive.