Paying Attention

Yogi Berra, so weirdly wise, once quipped: "You can observe a lot just by watching."

I'm trying hard these days to observe a lot, or pay attention. Suffice it to say, this has not always been my forte. But I am glad to be slowing it down and taking a look around.

I saw the first goldfinch of the season yesterday, busily flitting from branch to branch in brilliant yellow regalia.

I took my time really tasting the dinner I made tonight...really paying attention to the texture and flavors, understanding how certain techniques used while cooking contributed to my enjoyment of it.

I didn't get annoyed when Arnold's vet appointment was nearly 45 minutes late. I observed that the elderly man next to me had a pet-pal with a grave emergency. I tried to give him whatever consolation you can get from a stranger in the waiting room.

We are all in it together. So what if we're late? So what if something goes on hold until to tomorrow? So what if you don't take the call right away? So what?
In our quest for high speed living in the age of technology we have tuned everything out with our cell phones and i-pods, including how the drek (Yiddish for excrement) that we pulled out of a cardboard box and "nuked" is a poor substitute for a wholesome dinner with family or friends.

I want to see goldfinches. I want to go slow at the table to decide if I like more or less of a seared crust on a scallop. I want to not be the undignified person in the waiting room throwing a fit because "my-appointment-was-45-minutes-ago-and-I'm-on-a-schedule-here" while the old man next to me is losing his best canine friend.

I hope I don't lose this perspective if I have a series of rushed and stressful days further down the road. I hope I can keep observing a lot, just by watching. And I hope that the work I do in others' kitchens allows them to slow life down by a notch, so they can watch, observe, and with any luck, enjoy.