I read somewhere that the wonderful Irish writer Maeve Binchy carries a small notebook everywhere she goes, observes the behaviors of fellow travelers whether in cafes, pubs, gatherings or public transportation, and records these behaviors and exchanges. She will observe a conversation from across a crowded cafe and imagine the exchange that has caused frowns or smiles between a couple, their body language, how they carry their hands, and so forth.
So when my children asked me what I wanted for Mother's Day, I asked for such a little notebook. Imagine my delight when my children presented me with a moleskin-backed, banded, black book, the size of half a sandwich. I've been carrying it around for four weeks and, alas, have written nothing in it, not a letter.
Now, is this because I'm not very observant or because I'm usually gabbing away with friend or friends, oblivious to the exercise? And should I have not noticed the half dozen or so individuals sitting alone and around me, jotting materials in their little books about how I'm holding forth with friends, crunching and creasing my face or waving my hands about, living the lines being carefully recorded around me?
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maedwen
Posted on 6/13/2009
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JacketFlap tags: expressions, body language, frowns, maeve binchy, notebooks, behaviors, smiles, notebook, Add a tag