Shop

There's an old man who sits outside his shop opposite the ArtSpace every day. He's there when I arrive. He's there when I go.

So far I've bought water, mosquito coils and a cigarette lighter from him. And exchanged a few pleasantries.

Not a lot of people pass by. It's a quiet-ish street. So I guess he doesn't sell much.

But he's there, every day, sitting outside his shop. Usually on his own. Sometimes with his mates. Never busy. And most of the time, smiling.

After a month at the Space, I'm already looking ahead to what's next. Where else I could do something similar. Who else I could link in with.

And yet the big lesson for now is simply to turn up. And be at the Space. Monday to Friday. Whether it's on my own or with mates. Whether things-get-done. Or not.

I like that bloke. He's teaching me a lot. I'm not that good at stillness. Or turning up at the same place. Every day.

So here's hoping for some of his poise. And a peace to keep turning up. And to do it, most of the time, smiling.