Whatever happened to just sittin' a spell?

By Jorjeana Gross

I can't remember the last time I took an hour to just go to a friend's house and sit a spell. Has life gotten that busy or am I just too caught up in my own life to share a few minutes with friends and family?

Evenings as a child were often spent with our friends and family gathered in someone's kitchen or on a porch or under a shade tree, just spinning tales and finishing the long day with good company. I really believe that we are failing our children by not supplying them with such examples. How are they to know the benefits of relaxing and just taking time to get to know the folks around us?

I am of the inclination that the old timers had the right idea when there were benches and rocking chairs on the porch in front (or even just inside) of the local grocery store. You remember the Norman Rockwell paintings and the scenes from TV shows like Green Acres and Andy Griffith? I do. And even though they used to seem hokey to me, I think they had the right approach.

Why, I can hardly run (and I mean run) into our small town IGA without meeting at least one friendly acquaintance. More times than not, I end up standing in the aisle with my purse on one arm and balancing a half-gallon of milk, a dozen eggs and a stalk of celery in the other, while blocking other patrons who, judging from the looks of frustration on their faces and the low mumbling on their lips as they dodge around us, are obviously in a bigger hurry than I.

As I stand there dancing from one foot to the other, I often think that a sit-n-chat is much better than a stand-n-chat. There are few real pleasures in life and if there was ever a time in which folks should enjoy a good fellow's company, it is today.

There is a pharmacy in our community which has taken just this initiative. The owners remembered that life is more than running in and out. They sporadically placed big armed rockers on their wrap-around porch, as well as whittling benches in and outside the store. I haven't seen anyone whittling as of yet, but it sure looks quite inviting. There are old-timey soda coolers and stick candy on the counter. Antique curiosities dot the scenery: an old washing machine, old pharmacy bottles and an antique child's wagon, to name a few, all adding to the ambiance. And the service is just as darling as the backdrop. After just twice picking up prescriptions, they knew me by name. My orders are ready before I can turn around and always accurate. I have quick, courteous service, but feel welcome enough to stay and chat or look around. What a way to do business!

Now, I realize that I am just a country girl with simple thoughts and plain ideas, but I believe even city folk might even stand to gain from this type of stopover. Slow down and smell the coffee brewin' (at the Starbucks in the deli section), if you know what I mean. What's a few extra minutes gonna mean in the scheme of things? Come on. Unless we're late for a wedding or just gotta make the bus stop, a few minutes to check in on our fellow man can only improve our attitude, right?

You never know when a smile or a friendly word might make someone's day. It often has mine.

Jorejeana Gross
Blain, Tennessee
http://www.artsnicandoldlace.com/