Monday, July 30, 2012

Serendipity at the Mall!

Join me on my writing journey each week as I post to the Tuesday Slice of Life sponsored by Stacy and Ruth from Two Writing Teachers
Last Tuesday, I bumped into a friend from school as I left my One to One session at the Apple store.  We promised to get in touch for a longer visit.  As I exited the store, I decided to wait for her since she was scheduled for a ten minute session at the Genius Bar.  I chose to sit on a round bench that encircled a tree.  After a quick text to tell her that I was waiting outside the store, I whipped out my computer to check emails and take care of some items from my "to do" list.  
Mesmerized by technology, I was oblivious to the real world around me.  
Until . . .
I heard a voice coming from the other side of the tree.  
Someone was reading aloud.  
Really?  In this public place?  
I blocked out the sound so that I could concentrate on my tasks at hand. 
It didn't take long for me to realize that this reader was reading for someone besides himself.  I closed my computer, pocketed my phone, and peeked around the tree to check out the reader and his audience.  It was a dad reading to his sons and daughter.  I continued eavesdropping -  listening to the dad's different voices for each character and the giggles of his children in response to the story.  My friend came out to tell me that she would be awhile longer and would call me later.  
I found myself lingering a bit longer, listening, and enjoying the story.  When I walked away, I knew that I wanted to share this accidental discovery as my slice of life story for this week.  
I courageously went back, introduced myself, and asked permission to take a photo with the promise that I would share the link for my slice of life story with the family.  
The book they were enjoying?  Henry Huggins by Beverly Cleary!   

12 comments:

  1. I love it! What a fun discovery! It reminds me of all the fun books you read aloud to us. Tonight Will read me a chapter from To Kill a Mockingbird aloud on FaceTime. Doesn't matter how old you are, being read aloud to is the best.

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  2. What a great treat! Love to see families enjoying time together...priceless!

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  3. I love serendipity! This was a real treat, thank you for sharing it with all of us.

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  4. Aw-w, what a lovely slice and memory. I also imagine that family loved what you did for them. Isn't it nice when something serendipitously happens like this, and Beverly Cleary too? Thank you for taking the time to share.

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  5. Apple as a place to learn, meet friends and take a good look around with phone and camera and look at what you can notice and share :)...Ahhh. I love my new Macbook Pro.
    Bonnie

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  6. This is such a special moment! -a true slice opportunity! I love that it was dAd doing the reading! Thanks for sharing this serendipitous occasion!
    Amy

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  7. Three cheers for this family! These kids will not be part of that summer slide when they return to school. What a fun discovery for you! Thanks for sharing this special moment.

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  8. What a wonderful memory to share! It is a reminder that there is nothing better than sharing a wonderful story.

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  9. This is awesome! My favorite part is that it was a classic he read to his kids... maybe even a personal favorite? Love it!

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  10. You have to just love this!!! A dad spending such quality time with this kids!!!

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  11. Taking time to notice. Taking time to be with your kids. Taking time to share the love of a good book. All worthy of a Slice of Life story.

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  12. Oh my goodness...that is such a wonderful thing to hear, music to my ears for sure. I'm wondering if they were there because of the heat or waiting patiently for someone in the Apple store. Really cute family. xo nanc

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