pocket collectibles

One thing that kills me is the things that people have on their person at any given moment. when I leave the house I love to see what crazy things I just might have grabbed, or when I am coming home what I have collected from various stores, friends, and the backseat of my car. For instance this morning I glance in my bag and realize I have e.e. cummings's collected poetry, a journal, a razor, tampons, a children's book, $430 in cash and a cup of coffee. Never more ready to face the already half-gone day. Then I thought back to last night's armful: work clothes, an apron, wine opener, cigarettes, shoes, a half-finished crossword, lots of ones and a rack of beads with a picture of a hula-girl painted on them that I got to take home from the ladies room of the restaurant. Go figure. I always have to wonder what other people have got tucked away in their purses and pockets. chapstick? socks? what cds? books? drugs? toiletries? I'll bet it would be a fabulous way to get to know people without having to talk to them. Just start opening up their carrying cases and the fun is yours.

[september 1 2004]