The “Slow Lane”

By Jocelyn Johnson

As outings in public go, some of us travel in the “fast lane” and some of us travel in the “slow lane”. I definitely do the slow lane, and I am sure you can guess many of those who are in the fast lane. Neither lane is right or wrong, it is the individual’s preference or maybe their opportunity to travel.

I personally would like some fast lane time, but up until now, I have strictly been a slow lane gal.

I will relate three of my recent slow lane outings. Opportunities to get out have become more frequent since the pandemic is getting somewhat under control, and the home situation provides a few windows of time.

The first instance, in a long time, was a brief walk to a rural setting. I just needed to wear something simple and stroll around in female attire. It was great to carry a purse, wear makeup and feel girly.

The second time was to try a new summer denim shirt dress and my 3” Mary Jane block heels. I always wanted a longer skirt or dress to look casual but to also be showing some leg. That day I did the walk along main street with a stop at the post office and also the bank. I did my business and greeted passerby’s with a hello and a smile. I finished the outing with a short trip to the nearby mall.

Because of COVID I have been unable to get my hair cut since before Christmas. I try to keep the sides trimmed, but while wearing my brown wig the natural grey hair shows out the side. So I decided to go natural grey (no wig) for the third adventure. My hair styling was parted down the middle and bangs over the forehead.

I was to meet my friend Alison at a park by the bay and have a chat and walk. We had not seen each other face-to-face since September. I warned Alison that my look will have changed and also the shorter grey hair on the sides will allow me to wear earrings (something I had never done before).

I wore my denim dress and ballerina flats, while Alison wore jeans, a nice turtleneck top and a beautiful white jacket. We had a wonderful walk and talk by the water. We spent some time on a park bench talking and watching the chipmunks scurrying. An elderly gentleman (probably our age, lol) approached and asked if there was room on the bench for three! Being a normal sized park bench it would have been crowded and we were trying to stay COVID physically distance. We let the man have the bench and Alison and I continued our walk. I am saying that this was my first attempted pickup; I was flattered. Or maybe it was Alison where his interests lay.

I did not take a picture of Alison and me that day. With no wig I looked very similar to my male self. But Alison did tell me I was lucky to have such thick and luxuriant hair (God given).

It was wonderful being with a friend just walking and talking; and the many people we met along the way were happy to say hi.

Ah, the slow lane, not so bad.
Jocelyn