We stood in line for what seemed like an eternity at the new art store in Aix. The cashier seemed to be struggling with the register. The customer seemed to be struggling with her choices. And we struggled simply with time. I’m sure there were eye rolls and heavy sighs, myself included. When the eternity finally ended, as eternities so often do, I placed my few brushes on the counter. She rang me up, and offered a free pencil and eraser with my purchase. A new eternity began – this one of joy – because of my true love for pencils and erasers!

We are reminded constantly of how little it actually takes. Tiny little gestures. A smile. A wave. A word of kindness. The emotional equivalent of a free gift with purchase. 

Clutching my tiny bag, and all my teeth showing, I exited the store. The “annoying” woman who had been in front of us was now struggling down the street with her bag. She was older and weighed less than her purchase. Still in full grin, I asked her if I could carry her bag. She joyfully agreed and we talked about art the remainder of the block. She was actually quite lovely. Again, it takes so little to be saved. And it wasn’t like you may think, she was saving me. 

Between portrait and sketchbook, I pick up my free gifts, and the grin remains. I gather in my eternity.