Queen of the Thrift Store. I've seen her.

In the last week or so I’ve been to Goodwill and left with no fabulous deals to be found.

However, the people watching has been much more successful.

One day I’m there minding my own business when I spot  this gal. Try to picture it: 

A gal in her mid thirties. Brunette hair, swept up in an up-do.

 Topped off with a tiara.

Yes, a tiara. And dangly pearl bobble earrings.  She was wearing a short dress, no nylons and pumps.  Being as it was 20 degrees that day the no nylons struck me just as odd as the tiara.

Because I am me and I couldn’t help myself I say “Well don’t you look lovely today.” 

Upon which she smiles but says nothing.  I was expecting ; “Oh I was in a pageant this morning.”

But no such explanation. Clearly it was perfectly natural to be wearing a tiara at the thrift store.

 Her cart was absolutely full of the weirdest crap, like to the top. 

 But then of course that would only be natural. 

Bruce Springsteen’s  “Queen of the Super Market” rambled it’s way around my mind.  

‘I’m in love with the queen….’

Also, last week here in the Twin Cities, it was absolutely freezing. -25 wind chills.  Not fun.

I work in the Big City, so to avoid traffic I take the bus to and from work.  The bus is full of business people making their commute to work so it’s super safe and totally bland most days.

 I get a ton of reading done. 

Last week when it was -5,  I was  happy to be snug as a bug in my seat, not  waiting outside.

I look over  and the gal next to me is chowing down on corn nuts.  I immediately think:  “yum, salty.”

Then I think “Gross, lady. Eating on the bus totally gags me. Germs lady, germs.” 

But then I think:  “Corn nuts are my family’s road trip snack, I need a road trip.”  

A little while later I smell banana.

I look over and sure enough, she’s eating a banana.

 And I think: “Hmmm, banana and corn nut. Odd combination.”  I wonder what she did with the peal.

 As I wonder this, she takes a swig of her Diet Mountain Dew.   I further ponder her strange meal and choice of dining locale and wonder how busy has this woman been today that this is the most opportune time to eat? 

At this point I realize all she needs is a tiara.