No, not me! I was out for a wintery walk this evening - needed to clear my over crowded head. On the the last flat stretch home, I found myself walking behind a skinny, bandy-legged creature in leggings and what looked like leg warmers round her ankles. I could see she was female and probably over 55. But I wasn't sure of her mental state. Quite sensibly she was walking with poles but she wasn't using them in the usual alternating, one-fore, one-back rythme we see with nordic-walkers. Rather more simultaneously back and forth like rowing oars. "OKaaaay", I thought to myself. Here looks like someone with a bit of a child-like enthusiasm for non-conformity! Then she started to behave in a distinctly eccentric way: she hopped three or four times, lifting her right leg at the knee like a lopsided majorette. A few seconds later, her left leg shot out at a right angle from her hip. These gymnastic-style movements continued in a jerky, unco-ordinated way for about 30-40 seconds. "A lady who lives in her own world", I continued to think to myself with an indulgent smile inside. Good for her that she doesn't care what people think. Lovely old dear...
As I neared her and prepared to overtake, she glanced round. Her look of suprised "I didn't think there was a stranger behind me", made me realise my assumptions had been quite incorrect. Well, nearly. She had a slight, but distinct French accent when she spoke (in German) "I was showing my husband that I was doing my exercises!" "Ahhhhh" I thought to myself, "A French woman. That explains it! She has that wonderful Gallic aplomb which allows her to behave in an eccentric way." Me and my prejudices. But I did congratulate her on her athleticism and that I found it great that she was making the effort. Then I continued on my way with the sound of her husband's chuckles behind me.
The funny thing was, I felt the desire to immitate her. My legs were itching to stretch and move and hop and jump. Naturally, being a reserverd British woman, I contained the urge and consoled myself that at least there are some women out there capable of letting the child inside come out spontaneously. Even if it was only meant to be for the amusement of her husband.
So there you are; just wanted to share that with you....
Hope you feel able to let the child in you pop out every now and then. Maybe there'll be a stranger nearby to witness your antics and then share the experience with a wider population?!?!
