The Art of Conversation
How do people talk to each other, and do nothing else?
I've always thought of myself as a multi-tasker, but perhaps I'm just not that into people. Don't get me wrong: I love spending time with my friends and talking about the myriad things that pop into our heads. It's just that after an hour or so, even if we're having a meal, I start to look for something to do with my hands.
Socialising with friends isn't the time I can take out my laptop and start writing. That would mean I'd ignore them completely. Sometimes I take my knitting with me and do that, but it's a bit big, with long, pointy needles, so carrying it around is a bit problematic. I could draw. That activity doesn't require a lot of resources and I can still be part of the conversation.
The only problem was, I didn't have anything to draw on or with, except a ball-point pen.
Friday night was the night I went to dinner with others in one of my writing critique groups. We do it every Christmas--something special we wouldn't normally do. This year we went to The Brasserie at the Stamford and enjoyed their seafood buffet. We also exchange gifts. Imagine my pleasure when I opened my package to find a small desk-top easel and a pack of charcoal pencils.
Naturally, I had to test them out. I have no idea how to choose a subject to draw, so I just draw what's in front of me. I gave the original to the subject, but at least had the presence of mind to take a photo.
My friends were surprised I could draw. I'm not very good at it but I probably could be if I practised. It's fun. It keeps my hands busy so I can continue to be part of the conversation without wanting to go and do something else. And, it adds another topic of conversation to the mix.
I've always thought of myself as a multi-tasker, but perhaps I'm just not that into people. Don't get me wrong: I love spending time with my friends and talking about the myriad things that pop into our heads. It's just that after an hour or so, even if we're having a meal, I start to look for something to do with my hands.
Socialising with friends isn't the time I can take out my laptop and start writing. That would mean I'd ignore them completely. Sometimes I take my knitting with me and do that, but it's a bit big, with long, pointy needles, so carrying it around is a bit problematic. I could draw. That activity doesn't require a lot of resources and I can still be part of the conversation.
The only problem was, I didn't have anything to draw on or with, except a ball-point pen.
Friday night was the night I went to dinner with others in one of my writing critique groups. We do it every Christmas--something special we wouldn't normally do. This year we went to The Brasserie at the Stamford and enjoyed their seafood buffet. We also exchange gifts. Imagine my pleasure when I opened my package to find a small desk-top easel and a pack of charcoal pencils.
Naturally, I had to test them out. I have no idea how to choose a subject to draw, so I just draw what's in front of me. I gave the original to the subject, but at least had the presence of mind to take a photo.
My friends were surprised I could draw. I'm not very good at it but I probably could be if I practised. It's fun. It keeps my hands busy so I can continue to be part of the conversation without wanting to go and do something else. And, it adds another topic of conversation to the mix.
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