KYRA DAVIS: It's The Little Things

The other day I was at a Starbucks ordering their new Green Tea Lemonade when I noted that the man who had just ordered before me was staring at me. Whenever this happens I usually avoid making eye contact while at the same time observing the offending party to make sure they’re not crazed, armed or Brad Pitt (if they’re Brad Pitt I make eye contact but so far that’s never been the case). The man was probably in his forties, approximately a few inches taller than me and maybe 60 or so pounds heavier. He also had the look of someone who was a bit on the downtrodden side. He didn’t appear to be dangerous so I ignored him. When I went to the ‘drink pick-up’ spot he addressed me in Spanish which is a mistake because the only words I know in Spanish are “Hola and no hablo español.” Nonetheless I’m used to being mistaken as a Latina so I took his greeting in stride. When he realized that I was a gringa he apologized in broken English. He said that he was sorry for being so rude but he wanted to tell me that he thought I was beautiful. There was something about the way he said it that implied he wasn’t trying to pick me up. He was just paying me a compliment. I could have been cold or haughty about the whole thing but instead I smiled and thanked him. He got his drink and went to a table by the window and I got my tea and headed straight for the door. I was parked right out front and I could see him sitting at the bar, hunched over, looking kind of depressed. When he looked up I opened the door to my car, flashed him my brightest smile and held up my plastic cup as if to toast him. He got this kind of startled expression on his face and then his posture straightened and he just lit up. At that point I got in my car and drove off.

The Starbucks I was at is out of town and it’s doubtful I’ll ever go there again and even more doubtful that I’ll see that man again but I’m glad I met him. I wasn’t attracted to him but he did make me feel good about myself and I think I was able to do the same for him. The whole incident reminded me of how easy it is to brighten a person’s day.

Just thought I’d share.

Kyra Davis
www.kyradavis.com
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7 comments :

kyradavisTuesday, August 16, 2005 at 1:34:00 PM PDT
A gringo is someone who isn't Spanish or Latin American (particularly an American or Englishman). Don't feel bad about not knowing; I misspelled hola on the post (just corrected that). What can you expect, I can't spell most of the words in my own language so I'm sure as hell not going to be able to spell the words in a language I don't speak (although as a Californian I should know better).

As for the weak White Chocolate Mocha--that's practically a crime against humanity. It's been my experience that the drinks in Starbucks are dependant on the length of service of the barista making them. If you have reason to believe that the barista is in training or has only been working a month or so you should order an extra shot just to play it safe.

Thank you so much for reserving my book!!!! I hope you enjoy reading it at least half as much as I enjoyed writing it!
~^^~L*C~^^~Tuesday, August 16, 2005 at 2:14:00 PM PDT
That green tea lemonade sure sounds tempting. That was something good to share; I could tell by the title that it was going to be interesting. Yes, it's amazing how someone, even a complete stranger, can impact our lives. I have a friend who does that, reminds me of my inner beauty and my bright smile....ahhhh! (sighs)
~^^~L*C~^^~Tuesday, August 16, 2005 at 2:19:00 PM PDT
In Texas, a "gringo" refers to a white man. Just a pointer on Spanish; the o at the end refers to a male and the a refers to a female. So you might want to call yourself a "gringa." It can also refer to anyone who doesn't speak Spanish, but I most frequently here it used in the front context.
kyradavisTuesday, August 16, 2005 at 3:38:00 PM PDT
Elsie--I stand corrected once again. I have switched gringo to gringa. See alwaysaspring, now you really don't need to feel bad. On the other hand Californians tend to be slow too...check out our school test scores.

I'm glad you have friend who reminds you of all you're wonderful attributes Elsie. We all need friends like that.
kyradavisTuesday, August 16, 2005 at 10:06:00 PM PDT
Sandalistawatcher--Perhaps it’s the same man who (now emboldened) is touring all the Starbucks of California looking for attractive women to compliment!

Probably not, but you gotta admit, it’s a cute idea.
kyradavisWednesday, August 17, 2005 at 11:19:00 AM PDT
I wish I could say that I just made the names up but alas that's not the case. I used to know a Russian named Anatoly. I always thought it was a great name and I'm thrilled that I've been able to use it. As for Donato, I pulled that one out of a baby names book. I did make up many of my character's last names, but that's not all that hard. If you put a 'ski' or “sky” at the end of a last name it can pass as Russian and if you put a "di" at the end it'll pass as Italian. That may not be all that culturally sensitive of me but hey, it works.

Glad you're enjoying the book so far!
ShoeGirl CornerTuesday, August 30, 2005 at 3:36:00 PM PDT
Hey Kyra! Too cute! I think that was very sweet of you to toast the man and I bet you made his day. Being Latina, something nice I've noticed about most Latin men is that they believe in complimenting a woman and telling her she's beautiful.