One is nature's masterpiece, created through eons of time using processes of decay, permineralization, uplift, and exposure (someone help me, I have no idea what I'm talking about). The other was created in about three seconds flat, when I opened its contents and rubbed them all over my face.
..............
I suppose now is as good a time as any to tell you about the little old lady I saw at the grocery store today. I noticed her as I was pulling into a parking spot and thought, "That is exactly how I want to look forty years from now."
Too bad for me she was delicate and petite. I will aspire to be the super-sized version of her charm.
Anyway, her hair was pure white and cut in a short A-line bob. She wore black capris, little black ballet flats, and a comfortable yet stylish cropped black jacket. She was carrying a fabulous gold lamé bag, and I know the fact I said gold lamé may taint your vision of her appeal, but I'm telling you, it was a fabulous bag. A no-frills, oversized, gold lamé bag. Perfection. And she wore black sunglasses.
Later on, as I wandered through the produce section in my usual daze, I suddenly realized I was in a bit of a traffic jam with this utterly charming creature. She was perusing the asparagus. I needed asparagus.
You can't tell me that was coincidence.
What was I to do? Should I express to her my admiration? Should I inform her of my esteem? Whyever not? What is life if we pass by one another like amoebas in a swamp--lowly, unevolved, failing to recognize the natural selection that yields such a truly magnificent specimen?
But then we made eye contact and I noted she was still wearing her sunglasses, a very classic Ray-ban style, and that the lenses were tinted blue. Pale, dreamy, ultra-violet blue.
Oh, unfathomably cool old lady. You had to take it to that level. You had to tongue tie me with such awe that I could only stare as you gracefully navigated your cart around me and my jeans and grey t-shirt.
And yet still you bestowed upon me a smile. Still you gave me a look that said, "Take heart, dearie. One day you may pull it together, yet."