Panos on the Langemunt and Izy Coffee on the Langemunt are two of my favourite places.  I know many staff members at each one.  I can be myself in their presence.

This morning I said the same thing in both restaurants …

I was up most of the night, working on a problem in mathematics.  It’s tough.  I need help.  I hope you’re good in math.

(Response: I’m not!)

Let’s give it a try anyway …  What’s 1 + 1?

(Staring faces)

I often wonder what people think when I say silly things.  Here are some guesses:

Huh?

What’s wrong with this guy?

Is he stupid?

Is he messing with my brain? 

As for the last question, the answer is “Yes!”

I’m so willing to be considered strange, mentally unbalanced, even a touch of dangerous.  I’m not any of those things.  But I secretly hope that my words will be a jolt, an gateway for the other person into a new realm.  And I secretly hope that they get it … and smile.

For so many years I’ve loved the word “silly”.  And for so many more years, I will continue the love … and the speaking.