I did something a few days ago that I’ve hesitated to tell you.  It smacks of “Look at me.  See how spontaneous I am!”  And I don’t want that to be me.

Still … it was awfully fun what I did.  So why suppress the telling?  Is there ego involved?  Yep.  Is there joy involved?  Yep.

So just say it!

As I leave my apartment each morning, roaming towards breakfast, I usually say hi to folks I know who work at various businesses.  My first stop is the Soup Lounge.  I know Glenn and Maxim.

Typically I show up around 9:00 am, an hour before they open.  Their door is ajar as they prepare for the day.

This particular morning I slept in.  So I approached the land of soup around 10:00.

I walked into the restaurant.  On the right, there stood Glenn behind the counter.  Straight ahead and to the left there stood empty tables and chairs.

I stepped forward and took in the audience …

Welcome to the Soup Lounge.  I appreciate you taking the time to include us in your day.

You’ve entered a hallowed hall, where the nourishment spans far beyond soup and a bun and an apple.  I hope you feel the energy that’s here and the opportunity to connect with the folks at the next table.

Any questions so far?  (A few hands up)

Yes, you in the back.

“Are you from their head office?  Why are you talking to us?”

No, I’m not an employee or manager of the Soup Lounge.  I’m a long time customer who knows a good thing when he sees it, and wants others to know.

Another hand, right in front of me …

“Why should I eat here, rather than at the other soup place down the street?”

Well, the other place doesn’t have … Glenn (gesturing to the counter).  Look at that face.  Look at his welcome.

A severe looking fellow in suit and tie …

“Are you usually mentally unbalanced or is this a momentary condition?”

Sadly (or happily) it’s chronic.  And I don’t mind at all.

Etcetera

I glanced to the right.  Glenn is busting a gut laughing.  A little further to the right, in my peripheral vision, something was moving.  Someone.  Someones.

I stretched my neck towards the entrance.  There stood seven or eight customers, beholding my speech.  Two women smiled at me.  The rest stared.

Yes, Bruce, it’s 10:00 am, not 9:00

The Soup Lounge is open to the world

And the world is curious