THE YELLOW SCARF

The alarm clock sounded. Getting out of bed produced a dread feeling. My stiff knee screamed as my feet hit the floor: “Stop it!"  Sister Conscience warned me, “Stand first; get your bearings!"  She is always right as rain.

Monday mornings do not have a good reputation in my book of best days.  Instead of the ‘sum of all fears,’ my mornings are labeled ‘the sum of all sore muscles.’ It is unbelievable what mankind will do for a paycheck. I’m no different, only I wine a bit more.  I have a morning rule that I adhere to religiously--no major decisions before the first cup of black coffee.  My coffee is very black; I make it myself.  There is a danger of self-medicating oneself, especially on a Monday.

This day, my rigid routine, fortunately, brought forth a significant change to my appearance, allowing me to be on my way out the door.  One last inspection in the mirror made Sister Conscience warn me again, "You’re going to work, not a funeral. Do something!" 

Scrounging through the scarf box in my closet, I spied the yellow scarf that matched a little stripe in my blouse design.  Roll it, twist it, tie a knot…done.  Upon arriving at work, the office receptionist immediately commented on how dressed I was with the yellow scarf.  My “Oh, thank you,”  sounded genuine as I continued to my office.

Noon arrived, so I headed out the lobby door and told the receptionist I was going out to lunch.  I arrived at the restaurant and was instantly greeted by the ever-friendly salesperson roaming the floor.  She commented, “You are all dressed in that yellow scarf.”   Again, I smiled and responded, “Oh, thank you so much.” She added, “You really do.” I smiled another thank you and headed to the dining area to be seated.  Another waitress smiled and said, “Follow me.”  She glanced back at me several times, then confessed, “I like that yellow scarf; it looks so nice with your blouse.  Again, I commented, “Oh, thank you so much.” 
  
I  knew what to order, so the waiter handed me the menu.  But I glanced through it in case I missed something on the daily special.  I had a strange feeling as he continued to observe me. I looked up to indicate that I missed what he said. 

“I’m sorry, he said,  I don’t mean to be rude, but may I tell you something?"

“Yes, of course,” I said, while my eyes quickly darted about and fully dilated with concern about his next few words.   

He began, “This weekend I watched a horse race on the TV, it was not the Kentucky Derby, but one of the other famous horse races.  I admired all the ladies decked out in their big hats, and neck scarves; you remind me of them with your yellow scarf—it looks very nice."

“Oh, thank you so much," I said, "You flatter me.” 

He replied with a most sincere tone, “No, really!”

The atmosphere became laced with a delicate awkwardness as he apologetically said, “May I take your order now?”  I sensed that he realized he’d indulged in too much conversation. When he delivered my order to the table, I told him I had something to tell him about my ‘bucket list.”  I recognized the same curious look on his face that I had experienced earlier.  I explained that my mother, having grown up near horse farms, loved horses. She loved races, too.  I was fortunate to watch the races on TV as he did. So, I further explained that I vowed that someday, before I die, I plan to attend a Kentucky Derby, wear a fancy colorful frock, and drink mint juleps during the race.

“Well, well, for you, and how soon are you going to work on that bucket list?”

"In a couple weeks, I explained,  as I would soon be having another notable birthday.

“No way,” he exclaimed.

“Believe it…time is running out,” I replied.

With a smile, he said, “Enjoy your meal.” Later, he returned with the tab and said,  “You must promise me a report on the race when you return, and that is such a  pretty yellow scarf you are wearing.” Needless to say, he received a big smile and a big tip. 

I learned from the first-hand demonstration that yellow is certainly a noticeable color. It works for me.