The writer as

6/15/10 -- The writer as eavesdropper. At a restaurant I overheard a group of diners talking about their health: "Diverticulitis, too. I'm falling apart." And eating habits: "My daughter-in-law uses no salt on her mashed potatoes!" The neighborhood: "They want to add a second floor, they should be able to. It's their house!" Overall, lots of grousing, which struck me as sad. And raised the question of gratitude. And perspective. Is the glass half full or half empty? Complex subjects to explore.