PAINTING STUDIO Vision Test, On The Bus Minority Report and New Eyeglasses by Stephen Craig Rowe

     A couple of weeks ago a notice was sent that my drivers license was about to expire and that a vision test would be required.  Have not worn glasses since Febuary and have not had an exam in about ten years.  As insurance to pass the vision test I had my eyes examined and picked out a new pair of glasses.  Yesterday I took the bus to pick up the new glasses and as usual was a minority rider.  Have gotten used to public transportation and if ever you are down, depressed, or feeling sorry for yourself….just take a bus and wait at the transit center for a transfer.  Take a look around and there will be no need to count your blessings.

     The driver and I were the only white folks on the rather crowded bus on my way to the vision center.  I have many non white friends and do not have a prejudice bone in my body.  Though I have tried to understand mumbo jumbo ghetto jive talk there is a language barrier that I just can’t cross and do not comprehend many of the conversations on the bus.  I pretty much keep to myself and try and enjoy the sights and sounds of the ride.  "Hey buddy!  What’s up with the big pink comb sticking outta’ your head?"  Wondering why they do not speak English like President Obama.  Oh, yeah……never mind.

     At the vision center a clerk handed me my glasses and as I put them on said,

     " Are you sure these are the frames that I ordered "?

     " Yes, Mr. Rowe here is the invoice and they seem to fit very well. "

     " They seem a bit large, and the lenses are tinted."

     "  Let me adjust them for you and yes they are transition lenses.  That better?"

     " Yes, they fit more snugly now.  Are you sure the color of the frames are the ones that I picked out? "

     "  Mr. Rowe, they are new glasses and may only take a little getting used to.  Wear them for a few days and if they need adjustments just bring them back and we will take care of that for you."

      Something just did not seem right and then the clerk said, " Because you have not worn glasses for so long the new glasses may make you feel dizzy for a couple of days.  So do not go tight rope walking or flying solo until you are comfortable with them."

      I made the purchase, thanked the clerk and on the way home saw that others were taking notice of me more than usual.  Must be the smart, stylish, new glasses I thought and felt rather good about the whole ordeal until I got home.

 

 

     Mother called last evening after reading and seeing "Trace Of Gray" on one of my sisters computer.  She could not stop laughing throughout the conversation and that made me smile.

 

     Rock on!  Have a good-great week and

as ever be well.

Stephen Craig Rowe