A WEEK OF WRITER’S BLOCK
I watch people there. It’s not the design of the old place, but that’s what it’s best at…. heaven knows it’s not the food.
I’m no restaurant expert, but if I were the person in charge, I’d change a few things. Then again, I seem to be the only one who really notices the glaring imperfections.
I’m not sure which one has more imperfections; the old restaurant or the people who frequent it. I marvel and appreciate the simple folks that don’t mind the imperfections – I don’t think they see them… but I do.
The floor has old stains that if someone were determined enough could wrestle them off the outdated 8″x8″ brownish orange ceramic tiles that were cleverly grouted in black… at least I hope it was.
The golden orange swiveling oak bar stools mounted on the steel poles that are secured to the floor tell of the generations and style of time and culture from a distant past.
I wonder if it’s the low ceilings that make the place feel cozy, like home away from home… only dirtier. It’s different on that side of town. The waitresses and cooks who overcook the simple food about eight feet away from the bar area interact like family. They’re loud. The cooks boom box glares the oldies station while the cooks talk politics.
The waitresses in the blue collar area bus their own tables and wear the stains on their matching uniforms with honor. They and the cooks interact like it’s part of a show the customers get as a free perk.
“Hey darlin’ – What can I get you?” the friendly waitress who knows me as a fairly quiet regular asked with a hint of southern charm.
“Egg white omelet, one extra egg, and onions – No cheese and no mushrooms today – Oh and Pam spray instead of butter,” I answered.
“You got it! – Have it right up!” she announced.
I sat with my pad of paper and favorite pen struggling to find words in a world that was spinning inside my head until real life snatched my attention. When my imperfect food arrived it was even more imperfect than usual. After I finally got the waitresses’ attention I pointed out to her kindly, “This has cheese in it.”
She quickly filled my coffee cup, dousing everything with splashes in a three foot radius and dropped off more creamer, the type that comes in the little round mini-containers with the peel-off lids. As I poured the creamer into my coffee it dropped like a chunk of sludge. It took some time, but I did eventually get my waitresses’ attention again to trade for a new cup of coffee and cream that actually poured.
There I was in an imperfect world; me, trapped in a week of writer’s block as I began to study the folks in earnest. I watched an ancient man with his wife and a cane that kept him from falling over, he was bent, permanently, at the waist. One regular, a man in his probably late forties that rides his bike year round and talks to himself, barks, and howls for no apparent reason, sat in his usual seat at the breakfast bar. I considered the single mother/waitress that can’t afford dental care, the one that worked for thirteen hours on Thanksgiving.
After too much coffee making my way to the bathroom after eating my healthy omelet that they had forgotten the third egg on the next try as well as almost drowned in grease, I came sliver close to slipping on the greasy floor that must have been mopped with dirty water.
I realized the imperfect place was really just a step away from disaster… Kinda like the rest of us that have the grace of God in and on us. The way I figure it, I fit in pretty well with that place and the folks in it…
So I went back the next day too.
tcavey
Wednesday, March 12, 2014 @ 2:20 pm
It’s all about perspective, isn’t it?
As I read the end of your post I kept hearing the old hymn about “count your blessings name them one by one, count your blessings see what God has done…”
Good song to have stuck in my head. Have a blessed day!
Floyd
Wednesday, March 12, 2014 @ 5:50 pm
Great! Now that song is gonna be stuck in my head too! You’re right. That’s a pretty good tune to have on the turntable in the soul. Thanks, TC.
Sharon
Wednesday, March 12, 2014 @ 2:57 pm
Love it. Floyd, you have such a way of capturing the essence of people, and the ambience of a place. It feels like there’s a book in there somewhere about this little diner and its denizens. Seems like a great metaphor for the dingy, greasy world we are currently *pit-stopping* at on our way to heaven!
GOD BLESS!
Floyd
Wednesday, March 12, 2014 @ 5:52 pm
I like the wording, Sharon; “Pit-stopping”! Perfectly stated. Funny how we can see things so much clearer and with the right perspective when we look with the eyes of our Father. God bless you too, sister! Thank you.
Rick Dawson
Wednesday, March 12, 2014 @ 5:33 pm
Sounds about 2 steps down from a Waffle House – but a place a person could get comfy in if they chose.
Floyd
Wednesday, March 12, 2014 @ 5:53 pm
Yes, sir. That’s about right. You and I could solve world problems in that old dive and be happy as pigs in mud! Thanks, Rick.
Betty Jo
Wednesday, March 12, 2014 @ 5:38 pm
OMGosh Floyd you always make me feel like I’m seeing and experiencing exactly what you’re describing! Now that’s a gift!! I’m sorry, but I was laughing all the way through this one, and I needed a laugh. The people and place you describe sound sad in a way, but then again you wrote it with such humor. If that’s writer’s block, then I want a lot of it. I just stopped packing long enough to take a break and check emails, when I noticed you had a new post up. I’m really going to miss my online blogging friends the week or so I’ll be off line completely. But, can’t wait until I’m back on again so I can come visit and giggle again at your newest post, or cry, or whatever the situation calls for.
Floyd
Wednesday, March 12, 2014 @ 5:56 pm
These are the ones that are easy to relate to… especially if you’ve had a chance to eat in a similar place! Peculiar how much alike these kind of places are regardless of location. Maybe it’s some kind of secret society? Or maybe just old places with worn out buildings, utensils, and folks… Glad you took time to read, Betty Jo. Also glad to give you a laugh… even if it is at my expense! Bless you, sister.
Mike
Wednesday, March 12, 2014 @ 6:09 pm
Hey Floyd! I hope your doing well, and I’m pretty sure I’ve eaten at that place in several parts of the country. 🙂 I’ve had about 2 months of writers block, and am getting pretty tired of it. Hopefully I will have something to say soon. I always enjoy your writing.
Floyd
Wednesday, March 12, 2014 @ 6:44 pm
It’s always great to hear from you, Mike. I hope that writers prison releases you soon! If you were close by we’d go that place and break us both out of writer’s block prison! Bless you, brother. I’ll look forward to your next one.
Thomas Mason
Wednesday, March 12, 2014 @ 6:38 pm
The way you describe the restaurant I don’t think I’d ever eat there again. But you know it’s kind of like that way with us. God sees us as dirty, imperfect messes and yet he never stops chasing after us and washing us clean with his perfect grace.
Floyd
Wednesday, March 12, 2014 @ 6:46 pm
Oh man. You nailed it, Thomas. He does indeed chase us and cleans us over and over and it’s never ending… that’s love, brother! Thanks, Thomas. I’ll take you somewhere nicer if you stop through!
Thomas Mason
Thursday, March 13, 2014 @ 4:13 am
I accept that offer. :0)
Floyd
Thursday, March 13, 2014 @ 6:38 pm
I’ll look forward to it!
Nannette and the Sweetheart
Wednesday, March 12, 2014 @ 7:04 pm
Such a wonderful story, your word pictures had us sitting there with you. Although….I would have had my Clorox wipes out of my purse and cleaning off that table…and anything else I could get my hands on! 🙂 We were taken to a similar place recently by friends. I was at first my normal and judgmental self. But the waitress was wonderful and the food was actually good! The Sweetheart says we are spoiled…I believe he is right but when it comes to some things I like being spoiled! Thank you for the reminder of our imperfections.
Floyd
Thursday, March 13, 2014 @ 6:31 pm
We are spoiled, we just need to see reality sometimes. I’m not pointing fingers, Nannette, I’m spoiled too! I just need to seek my way clear of it by seeing with the eyes my Father gave me. Thanks, sister.
Betty Draper
Wednesday, March 12, 2014 @ 11:17 pm
Well one thing we will now know about you…you are not a food snob. Had never ran onto any when living in Kentucky and overseas but I have ran into a few here in southern California. “Fresh” is the word they usually use when describing a good eating place. Can’t help this but I always want to say, you want fresh, go live in Papua New Guinea. Kill that wild pig today and for sure it will end up being your supper. In Kentucky they joke about eating road kill…in PNG…I know they eat it.
Now where is this writers block…good one brother, good one.
Floyd
Thursday, March 13, 2014 @ 6:34 pm
Sometimes I think the people who are surviving are the ones doing better at living. This scenario shook me out of my rut. Sometimes you just have to use the eyes the way our Father designed them. Thanks, Betty.
Hazel Moon
Thursday, March 13, 2014 @ 12:41 am
Writer’s Block – – I think that virus is going around! I loved the discriptions of the people and workers, and also your ending. I guess you just couldn’t get enough so you went back the next day!
Floyd
Thursday, March 13, 2014 @ 6:36 pm
Yeah, I’m not so special. I had more in common with the folks with imperfections than I realized. Theirs were on the outside… sometimes mine is more so on the inside than theirs on the outside. That virus can creep up and get you when we’re not even looking! Thanks, Hazel.
Bill (cycelguy)
Thursday, March 13, 2014 @ 2:45 am
Writer’s block schmiter’s block. This is a perfect example of why you GET IT! Not only that, it is a picture of me…and God…and you. Thanks for the powerful word pictures, but I gotta tell you. I’m not sure I would go back there. I ate at one Waffle house and that was enough.
Floyd
Thursday, March 13, 2014 @ 6:37 pm
To “get it” we have to look for it sometimes. How blessed we are… boggles the mind really. Love your attitude, Bill. It is inspiring to me.
I love the Waffle House! Nothin’ better than chicken and eggs! Thanks, Bill.
June
Thursday, March 13, 2014 @ 7:19 am
I’m using my hand spray as I type and I’m worried about your cholesterol – but I also see life and ministry here. That diner is in your life for a reason, Floyd. Even if it’s only to share it with us here. Nothing is by accident – sometimes we are blessed to see God as He works, but most of the time, we just have to have faith that He IS. These people will be on my mind all day – I don’t have to know them to pray for them. Have a blessed week, brother.
Floyd
Thursday, March 13, 2014 @ 6:40 pm
Bless you, June. The world is full of hurting and struggling folks… I just need to pay more attention to them and do exactly what you do; pray for them and do what I can. In the end, what else matters? I appreciate your heart, sister. Thank you. And thank you for the example.
Caleb Suko
Thursday, March 13, 2014 @ 12:24 pm
This post reminds me of some churches I’ve been at in Ukraine. Their building was falling a part, they only had benches made of old second hand planks, the wall paper was falling off, the worship songs were off key and the preacher continually mixed Russian and Ukrainian as he spoke. I could complain about the atmosphere but it was some of the best worship and fellowship I’ve ever experienced.
Floyd
Thursday, March 13, 2014 @ 6:44 pm
That’s it! It’s not about the stuff! It’s about how our Father shows up in our lives and lets us see things for what they really are! Good stuff. Thanks for sharing that, Caleb.
Jennifer Dougan
Thursday, March 13, 2014 @ 12:56 pm
Euuhh, I’m not sure about the chunky coffee though. 🙂
Have a great week,
Jennifer Dougan
http://www.jenniferdougan.com
Floyd
Thursday, March 13, 2014 @ 6:44 pm
Yeah, it was almost enough to ruin my breakfast… almost! Thanks, Jennifer.
David Rupert
Thursday, March 13, 2014 @ 2:18 pm
My wife doesnt do choose either! And four out of five times, wouldnt you know….
I just have reduced expectations of others and it keeps me from losing my cool. Maybe I’ve expected mediocrity? I hope its not so in my life.
Floyd
Thursday, March 13, 2014 @ 6:46 pm
Some fights just aren’t worth fighting, you know? I know you still have fire for what counts, brother! And you don’t have a problem speaking truth. I respect that. Thanks, David.
Jason Stasyszen
Thursday, March 13, 2014 @ 3:42 pm
Reminds me of the place my wife and I used to go when we were first married. We were in college with barely any money, but on Saturday, we would run down to this little hole-in-the-wall to have breakfast. We usually got out of there for less than $10 and it may not have been fantastic, but we look fondly on the time we spent there. There’s beauty everywhere you look if you’re paying attention. Thanks for seeing some beauty and sharing it with us, Floyd.
Floyd
Thursday, March 13, 2014 @ 6:47 pm
Well said, Jason. There really is beauty if we look with the eyes the way our Father designed them to look, with the heart for His created souls all around us. Bless your heart, Jason. Thanks, man.
SimplyDarlene
Thursday, March 13, 2014 @ 8:58 pm
Sounds like the kinda place that earmarked the saying, “That food was slick enough to grease the skids.” (I know, I know, so very gross.)
😉
Floyd
Friday, March 14, 2014 @ 6:03 pm
Too funny! That’s the kind of place that you can’t get away from grease no matter how hard you try… even the water tastes greasy sometimes! You know what they say, “What doesn’t kill you…” Thanks for the laugh, Darlene!
Dan Black
Thursday, March 13, 2014 @ 9:08 pm
I really don’t like writers block, when I do get it (after struggle for a long time) I usually put away my computer to focus on something else. I have found most writing block comes from needing rest or needing to spend time with God. Great thoughts!
Floyd
Friday, March 14, 2014 @ 6:06 pm
I hear you, Dan. That block usually finds me after I felt like I’ve been on the top of the mountain. Sometimes those valleys last soooooo long! I find when I focus on something else works as well. Thanks, Dan.
Ngina Otiende
Thursday, March 13, 2014 @ 10:41 pm
What a way to overcome the writers block Floyd! 🙂 And now you just made me feel bad about my unhealthy eating today! 🙂 Love the story and lesson, thanks for sharing beautifully.
Floyd
Friday, March 14, 2014 @ 6:10 pm
Don’t worry! There’s always tomorrow! Sometimes you can’t eat healthy even when you try! Always the lessons… can’t seem to escape them. Thanks, Ngina.
David
Thursday, March 13, 2014 @ 11:57 pm
My wife and I occasionally visit a place that, well let’s just say, looks like the health department could have a real cause for concern. But their breakfasts are just plain GOOD and the proprietor bakes what may be the best pies I’ve ever eaten! Really! You have to walk through part of the kitchen (past the pies on the multi-tear cooling rack) to get to the 5′ x 8′, unisex bathroom (it might not even be that big). A different me, in a different place might have just grabbed one of those pies and headed out the back door. To heck with the bathroom! I would take you there in a heartbeat, Floyd, if ever you make it up this way. 🙂 Consider that an invitation … 😉
Oh, and one more thing – no clumpy creamer – that just might do me in …
It just goes to show you that you can’t – and shouldn’t – judge a book by it’s cover. The outward appearance does not necessarily reflect the quality of what can be found on the inside. Kind of like us tainted and messy Christians; we might be a bit grimy and stinky on the outside but Christ is busy cleaning and deodorizing us on the inside …
“Writer’s block”, really? I’m impressed …
Floyd
Friday, March 14, 2014 @ 6:15 pm
“Us tainted and messy Christians.” Yep, you described me perfectly, David. I’m also with you about the part of my life that a pie that close to the back door may have been more than my temptation could bear!
Where is “up here”? And I would enjoy the opportunity to meet you and solve the world’s problems there!
I always appreciate your take and opinion, maybe because we cut from the same cloth and think alike, but I do relate and enjoy the smile more than you know! Thanks, David.
David
Saturday, March 15, 2014 @ 6:44 pm
Washington State. We live about 25 minute east of Tacoma in Bonney Lake. Which is now pretty much suburbia but when we moved here it was just a small town with not much more than 2 small grocery stores, a laundry mat, a couple of small churches, a wrecking yard and a tavern.
Floyd
Sunday, March 16, 2014 @ 7:46 am
Alright, Dan Erikson lives up there too! I’m used to seeing things change. I remember where I live now when it was all fruit orchards. Bittersweet… Who knows what the future holds, I could end up in your neck of the woods. If I do we’re on for breakfast at your spot! Don’t worry, I’m past the temptation of stealing any pies…
Mary mcLeary
Friday, March 14, 2014 @ 5:59 am
Your post reminds me of a saying, “Any place that’s perfect will become imperfect when I walk in the door.” The most loveable people and places are the ones with glitches. Obviously the glitches in the diner inspired you. Loved your subtle point at the end. Thank goodness for grace!
Floyd
Friday, March 14, 2014 @ 6:17 pm
Amen, Mary. It’s all about His grace. Sometimes I just need to look with the eyes of my heart and the humility that our Father has called us to before I begin to truly see the world, including mine, the way He wants me to. Thank you, Mary.
Dolly@Soulstops
Friday, March 14, 2014 @ 1:48 pm
Floyd,
You came up with great descriptive detail….did being there release you from your writer’s block…and I had to laugh about your healthy omelet soaking in grease…glad you did not fall…and yes, we are all in desperate need of God’s grace…so grateful He gives it to us 🙂 Blessings on you and yours this weekend.
Floyd
Friday, March 14, 2014 @ 6:20 pm
That day and looking out from myself to see the world and the hurting and struggling folks trying to make it the best they could did snap my drought. Funny how focusing on something other than me has a way of letting me see the things our Father has for me. Humility fades quickly when I take my eyes off of it. Yes, grateful indeed for His grace, Dolly. Thanks, and a blessed weekend to you and yours as well, sister.
Barb Raveling
Friday, March 14, 2014 @ 6:56 pm
I can just about picture that restaurant. We have one like it in our small town. We go for the ambience and the memories, not the food. Enjoyed hearing about it, Floyd. Hope you get over your writer’s block! It always seems to help me to go to one of the local bakeries or coffee shops to write.
Floyd
Friday, March 14, 2014 @ 9:34 pm
Me too! I like to get out in the real and sometimes not so pretty world and scratch a few lines that will keep me moving toward what is hopefully an honorable end. Great minds think alike, Barb! Thanks, sister.
Shandra White Harris
Saturday, March 15, 2014 @ 11:54 am
All in our perspective. We are usually the only one noticing the Glaring Imperfections. Going back the next day. Perfect. Hope it helped your Writer’s Block 😉 Great piece!
Floyd
Saturday, March 15, 2014 @ 4:14 pm
Funny how seeing everyone else’s imperfections comes full circle to the children of God… Yeah, this incident snapped me from my writer’s Death Valley! Until the next time! Thanks, Shandra.
Joanne Norton
Sunday, March 16, 2014 @ 7:09 pm
Interesting explanation, to say the least. Had me “hmmm”-ing. And I wonder if I should know more about the writing get-together functions. I haven’t felt the Lord leading me that direction… too much on my plate, other than the writing I’ve done. You grabbed me again, dear Brother. IF I was much younger, used to many of the computer and other blog and fb connections, life would be changing. But all I can do is do what the Lord tells me to do. And, as I said, gotta do what I gotta do…and so do you. Yours is obvious. Blessings…
Floyd
Monday, March 17, 2014 @ 6:28 pm
As is yours, Joanne. A greater calling to be sure. Bless you for your heart of obedience. What you do is inspiring to say the least. Bless your ministry, sister. Thanks for adding to my wisdom.
Micah
Wednesday, March 19, 2014 @ 4:18 pm
Ha. Man I love people watching. It’s a guilty habit. I find myself doing it most in book stores. They have a cool one in my city centre with nice snug leather seats and lots of airy space between book shelves that is just perfect for it. Don’t get me wrong, I will check out the books too but every so often I’ll just peep over the pages to see who else is around and end up doing that thing of imagining who the person I’m watching is. What’s their story. Where are they from. How did they come to be here in their oversized thick rollneck studying that Ian Rankin title. They must like crime thrillers… and so on and so forth until they look up and realise I’m staring and then I have to look sheepishly away. The funny thing, a lot of the time doing this sort of thing helps me out with writer’s block. Although it must make me seem pretty creepy to the person I was staring at. The price of staying productive I guess 😉
Floyd
Thursday, March 20, 2014 @ 6:38 am
I’m right there with you, Micah! Everyone has a story to tell, most of them just don’t know it. And seeing theirs can be inspirational. Especially when I see them, or try to, through my Father’s eyes. Thanks! I’ll be keeping and eye out for you in the bookstore!
child of God
Wednesday, March 19, 2014 @ 5:52 pm
That restaurant sounds like the one that just closed down in my town. The family and I only went there once and that was it. You must have a strong stomach. 🙂
Writer’s block? Really? I sure wish I could write like you with writer’s block. I love your very descriptive post. The floor detail had my tummy turning.
Blessings brother.
Floyd
Thursday, March 20, 2014 @ 6:41 am
I used to go there more often, and I really did it more to watch the people and take writing notes. When I’m in my right mind I have compassion on others and it helps me get my mind off of selfish matters. Thanks, sister. Sorry to make you queasy!