Cold And Slow

Las Cruces was hit with a cold front this week. Temperatures dropped into the forties in the night. Clouds and wind became frequent in the daytime with today as the exception. The sun is finally out with no clouds to block its warmth. Thin clouds try to block the sun but end up floating about in the brilliant blue sky. For today’s field note, I will be writing from the perspective of the loner bench. This perspective gives me a wider view of the field site.

                Three individuals pass by. Sweater Girl entered the business building. Sweater Boy left the restaurant. T-Shirt Man walked across the plaza. All the while Book Lady sits at a bench. She intently reads her book. Jacket Man is prepared for the cold front. He has gloves, a thick jacket and headphones that could be worn as earmuffs. Jacket Man walks alongside the business building and makes his exit toward the parking lot.

                Two gentleman walk out of the right side building. Both are concentrated on their smartphone. They walk half way through the plaza without ever looking up. Technology seems to have a significant influence on individuals. An individual would rather look at their phone than talk face-to-face to a person. Could this technology slowly deteriorate human interaction?

                Book Lady gets up from her bench and walks around to the ledge. Her concentration is still on the book. Two individuals pass each other. One a formally dress man in a suit. The other is a casually dressed women. Miss Causal leaves the business building. Mr. Formal leaves the right side building. As they pass, Mr. Formal asks, “What’s up?” Miss Casual responds, “Meetings.” Mr. Formal laughs. Miss casual seems in a rush to get to the right side building. Mr. Formal is in no hurry to get to the business building. Mr. Formal and Miss Casual seems to have a general acquaintance.

                Pullover Guy walks out of the restaurant. He is talking on his phone and walks to the middle of plaza. He waits for a couple of minutes. Bike Man ride his bike up to Pullover Guy. Bike Man follows Pullover Guy to the restaurant on his bike. When they get close to the door, Pullover Guy walks into the restaurant. Bike Man rides his bike past the restaurant and goes toward the right side building. He chains his bike up. Then walks toward the restaurant to rejoin his friend. Pullover Guy and Bike Man appear to be good friends. When Pullover Guy was talking, Bike Man keenly listened.