Friday

Last night I went to the Rude Dog Pub, and it was anything but.

I went around 7 pm. Two guys were enjoying some drinks, regulars most likely, and one man at the bar with his beer and money on the counter.

I come to the counter and sit down.

The bartender asks for my ID, and I strike up a conversation with the gentleman who is also at the bar.

His name was Shane. Born and raised in Cape Girardeau, and works for the sanitation department in the city. He’s been at the bar since 4 pm for Happy Hour. We started talking about life, relationships, and then sports. That’s when the bartender Davey jumped into the conversation, and he and I connected well because Boston beat and played in the 2004 World Series.

They ask

“From California to here….why?”

“Long story short- plans didn’t work out”

Then we talked about music and how I wanted to see live music during my visit. Originally I planned a trip to Nashville for a day, but Davey and Shane convinced me to stay for the bars live music on Saturday.

This is what life is about, learning about others, taking in lessons, and broadening your mind. I would rather sit at a bar talking to locals, than sit at home waiting for the rain to pass.

I’m miles away from home. Miles away from the people that hurt me. It’s comforting.

I also learned that you’ll never have an explanation or closure from those who hurt you. So deal with it.

I made the most of it.

When life gives you lemons, make lemonade.

I am enjoying my time in Cape Girardeau, and it’s only been two days.

I believe God and the Universe places people in our lives for a purpose. Shane, a stranger I only met two hours ago, said to me,

“I’m proud of you. You came out here and started exploring. You’re enjoying a beer and having a chance to talk to someone who you wouldn’t normally find yourself talking to is really something. I’m proud of you and I hope you keep enjoying your time and that I can be a part of this chapter in your life”

And he was. I’m the short time I knew him and Davey, they took care of me and made sure I felt safe.

A few hours went by, and a group of men came in. All men. I was still the only girl in the bar, and it was my cue to go. Shane and Davey held my hand, thanked me, and wished me luck. I didn’t know if I would see them again, but in that moment, I felt happy and blessed.

Who knew.

Now, I’m sitting at a cafe, waiting for time to pass as I’m going to get a tattoo today. I have no idea what to expect, but I knew I would have to line-up for a spot. Nick, a student at SEMO, noticed my book and began to ask me questions about it. We talked about soul ties, twin flames, and he was interested in the idea of relationships. He asked me what I liked about the book. I told him I didn’t know much since I had just started it, but from what I read, it’s a good one. I recommended some other Thomas Moore books I liked, and then he left.

I was drinking my lavender latte quickly, in anticipation of my tattoo. Another new thing I was doing alone.

I knew it wasn’t the first time, and it certainly wouldn’t be the last.