1. I'm with the glossy white-haired ladies in hot pink and emerald green and china blue linen waiting for the department store to open its doors. The shop floor is as still as a stage set and I feel like I'm swimming among handbags because the atmosphere is so thick from the waiting. The PA announcement 'The store is now open' shakes the shut-in air and everything begins to move freely.
2. I have a quick dip in the bag of cosmetics that my friend has passed on for my daughter, and try out a nail polish. Three quick strokes on each nail, and a little stillness while it dries. It won't last 24 hours; but I miss the days when painting your nails didn't involve an appointment up town, and then another appointment a week later to have it taken off.
3. We've got a chat going for an event that is causing both anxiety and anticipation, and it helps a lot, taking the edge off the former and buffing up the latter.
