A Melancholy Friday

Today could only be described as gloomy. I was going to say it was cold, but I’m sitting here in a sleeveless top. Perhaps cool would be a better way to describe it. I am feeling melancholy. The mood on the train was weary? It's Friday. Rainy, more rain expected. After the long years of drought, it has taken people a while to adjust to this current extended period of rain. I’ve adjusted. I carry my umbrella with me always. I’ve started wearing dresses again, my trousers were getting soaked at the cuffs.  

A lot of people must have slept in this morning. My train carriage was half empty. My friend was on the train.  I chose not to sit next to him. Was that rude? I’m not sure. He was engrossed in his book.  I wanted some time to read, some quiet time to myself. Glancing around I looked to see what people now do to amuse themselves. It has changed a lot since I first started catching the train. In the early days you would get the annoying person next to you, struggling to read their broadsheet newspaper. Inconsiderate idiots. The book readers, which allowed you to peek at what they were reading, sometimes leading to a discussion.  There were only a few who listened to music. In those days the trains were jam packed. Finding a seat wasn’t guaranteed. Now the trains run more frequently, I live further away from the city, I have my choice of seat and it’s crowded only on the rare occasion when trains are delayed. Today, quite a few people are playing on their phones. Listening to music. Reading, some paper books, mostly eBooks. A small number of people are sitting with nothing to amuse themselves but their thoughts.  They don’t appear to be happy thoughts. One young girl is sleeping. Two young blond girls got on the train about half way through the trip. They were chatting quite loudly. Blissfully ignorant of the dirty glares they received from some fellow passengers.

From the train station to my office I took my time. I’m always early, no need to rush. I took the time to take some photos of my favourite building along the way.

 Who are these people? I feel I should recognise some of them, but don’t. The sign to the car park says ARTISTS IN RESIDENCE. Are these pictures of the artists themselves? There was a sign advertising beer above the pictures at one stage. I am glad it's gone. It spoiled the image.