EVENING IN PARIS

When I was in junior high, I took library science as one of my elective classes. Miss Pinigree was the librarian and I got to know her only as an immature junior high student could get to know an adult. Miss Pinigree was a rather unattractive, unpleasant, and difficult person to be around--or so I felt. I thought she was bossy and I caught on quickly that her sharp tongue could cut deeply and her flashing eyes could pierce clear through you. Her short temper seemed to be near the surface and caused the students to step lightly in the library. She was a short, squatty woman, built like a box. Her dark brown hair was streaked with gray and tight finger waves surrounded her face. She had a rather gaudy yet flamboyant style of dress and often wore garbs that were enhanced with sparkles, bangles, and bobbles. Gold bracelets, necklaces, and dangling earrings were draped over her body. I had never seen so much jewelery on one person at one time. To top that off, her cheap perfume made my stomach churn as she passed by. I believe it was "Evening in Paris." I felt very uncomfortable in her presence and did not like being in the library with her. It was like living on the edge of terror from one moment to the next.

One day, however, she confided in me that she would be "receiving a gentleman caller" that evening. She was so happy and I could sense in her that she thought he might be the "special one." But I knew within my heart that the relationship was not going anywhere. I concluded that there was a reason why she was a old spinster--it was her unpleasant personality. Sure enough, she never mentioned him again. I wondered at the time if the anticipated "evening in Paris" was like an "evening from purgatory" for the "gentleman caller."

I don't think she lasted too long at the school. She didn't seem to fit in. She was different from other people in the area. Her difference should have made her interesting to be with and a joy to be around but it did not.

When I think about Miss Pinigree, I wonder if I had met her as an adult if my experience would have been different with her--I am sure it would have. Really, was she all that bad? I am sure she was not. After all these years, I wonder if she ever found a "gentleman caller" who decided to stay. She was most likely just a lonely lady who wanted someone to care for her and to love her. I have concluded that we often misunderstand others when we are immature and do not have the ability to see the picture clearly. I can only say, "Miss Pinigree, I hope you finally had a wonderful "evening in Paris" with a "gentleman caller" who saw you not as an old spinster but recognized the loveliness within you.