Sunday walks and crazy talks

[halogenerate]

One of the dangers of taking long walks in Pittsburgh is that the weather can change on a dime. Sunny and beautiful when I left the house this morning to return a book to the Carnegie. Then the wind picked up and it was a little chilly. Moments later it was hot. Then it started getting cloudy. Toward the end of the walk three-ish hours later and about seven blocks from the apartment, the sky was suddenly charged through with grey, and fat droplets began to fall. It was a light rain, and carried with it was that sweet, fragrant, mysterious, heavy scent - the kind that Yankee Candle tries to trap in a jar, but that can never be replicated. It's an intoxicating smell, one that makes me glad I'm alive. So I didn't hustle home when the rain began; I slowed down and savored it.

I wandered from the Carnegie over to Shadyside and down Walnut Street, and it was there, in the Gap, that I had the following creeptastic exchange:

Salesclerk: Is there anything I can help you find?
Joe: No, that's okay. I'm just poking around.

Not creepy yet. He flits off, flicking his hair from his eyes, and casting sidelong glances.

Moments later...

Salesclerk: Oooh, a star!
Joe: (looks up, confused)
Salesclerk: Your star!
Joe: ...
Salesclerk: On your leg!
Joe: Oh, okay. My tattoo.
Salesclerk: Yes! It's so pretty.
Joe: Why, thank you.
Salesclerk: What's it supposed to mean?
Joe: It's a reference to a song.
Salesclerk: Oh, cool. Are you an English major?
Joe: Yeah, I was.
Salesclerk: (really, unbelievably excited) I was, too!
Joe: (smiles politely)
Salesclerk: Oh my God! I hope you don't think this is weird, but I have to tell you something.
Joe: ...
Salesclerk: I'm not trying to be... well... this (puts his hands on the side of his face, indicating my beard) looks really good on you.
Joe: Thank you. (But am really thinking, 'How do you know what I look like without it?')
Salesclerk: I mean, it's a really good look for you. Very rugged!
Joe: Thanks. That's kind of you. (Looks down at price tag on pants, clearly uncomfortable with where this may be going)
Salesclerk: ...
Joe: ...
Salesclerk: Do you dye it?
Joe: Pardon me?
Salesclerk: Your beard. Do you dye it?
Joe: Uh, no. It's natural.
Salesclerk: Cool.
Joe: ...
Salesclerk: ...
Joe: ...
Salesclerk: Well, let me know if you need anything!
Joe: Okay. (Hasty exeunt, stage left)

I know he was trying to be nice, but it was just so bizarre.

Also, there are no words to describe how much I love this album.