To you...

Sometimes, people can make you feel optimistic about the world without even realising it.

Three people, on a Wednesday afternoon, completely deaf, no hearing aids, just the power of sign language to talk, for example. While the bus was crowded, loud, foul-smelling and warm, nothing could stop you three from communicating, as clearly and as understood with each other as voice. When I realised what they were doing, I took out my iPod earphones for a change, turning the music off. Not so I could hear them, (of course...), but so I could appreciate, for once, sounds I would ordinarily block out. I watched them at intervals, (not wanting to be caught out as rude). I couldn't understand a word, but could clearly see they were smiling, even laughing sometimes, possibly without realising it. They were still happy. Humans can be brilliant, for better or for worse. This was fascinating, and incredible, how we can adapt. This was definitely positive potential in place.

And to the old man on the Friday of this week, with the blue eyes, the glasses with the thick lenses, the permanent smile, the random conversation topics, and the infectious laugh; thank you for making me smile on my way into town, and for calling Nick Clegg a 'muppet'! As awkward as it was when you sat by me at first and started to talk, it passed the time pleasantly. Thank you for wishing me a nice day, and thank you for deliberately waving goodbye to me once you got off the bus at your stop. I hope your day was pleasant in the end, and I'm glad to see it didn't rain on either of us after all!