It is a phenomenon
that happens in many restaurants at any hour. It is called bonding. There is a place where people meet, make acquaintances, and become friends. If you become one of these people, you are lucky. They don’t solve the world’s problems. Good friends are made and, sometimes, lively debates are held. But the most important thing that may happen is the possibility of acquiring a smile on your face.There are no dues except to pay for what you consume. No required attendance, although if the culture you are involved in is interesting enough you will find yourself there more than you expect. You may not get to know much more than their names, but like your other friends they, too, may be very helpful. There are two prerequisites: one is a good sense of humor; the other is patience. As a member of the counter club your service is not always as regular as that of other people; however because you are well known, usually anyone going by will pour you coffee, if you are quick enough to tell them. There is no set time for the meeting; however there is one person that everyone goes to. That person is known as the mentor or Guru. Sometimes the chosen one is a quiet person or sometimes their voice alone draws others. It is not known why we gravitate to one or the other... we just do. Since most of these groups are mixed it is understood that the language is kept appropriate.
Back to the sense of humor. Occasionally the help will inadvertently provide comedy relief. Because you are sitting counter, which at times is the hub of activity, a waitress will go by making a comment that will sound something like a first year Klingon student at 78 rpm. You remember 78s, don’t you? They were recorded at 33 1/3 and played back twice as fast. You turn to the mentor, who has the same puzzled look that you do. You both laugh and think for a split second about asking the waitress what she said. You realize that both the waitress and your previous conversation have vanished.
Your next mission is to refill your coffee. Remember you are sitting at the hub of activity, meaning that someone is always coming by with coffee -- except when you need it. Since there is no one in sight, you decide to take the pause that refreshes. This has the same effect as lighting a cigarette at a bus stop to bring a bus; you leave the room and your coffee is refilled. Time to settle in and people-watch. Just when you think you might get some reading done in comes one of the regulars, who makes a statement out of the blue. You acknowledge the comment and inquire about the person as well. They mumble something and make another startling statement. By this time your book is down and you are again off to the races. Just a few minutes into the conversation and they decide to leave. Peace and quiet however are very short-lived because the other regulars start arriving. You move your stuff, not being sure if one person is gone for good, however the second person sets their stuff down and exclaims "I’ll be back!" Speaking of back -- the person that left a few minutes ago returns like a bad penny and the second person sits down as well. Soon all three of you are in an interesting discussion; the second person has to leave and just as they get up two more people come in, the other regular moves down one seat and here we go again. Remember, if you want an interesting conversation do not be afraid to sit counter and keep the culture alive and well.
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Cheryl Hamilton is a Graduate-level member of the Counter Culture in a Denny's in Temple City, CA. She is also Guru at Table One in The Hat, a sandwhich shop also in Temple City. She has compiled The Executor's Guide to Your Estate, a vital set of forms and lists to keep track of everything an estate executor needs to administer someone's estate. Inquiries: jackdaw@email.com. Please mention this article or this site in your email.
Article © 2003 by Cheryl M. Hamilton
