I am participating in the March Slice of Life Story Challenge. Thanks to the co-authors of              Two Writing Teachers for creating this  supportive community.

One of the things I love about participating in the March Slice of Life is that it often gives me the opportunity to think a little deeper about my every day, ordinary activities. I go about life perhaps a little more aware, a little more present. Yesterday I enjoyed a trip to my neighborhood nail salon. Years ago, when I first started using a document camera in professional presentations, I became self-conscious about my nails. As a result, I started to have manicures on a regular basis. I’ve had tips, pink and whites, or gels done at the same nail salon for about ten years. And for much of that time, Ann has been my go-to technician.

Ann was a part-owner of the shop at one point, but has since sold her interest and now just works there part time. She came to this country from Vietnam in the mid 1970’s after the fall of Saigon at the end of the Vietnamese War. She settled first in California, then traveled east and raised her family in the suburbs of Philadelphia. She returns to Vietnam from time to time to visit relatives, although she doesn’t like to fly.

Over the years I have gotten to know Ann. She is friendly, gentle, and caring. She always asks about my daughter and daughter-in-law whose nails she has also done. Ann has an eye for color, often suggesting a shade I didn’t consider, and it always looks great. She and I both have one grandchild, so we always swap stories about our grandkids. I am grateful to have learned about Vietnamese culture and traditions from her.

Yesterday, as I sat chatting with Ann, I realized that she is more than my nail technician, more than just a passing acquaintance – she is also a friend. We have known each other for quite a while, and I look forward to our visits.