Today. A curious incident at one of Milton Keynes' many roundabouts. As I sat and sketched, a man appeared round the corner with a camera. He aimed it at me and clicked. He then said to me, 'I've just taken a photograph,' and walked away. I felt this was a bit surreal. Not being familiar with the local customs, I wondered whether he'd said this to exonerate his behaviour - or mine. Do people in Milton Keynes feel the need to explain what they're doing to strangers - 'I'm just going into this shop.' - 'I'm just waiting for a bus.' - 'I'm just sitting on this bench.' ? It was also his use of 'just' that puzzled me. I had been feeling deeply depressed about the state of things, but this cheered me up. How strange life is! |