I enjoy a somewhat unusual fascination in watching people.

Not out of any voyeristic motive but to look at them and wonder who they are? What paths of their lives have brought them to, who they are today? What are their stories, what are their origins,their histories? Their future?

When I can, I take the opportunity to sit by the window of my favourite coffee shop and watch people as they pass by, intent on their lives, their immediate business. Some are worn down by years, some wear the rainment of age with grace and dignity, some look content, some troubled and some are still untouched by the weariness of the world.

I suppose that this observation is a aspect of the unfulfilled author within me, looking for characters within the populace. Looking for people who look as if their lives have had stories, histories, trials and tribulations.

For some it is the stories they will create with their lives. The future of this person, the history of another, the now, of yet more.

I see older women, faces lined, hair whitened by years, meeting friends and standing to chat. Products of a generation where hugging a friend in the street was not something that was done. And then two teenage girls meeting and hugging as naturally and unpreposessing as the older women were restrained. The teenagers, delighting in meeting, squeal and giggle, unconcerned with anyone outside their conversation, their immediate world.

I've watched Men, fathers (or replacements), carrying young children, laughing and pretending to throw the infant in the air, all the while taking the greatest of care of their precious cargo.

Mothers, trailing the hand of a reluctant child. Intent on a mission of some importance. Probably, a purchase for the same child who is dragging their heels.

Bare midriffed girls braving the cold wind to display their piercings. Groups of lads, hoods raised, hands stuck rebelliosly into their track suit bottms, content in their group bravado that they are untouchable, immortal.

I find that there is great beauty in the diversity of humankind, age, gender, race, none of these labels means anything.They are people, indviduals. Unique and full of mystery and wonder.