Hi all, I would like to tell you about this, and get your feedback if possible.
As you know, I have been in grad. classes for the past 5 weeks, in weaving and ceramics. The ceramics class was all lovely women of different ages, except for one young man, confined to a wheelchair. He made such eloquent observations during the teacher's lecture discussions, and I, in turn, reflected on them in my own comments during lectures. Other than that, I haven't interacted with him much, though he always seemed to want to talk to me.
Yesterday, while we were putting pots in the outdoor gas kiln, he said something about me being "beautiful." I just laughed and joked a few words.
Today, I had to return to the ceramics studio after my other class was over, to help unload the kilns, after lunch. When I arrived there, the teacher and other students were out to a long lunch since it's the last day of classes. Chris, the young man, was there and I was alone. He kept following me around in his wheelchair, until finally I sat down to talk with him till the teacher returned. We talked about art, his handicap (which is pretty severe), philosophy, and he invited me to attend the opening of his show at a downtown gallery in August. He asked me for my email, which I gave him, and then suggested we "go out for coffee." Was he asking me for a date??? Or was he just being friendly and wanting to remain in contact? I think he must be around 24; I'm 54. Maybe he sees me as a mother figure, but the feelings I was having while we talked started to make me feel a bit "flushed." I think this is because as we talked, I kept reminding myself to listen to what he was saying, and stop focusing on his handicap. He is brilliant.
I am still going to focus on being the mother figure/artist friend, and forget this flush of emotion I had today. I was so shocked to be feeling ANYTHING!!! in response to a man, since I've turned it all of in myself, and have felt like a frumpy unattractive old woman lately!
I would just appreciate your opinions on what transpired.
Seeker