Shh... I'm hunting stories.

I remember my mother lamenting once that as she aged, she had become invisible and obsolete to the outside world. To my dismay, as I reached fifty, I too experienced the phenomenon. Only, for me, it also gave me surprising opportunities as well.

Amidst the hustle and bustle of the supermarket, my routine shopping excursion took an unexpected turn, transforming into a delightful adventure that had me chuckling and, unexpectedly, contemplating the advantage that comes with age.

This was especially true for a seasoned woman like me, who also happens to be an aspiring writer.

With my trusty grocery list in hand and a distinct lack of enthusiasm, I ventured into the labyrinth of aisles. It didn’t take long to notice an odd phenomenon: despite my obvious presence; it seemed like I was wearing an invisibility cloak, only detectable by the self-checkout machines.

As I meandered through the store, my invisibility granted me an unexpected privilege–the role of an unassuming observer. Amidst the bustling shoppers, I unintentionally eavesdropped on conversations, watching body language, and mentally concocting backstories for those around me.

In the cereal aisle, a couple fiercely debated the merits of granola versus frosted flakes with the intensity of political rivals. In another aisle a mother maneuvered her cart while soothing her toddler with a rendition of “The Wheels on the Bus” and a well-dressed gentleman asked SIRI for the location of almond milk – all while I watched on, absorbing the scene to memory and future use..

These glimpses of life were like striking gold for a writer's imagination. I had found my superpower, granting me the ability to perceive and experience the world from the perspectives of diverse characters. The way they carried themselves, the expressions they wore, and their interactions with the world all served as kindling that sparked my imagination and added depth to my writing.

As I reached the checkout, a fellow shopper asked me for directions to the almond milk, completely unaware of my invisible advantage. I pointed him in the right direction, savoring the irony that my age-induced invisibility was helping someone find exactly what they needed.

Leaving the supermarket, I cast off my cloak of invisibility, reentering a world where people could actually see me. But the whole ordeal stuck with me, reminding me that getting older comes with a unique perk – the power to observe without being observed. This sneaky skill is a writer’s secret weapon, adding depth to characters and stories with the colorful tapestry of human behavior.

Next time you're out shopping—beware! Your seemingly ordinary trips to the supermarket might just lead to the most captivating characters and unforgettable tales in an author's work.

By the way, if you ever need directions to the almond milk, I’m your woman – both visible and invisible!