Lately I’ve noticed a number of strangers seeking eye contact with me, smile and say hello. Men, women, young, old and in-between. It happens at the oddest of times, and not always when I’m feeling my best. A person’s aura does not know how to lie so I’ve had to accept that what we project often comes from the heart.

I’ve become the person strangers seek then smile.

Last weekend, I was chatted up by a younger guy as I was trying to get into the surf. The water is still cold and I stood there with the water up to my hips waiting for enough courage to dunk myself in. He came on strong despite his being overly friendly. He asked a few questions, then introduced himself and we shook hands in the water. Lame, I know but stuff like that just doesn’t happen. I finally got my chance to tell him I was waiting for someone to join me and he took the hint. But it was a huge and rare boost to the ego that can only make a woman in a bikini smile for being mistaken to be his age.

And I’ve become the girl you chat up in the surf.

Two elegant birds have made my balcony their home. I now make sure I leave food and water out for them and they have been back almost daily. They peer at me from behind the glass, as if to ask permission to eat. Then they nibble at the food, peck each other then perch themselves on a chair grooming themselves while looking at me. I’ve become attached to these love birds who occasionally peck and mate in front of me.

So I’ve become the woman who talks to the birds.

On my way back from the beach, oiled, salt watered and covered in a sheen of sweat, I was stopped by a guy in his very early twenties near the car park. He asked if I had suntan lotion on me and if he could borrow some. It was a hot day and the sun was already burning so I gladly obliged. He was thrilled to bits as he poured a handful of suntan lotion into his palm. We made small talk about the beach then he wished me well.

Now I’ve become the beach bum young guys approach.