Key West Characters

Observations while sipping wine on Duval

One of my favorite writers on Bluesky is a woman from New Zealand called George Penney (georgepenney@bluesky.com). She writes short, descriptive observations of folks she’s noticed in shops, markets and cafes. Her short missives are a delight, such as the example below:

A man (60s?) and his grandson (4?) are sitting in a cafe drinking hot chocolates and eating gingerbread men. When small human bites the head off of his gingerbread man, Grandad makes a loud screaming noise. Small human is most disgruntled. Grandad wiping tears of laughter from his eyes.

Cute, huh?

Since we’re studying the importance of descriptions in my writing class, I’ve been playing around with George Penney’s technique as an entertaining way to hone my skills. I love to get a good glass of wine at Grand Vin on Duval Street and watch the Key West characters stroll by. Thought I’d share a couple of my observations over the past few weeks.

Two older gentlemen giggle as they make their way toward a Christmas celebration. Their matching outfits consist of white shorts with red and white striped knee-high socks, red shirts and red plaid suit jackets, topped off by tiny red glittery top hats perched jauntily on the side of their heads. I don’t know where they’re going, but I’d love to tag along!

A homeless looking young man in a dark gray T-shirt and dirty white board shorts stumbling down Duval tilts his head back all the way to finish off the contents of whatever bottle is wrapped in his brown paper bag. He leans over and tosses it into the trash, then walks away. Off to find adventure.

A group of college bros still in their T-shirts and swimsuits with sandy bare feet are walking away from the beach at sunset. They hustle by as they excitedly discuss the night’s agenda. There’s much to decide.

Older woman walking out of bathroom in a local bar after splashing water on her bright pink silk blouse…I swear this top attracts everything except men and money!

A group of ten bros rev their rented scooters as they blast down Duval acting like they’re outlaws from the 70s. Heads up! The boys are back in town.

Next time you’re sitting idle, give this exercise a try. I’d love to hear about the characters in your neighborhood!