midday chatter.

isn't chatter strange?

webster defines chatter, the noun, as "idle talk".

i don't know why, but the word "idle" causes me anxiety and irritation. as does chatter itself. does it make me unfriendly to not want to engage in chatter - whether it be with strangers, friends or relatives?

listening to chatter can be interesting. i like hearing a choir of voices and then trying to single out each one. i don't like loud chatter; loud chatter can easily become maddening within seconds. whereas, soft, easy-going chatter can be lulling. i like soft chatter.

there is a lot of chatter below me. i am in the upstairs of the bookstore, where a half consumed blueberry muffin is keeping me company at the table i reserved as "my study". blueberries smell delicious. all berries smell scrumptious.