When she begins her investigation in my new novel, What’s Left, she may think her generation’s quite different from her father’s.
But her family does run a family restaurant, and that gives her a different insight:
We can always count on someone looking for a handout at the back door. We’re happy to oblige them. And they’re happy, too – the word spreads.
~*~
Restaurants are often staffed by an underworld of their own, or so I’m told. And some of the characters aren’t that far removed from the folks looking for a handout.
I’m surprised to see how many people in my own community remain invisible, especially when your eyes look instead to “normal” society.
Have you ever gone to a “soup kitchen” or charity food pantry? Have you ever worked in one? What was your experience?
~*~
Jnana's Red Barn 
When I was in college my first year, I worked part-time at the Howard Johnson’s Restaurant as a waitress and so did quite a few other college kids too. I found it interesting and I people watched, especially the customers – a real eye-opener. If there is an underground – it’s the customers who often behavior badly.
Gee, my first year of college Howard Johnson’s was what we considered a classy restaurant! Well, not quite what you’d take your prom date to, but close. My, how times have changed!
Jnana, at least I have good taste in restaurants! Anyway, I wasn’t there very long. I was not the best waitress and instead I was offered on job with the Dean of the Community College and then I received a full scholarship in Art History at FSU, but Ballet was my major interest. Finally, I decided on History and Anthropology. Years later, not satisfied with that, I decided to become an RN and I received a PhD, MSN, RN (Clinical research). What did you major in at college?
Political science, with a hefty dose of literature and philosophy and economics. How far we’ve come since then.
By the way, these days I know how great food tastes … and how far short most eateries fall in comparison.
Jnana, Political Science…very impressive and literature too, with philosophy and economics! Which one turned into a career? If you don’t mind me asking? I am of a curious nature, so I am told.
You are so right about eateries, I don’t like going to restaurants because I make very healthy meals that taste very good too. 🙂
I spent my career as a newspaper editor, for the most part. Wrote poetry and fiction on the side.
Jnana, my goodness, that is fascinating. What an intriguing career, not to mention, you are a very talented poet, commentator, and writer. Thank you for sharing! Karen 🙂