Observation

The place I elected to observe was the courtyard area, facing the pond, in front of the library because it offered a wide variety of observable actions. I sat on a bench in the shade facing the pond because it offered the best vantage point of the area surrounding the pond. This allowed me to observe that area but also utilize my other senses simultaneously. I was an objective observer because I wanted to not play an active role in the process of observation. The resources that I brought to record my observations were a notebook and pen. I recorded notes with bulleted comments that were as specific as possible. As I sat on the bench, I immediately felt that it was colder than the outside air, had a sandpaper like texture and bleached out appearance that reminded me of Clint Eastwood's horse in Pale Rider. A light cool southwestern wind gently tugged at my clothing, creating goose bumps on my skin. Behind me, people entered the library. The vast majority of which shuffled their feet which I was distracting and is a pet peeve. Those that did not shuffle their feet or were at least the most noticeable were the click and clack of high heels as they passed by. This sound, chatter, laughter and construction in the distance detracted from the serene nature of the fountains to my front. The fountains in the pond created a peaceful atmosphere. The twin fountains created algae stained waves that radiated from their source, meeting in the middle to form a glass like serenity or spilled upon the shore with violent disregard. Directly across from me, a casually dressed man with dark unkempt hair and dark skin wearing blue jeans, a blue t shirt and white shoes lay immobile in direct sunlight with his left hand covering his eyes obviously asleep. To his right, two women were actively engaged in conversation .They were obviously passionately discussing a topic as they were both using gestures. their body language indicated that they were relaxed, open and receptive.