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0 of 3 Premium Clicks used this month SUBSCRIBE Print + Online Subscriber Activation | Register x Forgot Password | Need an Account? subscribe | newsletter | deals Classifieds Jobs Autos Real Estate FEATURED » NEWS NOW Chris Honoré: Scott Walker: a Republican prototype ... Smoke blankets Rogue Valley as Stouts fire grows to 8,500 acres ... Herb Rothschild Jr.: Missing Jon Stewart ... Chris Honoré: Scott Walker: a Republican prototype ... Smoke blankets Rogue Valley as Stouts fire grows to 8,500 acres ... Herb Rothschild Jr.: Missing Jon Stewart ... MOCHA MUSINGS Mocha Musings: An insight into the sight we take for granted Comment By Susanne Severeid DailyTidings.com By Susanne Severeid Posted Jun. 1, 2015 at 6:10 PM By Susanne Severeid Posted Jun. 1, 2015 at 6:10 PM » Social News Have you ever thought of what it would be like to shop as a person who is blind or sight-impaired? I never had. Had never even given it a thought. Until one day, when I was in one of our downtown Ashland stores that caters to women’s tastes. Idly looking through the racks of lovely gossamer skirts and lacey tops, I saw the door open and in walked a woman wearing large, dark Audrey Hepburn-style sunglasses, leaning on the arm of an older man. I noticed her white cane right away, as well as her dependence on him for pretty much everything from opening the door (I may be a feminist, but I think men could still benefit from remembering to do that more often), to alerting her to the raised doorsill, and steering her away from a scarf display that threatened to jab her in the ribs.  A saleswoman immediately drifted from behind the counter and greeted them both warmly. They were obviously expected. The man smiled and took his leave, happy — as is almost every guy I know — to be excused from the ritual of a woman’s shopping spree, yet also knowing she was safely ensconced and thrilled to be there. She laughed as the saleswoman made a joke and, with her arm now firmly entwined in the crook of the saleslady’s elbow, they made their way toward the blouses. I couldn’t help but eavesdrop. “What are you interested in today?” the saleslady asked, holding out the sleeve of an exquisitely silky top for her customer to feel. The woman’s fingers caressed the cuff with its tiny pearl buttons and a smile played on her lips. “Do you think it would look nice on me?” she asked tentatively. “Oh, yes, it’s similar to the one you bought last year,” she was assured. And so they chatted, as they wandered through the store. I went back to my clearance rack, but couldn’t help wondering: how does one shop for clothes when you can’t see? When all is darkness? You can’t say, “Oh, do you have this in pink, too? Or polka dots?” Because, well, what do polka dots look like to someone who has never had the gift of sight, when one is born blind? I remember once trying to help a man who was blind at the Post Office. The rubber tip to his cane had fallen off and he was asking those around him to help him find it. “What does it look like?” I asked spontaneously. He took a beat, smiled in my direction, and said, “Well, I wouldn’t know, would I?” So, do you pick that blouse because it’s scrumptiously soft? How can you imagine how something will look on you if you’ve never even seen your own reflection? Will a salesperson sell you plaid or stripes because she adores them and, if you could see, might your taste be totally different from hers? And yet, as I watched this saleswoman listen to her customer and the way she tilted her head slightly to one side while giving her full attention, I knew that she would help select clothing that would be perfect for the lady with the Audrey Hepburn sunglasses and white cane. I turned to see my own reflection in the full-length, skinny-fying mirror on the dressing room door, and the jeans and Paris sweatshirt that I’d chosen effortlessly that morning and had been able to toss on without a care. Yes, I thought, her outfit is important. And, yes, it is the goal for her to leave the store with something that will look lovely when she attends that concert, luncheon or graduation — an outfit that her husband, as he helps her up the stairs or to their seats, will be happy and proud to see her wear. But just as important is the care she receives in buying it, the enjoyment she has in choosing it — and the sheer pleasure she has had in just going shopping. Such a simple thing, yet so easily taken for granted. Award-winning author, TV presenter and world traveler Susanne Severeid is an Ashland resident who enjoys making time for the important things in life — including mocha. Read more of her columns at www.dailytidings.com/mocha-musings. For more, go to www.susannesevereid.com. Email her at [email protected]. By Susanne Severeid DailyTidings.com By Susanne Severeid Posted Jun. 1, 2015 at 6:10 PM » Comment or view comments Reader Reaction » STAY INFORMED Email NewsLetter Sign Up Today Sign up for our newsletter and have the top headlines from your community delivered right to your inbox. Southern Oregon Directory Featured Businesses Loading... 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