The Stage
Observation taken October 27th, 2016 at 10:10AM. Location is in Kamloops, BC, within a small warm coffee shop. It is not very busy yet and the only sounds are of the people bustling in and out and the murmur of conversation from patrons. From time to time the hiss of the espresso machine cuts through the other noise, as an order is being rung through the till. The colours of the surrounding are neutral and inviting. Only solid metal edging disturbs the soft browns of the layout. It feels contemporary; the architecture structured around geometric curves and angles. Various sizes and shapes of seating dot the shop, giving those who wish the choice of omniscient bar stools, or intimately laid out tables. I choose the bar stool. The air smells like coffee and cleaner. Faint whiffs of perfume can be detected as people wander around.

The Blocking

The Players
Participants are three ladies having coffee at a table about 12 ft. away from my own table. The women slowly take their seats, one of the ladies gingerly helping the other take hers. Note that perhaps they are related, as this lady (Lady 3) is much older than her helper (Lady 1), as well as their friend (Lady 2). For the purpose of clarification, I will hence for refer to Lady 1 as Anne, Lady 2 as Beth, and Lady 3 as Ruth. Anne, Beth and Ruth settle down at their table. Anne is drinking a dark tea along with Ruth, both sharing from a pot on their table. Beth appears to be drinking a cappuccino. They are all Caucasian women in their later years. It is taken that Anne is somewhere in the sixty-five to seventy range at most, if not slightly younger. As I entered I noticed her helping Ruth (around eighty perhaps) order and take a seat. She has short white hair and wears a lavender shirt under a dark vest and dark pants. Her overall demeanor seems comfortable, friendly and assuring. It is noted that she has no marriage band, however is certainly middle class judging on her clothing and jewelry, (wearing gold earrings). She wears no religious symbols, i.e. cross pendant. Based on this trait and her age, potentially Christian but not a practicing one. Anne introduces Ruth to Beth, as well as initiates the interaction. Beth seems more reserved than the others. She does have a ring and looks as well dressed as the others, wearing a dark navy sweater and Doc Martens. Additionally, she listens more in the conversation and appears generally independent. On the other hand, Ruth looks much older than Beth and Anne, and needed Anne’s help earlier (as stated before). This is due to an apparent trouble with her right leg, though she does not use a cane. Only she wore glasses in the group which is another possible clue to her being oldest of the group. Her clothes are just as simple and nice. All of them talk for some time, using many subtle hand gestures. They are quiet so I move to look at the merchandise near them to catch bits of their conversation.
The Plot
From what I hear they are talking about age, time and the people in their lives. The topic itself seems typical among their generation and from what I can gather of that they probably meet on a weekly basis to go over the new gossip in their lives and what is happening to the people they know. As they socialize, another woman sits at the table beside them. A few minutes later two other women join her and Ruth and Anne strike up a conversation with their peer group, almost as if they know they each other or see the their age as a bond they share. Their interaction with the next table lasts only a few minutes. During that time Beth stays mostly to herself, only adding a few words. This could be because she is furthest away from the next table or she simply has no relation to the group, unlike her other colleagues (who seem more familiar). After the chat next door fades, the women return to focus on each other once more. As they have finished their beverages, they begin to rustle a bit and gather their jackets and personal belongings. Once again Anne comes to help Ruth get out of her chair and walk. Beth beats them to it, already having rearranged her things and distanced herself a few feet from the other ladies. She is ready to embark to other places. Anne and Ruth catch up slowly and all three exit the coffee shop area. Observation ends at 10:33AM.

The Finale
In summary, each lady appears to hold the same social status within their context. All seem well-off, and have reached the same point in their life course. The overall socialization between them is fluid and well practiced. My assumption is that these ladies have known one another for many years. Furthermore, I could guess that their meeting are routine/ritualistic in nature, probably taking place every week or biweekly to catch up. I found this observation to be a walk in the park, as I am a young Caucasian female, and I feel almost trained in casual observation. The objectivity of my statements can be validated by years of various encounters of similar social settings, whereupon I was an observer of a scene. Lastly, I find there is a correlation between these ladies in the way they interact and the way I socialize with my best friend and I realize it is relatable to myself. All-in-all, I believe the assignment was effective.