It was strange.

When one sees something not right – out of the ordinary, for example – it’s only right to ask, “Why?”. Whether this is silently questioned in an inquisitive mind, or asked out loud, it must be answered. Such was an encounter the other day when I casually walked into a room for a mid-day munchie. In context, a mid-morning breakroom where there happened to be a lamination machine being officially occupied by a co-worker. Just the two of us. One casually snacking on mini whoppers and another seemingly working on a whopper of a job by said machine.

“Seemingly”, may I add. Granted, knowing this person, anything is possible. Generally, one should have available something to laminate? I spied by my very eyes … nothing. Clearly, nothing. Time being of the essence, I did understand the hesitancy in her reply when I asked, “Why .. ? What are you doing? ..There’s nothing here?”.

This was question #1.

Seeing through my “possible” sarcastic nature (but, avoiding a natural, satirical response), she spoke an unadorned comeback, “Hey, I’m waiting for this machine to warm-up. Do you know what temperature it has to reach?”. I was impressed with this reply. Logical. To the point; however, it was very transparent .. she was avoiding my, “Why?”

Again. “I know the machine is warming up. What project are you laminating? I don’t see anything on the table? Why?”

This was question #2

Once the machine reached it’s desired goal five minutes later, I got my answer. Five minutes of nothing. No laminated bird pictures, artist summaries, color wheels, how-to’s of this-and that’s, forest critter drawings, or kiddo crayon doodles – nada.

A pail-full of pellucid pandering for a period of five minutes. Intriguing? Yes.

…And I lamented the lamination – which ended up being my answer. You, distinctly, read this right. Q: To repeat #2 “Why?”. A: “To Laminate a Lamination”.

Ah, but there was a follow-up. Yayoi Kusama.

If you are familiar with a bright red bob wig, then my good friend’s answer makes perfect sense. Yayoi Kusama died mid-August and she was known for her signature wig as well as a distinctive art style. Mainly, her immersion into a clear, reflective, and boundless art style. This is what I can gather from my minimal search. So, from an educational perspective, to give students clear laminate in which to explore Yayoi’s world clears things up for me.

I guess I can see-through the genius of Yayoi to walk on my good friend’s motivational (and educational) path. Looking back, if I wasn’t hungry for the whoppers, none of this would have happened.

Lesson learned. Still ALWAYS good to ask, “Why?”. Even if the first answer doesn’t make sense, remember, the second mouse always gets the cheese … and learns a lesson in the process.

As long as it doesn’t get too close to the lamination machine. That wouldn’t be good.