Today is a little cooler than it has been. I stroll down to the American Library to continue my masterpiece- ready to remove the bodies that have littered the front porch. My backpack contains my lunch and my computer. My intention is to walk right into the library and begin editing; instead I pass the entrance and make my way to the Champs de Mars. Near the base of the Eiffel Tower, in the very slim shadow of a sickly tree I eat my lunch. An impromptu picnic with a cast of hundreds providing the entertainment.

A young American couple are taking pictures of each other in front of the Eiffel Tower- being from the midwest, I offer to help.

Misplaced: Do you want a picture together?
Couple: Thank you! We are on our honeymoon.
Misplaced: Congratulations.
(I take the camera and the guy explains the basics)
Misplaced: One Two Three. (snap)
Couple: You speak English very well.
Misplaced (confused)....Thank you.

All and all not a bad way to spend a Thursday.

I was in the Darty today to buy a beard trimmer- because I was apparently mistaken when I said it was hip to be scruffy in Paris. Anyway, the lady infront of me was purchasing an electronic contraption. From what I could gather you place this machine over the area on your body where you want to lose weight and magically the weight disappears. After the sale she remained at the register, opened the box and pulled all the pieces out -making sure everything was accounted for and nothing was broken. She didn't want to get ripped off.

Sometimes life just hands you moments of serendipity- that's how God tells you he loves you.

I had my car washed today. Deluxe service, leather scent, very nice. It's one of those automated car washes with the veiwing area. You can watch the car as it goes through each of the washing phases, very cool.

I'm amazed at how many adults simply drop the car off and pass the viewing area and wait for their car at the end of the assembly line. How could you not watch this process?

These people have their priorities out of wack.

We were sitting on a bench at the Piazza Della Repubblica in Florence earlier this year. It was a beautiful spring day and we were watching the carousel and listening to its distinctive music. Music, which, in any other setting would be annoying but, which is perfect for the bejeweled carousels. The children were laughing and calling out to their parents, waving each time their horse or carriage completed a revolution as though they were seeing them for the first time.

The carousel is also, apparently, an excellent place to kick your elfin feet up and rest. Every time this lady came around I would sneak a picture, much to the delight of the Italian couple sitting on the bench next to ours. The thought of this lady racing up the platform and beating the little children to this chariot still makes me smile.

Every once in awhile we are given little moments of serendipity.