How Ya Doin', Count Dracula?
I am now the proud owner of a laptop computer. For some reason I had the irresistible urge to purchase one. I'm really glad I did. It means that I can often avoid cutting the Internet ubilicle cord, and occasionally do my thing at locations other than this keyboard upon which I type. I like to write at Starbucks sometimes. Having people come and go around me seems to break the spell of the intimidating blank page, or the tedious editing process.

A couple of weeks ago I had a somewhat odd encounter. I was comfortably seated in one of the Starbucks armchairs with a view of the parking lot. Three individuals got out of a car -- two of them were average looking middle-aged women, dressed for the cold weather. The third was a young fellow (maybe 18) wearing a tuxedo. He reminded me of the famous Count from the movies, and I had an impulse to greet him that way. One strange thing was that the tux actually fit! I would guess that almost every guy has a photo of himself from some prom or wedding, proudly wearing an ill-fitting rented tuxedo. This one was impeccable and stylish, and even sported tails. I looked at him and dove back into my laptop.

As the trio came in, I happened to glance at the fellow as they passed my perch, and he locked me in an intense (and I felt somewhat menacing) gaze directly into my eyes. I nodded in as friendly a manner as I could and went back to my screen. They went to the counter to place their order, and before I knew it he was seated next to me as though he wanted to engage me in conversation. He asked my name, and told me his was Chris. "Nice suit," I said. I think he said thank you, and said something I could not understand. I heard the word "teachers", that's all I knew for sure. He was speaking English, but seemed mentally impaired in some way. I nodded again. Then one of the ladies appeared and said something like, "It's ok to say hi, but you can't talk to them." Then she made him move down so there was a seat between us. I was about ready to leave anyway, so I closed up my laptop and headed for the door. As I was making my way to the exit he called out goodbye, and then asked my name again. I told him, then said "Goodbye Chris." He told me to "be careful out there." The teachers seemed quite intent on keeping him from interacting with anyone else, as though we were all some dangerous species that he should have nothing to do with.

Had it been after dark, I might have expected him to turn into a vampire bat and follow. As it was I was left to wonder "what the heck?" Maybe he was a savant of some kind... a brilliant violinist on his way to a concert. Who knows? Mysteries abound.

Oh well, today is Christmas Eve. I have the good fortune of having a lady friend at the moment, and am anticipating a nice private dinner and celebration. Best to you and yours at this Holiday Season, and if you happen to see any well-dressed vampire bats, tell them to be careful out there.

The greatest of these is love
Several years ago I was walking around my neighborhood in Long Beach, California. It certainly wasn't the most prosperous of times in my life. The area was fairly rundown, and it was a grey day. I was pondering my state of affairs when I came across a person with an array of original artwork spread out on the sidewalk. For convenience I'll say it was a male, although I can't remember for sure. He was an adult dressed in mostly black clothing, and was obviously handicapped in some way. He was selling artwork that he had done... all childish works on notebook paper in simple black frames. I bought this one. I paid from $2 to $5 (not sure), and I have it to this day.

It gave me a bit of encouragement at the time. I felt that this person had done what he could to express himself, and had the courage to sit on a street corner and offer his wares. I wondered if I could have the same kind of courage. I've presented artwork in a multitude of circumstances, but usually with the benefit of a professional context.

The quote, in case it is unfamiliar, is from I Corinthians 13:13 in the New Testament. Love is greater than Faith or Hope, and there is an entire chapter telling you why. I think it's a good thought for us all as we prepare to wrap up another year and begin another.