San Francisco leaves me feeling like I am made of denser substance than the ethereal, cheerful and smiling locals. How they manage to be all of that in a city so hellishly expensive boggles the mind. Maybe they have found connection to their larger purpose in the universe and are not moribund like us folks peeved and anxious about bills, savings, college tuition, retirement and old age.
Almost allegorically, at a used book store I overheard this middle aged couple discussing the purchase of a book light. One of them had thirty dollars in their bank account, the other had less - he did not name a number. They needed four dollars and were trying to see if that could be shared - or maybe half debit card and half cash. He had five dollars and change but did not want to spend it all.
They were both readers and she was also crafty. He was explaining to her how this book light would be perfect for both of them. She was doubtful at first but came around quite enthusiastically. If I had not heard this conversation I would have seen them no different from the other insanely cheery locals that make one such as myself look like Grinch.
The lack of funds to outright purchase the four dollar book light did not diminish their spirits even a bit. They worked it out, walked away happily![]()
together to their car. Maybe that is the magic of San Francisco. It makes everything appear bright and cheery like a nice summer afternoon when the mild breeze, the mountains, the ocean, the all round perfection of nature make for a slice of heaven.
I felt tremors for a good ten minutes at the airport waiting for my plane home but people went on like nothing was happening. Just one old man commented to his wife that the ground is shaking. He appeared slightly concerned about it. But they were likely from out of town just like me.
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