One of my philosophies of life is that life is like a video game: you come across all sorts of random things that may come in handy later on, sometimes in ways you don't expect. Other times, you see immediately where they might be useful.

When I was kayaking on Sunday, I came across something unusual in the water. Long stemmed roses. The first rose I saw in the Montlake Cut, which Wikipedia claims is approximately 2,500 feet long and 350 feet wide , which makes the water rough depending upon the traffic going through. It was rough enough that I didn't attempt to grab it, despite really wanting to.

Thankfully, just past the narrowest part of the cut, I glimpsed another rose that I was able to steer to it and pick it out of the water. A little further on, another rose another grab. One of them I gave to a friend as a bit of beauty to cheer a hard day. The other I took home with me and put in a champagne flute. It's been good company this week, during dinner, hot baths, and on my nightstand as I sleep. It's held up very well, opening up and growing even more beautiful.

I have no idea who strew these roses on the water, but I'm glad I came upon them and put them to good use.

Yesterday's Commentary on Me

I feel like weeks can go by without anyone saying anything particularly particular about me. Yesterday, however, I got the following comments, paraphrased, in order:

1. Homeless man, as I walked along under my umbrella: "You are just so beautiful."
2. Friend: "Nice Paddington Bear look."
3. Starbuck's cashier, after I ordered a cookie, "Thank you. I saw you and thought you were going to order something really complex. Thanks for being easy."

Very interesting how people see you, and what people are willing to tell you about how they see you!