In the 30 days that have elapsed since I returned from my much-anticipated Brazilian stay, I've been trying to process a large measure of disappointment. Here in my mind I had built Salvador da Bahia -- visited and loved twice before -- as my nirvana, where I would happily retire next year. But, as will happen, reality intervened. (More about this subject in a later post.)

Sooo I took stock of myself. Even though I pretty much kept up with my walking regimen -- I had done 14k most days in Brazil! -- I was in a funk that had me od'ing on tv and crunchies with too little exercise. I decided that I must pull out of this.

First stop, my mother confessor Pam for understanding and motivation. Next, a stimulating Humphrey's occasion. And then I marched myself into 24-Hour Fitness, mounting my favorite elliptical. And my brain whirred as I urged my body toward that magical target heart rate. Finally, as Thanksgiving approached, I declined an invitation for dinner with a large group in order to indulge my inquisitive/creative side and resultant self-satisfaction.

First thing this morning I sent overdo email replies, put up a positive blog post and headed out to see the movie "Milk." But the 10 of us who showed up right on time at the Landmark Hillcrest, discovered that the media had it wrong -- there was no morning show!

Ah well ... The holiday was a great opportunity to cruise downtown and beyond. With no traffic to contend with, I ventured down Broadway, around Petco Park and to the 10th Street Terminal. I've been curious about it since I read about some brilliant folks thinking there should be a giant platform constructed over its top, on which to build "commerce." No, no, NO! as this is not only an underperforming marine terminal -- where is the marketing arm of the Port? -- but in walking around the area I discovered a shady picnic area, sweet children's playground, soccer field (in action) and a wide concrete pier with a Navy ship looming nearby, Crowley tugs tied alongside and views up and down the bay with the Coronado Bridge soaring above.

Buoyed by this unexpected discovery but now hungry, I drove to IHOP for my favorite International Passport breakfast. As usual when alone I had a book tucked in my bag.:"The Darker: Tales of A City Different" ordered from Amazon.com after I stumbled upon an indelible excerpt from the unique tome by a young Hispanic Santa Fe guy.

As I sipped my coffee, immersed in the book, I was interrupted by the maitre de. "A gentleman has paid for your meal." He smiled as I said, "Are you serious?" He nodded, "He said he wanted to buy you dinner ..."

As I sit here responding to music I recorded in Brazil, preparing for some heavy-duty writing, I'm taking it as a sign.

Played: 8 | Download | Duration: 00:02:06

Not that I believe everything happens for a reason -- I'll put my chips on happenstance -- as curious, quirky, surprising coincidences have been the story of my life. And this "first" -- an unseen somebody buying my meal with nothing to gain -- may just show that there's still great hope for the world, as well as for moi. Y'think?

Positively,
Carolan