Random Thoughts, August 5th

1. Sometimes it is quite astonishing how happy a red coffee cup you bought six months ago (as a sign of new possibility) or a blue coffee mug that you bought three years ago (on a trip with your Dad) can make you. So don't be too quick to disparage silly, little purchases.

2. Or, in other words, whatever form it takes-- you can't always be a martyr, or a master, or a renouncer of the world and it likely a mistake to try.

3. That said: if there is an overwhelming message to be gained from Babette's Feast it is this: austerity and joyful abundance are far fairer partners than we often imagine.