Once Again, Only Layden...

What do a Buddhist red bead bracelet, a pink and blue cell phone charm, 4 CD's of traditional Korean music

and gridlock Seoul traffic have in common?

Well, the story goes something like this:
We were in Seoul with friends, taking a taxi back to post in heavy afternoon traffic.  Layden was sitting up front and, as he usually does, made an effort to communicate with our driver.  He began by sounding out the driver's name from the ID card in the taxi, and then introduced himself.  The taxi driver immediately began an animated (and quite one-sided converstation) with Layden, including many gestures that took both hands off the wheel.  Layden tried to nod in all the right places and I guess he did, because all of a sudden the driver took Layden's hand in one of his and with the other hand popped the bracelet onto Layden's wrist.  He then indicated that this would bring luck and "many many goods."  We all laughed and I thanked the driver.  He figured out I was the wife and so he turned around (remember we ARE still in traffic) and gave me the phone charm.  We all were surprised at this, and of course offered to pay.  The driver refused - something about this being his good luck.  Well, we felt we had to say something, so Layden commented favorably on the music the driver was playing, which happened to be a good recording of traditional-style Korean music; a most pleasant change from the usual noisy techno-rock.  The driver waxed enthusiastic about this music and let us know it was a CD.  I asked for the name.  Next thing we knew, in the middle of a congested U-Turn lane, the driver put the car in park, jumped out, opened the trunk, rummaged around a bit, hoppped back in the car, tossed 4 CD's in Layden's lap, and completed his U-turn just in time to avoid the bus headed our direction.  He then indicated that there was a CD for each of us and that we should share them with each other.  We promised.  He wouldn't take any money for these things, not even a tip for the taxi ride.  His intention: to make the world better by spreading peace and generosity.  His effect - well it worked on us.  How much more pleasant the world would be if we focused a bit more on what we give and a bit less on what we can get.

In Other News:

We are now back to being a one-cat family.  I am glad I have this picture of Dash, Heidi and SelvaBelle all tucked into their little beds.  Dash has on his "picture face" - the one he makes when he doesn't want to be photographed.  Heidi is intent on Selva's tail, flicking tanatalizingly over the edge of her bed.  Selva is wary of what Heidi might do next.  A couple of days after I took this, a very nice family adopted both Heidi and Selva.  Good for them to stay together.  Good for them to get a nice home.  We feel like we made a positive contribution to the universe.  But, it is awfully quiet around here...