A Light Touch

the Westin Hotel in Pasadena

Sometimes another person can rub off on you. Spend half an hour with the guy who's always freaked out and you come away needing a cigarette, whether you smoke or not. By contrast, a brief exchange with a store clerk who's got a sense of humor can loosen the clench of your jaw and keep you smiling for the rest of the day.

I don't know about you but I never think of myself as that person--the one who's rubbing something of my own off onto other people. How dare I rub people, how rude! Especially strangers, especially the wrong way.

But I am that person. We all are, every time we come within rubbing distance of each other.

It's something to keep in mind, this unconscious rubbing we do. (I suppose if we keep it in mind it's conscious then, isn't it?) Perhaps a nice pat-pat now and then instead, eh?

Moi Aussi

I usually do my posts in the early evening, then set the timer on this here Blogger thingy to post at a minute after midnight. (Don't ask me why I set it for a minute after; I don't have an answer.)

I've spent a good deal of time researching a post and I've come to realize I don't have time to finish it tonight. So I'm forced to post something completely frivolous that has no educational value whatsoever. You will not be enlightened here on the blog today. I'm terribly sorry. I hope you'll at least be entertained.

Here's a self-portrait I took in the main floor hallway of the Westin Pasadena when I met friends for drinks at Ventanas, the lobby bar. It's a nice bar.

There--that was enlightening, right?

Ventanas Window

I'm a lightweight. I didn't used to be. I think I need to get out more often.

Ventanas Restaurant and Bar at the Westin is a quiet spot for a weeknight martini. A little off the beaten track (aka Colorado Blvd.), which is sometimes exactly what you need.

Or exactly what I need. For me to tell you what you need would be presumptuous.

Got a favorite weeknight spot? It doesn't have to be a business establishment. Let's hear it.