The Bangkok Amulet Salesman fought the Viet Cong. We were strolling through the Chatachuk Market in Bangkok and found him. He was pitching the sale of Ganesha, the Hindu Elephant God who destroys barriers. He proceeded to give a full explanation of how his amulets (around his neck) had saved him from being shot in the war. He showed off his scar where the bullets had grazed his arm. I hesitated and walked away.

Something made me go back to his stall. He was happily playing his Chinese violin. 80 years old and so very happy. Ganesha now has a place of honor above my easel. Trouvaille! Something or someone lovely discovered by chance.