Fiesta Hermosa

Today began with rain; it's been cold, windy, and just plain weird weather for the Beach Cities of Los Angeles. But, as I do each year on the Sunday over Memorial Day Weekend, I headed down to Fiesta Hermosa with friends. But because it was cold and rainy, I wore my Obama hoodie to keep me warm.

So I stopped at this booth of Island Carvings - the artist, Sami, works in whale bone, fossilized mammoth tusk, whale tooth, jade and cow bone. He's from Oahu, his work is gorgeous, and I wanted to ask him about some designs. Instead, he says "You like Obama?" I said, "Yes I do." He says, "He's a local boy, from Hawaii, grew up near me." I asked if he liked Obama too, and he said "You know I do, he's a good man." He bent my ear about the lack of dignity or decency among other candidates without mentioning names, but he was quite clear in his intent.

Little later, we left the fair, went to lunch at Veggie Grill in El Segundo. And as I went to place my order, the young woman at the register went on and on about how Obama gives her hope, and it is way beyond time for a change, and how could she get a hoodie like mine, and oh, sure, go ahead and order your lunch, you must be hungry, but I love Obama. I left a big tip in the tip jar.

Funny how a little visibility can connect total strangers.