Halloween in Ojai

A conspiracy of ravens gathers in the trees above the lap pool of the spa, preening their glossy plumage and cocking their heads at the silent passage of the golf carts on the other side of the white-washed stucco wall. Their calls and snapping bills are an affront in this sanctuary where cell phones are prohibited. Several of the birds dare to swoop down to the poolside tables, snatching up remnants of organic fruit and gluten-free crackers. The boldest of them alights on the back of a lounge chair, eyeing the diamond tennis bracelet of the woman who lies motionless with slices of cucumber on her eyes. It is the first day of spring, but the atmosphere feels distinctly autumnal. 

Studies in Eccentricity #3

She favors cheap ball-point pens that leave explosions of ink and battalions of wounded words.

Observations from the 8:02 to Grand Central

The man's hair looked as if it had been cut with a Bowie knife by a firebrand abolitionist.

The Perfect Sermon?

As the morning traffic streams past, the bearded man in the torn flannel shirt stands at the edge of the traffic island at Park Avenue and 46th Street, howling "Suck on your Bible!"

Today's Forecast

Today's forecast: Patchy fog.

Studies in Eccentricity #2

He wondered why the name of every U.S. mattress manufacturer began with the letter "s".

Sealy.

Serta.

Simmons.

The thought brought to mind dark alliances and blood pacts, secret handshakes and knowing winks, all part of some League of Morpheus.

Studies in Eccentricity #1

At Brooks Brothers, he witnessed a man ordering a pair of trousers with custom belt loops made from wire coat hangers.