strange packages for strangers in strange places

I got a message on my work phone today.

"Hi, this was the only number available. I'm calling from The Read Cafe, 158 Bedford. We received a small box, delivered last week. A small box, 5" wide and pretty much square. If you could give me a call back and let me know what to do with it or better yet, come in and get it. Thanks"

See, I was wondering what had happened. The thing is, I walked into this really great cafe when I visited New York recently. This one was in Brooklyn. It was like falling into a little peice of something familiar. As if I had lunch there many times before. A handsome fellow behind the counter took my order. He had on an old cap and and a apron over a sweater and there was just something that as I looked at him, reminded me of an old black and white photo.

Now I see that that could seem like a strange thing to say about anybody, but I mean it in the best possible way. I am attracted to nostalgia and the sentiments of the times past. The way that things seemed simpler, more honest and authentic in a black and white photograph. Something, I guess, human and revealing that I can see easier. So, having spent a few days walking around places like 5th and Park Avenues in NYC, this was much more appealing. So in fact, that I would have liked to chat a lot longer.

Ok..back to the message left on my phone. This particularly interesting individual took notice of my camera and commented that his had been stolen. When I got home and a friend (Sal) left his Canon SLR in my possession with no interest in having it back, I had this conversation...

Me: Sal, come and get your camera. I don't want it and I don't know anyone who does.

Sal: Donate it. Do whatever you want with it.

Me: Great. I know just the thing to do with it. I'm going to send it to Brooklyn.

So, because of that great afternoon, my immediate liking of the person who reminded me of something that I wish I saw more, I sent the camera and a note off to the store. And when it got there it sat unopened, perhaps neglected and waiting for its owner to arrive.

I had casually wondered if the unexpected presence of a camera from some chick had actually been too freaky. You know, that's the sad thing about random acts of kindness; that they're random (and sometimes results in skeptism.)

Instead of a call to explain the mysterious package, if I could go back to The Read to pick it up to hand over in person, believe me I would. That place had good soup, wobbly tables, and some witty banter of which made me just want to stay put till closing. I think I left saying something about getting caught in Williamsburg, after dark, without a map.

Thanks Lawrence for all of that. I hope you enjoy the camera.