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Most people want security in this world, not liberty.

~H.L. Mencken, Minority Report, 1956

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Dear friends of mindful wanderings,

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last  Saturday morning my eyes fell onto this beautiful, orange striped van. I had to draw it. As I sat down on the sidewalk and slowly made my marks on the paper, I wondered what it was about the car that enchanted me.

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I believe it’s the sense of freedom that it evokes.  Tear and wear show this van has seen a bit in its time yet its bright, warm colors still lust for more.

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I was in thoughts when a woman appeared and knocked on the door of the caravan. I had assumed the car was empty, but a middle aged man with a big smile opened the door for her. A few friendly words in Spanish were exchanged and she left.

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Only now did the owner of the car notice me. I was sitting about 20 feet away and had thrown an occasional glance in their direction. He got curious what I was up to and slowly walked over. As he tilted his head  to inspect my drawing, his grin broadened.

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“It’s a 1977. Musketeer. Beautiful picture!”

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Marco added after introducing himself.  A second look at my piece and he rushed back to his car. He had left the door open! Marco insisted that it had to be closed, for I had already started drawing it in that state.

We exchanged a couple more words and I finishing the piece.

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Later in the day, my way went by his car again. I was carrying some prints of my drawing and was tired from the day. Marco was leaning on his Musketeer. On the spur of the moment I gave him one of the prints as a present. A thankful Marco was waving his hands for good bye.

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I had not asked him where he was coming from or going to. Whether he even was in transit or stuck in a tight spot living in his Musketeer. Marco seemed free, happy and content and so was your visual flaneur…

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