That’s me with the camera and behind me is the Santa Monica Pier in southern California. And way off in the distance is the peaceful Pacific ocean, smooth and welcoming on a beautiful spring day.

Just around the corner in the unfocused part of the photo is the owner of the sunglass kiosk. When she discovered me taking this photo, she said, “No photo’s allowed.” I said, “I’ve already taken the photo but the dock and the light and the reflections are public.” She insisted otherwise and after a short philosophical exchange about ownership, I walked away. And then I bumped in to Fred and Kathleen, two people from Watertown, SD. What are the odds?