why not?

recently at borders, i was skimming a novel i'd just picked up when a man sat down in the chair across from mine.  i happened to look up and make eye contact; he took this as an opening and struck up a conversation.  it went something like this: 

him: what are you reading?

me: Lunch in Paris.  [pause] about a girl who has lunch in paris, and ends up falling in love and living there. 

him: so why aren't you going out and living it instead of just reading about it?!?

me: well... i have to get up and go to work in the morning. 

he continued by telling me that he is an artist who travels the world, giving painting demonstrations, making money, and having fun.  

so... what brings you to winston??

a mistake. 

oh, right, got it. 

we briefly touched on a random assortment of topics, including the materialism of the american culture (we are living like caged birds, he says), the bible, and the photos taken on the moon, but always returning to his preferred way of life.  

in the span of 45 minutes, he hinted repeatedly, in no uncertain terms, that i should follow suit.

he told me he's planning a trip to egypt to paint the pyramids (the dates aren't set yet). 

as Christ said, follow me, and leave everything behind.

i'm sorry, that's creepy.  and ... no. 

after he left, i went home, and the next morning, i got up and went to work.  i spent the evening with family and with friends.  

i do love travelling, but i also love being here.