I took a book to the Botanical Gardens this afternoon. As I was walking through the gardens I saw two elderly Japanese ladies carefully examining some flowers. I thought to myself how musical their voices were… and ‘I bet they make delicious food, and I would love to taste it.’

I wandered a ways and sat down with my book (Science and Sanity) and began to read. A little while later, the two women came walking up and said hello to me. We began to talk, and they apologized for how loud they had been being. I explained that I had heard them speaking Japanese as I passed them earlier… and how musical it sounded. They lit up, and we spoke for a while before I asked respectfully if I might join them on their walk. They seemed happy to oblige me, and explained that they come ‘to patrol the gardens for new things’ very regularly.

When I told them what I had been thinking (that they must make nice food) they both started laughing and one, who referred to the other as ‘The Captain’ explained that her friend was an organic gardener.

We wandered around the gardens showing each other the little mysteries and special places or plants we had discovered for over an hour. It was absolutely magical. Such a heartful moment of deep connection, wonder, curiosity and enthusiasm. I look forward to seeing them again, and agreed to pursue some of the questions they had about ‘special things’ (spirit things) in the gardens.

They were both named Keiko (grace).

Bliss.