It's a sunny Sunday afternoon. I'm back at Borders again. There's a precocious performer picking a guitar, providing a lively atmosphere. Dozens of readers are crowded into this dainty dining area, listening, reading, and sipping espressos.

It's warm outside. I'm sitting next to a window and can feel the glow of the sun. The parking lot is full as usual. It took me a few circles before I could find a spot.

Some of the folks browsing the bookshelves can't help peeking at the performer. She's got a broad grin and an enthusiastic aura, and a graceful voice as smooth as her symphonic strums.

I like using this energy of crowds and activity to stimulate my writing. Just being around people and hearing all this noise can jump-start my pulse like a powerful pill.

The night before was fast, hard, and long. Spending a soothing Sunday like this is the scrumptious way to detox. Melodious music, a cool cup of iced tea, a good book to read, and lots of power outlets for my laptop.

Oops, my laptop just jumped out of juice. I'm sitting next to the musician and her amps, as well as the power outlet that she's using. She saw me squat towards her outlet and let out a pseudo shriek, "Wait, please don't unplug me!"

The crowd turned towards me. I let out an embarrassed apology and turned to my table. Then I promptly wrote about it (see above).

See, isn't this great? Spontaneous writing. Writing about life as it happens. It's like a news report; probably a pretty damn boring one, but still, at least it's spontaneous.

Oh wait, this just occurred to me: This free associative ramble is almost like an ad for Borders, isn't it? Well, maybe not. I didn't mention its great selection of books, wonderful café, and low low prices! Heh heh.

But a substantial selection isn't why I sit here. It's this relaxing atmosphere mixed with just enough activity to keep my brain's pulse in power. Ahhh. What a great way to spend a soothing Sunday afternoon.

. . .

How was your Sunday?