Strolling the quaint streets of old St. Augustine was a delight in the off-season. It was good to be there on vacation when the tourists were gone. I slipped into a shop exhibiting wonderfully carved animal figures. I admired an exquisite dolphin caught in mid-leap with wood grain so luminous it almost shone. My fingers caressed its sensuous smoothness.

“Magnificent, isn’t it?” a soft voice said behind me. “Wood can be so beautiful if worked correctly — almost erotic. Don’t you think?” I turned, expecting to find a salesperson, and was startled to see a lovely woman. She had blue eyes, and her long, sweeping blonde hair framed an angelic face. She wore a smart white linen dress, matching shoes, purse and picture hat. The picture of the woman stayed in my mind for hours. I could... Read More