the other day i stopped by oxford’s arcadia, a lovely shop that sells beautiful trinkets and old books, to purchase some ribbon (for wrapping the blogmistresses’ presents). sure enough, arcadia offered a wide delicate selection of wrappings and bows. “i knew you would have good ribbon here!” i told the shopkeeper as i handed over exact change. he smiled, went over to the cash register, then returned to drop something in my hand. surprised, as i had paid the precise amount, i accepted a tiny gold coin made of chocolate. my goodness, how magical! i tell you, it’s the little things.

xandra ★