It wasn't right away, but within half an hour of hiking a couple miles to say thank you to a stranger, beautiful afternoon light was blooming on Berkeley street curbs and parking lots. A shop owner gave me a gift. People said hi, and some made funny statements and acted out silly gags. I drank a Pyramid ale and it was full of gold. A big white seagull was tailing me, and babies in strollers ate messy chocolate cookies.