I went to a birthday lunch this week, invited by an artist and fashionista that I met several weeks ago. She looked smashing, just as I knew she would, so I was glad I had gotten all dressed up to meet her.

I brought a gift (a scarf) and she was confused. We hardly knew each other, and so I felt sorry that I had put her in such an uncomfortable position. Lesson learned. I thought I should return the favor of being invited to lunch, but I should have known better.

I lived in Korea for 12 years, and one thing I saw again and again was how people never let themselves get indebted. When they come to visit, they always bring something: flowers, food, anything! And when they feel they have received something good, even if they have paid for it dearly, they insist on giving an offering of some kind. They can feel free in their minds that they owe nothing.

I’m sorry and hope that Diane does not feel in any way indebted because I gave her a scarf to celebrate her birthday. I could say that in my mind she represents all the beautiful women of Liege, and it was in that spirit that the gift was given. She owes me nothing. HAPPY BIRTHDAY, Madame! 🙂

She loved my wig, and told me that the next time we meet, she’ll be wearing one too, and I should have another one!

I think I might have met my match 🙂