This afternoon in Paris I stumbled into Hermes, where a scarf costs more than my car. I quickly escaped to watch people outside in the chilly mist. The City of Lights was almost tourist-free in mid-December, so I saw a parade of French marching in every direction, some with tiny $50 Christmas trees. They looked great. Parisians all check the mirror before they go outdoors. One older lady caught my attention. She wore a long black coat, elegant boots and a chic little hat. Her huge bag was scarlet velour. As I watched she strode up to a garbage can on a busy corner and began digging. She pulled out three or four items, examined them and tossed them back. Then she found something that pleased her. She stuffed it in the scarlet bag, tossed her shoulder, and strode away with grace and style, as if she'd just made a major purchase at Hermes. I imagined that she had collected her whole lovely wardrobe that way. Of course I took no photos, but I did everything I could to remember her face, her attitude. Next time I'm feeling sorry for myself because I can't afford a new coat, I'll remember the lady with the big red bag. Living small, in Paris, with attitude.