The Spirit of Zelda

Imagine those words on back of a beat up Ford Tempo, it brings a smile to my face when I think about it.

It brought a hugh grin to my face the first time, a few years ago, I saw it on the streets of North Vancouver. Zelda the Wonder Tempo was a common site for a while. I always smiled when I saw her. Zelda was too good to keep to myself. I mentioned her to my friends hoping to share some wimsy. She dissappeared. A shy Tempo? I missed her.

Then a year ago I was headed into Starbucks to grab a coffee for my annual Christmas trek North and there she was! Zelda, you're alive! My inimate friend had stopped by to say hello.

It happened again this year. I parked - loaded up for the Christmas drive - and headed into Starbucks for my travel coffee. There was Zelda parked in front waiting to say a silent hello. Hi Zelda, you're looking good - no rust I see. On my way out of Starbucks I was hit up for "food money" by a pan handler standing in front of Zelda. I never give pan handlers money and simply shook my head ... at the guy standing in front of Zelda. It didn't feel right. Then it came to me. Grabbing a Japanese orange stashed for the road I offered it to the guy. I wasn't sure he would take it, I've heard some pan handlers can be pretty snarky. He smiled real big and said, "Those are great, thanks!"

"You're welcome." Zelda made me do it.