"Oh, I feel much better, Stanley, thank you," I said. "Now let's go find something interesting on the Venice Beach Boardwalk!" Stanley climbed back into my backpack. I walked my bike slowly along the boardwalk. Stan and I marveled at the endless string of oddities we encountered - singers, dancers, massage therapists, psychics and astrologers - all lined up along the sidewalk. Stanley was particularly taken with this man:

The "Boardwalk Philosopher". This philosopher and Stanley and I chatted a bit about the meanings of life, progress and purpose. Finally, the apple-munching wise man invited us to sit down for a "real philosophy session". I shook my head, "No, thanks. My friend Stanley is here just for a short visit and we've still got a big day ahead of us. I want to take Stanley to see the drum circle and the disco skaters." What I didn't tell the man, though, was that I knew a "session" meant spending money, and I didn't want to spend money just to talk to the man. I had my friend Stanley here to talk to all for free!

"Fine," said the philosopher."But come back anytime if you want to talk with me about life. I'll be here."

"Thank you," I said.

"Excellent," said Flat Stanley And off we went to see the disco-dancing roller skaters.

An exhausted skater even lent his right skate for Stanley to hazard a musical romp through the grass.

NEXT...