A curious measure

In a place called Seven Dials (where there are indeed seven sun dials) I glanced downwards and saw a length of tape stretched out upon the ground. There was writing on the back of the tape in bold black marker pen, now faded with time to a dull grey but still legible. I started reading it, curious to see where it would lead. Over pavement and road I read phrases and quotes, all in the same hand, cheerfully exhorting the reader to live their lives as best they can, to smile and be happy. I followed it on. The upbeat phrases and quotes were interspersed with a series of small doodles, hearts and stars (and a giraffe) and other icons of that ilk. More words followed.

For about 10 or 15 meters it ran on. And then it stopped, right in the center of a cobbled road. The end looked torn, perhaps by traffic, perhaps by hand. I looked around to see if it continued anywhere, but that area is a maze of interconnecting streets and I was unable to pick up the trail of the tape again. I wish it would have carried on as I would liked to have find out where it was supposed to lead - if anywhere - but I was glad to have stumbled across it regardless. I have no idea how or why it came to be, but it was a strange and slightly wonderful thing to encounter and I salute whoever thought of it.

And no, it wasn't a dream this time.

Well, not mine at least...