Mariposa Kisses (aka Dianne's Blog)

The gifts…the flowers…a kiss…he leaves for work. The sun sets over the Pacific. They reunite. He stands with his back to its beauty. She looks back at him; her face is radiant. They stand together; their smiles join as one. Two sets of hands cover their embrace. It is a time to celebrate.

The quaint Italian restaurant is amply filled. They choose an outside table on the patio. She orders lobster raviolis in a spicy cream sauce. He orders bow-tie pasta in a rich creamy pesto decorated with grilled chicken and bacon. The dessert is decadent chocolate cake with warmed raspberry syrup drizzled on top. They sip their coffee as the coastal layer blankets itself over them. The cool coastal breeze can be felt, but their proximity keeps them warm. They smile for the waiter as he snaps a shot of them. Their first anniversary is commemorated. A fun-filled weekend ahead on Catalina Island awaits them.

Upon arrival, one of their first activities is a bike-ride to the top of the mountain overlooking the Pacific’s beauty and the peaceful presence over Avalon. It’s a charming city with a population of one thousand at best. Of course its visitors fluctuate like the tides themselves. Even though the population waxes and wanes, the island never loses its relaxed feel. The old casino, now used as a theater, sits at the end of the cove. Though the exchange of chips and bills is no longer observed inside the casino walls, the island sees its fair share of wealth. The bay is filled with glamorous house-boats and yachts. Simultaneously, the mighty cruise ships sail in for a reprieve from their time at sea. The hotel rooms are quaint, reminiscent of those in Paris. The palm trees are a common sight on the island, along with eucalyptus trees, hibiscus flowers, and many California shrubs. The silky plains of sand on her beaches are contrasted with the interior mountainous terrain.

Oh to arrive on this sacred island and to feel its peace. The goal is close at hand once they park the car and set foot upon the forty foot catamaran. The gliding beast takes off and charges the ocean with ease. The salty air can be tasted in a pleasant way as the sunshine beams down on them. A light jacket helps protect them against the ocean’s commanding wind, such a powerful wind that humbles their busy perspectives and quiets their minds into submission. The relaxation starts to kick in and the peaceful state begins as their shoulders relax and their tension subsides. Their breathing becomes more rhythmic, adhering to the beating of the boat upon the water itself. Obedience to a higher calling is setting in… tranquility is upon them. Their arrival does not go unnoticed by the island dwellers, as the ship pulls in. Friendly smiles are exchanged and some even offer to help with their luggage. Few cars can be observed. Golf carts are used if necessary; however, primarily people walk or ride bicycles.

They find a solitary pathway where they can retire from their arduous bike-ride to catch their breath. They carve their initials into the skin of a very old eucalyptus tree. Another couple approaches on bikes; they too have found the hidden pathway. “One…two…three…” They capture the soft moment for Jeremy and Denise. “Thank you. Enjoy your time on the island,” Denise echoes to the visitors as they ride off. After some time overlooking the island, they retreat to the sea itself. The water is refreshingly cool, but moderate for May. They sit upon the large rocks, dangling their feet in the water below. The music of the island is of sea gulls and soft waves hitting the sand and rocks. The tensions from life on the mainland begin to dissipate. Their shoulders begin to loosen up; their sense of smell becomes keener with each breath of the sea’s aroma. Their eye lids blink less often and remain shut longer. “The peace…the serenity…the solitude…oh if only it could be bottled and brought back home. We would be instant millionaires,” she sighs. He nods in absolute agreement.

They venture back to the bikes, but at a leisurely pace this time. The island’s medicinal magic begins to take effect. It seduces their senses, saying, “Rest and relax with me; play for awhile.” Perhaps the island will reveal to them another concealed path.