Tuesday, November 23, 2010

TRUE CONFESSION (archival)

Chris and Frances visited here and told us about it with so much enthusiasm that we, being in our hedonistic phase, called and made reservations for 3 nights in September, 2004.  When the time came to depart, the trip north brought much pleasure as we paused halfway to visit family and friends and then continued north on the winding Highway 1 with its  spectacular views of the California coast.

Upon arrival, we were assigned to Rose Cottage. The rustic exterior


belied what lay within. We opened the door to find a living room with a Franklin wood burning stove, Persian rug, comfy sofa and chair. The tiny kitchen had standing room only for one adult and we ascended the 3 steps to a sleeping area with a queen-size bed.


The bathroom was outfitted with a deep, deep tub, the likes of which we'd never seen. I think it was designed for youthful, limber individuals. We bathed in awe with neither grace nor ease.


The cabin was situated in a meadow populated by friendly, wild turkeys and occasionally we spotted deer. At a distance we could see the Pacific Ocean. There was a fine restaurant on the premises. Everywhere we looked, there were artistic touches added to the beautiful landscape.


We were experiencing perfection, except...................................... we were out of sorts with each other. I can't remember now what the quarrel was about, but I recall knowing full well at the time that we were spoiling our holiday; but neither one of us seemed capable of rising above the small-minded altercation.

Later, into my possession came a greeting card that I'll never send. The message is worth keeping as a reminder for the future. In the words of Ralph Emerson:

"For every minute you are angry you lose 60 seconds of happiness."

We had robbed ourselves of 3 days of happiness by allowing personal turbulence within such supreme tranquility. Near the end of our extremely silent 3 day sojourn, I took my journal and paintbox out onto the deck and recorded the placid view, so I could remember it all.


Of this I am relatively sure; every journey has its own individual character, but it doesn't alleviate the responsibility of bringing our best selves to the experience. Most of our travels have been filled with happy discoveries and good humor, but every once in a while there's a surprise in store. The Gualala cottage episode was one.

6 comments:

  1. A day like that is not something unique, but the fact you enjoyed the 3 days and saw them as they were and found the time to create such beauty..Wow..now that is unique. And you and Bob are still married! :-)You said it right at the beginning about the 60 seconds....Wonderful post!!

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  2. Aunt Janie, recall having seen some of your journal entries with the drawings and your watercolors... thank you for posting this one again, as well as the photo of the tub, that I will use to show contractors -- it's exactly what I've been looking for to replace my 6" deep "builder special"... :) love to you both!!!

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  3. Sounds like a "Fresno" to me. Jeanine (& Jim)

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  4. What a place! Thanks for taking us along. Wow! I never heard of it--I appreciate learning about it. If I ever head that way, I'll have to try to see it someday.

    Have a wonderful Thanksgiving!

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  5. susan writes;What a perfect thing to read this evening, I let myself get angry over nothing and the quote is exactly what I needed to turn my attitude around. I love the beautiful photos. I am Thankful for so much!!! Happy Thanksgiving to all

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  6. Thank you, Jane......it is a beautiful, wild part of the world. I love it there and you remind me to go back while I can.

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