WALKING MY WAYS
WALKING MY WAYS. On Memorial Day, I wrote about Carmel-by-the-Sea’s planned activities. But as I wrote my blog early in the morning, I couldn’t describe what happened in the afternoon. Well, the biggest thing, in my opinion, was that tourists were still around. Which was surprising, as they usually leave by 2:00 P.M. But at 3:00 P.M. they still were here. Even with overcast skies. Moreover, they were all over. Cars parked, bumper to bumper, where ever they could. For five blocks, North and South of Ocean Ave. And up and down the cross streets. Grabbing any spot they could find. While most benches, in every corner, were also taken. With individuals in floppy hats ogling other individuals in similar hats, or taking selfies, and families enjoying snacks.
The next day, things were back to normal. Especially the Post Office, which had been closed for three days. I happened to be inside, when a gentleman offered to take a lady’s package to her home, across the street. When she remarked that this was out of his way, he replied, “Maybe I need to be kind today.” Which was inspiring.
And then I ran into a friend of mine, who had been away for five weeks. And ended up getting a bundle of mail, mostly throwaways. And outside, I saw the first CCDV I had ever seen. Namely a Carmel Cares Dog, wearing a Carmel Cares Vest. Enticing.
And shortly thereafter, I went into THINKER TOYS, Carmel’s magical toy store. Which has been around for years. But where I hadn’t been in a long time. For a birthday gift. And not only did I find a suitable gift, but I watched it being placed in a “gift bag,” surrounded by colorful tissue. Much better than spending time to wrap it. Although I didn’t buy one of their best sellers, namely a NeeDoh’s squishy toy. Maybe I should have. In any event, I finally made it home. Wiser. Happier. And more worldly. For the moment. Finis.
Hans,
This is such a lovely contrast to the chaos on LA’s Westside where I grew up thinking it was Paradise!
And the happy families make me envious. My grandson just graduated from USC last week and is moving to SFO for his first job. His sweet momma has promised me a stop in Carmel-by-the-Sea on one of our drives to visit😎
The ever adventurous, ever-young Hans had a weekend which would fill a dozen travelogues (sans all the junk mail, of course). Kathe's comment was, of course, a wonderful bonus - I grew up there when West L.A. (Rancho Park to be precise) was growing up as well, and it cost $68 a semester to attend UCLA. Remember the Picwood Theater and one of the first McDonald's next door at Pico & Westwood? Ah, but times change, mores change, and the world becomes an agrier, ever-more-rushed place. What a breath of remarkable memories from Hans, to let us all know that there is so much more that connects us than separates us - and that Carmel is emblematic of the love that can be spread around rather than the angst! Bravo Hans ... and Bravo, Kathe, Lynne, and John as well! "Fins." - Hugo