Greek Whale Watching

Last night after the curtain closed on sunset, I grabbed some seafood for dinner, lobster risotto precisely, and retreated to Monterey in search of a hotel that didn't read "no" in front or in back of "vacancy."  Too tired to continue my ritual Hotwire/Priceline analysis, on top of shoddy internet connection, a hacienda-like beauty caught my eye.  Hotel Abrego it was.  Although astronomical in price, the desk attendant got me with "fireplace" and the credit card was all of swiped once I took a tour of my would-be lux room.  It did have a fireplace, a king sized bed, a huge walk-in shower, a general homey atmosphere.  I could literally have lived there, had money been no object...

I didn't want to leave my beautiful room this morning.  At 11:35am (checkout was at 12 noon) I was still vacillating over where or not to ask for late check out so I could sleep more, maybe actually turn on the massive swiveling flatscreen, and take like six more showers.  But I decided that Monterey was waiting for me, this whole new stretch of territory I'd never been to before.  No matter how beautiful four walls and a slate-tiled shower were, there was nothing about sleep, tv, and bathing that hadn't happened to me before.  The sun was shining in rare Bay Area form and with each zip of luggage, I felt the promise of good things straight ahead.

As I drove randomly about, it wasn't long before I reached my first and what turned out to be final destination.  Ooooo, a Greek Festival!!  I've always wanted to go to a Greek Festival!!  Greek people and their food are da bomb hizzle!!!!  A short distance parking place greeted me and off I went to seek out all things Greek!!  The jewelery tables caught me first and I made a modest purchase.  A divalicious bracelet.  Nothing real Greek looking but divatastic nonetheless.  I had intentions of going back to buy a sterling silver ring or too.  Wanted to get around to all the vendors, settle on some Grecian grub, then wiled more money on a full stomach.  It never happened.

What good fortune awaited me, though!!  I was making my way around the festival and lo, Fisherman's Wharf!!!! Talk about good tidings of great joy, a bag of chips AND a soda on the side!  Woohoo!!!  I was finally at the place Monterey postcards and travel specials were made of.  It was no Pier 39, mind you, but there was clam chowder and more seafood than one craving could take!!!  I kept on walking and lo, another sign!!!  Whale Watching: Next departure 1:30.  It was 12:45.  Just doesn't get any better than that!  Deciding to risk my rental car return deadline, I handed over $40 and ran to get a jacket and sunscreen.  A swift peruse back through the Greek festival and a gyro later, I was all aboard!!

First up?  Sea otters and sea lions.  So cute.  Wanted to take one home.  Choppy, choppy waters made many sea sick.  Thank God I was able to keep my $6 gyro down... Next!  Dolphins jumping and flipping around...some....WHALES!!!!  A HUGE (like, duh) humpback, then another!!!  Such impressive and graceful animals, spouting out water and mucus ever so...so spoutingly!!  Our "tour guide" was so knowledgeable, spouting herself about all kinds of whale facts, narrating over every stretch of sea.  And then, the blue whales.  A momma and baby followed by another one who gave us a rare show.  Fluke!!! Twice!!!!  Yeah, before today, I didn't really know what that was by name either.  It's WHALE TAIL!!!!!!  You know, like in the national geographic or discovery channel, how the tail flips up and then sinks down into the ocean.  Our guide said that's something rare to catch once, let alone twice in the same setting!!! Said we could go 5-6 years before ever seeing that again... Lastly, more dolphins.  I mean like hundreds.  Oh, and I thought those bad boys were showin' out before!  HA!!! I hadn't seen nothin!  As the boat picked up momentum, here they come alongside, sending us back in full marine style.  The flipping was higher, had to have been some triple luxe going on.  The jumping was farther, the wonderment was sweeter.  There had to have been 8 different languages represented amongst my fellow passengers and I heard "Oooo look!!" in every one...Here's to the things of life that bring people together, that remind us that the common thread between us is not singular at all. 

Question(s) of the day: What kind of traveler are you?  Have you ever had an "accidental" vacation?  What are some things you've learned through your experiences away?  Where would you like to go?  What's stopping you?  No, what's REALLY stopping you?

The Lesson

I was glad that the alarm didn't have to wake me up.  I'm in California. Of course it doesn't!!  Every time I'm here, that's the first thought that comes to my mind.  It's a sort of brush with unbelievable reality.  Like waking up next to that special someone.  The warmth and all the love you feel and share.  And although for me there wasn't warm love of an actual body, but an atmosphere.  New air and space.  Waking up in California.  It never disappoints...

I still felt tenuous about the lesson.  Hadn't really practiced, didn't have all the right music, wasn't really looking forward to the "big" confrontation with my teacher over wanting to venture on to a young artist program.  At the same time, I was willing to face all of it, knowing that all would be well and I'd have a clearer outlook afterwards.  It was going to be okay.  The morning was so easy.  The Continental breakfast, complete with my favorite fancy flavored tea, spice chai pomegranate I think, was good.  My hair fell into place.  My favorite dress was barely wrinkled from the suitcase.  My makeup was subtle, glowing, and even hid the previous days of worry and lack of sleep.

I arrived to my teacher's house in Fresno with time to spare.  The drive had been thoughtful.  Cruise controlled nearly the whole way.  But as I walked up to the door and rang, an awkwardness began to set in.  My mind wasn't clear.  I felt tossed and disconnected.  Numb.  My outward composed self suddenly mismatched the inside. 

We started with talking as we always do.  She mentioned the y.a. program issue.  I listened, then mildly expressed my view of things.  She tried to refrain from making a forceful opinion, but her opinion was made no less.  I combated with a diplomatic display of knowledge.  She slightly conceded.  I was glad she knew not to push any further.  I changed, or rather progressed, to a different area of focus.  My current dependence on a day job and how (although a huge blessing to my life) it's robbing me of precious singing and time.  And here's where she completely surprised me.  She suggested that I start my own business to take with me anywhere I needed/wanted to be.  A non-profit she said.  I told her I'd thought about it.

The truth is, I had thought about it.  I'd even started (or attempted to) one some years back.  I have ideas and much more experience to execute it now.  Back then it was just a fun mission.  Now, there's much more to gain, better motives behind it all.  It could maybe work this time.  After the talking came singing.  Come scoglio from "Cosi fan tutte," Mozart.  Next, Suicidio from "La Gioconda."  Last, Ebben? Ne andro lontana from "La Wally,"   I felt like I sounded really good, like my voice wasn't so uncertain.  I could craft it better.  My breathing was better.  I responded to her correction better.  The first audition will test me.

I left the lesson feeling satisfied and the thought that I had 32 more hours to enjoy my California solidified it.  Where would I go?  Ah yes, Carmel.  I accidentally arrived at sunset not fully aware of why so many people were simply standing around with cameras.  I mean,  the water was gorgeous, the sand a pale clean beige, but I just thought the holiday brought on the hearty audience.  I'd never really been to a chilly beach before, but it was yet another new and nice thing.  I didn't even grimace as the near icy high tides chased and caught my wanting feet, occasionally gushing up my legs in cool surprises.  Toddlers ran after panting doggies, couples snuggled a little closer, families toasted togetherness.  I was one of the few alone on the beach.  I felt it, but once the last lip of orange dipped down into the horizon I was in the certain company of applause that broke out all around.  New, nice.  Bravo sun, bravo...

Question of the day: Is where you're living the right atmosphere for your best self?

When they ask you, say "Yes"

I have all of $3 to my name at the moment.  And for good reason.  I paid all my bills up so that I could go to San Francisco free and clear next weekend.  Between my get-through-the-week stash tucked away in my Nashville apartment and a few dollars my mom was supposed to give me from some medicine I'd purchased for her a couple weeks ago, I was "scheduled" to be okay.

Any time you go into a hospital there are tons of questions asked.  Medical history, level of pain, dietary choice, DNR or not to DNR.  But it's the questions asked to those who are dealing with the illness or difficult circumstance surrounding a loved one that give me the most trouble.  It's the "Do you need anything?" type of questions.  I don't know why communicating that I do actually need something when asked this is one of the most uncomfortable feelings on earth.  For me, at least.  Right now, me and my light purse need to say yes to that question as often as I can.  "Yes, " I would like some lunch."  "Yes, I do need a little cash to hold me over."  Today I said it twice and you better believe that I feel so much better with a full belly and gas money!  But why the awky process?  Pride?  No.  Fear of being demoted from super heroine to non-self-reliant?  Maybe.
My mother is in a lot of pain right now, but in her sub awareness she always says "No" when asked if she's in pain, amidst waves of whincing and grunting.  Working with the moderate coherence she does have I've been trying to prompt her each time she moans.  "When they ask you if you are having any pain, say 'Yes.'  So what are you going to say now?"  "Yes."  ..."okay, good."  That way you won't have to hurt anymore.  Nurse: "Are you having any pain, Mrs. King?" Mom: (faintly): "No..."  *whince*grunt*moan*

In other news, I made a step in the right direction and brought a couple of my opera books to the hospital with me.  Did I open them?  Ummm, that would be a No.  I am once again hopeful for tomorrow...six days until lesson time and counting.  As of right now, I'm still planning on making the trip.  I need this.  I need to feel like I am still moving in a vocal direction eventhough I'm mostly caught up in a holding pattern.  I have to say "Yes" and feel the relief, the loosening of the burden, the lifting of the veil when someone asks if they can do anything.  Now, let's just hope they ask...

My mother just said "Yes" too.  At long last, morphine winds its slow way up the IV tube...

Question of the day: Are you taking on things all by yourself that would be made easier if you would just say "YES" to help?