Brian’s Reflection: Wednesday, September 22, 2010

I've always known that I was born
to sing, ever since I was a child.

Andrea Bocelli, songbird, born
on this date, 1958


Three things “collide” in this Reflection, as Dennis and I wander around exploring the Mendocino area of California.

It is Andrea’s 52nd birthday! What a gift to the World! We have a delicious old friend who, bless her adventurous heart, once, as a San Diegan, bought a 500 year old flat in Lucca in Tuscany. And she spent a great deal of her time running around Italia to see Andrea Bocelli! What fun! We send up a cheer for her and for Andrea.

Today is the Autumnal Equinox!! It will “occur” at 11:09pm on the Right Coast, and 8:09pm on the Left Coast. This is the moment when the sun is directly on the Equator; the Earth now tilts away from the sun, leading to the shortest day and longest night on Dec 22nd. At precisely 8:09pm here in California, Dennis and I shall pour a glass of wine upon the Earth, giving thanks for Mother Gaia, and for the Mystery of the Universe. How much vaster is the Mystery we call “God” than “established religion” presents it!

The third thing is Jim Larsen. And his restaurant, called “The Restaurant”, in Ft. Bragg, CA. Dennis and I love good food, elegantly prepared and presented. Last night we went to dine – there is a difference between dining and eating! – at The Restaurant. A bottle of Navarro Chardonnay, local, light but solid, cold, reasonably priced; chewy, fresh-baked bread just as we like it; 2 crab cakes each, fresh Dungeness crab from the area, perfectly sautéed and browned, with Jalapeno mayonnaise; Bourride a traditional Provençal Seafood Stew
 with Rockfish, Scallops, and Prawns in 
a light, saffron-scented broth,
 served over rusks and Aioli for me, gently breaded local sole for Dennis. At this point, Jim the Chef came out to say hello – a tall, rangy prickly-bearded man in his 80’s, charming and gentle and delightful. We profusely lauded him for the meal he had prepared – the whole experience; we told him that, unexpectedly in of all places Ft. Bragg CA, it was one of the best meals we had had. He beamed. We ordered our favourite Crème Brulee for dessert – and bless his heart, he comp-ed it for us! It was as near prefect as it could get. If we ever come here again, we will be there, and I recommend it without reservation to you! Just as Andrea was born to sing, Jim was born to cook!

Perhaps each of us is “born” to do or to be something. I don’t know. But I do know that, if you discover there is something you want to do or be, DO it, BE it if you possibly can, or get the closest you can.

And as a person, participate in the Andrea Bocelli’s and the Universe and the Jim Larsen’s and in what they offer as fully as you can!

Happy Autumnal Equinox and all it offers you!

Brian+