Rockin’ around the Christmas tree
Have a happy holiday
Everyone dancin’ merrily
In the new old-fashioned way
On an usually mild night last Friday, the town jammed First Street with families, friends, babies, and dogs to witness the annual Christmas tree lighting. After singing along with the Mistletones, the crowd turned silent as Santa flicked the switch, or maybe it was Mayor Steve Young, and the dazzling red blue, and white lights lit up the night. Santa made an appearance in his usual red and white suit, his beard a little whiter than last year. Mrs. Claus opted to stay home while watching the ice melt.
Boys and girls wore Christmas lights around their necks, babies waved neon wands, and dogs sported reindeer racks in an effort to imitate Rudolph. Thought I saw him dashing through the night sky, but the red light was from a drone, not his nose. I overdressed in fleece-lined pants, berber fleece shacket, leopard coat and hat with matching mittens. A half hour in I was spitin’ cotton. A snow machine set up between Sparkly Rags and Double Rainbow covered us in snowflakes, the Benicia High School band performed while nimble dancers strutted their stuff, and the shops and other businesses offered cookies and warm libations.
Standing in front of Pink Arrow Boutique was a woman in a fuzzy white fake-fur coat with multi-colored Christmas lights blinking through the fur. She was dazzling! I wanted one but probably it wouldn’t take me everywhere. Spotted three large Siberian huskies white as snow surrounded by adoring kids stroking the silken fur. A two-story tall Christmas tree with bench in front was lined with kids taking selfies at Estey Realty, life-sized nutcrackers stood at attention at the doors of Coldwell Banker, and a charming authentic gingerbread house held center stage inside a circular toy train track in the window of ResCom.com. I always like to study the miniature paintings on the trees at both The Plein Air and HQ Galleries. Over the years I’ve acquired quite a few that I group together for a bigger statement on my wall. Such a deal for an original painting under $40!
On Friday was stopped in my tracks by a young couple in front of PS Hair Salon who looked like they’d stepped out of a Hollywood rom com. She all mid-century in sparkly silver cat eye sunglasses, bright red lipstick on a movie star smile, sporting a satiny pastel lime green trench coat with wide powder blue fake fur collar that continued down the front of her coat, leopard trim around the pockets and cuffs. He in a bold black and orange shirt, black leather rhinestone-studded motorcycle jacket draped over his shoulders in the European way and sporting a black arm sling which gave him a rakish air. Benicia is attracting the consummately hip these days. Is hip still hep?
Needed a walk on Friday so I headed to First Street. Noticed a new, little shop with a Barbie pink front door in the tiny space in the old 621 building. Used to be Pocket Monkey Vintage which moved down the Street. Cartel Crystal is a gem of a boutique, with sparkling amethyst purple and black geodes, citrine agates, and other minerals and crystals lined up on shelves lit by soft lights to dazzle the eye. Amethyst which is actually purple quartz is said to relieve stress and strain. Citrine promotes abundance and success, and crystals in general are used to promote health and wellness. I swung a crystal on a chain in 2008 which predicted Obama’s election. Will try again in 2024. Maybe I’ll get a few more this time.
On the way home I saw Tracee Varni in her garden at the Inn at Benicia Bay who said that their new Cafe at the Inn, in the space previously held by Amore Bistrot, would be opening Dec. 1 before the tree lighting. Santa was expected to make an appearance. Bedecked with huge red velvet ribbons and evergreens hanging from the balconies and fence, the B & B looks cozy and inviting. The Cafe is open from 7:30 am until 4 pm for breakfast and small bites, and every Thursday afternoon for a wine tasting menu. Tucson born Chef Kyle Young originally wanted to be a Marine but quickly shifted gears after a stint as a line cook, which he loved. He later became sous chef at Napa Valley’s Lucy Restaurant and Bar in Yountville and Provisions in Vallejo. Farm to fork is his philosophy which he has taught his two young children to appreciate as they tend their home garden. They are not shy in telling him that a dish isn’t working or needs more salt. “They are usually right,” he says.
Later, while waiting for my sandwich, I noticed a woman taking pictures. We chatted a bit. “Did you see the geyser on First Street Monday night? It turned lower First Street into a raging river. I was mesmerized by the flow of the water,” she said. A broken water meter shot up a 40-foot geyser from a fire hydrant between East B and C Sts. that someone had run into. To give you an idea of how tall that is — about 1/3 the size of Old Faithful. At least it wasn’t scalding hot, but I would have hated to be a dog using the hydrant when it blew.
Turns out my new acquaintance is Gracie Rosehart is a writer, poet, and astrology aficionado. She said that Benicia is a unique place because it is surrounded by the powerful purifying, intuitive, and spiritual qualities of water. She mentioned that she thought Benicia was a portal of some kind. A portal to peace or happiness, I don’t know, but it sounded right. Every time I walk down First St. something delightful or unexpected happens, or I meet someone interesting, or my creative juices are awakened and I’m transported. “You can lead a horse to water but you can’t make him drink.” Not sure what that means in this context, but it’s the first quote that came to mind. “Water water everywhere and not a drop to drink.” Hah! Stay hydrated out there!
Letters From Benicia 