Was hoping for a break after the elections, but events continue to be spiraling into oblivion. Whack-a-mole is the name of the game. I’m ready for some unwinding so will shift gears — from the profane to the mundane. Or is it the sacred to the profane? No, that isn’t right. More like from the ordained to the disdained.
Meanwhile back on First Street life goes on. The trees have turned a bright persimmon color and piles of leaves await crunching. It’s fun pulling on a leopard jacket or down parka as the temperatures drop. Shop windows are filled with festive holiday merch. Spotted a City employee high on a ladder adjusting blue lights on the tree at the end of First St.
Returned to Benicia Fitness after a hiatus. Good to be back pumping iron although had to cut down the number of reps. A new sign on the whiteboard read: “Being THANKFUL for the gym and fitness journey can be powerful. Here are some things to be thankful for: 1. Physical health. 2. Mental health. 3. Community. 4. Progress. 5. Routine. 6. Self care.” Picked up two weights and did two sets of bicep curls while feeling grateful I didn’t have to do the usual three.
You can count on the City of Benicia personnel to do the right thing. Ordered some thermal underwear for under my jeans for a trip to snowy Taos. The package was supposed to arrive the day before I departed. A text indicated it was delivered. Nuh-uh. It wasn’t on the porch or in the mailbox. Was imagining that a neighbor had received it and was happily wearing my underwear. How dare they? How would I even know? Started eyeing the neighbors for weight gain.
Turns out it was sent to another address one number off from mine — the City Corporation Yard — way out on East 2nd. Decided to drive over to see if it was there. After missing the turnoff several times and making a number of U turns, fired up the GPS and found it. Wound my way down to the yard and parked outside a formidable looking gate topped by barbed wire behind which were parked trucks of all shapes and sizes. A big sign on the gate said something about checking in with the office which I could see in the distance but couldn’t approach. Stood there for some time yelling “yoo hoo,” yoo hoo,” and felt silly. Nada. Finally a fellow in a bright orange shirt appeared — Justin — who said he would see about it. Minutes later the gate rolled open.
Gaema, the office manager said, “ I was just going to call you. This package has been a mystery to all of us.” She laughed as I told her the story. Thank you City of Benicia Corporation Yard for doing the right thing by my delicate hand washables.
Hurried back to Elisa’s Cottage before her partner Shawna departed the shop to move her portion of the business (vintage clothing) on-line. Earlier had seen a ruffled maxi skirt made of tule that I fell in love with. “Why didn’t I get it earlier? It’s probably gone,” I thought.
Luckily, it was still there. Holding it up in front of the mirror, I approached two women standing nearby. “Am I too old to wear this?” I asked, striking a pose. The silence was deafening. “Uh, maybe,” one of them said. “Maybe you could wear it around the house,” said the other. “Around the house. Ha!” I thought. “I’m no Babe Paley. Around the house I wear baggy sweats, fleece, and fake Uggs and sometimes an apron on top while cooking.” I walked out sans skirt but still think about it from time to time.
Clothing boutique Sparkly Ragz will be moving in January. Founder Holly and her daughter and Manager Salina will be reunited under one roof up the street at the Le Sparkling Chateau location.
Spotted a pumpkin colored car parked alongside Avant Garden. The license plate read “1 PUMPKIM.” I guess “1 PUMPKIN” was taken. Further down East D my eye was drawn to a black Ford Raptor truck with a pumpkin mounted on each side of the outside windshield. I envisioned them flying off of the hood — splat! — as the driver stepped on the gas. “How are those attached?” I asked Tommy the driver. “They are lightweight plastic, wired down, and have holes for eyes with lights inside. My kids like them,” he said. It would be eerie to see those faces approaching you one dark night as you’re crossing First St. “I’m going to paint them white and add some red bows for Christmas,” he said.
Connie Jacobs of Benicia Celebration Bench said that there are only three benches still available for purchase — all with views of the Marina. You can honor a loved one by gifting them a new bench with a personalized brass nameplate. The available benches are on the Bay Area Trail facing the Marina by E Dock (before Turnbull Park) and are $2500 for 25 years. beniciacelebrationbench.com
Ran into Beate Bruhl, Benicia’s award-winning decorative artist who paints the sets for Benicia Theater Group. “What’s next for you now?” I asked. “ A nice vacation, I hope.” “Nope. I’m off to Salt Lake City for a job at the Mormon Temple,” she said. I can see her now, rappelling down the tallest spire after applying gold leaf to the angel Moroni as he blows his trumpet.
First Street galleries and shops are decked out for the holidays. Both HQ and The Plein Air Gallery have their Christmas trees hung with tiny paintings. Perfect gifts. Over the years I’ve acquired a couple of dozen, half as gifts — to myself.
Watercolorist Samantha McNally was holding down the fort at The Plein Air Gallery Saturday. She is ubiquitous. You’ll see her at just about every art event including Benicia Literary Art venues. Also a webmaster, she has designed the sites for numerous painters and arts organizations. samanthamcnally.com; sam@samanthamcnally.com
Painter Pauli Dominics at HG Gallery showed me some of her favorite works including photographer/writer/ teacher Beth Grimm’s gorgeous dye infused metal prints called “Wanderings.” Was intrigued by her piece “Benicia Alley Walk, a lovely print of a moody alley after a rain storm — trees reflected in tiny ponds (potholes?) created in the broken asphalt. Sublime.
Will the pot holes disappear as we have our streets repaired? Probably not for awhile. Mayor Young says that they will fix the most traveled roads first. Buckle up if you’re taking the road/roads less traveled.
Letters From Benicia 