Ocean

A few months ago an astounding piece of artwork turned up overnight in a most unlikely place. Under the train bridge on a busy street almost to the coast, a crew of workers posing in city maintenance garb, erected a six by nine foot mosaic of the Virgin of Guadalupe riding on a surfboard. Down the left side in carefully crafted letters it said, “Save Our Ocean.” The artist remained unknown for months as the city council tried to decide what to do about this unauthorized art which became known as The Surfing Madonna.

            Eventually, the artist came forward after the city council decided to take it down, possibly destroying it in the process. They felt it was a type of graffiti and to leave it would set a precedent. Since the artist had installed it, he knew how to get it down, and it is now in storage. Emotions have run rampant over the fate of The Surfing Madonna, endless conversations have been inspired, and we have lost a gorgeous mosaic. There are plans to reinstall it “somewhere.”

            Thankfully, we have not lost the inspiration for the art, as the motto “Save Our Ocean” abounds in the community.  Souvenirs, smaller works of art and photos inspired by the mosaic, postcards, and T-shirts all remind us to care for the Pacific Ocean.

            We feel blessed to be able to get to the edge of the largest body of water on the globe any day we choose, to enjoy the surf as it never disappoints. The constant motion, changing colors, and abundance of life keep us enthralled for hours. We are more clear-headed and focused as the oxygen and negative ions do their wonders. A sense of restored youth and memories of childhood adventures wash over us along with the cold waves. Even small cuts and hangnails heal more quickly in the salty water.

            When the picnic lunch has been eaten (along with a little sand), and the sun begins its descent to the horizon, we think about leaving, but stay until a fiery sunset lights the clouds and sends a glittering beam on the rippling surface of our beloved ocean to the wet sand. Inspired, we head home as the pelicans and gulls do, but look forward to another day of joy along the California coast.

(photo by Deb Capetz)