Magic Moments–#1 Unexpected Serenade

Preface.  One of the reasons I write a blog is to document an event and then revisit the post later on to remember and re-live that time and place.  Another is to pass along to you something we have learned along the way or share an experience that made me smile and may make you smile, too.    There are so many memories all through my life that have made me smile.  I do not want to forget them as I get older and sometimes it feels like they are slipping away.  So, every week this year there will be a post with a memory special to me.  I hope you enjoy them.

The most special moments are not always those visiting an exotic locale, but more to do with an appealing smell, a savory taste, a touch, a pleasing sound and sometimes a beautiful view.  This series is not in any kind of order.  Only what happens to jog my thoughts this week. 

#1 Unexpected Serenade. 

In the early 90’s we stayed at a Kihei condo on the Hawaiian island of Maui for our annual vacation.  Our condo complex included two sets of  buildings with 4 floors each—guessing a single building contained 40 condo units. Each building was positioned on a diagonal to give everyone a view of the ocean and beach.  The two buildings formed a V with the top end of the V on the water.   The resulting acoustics were very good, almost too loud if the neighbors decided to get noisy.

Sitting out on the lanai one evening we were enjoying an especially colorful sunset.  The ocean was illuminated with a sky full of pinks and yellows, the air was warm with the perfect amount of moisture and a hint of fragrant smells from tropical flowers.   And then someone begins playing a soulful trumpet.  Slow, clear notes of an old blues ballad.  No one makes a noise except the talented musician.  The music echoes, rolling off the amphitheater shape of our condos.  And just as the last light of the sun is extinguished in the sea, the song was complete and the music stopped.  We realized everyone in each condo was now out on their balcony to listen.  They all burst into applause yelling for more.  But, it was over as suddenly, and unexpectedly, as it began.

Magic.