Breakfast with Santana

[Jonelle b Bardmess]

I decided in August that I would take a trip with Koda and Tinkerbell. If only my toe, I wanted to enter the world of camping. I could gather up the essential camping gear for sleeping but decided that the trip needed to be on the urban side of camping. What a better place to go but 10 miles north of San Francisco. I knew I could get breakfast served if I was willing to drive just a few minutes.

It would be exciting sleeping outdoors in a two- man tent with my dogs. I brought a tri-fold, memory foam mattress. The kind that molds to your body, a book and lantern, snacks for the dogs and my cell phone.

I had the feeling before leaving home that I would discover someone or something entirely different than just my camping trip alone.

The morning after in a crowded Breakfast house in Tiburon, with Koda and Tinkerbell, the host of the restaurant asked if I would mind if two gentlemen could sit at the same table with me. Oh yes, that’s fine, I said.

Two men saddle over the picnic bench and opened their menus. I remember immediately being visually drawn to the thin wrists of the man sitting opposite of me. And the other man had a vivid green t-shirt with a beautiful drawing of the Lion of Judah.

Tinkerbell was on my lap. I was nursing my first cup of coffee while admiring the amazing air and big blue sky. This was the kind of atmosphere people appreciate more when on holiday. The green t-shirt begged for attention. I had to ask about the green t-shirt. The green t-shirt guy asked first. “What breed is your very cute little dog.” smiling I said, she is a miniature, soft-coated, wirehaired dachshund. The explanation helps with a visual of the odd, but adorable, features of my little dog.

The men ordered breakfast. I overheard the thin wrist guy talking about music. He said, “Music changes people at a molecular level”. I heard the sentence and immediately looked at him. Who is this guy I thought. Hmmm, well he is Hispanic. A discerning face who could definitely tell a story and so elegant with his wispy limbs. That’s how I saw him…

I knew the green t-shirt was my way in. We started to talk. I told him I had made a CD of my favorite music. He was interested in my tastes. I told him I loved the experience of compiling my favorite songs and how personal it was to put your own inspiration and musical taste on record as a gift to other friends. He told me the world was changing with new and positive role models. We each added our idea of the new sages of our times. I admitted that this was my big-girl weekend. I was looking to find my challenged heart some added relief; I am ready to grow again. His soulful energy calmed me. I was tearful behind my large framed sunglasses. But, I kept on smiling… He told me a joke about dogs. Punch-line “liver alone she’s mine”

A man walked by and stopped at our table to talk. The man called the thin wrist guy “Carlos”

He sat back down. Carlos asked me if I had a pen. I had two dogs and of course my uncommitted purse, but no pen. He got up and went into the restaurant and came back with a pen. He handed me the pen and said, “write these down”. He said, In essence, he would give me a list of songs to play to encourage my spiritual hardiness. He discussed the choices with his friend. They both seemed quite sure of what the list should include. This moment was so potent with amazing intention.

Enclosed Is a CD of the list of the songs Carlos Santana gave me to listen to. It was a most powerful serendipity and it absolutely has achieved a molecular change in my body. I had to share…

The most valuable possession you can own is an open heart. The most powerful weapon you can be is an instrument of peace.
Carlos Santana

[Dan]

Thanks for your post.
Re: "Enclosed Is a CD of the list..."
Where may we find the list and/or CD? Thank You, and safe camping. Dan