An angel in last year's tree inspiring this year's intentions.
Living on an island has its challenges, but it also has its rewards, revealing special moments that speak to the kinship of isolation and the camaraderie of everyone being in (and on) the same boat.
While commuting by ferry creates bottlenecks and headaches daily, it also fosters a bond, an unspoken appreciation that someone else shares your daily roundtrip odyssey. The smiles and nods to familiar strangers, one day makes them friends. So tonight when I returned to the island from a very long day in a less-welcoming place, I stood on the bow well before we reached Vashon. I savored that simple joy of returning home. The wind was bracing, the sky spun with gold, and the Olympic Mountains seized the horizon and my attention.
On the open car deck, Christmas trees topped a number of vehicles. One Jeep sported a wreath on its grille, the kids behind its steamed-up windows singing spirited renditions of the season’s best (between punches). I smiled; their parents smiled. The choir continued the concert.
With the din of the ferry silenced, we docked and I disembarked, walking more than briskly toward the warm, waiting bus. A stream of cars sped off the ferry and then one honked. I turned in time to see Santa in an SUV giving us a wave. I returned a smile and hearty hat tip.
Christmas had come to Vashon. I just had no idea we’d share the same ferry.
10 responses so far ↓
1 Linda // Dec 5, 2009 at 5:44 pm
How luckly you are to live in a place that brings you joy. Welcome Christmas and the wonder it brings.
Linda
2 Verna // Dec 6, 2009 at 2:03 am
Thanks for sharing this heartwarming story about Christmas Spirit —– it’s catching!!!
It also prompts sweet memories of Christmas past shared with you!!
3 noble pig // Dec 8, 2009 at 5:29 am
Okay I loved this vision you just painted…very Norman Rockwell, I want it.
4 renae // Dec 8, 2009 at 10:21 pm
That’s a beautiful post. Maybe Santa will use his SUV to deliver you an electric heater.
5 Cate // Dec 9, 2009 at 6:54 pm
What a nice reminder to slow down and enjoy the season!
If you continue to conjure up such amazing images of Vashon, word might get out and you’ll have even more company on your commute.
6 June@Four Green Acres // Dec 9, 2009 at 8:46 pm
So beautiful, Tom! It is the simple shared moments that exalt this season. You live in a wonderful place, and I always feel so fortunate that you share it with us…so far away.
Thank you!
7 Eileen @ Passions to Pastry // Dec 13, 2009 at 2:56 am
You’re painting a very beautiful picture of the place you call home.
8 Lesley // Dec 21, 2009 at 12:25 am
Heart-warming Tom. Thank you.
9 kate b. // Dec 26, 2009 at 8:59 pm
Your description of the ferry commute made me think of our experience of returning home from the workplace that’s so different and far away from home. Our workplaces being big metro centers gives us a 2-4 day commute and its always such a lovely decompression experience going from fun but totally weird/nuts urban pace to boring flat midwest and finally back to the beautiful western mountains and home! Its a big headache of a trip but has it’s own little stories along the way and sure makes you appreciate what you have at home!
10 tom | tall clover farm // Dec 26, 2009 at 10:11 pm
Kate, this is fine holiday surprise. So glad to reconnect, and know that the Southwest nourishes you and your life. It certainly shows in your art. Fond memories indeed.
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