Treasure Beach-- Something told me to look under the bed. Why? I didn't store any bags or shoes there. But I try to obey the quiet voices when I hear them. Well my hearing was fine but I wasn't sure about my sight. I wasn't wearing my eyeglasses which I need for distance and thought I saw a statue under the bed. So I found my eyeglasses and was back on one knee looking under the bed only to see that a dog was sleeping there. Completely quiet and still was Blackie, one of the resort's dog.
Wow. I’ve heard about letting sleeping dogs lie -- but under my bed? She opened her eyes and looked at me. No fear, no trepidation. She looked at me as if to ask do you have a problem? I couldn’t help but laugh. Since it was now very clear I was the visitor and she was at home.
My stay at Jake's resort in Treasure Beach, St. Elizabeth, Jamaica was a constant battle between my sight and hearing. I’d look at the iceberg blue ocean trying to cement the image in my mind. Then would have to close my eyes because my ears overflowed with the sounds of the waves. Sounds of the ocean waves crashing against the wall of the resort, so powerful under the full moon, they made me think they were going to break through my bedroom and scoop me away. They were like an orchestra in rehearsal on different notes but all playing beautiful music.
But when did Blackie enter the room? Was it the day before when I laid on the lawn chair, for hours, in front of my bungalow named Jellyfish watching the ocean, letting the sea breeze and crashing waves massage me internally, letting them take away whatever tension and stress I had and thanking them for being so easy about it. Or was it that morning when I took a shower in the outdoor facility on my patio.
As I got prepared for breakfast I stood by the door waiting for Blackie to emerge. After a few seconds she did come out then turned around and went back under the bed. I stood by the door again and this time when she came out, closed the door quickly. I told her I couldn't leave her in the room while I ate because it was early and that she too needed some breakfast. I think she understood as she led the way to the dining area. I ate the mandatory ackee and saltfish with the best mango juice, only to look down and see Blackie by my feet under the table.
It’s a cool feeling when I've involuntarily chosen individuals as my friends, but for a dog to choose me as her friend was extremely comforting and reassuring in many ways.
--Connie Aitcheson
It’s a cool feeling when I've involuntarily chosen individuals as my friends, but for a dog to choose me as her friend was extremely comforting and reassuring in many ways.
--Connie Aitcheson
5 comments:
Crashing waves, a sleeping dog name Blackie and 'mandatory' ackee and saltfish-- seems like a prescription for stress relief. "Jake's" seem like a real hidden treasure. I will have to put it on my list. It's been said that to be chosen by an animal such as Blackie is good karma.
Now who told us her name was Blackie? Cassandra?
That is a special dog - I should ask Sallie to make sure that someone keeps an eye out for her.
This little article makes me homesick for Jake's - always the split - love it tell people - tell people lose it.
you going to Calabash?
Blackie, she seems a good luck charm, hanging around as one may need her, imbuing charm and trust to the visitors to Jake's ---an idyllic place.
Ahhhh, Jakes, my all time favorite place! Add Blackie, ackee and saltfish and mango juice? Pure heaven. Just saw one of my photos of my last visit and sighed wistfully. What the heck am I doing here again?
Marcia,
no kidding - your comment was the second today from a jake's lover who said - in essence - wish i was there now.
sigh......
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