“Even in the mud and scum of things, something always, always sings.”
― Ralph Waldo Emerson
El Matal (Manabi Province) Ecuador
Life planted a subtle surprise in my path last week when I visited El Matal’s quickly-vanishing beach. After walking the low-tide line from one end to the other, I turned around and walked back along the boat-crammed street. Almost instantly, a flash of just-painted color caught my eye, and my serious mood (see:Esperanza-Hope) transformed into one of joy.
Esperanza – Hope — A subtle message of hope smiled at me along the upper end of El Matal. (Ecuador)
The bystanders confirmed my suspicions: Yes; “Maestro” painted the post. They seemed baffled at my enthusiasm. I pointed out that he painted the post out of the joy of his heart and not because he was competing in another post-painting competition! I took a few photos, retrieved a 4 x 6″ card of Diablo Uma and asked if they’d give it to him as a token ‘Thank You’ prize.
They peered at me as if I was the Caped Crusader!
As walked away, they called me back; a surprised Maestro stood there buttoning his shirt and wondering what had triggered the infectious enthusiasm that domino-ed along the neighbors until the card reached his hands! I congratulated him on his kind and giving spirit and said that the freshly-painted post represented hope – esperanza – for the residents of El Matal. (See previous post) Continue reading
