Haiku Monday Challenge: "Pacific"

As the winner of the Haiku Challenge "Veneer" I am honored with both the Badge of Great Honor and the duties of hosting. This week, the theme is, appropriately enough for my 20 this week, "Pacific". I do believe that the word has a broad spectrum of meanings not limited to the ocean, or North America or even nature. Although, as we have learned from Master Basho's Ghost, indicating a season is a good practice.

Two early entries:

The Wild Pacific.
And over Sado Island:
River of Heaven.
- Troll


High translucent crest,
roaring into the shoreline
Cowabunga dude!
- Karl

You may enter as often as you like. The haikus will be assessed and judged by a panel of California people that my Mom has assembled. The winner will be announced on Wednesday morning, and will be awarded the Badge of Great Honor and a fine archival print of one of my best Pacific photographs.

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Seeker: "where can I find the best chai on Earth"

Babaji: "This secret must not be reveled to the undeserving. Therefore, I will whisper it in your left ear once, just like the rishis of ancient times did when they imparted deep secrets to their students. You will find this nectar in Half Moon Bay, California at 101 Main Street"

Raman's Chai Shop. I loved it. I have had chai maybe one other time. I asked Raman to prepare it as he would like. This seemed to please him. It was very very good with pieces of fresh nutmeg swirling in the elixir.  I was amused (no, delighted) by the signs in his shop. Instead of writing "Please don'ts", his notes offered opportunities for character development, and spoke with some degree of authority as well:

A folk art duo played their original songs in the shop which was attended by a nice selection of generations; mothers and children, road worker guys, us, lots of ladies and couples sipping chais at tables arranged around a stage set under a hindu painting Hanuman a part monkey and part man figure bowing prostrate before Surya. While Raman was in the back of his shop, a lady came in and started calling for him. When he emerged, he instructed her to not be so impatient. I just smiled. I really liked Raman.

After Chai, we stopped at the Hastings House, which is one of the most lovely gardens I have ever seen. In addition to being a riotous explosion of color, the composition was masterful. Consideration of shape and texture was a priori and the artist/gardener Linda said that photographing a garden in black and white was a great way to work on garden design so that you are not distracted by the colors. Clearly flowers love cool consistent diffused light.  Proof:

Last night on my way to the beach at dusk, I saw this rabbit. I miss the companionship of animals; the Rhodesians and my hens. I think the reason I don't travel more is I hate to leave my animals. I miss my husband too - but I never worry about him like I do our beloved pets. Im sure he is taking great care of them, and appreciate him loading the hens and traveling with them. It takes a special man to endure that.

Today, we are headed to the farmer's market, and of course the Moon Ceremony is tonight. Have a great weekend everyone, and don't forget to submit your Haiku.