The Celestial Sea

by Marina de Nadous

  From London I flew to Stuttgart. Rather foolishly I hadn’t prebooked any accommodation, or contacted the priest at the seminary where I hoped to stay. I had hoped the priest in Chicago would give me a contact, but she didn’t. In all the excitement of being a young man loose in the big smoke I forgot to ask. So there I was in a strange city at eleven o’clock at night without any language skills. Hmm——luckily a friendly ex-pat helped me out and pointed me in the direction of a YMCA equivalent. I wandered up there only to find it closed. Too tired for further searching I went to sleep in the garden. I spent a restless night amongst all manner of rustling, scrabbling insects, or worse——and bells every quarter of an hour. Waking officially at five-thirty, I set off for some breakfast and found half the youth of Stuttgart still staggering around with drinks from the night before.

  Anyway, I found my way to the Seminary and was ‘rescued’ by an American girl from the Chicago Seminary. She pointed me in the direction of a shower and took me down to breakfast. After that I tagged along with a visiting group of young people also thinking of studying and sat in on my first German lecture. Wow——it was a stream of language flowing around me from which I could catch maybe one in a hundred words. I loved it. Cracking the code of language intrigues me and I was an avid listener. Then I went into a German theological discussion group. Great fun! In the end I talked to lots of people and made a really nice friend who kindly offered me a place to stay in Dornach the next day——so a really good result.

  All the best Adrian

  24th July from The Mountain to Adrian. Subject: Bunnies & Bath-hats

  Dear Adrian,

  Thank-you for all the wonderful news from your travels——makes me feel I am enjoying it with you. Life on The Mountain continues at its usual pace, except the addition of family guests has swelled the numbers considerably. It is such a blessing to have family staying——uplifting for all. Rinky can’t believe her luck——a playmate when she wakes up and a playmate when she comes home from school. Yesterday, Annette went to school too! She had a lovely time—a different approach from her Irish primary school. The two girls spend every available minute outside in the woodpile, or under the house with the bantams. Fairy home construction is predominantly on the agenda——perfect.

  Blossom, {the Go-Getter’s free-range bunny}, gave them the best surprise ever on Sunday morning. Opening Rinky’s sock drawer they discovered eight baby bunnies in a cosy sock nest, right at the back of the drawer under the bed. For goodness sake! How perfect is that for cousin entertainment? They all have their fur and eyes open, so they must have been there for ages——goes to show how often we change our socks in this family. So——with fairies outside and bunnies inside we are doing well. Blossom is a hoot——she makes herself quite at home in the house, hopping through the cat-flap whenever she likes and dashing upstairs to feed her family. There must have been a handsome gentleman bunny on the hill; four babies are brown and four are white with brown splodges like their mother. Romance is undoubtedly a forgone conclusion on this Mountain. As you can imagine, the rabbit ownership arguments have stepped up a notch. The bunny-mad Go-Getter claims they are his while the bed owner claims otherwise. An interesting lesson for any budding, young lawyer; usually clad in dressing gown and trying to ward off the cat while proving his/her point of view. Can life get any busier? ——Oh yes, and the arrival of a jolly teaching friend from our last school means we are a very full house. Belinda has been given the caravan, {after a hasty removal of candles and prayer books}, because we have more students in the top cabin.

  Everyone heads off to ski for a couple of days tomorrow. I shall stay behind and care for the increasing menagerie. I shall put my feet up too——phew!

  I have also started a part-time job working for a painter——a rather strange man. I call him ‘Yellow-tooth Dave’. He is a sloppy worker, although he insists on perfection from me. He spouts pearls of wisdom on all things spiritual in between frequent cigarette breaks. Hmm——not sure I like him much. Anyway, I look a sight in my bath-hat up a ladder but the pennies should be good. There is a beautiful golden retriever wandering about the place. I think he belongs to the builder. He gets over friendly sometimes——{must smell our beautiful ladies in the car}, which can be a slight concern when I’m bending over, painting the skirting boards!

  I enclose our Workshop Agenda for this week. We are definitely well into winter here. Cordelia has just returned——lovely to have her glowing presence amongst us again. I hope you are not hurting too much over Jules? Surely she should give you a straight answer; either there is chemistry or there isn’t?

  I send lots of special love to my Minstrel Friend far away. Take care and enjoy my homeland.

  Your Lady on The Mountain. XXXX

  P.s———Your car battery seems to be flat. Shall I get a new one?

  From Adrian: 26th July e-mail from Ireland. Subject: The Irish and the pint.

  Hi my Good and Frozen Friend,

  Great letter! So a working girl; must feel good eh? I can’t imagine life at those temperatures, what with 26 degrees over here in Ireland. Having fun but at the expense of clarity and sleep. Lots of pints at the pub and late night chats. Hilarious night last night, looking for some traditional, Irish music and picking up a stray Irishman. Four pubs, as many pints and a few more and I was in a very toasty place.

  There are difficulties with my cousin’s relationship with his new wife—he tends to lack feeling—from early years neglect I think. She is getting pissed off and feeling unloved. They squabble a lot. I don’t know how to reach him. Because he doesn’t feel much he can’t see there’s a problem. He gets his cues from others, but doesn’t. I’m getting annoyed with him, but being tired and a little drinky doesn’t help. Hmm. I’m sure the Angels are guiding this one as well. I think I’ll just keep quiet and stay out of it; try my hardest to be a loving presence. I’m staying in a nice apartment in Portlaoise, and getting to see the Irish way. Hmm again. Will let you know my impressions later. Anyway, very much looking forward to my next stop and a cleaner leg of the trip with Jo.

  About Jules—no, not hurting, ever hopeful. She is still there for me and the weaving continues. I am learning so much on the trip——just trusting it all. As for the battery, don’t worry about it until I get back. I’ll sort it out. Thanks for the news, and good luck. May peace and love fill you, hope and gladness descend on your household; joy be about you.

  Lots of love, Your Friend, Adrian.

  28th July E-mail from The Mountain to Adrian. Subject: Bath-hats.

  Dearest Globetrotting Minstrel,

  Thank-you so much for keeping me up to date with all your adventures. What a varied and interesting time you are having. Our guests have left, so life is calmer. I am trying to regain some semblance of order on the Mountain. Your doggie watches me from the fireside, raising her eyebrows every now and then. She is very patient with us and lies by the fire with her front legs crossed. We have put the baby bunnies in the large dog cage on the landing. This curtails the chaos somewhat, until school is over and they are let free of course! It won’t be long before they are hopping downstairs.

  I am tired, but well——still painting away——not for ‘Yellow-tooth Dave’ though. The rotter refused to pay me as he didn’t get paid for the job——blamed me for the sloppy work! I knew there was something dodgy about him. Oh well——I’ll put it down to experience. The big news from school is that Gertrude, {a German parent who scares the staff}, has taken her two daughters away and placed them in her local primary school. Well, you can imagine how surprised we all are! Poor girls; I hope they are okay. Term three is underway and all is well on this side of the world. How is England? I hope you are enjoying it all. I love to think of you there.

  I’m pleased you remain positive about Jules; we are both ring-bearers then. Good. Otherwise I might conceivably be tempted to meet you at the airport, naked under a red, velvet gown. Oops——not the way for a Laird’s wife to behave, she would s
urely be wearing a lace bodice underneath! Only teasing. Just want to put an anxious grin on your face. I must have chosen the mischievous biscuit from the tin this morning. Don’t worry, I assure you I am trustworthy and will behave in a way you would approve of on your return.

  Catch me if you can——I’m running barefoot through The Greenwood, snapping twigs and parting branches in the last dappled light—breeze in my hair, definitely unruly——

  Enticing with lips and hands they take flight, away from all eyes, save those of Angels and birds————

  Sorry, just rambling. You shouldn’t have given me computer lessons. Forest Dreams, the love of Romantic Lyric and a Companion with equal vitality make for irresistible fun. Mmm—dangerous.

  Well, I had better take my leave of the Forest. The painting ladder beckons and the dogs approve of the action. Into the car and away down the hill we go. On with the disguise——Love from your Mouse in a bath-hat; goes with the cracked glasses. See you soon—X

  From Adrian: 29th July from Sussex. Subject: Bath-hats? {They call them ‘shower-caps’ in New Zealand. Adrian must wonder what I am talking about!}

  Hi Friend,

  Just a very quick instalment as I am sitting in Paul’s office and he returns in a few minutes. I am well settled in Sussex and have been here for four days. No inclination to gallivant and sightsee; just want to be with the people. I have been helping Jo organize her home; putting up shelves, lugging around pieces of furniture and boxes of books etc. I have also been gardening, feeding chickens and pigs, playing with Wilf and doing some bricklaying. The initiative came to make a block retaining wall alongside a new pathway, so along with Jo’s twice a week helper, Solta, {a Ghurkha from Nepal, who does the work of two men,} I designed and built a smashing little block wall with a reverse curve and all. I thought he knew how to do it, but he was quite content for me to carry on. Floundering and a little nervous I continued and the result was pretty good and won the praise of the Memsab.

  Anyway, that’s it; Paul’s back. See you soon. Thanks for your lovely and cheeky update.

  Lots of love

  Adrian

  August is with us and Adrian returns before long. I can’t wait to see him. His photo from Chicago greets me every morning on the computer screen where he stands on a bridge surrounded by high-rise city buildings——a different backdrop from his usual, green habitat. I have really enjoyed our communication over the past six weeks.

  It is Monday morning and Big J. greets me on the deck outside Rinky’s classroom. “I’m missing our boy, aren’t you? Thank-you for clearing his recycling when he left; he’s lucky to have such a good friend.” She might be disapproving if I tell her how much I am missing him, so I smile and reply; “yes, I have received the odd e-mail from Adrian and it will be good to have him home.” Big J. is a strong leader for our little school and has been responsible for big developments over the past five years. An assertive character, she can be difficult. I know the staff and parents tread carefully to avoid her fickle temper. As a result she is highly respected and keeps everyone in check. I especially like her twinkling, laughing eyes. We get on well. “Oh, did you hear?” She adds; “Gertrude’s girls are coming back next week.”

  I telephoned Adrian in Sussex at the weekend. He was surprised and pleased to hear from me. He has been helping Jo and Paul with their domestic life, encouraging them to face a tricky family situation and lending a general hand. “I managed to burn some trees though,” he admitted. “Oops——I got carried away and put the bonfire in the wrong place.” He isn’t sure about the priesthood training; “it’s very expensive and I’m uncertain about that path. I think I’ll come home and finish the school year——not worry about the future too much. Anyway, why would I want to rush off when there is so much waiting for me at home?”

  I deliver the clean laundry and recycling basket to Adrian’s basement room a couple of days before his return, wondering what the future holds. The serious question remains veiled. All I can think about is being reunited with my beautiful Friend. I can’t wait to have Adrian home. Sorting through the recycling papers last month I came across his ‘April Birthday Wish List.’ I took it home to file away, pleased to have rescued the important piece of writing.

  Part Four Sailing

  ‘Wave Slicer--Watery Dancer—long and deep;’ The Boat slips away from the Marina easily; sailing out of the harbour at long last. The perfection is breathtaking. She is balanced and beautiful, surpassing even the original vision. The Craftsman watches; delighted. He checks the backstay; yes, taught and secure, supporting the mast from the stern and the whisker pole is set and ready. The bowspreader catches the morning sun, leading the vessel out and away. His work is complete——for now. He will keep an eye from a distance. The two sailors know what they are about. They sense the unfolding story and its emerging Quest and with their combined experience they skilfully navigate the waiting waters.

  The sails billow with purpose in the spring winds. They take The Boat swiftly along the coast of native fern and foliage, volcanic indentation and golden beach. The region’s coves and inlets tempt the crew to frequent anchorage, revealing riches beyond their wildest imaginings. They are together——quietly——adventuring and silent as one; enjoying sweet lyric and sensual pleasure that surprise them both when they take down the sails in the quiet bays.

  And when the Main Course and Mizzen are set, they resume their voyaging where the watery swell laps excitingly against the hull, barely waiting for the beam to be steadied before drawing The Boat back out towards the endless horizon. She is thirsty for the briny embrace. She lets it take her; the boundaries are limitless when she cuts through the Ocean with a knife-edged-keel.

  Heavenly blue skies arch above the wooden masts, highlighting the rigging. Every cleat and sheet is new and polished——ready——purposefully aligned. The grommets and sheaves glint in the sun, catching the eye of the two aboard who look up with wonder and disbelief. Can such a vessel really exist? And if she is indeed real, what paths of destiny have brought them together as her privileged crew of two?

  Chapter 1 Swell

  Wednesday 9th August 2006

  Adrian arrives home today. I wonder what time he’ll get here. He hasn’t asked me to collect him from the airport. Perhaps he might stay with family to recover from jet lag. Does he expect, or hope, that our relationship is still alive? His flight was scheduled to arrive in Auckland early this morning. I wear my red velvet and lace to School, just in case I see him today. It is school pick-up time. Oh, I am unsure; I might be overdressed; he probably won’t be here and wouldn’t notice the detail anyway. I am apprehensive and tentatively excited. Luckily I have the large raincoat in the van and it has been wet. I hastily cover my noticeable attire and walk around the school buildings to collect Rinky the Minx at three o’clock. I pass Cordelia en route. “Adrian is back,” she announces with a big smile. “He’s in the courtyard by Class 1.” I take a deep breath and stride around the corner.

  My handsome Friend has a group of delighted children, parents and teachers buzzing around him in a bouncy welcome. He turns and sees me standing by. “Well, hello there;” he wraps me up in a huge hug, raincoat and all. “Freya’s parents gave me a lift; they drove down from Auckland today. How are you and how is my four-legged friend?”

  We wander towards my vehicle as others depart for music lessons, hockey practise and beckoning homes. “Do you want to come up now?” I ask; “collect your car and Lady Dog?” We bundle into the roomy van with children demanding attention, questions fired and answers given in our cheery trip up the hill.

  Oh, how lovely it is to have Adrian beside me again. We regain our familiarity as if the past six weeks were a matter of days. I can’t quite describe our chemistry. We are so comfortable together; naturally realigned and perfectly happy. He is shaggy and travel-worn; in need of a cup of tea and quiet catch-up. I put the kettle on when we get home. The dog greets her Master as if he has been away for the weekend an
d we hold hands as if we have never let go. I kiss my Lover lightly, handing him a lemon and ginger brew; a friendly, open welcome that tells him nothing has changed. “So, you are still here for me?” He asks hesitantly. “I wasn’t sure if you would be.” Our eyes linger in each other and we smile. Oh, his smile——I cannot describe the radiance of his smile——illuminating, igniting and wonderful, all at the same time.

  The cosy cabin welcomes our reunion as if it has been waiting as longingly as its Mistress. Fireside crackle and busy children dashing up and down the wooden staircase accompany our friendship as it begins this next stage, in what is to become a magical journey. We lie at opposite ends of the sofa, massaging each other’s feet and chatting easily. “Did you get the Biscuit poem I sent by e-mail?” I ask. “It’s just an amusing verse about everything we share.” We are feeling playful and flirtatious, returning to our natural place of fun and possibility. “No, I haven’t checked a screen for days,” he replies with a naughty twinkle. “Go on, show me now.”

  THE BISCUIT TIN

  What flavour would you like today?

  Plain and simple, rich or spicy?

  Here’s a fruity one, or how about a rich, buttery taste?

  Oh, let’s not waste a single crumb; I love them all,

  We’re having fun

  Now look at this shape!

  Strange to say, I haven’t seen it before today,

  A mystery texture and flavour too,

  With coloured pieces; I wonder what they are?

  I feel like dancing, playing and laughing, do you?

  We shall have to explore this one soon.

  Here’s one shaped just like the moon,