Calmness and Castro Valley
Although I am not a philosopher, I do enjoy philosophizing. I suspect it is a common trait among us. To wonder about things is to philosophize, as it is to let one’s mind wander through thoughts and ideas. If so, philosophizing is a common sport among us. This view came to me during the calmness of a recent Friday night in Castro Valley.
With nothing significant to do I took an evening stroll along the boulevard. A brief stop occurred outside of a karate school where kids were training in the art of motion and self-defense. Through broad windows I watched the teaching and learning process from adults to children. It was interesting and entertaining to do so. Afterward, I walked into the CV Marketplace. The Cordial Center in the basement was open for service. A combo played jazz and people enjoyed wine and conversation. A civic leader, Rick Hatcher, waved hello to me. He is the President of the Hayward Area Recreation District, which is turning 80 years old next year. We talked about the upcoming anniversary and noted that Pete’s Hardware will be turning one hundred years old in the coming year and that Al’s Food Market will be turning 75 years old. Each of them continues to provide good service to our community. As they age, they continue to do so with wellness. They have done well for our town.
My next stop was at Canyon’s Barbecue. Outside two fire pits warmed the air and spirited the outdoor patio. I had already eaten dinner and asked if I could purchase a glass of wine and sit outside by one of the fire pits. It was okay and I did. The adjacent Philz Coffee provided added place for coffee and conversation. As people socialized, I was impressed with the melody of the moment. Across the boulevard the new Breakfast Club restaurant rested for the night, yet ready for people to gather in the morning. Earlier that day I had breakfast with friends at Norman’s. The next day I would meet a good friend for more of the same at Rumi’s on Center Street. While enjoying the calm of the night I decided to take a selfie. A young lady observed and asked if I would like her to take the photo. It was a nice gesture on her part.
Given these experiences it is time to write my bi-weekly column. What struck me throughout these experiences was a calmness to our town and a poetry within our behavior. It has a good feel to it. As I made notes to write this column, I noted that four score of feet away was where I almost lost my life in 1950. I accidentally fell out of a car my dad was driving and went over both legs on my four-year old body. Observers thought I was dead. To their surprise, I was not. Although the front right tire went over both thighs, both femurs were soft enough to enable survival. I recuperated and overcame a limp to go on with the rest of my life. As I sensed the calmness of our community, I also felt grateful for my life here in Castro Valley. I also realized that there are billionaires who lack calm or gratitude in their lives. At this point of time, in a town called Castro Valley, both are in my possession. It makes me glad that my wealth is in my life itself, not in the counting of financial fortune. Since I am fortunate, I have a fortune. Taking a walk on Friday nights may become a routine. It is good to count blessings.
