Island Distractions

This is the time of the year when I miss the islands the most.

Is there really a choice here?

For better or worse, I've chosen the Pacific Northwest as my home. For anyone who hasn't experienced a Northwest winter, the legends don't do it justice. There's a reason the suicide rate spikes this time of year and it has little to do with the holidays. Not to belabor the point, but it's depressing around here this time of year.

Since depression isn't a viable choice (way too much to do), I participate in what pop-psychologists refer to as "virtual vacationing." Anyone that knows me (or has read the title of this blog) can guess where I unpack my imaginary luggage for the months of January to February.

The place I spend my mental break is filled with Plumeria-infused, warm breezes, the sound of gently breaking surf and the occasional taste of pineapple and coconut-flavored drinks. Enormous leaves of varying shades of green caress gently pebbled walkways wherever I go. The sun sets but the party goes on. And on.

Is my getaway a real place? Experts would tell you perception is reality. So who's to say? I'd vote for probably not. And that's where the point of this post comes in. Kitsch not only serves the purpose of being entertaining, it makes those make-believe places a little more accessible. Kitsch, like those mental vacations, isn't supposed to be reality. But when the drizzle has sustained itself for the third week and the sky is the color of asphalt, it's a good thing to have around and take a well-earned respite to a place far away.

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