A Woman in Search Of...

“It’s fine. I’d like to see what it’s about in person instead of reading about it. Thanks again for your friendship.” She kissed his cheek, stood up, and grabbed her plastic bag with peyote.

Rusty saw her to the door.

As soon as she got home, she called Cindy to tell her she and Rusty were going to an ashram.

“An ashram…I know someone who went, and they found it the coolest thing.”

“Hope they’re right. I’m anxious for this.”

Cindy chimed in. “I was going to call you too. I wanted to tell you about this guy I met in the rec. center downstairs. He’s a part-time disc jockey and a writer. He’s so intriguing and a fox.”

“What’s he write?”

“Mystery stories for magazines.”

“I’m impressed. What’s his name?”

“Bill Stephens. We’re going to see a movie tonight.”

“Sounds awesome. Hope you two work out, very exciting.”

“It really is. Gotta go. Be cool.”

“I will and keep me up to date.”

“You bet.”

Cindy finding a person to move on with made Wendy very happy.

Early the next morning Wendy sat in her office at the nursery. Her mind started to wander. There was so much good in her life, but her loneliness stood out. She so wanted Brad in her life, but any advancement toward him could end the comfortable and casual relationship she shared with him, not only with him, but with Pirate’s Cove and the people she knew there.

Wendy felt a tightness in her chest. Scott truly sounded like he changed, and his personality had opened up. Good memories came into her mind…how much fun they had before his mental and physical dismissal of her. She just needed to know his improved attitude and interests were permanent. What if she went back to him and he didn’t make the improvements? Taking a chance with him could be risky.

Closing time came and Wendy stayed at the nursery for a while. Carol and Jim finished unpacking some supplies. Wendy chewed on a peyote button as she looked at the twilight sky through the lattice. The colors were vibrant, rich reds, yellows, greens, blues and purples.

Wendy meandered around the nursery as she sang to herself. Carol stopped what she was doing and followed Wendy’s voice.

“What’s up?” Carol asked.”

“Nothing, just enjoying the stunning serenity.” Wendy’s hands reached toward the glass ceiling.

“Wendy, what are you on?”

“Just a little peyote, an escape from the outside world…and the men in my life. I like this inside world better.”

“I didn’t know you did drugs besides pot.”

“Just sometimes.” Wendy took a three-hundred and sixty-degree turn. “This place is intoxicating. Look at the depth of that shiny yellow croton leaf over there.” She pointed a few feet away. “Need to see it closer,” she said, moving toward it and touching its shiny texture. Carol shook her head and returned to the counter. When Wendy finished her inspection, she strolled up and down different paths. Suddenly Carol heard a scream and ran to Wendy who had tripped on a rock and fallen. Carol helped her get up.

“You okay?”

“Sure, sorry.”

“Wendy, I’m not sure drugs are a good idea. Hallucinations can make problems.”

“No hallucinations just slipped. I’m good.” Wendy went to the gazebo where she sat for a while. Finally, she went to the office, grabbed her purse, and said good-bye to Carol.

Rusty picked Wendy up on Saturday as planned and drove them to a side street in an old area of Venice. It was filled with wooden bungalows, many built during the 1920’s and 30’s. The homes were close together and painted in subdued colors but the trim on many was outstanding…black, different shades of blue, yellow, and some brilliant colors. The houses were immensely appealing to Wendy, taking her back in time.

A man opened the door and greeted them with a bow of his head. The scent of incense filled the house. They followed the man to the back of the house and into a large room. A lot of people sat, most on the floor, some on pillows. The man indicated a space where they could sit.

Everyone seemed to be entranced by the speaker in the front. Rusty whispered to Wendy he was the guru, the leader. He was discussing the ultimate meaning of life.

“There will be times when you will feel deep sentiment for people, animals, and objects. Some of these will have more meaning than others. However, they should all be treated with equal respect.”

The talk put Wendy at ease. The people she saw sat mesmerized by the guru as they sat with their legs crossed, their hands resting on their laps or on their thighs. Wendy put her hands in her lap. The words the guru spoke released tension inside of her. He continued to discuss family and its importance. Everything he said made sense. Wendy could feel the cohesiveness of the attendees. These were people devoted to a belief in gaining knowledge, so they could experience enlightenment. The guru emphasized the importance of everyone searching for their own freedom through meditation, family, and good work.

After the talk Rusty introduced Wendy to Jahad, a man Rusty knew from his visits to the ashram. Jahad explained the importance of kindness toward everyone.

“Do you know,” Jahad said, “almost all the people in this room live in this house?”

“No, I didn’t,” Wendy said in surprise. It seemed too small to hold so many.

“We are devotees to what kinship and love are about. We practice this every day.”

His words intrigued Wendy. “It sounds wonderful.”

They visited for a little while until Jahad moved on.

Wendy never experienced anything so satisfying as what she heard. As Rusty drove back to Wendy’s she understood why people went to the ashram.

“Rusty, thanks so much. Their beliefs are calming.”

“That’s why I wanted you to come, Wendy. I thought it might help you get through what’s buggin’ you.”

“It gave me a lot to think about. I do like their philosophy of goodness, kindness, the importance of family and ways to bring tranquility to yourself.” Rusty dropped Wendy at her house and continued on to work. Wendy grabbed a bite, while thinking about the ashram and how inspired she was. Later she enjoyed part of a joint and watched TV.