Floating on the azure waters of a coral reef just off the island of Emboodhu Finolhu in the Maldives, I looked down onto an alien world of bizarre sea creatures. There was a lot to look at. Such original and odd phenomena. Otherworldly. Neon-colored fish of every shape and size glinted below. I tried to think of anywhere else where I’d seen such a riot of bright color. Night lights of Times Square, Vegas or Tokyo’s Ginza District? A Cirque de Soleil performance? Psychedelic concert posters from the sixties?
Maybe it’s the gravitational pull (or push?) of the equatorial zone that attracts such psychedelic iridescence. In nature, only the plumage of tropical birds comes close to the spectacle of colors I was seeing through my mask.
There can be no question that fashion designers are inspired by nature. And this underwater world provides a kaleidoscope of colorful iridescence: If fishes walked a catwalk, the fashion magazines would read like this:
Squarespot Anthius and Neon Fusilier
Striped Tang
Powder Blue Sturgeonfish & Lyretail Anthias
His was a commanding presence. He hovered atop a round flat sheet of gray coral at the edge of the reef. Gazing out toward the dark blue hue where the reef dropped off, he was unfazed by anything that flashed past. Watching. Waiting. He was the only one of his kind that I had seen.
I cupped my hands and back-paddled to slow my momentum. I was mesmerized. He remained perfectly still, unlike all the others flashing past. He was solo, unlike the schools of fish that swam in formation – turning en masse in a brilliant display of underwater choreography. He was magnificent, in a different way than the others.
He was probably 20 inches long. Black and white stripes ran lengthwise along his body. His face was mostly yellow. His fins and tail were yellow with black polka-dots.
Oriental Sweetlips
So pretty! If he were a dress, I’d buy it. But yellow is not in my color pallet. Maybe a pillow? Yes, I’d definitely buy him if he were a pillow!
Lacking an underwater camera, I just had to capture the scene to memory.
And … in writing this blog, I’ve captured the essence of a moment that would otherwise be forgotten!
Yellow Boxfish & Klunzinger’s Wrasse
Classic B & W and the Four Stripe Damselfish
This experience is no accident – there’s a message here . . .
Most of my days are spent like those fast, furious fish rushing past – always in a hurry. How many exceptional moments are lost in the blur of busy-ness.
“Oriental Sweetlips,” as he’s commonly known around these parts, is my inspiration to slow down, take notice and reflect on the wonder of the moment. To look at the big picture.
Or, at the very least, buy myself a new pillow!
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7 Comments
Elaine (Christ) Dale May 23, 2014 at 3:52pm
Marilyn, I just have to comment on how much I love reading your posts!! Not only are they informative, but I enjoy your writing style and the creativity you pour into each piece. This one in particular is very edgy with all the clothing matched to the fish, plus your realization that there are lessons for us to learn…everywhere…even under the deep blue of the most exotic waters. Thank you so much for taking the time to not just tell a story or try to promote your business, but to enlighten us less-traveled ones to the treasures that await us all. I have gone to some pretty amazing places in my life, but within the limitations of a two week a year vacation allowance that controlled me for many years…until I started working for myself and blasted out of that box. Only then was I able to open up my travel dreams to places that demanded I take more time…and indeed, really slow down. You have created an amazing life that I am sure has had its ups and downs within the travel business, but I sense now you are in a most confident and more relaxed place to enjoy your hard earned success. And to think that some of our classmates are STILL living in Saginaw, MI…somehow happily…?
I have enjoyed learning more about you and your magical life of new sights and scenes, frequently changing locations and welcoming the challenges that all your trips must present. As the raindrops currently fall outside my West Seattle window, I can dream of the kaleidoscope of colors and the warm tropical waters you are experiencing, and enthusiastically say, “Way to go, Girl!!”
All best to you in your future endeavors, and I will continue to follow along, in delight!!
Elaine
Marilyn May 23, 2014 at 4:11pm
Elaine . . . Thanks – and yes, and yes, and yes to everything you said! Thanks for reading and responding!
Happy that you’ve broken away from the 2-week vacation limitation! (I know it can be a challenge to have ANY vacation time when you’re doing your own thing!)
What wonderful places have you ventured to?
Diane Lenkin May 23, 2014 at 5:26pm
WOW Marilyn
You always say how inspirational travel is and what an adventure it can be.
What a wonderful and creative piece you have written. The visuals are fabulous !
And love the message too. Slow down, enjoy all there is to experience.
You continue to amaze and surprise me.
Keep traveling and sharing your enlightening journeys.
Love you and all that you do.
Jane Schuldt May 23, 2014 at 5:28pm
Marilyn. Congratulations on a beautiful article, in so many ways. You have managed to accomplish what many have tried but failed to do. Juxtaposing the fashion with the fish is exactly where my mind has gone in the past when seeing the colors they display. The absolute best designs in the world are to be found in nature, above and below the surface.
Warmly, Jane
Marilyn May 23, 2014 at 10:00pm
Thanks, Jane. It was amazingingly easy to find images to match the fish!
Scott Gibb May 23, 2014 at 6:08pm
Great article hon!
Jill Stoliker May 26, 2014 at 5:29pm
Once again you have transported me to a far away fantasy travel location. I am so looking forward to taking my physical body with me on a WOW trip to Cuba in October and Ireland. The fish and fashion was delightful, the philosophy mind expanding, the possibilities unlimited! Thank you from Jill