Dogs and Dirt Streets

Just ran across this amazing photo snapped during a family trip to Jamaica. The tropical weather here in Bolinas has made me want air on my skin and to recall that fantastic trip.

My father had made deep contact with a family friend Alfonso, a spectacular human and stellar jeweler. Papa had just scored a malachite and tortoise shell “chalice” modeled in the pic, which he still wears—a lot.

As Ian and I biked along in the hot sun this morning some connections between our lovely little hamlet and the streets of Negril suddenly became apparent—dogs all over taking their walks unaccompanied, an endless criss-crossing of unmarked dirt roads and loads of boggling views. Recently I drove into town, slowing and swerving slightly to give way to a large basset hound carrying a baguette in his mouth as he marched down the center of the road.

Seems I’m not the first to make this observation. Bridge to Bolinas, an incredible source, records the words of painter Joe Brainard, from 1971 when he was hanging about town:

Bolinas is more like I thought Jamaica would be than Jamaica was. (So lush). And fantastic flowers everywhere…Bolinas dogs are so funny. Running around all over town. In and out of stores.

Another outstanding snapshot from The Bridge collection with a certain familiarity about it:

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