“Yes, I answered your phone. The ringing would not stop and you were occupied. Your driver was worried. He’s on his way.”

I look at my phone to see 13 missed calls from my driver. No wonder he answered it, the chiming must have made him nuts. No excuse for touching my property but it’s not that serious now.

His voice. No patois, just a clear, precise, pleasant Jamaican accent.

I can feel something shifted inside me. Although he deserved it, I decided not to fuss about the intrusion. Maybe because he meant well? Maybe because nothing was taken? Maybe because it wouldn’t change anything? Maybe because the ocean in my view was incredibly enchanting? Maybe because he called me Empress? Yes that’s it…all the above.

Definitely all the above which is the reason I related this encounter and the ones I plan to share. See I went from being a “hands on hips…finger in your face…neck snapping…fire breathing b!tch” to a calm…ready to listen…ready to understand…rational human being.

Although all who frequently visit Jamaica don’t frequent the same places but DO, however, encounter situations that happen island wide. Situations where you get an attitude adjustment by someone you might normally avoid. Like “that” souvenir vendor who asks you to stop and take a look each and every time you pass. Then one day you do stop and discover a new friend stood behind that table. Or “that” relentless beachboy you wish you can turn a fire hose on says a word or two that grips your soul so tight you excuse his objective and can’t get enough of him. Or “that” likkle bwoy with pure devilment in his eyes who begs and begs you for money so he can eat. You finally buy him two patties w/box juice only to soon want to make sure he has shoes, a clean shirt and a future. Or “that” aged carver whose wrinkled hands are blistered and callused from carrying the heavy box of stained masks day after day. You finally slow down long enough to see how weary he is and end up buying a chipped carving at the end of your hour conversation.

Meeting Anthony that night was one of those incidents. I gave into the moment and my surroundings resulting in a changed attitude because it is Jamaica.

Remember the sun is setting…time to be still…time to relax.