HUMBOLT

February 22, 2025

HUMBOLT

“California: bordering always on the Pacific and sometimes on the ridiculous. So, why do I live here? Because the sun goes down a block from my house.” — George Carlin

McKinleyville

For everything that happens in life, there is always a beginning and there is, certainly always, a conclusion. When I moved to Humboldt County_ back in 1998_ to a small town called McKinleyville, it was the beginning of a life full of excitement, there was a new adventure at every corner where, anything and everything could happen.

I was twenty five years old, my body was full of energy and my mind packed with dreams. Although, the fascinating enterprise in Humboldt, sadly, came to an end two years later, it didn't stop there, it was replaced by a far bigger, and brighter adventure than I've ever dreamt in my life.

1998

The year of 1998, I claimed it as my own. I was determined. I was full of new ideas and overflowing with energy. The whole world seemed like a tiny blue marble full of political and social turmoil: Former President Bill Clinton went under an investigation for his indiscretions, the Titanic became remarkably popular, Google launch operations in Menlo Park, the FDA approved the use of Viagra, Microsoft released Windows 98, The Spice Girls became the most popular pop band. And there I was, living in a small town where, apparently, nothing much happens.

The year was designated as the International Year of the Ocean, and If only I'd have had full knowledge of what the world was becoming at the end of the Millennium, I'd probably had taken a different path. I don't know, scares me to think that perhaps, if I knew in detail, all the international conflicts like wars, natural disasters, death, riots, illness, it could have easily brought me down to my knees, then, life itself, for the final blow, could have been in charge of putting my head into the cutting block just as well.

LAUGHTER AND TEARS

I met a lot of people from Eureka, Arcata and McKinleyville, and along with people comes laughter and tears, _ it's a whole package_ The experiences I have had in life, had taught me that laughter, and tears are the same thing. They blend into an amalgamation of feelings that flustered me, since, often I laughed only to end up in tears, and many times a good laugh after crying is even a better medicine.

Nevertheless, I was looking to accomplish so many things. In the years living in Norther CA, I invested time and devoted hard work to acquired familiarity to new people and situations. I was desperately craving for a taste full of life, and those years were indeed, productive. If I have to do it all over again, I'd probably not changed anything, I'd simply let my life replay the exact same way.

The ocean, the redwood trees, the clean air, the coldness, the fog, _ ah, yes, the fog_ and rain virtually all year round are part of the County. I'd closed my eyes and I can still visualize the perfect postcard-like views of nature, where past and future merge as one. The area is covered by a perpetual, strangely beautiful gray sky.

PEOPLE I MET

Back in 1998, I never gave it a second thought that changes are imminent and here I am, all these years later, writing this letter to no one in particular. I'm immerse now in a new life, thinking in different ways to engage in brand new adventures, and remembering fondly, all the wonderful people I met:

Carlitos
Senora Yolanda
Inma
Michael
Ramon
Pedro

Yes, I know, those names don't mean anything without a meaningful story to tell, however for me, all it takes is a quick remembrance at their faces to feel an array of good memories invading my whole existence. It has been twenty five years since I moved away, I still remember clearly, and with great detail, their smiles. Surprisingly, the great moments we shared, still feel fresh as if it was yesterday when they happened. How I wish well to everyone I met, with their presence, no doubt, they enhanced my life.

MAGICAL PLACE

Music is the closest we have, to a time machine. If I dare opening its doors, I can dig the past with surprising accuracy, thinking at the same time, perhaps because of the nostalgia, that the earth was a better place to live in. Some other times, music brings back so many memories that I didn’t know existed.

Everything has a beginning and everything has an end. This piece of music tells the story of my short life in Humboldt County, a place that I fell in love immediately. Through this duet, I know my fondness for this magical place will remain.

When you listen to this piece, pay attention to the melody, it is telling you that the world was, simpler. I know you would agree. It is exactly just how I feel, when I think of my life in Humboldt back in the year 1998.

Thanks for reading.