Jolly Harbour Beach, Antigua
Lesser Antilles Island
Tis a Gift to be Simple
Tis a Gift to be Free
Old Shaker Spiritual
Where the Atlantic Ocean and Caribbean meet, there is a uniquely lovely and peaceful cream beach of sand that softly flows into the sea. On a bright practically perfect vacay day, I sleepily laid sunning myself on a white chaise lounge. The fresh air’s gentle rhythmic whisper as each small wave lapped the shore coupled with the magical fragrance of coconut “smells like vacation” lotion slathered on my face, had me hypnotized into a mindless welcome relaxation.
A man of cocoa bean skin in a clean white shirt politely approached, asking if I would like a basket.
Several things captured my attention, one of which that he wasn’t actually carrying a basket! The other was his mannerisms were gentle, respectful, not pushy or aggressive as the merchants who walk the tourist beaches sometimes can be. I couldn’t see his eyes, or his mine, because in bright sunshine we all wear dark glasses, but as I shaded my forehead with my hand to get a better look, something about him just drew me in.
“If it’s alright,” he explained, “I can weave a basket for you now. It will take about 10 minutes and be $20 US dollars.” I agreed, eagerly, for the curiosity of just how he’d create such a thing was compelling and, I happen to love baskets!!
He took one of the many palm leaves strapped to his back and began, bending a long fresh green stiff branch into a curve, working each individual leaf over and under, under and over. He asked if he could sit and I invited him to do so on the end of my chaise. As he worked, I learned his name was Angus. I probed to discover more. He looked to be middle aged and shared he’d been doing this work since a young man, learning the basics of his weaving skill from a long ago friend. From my observation, a lifetime of practice had evolved to an amazing level of skill.
His craft not only fascinated me, but the manner in which he went about his work displayed a quiet humble dignity linked to the intricate work of his hands. I was mesmerized watching the dexterity of his fingers and, as the basket began to take shape, he explained he had climbed a tree an hour earlier to obtain the 8-10 long leaves he had strapped to his back.
The sweltering sun produced beads of sweat on his temples, but his head enjoyed the shade of the tan brimmed hat he had woven some days before. He kindly told me more of his story and I encouraged him to share his skill, to teach others… perhaps record an instructional video to place on YouTube. But Angus wasn’t even slightly interested in any large public display, he was bent solely on just this basket, this moment, this customer.
Angus told me he walks the beach every few days, climbing that palm tree only when the cupboard is bare and he needs to buy a chicken plus a few cans of soup. I felt lucky he shared more and found the simplicity in which he lived his life truly enchanting. Here was a man, not a part of the harried rush of my modern existence, content with choosing a life that took care of his needs as they came without the stress of ambition and status. He seemed grateful to merely have a buyer for his uniquely fashioned basket, some pleasant conversation and especially for another day on the beautiful Caribbean island of Antigua.
When he finished, I was thrilled with the product & he kindly gifted me two additional woven wonders (free of charge) … a fish and a bird both magically created by more work with those dexterous hands. Thank you, Angus, for teaching me simplicity in a complicated world, for inspiring me and thank you for some of the most amazing souvenirs, ever. It truly was a privilege.
“Tis a Gift to be Simple, Tis a Gift to be Free
And when we find ourselves in the place just right,
Twill be in the valley of Love and Delight.
When true simplicity is gained,
To bow and to bend we shall not be ashamed;
To turn and to turn shall be our delight,
Till we turn and in turning we come round right.”
Old Shaker Spiritual
Angus, the Weaver of Palms, brought to mind another who chose to travel light, without purse or script. On the rocky shores of a distant sea, a dusty canyon road to Jericho, a grassy hilltop in Galilee and at a well in the forbidden and taboo country of Samaria, He moved about lifting, loving and serving with merely the robes on His back.
Like Angus, the palm was familiar to Him. It’s leaves once laid in tribute before His path just a few short days before He ended His earthly mission. He, the Creator, who crafted everything from this planet’s smallest organism to the tallest towering mountain, also created kind Angus and the beautiful branches with which he skillfully wove my gifts that day in Antigua.
Angus’ lesson of simplicity echoes that of the Savior, leading us to clear away the distractions of life, to more purposefully focus on things that matter most. With humility and dignity, over 2000 years ago the Master Weaver meekly and obediently fulfilled that perfect Plan of Redemption thereby weaving the most loving ultimate Atonemental gift no one could give but Him.
TRIPPIN WITH NATALIE 
I so enjoy your travels, your “take” on the world or the moment. This story is almost magical, Natalie.
Thank you for sharing your gift of expression and for sharing your travel experiences!
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