Maybe one day I’ll be driving a blue bug

JAMES PRIBRAM

Every day I see them, well almost anyway, and every day they put a

smile on my face, because everyday, they too are smiling.

They drive by in their classic blue bug. The two of them, day

after day, always together like two peas in a pod. They drive slowly

down the road smiling and forever throwing the “peace” sign at me.

Every day, they inspire me as they embody the spirit of Laguna and

the way it should be.

They are the good neighbor who is never speeding down your street

selfishly, not caring for the children who may be playing. It seems

that they take it all in -- all the beauty that surrounds them.

They’re never hurrying -- just cruising, Laguna style.

They see the flowers and smell the salt of the ocean that wisps

through the air. I believe they do anyway, and that alone gives me

hope for a better tomorrow -- a day of peace and a world united.

I don’t even know their names, only their smiles.

Maybe I’m foolish?

“Everywhere is war. There’s war in the West. War in the East. War

in the South and North, rumors of a war.” -- Bob Marley

Sad, but there was a day that I remember long ago when war seemed

to be only a subject you studied in the history books.

Foolish or not, I still believe. I believe that the good will

always outweigh the bad and win over in the end.

Maybe, just maybe, if we all slowed down a little and drove

classic blue bugs things might be different. Maybe, if we cared a

little less about our big homes and fancy cars ... maybe if loyalty

was still good enough.

Just maybe.

I still believe in the good old-fashioned values in life, have we

forgotten these teachings? Is it too late?

Maybe if we all still believed?

I too want to grow old in this town and have a safe and good

environment for my children to grow up in.

Don’t we all?

Because one day, I too want to drive a blue bug.

Peace.

* JAMES PRIBRAM is a Laguna Beach resident, professional surfer

and co-founder of “They Will Surf Again,” a nonprofit foundation

assisting people with spinal cord injuries. He was also a member of

the Water Quality Advisory Committee. He can be reached at

jamo@alohaschoolof surfing.com.