I read a post this morning which inspired me to write this as I launch my newly-retired self into the New Year. As a windsurfer, I would be remiss if I did not use the wind as a metaphor for life and change.

A VERY cold north wind has been blowing in Northern California the last few days. Yes, windy enough to windsurf (saw photos on Facebook of people sailing in San Francisco Bay), but who wants to wear two wetsuits and freeze your face off? The Wind Gods are smiling on the hale and hearty windsurfers, which brings me to my point.

The Ancient Greeks had names for the four winds: Boreas, god of north wind and winter; Eurus, god of east or southeast wind; Notus, god of south wind, and Zephyrus, god of the west wind. Windsurfers in Northern Cal LOVE Zephyrus!

I can’t help but think of the Enya song, “Caribbean Blue.”

Eurus… Afer Ventus
So the world goes round and round with all you ever knew
They say the sky high above Is Caribbean blue …
If every man says all he can, If every man is true,
Do I believe the sky above Is Caribbean blue …
… Boreas … Zephyrus …
If all you told was turned to gold, If all you dreamed were new,
Imagine sky high above In Caribbean blue …

But what does this mean?

This is what the lyricist of the song, Roma Ryan, writes about the song (taken from the sheet music book of Shepherd Moons album):
“It is much easier to imagine a beautiful place on a rainy day than to imagine a dreary one. It is a simple fact, often forgotten, that people may create something good merely by thinking it so. A day-dream is as rich a gift as any. Like Afer Ventus, the wind from Africa, or Eurus, the East wind, Boreas from the North or the gentle Zephyrus, the imagination is free and can choose and create its own journey. As with all dreams we reach for the ideal, and Caribbean Blue represents such a dream.”

Take a moment and listen to the beautiful, simple but haunting lyrics as only Enya can sing them. Imagine your new year full of dreams that come true for yourself. Let the gentle, west Zephyr winds blow good fortune your way. Happy New Year!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y1L8uRApYeQ