stones and pebbles

What day was it?

Thursday? Yeah? Yes, of course.
About a week after New Year's.
He and I were at the beach along side the Surf Highway number 2, mapping out and checking off the attraction list from the guide books I've insisted on taking with us.

Black sand beaches.


"Have you seen sand like these before?Look at this. Amazing isn't it?"
He gestured towards a wall of rock formation just about a meter from where we were standing. Rushing over, he pointed over to the layer of copper-coloured erosion lines. "Rust," he mouthed confidently, grinning ear to ear.As always, his enthuthiasm is rather infectious.

"Of course," I agreed.

Iron rich, hot-to-the-touch sand were burning my feet as I kept on walking and breathing in the scenery around me. I hear water splashing from behind and I knew without turning he was already in the water.


Chilly, chilly, pacific cold water.

Yes. I have seen black sand before.
Langkawi Island, up on the west coast of the Malay Peninsula was famous for it. The family and I would go on holiday every year as a child, enjoy the beach and the annual festvals held up there. The 'Burnt' Sand Beach -ironically, was what they called it back home, a result of a curse according the local folklores. 
I remember feeling like telling him the story, just for laughs, but then I changed my mind. Its silly Asian thing he would think.

Sometimes, it makes me feel a little homesick just thinking about it.
Just a reminder that I am really far from home, perhaps.

Pebbles were on the beach everywhere , too. Colored and textured with different streaks of quartz perhaps, I guessed. Pretty. My little sister would have loved them. She has a jar full from every beach we've ever gone to, carefully laid and labeled on her bedroom dresser.
I considered the postal weight, and then decided against it.Maybe a good book instead.

"For you, my smiley little lay-dee" he calls out, now dripping wet from the brisk swim he took."My heart!" I tried hard not to laugh as he placed a smooth pink pebble into my palm and then head back for another dip. "More to come!"

Cheeky but nevetheless sweet natured when he wants to be. 
God, I love him.
I tried to remember the gregorian poem about girls and birth stones. I wondered if it said anything about pink pebbles?
Probably not.
But a gift is still gift.
:)

the poem:

By her who in January was born No gem save garnets shall be worn
They will ensure her constancy True friendship and fidelity.

The February born shall find Sincerity and peace of mind,
Freedom from passion and from care, If they, the amethyst will wear.

By her who in March was born No gem save Bloodstone shall be worn
They will ensure her constancy True friendship and fidelity.

She who from April dates her years,
Diamonds shall wear, lest bitter tears

For vain repentance flow.
Who first beholds the light of day In spring's sweet,
flower month of May And wears an Emerald all her life
Shall be a loved and a loving wife.

By her who in June was born
No gem save Pearls shall be worn
They will ensure her constancy True friendship and fidelity.


The gleaming Ruby should adorn, All those who in July are born
, For thus they'll be exempt and free, From lover's doubts and anxiety.


Wear a Peridot or for thee, No conjugal fidelity,
The August born without this stone, `Tis said, must live unloved; alone.

A maiden born when autumn leaves Are rustling in September's breeze,
A Sapphire on her brow should bind;

To bring her joy and peace of mind.
October's child is born for woe, And life's vicissitudes must know,
But lay an opal on her breast, And hope will lull those woes to rest.

Who first comes to this world below In dreary November's fog and snow,
Should prize the topaz amber hue, Emblem of friends and lovers true.


If cold December gave you birth The month of snow and ice and mirth Place on your hand a turquoise blue; Success will bless whate'er you do