Lorna: Magical Mermaid

Writing a few things for her memorial service, and I thought I would share them. The words that describe our dear Lorna to me: Magical mermaid

Lorna Molina had an aura of magic around her. If she was involved in any project it went well with lots of love, happiness, and smiles. I have three stories that come to mind.

1. The first time I met Lorna she walked into my art Gallery on Adams Ave in 2007. During the week then I worked as a furniture designer while taking some classes and opened the gallery on weekends and evenings. Besides talking about the art prints I had of places in Japan, we worked on my garden, entertained the cat I had at the gallery, and would get together for Sunday night dinner. This was the very beginnings of the spaghetti socials.

2. One Halloween, inspired by teenage girls who put seaweed on their heads at the beach saying look we are mermaids, that became our bond. Lorna, Amber, and I were the talk of the town at the 91x Halloween. Sight and sound were at Ray at night and we arrived dripping with seaweed. As the three of us were Geminis and Cancers, we gave each other sea-themed gifts for special occasions. May beach hikes, breakfast by the sea, and swimming year-round.

3. As we approach Mother’s Day, this story always comes to mind. One Mother’s Day morning, we all met in La Jolla to walk by the sea. It was still a bit crisp but the sun shone bright. We decided to get in the water. In her trunk, we retrieved assorted clothing so we could dive in the waves. We did. When we got out, we laughed hysterically together. Why? Pikake, Josh, Mathias, and the crew were all meeting for Mother’s day and were looking for Lorna and wondering what would be cooking!

Collecting seashells, walking on the beach, cooking with friends, dancing, poetry, ukulele concerts, and the like bring her to my mind. So many happy memories were created by my island mermaid friend Lorna. I am grateful for having the honor to have her in my life. When the tide washes out, many gifts are left. Lorna was like the gift of the sea.