Bliss

As I methodically hobbled down the temperate stairs, a woman commented on the injury which I suffered from:

“Man, have I had that a dozen times,” she said, as she cradled her cigarette with shaking fingers. “That is a real bummer, I tell you.”

I smiled and agreed in return, carefully maneuvering the remaining flights; the woman, who I had never seen before, reminded me of a mysterious, yet appreciated gift: kindness. After descending onto the cobblestone, I continued forward, approaching Putnam Plaza; sporting booths to sell last-minute flowers for hovering valentines, it was complete with a fountain and a miniature park. Nestled quietly in busy downtown Petaluma, this area is bound only by the surrounding buildings; despite its size, the square remains a centerpiece of tranquility, a simple escape from our complex lives, and a significant reminder of prideful history.

One may approach the location from two directions, allowing for maximum containment of the senses. Several Mayten trees offer a region of cooling shade, complimenting the continual mist released from the nearby petite fountain; the provided seating arrangement – composed of long stone benches – provides a sturdy outline for the trees and accompanying grass. The babbling fountain, a frequent resting site, creates a hearing phenomenon: due to the numerous cars rumbling down the boulevard, an obnoxious scene is set. But once a passerby strolls upon the waterworks, an overwhelming sensation of serenity washes over – the metropolitan world and nature’s beauty coincide peacefully.

Every time I am in the vicinity of Putnam Plaza, the sight of gentle grass and stable tree trunks always chimes a reaction; more recently, I journeyed purposely to withdraw a harmony from the scenery. Striding confidently with two components – fudge and a book of poetry – my sister and I participated in the silence, joyfully absorbing every aspect of our trip; the plaza allows for such activities, ease of mind ensured. Carefree individuals dwell throughout the day, reclining on the lawn or a bench: they echo the atmosphere of Putnam Plaza. Common inhabitants include modernized hippies, donning environmentally friendly clothing, and characters etched with seemingly endless tattoos. Shielding the quaint park like an overprotective mother, four different buildings present a variety of options in mercantile opportunities: Boosha, a creative store housing unique jewelry and pleasing incenses; Thai Ginger, a quiet restaurant offering succulent Asian cuisine; Downtown Deli, an ideal locality for purchasing a local sandwich; and Starbucks, the well-known coffeehouse. Each of these businesses represents the diverse culture of even a plaza of this size.

Petaluma has a very rich history: figures include news writer Bill Soberanes, Mayor Helen Putnam, and actress Winona Ryder, along with many others. The memories of such individuals are remembered through three dedications placed in the benches, along with corresponding trees and plaques; such structures remain sturdy and endure the test of time, as do the contributions of the observed. Bill Soberanes, who served the Argus Courier for nearly 50 years, built the wrist wrestling championships, annually held in Petaluma, into an international affair, where it remained for more than half a century; Helen Putnam, the former mayor of Petaluma for six years, has both the plaza and a regional park named in her remembrance; the final dedication is one directed toward “Deceased Fellow”, although unclear in the reverence, may be aimed at those who have died.

As the town bustles and builds upon its original foundations, Putnam Plaza remains a true memento of the sanctuary Petaluma residents have come to know; although the town of Petaluma boasts a mere population of 60,000 citizens, the minute changes which the city undergoes result in ripple effects. When once the epicenter of activity congregated around poultry, agriculture and nature, the interests have changed. New expansions are being constructed, stately advancements in technology arise, and the picturesque recollection is now rendered obsolete. Putnam Plaza remains a concrete staple in a city dweller’s diet: the timid whispering amongst the trees, a fountain’s composition of bubbling water, a scratching fiddler wistfully awaiting spare change - the distinct fusion of these prevailing elements allocates universal peace of mind.

A single leaf descended gracefully, eased off like a child rising from a swing; teasing the branch above, her former sweetheart, she posed deftly beside my fingertips. As soon as she had landed, a shrewd breeze wafted her away – the voyage has just begun. Serenity seems at its prime, and the simple fountain brings its surroundings to a halt. Yet the roaring of car horns and grinding of brakes resumes its daily course, as passerbies discuss the possibilities of their upcoming week; the realm of time pauses for a split second, demonstrating the bond between an avenue, widened and worn out devoid of restraint, and a plaza, another dimension of forgotten worldly bliss.

-Adam