Island Notes

The Tumbala Lighthouse

This grand old light is the North Side Lighthouse known as Tumbala, ‘The Lighthouse of Laughing Waves’. Every evening at sunset, just as you’re catching your last rays of sunshine, the light winks on with a gentle {whoop}—because the local elders say it’s powered by a friendly old sea spirit who loves a good party.

Local lore claims the lighthouse began life as a gift from a retired pirate captain who traded his stolen compass for a promise: never point it at trouble. The captain’s compass—still hidden somewhere on the island—always “points” toward whoever needs cheering up, which is why fishermen swear the light brightens whenever someone’s having a rough day.

Kids gather on the sand to shout silly names at the beam—like “Super-Glowy!” and “Captain Shine!”—and the light responds with a slow, steady blink that somehow matches the easy vibe. And if you listen closely over the surf, you can almost hear the sea spirit laughing along.

A Late-Night Visitor

You don't really find a Luna moth.

One somehow finds you.

This beautiful visitor landed beside the porch one evening and stayed just long enough for a photograph before disappearing back into the darkness.

Moments like that always remind me to look up from whatever I'm doing.

The Porch Bells

I don't think I've ever met anyone who disliked the sound of wind chimes.

These hang just outside the porch where the afternoon breeze finds them almost every day. They're never loud. Just enough to remind me that the world is still moving, even when I'm sitting perfectly still with a cup of coffee.

Funny how a few notes floating through the air can make a studio feel a little more like home.

The Inspector (a local resident)

Every spring this fellow returns to the pond and assumes his usual position.

I have no idea what his job description is, but he takes it very seriously.

I usually say good morning.

He rarely answers.

Our Tower

Our tower stands more as a sentinel of the sea nowadays. More of a ‘night light’ to beach combers. Built in 1977, the tower used to crank out 100K watts of pure power. In today’s world, Broadcasting In Paradise can be found on the Internet so no need for the tower. Being such a well-known landmark, I couldn’t take it down. So even this evening, beach walkers can always find Broadcasting In Paradise’s home in the dead of night!

Coffee with the Neighbors -Our Studio Pond

There are mornings when I sit beside the pond with my first cup of coffee before the day begins.

The 40 year old koi (some weighing up to 8 pounds!) have learned that people usually mean breakfast.

And I always have it for them. If fish could ‘come running’ when they see me, these would. When they see me, or any other human, they immediately think ‘FOOD!’

Sometimes though, I don’t have the heart to explain that once in awhile, I just come to visit.

It’s okay, they instantly make you relax.

Be sure to check in here every now and then.

I like to post pictures from around our little island. Especially when something fun is happening!