Carol McMullen,
sporting the fabulous seatbelt purse. |
Another Perspective
by Carol McMullen
This is my
second year taking in a Monterey Maserati Weekend. I felt that
I should know what to expect, being the veteran that I am. We – Kerry,
our three boys and I – arrived to a gloomy Monterey on
Thursday, quickly unpacked the very non-Maserati Suburban and
headed out for a whirlwind-shopping trip to prepare for the Maserati
Club International Meet-and-Greet that night. After much debate
we decided that an awning would be unnecessary as we were in
California – not Washington state, and it never rains in
California. The evening went very well with lots of new faces,
at least for me, and good friends. We talked, ate and drank well
into the night.
The next
day brought the big event, Concorso Italiano. Our younger boys
(the car buffs), Carol Asmus and I had a scenic tour of the area
around Black Horse as we were late getting to the event and missed
our VIP parking, thoughtfully provided by the new owners, Jack
and Leslie Wadsworth of Concorso Italiano. The MCI tent was in
a wonderful location with sweeping views of the event and next
door to the liquid libations tent. We had so many visitors to
the tent from all over the world. They all had a common language – Maserati.
It was incredible to chat with people from France, Australia,
Brazil and Argentina to name a few. I know Kerry loved talking
cars and I loved the opportunity to visit with women in the same
boat, ahh…. car. Many of us have become enmeshed in our
spouse’s passion and made it our own. Surrounded by beautiful
works of art it is easy to see where all of the devotion begins.
We wrapped up the day with a casual tailgate picnic with wine
and cheese and chat surrounded by Italian passion. It was the
perfect relaxing end to an energy-filled day.
Now, I have
to admit I did not go to the races or any other car event on
Sunday. Rather, I went shopping in Carmel. I can tell that I
am infected with the car bug because I noticed and could identify,
generally, exotic cars I saw. Those who know me, realize this
is a big step. I also purchased a seatbelt purse, woven of actual
seatbelt webbing, a perfect melding of car enthusiast and shopaholic.
The day ended with the Awards banquet in a beautiful location,
the Monterey Marriott. We had a 180-degree view of the bay and
a spectacular sunset for the dinner show. The food was amazing,
very Italian with antipasti, pastas, and tiramisu. Everyone looked
beautiful – yes men, even you looked beautiful.
So even me,
with my one year experience, was taken by surprise: the scenic
back route to Black Horse, the beautiful tent site, visitors
from other countries, a tailgate picnic and a glamorous awards
dinner. I hope it never becomes old hat and is always a surprise.
If it weren’t a surprise we would never grow. I hope we
always keep growing and changing. That is what keeps us coming
back after all, isn’t it? What’s next?
Carol |
