by Dennis Augustine
Cecile and I enjoyed a picture-perfect afternoon at the fabulous Stanford Shopping Mall, where the idyllic 72-degree breeze made strolling a delight. A little shopping, a little people-watching, and then lunch at The Melt—our shared guilty pleasure of a golden grilled 3-cheese sandwich, paired with a crisp Cobb salad and a pickle.
What always captures me most about this open-air gem is the professionally tended botanic displays that bring bursts of color to every walkway. Among them all, the large pink hibiscus blooms stood out like radiant jewels—catching the eye of shoppers, diners, and visitors alike.
The hibiscus carries a beautiful symbolism:
In Hawaii, it embodies joy, welcome, and the aloha spirit.
In China, it speaks of honor and personal glory.
In India, it symbolizes strength, divinity, and sacred energy.
Everywhere, it whispers of fleeting beauty and love’s radiant bloom.
For me, on this gentle breezy day, they were more than flowers—they were reminders to slow down, breathe in the moment, and savor life’s vivid colors, just as I did walking hand-in-hand with Cecile.
