Put the Lime in the Coconut Handbag

Many years ago while shopping at a local market; I was intrigued by a booth, which had every imaginable display of African decor. As I browsed, I came across a coconut handbag. It was a perfectly shaped, hard- shelled coconut with the inside hollowed out and a zipper, which when opened revealed a purse lining sewn inside. Attached was a thick cord, which was woven inside and allowed you to carry it around just as if you were sporting a Gucci handbag. However, I found out the prestige that comes with walking around with your designer bag slung, simply does not carry the same status for a coconut purse. The looks I received were of curiosity and incredulity. I could spot someone far off in the crowd, making there way toward me and wondering why I was carrying a coconut. I started to become amused by other's reactions and found it a real icebreaker for making conversation. The best reaction I ever had was when I was at an outdoor concert with my girlfriends. It was a boring intermission and the sun was beginning to melt my deodorant. I stood up in front my gal pals and hundreds of people. Ever so casually, I unzipped my purse, placed it over my sundress and on my chest. With a mischievous grin, I began to sing..."I've got a lovely bunch of coconuts!" The crowd that could see and hear me burst into laughter and some even started clapping. My girlfriends were having fits of giggles. Suddenly the humdrum of waiting was broken by the sound of hilarity. Over the years, the purse has garnered a multitude of attention, making others take a second look, while some have actually asked to feel my coconut! This has led the coconut purse to be on many adventures. Yet the one I have planned will see it possibly carrying limes for my drinks or maybe scooping up sand and seashells. As I write this and prepare to leave next Sunday for my 18- day holiday in Hawaii, I smile knowing that much like Tom Hanks had his 'Wilson' on his island; I will have my 'Niu.'