Watch the Walk

Want to play Bingo??? Old people are awesome. Did you know that, on Clove Island, there's a different greeting to use for older (and more respected) people? If I slipped up and didn't greet an elder with the right phrase my language helpers would chew me out for my lapse of respect. This last weekend I visited one of my few remaining older relatives. Referred to as "the G.A.," a reference to one of Arthur Ransome's books, Aunt Vivian is one of my favorite people to visit. She's lived in the same retirement community since before I can remember and every visit is a special experience. Why are old people awesome? Let's start the list: 1) they can take life at a slower pace (and often do). Just walking into the retirement community reminds me of this as older couples and individuals wander the grounds at a gentle pace. Granted, there are the people who get too zippy because they've got their walker to keep them upright, but the vast majority move at an ea...

After a rash of more serious posts, I figure it's time for a fun one. And since I'm a list-maker, what better than a post of lists. So without further ado, here are some lists 5. Bad ways to start a day 1) You roll over to discover that the pillow next to you has molded overnight. 2) Reaching into the closet for clothes and finding a new ant nest. 3) Turning on the water for a shower to discover the cistern is empty and there's no water. 4) The power still hasn't come on at 10 AM. 5) The mayor is at the front door 4. Things I've never done: 1) Broken a bone 2) Skiied or snowboarded 3) Gotten a tattoo 4) Dyed my hair 3. Things I've done and wished I hadn't 1) Vacationed alone 2) Every sunburn 3) Brought a knife through airport security 2. Favorite things about America 1) Good roads for driving 2) Espresso/quality coffee 1. Joke Q) How many islanders can you fit in a little hatchback? A) Just one more!

"Life is pain, highness. Anyone who tells you differently is selling something." -- The Dread Pirate Roberts I'm young. Despite having a lot of life experience for my age, I've still been spared from a lot of the pain in the world. A person I know recently lost his wife to cancer. Four months ago they were planning their next phase of joint ministry, now she's gone and he's left picking up the pieces. That's a curve ball that hits you in the gut. People lose jobs, get divorced, deal with loss of all kinds. Then there's the American presidential election. Who would have thought we'd end up with the options we've got? Curve ball? Sucker punch? Something. Back on Clove Island a man was killed by a mob. His family on another island thought that he'd been freed from the evil spirits but they returned, he killed someone, and vigilante justice prevailed. His family and former neighbors are suffering. Terrorism, acts of violence, pain, fear-- the w...

Flashback to when my eyebrow proved its vulnerability InvinciGirl*: a female who is in the unique situation to do everything and be everything (despite a tortured past), showing to the world the power of a girl who depends only on herself. And, for the record, that's not me. When I walk down a country road at night I change sides of the road so cars don't have to dodge me. Why? Because somehow I know that even the dinkiest little Smart car can take me out. I know it's a popular thing these days; we all got tired of female movie characters who serve only as the romantic interest for the male lead and decided that a female lead should, well, really lead. So we now have Katniss and Merida. But just as Superman doesn't really exist (oops, sorry folks), InvinciGirl doesn't either. She's really attractive though. She's got it together, can take on a storm, draws upon her supply of inner strength, and doesn't need other people to make her what she is. I admire...

On Clove Island, life is lived in the conditional. Even with seemingly definite plans. If I tell a friend, "I'll see you tomorrow!" They always reply "If God wills." "My birthday is tomorrow!" "If God wills." "You'll have a great trip." "If God wills." "I'll see you at 3." "If God wills." It's also used for more serious things. "God will give you children." "If God wills."  Anything said that references the future is typically tagged with an " if God wills " at the end. I can even guarantee it when giving a speech. "And I hope to see you all in level 2 next month."  "If God wills," responds the entire crowd. When I think of the future, I tend to insert that phrase into my thinking. But sometimes it just becomes a phrase and I forget what it really means. Do I really hold all of my hopes, dreams, and even the definite plans with an open palm,...

It's funny, life in America is really different from life in Africa, but I get joy out of the same sort of things. It's often not the big things that give me the most joy, it's the little stuff: Flowers on the side of the road. A successful cooking experiment. Music. Heart to hearts with friends. Learning something new. A long walk and a chat with my Maker. Quality coffee. Quiet and stillness after a long day.  Family. What gives you joy?

Boxing parties This month back on the island my friends have been partying like crazy. It's the month of picnics, boxing matches, theater productions, concerts, and more. But why? Because this next Sunday or Monday the month of fasting begins and they believe that the eye of Gd will be watching during daylight hours. They won't be able to eat or drink, smoke or do other pleasurable things from sunrise to sunset for the full life of the moon. So right now they have to "eat, drink and be merry", for tomorrow the fasting begins. I have fond memories of the pre-fasting month. Last year I went to a whole series of parties and community events. I even ended up going to multiple picnics in a day because people were running out of time for their merriment. There were SO MANY chicken wings! Food prep at a picnic But why am I talking about this anyway? Because this coming month is very spiritually significant. It's a time when islanders focus on following their religion mor...