December 27, 2023

Communique from Ílhavo, Portugal

 

Lounging on Starr’s couch ‘manning’ the fire, I focus on ‘Postman’, Starr’s Dilmun cat. So unassuming, he’s curled up on the chair- in apparent ecstasy (completely sacked out not giving a shit about anything- as he’s already been fed). He’s a regal cat, surely. He’s from Shaika’s tribe, in Bahrain. Dilmun kitties, as far as I’m concerned, are second to none. The Dilmun civilization extends as far back as the Epic of Gilgamish in written reference. Based on contextual archaeological evidence, the Dilmun civilization is located in Bahrain & environs- along the ancient trading route. Its heyday was circa 2050 BC. Dilmun lives on today, for me, through Postman, for Shaika Spot has already passed on from this plane of existence.

      

With vinho tinto & da kine pulsating through my veins, I’ve made a rash decision: I’ve broken into Nori’s Christmas Cookie ensemble to take 1 of each; gingerbread man, shortbread, and a rum-ball cookie. I blame da kine, of course!

 

Christmas is becoming a tradition away from ‘home’- wherever that is. Away from ‘home’ simply means that I’m not in the same country that I currently reside in.  It also means Christmas cookie parties, and, perhaps, copious amounts of holiday spirits!  Some highlights are Istanbul (still my most favorite city in the world) and Portugal- my soon to be ‘home’.

 

The silver Christmas tree (yes, that is correct) is aglow with Egyptian Blue blinking lights.  It’s all there; the manger scene, ornaments, a roaring fire, vintage candelabras lit, colored Christmas lights, holiday music playing on the public radio station, and said cat(s), wine, & da kine.

 

Although far from family, family time is a daily occurrence- so I never feel so far away. Yet, I am. For me, friends become family, and so I am blessed to cultivate my growing family. Here I am (case in point) in Ílhavo cat-sitting for Starr as she journeys far from ‘home’. Family asked if I was available, i.e. not working as university is on winter break, and I answered in a heartbeat; YES! Unfortunately, to get anywhere from (northern) Iraq is quite complicated, and does not happen without excessive expense…

 

Fortune. What is fortune? Fortunately, for me, I create pathways to dwell within ‘fortune,’ all the while lacking material ‘wealth’. And, it’s okay. I work to create fortune in many ways, as well as work to create a (small) fortune to get through life. What can I say. This is me.

 

“I get by with a little help from my friends”

 

Gazing into the flames to understand the heat, I ponder existence. Make thyself malleable- seems to be the message.  The heat, the wine, the incense, the da kine, the lights all infuse a message dancing through my being.

 

Cat purrs, fire crackles, lights flicker, incense wafts, wine seeps, da kine enlightens, music soothes.

 

What do I know? Purge toxicity, that’s what I know. My immunity is a fiercely positive belief system. Our timeline is short in this dimension, so seize the way!

 

It’s time to stoke the fire y’all. Happy Holidays to all