Holiday Observations
I've been in Texas for what seems a while now and my dislike for Houston continues. In my ongoing quest of seeing the beauty wherever I go despite the dislike, I've come across a few gems for the holidays, right here in cowboy land.
I saw a young lady walking through the mall wearing a complete burkha/burka/burqa with just a tiny section exposing her eyes. While that alone is not an unremarkable sight, what made it most extraordinary for me was that the young lady was wearing enormous, almost cartoon like, false eyelashes. Striking and unusual. It was nice to see the quiet defiance and I enjoyed her statement.
A little fat boy wearing a kippah/yarmulke, probably 8-10 years old, was pretending to be an elevator operator in my hotel. Very politely he would ask what floor and then proceed to press the button for me. When we arrived at my floor and the doors opened he wished me a good day. I rode on that elevator multiple times as I was doing laundry on the 6th floor while my room is on the 10th floor, my car parked on the 4th floor and dining was on the 1st floor. He performed his assumed duties until about 8 o'clock that evening. It was a delight to see the youngster take an interest in the service industry and to take the initiative to serve on his own. I wish him well. We smiled a few times. He smiled more when I tipped him and called him "my good man."
I struggle when attempting to differentiate the name Craig from Greg. I know Gregs and I know Craigs but I am never sure if what I think I know is correct. A friend's father has called me Bill for almost 20 years. I have never corrected him. At the Amigo Mart I heard a few locals refer to Greg's list online to find auto parts. When I visit the website I type Craig's list. It is an odd comfort to be part of a struggle that seems universal.
Christmas eve is blending into Christmas as I sit here typing. I want to thank 7 good friends that made sure my old "New Friends" had a great Christmas party full of music, gifts and love. I was sad to not be there for the party but was glad for Barb and Bob, Jody and Craig, Cathy and Mick, and of course Joe! Their contribution of self was appreciated by everyone there, especially Helen and by one absent goof sitting in Houston. Very touching and confirming of the fact that extraordinary people exist and that there is still hope for the future because of them.
I saw a young lady walking through the mall wearing a complete burkha/burka/burqa with just a tiny section exposing her eyes. While that alone is not an unremarkable sight, what made it most extraordinary for me was that the young lady was wearing enormous, almost cartoon like, false eyelashes. Striking and unusual. It was nice to see the quiet defiance and I enjoyed her statement.
A little fat boy wearing a kippah/yarmulke, probably 8-10 years old, was pretending to be an elevator operator in my hotel. Very politely he would ask what floor and then proceed to press the button for me. When we arrived at my floor and the doors opened he wished me a good day. I rode on that elevator multiple times as I was doing laundry on the 6th floor while my room is on the 10th floor, my car parked on the 4th floor and dining was on the 1st floor. He performed his assumed duties until about 8 o'clock that evening. It was a delight to see the youngster take an interest in the service industry and to take the initiative to serve on his own. I wish him well. We smiled a few times. He smiled more when I tipped him and called him "my good man."
I struggle when attempting to differentiate the name Craig from Greg. I know Gregs and I know Craigs but I am never sure if what I think I know is correct. A friend's father has called me Bill for almost 20 years. I have never corrected him. At the Amigo Mart I heard a few locals refer to Greg's list online to find auto parts. When I visit the website I type Craig's list. It is an odd comfort to be part of a struggle that seems universal.
Christmas eve is blending into Christmas as I sit here typing. I want to thank 7 good friends that made sure my old "New Friends" had a great Christmas party full of music, gifts and love. I was sad to not be there for the party but was glad for Barb and Bob, Jody and Craig, Cathy and Mick, and of course Joe! Their contribution of self was appreciated by everyone there, especially Helen and by one absent goof sitting in Houston. Very touching and confirming of the fact that extraordinary people exist and that there is still hope for the future because of them.
posted by RJK at
11:59 PM
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