Spring
Where are my thoughts?
Well, I'm definitely happy it's still cool here. We just had a hamsim (hot dry dustcloud hanging in the air) followed by a nice cooling rain ... ah. I know it'll be over soon, but I'm gonna' milk it for all it's worth.
We've started swimming - woohoo! Such a wonderful, healthy, healing, easy-on-the body workout. Very, very fulfilling.
I just finished reading the book Roots by Alex Haley. Wow. It was made even more personal for me because my brother Mendon did a year of service in The Gambia. He has been called a toubob, as he is - reading this book brought all sorts of implications to that word crashing into my head. [toubob meaning white folk, and in slaving days, clearly referred to slave trappers, slaveowners, etc.] What does toubob actually mean in Mandinka? I should find that out... Mendon, have you read the book? It just makes it so clear to me - nothing but Baha'u'llah's message could ever possibly heal wounds like those.
Comments
no, I never read roots but I watched the first two thirds once. You know, I heard a lot of legends about the etymology of the word "Tubab" when i was in gambia. I think that a lot of it has been lost. I'm sure they all had some truth to them. Adama might be able to help you out a little bit more (though, I think that she's Jhollah and I don't know how good her Mandinka is, probably phenomenal). Also, Tubab was only used as an insult towards me once and it was another european who was so hateful with it. Usually, it was used as a crowd identifier or by small children. For example, if I was in a crowd and someone wanted my attention specifically, they knew that calling me Tubab got my attention. none of the Baha'i children, or other Baha'is ever called me a Tubab. Probably, there's more to the story than I'll ever know.
Posted by: Mendon | April 6, 2005 05:21 AM
Do you swim in the sea?
I was born in Gambia. I've never read Roots, but my mother remembers some of the research going on while we were there. I didn't know your brother (?) was there. I remember hearing the word tubabo, but I think it was mostly my parents using it jokingly.
Posted by: Ms. Maidenname | April 6, 2005 09:59 PM
You were born there? I didn't know that! Yes, Mendon is my brother :D
The book is in the Family Centre (I still have it at the moment). Would like to read it?
Posted by: mara | April 7, 2005 11:54 AM
Yes please. Do you want to tell me when you turn it in? I need to go there, actually. Maybe I can just change the card over to my name and get it from you.
Posted by: Ms. Maidenname | April 7, 2005 07:33 PM
In spring we all turn inward as the sun warms more than our outer countenances. It is a natural phenomenon of humanity to pursue the newness of life and the inner excellence we come to expect as life goes on year after year. We, too, get to fertilize the furrows of our selves and plant things early so they bloom full in the sunlight of our lives. The water occurs on its own and make sthe air rarer in and of itself. The tears cleanse our hearts and make much room for new happinesses. I wish you much renewal in this special new year. "Plant nought but the love of God in your heart..." It, over time, renews more than one heart and protects all others.
love,
papa
Posted by: papa | April 9, 2005 05:16 AM
What! How come Mara gets deep and profound comments from Papa on her blog? that's not fair. When he comments on mine it's usually so out there that I struggle just to make sense of it!
"But whoever said life is fair? Where is that written?"
sigh
Posted by: Mendon | April 9, 2005 05:41 AM
My tomatoes are popping up!
Posted by: Rae | April 9, 2005 07:19 AM
Don't hate me because I'm beautiful. :D
Who knows, Mensch. We should simply appreciate the rare opportunity of Papasan writing on our blogs. Thanks for stopping by, Papa!
And _maybe_ he posted it on my blog because just what do you say to "we postponed the wedding"? Congratulations? Mensch, feel very free to take Papa's message as a roundabout very direct message to you.
Rae - how cool! When everyone comes to your graduation in May they can come out and oooh over your garden too! What fun!
Posted by: Mara Fojas | April 9, 2005 10:47 AM