Three Cups of Tea

I love feeling optimistic.  One big problem with my political reading over the last year is that I find very little to promote a feeling of optimism.  We are in the middle of a huge mess.  The people who seem to have the best handle on what is going on in the world don’t seem to see any way out of this handbasket which is carrying us straight to hell.  So I was delighted to read Three Cups of Tea, the story of Greg Mortenson and the East Asia Institute.  Here is a synopsis of the book culled from the book review on the website of the Hindu, and Indian newspaper–this book reviewer captured my feelings about the book perfectly:

 ”This is a crisply written account of the mission of an American mountaineer, Greg Mortenson, who has set himself the task of building schools in very poor villages in the Karakoram Ranges in North Western Pakistan and neighbouring Afghanistan. Starting in 1993, he carries on, 9/11 notwithstanding, school after school; at last count, the number was over 50.  How does a society so alienated from the Muslim world throw up such a person? The son of missionaries in Tanzania, this man, who enters so effortlessly the world of ordinary poor people in those remote regions and, through relationships of affection and trust makes nonsense of the civilizations clash argument, sets an example of human kindness and concern as might make the angels weep for the rest of us. Hearts and minds? Here is how they are won. Mortenson lost his way in 1993 trying to get to the summit of K2, and wandered into the village of Korphe, near Skardu, in Baltistan, in what used to be called the North Western Frontier Province. The warm welcome he receives from the village headman is in sharp contrast with the bitter cold of the elements that lash the children who sit outdoors writing their letters in the mud. He returns to America, and, having no funds of his own, makes desperate efforts to raise money, living in his battered car. The story that follows is one that tells of the money that came in from an industrialist who was once himself a climber; of the struggle to buy the building materials and get them transported to the mountain heights across perilous unfortified roads past Wazir tribesmen wielding AK47s, only to find when he reaches the place that the school cannot be built before a bridge is constructed across the icy Braldu river. He starts all over again. Finally, the school is built; the children learn. Then more villages, more schools. The attacks of 9/11 complicate both his fundraising efforts in America (where he begins to receive hate mail), as well as his safety in the regions of Pakistan and Afghanistan (where he continues his work as if nothing has happened). Tea diplomacy The narrative shuttles between San Francisco and the North West Frontier Provinces as Mortenson crosses and re-crosses continents, gets married, has children, is kidnapped by Taliban militants, set free, cheated by some, and loved by all those for whom he works. When at the end of the book, Jahan, first seen as a little girl and now an attractive young woman, has the courage to face a meeting full of men and declare her determination to learn health management so as to train other women, the measure of his success is clear. Two points may be made about this book. The first is that it is well written with an eye for the telling detail and dazzling image, and an ear for rhythm and sound. David Oliver Relin, the co-author, was formerly teacher at the Iowa Writer’s Workshop, and it shows.  

The second point is this: how simple it is to enter the life of another people and be at one with them, and yet how impossible it seems unless one does it. Haji Ali, the “nurmadhar” (headman, elder) of Korphe village, tells him that he needs to sit down and drink three cups of tea with them, learn about them, be one of them, and then proceed. These are words that American policy-makers (and all over the world) would do well to follow. But, alas, the good we see and do not.

You can order the book, read reviews and link to the Central Asia Institute through this website–http://www.threecupsoftea.com/.  The book has been out for a while.  For me, it was so reassuring to be reminded that common sense and common decency cross all religious and political boundaries.  I have no idea what Mortenson’s politics are, and I don’t care.  His book makes little mention of his personal religious beliefs.  He has a clear and simple vision.  He has made his share of mistakes, which are detailed in this book, along with the account of how he learned from his mistakes and kept going.   Read it, especially if the season, with all the presidential candidates spouting greeting card philosophy and schoolboy taunts, and the general shambles of our country’s foreign and domestic policies are getting you down.  There is still common sense and common decency to be found.  And light at the end of the tunnel.

Memories

I think one of the reasons this time of year can seem so heavy and difficult is that the days carry a burden of memories, more so than most other days, for most of us.  The wheel of life keeps turning.  If the weight of memories of Christmas past is crushing you, do what Scrooge did.  Break your chains, let go of old patterns, and try to create a day of beautiful memories for the future.  Give it your best shot.  Surprise a homeless person with a hot meal from the nearest fast food restaurant.  Rescue a lost animal.  Donate to Heifer International.  Perform a hit and run kindness.  Create a memory to smile back on, and lighten your load.  Love and peace,

Marymom

The Solstice Approaches

Time– it passes.  I last posted on my little blog when it was summer, baseball season in full swing.  Now, it is winter, the trees finally shedding their leaves here in Oakland, and a few stars are out tonight between the clouds.  The solstice approaches.  Orion is swaggering across the sky, with his jewelled belt and sword, and Mars is shining low on the horizon.  Our family finished the Festival of Lights this past week, marking each night with candles, blessings, songs and presents for the children.  I sneakily shopped for books, toys– I bought exactly what they wanted.  Ironically, the presents they liked best were the ones I saved for the last night, the ones I bought on impulse, with no request at all– two Harry Potter style wands, which light up; one red, one blue, which make the  most elegant swish sound when you flick.  I guess this teaches me that having a wish granted brings joy– but to be surprised with something completely unexpected– now that’s amore’! 

Last year, I had ambitious plans for this blog– to post an East Bay craft festival guide, local recommendations, and so on.  I am so sorry to disappoint my adoring public!  It’s too late to steer you to Auburn or Sonora, for the ohmygosh delightful Fire on the Mountain Festivals.  But for the last minute, local recommendations, here goes :

Last minute Christmas shopping:  Go straight to Potpourri– the craft store which saves you the trouble of going to festivals.  It is located to the right of the Safeway, at Lincoln shopping plaza, off Highway 13, Redwood exit, Oakland.  You don’t have to go anywhere else, they have everything.  Beautiful ceramics, the most delicate colors and interesting shapes– anyone who drinks coffee or tea can use a handmade mug.  Know anyone with a kitchen, or kids?  Then they need a butter bell, to keep butter soft for morning toast, or a tray, with a hand-painted dove of peace.  Beautiful mirrors and elegant scarves for the fashion conscious.  Chimes and sand timer glasses, for those who just need a moment to calm down.  Well, that covers everyone I know.  After you shop at Potpourri, you can relax and read your book at the little cafe in the shopping center– it is comfy and you wonder how the heck it survives there, but it does.  You can even take home inexpensive Chinese food, from the restaurant next door–so you don’t have to cook after you have exhausted yourself at Potpourri.  If you feel extra crafty, buy epsom salts at Long’s–scent them with perfume essences and put them in a glass or ceramic vase from Potpourri–to give along with a beautiful bar of soap and an exquisite votive candle.

Grand Lake Farmer’s Market:  Go there.  Shop for crafts– it is the only venue for a genuine, customized magic potion for children I have ever encountered. The potion is so lovely- the potion lady will coach your child to hold the bottle to his heart, whisper a wish, and add the fragrance, essences and sparkles which seem most delightful. Then you have a potion guaranteed to banish bad dreams and bring on deep sleep, and the very best of dreams.  This market also offers lavender, and blueberries, all kinds of apples, pears, tangerines, nuts, honey, honey sticks, fruits and vegetables.  There is usually a lovely and kind basket vendor.  Everyone loves  fresh fruit and veggies and nuts.  There.  Your shopping is done.  Load it all into your car, and head to the Grand Lake Theatre for the matinee, then grab a veggie burger at the world’s sweetest little place, the Cafe Mimosa.  The veggie burgers are like nothing you have ever eaten by the name.

 Books– Oh my G-d.  You are in luck.  The very best bookstores are right here in Oakland.  On Grand, go to Walden Pond.  Politically, they are leaning so far to the left, they are about to fall over, but that’s ok– the world is round.  On Piedmont Ave- run, don’t walk, to Spectator Books, next to La Myxx Tea bar.  Spectator has such a lovely selection of remainders and gently handled used books.  They also have an incredible selection of videos and books on tape or cd for your family trips.  We have listened to The Hobbit, and are working our way through Lord of the Rings on cassette.  I replaced our ill-advisedly loaned out copy of Old Yeller, and bought Jumanji– the videotapes run about 5 bucks.  The audio tapes are cheap for what you are getting.  Load yourself up, then have a relaxing chai latte at LaMyxx before you head down the street.  You can take the whole family for an outdoor hot tub in the afternoon.  It is so much fun to get naked and really, really warm at Piedmont Hot Tubs.  It is super clean there, and quiet.  You have to try to stifle the giggles and fun of being naked outside.  It gets really hysterical when there is a low flying helicopter.  You get really clean, and drink free herb tea.  Then, you can walk a few doors down and shop for something used but nice at Dress for Less– although they have sort of ruined it in my view–taking the last, best thrift store and re-making it into an “upscale boutique” (attention board members– used clothing from Target is not “upscale”, and Moms, your primary customer base, want the childrens’ toys and clothing to not disappear.)

If you are a Kaiser member, don’t forget the little health conscious store in the tunnel between Piedmont and Howe– there you can buy sweet- scented, microwaveble heating pads, yoga balls, cookbooks, relaxation cds, books for your favorite child approaching puberty– they will pretend to be embarassed, then lock themselves in the bathroom to study that book for the next three hours. 

OK.  Those are my hints.  Give simply.  Buy locally.  Be good to yourself.  May the light shine over you and in your heart, and guide you through this, the darkest time of the year.