Pragmatist
Pragmatist

A new friend
Tue Mar 22 2005

A woman I've known casually for several weeks all of a sudden is a friend. She's Australian, and very frankly, doesn't have a very high opinion of Americans. We have no "traditions." Well, yes, that's true. Our nation started out as a rebellion, and we've become a poly-everthing nation with customs and traditions brought from all over the world. I guess the only "American" tradition would be Thanksgiving. And from descriptions I've heard from other sources, we have well earned the name Ugly American.

But...back to the friend on a more personal level. We met in shul (that's where I meet most of the people I know), sat together at a lecture by a visiting rabbi, and just sort of clicked from there on. The rabbi is from Australia, and L said it was so good to hear her language spoken. I had to laugh a little at that. It may not be the Queen's English, but we do speak English...with many accents.

Anyway...I wander. L came by after shul on Saturday because I wasn't there. She wanted to make sure I was OK, which I wasn't, but that's another story. She brought some food from the kiddush, which ended up being two meals for me. Then there was a pre-Purim party at the rebbetzin's home on Sunday, which I declined to attend. So L stopped by again to tell me all about it. She brought some henna and created a design on my forearm. It's almost the color of some of my freckles (c'mon, Toots, age spots. Admit it.) I hope it lasts long enough to show Megan, who has a real tattoo.

Purim starts Friday night, and Thursday evening is a big costume party with much gaiety: dancing, singing, drinking, eating hamantashen. I'm going to go in costume for the first time. As a geisha. L is going dressed in an (east) Indian dress, red with gold-braid design all over it. I'm hoping to find a wig, but we have an alternate plan if a wig isn't available.

L is an artist, so that's a common interest (among several, as we discovered). When she came over Sunday evening it was supposed to have been a run in and run out sort of visit. I expected about an hour at the most. But we got to talking about all kinds of things, and eventually, in shocked voice she said to me "Do you realize what time it is?" I had to turn around and look at the clock. Four hours!! I hope for several repetitions.

L is married to an American who is currently a law student. He was invited to be part of a moot court to take place back East (New York?), and has taken this opportunity to visit his family who lives there. So I haven't met him yet. Moot court is not something just *any* law student is invited to participate in, so I'm impressed.

***********
I haven't written for awhile, even though I promised myself I would write something every day, but I've had the moody blues lately and just couldn't convince myself to sit here and complain. I'm sure y'all are grateful for that.

When I logged on this morning I discovered that about four pages of mail had been deleted overnight. I had 12 messages this morning. Thank you ATT. So, some diaries didn't get read, and some comments didn't get made. And I probably lost some newsletters that I hadn't gotten around to reading. (Hey! the world is still whirling around the sun, so don't get your knickers in a twist!)

So, that's it for tonight.

Shalom

8 Comments
  • From:
    Sezrah (Legacy)
    On:
    Tue Mar 22 2005
    L sounds like a lovely friend, i hope you two get to spend much more time together. the fancy dress part sounds wonderful :)
  • From:
    Calantha (Legacy)
    On:
    Tue Mar 22 2005
    I'm so glad you have a new friend, and one that can look in on you. (((( hugs ))))
  • From:
    Calichef (Legacy)
    On:
    Tue Mar 22 2005
    It would seem that you've finally found your shabbat buddy that you've been wanting for so long! It is wonderful that you have such great things in common.
    Hugs,
    ~Cali
  • From:
    CovertOps (Legacy)
    On:
    Tue Mar 22 2005
    Dearest Chaya,

    To view my Easter card, please copy and paste this code onto your browser bar:
    http://www.geocities.com/wongeelynn/Easter.bmp

    I hope it works.

    I am afraid I tend to agree with your Australian friend. It's not Americans' lack of tradition I wish to complain about, but rather, their wilful ignorance on anything beyond their borders. Americans also seem keen on making remakes of perfectly charming movies that were originally non-American, such as 'Taxi'. It is as though the average Amercian fails to appreciate something unless it is American in origin. I may come from a Third World country but I'd say cultural exposure-wise, we are far more cosmopolitan than the States.

    Jewish traditions -- now that's another story. I have always loved Jewish festivals, food, music and traditions. Everything is so fascinating and steeped in history and meaning.

    LOL @ you wanting to show Megan your 'tattoo', and you going to a party as a Geisha! I once went as a gangster. Would you like to try the gangster look, Chaya? I'm sure Megan would approve!

    Lots of Love,
    E.L.
  • From:
    Yetzirah (Legacy)
    On:
    Tue Mar 22 2005
    A henna tatoo.... hmmmmm, sounds interesting...
    I have my bunny ears ready for purim.
    But no suit.
    ;-)
  • From:
    Fairywishes (Legacy)
    On:
    Tue Mar 22 2005
    I'd love to see the tatoo and I'd love even more to see the Geisha costume!

    I am so pleased about your new friend, and am waiting, with interest, obviously, to hear of her views.

    I know a lot of people who do not have a very high opinion of 'Ugly Americans' and their supposed limited thinking! But what always fails to amaze me is how do these people think a culture is born and 'cultured'?

    RYC about my tonsils, another attack like this and these babies will be in a jar

    x
    x
    x
  • From:
    Dreamerbooks2003 (Legacy)
    On:
    Wed Mar 23 2005
    I hope you are feeling better.
    I am so happy to hear you have someone to enjoy.. and that cares enough to check on you..
    I was worried about you and asked someone on DD to give you a hug from me.. Did you get it yet????
    Okay then. maybe I should really look into at&t. as badly as I can't stand them.. Getting rid of all that email for ya.. :)
    Hahaha
    Love ya
    PEG
  • From:
    Bubbles1956 (Legacy)
    On:
    Wed Mar 23 2005
    4 Hours? That is awesome. I am so happy to read that you two hit it off. How wonderful to find a friend that has similiar interests as you. I think Fate (or what ever others call it) is just awesome. Have a great Easter weekend.