Monday 15th February 2016
I am reading a book at the moment, one that my dear friend Lena lent me; she herself was given it as a gift by a friend of hers. It’s Oprah Winfrey’s What I Know for Sure. It’s an easy read, a book that allows the reader to dip in and out of its pages without losing track of where the story goes. For there really is no plot to it; no confusing or intricate storyline to muddle through. Just vignettes of life told in a simple manner by a small town girl who has become larger than life; a guided tour of the inner world of where and how Oprah finds daily inspiration.
It was timely that Lena lent me this book, for no matter how many novels keep on being bought and stacked on my nightstand, none of them call out to picked up, just yet. And I was becoming ever more conscious of the desire to read paperback. This one, however, had me the instant I felt the texture of its canvas cover, prettily embossed in thick font that made it seem to welcome my company and encourage my hands to lay upon it.
Now I read this book’s short chapters with relish while riding the metro and hopping on the tram, the commuter that I am. Today’s destination is The Fairmont Resort on Dubai’s Palm. Four long time Dubai friends are meeting to help celebrate a birthday with the Arabian Gulf as our backdrop. As I ride toward my girlfriends and the promise of day by the pool, uninterrupted by our children’s needs, the book itself allows me to reflect on truths in life that should indeed be meditated upon.
These include joy, beauty, grace, purpose, intent. As I attempt to reach my friends on time (epic fail; am an hour late. Blame the long ass public transport schlepp across town) my mood is not depressed by my own tardiness and sense of guilt. Quite the opposite: it’s uplifted. Beauty and goodness, forgiveness and understanding are all around me. My eyes fall upon delightful scenes everywhere.
Below is what my day felt like, thanks in part to a good book, wonderful friends and a great life…
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