Double Take

Most of you that know me, know I really enjoyed our time in Morocco.  From the adventure of our rocky beginning, to working at the American Embassy, to traveling the twisting roads that led us to amazing destinations, to the shopping, and so much more.  I completely loved our time there.  I will admit, my favorite pastime was s.h.o.p.p.i.n.g.  And I'm not talking about conventional shopping (ie: clothing and shoes), I'm talking about unique decor; one of a kind, authentic pieces that can only be found in Morocco.  My quest for such items became a daily adventure, and I became quite good at it.  The "thrill of the hunt" not only included finding those special pieces, but also included the skill of bargaining the price to an agreed upon number that both myself and the shopkeeper were happy with.  And happy I am with each and every piece, as it makes our home a diary of our time abroad, weaving stories of every country we've lived, and is "proof" of every purchase victory.

But, I digress...

Some how, some way, Morocco finds me here in the States, or is it that I find Morocco?  In larger metropolitan areas I'm sure Morocco is quite prevalent, from home decor to cuisine.  But here in small, simple Columbia, South Carolina?  It just seems so unlikely, but there it is, staring me in the face almost every time I go into certain stores.

First of all, let's go back to the Rabat medina for a moment.  Now...for those of you who don't know, the "medina" is the old section of any Arab city in North Africa, and is also known as the "souk" in the Middle East.  It is usually located in an historic part of a city, and consists of centuries-old walls surrounding maze-like, narrow streets sectioned off into categories such as fresh fruits and vegetables, fresh meats, fresh seafood, spices, household items, clothing, shoes, and a variety of artisan crafts such as leather, metal works (brass, copper, silver), woodwork, jewelry, perfumes and potions, and various souvenirs.

The local population depends on the medina for supplying their everyday lives with necessities.  The expat/tourist population depends on it for supplying their need for unique experiences and trinkets to remember their time in the foreign land.

As you might imagine, every visit to the medina consists of numerous sensory collisions.  There's a plethora of different languages, including the occasional, but rare, English enticement, "Hello, my friend, come in to my shop!" but all are being spoken at decibels above the normal range.  Then there's the jostling of hundreds of other shoppers, bumping you from every direction.  Because, you see, most Arabs don't have an issue with bumping into someone, nor do they find it rude to continue on their hurried way without excusing themselves or checking that you're ok as you're being trampled!  Then there are the smells.....some sections are wonderful.  Walking through the spice section always left a feeling of wonder as all those fragrances mingled in to something that couldn't possibly be recreated; while other sections are completely and totally noxious.  Think rotting flesh, day old fish, body odors, animal waste, sewer, and moped exhaust all mixed into choking fumes that can't be avoided, and you can't walk fast enough to get through there without feeling like every brain cell in your head is slowly being exterminated.  But my point is, there's absolutely no way the odors of the medina could ever be replicated......nor would you even think to do so!

Imagine my surprise, and disgust, when I saw a candle in one of my favorite stores whose fragrance was named "Moroccan Market".  My first thought was "ewww, why would anyone ever want to make their home smell like that?"  But my curiosity got the best of me, and I snatched the lid off the candle and took a whiff.  Oh my!  IF ONLY the medina actually smelled like this, I'd probably still be there!  Trust me...there is not a Moroccan market in all of Morocco, nor anywhere in the Arab world, that smells even remotely like this.  Thank you, I'll take three! 

Did you know that argan oil is now found in more beauty products here in the States than ever before?  All the high end salons in my current location offer argan oil treatments, and items that you can purchase for yourself.  Even your run-of-the-mill Garnier Fructis carries a shampoo and conditioner with Moroccan Argan Oil added to the ingredients.  Yes, I bought some, but I think I'll stick with my own private stash that I brought here on my own. 

OK.  So I'm back home, and feeling confident with the area, and have begun a routine in a new city.  I miss my old friends, and the amazing things about my previous location (mainly the thrill of shopping), and BAM, there I am....staring at a piece of pottery that might as well have followed me straight from Sale Pottery (everyone's favorite pottery factory in Morocco)!  Out of curiosity I must check the price.  Oh.My.Gosh!  really!!!  At least they're on sale but who would be fool enough to pay that much.....and at a Tuesday Morning on top of that!?

It's as if anything Morocco searches me out... 

As I've written here, my love of doors is of almost unhealthy proportions.  Imagine my delight in knowing I've got the real thing when I saw these hanging at my local Pier One!  Screen printed on canvas "paintings" that cost almost as much (well, not really) as what I paid for my 8 foot, antique, carved solid wood,  REAL works of art!  I couldn't help but smile, and say "oh yeah.....I soooo did the right thing when I bought all those doors!"

Does this ever happen to you?  When you have returned from a lengthy stay in a particular place, do you find yourself drawn to things that come from that location? 

And now, if you'll excuse me, I think I'll go light my Moroccan Market scented candle and gaze at our beautiful Moroccan doors after I give myself an argan oil facial treatment.....right here in South Carolina!



Taking Down Trees

We grow very large, tall pine trees here in South Carolina.  Not me, personally, but "We," as in South Carolinians.  My neighborhood is very wooded and the majority of those trees are pines; very large, old pines that are 100 to 150 feet tall.  My rather large house looks tiny under the massive trees rising above it!

My neighbor has been the victim of said trees falling on her house.....twice!  So she and her husband have decided to have some of their trees removed.  20 in all!  That's a lot of trees!  But there's so many other trees in their yard, the trees removed will hardly be missed.

The work began this week.  There's a lot of noise, with the chain saws and the chipper going, but the fascinating part is watching how these trees are cut down without harming other trees, cars, or, most importantly, houses.

Top Cut Tree Service sent three guys over for this job.  Two on the ground and one in the tree.  They work their precision magic with each tree that comes down.  And it's all done with the assistance of ropes, carbingers and a whole lot of skill.

First the trees are tagged, cause heaven forbid a tree you want to keep is taken down by mistake!

Next all the ropes, carbingers, chain saws, and climbing gear are strategically placed for optimum efficiency.

Next the "cutter" climbs the tree using gafts that he straps to his legs, and climbing gear similar to what a rock climber would use. 

He takes limbs down as he climbs higher.  The limbs get a slip-knot strap looped around them so that the carbinger is attached to a "zip line" of sorts. 

Once the strap is in place and the zip line is taut, the "cutter" cranks his chain saw and cuts through the limb.  As it falls it is caught by the carbinger and zip lines its way down to the ground while being controlled by the ground guys giving slack to ensure it falls in the spot they've designated.  There is no room for error.  These guys take their job seriously......

Once the limbs and the top come down, they are fed into a chipping machine.  This machine makes mulch out of large branches in a matter of seconds, as it is spit into the back of a truck.  Logging companies resell this product for landscaping beautification.

A tree this size weighs several TONS, the ground literally shakes when it comes down.

The bulk of the tree is picked up by a logging company and taken to the mill for various pulp uses.

In the end, all that's left in the yard are the stumps, and those will be removed eventually.  "A" for effort to the Top Cut Tree Service crew, and peaceful assurance for my neighbors who have dealt with crashing trees two too many times.

The Promise of Spring

As promised in a previous post, here are some photos of the spring flowers in and around my neighborhood.  The early blossoms of daffodil were a cheerful sight when the trees were still in their winter drab. 

Turning onto my street at the peak of the blooming season was like driving into a fairy tale!  The soft pink blossoms of the cherry trees was so soothing and welcoming.



The azaleas!  Oh! the azaleas!  Across a lawn of bright green grass you're greeted with amazing pink, fuchsia, and white blossoms.  So wonderful!  I just wish the blooming time lasted longer.

And finally the dogwood trees with their beautiful, simple flower. 

The legend of this flower is always such a great reminder of the compassion of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Saviour:

     At the time of the crucifixion, the dogwood had reached the size of the mighty oak tree. So strong and firm was the wood that it was chosen as the timber for Jesus' cross.  

     To be used for such a cruel purpose greatly distressed the dogwood. While nailed upon it, Jesus sensed this, and in his compassion said,

"Because of your pity for my suffering, never again shall the dogwood tree grow large enough to be used for a cross. Henceforth, it shall be slender, bent, and twisted, and its blossoms shall be in the form of a cross–two long and two short petals.  In the center of the outer edge of each petal will be the print of nails. In the center of the flower, stained with blood, will be a crown of thorns so that all who see it will remember."

http://www.appleseeds.org

 

The promise of spring, the promise of new and eternal life from the greatest gift who paid the highest price of all, because you are LOVED by God. 

May you also have, know and believe in this Promise of Spring. 

John 3:16

HE IS ALIVE!

HE IS ALIVE, INDEED!

Happy Easter