Time Of Peace

Peace is the only battle worth waging.

-- Albert Camus (1913 -1960)

Day 130

I emailed an old friend this morning and told her the only thing that would make my life better these days would be if I started shitting gold coins.  I know, I know, that’s a little crass but sometimes no other word fits and yes, I might be exaggerating on the condition of my life in general but for today it seems apt.

Greta is off of her crutches so we couldn’t panhandle for our breakfast yesterday, darn it.  She looks great, strong and brown, and the look of determination in her eyes reflects the same determination I feel.  We beat that sumbitch!  But I also recognize that wisp of wariness that occasionally floats across her eyes.  We know the sumbitch is just around the corner waiting to jump us again. 

As we sat on the terraza of Flamingo’s yesterday enjoying our desayunos, hot cakes for Greta and chiliquilles con pollo for me, we reminded me of a couple of old war veterans.  I knew onlookers couldn’t see the shadows of the battles we’ve fought lurking around us, all they saw were two friends enjoying a meal and one another’s company in the bright Mexican morning sun.  Just like them.  They also couldn’t see that, for us, the sun was a little brighter, the water of the Gulfo was a little bluer, and the shadows a little lighter.

So today I’m just out there doing my best to enjoy and prolong this time of peace.  And checking for gold coins. Ka-ching! Ja Ja Ja! (That's Spanish for Ha Ha Ha!)