The first one is Vini.  What an open-hearted woman!  It was so easy to roam and chat with her.

She said so many cool things … but memory is not one of my best subjects.  Still … I’ll give it a shot.

I told Vini that I get very few likes or comments when I post on Facebook.  I want to reach people and there’s little evidence I’m doing that.  Her look said that  I was thinking too small.  “You’re reaching the Cosmos.” 

Hours later, after Vini has left Gent to fly home to Switzerland, I think she’s right.  I put my good heart into all my writings.  The energy that gets spread is kind and soft.  And the Cosmos is listening.  So I won’t stop writing and posting.

And then there’s the topic of getting older.  Vini advises me to let go of that word.  As a student of the late Barbara Marx Hubbard, she suggests getting newer.  Woh!  Why not?  To keep exploring, opening new doors, not knowing what is about to emerge.  I can do that.

Vini told me a lovely story about her partner Hans, and he’s given me permission to share it.

If I have it right, his son was learning how to drive.  He didn’t see the family dog dart across in front of the car.  Hans’ beloved companion died.  The grief was instant and huge.  But even larger was his love for his son.  He hugged him.  He consoled the boy.

Wow.

***

We went out to dinner last night at a Turkish restaurant called Urfa.  We revelled in the chicken, lamb, peppers, rice and sauces.  I had two beer (one too many!)  Vini ordered Dame Blanche (vanilla ice cream and chocolate sauce).  The portion was huge and called out for a second spoon.

And then …  The delightful fellow who served us said that the second beer and the ice cream were free.  Marvelous.  I told him I’d be back, and I’ll keep my word.

***

I introduced Vini to lots of people I know.  I’d say they all got her humanity.  I loved sharing her with the citizens of Gent.

Just two days but a fine time was had.  Two folks floating a few inches off the ground. 

Drawn to this

Drawn to that

Drawn to life