I considered, briefly, titling this post “Pavlov’s Fish,” but then I thought better of it. After all, where’s the story? And who cares, really?
So I’ve trained by beloved goldfish, Goldie and Lox, to rise to the surface of their big bowl when I tap on the rim with the ring on my left hand to let them know I’m about to drop pinches of their food-flakes every morning and evening. So what? Doesn’t everybody do that?
I could write, I guess, about how much I love these beautiful, fat (okay, “well fed”) fish, how much I love to watch them glide around, gobbling up their breakfasts and dinners that float down like confetti into their bowl. But then doesn’t everybody love their pets? These goldfish – my first-ever goldfish – are my newest pets. End of that story.
A writer has to have a story to share. Stories are like food, don’t you agree? Stories provide sustenance. We humans (of all ages) require them. But I seem to be fresh out of whole stories at the moment. Now that I’m out of COVID quarantine, back in the land of the healthy-living, I have only bits and pieces to offer. Consider them tapas.
I’m realizing that several of my recent WOW posts have left readers dangling. They need satisfying endings. So that’s what I’ll try to provide now:
First, my COVID “happy ending” (www.blog.bonnieleeblack.com/my-turn/ ): I’m out of the woods now, gracias a dios, and thanks to the effective medicines I was prescribed by the young doctor who made the house call. I learned that COVID can only be transmitted to others within the first several days after onset. (But I’m still wearing a face mask in public because so many people here are coughing and sneezing these days.) I also learned that Mexico does have the COVID-specific treatment Paxlovid, but it’s not widely available. As in the States, it’s used mainly for emergency cases.
Next Thursday I’ll be one of four readers at the Prose Café event here in SMA, reading from my Mali memoir. The theme is “Outsiders,” and – not to worry – I won’t be contagious! I’d love to see some of my WOW readers there:
While I was home recovering from COVID, I watched more of my favorite TV food program, “Voy a Comer el Mundo” (www.blog.bonnieleeblack.com/a-comer-el-mundo/ ), which took me “lands away.” The host Veronica’s tour of New York City, where I lived for twenty years, was pure perfection; and I was also taken to places I’ve never visited, such as Sydney and Hanoi. The time slot for this fun program has changed to 5-6 pm on weeknights, however. So do try to tune in to the El Gourmet channel if you can.
If you’ve been staying tuned, you may wonder what has happened about the “inspired” idea I had for my young friend in Segou, Mali (www.blog.bonnieleeblack.com/stay-tuned/ ). The short answer is: no news yet. Things move slowly in Africa, and I’ve learned not to push. When you give, you release your hold on the purse strings. You let go and let God. If this enterprise is meant to be, it will be. Patience.
And, lastly, as some readers have asked me: What about the palm tree? (www.blog.bonnieleeblack.com/tree-tears/ ). This is another happy ending: When my dueño Gabriel, after reading my blogpost, confronted the jefe next door and explained the reality of the situation — that a permit would be required to chop down the palm tree and a stiff fine would be imposed if it was cut down without a permit – the owners of the property abruptly changed their mind. The palm tree has been saved.
“Power to the page!”
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Bonnie, so glad you’re feeling better!
Thanks, Debbie! Hope you’re doing well, BB
Thanks for the update Bonnie! Hasta pronto!
You’re welcome, querida! Glad YOU are feeling better. Yes, see you soon! — xx
i like your bits and pieces. Sounds like my life: a little piece here, a title piece there. Loose ends now woven into the tapestry. Happy to hear about the palm tree.
Thanks so much, Helaine! Yes, it’s all part of the tapestry, isn’t it. — xx
I love that you love your well-fed goldfish, Bonnie Dear. That’s how I feel about my little rescue pug (I’ve had her now something like four years). I feel these interspecies relationships are such a special and important bond. I’m so glad you’re well now and that your palm tree has been saved. You early on called your dueño, Gabriel, your angel, and it seems to have been prophetic. Power to the page is right!
xoxo
You touched on all the bits and pieces, BeDear! It surprises me every day how thrilled I am by these beautiful goldfish. Who knew? 🙂 I can’t wait for you to meet them one day…
Dear BB! I have admittedly been out of the loop for the last several WOW Factors so the last Covid crisis is news to me. I’m glad to know you’ve come through it with no apparent lingering issues! And how wonderful to have the 2 plump goldfish in your care! How can they know how lucky they are? Responding to “the tap” with such glee and anticipation tells us all they have an inkling! And a palm tree in your view is the perfect picture, isn’t it?! You may have a Gabriel as your angel, but you will always be mine. Hugs. Big ones. Love. Lot’s of it. xoxoxo
Dearest Archangel Michael — What a JOY to hear from you! I know how busy you’ve been with your many productions, so I’m glad you had a chance to catch up on your WOWs. 🙂 When are you and Tony coming to visit? I’m holding my breath… — xoxoxox
So good to read that you are feeling better, Bonnie. And how exciting to be a part of the Poetry and Prose Cafe! Having goals and events to look forward to are great incentives in keeping well! Many hugs!
Thank you, dear Loula. Yes, I’m looking forward to the reading next week. Wish you could be in the audience! — Best, BB
Muy yummy tapas, la Bonnie! Happy to know that you are feeling so well. The goldfish are adorable. Post pics of the Prose Café event. Besos.
Besos a ti, Te! Yes, my Covid test was negativo, gracias a dios! I hope someone takes photos next week. Vamos a ver! — Abrazos, BB xx
Dear Bon,
There is nothing I like better than happy endings! How I wish I could attend the reading with you. Perhaps someday there will be a zoom link. Your fish are adorable, and the names are perfect. I am so happy to hear you are recovered.
Love,
Paul
Dearest Paul — Thank so much! I’m happy I’ve recovered too! I really hate being bedridden. 🙁 I wish you could be at the reading next Thursday too. Goldie and Lox (and I) send you mucho love, BB xx