And one day later...

Knoxville, Tennessee, 27 July 2008

One day after my birthday, a day of peace, calm and pleasure, a gathering of good people with the same goal in mind had their day shattered. For a couple of them, that day was their last. For the rest, that day will never completely end.

The door was open to this sad and angry man, just as it was to anyone who wished to come in and share the time and space of a community that excludes no one.

Tolerance has always been a target of fear. When people are afraid without knowing why, it must be the fault of those who are not afraid. The tragic irony is that the people who would have been most likely to show this man compassion end up being the targets.

But now, having lashed out in desperation, this man destroyed all hope for himself while leaving a trail of tears behind him. Why?

Happy Birthday

Today is my birthday. It is warm and sunny, not too hot, not too humid. A perfect day for a birthday.

Nothing too extraordinary is planned this time. But it has been a nice morning. Sitting out on the front porch, I was served a very rich flourless chocolate cake for breakfast, presented very nicely, surrounded by freshly cut gladiolus blossoms. Just a small piece of course - a little goes a long way. Along with an espresso, it was lovely. Svetlana knows how to present nice things very nicely.

This evening we shall meet a friend at a Spanish tapas cafe that we have been to several times and like very much. It will be a good time.

In the meantime I will go outdoors and enjoy the sunshine and blue sky.