Fiesta for Pipo

January 5, 2012

Pipo’s birthday…what do you get a dog? Send your suggestions to: paulafhill60@gmail.com.

Lotta nothin’ goin’ on ‘round here! Most of the crew went to the beach in Lagoa and De and I are helping Dono downsize her various piles of clothing and tokens of memories to take along to Calgary. Moving forward as though it is the reality since the final decision has yet to be determined.

Gang of boys are over at the house from the neighborhood, shooting the soccer ball around, flopping in and out of the now sluggishly tepid water in the pool and pointing vibrant florescent nerf guns at one another. Fights break out and parents yell from across the wooden and wire fences on either side of the savage yard.

So far removed from life in privileged North America. Never taken the opportunity to spend six months, abroad or otherwise, without serious and profound concern with paying rent, utilities nor expenses outside of simple food and exotic drink. The sensation of being on a perpetual vacation was disconcerting initially since my sense of value had always been attributed to production-work that translated to adequate income.  Various times in my adult life, after relocating to a new spot (Minneapolis, Dallas, Sacramento, Madison, Florianopolis, Seattle, Kona, Hilo, Port Townsend) I discovered a new avenue for financial stability and limited commitment. The worries creep in now and again yet for the most part drift away with acceptance rather than a per usual resignation. A freedom I could rarely exhibit in the even recent past.

Greater worries such as the street battles in Sao Paulo between drug cartels and federal and civil police continue to weigh heavy on Brasilian everywhere as well as the corruption of the police force and political leaders. This is not a country of war yet the great battle grows between right and wrong, an abyss of desolation and distrust with impoverished victims getting caught in the crossfire. In the meantime, the professional futebol players have preposterous insuperable humongous absurd salaries. As deprived patients await urgent surgery for days, weeks, months on end. Yes, I am exceedingly fortunate.  I have the option to escape a tumultuous situation when not everyone is as auspicious.

Onto celebrate Pipo’s birthday with a beef enhanced cake!