Timing comes at some of the most sporadic moments. Those times you feel you are running late; or don’t know where you are going. And, by chance the Universe thrust you into the company of people, who are headed on a certain path. Going in the same direction, you are no longer lost. Yet, if you get lost in good company, somehow, you all manage to find your way.
So, on that day of the storytelling workshop, on Saturday of January 26, 2019 (in association with AUC, Edinburgh University, and organized and funded by the Arts and Humanities Research Council), I allowed myself to become semi-lost in my quest to find the workshop location. And coming along the same spacing, were two, fun girls from Oregon. Laughing o each other, we had the same question. Where is Al Saud Hall? I had never memorized the names of certain halls, I attended. I just had an inkling of where our setting would be, for the day.
Floating above the stairs, as my new sister friends came along, we began to chat about our reason for attending the event. Here, visiting one of their friends, who attends and works at AUC, they had gotten the memo from her. And, along they came. Cairo would not be their only stop. They would be touring and enjoying the beauties of this land. But, with Cas being a blog writer, and Sionainn working with the art of book collections, nature practically ordained them to be here. On this day.
Out of fascination, I inquired more about the state of Oregon! Last time I remember, I had a stop there in high school, while on scholarship for a program, known as Quest West. And, yes, the world of books accompanied myself and others, on my journey, there. You know, Oregon is one of those states you don’t really hear about. Yet, there is something rather intriguing about it. They have their own aura. A traditional contribution to the United States. A laid back, chill-like, country vibe. And as a Georgia peach, from Atlanta, I can dig it.
Book world and storytelling is what united us on that day-other than being 3 normal, ordinary American girls, here in Cairo, at an American University campus. But, that’s what happened. And, from our initial meeting, we were hooked.
Sitting next together, throughout the initial phasing of the workshop, we returned to the world of children. Storytelling. Childhood. The peak of our imagination. Sometimes you just need those kinds of workshops; that you may become a kid, again.
(**note to self, “re-write for another story”**)
Anyhow, lunch time was probably the best time for us 3 American dames. Of course, we had to wait a little bit. It was kind of nice to give them insight into how waiting to eat gives us a brief lesson on sensory imagery.
First, we get to listen to the set-up metal devices. Then, we smell the burning of fire, as prepared food is warmed. We feel the grumbling of our bellies, as salacious food passes us by. Once lunch is announced as being ready, we observe the myriad array of vegetables, chicken, pasta, and other delectable eateries. After finally collecting our plates, with the delicacies we have placed, we are then able to taste the eateries of our selection. So, you see, when waiting for food in Egypt, one must experience sensory in every step of the process.
Back to lunch break, if you please. Cas, Sionainn, and I talked about our studies, our work, and even seeking advice. In addition to being a writer, Cas is also a pre-school teacher. And let me tell you, it doesn’t hurt to seek help from a fellow educator, who also works with children. Behavior issues took precedence. Once a solution was given, I grew confident in what I needed to do. Another issue. . .both of my Oregon dames were experiencing one of the many arts of touring Egypt. Learning to wait for confirmations, and rolling with the punches for it to happen, was one of their most valuable lessons. Nevertheless, they were learning.
Cas’s sharing of her writing and blogging career was appealing. Even the name of her blog, in itself, is the kind that makes 3 girls just want to go out for a cup of coffee. It’s endearing. And, it shows just how soothing a cup of coffee can be over female bonding. I’m sure her tour in Egypt gave her plenty of ideas on her next series of coffee blogs to write. The spunkiness of her personality is a kind, that one would fly to Oregon, just to be part of. Just to experience Oregon as a vacation getaway.
Sionainn revealed herself to come at a particular and auspicious time in my life. An American dame of Irish heritage was fascinating for me. During that time, I had returned to my reading of Paula Coelho’s, Brida–the story of a young, Irish maiden, who is in search of Universal mysteries. Two years prior, I had been in contact with another Irish-descended maiden. She and I took pride in carrying our nation’s flag for International Day 2017 at AUC. When I revealed this to her, she too, became intrigued. Her revealing of her Irish name, allowed me to return back to the world of Irish literary fables and fantasy.
Our lunch break was just the initial staging of our bonding. The remaining time in the workshop, left us in our designated groups. Yet, we would re-group at the end. A photo-op would do. Though, it was just the beginning. Staying in communication during the course of their tour, was revelation in how their talents would bring fruition. Sionainn would be inspired to write a novel. Cas will add more to her world of coffee and words.
No one can say that their timing was imperfect. Or that in being lost, they would not find their way. In getting lost, we had been found. And, with good company, along the way!
