Randall’s Ramblings, October 27,2024

There’s been progress regarding the issues that hit our area with Hurricane Helene. The bridge that has been out on a road I use is now back in service. Also, the internet outage in the area is over–that’s the good news. We still don’t have internet service despite rebooting the router multiple times as recommended, and the soonest a technician will be able to make a house call is the  5th of November. At least the mobile hotspot we purchased is giving us the connectivity we need.

On a separate note, the leaves are changing as we go through autumn. We see deer on a regular basis coming for the shelled corn we put out, and a couple of days ago we were visited by eleven wild turkeys. Meanwhile, the squirrels are harvesting the nuts from the walnut and acorn trees and preparing for winter.

“For your born writer, nothing is so healing as the realization that he has come upon the right word.”—Catherine Drinker Bowen.  Compliments of http://www.nicolemgulotta.com/blog-25-inspirational-quotes.

So who was born on this date in history? Let’s find out who in the writing world was born on October 27th, the fourth and final Sunday of the month. (Compliments of https://www.onthisday.com/birthdays/).

Christopher Columbus Andres, American diplomat, newspaperman, author, and Brevet Major General (Union Army); Emily Post, American authority on social behaviour and writer (Etiquette); Henry Tate, Australian composer and poet; Enid Bagnold, British novelist (Chalk Garden, 1956 Award of Merit); Graciliano Ramos, Brazilian author (Vidas Secas); Victor E. van Vriesland, Dutch poet (Mirror of Dutch Poetry); Joseph Medicine Crow, Native American chief and historian; Dylan Thomas, Welsh poet and writer (Child’s Christmas in Wales); Kazimierz Brandys, Polish essayist and writer; Babs Gonzales [Lee Brown], American be-bop jazz vocalist, poet, and songwriter (“Oop-Pop-A-Da”); Warren Allen Smith, American gay rights activist and writer; Nawal el-Saadawi, Egyptian feminist writer and activist; Sylvia Plath, American poet (The Colossus; Three Women), novelist (The Bell Jar), and posthumous Pulitzer Prize winner (Poetry, 1982); Maxine Hong Kingston, American author (The Woman Warrior); Terry Anderson, American journalist, US hostage held in Lebanon (1985-91); Robin Miller, American motorsports journalist (Indianapolis Star, Autoweek, Car and Driver, ESPN, Speed, NBCSN); Fran Lebowitz, American author and actress (Resident Alien); aq D. Hawkins, British author, occultist and lecturer; and Anthony Doerr, American writer (All the Light We Cannot See – Pulitzer Prize for Fiction 2015).

Any names familiar to you? There were three for me this week: Emily Post, Sylvia Plath, and Terry Anderson. Whether you recognize anyone on the list or not, if today’s your special day I hope you have a great one!

My Work In Progress

My work on Mission: Yemen, Xavier Sear Thriller Book 2 continues to be my primary focus. Chapters thirty-seven and thirty-eight are almost ready to post to the two online subscription writing sites I use. Since my last blog post,  the story has received another twelve chapter reviews, bringing the total to 554.

Here’s another snippet:

“But his love for both fields led to his selection as Yemen’s cultural attaché and our eventual move to Europe.” Yasmin’s face beamed.

Bashari glanced at his wife and smiled. “Our tenure in Europe resulted in changes in the family. We picked up several Western ideas and values. Our children learned them as well, which is why Shatara is more outspoken than most Yemeni women.”

“It is good for her to have an open mind. Likewise, it will help Zahid to blend into other cultures.”

Bashari nodded. “As always, you’re wisdom speaks volumes, Yasmin.” He frowned. “However, the current situation in Yemen is not one used to people speaking their minds.”

“What are your plans now?” Sear tapped the side of his head. “ I mean once we recover Shatara?”

“I shall return to work. I’ve been asked to spend more time preserving Yemen’s heritage. Many of the locations are now identified as UNESCO world cultural sites, although the fighting stops everyone except those who are the bravest to visit them. I am hoping Zahid will work with me. There are many spots which haven’t received the UNESCO linkage but are still of importance to the country.”

Sear nodded. “Who do you think is holding Shatara, and where?”

“As with many Yemenis who do not agree with the fighting between the Saudis and the Houthis, I have made enemies. It is possible some of the Houthis, especially those embedded with Ansar Allah, might have taken her to teach me a lesson. I refuse to aid them in their cause, which I believe is counter-productive as they are pro-Iranian. They want to take over all of Yemen and attack the United States, Israel, and Saudi Arabia. While I do not subscribe to the tenets followed by the Saudis and Israel, we need to learn to live together in peace, not aggression. Moderation is the key to living together, not just here but everywhere.”

Sear pursed his lips. “Do you find your opinions in the minority?”

“Yes, I do. However, this is something I believe in, and I shall do my best to assist my country in becoming a prosperous nation where people with differing opinions can still share viewpoints without killing one another.”

“I hope I don’t offend you, Bashari, but don’t you think you have a rather simplistic viewpoint of the world?”

Bashari glanced at his wife and laughed. “Yes, I support I do. However, living in Europe taught both of us it is better to live together with mutual respect rather than always fighting.”

Sear nodded. “I suppose you’re right. So where do you think those who kidnapped Shatara are holding her?”

“I have given this some thought, and I believe they will be found in the more remote areas. Of course, I could be mistaken.” He studied Sear’s face. “I hope you will do whatever you can to bring our daughter back to us. “He glanced at Yasmin. “Alive.”

Sear nodded. “I will do everything possible to bring her back to you.” But I’m not sure what I can do by myself, and Vincent said no foreign support given the current situation in-country. He rubbed his stubble. “I might need some assistance. Do you know where I can find some guys experienced with fighting?”

Bashari and Yasmin glanced at each other and smiled.

“My late husband’s family wants revenge for his death. He had four brothers, and they have some grown-up sons who will want to help.”

“Okay.” Would prefer qualified fighters, but I can’t be choosy. He glanced at Bashari. “How about you?”

“I have two older brothers. They both have two sons, and all are experienced fighters.” He put up a hand and counted fingers as he stared at the ceiling. “I can also count on eight cousins.”

“Where do they live?”

“They are all in the Aden area—they’re fishermen. But I know they will help.”

At least eighteen. Will it be enough? Sear studied Bashari and Yasmin’s faces. “Should it be necessary for you and your family to leave Yemen once I find Shatara, will you be able to do so?”

“Yes. I shall do whatever is necessary to keep my family together. I made many friends in Europe, and I am sure they will help us begin a new life.” Bashari sighed. “Compared to most Yemenis, we are considered wealthy. But wealth brings its own dangers. I also know a secret that might be useful as a bargaining chip.” He stared at Sear. “But it might be dangerous.”

“What is that?”

“There is a Saudi faction living in Yemen. They are trying to keep a damaging secret from the rest of Saudi Arabia and moderates in Yemen. If their secret is revealed, the truth will pit family against family, brother against brother, until the sands are colored with blood.”

More next time.

This brings us to an end for another week. I hope you found something of interest. If you have any suggestions for a topic you’d like to read about, please let me know. Until the next time, thank you for reading and hope you drop in again.

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