qahwat al-būnn

Its what drives this country. Or so it seems. Every morning, as you reach work, you are greeted with the smell of this bean. From giving goats the ability to dance after having a snack during grazing, to becoming a staple in many an American's breakfast, this drink has indeed come a long way.

Today, this drink has become more than just a drink. Its become a symbol. Walk into work early in the morning, and the elevator has its fragrance lingering. Look around you, and you see why. Everyone has a cup in hand. Its become a way of talking to people. Enter a place, and talk while you sip. Its a way of actually just getting to know someone, and of course, the ever famous not-quite-a-date. A cup of coffee is all it takes to keep the social circles spinning over time.

And to think it was just the wine of a bean.

Ships

Growing up by the sea, one always had a view of those magnificent vessels floating in the distance. There was something about them, as they seemed to cling to the horizon. Always beyond reach, always just there.

Even now, living close to the ocean, the fascination for ships, ships of all kinds, continues.

Black and Gold

A city with a legacy. A city with a franchise. A city with its own charms, with bridges to everywhere. A city which brings together three ever flowing streams. A city know for its grit, and a little bit of sauce. A city made of steel. And the city which bleeds black and gold. The city is Pittsburgh, home of Steeler Nation.

This one is for the other thumb!

XXVI

And there was cake. Hanging out with friends. Old and new. Watching movies. Eating good food. Receiving gifts. Playing monopoly. Just hanging out. Relaxing. A drive. Serenity. Noise. Talking on the phone. Catching up. Just talking. Lego. Cards. Pictures. Enjoyable!

Merry Christmas

He turned, and opened his eyes. The air outside looked dark and gloomy. He smiled. Was it possible? Here, after all these years, was it really possible? He got out of bed, and opened the blinds. The sky seemed to have turned a dark gray. He forgot where he was, and just waited. Maybe, just maybe, it would happen today.

And then the sky burst. Pellets of water came rushing to the ground. The chatter they made as they hit the garage roof played a melodious tune in his mind. He looked away, a little dismayed. He had hoped for a white Christmas, like he had read about, like this one.



Instead, he got a rainy Christmas. If it were a little colder, he thought, it'd be snowing. That thought in mind, and the gorgeous rain brought a smile on his face. Two years, he thought, two years and it didn't snow anywhere near this day, anywhere near him. Today all the lands that he'd left are covered in snow, and all he can think of is how the rain takes him to an even further time, and a farther place.



He looked at his tree, and thought, "Now that's a gift to remember."
Merry Christmas everyone!

He paused. He could hear a rumble in the distance. This wasn't the first time. This time he was sure it was not his imagination playing tricks with him. The rumble grew louder, and a dust cloud appeared. It was time.

The world had been steadily changing, yet he managed to maintain his stride. This time, however, it would be different. He knew, this time there was no escape. The rumble approached, and the cloud engulfed him.


He looked to his side, and smiled. There was hope. He would survive, but whether he would come out of it alone would remain a mystery.

Recipe of ...

He opened the door. Inside, a yellow light let its tiny presence felt. The frigid space, unresponsive to the feeble power of the light, stood out in a defiant white. It was barren in there, and there was nothing to be found. Unperturbed, he closed the door.

He opened the second door. It was as if this was what the first world would become if left untouched. The power of the chill seemed to have overpowered the light, and frost had managed to coat the surfaces that were visible. A few lumps lay here and there, as reminders of what may have once been something of importance, or even use to him. Now this was just a cold and barren icy world. He closed the door.

He decided to step out. He walked towards another door. This one opened itself. Inside he could see the difference. This world was bright and lively. It was teeming with color. There were greens, yellows, reds, and even purples all around him. This stark contrast to what he had just seen stunned him. He was left confused. There were too many options, and he had no idea where to start.

He wanted to bring some of this life from the grocery store back to his fridge at home, but had run out of recipes to cook.