The Hardware Store

Shaking myself back to the present I do what I always do when I'm feeling unsettled, I pour another cup of coffee and pick up the phone.  If I spent half the time doing something sensible as I do talking on the phone I'm sure by now I would be fluent in another language or be able to tell the difference between Sunnis and Shiites. 

My first call is to Barb, my preppy stylish almost neighbor.  I say "almost neighbor" because even though she has one of the most stunning homes of anyone I know it is on the wrong side of California Street.  Mind you, it is three blocks away from my house which is on the decidedly right side of California Street, but we must have rules.  Barb asks me how Beloved Husband is doing.  She is referring to his "happiness" venture.  I call it (out of earshot) his hardware store, because it seems every man has a "I know, I'll just chuck it all and open a hardware store and be happy" fantasy.  It is in fact a burgeoning on-line wine business.  Between bouts of suicidal despair he seems quite happy, and I tell her so. 

Barb and I have a special relationship.  We are both skirting the edge of the Pacific Heights group of women who are beautiful, intelligent, well-dressed and managing various homes, children, schools and good works.  The difference is I am trying to do it on a hardware store salary (mind you, only one home, limited good works and beautiful and well-dressed is debatable).  Barb is doing it on a trust-fund she would prefer to keep intact (messy divorce last year) and an up-and-coming interior design business.  Her east-coast sense of style allows her to get by with her uniform of black pants and black sweater (not to mention her jewelry collection from an accommodating grandmother) and be the most chic woman in the room.

It is now a little hard to hear Barb because I have my finger in one ear and the phone scrunched in the other.  My five year old is hurling insults at his brother that would be impressive coming from a 15 year old (which is in fact where they came from).  Beloved is holding Oldest Boy by his hair and bellowing, "I hope you and Barb are quite comfortable, but I NEED SOME HELP HERE!"  Barb and I quickly sign off.  I consider whether I want to take the indignant, "I am a grown woman who does not need anyone telling her when she can talk on the phone" attitude, or the more realistic, "it is now 10:30 and I realize I haven't done jack-shit" apologetic route.  I decide not to push the issue and stalk, head held high, into the kitchen to make breakfast.

Sunnis and Shiites

After Mohammed's death in 632 Islamic leadership passed to Abu-Bakr as-Siddig, one of Mohammed's closest companion. Some felt this succession was not legitimate and the title of caliph (spiritual leader of Islam claiming succession from Mohammed) really belonged to Ali ibn Abi Talib. Ali's claim was supported by the fact he was cousin to Mohammed, Mohammed's adopted son, his first convert (age 9) and married his daughter, Fatima (ibn Ali really covered all his bases). Both sides claim Mohammed's support. Supporters of Abu became Sunnis (majority). Supporters of ibn Ali became the Shiites (minority).

Now that it is all clear, go have a cup of coffee and start making those phone calls you've been neglecting.

 

Comments

[Namaste]

It would be most interesting (and I'm sure you could make it humorous) if you could please write a posting on the "tricks" of the blog "trade". How do you get those beautiful pictures inserted? What is a TrackBack for this "URL entry". Why am I lucky enough to have my "URL" automatically linked (what the heck is my URL, sounds clinical) and should I have a TypeKey or TypePad account to better respond to you? Also, really appreciate the short history lesson. Snippets like that are all a gal like me need to impress my more internationally diverse friends. It also makes me think that I shouldn't have given to the Salvation Army my copy of Islam for Dummies...I just found that even that was too "technically informative" for my addled brain. Keep your URLs coming my way and I will try to continue my "comment feed".

[Sara Sterling]

Your house is crazy beautiful. I am so glad I found your blog. Thank you for inspiring me!

[Shelby J.M.]

phew, now I can sound intellegent when my 16 yr old asks about sunnis and shiites - lord knows none of my 40-something friends have ever asked me about it!

[zack9900]

These pics make me sooo happy. BTW, the jigs up Sara Sterling. =)

[electronic cigarettes]

everyone loves the hardware stoe.

[cynthia]

Can you tell me who makes the outdoor bench I see behind the back window - They have one at my parents club in florida and I LOVE it - Want one and would appreciate any help! Many thank yous...