Tuesday was a very sad day; there were two terrorist attacks in Brussels. And a very close friend of one of my oldest, dearest friends was seriously injured and is still in intensive care following life-saving surgery. Now I know this is a bit I danced with a man who danced with a girl who danced with the Prince of Wales to quote the old Herbert Farjeon song, but it personalises the tragedy when someone you know of is involved. Almost immediately the apologists and appeasers started with their usual Islam is a religion of peace comments and reminding the rest of us that good people of all faiths suffer from terrorism. Here is a Facebook post from Faisal Saeed Al Mutar, whose posts often make so much sense to me:
The words of Faisal Saeed Al Mutar
He sums up the situation in few words. I try not to be political on my blog, but what I will always say is “Religion is the root of all evil.” I just CANNOT understand how any rational, intelligent being follows a religion – any religion. As far as I’m concerned it’s a case of my fairy-tale is better than your fairy-tale. And don’t get me started in the role religions play in the subjugation of women!
And today, of course, is one of the most important days in the Christian calendar – Good Friday. Well, it might be Good Friday, but Thursday i.e. yesterday was better! My friend S and I went on a catamaran trip and we had a fabulous time. The Atlantic was a tad on the wild side, but the captain steered us safely up and over the huge waves. I’m not a daughter of Nelson, I have to admit, so I took my sea-sickness pills as soon as I got on board and I wasn’t even the slightest bit nauseous. The crew worked so hard making sure everyone enjoyed themselves, one minute taking care of two women and a boy who were horribly seasick, the next leading the conga-line all round the boat and dancing with a large bottle of rum on their heads! The rum-punch and beer flowed and we had a blast; came home and promptly fell asleep for several hours – S until this morning!
And Wednesday was the tenth anniversary of my first date with the Fella Who’s Far Away (But Nearby at the Moment). So, we cracked open a bottle of champagne and had a lovely afternoon with S on the veranda, laughing, joking, chatting and sharing memories and stories; a happy anniversary day!
My very talented cousin B is working on the cover of The Banjo for me. I’m so pleased with what he’s done! And the end really is nigh now! Yippee! I can’t wait to release it.
And even though I’m not a Christian – I’d like to wish you all a very happy, peaceful and safe Easter Weekend.
