1. Auntie Em passed away just over a week ago and she was 99 years old nearly 100. She was one of the most inspiring people I’ve been fortunate enough to spend time with this lifetime. I probably met her about six or seven times. She wasn’t my auntie in a genetic sense, fact is she wasn't genetically connected to most of the people who called her “Auntie” but the status was a universal one. The last time I saw her, Allan and I turned up at her house to visit on the wrong day but it wasn’t a problem…she was there sitting in her chair wearing her pearls and polite black court shoes and a tasteful twin set, glamorous, beautiful and very bright. She was unconditionally accepting and interested in everything and everyone. She was a truly modern human being who had seen almost all of the 20th century and had embraced the 21st with extraordinary vigour and interest. I treasure the influence this person has had on my life and I will continue to rely on her enthusiasm for inspiration and hopefulness.
2. The funeral service was led by a vicarette. She was very beautifully turned out, power-dressed in a smart well-fitted black skirt and jacket, careful make-up and very nicely coiffured hair. She had a lovely smile and spoke warmly and generously. Turns out she was from Dallas, Texas and had been in Wath for the last three years and used to be an executive with AT&T. I was grateful for the chat and the smile and the flirting. I might have suggested that she looked a little like Linda Gray. She took it pretty well, for which I am of course grateful.
3. Later at Malcolm’s house I ground up some cumin and garlic and other spices in his Ghanaian mortar with a wood pestle which is the photograph. This is a wonderful handmade terracotta bowl with a spiral of ridges on the inside. It works perfectly. I want one. It’s a beautiful thing.
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