PrayingWithMyFingers

Dear God,

What would the world be like without friends? And, so many varieties too!! Barbara and Sheila arrived last night and – much later than they had planned – about 11pm – and we also began the day with them on a late note not getting out for our trolley tour until noon. But whatever………we want to have fun and putting expectations and schedules aside lends itself to fun more so than being rigid.

For me and Vikki, the tour covered much of the same territory as we had covered on our walking tour the day before. After 90 minutes of not-so-thrilling trolley man narration, we ended up at the City Market where we enjoyed lunch at the Uptown Downtown Café. Although sitting at a covered outdoor table was hot, the outdoor musicians made us forget about the heat with their lively and entertaining songs.

After lunch the fun began – being with Barbara often puts me in mind of Dr. Seuss-type nonsense. She has never met a boring moment that she couldn’t turn into fun. When the trolley car pickup for our trip to the Mercer House took too long to materialize, Barbara declared that we all should walk in the rain to the house – two with umbrellas, two without. I was a without. It wasn’t quite as bad as it sounds because we kept ducking into stores along the way browsing the local shops for undiscovered treasures. Finally, in a mad dash we rushed on to Mercer in fear of missing the tour. And, we did miss the tour – technically. We walked in the door at 4:10pm…….their last scheduled tour was 4:10pm except today; they cancelled the regular 4:10pm tour because no one was there by 3:30pm. Hmmmmmm…..the logic of the Southern mind in action???

We were all frustrated and disappointed. The rain was getting worse so we decided to catch the trolley back but again the distraction of popping into the stores along the route proved to be our downfall as we missed our last return trolley. We ended up on the fare-free Cat shuttle which was peppered with some characters who could have been featured the Garden of Good and Evil, maybe cousins of Lady Chablis!

But the fun was not over, no indeed. Barbara had shopping plans, Barbara had needs. So off we went (after a quick break for wine (them) and tea (for me) to find food – not to get stewed! And where treasures are to be had, no one can be sad. Thus begins our evening with the Gullah man when Barbara decided she need The Gullah Man to make 25 palm roses with hearts for an upcoming anniversary function that she is hosting.

This is what he says to us: “Jabulani! It means be happy, so be happy! Welcome to Savannah! How are you doing on this beautiful day? I’m spreading love today. I am Gullah Man from Gullah Land. I’m a master palm weaver and basket maker.”

The Gullah Man is for real! He is an ambassador, artist, and edutainer (educator and entertainer) for Savannah. He welcomes visitors, makes art, recites poetry, inspires, and shares love. His hand crafted roses and other objects made out of palm reeds are beautiful works of art.

He started the 25 roses at 8:30pm while we went to The Shrimp Factory for dinner. About 10pm we were back and he was making good progress but had been slowed down by passersby who were offering him two-three times per item more than Barbara had agreed to pay for her bulk purchase.

So, we played on the Riverfront, singing, talking, and sharing stories with The Gullah Man while he worked. He was an amazing, interesting artist and he made constant reference to You, God and praised you as his Source for all things – especially his craft of weaving the palm fronds. Thank you, God – Barbara and The Gullah man taught me a lot today!