The Grinch's Christmas

All right so it’s that time of year again, you really didn’t expect to get a Christmas greeting from this old Grinch did you? Whaaa….. You did, well too damn bad, I haven’t mellowed one bit in my old age as anyone left around who has known me for a while will be more than happy to tell you or show the scars from the last tongue-lashing.

Now you may ask yourself, why I should get all worked up hearing “White Christmas” sang by a bunch of people who wouldn’t know snow from Adam, or hearing small children singing about Frosty. I have yet to see a white ant hill, much less holly growing on the palm trees. Making and checking a list twice means making dang sure you have spares of everything, your hammock in case you have to overnight in the middle of no where, and when you finally get into town you get enough stocks to last till the next adventure out into the savannas. Sleigh bells ringing, may be the ringing in your ears when all that good will toward men is vented on those who forgot to pack the spares.

Well, it may be that there is a faint memory of what all this hoopla is about up north. Over spending, over indulgence, over weight, over lit and over done decorations in total disregard of the fuel that is required to generate the electricity or where and what this fuel may be costing the rest of the world.

The clock ticking down the old year, that big ball that drops is more than likely brain cells dropping by total disregard to intelligent and responsible consumption of good cheer.

However, I have to admit on the bright side is the smile on some child’s face who doesn’t know about designer jeans, iPods, the latest computer game or whatever is the latest fad. A simple new piece of used clothing, a simple new plastic toy which may last only long enough for every moving part to fall off before the day is out, but will still be treasured and played with until next year. Never mind that they have no idea about snowmen, Yule logs, mistletoe, pine trees, and such. The cashew tree with it’s red and yellow bell shaped fruit, savanna orchids and other wild flowers replace glistening snow flakes, the stars light up their Christmas trees, and guess what it doesn’t cost anything other than stepping out their door and behold a light display that would rival the Rockefeller Center,

The fact that I have lived to see another of these seasons roll around, and still have enough remaining brain cells to be cynical gives me pause to stop and reflect on what you are reading.

v As far as this last year, I have made a wealth of new friends, had the opportunity to teach ten very bright and eager young Amerindians how to use their brain as well as the brain with in this thing known by most of us as a computer. I have witnessed the rainy season in the savannas, and the beauty of the flooded plains, slogged through mud and bogs trying to help get a vehicle unstuck, or walked for help. I have ridden over the savannas at daybreak and sunset, ridden with vaqueros to round up cattle for branding, seen burrowing owls, foxes, deer, anteaters, and taken the time to just sit and watch ants working at what for them must be break neck speed carrying bits of whatever in endless processions. I have witnessed the mighty Arapaima in a quiet pond or backwater lake, and yes, cast the imaginary fly to this fish. I have spent many evenings watching falling stars and the satellites, which allow us the opportunity to communicate with friends around the world on their never-ending journey across space and time.

I have drank more than my share of good cheer, shed a tear for friends who have gone to the great beyond, but left me with fond memories, spent many an evening just sitting under the vast Rupununi stars wishing that good friends could be sitting there with me. I have heard stories about the old ways from the old people, I have heard the dreams of youth, and heard the worries of others. I have played counselor, advisor, and tried to share what little knowledge I have, though God knows it is not much.

What do I plan for the New Year? Hell what else is there to do, I’m sure I’ll find something totally exotic, after all it will be a whole new year with a clean slate, I’ll just make it up as I go along.

So Dear Friends, that’s it, no Merry Christmas and Happy New Year, just know that you were in my thoughts more than once over this past year, and rest assured that you’ll no doubt creep into them in the next.

Enjoy this time of year as it best suits you, and rest assured I will do as well.

Shefishs 2007