My Mercedes is not for Sale

I admit that my reason for picking up this book was completely superficial — I used to drive the same Mercedes that’s shown on the cover. The concept immediately hooked me. The author bought a used Mercedes 190D in Holland and drove it across Europe and through North Africa before selling it in Ghana. Cars that are considered near the end of their useful life in Europe often find their way into North and West Africa to be used as taxis, and so a modest profit can be made by delivering especially desirable vehicles. Mercedes, renowned for their quality and reliability, are among the most envied taxis in Africa.

What I discovered in this book is that while the description of his journey is interesting, the real insight is his comments on Africa and how Western culture and African culture interact. My wife spent 2 years in Cameroon as a child, and as I would read her a paragraph or two from the book, I’d see her smiling and nodding as Van Bergeijk’s descriptions of Africa brought her own memories back into focus.

Sadly, much as I loved my Mercedes, I did not love the summer heat with no air conditioning (a flaw shared by the author’s 190D). It’s not the Sahara, but Mississippi in July is brutal in its own right. My Mercedes was traded in for a Saab, with air conditioning. It might not make it all the way to Ghana, but at least I’m not sweating.

A friend brought me a copy of Growing Up In Mississippi and I have now read all of the selections included in this volume of essays—poignant memories and thoughts written by some of our most beloved and distinguished Mississippians.

Elizabeth ( Libby ) Aydelott was my friend and mentor years ago when I was a Girl Scout leader. So, reading her selection as she recounts her growing-up years in Poplarville was a rare window into her early life. Reading the poignant selection written by Sid Salter as he spoke of his beloved sister, Sheila, filled me with such sadness at his loss.

There are many other contributors, from statesman to news anchor, novelist, water colorist—each entry giving us a glimpse into the lives of these extraordinary individuals. A rare gift, indeed.

-Yvonne

On the Writers Almanac Garrison Keillor has, over the last few weeks, included two selections from The Truro Bear And Other Adventures in his daily newsletter and radio program. I have savored the selections—-ten new poems, thirty-five of Mary Oliver’s classic poems, and two essays all about mammals, insects, and reptiles. It is a virtual feast for the mind and spirit!

The Other Kingdoms

Consider the other kingdoms. The
trees, for example, with their mellow-sounding
titles: oak, aspen, willow.
Or the snow, for which the peoples of the north
have dozens of words to describe its
different arrivals. Or the creatures, with their
thick fur, their shy and wordless gaze. Their
infallible sense of what their lives
are meant to be. Thus the world
grows rich, grows wild, and you too,
grow rich, grow sweetly wild, as you too
were born to be.

-Yvonne

Work as a Spiritual Practice: A Practical Buddhist Approach to Inner Growth and Satisfaction on the Job

by Lewis Richmond
(Broadway, 1999)

Around twenty years ago, I studied Paul Hawken’s book, Growing a Business.
Billy Neville, a pal and fellow retailer told me about it, and
he was right.  Hawken’s book still remains a must read for small business
people.

Lewis Richmond, ex-Vice President for Smith-Hawken, wrote this book about
10 years ago.  I missed it then, but had recently discovered it in a
particular reference and went back to get it.  Work is an excellent follow
up to Hawken’s book and for fans of Michael Carroll’s book about work.
Now that it is out of print, I had to find it on the used market.  This
one should not be out of print.

Richmond, a Buddhist teacher and entrepreneur, explores ways to be
fulfilled with the pleasures of good, hard work.  He deals with the daily
issues we face and offers insight into the rewards of proper coping.

Work breaks down the issues of conflict, stagnation, inspiration and
accomplishment.  It deals with subjects such as: boredom, failure,
discouragement, quitting, money and time, control, power, gratitude and
etc.  Addressing the aforementioned, daily issues that we face in work
allow us to see our own attitudes about these issues.  By examining our
“work selves” within, we are able to address our strengths and weaknesses
in a more constructive way…should we make the choice to do so.

Pelican Road: A Novel
By Howard Bahr
Macadam Cage: May 9, 2008

Howard Bahr is a train man.  Pelican Road, Howard’s first non-Civil War fiction, is a literary train novel.  This is the only serious railroad fiction that I know of.

Pelican Road is the train route from Meridian, MS to New Orleans.  Set around 1940, Howard captures the personalities; the way folks lived; their meanness and their cares; their moments of good fortune and their unfortunate times.

Through the eyes of the people in this era, we learn about the ways of the railroad:  the trains themselves and their workings; train jobs and their responsibilities; the real-life characteristics of railroad men; and insight into the joys and hardships of the railroad life.

I especially like the way Howard worked WWI (“Doughboy War”) into this novel.  Dealing with flashbacks gives Howard’s Civil War fiction fans just enough.  Pelican Road extends Howard’s fiction into a new, broader era offering insight into the 2nd generation, post-Civil War life.

My favorite aspect of this fine novel laid in Howard’s ability to relate the sheer power and force of the train itself and the way the machine is revered in language.

There is no doubt, in his heart, Howard is truly a railroad man.