Scarlett, Go and come back ten times stronger!
I had half a heart not to write this post at all. But then again, witnessing firsthand what number of people a simple invitation could bring together (kudos to the host), I decided to press on. It was a measure of the love of QL members for Scarlet that was on show at Orion, when twenty six people (on last count) turned up for her DO. I could not stay the time, thanks to that wonderful feeling called ‘work’ (sigh!).
Forgive me if this reads boring, for I don’t have anything to say that I haven’t said earlier. The get together was once again a melting pot of cultures as Canadians, Nepalis, Sri Lankans, Britons, Dutch, Palestinians, Filipinas and Indians came together to wish luck to a Texan, an American... in Qatar. ‘Who are Westerners’ thread and the constant arguments that followed can go to hell, for all I care. I didn’t see hate at the get together, just love. Damn, a family get together wouldn’t have been more enjoyable.
Scarlett, the lady of the day, host extraordinaire, drop dead gorgeous. Holding on to my life tightly with both hands, let me take this occasion to tell you… VAVAVOOM, what a knockout, hehe. We will miss you at QL. Go, and come back ten times stronger. Am so glad that you got up from the other end of the table to have a little chat with this fairly large sized Indian after all, hehe.
I abstain from naming anybody else who were there. The people who came to wish Scarlet … you know who you are. You make QL a happening place, despite the one-off arguments, despite the intolerant few, despite the boiling up that has been happening of late.
Thank you, once again, for being there, and for bringing out the best in you, while bidding temporary farewell to one of the best person in town!
As Scarlet O Hara would rightly say and so kindly said to me…
“Oh…Fiddledeedee” (spelt oh-fiddle-di-di)
Let's go to Luckenbach Texas with Waylon and Willie and the boys
This successful life we're livin' got us fueding like the Hatfield and McCoys
Between Hank Williams pain songs, Newberry's train songs
and blue eyes cryin' in the rain
Out in Luckenbach Texas ain't nobody feelin' no pain
Well I wasn't able to make it to Orion the other nite although R7 and Rayyz called me from over there and told me how awesome it was... but hey there will always be another time... fly safe and come back healthy with some good country music... hee haw!!!
Just came back to Doha after Thursday mid night flight.
Ohh fiddledeedee.....
wanted to say hi and thanks..and saw this beautiful thread. Now that I'm blushing totally, I thank you from the bottom of my heart for all your kind and sweet words. You are the most gentle man I think I know and your heart is as big as...well, Texas..so I therefore name you as an honorary Texan...An honor well bestowed as the original meaning is American Indian, Tejas, which means Friend. dang it..now tears are running down my face cause what you wrote touched me so deeply.
As you said..it was truly a melting pot of all nationalites and religions. I had the best time seeing "old" friends and meeting the "new" ones. To those that came, I thank you so very much...it really does mean a lot to me to see how many showed up. I know some of you couldn't make it for various reasons and I thank you for all your well wishes too! I think Orion's didn't quite know what to do with us all...lol
I ran late as I STILL haven't gotten used to Doha time in traffic..and got caught up in the cars on the corniche...but, Mir was there to welcome me in the parking lot...after having missed his calls due to not reaching my purse in time while trying NOT to get smashed by the cars in the roundabouts. lol Mir, hon, I am SOO sorry I was late...but it was a pleasure meeting you. Thank you for being so patient with me. (just a note..it drives my husband nuts too...)
To everyone....you are the most beautiful group of people ever...I don't care what color your skin is, what religion you are or if you are a purple alien that believes in rocks...you are all what makes the world good over here. Remember that even if you think you don't make a difference in the world, you do. The kind smile you offer someone may make the difference in THEIR day...its the ripple effect..and saying this..you guys have made a tidal wave in my life.
Its strange but even though I have been here only a month and yapped your ears off, its seems as though I've known you guys forever. Its not that we didn't have some differences at times and tons of laughs, but the feeling of touching someone, even if via computer..that makes it so amazing.
Ok..those that weren't there...I missed you terribly and knew how much you'd have loved meeting everyone! Those funny little quips and tongue in cheek comments were missed, just as you were.
Now...I am going to give you back something...my friendship...if you guys ever need anything I can help with, please don't hesitate to call upon me. One of the things that I've found from QL is that someone, somewhere, knows someone that can help you...its like a family, Greeker, you are so very right. We may get irritated at each other and want to pull hair out (ok..that's a female thing..cat fight! ) but in the end...we are all family and family ties run deep. If all the world could just take note from this group, it would be a much better place.
Now..in closing...(I know..shut up and go to bed!!!) I love you guys..and YEE HAAAA...Its been one heck of a ride with you guys and I am looking to ride many more miles(kilometers) with all of you! See you in Oct..but I'll be on here for 4 more days...you can't get rid of me THAT soon...lol
..
Irrespective of the endless verbal fights in all the debates the most famous being the Prostitution thread and all the culture bashing the bonds of friendship will never break.....
that Scarlett's do came two days early. I am back to Doha on Saturday I am sorry that a Cypriot was not among all these nice people mentioned by Greeker above. With such nice people like Scarlett, Greeker and the rest of the gang the feeling of returning to Qatar is not so bad.
Scarlett have a safe trip and a nice time, hope to meet you when you come back. Hope there's a new event soon or else I will take the initiative :)
May the roof above us never fall in, and may the friends below never fall out!
I take my hat off to yer, fella! Great write up, as always (but I want the dirt by PM ASAP please)
And I raise my glass to Scarlett to wish her a safe journey and look forward to seeing her again in October.
Yeah greeker the philospher spoke golden words.... Kudos to the American and Of course I was with her at the start of the occassion..... Amazing isnt it?