I have a favorite room in my house where I watch TV, read and write. Some of my friends love the room and enjoy spending time there. Others are amazed and confused by it. Some call it my “Isis” room. This room developed slowly as I traveled more and more, and reflects my love of the Arab world. Not the world of turmoil and bombings as we know it today, but the world of the Casbah , Gertrude Bell, Freya Stark, Lawrence of Arabia…tents and camels, hookahs and carpets, and sand…lots and lots of sand.
Since I was a kid I’ve been intrigued by ancient Egypt. This led to more the recent fondness for Morocco and Turkey. I’ve collected a lot of wonderful photos, graphics, vintage ceramics and tins that add to the beauty of my room.
It’s a room that looks well- traveled and wise. A room that holds mystery and secrets. And I like the way I feel when I step in. Sort of like my real world never happened, and I can become part of the history that this world will never see again for real in the middle east.
Recently my sister gave me four old “Bossons” heads from England. She found them at a garage sale. They’re four very wrinkled and wizened Arab heads made from plaster that were popular in the 30’s.
I’m going to restore them and add them to my room. Part of my tribe. They remind me of the kind old toothless men who have helped me up on a camel, sold me dates or earrings in the souk and given me great deals on magic carpets.
They’re the ones I want to remember always.
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