The Pearl (1947), John Steinbeck

It is a story of what a beautiful pearl did to a poor pearl diver Kino, his wife, Juana, and their baby son, (Coyotito). Like John Steinbeck’s other great works, this story also ended with extremely sad occurrences. I think the renown author uses this book to tell us that we are living in an imperfect world where good fortune brings disastrous things to good people.

It does not look like the author has much respect for doctor and priest. He paints a very unflattering image on these two characters in the book. The town doctor refused to treat Coyotito for a spider sting because he would not receive any payments. The town priest visited the poor family not until he learned of the family’s new fortune. The same doctor made the house calls to treat Coyotito after he heard of Kino’s valuable pearl.

The pearl buyers did not fare well either in the book. They colluded among themselves to rig the prices on the pearls that the poor divers brought to them for sale.

Then there were unknown bandits who attempted to rub Kino of his "Pearl of the World" outright.

In the book, the Nobel Prize winner also tells us the benefits of education. Through the lustrous pearl, Kino saw "My son will read and open the books, and my son will write and will know writing. And my son will make numbers, and these things will make us free because he will know - he will know and through him we will know."

Through Juana’s inner thought on her husband, the author tells us of the unforgiving Mother Nature. Juana knew that ". . . the mountain would stand while the man broke himself; that the sea would surge while the man drowned in it."

I save the best to the last. This is what the author has said of a seaweed poultice Juana made for a scorpion bite on their son’s shoulder:

"Which was as good a remedy as any and probably better than the doctor could have done. But the remedy lacked his authority because it was simple and didn’t cost anything." - Ayee

Miracles and Miracles

Lately all we learned from the news were sad and gloomy stories. Most of them were works of incompetent and greedy humans. The ones who undertook exotic and complicate business thought the sky was the limit. They caused many innocent people lost their lifetime savings, jobs, and maybe dignities too. The current malaise in world economy had certainly put many of us in disbelief and despair. Then, BOOM! The commotion that jolted passengers of a turbojet out of their comfortable seats not only saved everyone on board of US Airways Flight #1549, it also ignited hopeful feeling in me that miracles can happen anywhere at anytime.

Thanks to the good Captain Chesley (Sully) Sullenberger for his heroic action that made this miracle to happen. Then what a humanitarian person he is. He also put himself in a dangerous situation twice to ensure no one was left behind in a sinking airplane.

I also feel the miracle on Hudson River in New York City has happened at a no better time than just days before the inauguration of the country’s 44th president. Perhaps it is a good omen for the new president. Let’s hope President Obama and his team will soon bring the world peace, love and prosperity. - Ayee

The bull is coming!

It must be the result of an intelligent design that this year is the year of the ox in Chinese zodiacs.

We all know oxen have been their keepers’ best friends for years. They are strong and hard working draft animals who withstand harsh working conditions. From my limited knowledge on farming, I do not think they require much special cares either. They remind me of the pictures of water buffaloes toiling on rice paddies, the scene of emaciated bovines pulling goods laden carts in some remote villages, and the sight and sound of a truck full of calves and their cousins heading to far away slaughter houses on super high ways. Because of their strong physique and ability to put up with harsh conditions, they help their impoverished keepers until their last breath.

Certainly we can not expect an ancient zodiac sign to mysteriously transform the worst of the time to the best. But we can learn from what this astrological symbol stands for. But by hard working and perserving, we can all emerge from the looming bad time stronger and become more adaptable to the new harsh reality. - Ayee

Max, a Furry Magician*

Max was one of Sadie’s many pets. His smooth black and white fur did not tell how talent this cuddly cat was. Under his sleek and shiny coat, he was a clever magician in disguise. He made things disappear and reappear at the right time. In addition, he was an eager peace maker. He kept all his house mates in check so they could live with each other in harmony.

In one particular instance, Sadie, a friend’s late sister, took in an elderly dog. Since it was a long time ago, my dear friend does not remember the orphaned dog’s name. For easy reference, we will call this old fellow, "Kid." Before Sadie had Kid, life in her pet habitat was very uneventful. After Kid’s arrival, his many comings and goings in and out of the house disrupted the peaceful routine of the animal kingdom very much. Kid was not very healthy. He needed a lot of extra cares that no others had ever dreamed of. Frequently, Sadie had to take him to the vet to have his long floppy ears cleaned. He got his hair clipped now and then too. Besides, he sported a handsome collar that none of his other house mates had. From Max’s view, Kid was different. Definitely he was not one of them. Then one day not long after Sadie adopted Kid, she noticed Kid no longer had his fancy necklace on. It disappeared! Without that pretty collar, Kid became one of the pack. Max and his mates accepted him for good. Finally, life at Sadie’s ark was back to even keeled, calm and peaceful.

Then one sad day came.

On that day, Sadie had to take Kid to the vet again. But this time she returned home without Kid in tow. Max ran up and down in the house desperately looking for his friend. Eventually, he and his gang sensed their mistress’ sadness over losing Kid for good. They realized this time he would never return. While everyone else settled down at their usual place in the parlor mourning, Max unceremoniously trotted down to the basement. When he returned to the sitting room shortly, he had Kid’s fancy necklace with him. Like the magnificent master in a magic show, Max deftly placed the collar right at the spot where Kid used to sit. - Ayee

*In fond memory of Sadie and her cherished pets