Surprised by a League of Extraordinary Gentlemen

Ann-Christine of the esteemed Lens-artist quartet is pondering the uncertainties and surprises the current situation has brought us and ask us to do the same.

I have been in a state of surprise due to all the thunderbolts which came my way during and because of lockdown. Not in my wildest dreams I would have predicted that not one, but two Superheroes would come and liven up my solitary dreary existence. unlike me, they were very serious and focused but that doesn’t matter; Batman and Iron Man was in my home visiting me!! Iron Man did physically iron that shirt and others (for James Bond apparently)??

Batman and Iron Man in my humble abode!!

And they were not the only famous ones to visit. Unfortunately I wasn’t present (out buying essentials) when Shrek stumbled in, but my daughter made a video to proof he was here.

In fact I was working (focusing like Batman and Iron Man taught me how) and she interrupted me with the words “pappa kyk gou op” (daddy look up, daddy look up quickly). She was smiling and giggling and I was certainly surprised went I received the video… It is an app on her phone which turns you into an ogre, but hey I took it in my stride – like Shrek, I am layered like an onion.

In South Africa shavers were also on lockdown… If it wasn’t for the current situation, working from home, I would not have grown a beard. But I must admit I never expected that every time I look into a mirror I would get the eerie surprise of inviting Sean Connery into my home…

I admit, I used this image to lighten up a somber post titled Mourning, about a colleague who was the first Covid19 casualty in South Africa, but here I surprise you with this extraordinary gentleman again.

Miaau and Abrie – brothers in arms

On my lap is the world’s most intelligent cat Miaau (Meow in Afrikaans) – the only cat in the world which can say his own name. In the header is a photo of Miaau in his prime. Aged 19, Miaau is now a graceful geriatric. We have bonded during lockdown. When I sit down on a couch Miaau climbs onto my lap despite other available laps. In fact he is sleeping on the table next to me while I am writing this post. Maybe it is the grey in my beard which makes the association more natural. Despite the spectacular awe-inspiring visits by Batman, Iron Man, Shrek and James Bond I am sure it will come as no surprise to you when I declare, that the one breathing softly on the table next to me, is the most precious and extraordinary gentlemen of them all.

♥♥♥

Surprise us with love at daybreak; then we’ll skip and dance all the day long.

Psalm 90:14 Message translation.