Random Realizations...

No longer a blonde is not equal to no longer clumsy.

The more I like a t.v. show, the greater its chance of being prematurely cancelled and completely underappreciated by all "Neilson families". {ie. Firefly, My So Called Life...}. Consequently I think that I should be consulted more often - is there such a thing as an Entertainment Value Barometer? I think I could do that.

Image credit.

It is almost impossible for me to walk seriously (vs. casually) and eat.

Hiding your availability status on g-chat is lame. There, I said it.

>br>Am I crazy, or have street fashion blogs suddenly become uber predictable and highly commercial?

Anyhow, that's all I've got now... I'll try to be more focused & less critical next time.

Upon Further Reflection...

I think of myself as a somewhat awkward person - I'm a bit clumsy, if you will. If there's a wall to be walked into, I will find it; likewise the crack in the sidewalk that lies in wait for unsuspecting people to trip up. I have mastered (equally well, I might add) the awkward silence and its opposite: the unintelligent babble meant to mask silence that somehow just makes everything more uncomfortable.

But I've been reflecting and meditating on grace. Grace in all its meanings: elegance of movement, polite good will (okay, maybe I haven't thought about this definition so much), and the unearned favor of God. I was particularly thinking of the latter definition and how God's grace pours continually on us - whether or not we're prepared to receive it.

[For example, if you wish to feel the rain on your face, but insist on looking at the ground... it doesn't mean it's not raining - it means you haven't placed yourself in such a way as to feel it on your face.]

So then I got to thinking about what it is to be graceful. And I am. Now I just need to figure out how to manifest it more consciously!

Dear DHD... sorry for the half-formed and corny than usual (even for me) pun. I hope you're enjoying your family time, pilgrimage & pow wows, respectively.

Globalization...

Bahá'u'lláh said that "the earth is but one country and mankind its citizens". The verity of this becomes more obvious every day - just think of the number of people you communicate with, or share interests and beliefs with. It's truly mind blowing.
So I know that it's cliche - but let's try this experiment (particularly during the warm & fuzzy 'holiday' season): think globally and act locally.
If the whole world is one giant community: friends, family, colleagues, etc. why don't we try to really make an effort to know our neighbors? I'm sure many of you already do - 3 cheers for that - but let's take it to a new level. Let's raise our consciousness - talk about the world, how to make it more positive, more spiritual, how to create a relationship with God.

Go on. Try. Try it together. It's good for you.
Image credit.

Requiem For A Big Bird...

Dear Family and Friends,
Thank you.

This year my friends and adopted family serving at the Bahá'í World Centre are celebrating Thanksgiving on Saturday. I know it's a little untraditional - and there won't be any (gasp!) 'Black Friday' sales {hmmm. Meant to somehow and magically propel retail stores into the black? Must think about this...} - but we'll be together and thankful. We'll even have a turkey!

In all seriousness, though, I love you very much. I'll be with you in spirit!

One Fine Day...

21 November 2009 :: 'Akká and surrounding environs, Israel

Sunset :: Bahjí
same same

Bahjí

I had the opportunity to visit two Bahá'í Holy Places this weekend in 'Akká... the weather was perfect - complete with peaceful meditation. It was like a spiritual vacation.

All photos courtesy Sholeh Magzub. I know... and yes, all of my friends really are this talented. Sigh. Lucky me!

With Power Comes Responsibility...

When I went to Europe in February, I happily chanced upon Douglas Coupland. Since this time, I've read several of his books and consistently found him to be pithy and timely with his social commentary.

Last night before water polo practice I was reading a little out of Micro-Serfs. The following passage really struck me. The main character is talking about his boss (of sorts… they work in a start-up)

“[…]I have been thinking about it, and I realize that Ethan has fallen prey to The Vacuum. He mistakes the reward as the goal; he does not realize that there is a deeper aim and an altruistic realm of technology’s desire. He is lost. He does not connect privilege with responsibility; wealth with morality.”

It's interesting to consider just how truly awesome the world wide web is - and I think that it, of all of history's myriad technological advances, has the ability to transcend being simply a tool. Specifically, I think that we need to move away from thinking in terms of "guns don't kill people, people kill people" - to use a cliched example....

Thoughts?

Officially In Recovery...

So there have been some jokes lately (or for the last few years) that I'm waspish about certain things. Like my personal space. For the record, I don't think of myself as a WASP(B) - in fact, I think of myself as a very warm and demonstrative person. ...maybe just not physically.

As a result of my love of personal space, I've perfected the side hug. Alas, it's sort of a knee-jerk reaction now. So I'm in recovery.
This doesn't mean I'm hugging strangers - but I'll be trying this hugging thing. Starting with high fives, naturally......

Image: Steve Powers, courtesy My Love For You Is a Stampede of Horses

The Ides of November...

This weekend was a celebration of all things amazing. Like birthdays (so many I can't count - tallying to 3 parties, though), family (hey Hoffmans!), and picnics.... Matt, Will & I - breaking it down 80s style

Big shout out to the rad playlists supplied by Shaza & Abi

...we couldn't have done it without you. Don't be jealous, we're just rolling down the hill.

...okay, no. Be jealous - it was glorious.

Despite (or maybe because of?) the fact I somehow rolled sideways.

Me.

Someday, Mr. Hoffman, you'll teach me to get the color to pop when I take pictures.

Someday.

Sunset. Haifa. Glorious.

(what, where, why)

Sir Will does a ribbon dance.

Amazing.

My friends are boss.

Excited, With a Chance of Delay...

I find it interesting that we still have time delays on some things - particularly entertainment things like movies. Pop culture seems to me to be so ubiquitous now that I really wonder why movies don't have world wide releases.... But what do I know - I'm just a pop culture junkie.

Patience: n. the ability to accept delay, trouble, or suffering without becoming angry or upset. {via the OED}
Lesson subtitle, courtesy Christopher David Ryan.

Lesson soundtrack (and 'excited' impetus), courtesy Bon Iver & St. Vincent.
Enjoy.

Rejoice!

Today, Bahá’ís around the world are celebrating the Birth of Bahá’u’lláh.... My heart is with you all.

Magnified be Thy name, O Lord my God! Thou art He Whom all things worship and Who worshipeth no one, Who is the Lord of all things and is the vassal of none, Who knoweth all things and is known of none. Thou didst wish to make Thyself known unto men; therefore, Thou didst, through a word of Thy mouth, bring creation into being and fashion the universe. There is none other God except Thee, the Fashioner, the Creator, the Almighty, the Most Powerful.

I implore Thee, by this very word that hath shone forth above the horizon of Thy will, to enable me to drink deep of the living waters through which Thou hast vivified the hearts of Thy chosen ones and quickened the souls of them that love Thee, that I may, at all times and under all conditions, turn my face wholly towards Thee.

Thou art the God of power, of glory and bounty. No God is there beside Thee, the Supreme Ruler, the All-Glorious, the Omniscient.

From the Writings of Bahá’u’lláh.

Self...Ish.

La Roux's album came to my attention today (I know... late to the party). Anyhow, this jam is a shout out for my people.

Armour Love.
I love it.
Thanks for the head's up, Geoffrey. 'preciate you.

Butterfly In The Sky...

As you no doubt know, Bayan and I have 'reading times' at least once per week. If you've ever read with a child (particularly a very active little boy), you know that it can often be a challenge to find material that is engaging and yet reading level appropriate. This is especially challenging for me because eight-year-old Bayan, the wunderkind polyglot that he is, is at a very beginner reading level in English.

Naturally, I'm always on the lookout for children's books [even if they have to go on my wish list: a.k.a. 'things to get when I go on vacation'].

I learned of this book "14 Cows For America" today in the NYTimes - and I'm honestly so intrigued... and my heart is really warm. {the original article is amazing, please read it}
It is the true story of how, in the wake of the 9/11 terrorist attacks, a Masai village in Kenya came to the aid of the United States.

...“because there is no nation so powerful it cannot be wounded, nor a people so small they cannot offer mighty comfort.” *Excerpted from Nicholas D. Kristof's article, link above*

Book information:
14 COWS FOR AMERICA
By Carmen Agra Deedy with Wilson Kimeli Naiyomah
lllustrated by Thomas Gonzalez

Try It, It's Good For You...

Getting back to the basics.

I've been thinking about trust a lot lately. I think that from today I'm going to try trusting myself.

Support the artist: Roll & Tumble Press

Woman About Town...

...and other goings on this fine November weekend.

Bayan has finally agreed to read Harry Potter. Praise the Lord - and trust me when I tell you that it was about t.i.m.e! He doesn't much care for the muggles, in fact he reeked of boredom with the story (gasp! I know!) until Dumbledore came on the scene.....

I'm continuing my coalescence of plans for my spring trip to London.

Engaging in some elevated conversation - shaping the discourse of society... beginning with organizing and honing my own thoughts and mind.

Having a huge and overwhelming girl crush on Michelle Obama. ...okay, I think I have a crush on her whole family. Further evidence of why the First Lady is my homegirl:

December's issue of Glamour will honor 12 women as "Woman of the Year." Popular icons that have overcome serious challenges or given back to society are recognized by the fashion magazine. Among the winners are Maya Angelou, Rihanna, Serena Williams, Susan Rice and, of course, Michelle Obama.
The First Lady is interviewed by guest writer Katie Couric, and she gives this great advice to women still looking for love...
"Cute's good. But cute only lasts for so long. Then it's 'Who are you as a person?' Don't look at the bankbook or the title. Look at the heart. Look at the soul. When you're dating a man, you should always feel good."

Courtesy: I Like Her Style!

Going to Bahjí this weekend.... So looking forward! Not least because I have a lot of important decisions looming on my horizon and could use a little consultative and meditative time with God.

Mind the GAP...

Dear Miss Stella...
I've seen and I love it. *Ahem* How about a version in my size?
Thanks!
But seriously, right? Stella McCartney's collaboration with GAP*Kids?
So cute it hurts me.....

...Well Alright, Then!

Image: courtesy Kadria

Dear K,

I'm glad to see that you're feeling better - I pray it is so.

Love,

a.

Vanity: There's a Cure for That....

So I had painting class again last night. *I’m a beginner – as in this is my very first such class*

Last night we graduated from sketches and mixing colors to painting something on a canvas.

That something was a self portrait.

(Mirror + canvas + paint + brushes) x (–skill) = I hate my face.

It’s a good cure for vanity, though.

But seriously, I don't think I've ever looked at my face in quite that way before. To look at it critically, but paint what you see - not what you would like to see, etc.
Painfully cathartic, that.

Sidenote: I found this image on goo.gle or on one of the myriad blogs I daily peruse long ago - if you recognize it, holler so I can properly credit. Thanks!

Lazy Sunday Afternoon...

Okay - so those are pretty much non-existant here. {Please quell your shock - but the work week begins on Sunday in Israel. Same Lord: different Lord's Day} But! Can't you just imagine. I can.
Love (or otherwise) notes, laying in the grass, enjoying the greenery from within a warm room - preferably with a fire crackling nearby & a cup of hot chocolate in your hand? Oh! Or cider... yeah, hot apple cider.
And a book.

Impetus for this particular day dream: Classic Bride.