Are We There, Yet...?

For three months I've been commuting 55 miles each way for work. In LA traffic.... But! I'm happy to say that I've found a flat! Soon (ohhhhhh, so soon!) I'm going to cut my commute in to a fraction of its former glory.

So I won't auto-place in the medal round for one-ups contests anymore, but I'm about to reunited with my sanity. A fair trade, methinks.

Other good news?! I'm about to be a Bruin! That's right, kids. UCLA is my future alma-mater. As per usual, seeing the end in the beginning.

But, yeah. I'm back - I hope. I've really missed this space...

Take Your Marks...

Courtesy Boston Review

So I don't know about you guys, but I think that NBC did a terrible job in covering the Olympics. I know... strong language - but I'll stand by it. Anytime you concern yourself with maintaining a monopoly, you have to expect that folks will be unhappy. Should anyone at NBC (or its affiliates) be interested in my reasoning - holler. I'm also still on a quest to get (give?) some Neilson input. By which I mean "stop cancelling quality tv in favor of reality tv".

Next time I'm watching the Irish version.

Warning: This is really funny... unless you like competitive sailing. Then you might take offense.

...Be Happy!

Just a casual head's up... I also have a Tumblr. You know, for those of you who like pictures as much as I do.

A Year in the Life....

A year ago, dear friends, I left the Holy Land.... seeking parts unknown in places I navigate with my eyes closed. And so began a year of transition. In many ways I feel like I had unrealistic expectations [6 months. Definitely only 6 months and then I'm good to go!] - but I've been learning how to be more gentle and understanding with myself.

 East.

West.

Some funny and some true stories (anecdotes? tales?) from my year of transition:

It may be helpful to know that, while I moved nearly every year as a kid, I did most of my "growing up" in Orange County... and yet people still ask me where I'm from. I know that the Baha'i World Centre has its own accent going on [the result of the in-gathering of hundreds of people from hundreds of countries communicating and making themselves understood in a single language]. It's somewhat a mash-up of the Commonwealth accents, with incredibly heavy American overtones - and all sentences end up sounding like a question, as though you're making doubly sure that everyone understands you. So yeah. We sound (to my ears) Canadian. Many people have confused me for a well-educated mainland European ex-pat who either went to an American school or watched a grip of American TV.

When I slide into my BWC accent (never apurpose, I assure you) lately, however - local folks ask me if I'm French. French. Well, merci beaucoup to you and you and you! [But it's still weird. Trust.]

I really (really) love the service opportunities I have here. You should know that I miss Haifa, like, e.v.e.r.y.d.a.y - but! I had a really interesting dream yesterday (the actual and factual one year anniversary of my last day in Israel). I dreamed that I was back in Haifa, and I really felt like a fish in water - so natural to be there, and 2 weeks into my visit... I was offered a chance to stay. Permanently. And my first thought to the people I serve with here. To the children and youth I mentor (but who really mentor me), to the friends who help me - everyday - to be the best person I can possibly be... and without hesitation, I felt that I should decline the offer. An offer that at alternating points in the last year I'd have jumped at. I'm not saying that missing the Holy Land is easy... but I realize that (particularly as a result of prayer and service) it is closer to me than my life's vein. Confirmations abound.

This has been a year of learning for me. Learning how to be a gentler person, learning how to detach from those things you thought would make you whole... would make me better, learning how to learn. Road rage is an irksome beast... but there's always the hope that my next community will have public transportation and be pedestrian friendly! Until then, if you happen to be in south Orange County, don't cut off the girl in the '90 Ford Bronco. The Bruiser doesn't slow as quickly as some would like!

For Serious...

 Mid-hike photo-op...

 More nature exploration... this time: tide pools in Dana Point, CA

 Junior Youth and animators in the park...

Thinking 'outside of the box' about the creation of a moral structure...

So I have been taking a small hiatus from 'sharing deep thoughts with the internets' as of late... but I have been roused from my figurative slumber.

You may wonder why I include pictures in which I am in full-swing field trip mode (errr... exploring nature!) and frolicking in the park. Well, that's because those are the pictures that tend to survive such things as children's classes and junior youth spiritual empowerment programs.... 

But I think the fact that they are not very remarkable at all, other than as mementos to those actually in the pictures, is what makes what I'm about to tell you all the more profound.

7 youth and young adults were arrested in Iran (at least one is being held in Evin Prison in Tehran) on Monday for doing the exact same thing you see my friends and I doing in the pictures above.

Again? Okay... 7 youth were arrested on Monday for such crimes against humanity as teaching children's classes and for empowering junior youth. They might also have had the crazy notion that they should go to university.

Service to one's community and seeking higher education are not the hallmarks of criminal activity... but those arrested happen to be Baha'i. Like me. If you, like me, recognize the injustice in this treatment of Iran's largest religious minority, I encourage you to speak out - city officials, congress persons and representatives, news sources, your FB wall (or twitter, tumblr, blogspot, wordpress site). Tell your friends and family!

The internet is a useful medium, and your voice is a powerful tool. To Justice!

May I Present....

So remember all of that exciting news I mentioned? This is a small part of it: the tip of the excitement iceberg? Okay. Weird analogies aside - I was in a play last weekend.

Set in 1912, the play chronicles the events surrounding Abdu'l-Baha's epic visit to the West and the profound impact that visit had on the early American Baha'i community. I had the opportunity to play Juliet Thompson - and had so much fun working with my new friends! [ps. we are none of us professional actors - but we had a GREAT time!]

 Backstage: finishing touches complete!

 This is one of my favorite photos!

Lua! (she seemed to say)

 Meeting the press...

 Candid shots (amidst the melee) are the best!

 With our director!

 Catching some pre-show vitamin D

 Last minute running of lines

"...I have a confession to make"

 The ladies

 Nancy, chilling in the green room

Painter's bag: check!

In case there was any confusion... my favorite part might be the dressing up part. Just saying.

Here Comes the Sun...

So the sun is making a serious 'college try'... and this song is so happy and catchy - and this version is just the most fun thing I've seen all week - so! Enjoy!

In other "trying so hard I can't hardly stand it" news... I'm going to be in a play this month! On the 29th, specifically. And I'm pretty nervous about memorizing my lines. To help, I recorded myself on my phone so I could listen and learn (thanks for that, 2012).

Um... have you ever listened to yourself? Like outside of your own head? Turns out that I sound like an NPR reporter. Lakshmi Singh - call me (maybe...)!

But yeah, if you're in OC circa 29 June 2012, holler at your girl. It won't be profesh, I'll probably blush AND sound like I'm presenting on This American Life - but I'll keep it real!

Lend Me Your Ears...!

Ashley Judd is my new hero.

Seriously. The mind trip that our culture puts us through - that we have been trained to put ourselves through (!!) - is crippling. Crippling in every way, shape and form.

That she would passionately and eloquently challenge cultural norms is, to me, so completely inspirational. You can read more about it here.

...because sharing is caring.

Introducing...

I fancy myself a stylish woman... I tend to have strong opinions and correspondingly a strong personal voice that is manifested in the myriad ways I express myself.

But if there is one woman whose style I consistently admire, it is my friend Mojan Sami. 

Spring 2012 Trend Report

courtesy Mojan Sami

The rad thing about Mojan (okay... one of the rad things) is that she really does her homework. And this is why she is my ad hoc stylist - not only does she have her ish put together, but she legitimately knows what she's talking about. 

Like light blue for spring, which will supplement my deep love of all things orange very nicely!

Now only for some past due warm weather for spring.....!

Happy Friday...

                                                                                  Source: Uploaded by user via Aimee on Pinterest

Thank You For Taking Action...

Education Under Fire

Most of you who know me know that I am a member of the Baha'i Faith. It is, after all, the reason I spent 4 glorious years living in Haifa, Israel and the reason why I continue to incorporate service to my community in my daily life. If you check in here periodically, or if you read the news... you'll know that the Baha'i community in Iran is under intense scrutiny and that members of that community face persecution daily.

One of the most tragic ways that the Iranian government seeks to cripple the Baha'i community in their country is through the blatant denial of access to higher education. Yes, you heard me right. All Baha'is are summarily denied access to college or university education.

Ever resilient, Baha'i students have managed to matriculate remotely through accredited universities in the United States and elsewhere - clearly via distance learning. [Three cheers for technology].

Now the government of Iran is arresting these students, their mentors, and even their lawyer in further attempts to quash their spirit.

So I have joined thousands of people, including Nobel Laureates Desmond Tutu and Jose Ramos-Horta, in a call for change. A peaceful request that all students in Iran be treated with justice, equality and fairness.

What number will you be?

La Prima...!

My dear friend Yasmin alerted me to this truly awesome video collaboration between OK Go & Sesame Street.

Interestingly enough (or not...), I never really watched Sesame Street when I was a kid. When I was the right age to be falling in love with Big Bird and Snuffleupagus, my family lived in Kachina Village on the outskirts of beautiful Flagstaff, AZ. Yes, friends. I spent my formative years in a cabin in the Rocky Mountains... with limited tv reception - certainly not enough for PBS.

The good news is that I'm still alive, and this video is still the boss. So everyone gets a win! Enjoy!

*Side note to Yasmin* :: I got the skype. Let's have an intercontinental reunion, yes?

Who... Me?

Just when you thought they weren't listening.....

Part 1:

Part 2:

Okay... I know that these have been making the rounds, but this one is probably my favorite so far. I can't tell which side of the joke I'm on - and I don't really care.

All credit to Fashion Is Spinach.

Monday Morning Musings...

Courtesy C'etait Salement Romantique

The more I read about Marilyn Monroe, the more I think I would really have liked to be her friend.

Forks Over Knives...

Have you seen this movie?! I totally plan to. If you're up for a movie night, holler at your girl.

Carrot sticks are the new popcorn?

Lead On...!

Courtesy Melody Ehsani

Words and their definitions really fascinate and amuse me. And they lead my thoughts in new and sometimes unusual directions... which is always good because it's important to keep your mind nimble. So there you go.

Today's word of the day is more interesting for the root of its definition... more than for the definition itself. To wit:

educe [ih-DOOS], verb:

Related to educate, educe is derived from the Latin roots ex- meaning "out" and ducere meaning "to lead." Shakespeare was the first writer to use it in the sense of "to provide schooling" in Loves Labours Lost.

So if educate and educe are essentially "to lead out"... then what are leaders meant to do? And how are we to treat our educators? And what of curriculum? How can students be effectively "led out" if we insist on recycling lessons designed simply to lead them to a single test and a limited outcome?

Kind of interesting thoughts in this time of political maneuvering, no?

Arts and Crafts...

Courtesy Luckybeans

So now that I'm back in the States, one of my favorite things to do is to work with the children and youth in my area - learning cool things and making new friendships. Accordingly, I'm always on the lookout for cool arts and craft ideas or science experiments to try.

And one of the best sources I've found is Luckybeans.

You know... just paying it forward: one creative person to another!

P.S. Children's Class is totally making these stars this week: for my shining stars!

On A Moment of Silence...

What does a bill like PIPA/SOPA mean to our shareable world? At the TED offices, Clay Shirky delivers a proper manifesto -- a call to defend our freedom to create, discuss, link and share, rather than passively consume.

Freedom of speech is something that I sincerely hold dear... I don't sneak around whispering at home, and I won't sneak around whispering on the internet, either.

Also, for those of you not in the States: look alive. They're the world wide interwebs....

Little By Little, Day By Day...

via Bitte Ein Kuss

Some friends and I began studying a book in the Ruhi series this weekend. We're learning to elevate our levels of conversation with the aim of having an impact on the discourse of society. Excepting myself and 1 other, everyone studying this book is in high school. I have the highest faith in their talents and capacities to effect a paradigm shift in our culture.

One of the things we read last night really stuck with me.

"O wayfarer in the path of God! Take thou thy portion of the ocean of His grace, and deprive not thyself of the things that lie hidden in its depths. Be thou of them that have partaken of its treasures. A dewdrop out of this ocean would, if shed upon all that are in the heavens and on the earth, suffice to enrich them with the bounty of God, the Almighty, the All-Knowing, the All-Wise. With the hands of renunciation draw forth from its life-giving waters, and sprinkle therewith all created things, that they may be cleansed from all man-made limitations and may approach the mighty seat of God, this hallowed and resplendent Spot."

From the Writings of Baha'u'llah

On Fashion Cues...

Courtesy Lili & Mae

Me.

So I was poking around the interwebs today and spotted an ode to my favorite color (orange!) on Lili & Mae and I was quite tickled to learn that I was so fashion forward in my dress today.

But here's where I'm really going with this. Ladies, do you ever take fashion ques from men? On the street, in your life, at the office? There are a quite a few men's fashion blogs out there that I think, while definitely geared towards men, address a pretty universal aesthetic. Naturally, The Sartorialist is at the top of this list... but check out what James Nord is doing, or the ever dapper curators of Street Etiquette. Watch for things like incorporating color, accessories, and textures.

You can thank me later.