Going on 85

Photographer Lauren Fleishman's project Love Ever After melted my heart this Valentine's morning - so I thought I'd pass it on. You can only imagine how much my old soul loves these photos & words. xoxoxoxo

Photos via: Lauren Fleishman

Story via: Cup of Jo

Needed It

“I’ve tried to become someone else for a while, only to discover that he, too, was me.”

- Stephen Dunn

Attend This

"Did you know that 70% of the world's supply of cocoa beans comes from West Africa, where there are an estimated 15,000 child slaves who harvest them? Kidnapped, or even sold by their families, they are forced to work under dangerous conditions with little hope for a brighter future. 

Hosted by Not For Sale Minnesota, during this event you will learn to deal constructively with this disheartening situation by becoming an informed consumer of slave-free chocolate. Come and learn about local chocolate sources untainted by slave labor, as well as have the opportunity to sample and purchase slave-free (and guilt-free) chocolate."

----

The movie The Dark Side of Chocolate will begin promptly at 7pm. Please come and see this informative clip.

  

WHEN: Thurs, Feb 10  7PM - 9PM   

WHERE: Thrivent Financial for Lutherans Minneapolis Office

625 Fourth Avenue S.

Minneapolis, MN 55415

FREE samples of fair trade chocolate will be provided by French Meadow Bakery.

PARKING: Free parking is one block EAST of Thrivent between 5th and Portland.

DETAILS: The event will take place in the first floor auditorium of the Thrivent building. Skyways and all doors will be open for your use.  

Pictures Via The Dark Side of Chocolate

Event Hosted By the Not for Sale Campaign MN Chapter 
Oh, & great minds think alike: Kimmy

Arab World Test

In our country - the Middle East/North Africa/Arab World floods our nightly news: Iraq, Iran, Egypt, Sudan, Afghanistan etc.

We've heard of the countries, we know the racist jokes, we are familiar with the stereotypes (don't lie- I say desert you think Aladdin, camels & terrorists). Many around us unfairly fear the Arabic language, tanned skin & dark hair/eyes, dare I say Muslims?! But tell me, do you even know where these countries are?

Can you recognize that more than terrorism and riots - this part of the world is unique, beautiful, full of culture, passion, history and human beings much like yourself?

I challenge you all to take this 'rethinking schools' Middle East Map Quiz & test your knowledge on the geographic of an area we feel so comfortable slamming. If you don't make more than 5 mistakes, I'll send candy. & while you're at it - do a little research on a country or two, you'll be awed.

PS: This is dedicated to Dr. Hsain Ilahiane, my professor of Contemporary Muslim Societies - who made us take a killer quiz like this: all. those. 'stans'.

Photos & Idea via:  Invisible Children and Wikipedia Arab World

Alleyway

In Egypt the alleyways & streets smell like apple shisha.

I'm craving warm evenings.

Turquoise

 

I haven't heard from Khalda yet, but the woman has been adding pictures to facebook. So, I'm assuming she's okay. Drives me crazy, that one.

Happy to see she's okay, though - & looking beautiful.

Confused.

Just thought I'd update everyone, I've heard from Anwar (Khalda's Hubbie), sadly, he didn't bring me the news I was hoping for...

Hello Jeanna
I have been trying to call her but I wouldn't be able. The situation is getting worse. I don't know what I'm going to do. I'm just totally confuse. she has another phone number **-***-***-**** you may try it. Thank you Jeanna for asking about Khalda and Baby Ahmed. 

---
& while tensions in Egypt have been getting worse I'm still confident Khalda and little Ahmed are doing just fine. Like I told a friend last night, I'm sure she's off muttering, "I told you so, I told you so - Egyptians are crazy."

Buttons and Bowler Hats

I am an old person, trapped in a young woman's body.

To start: 

I swoon over tea cups, prefer black & white films, TV shows & photographs, own too many silk scarves, love the crackle of records, embroidery & the taste of honey...
I love over-sized sweaters, caramel pecan rolls, cold coffee, cowboys, plaid, amber beer & the smell of spices & books...

But as much as I enjoy the hobbies and interests of the 65+ crowd - I'm not nearly as cool as they. I need these books. Need them. I want to know how to grow a window herb garden, write a love letter, make dandelion wine & use baking soda to clean. & how to grill a steak, throw a curve ball, play harmonica & tie a bow tie.

& really, I don't know how to sew a button.

Photos via: How to Build a Fire & How to Sew a Button

Unreasonable

"Reasonable people adapt themselves to the world. Unreasonable people attempt to adapt the world to themselves. All progress, therefore, depends on unreasonable people."

- George Bernard Shaw 

January 25th

I feel like I should be speaking out about Egypt. 

I've been getting calls and notes from friends & family telling me they're happy I'm not in Cairo right now (& I can't help but agree, but then again - I am missing out on some serious history). I'm getting a lot of ... "I hear something is going on?", "That sounds awful.", "So, what do you think?" and "How is Khalda? Her baby?". 

& the answer is yes something is going on. This didn't come out of thin air. I don't know what I think - and no, I haven't heard from Khalda.

The media has been extensive (I recommend here, here, & here). It's hard to know where to start. 

I can confidently say I agree with the mission behind the protests and the the need for change... I'm struggling to find a strong political stance (or write up a rant-y blog post) while I find myself concerned daily for my brother's and sister's basic well being. I can't seem to stop thinking about food shortages, road blocks, looting and crime in familiar streets/neighborhoods.

I'm proud of those protesting peacefully in the streets, but concerned for those in their homes. Especially groups of people such as the Sudanese who have never been welcome in Egypt. My one clear thought is that I'll have more to say when I know that Khalda, baby Ahmed and friends are okay. Don't get me wrong - this is an exciting time for Egyptians. January 25th 2011 - will be remembered, and most people are not gathering with the intent of violence or harm. But with the unrest of 19 million +, life can be made difficult for many. My dear friends could (& I imagine some are) dancin' in the streets with everyone else. But until then, I just keep reading & wondering...

& believe it or not - missing the hell out of that beautiful country. 

(oooooh, let's see what Mubarak has to say RIGHT NOW, this should be interesting).