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).

YES YES YES

"I think it's first you have to feel it. If you don't feel something about this and feel that immediate sense of responsibility then you'll never be able to do anything effective. Once you do feel that, it's amazing how the Universe will always point you in the direction that becomes effective."

- Richard Gere; in response to Burma VJ

...this is dedicated to Kim & Jess two of my dear friends who are running with their dreams as of late.

Karen New Year Pt. 2

 G-gal girls, Awesome Hair, & cute lil'babies 

Karen New Year Pt. 1

A day full of singing, dancing & performance, Traditional Clothing, & my man Calvin!

Good Morning

ghaw luh a ghāy

 via, drumpublications

THX

I've been feeling more than overwhelmed by the news lately. I feel like all my Brothers and Sisters around the world (the United States too) are facing too much political tension - heavy. tragic. violent. misunderstood. I was going to rant about it - link to news articles & whine, but instead - I'm going to focus energies on positive thoughts.

I've been reading THXTHXTHX on and off for quite some time, and it's always a joy to come back to. I just love it. Similar to my theories on fighting winter & the blues with a 'happy thought a day', Leah Dieterich writes a daily thank you note. To anything and everything.

In this time of political unrest, human rights violations and gloomy days - keeping reading the news, but find something to be thankful for as well. There's plenty of good going around too.

PS: Remember that hilarious time I tried doing yoga? Well, I've been trying it again (this time in a Core Power Classroom setting) & I love it. This week - I'm thankful for yoga.

 THXTHXTHX Cards via: thxthxthx

The Travels of Tilde

 

Well, isn't it funny that after a recent post about mail, I should get some? & from Tilde at that.

Tilde, oh what a girl. Oh, this lady. She's wonderful. Fate and Karim brought us together when we both randomly set out on a solo trip to the Sinai Coast hosted by Tour Egypt . We became insta-friends.

Together we've climbed a mountain, swam in the Red Sea, been pained by hives & bus crashes, healed from hives & bus crashes, experienced an Egyptian 'aquarium', doubled our weight in bottled Coke, toured Zamalek, watched a Godfather marathon with my Sudanese pals, played hours of backgammon, toured Coptic Cairo (made it there & back with our flawless Arabic), bought Egyptian cotton sweat pants from City Stars, made plans for our future and then went on a hunt for Twilight* in Arabic (I swear it wasn't for me). 

& now, I've been so lucky to be added to this woman's travel postcard list. So far I've gotten postcards from Switzerland, Paris & Hong Kong. Funny, I'm still waiting for one from Denmark - where the lady calls home. Someday, when I can afford a slice of pizza in Copenhagen I hope to visit my dear friend.

*We found it.

NO WALL

via pasunepipe