Arab Literature

A post by a friend of an FB friend inspired me yesterday to purchase a Japanese literature book. And to read this short story, by Samira Azzam, a Palestinian Christian Arab writer of the 20th century who published her first book in the year my father was born.

The short story is called:

Bread of Sacrifice

I found this quote something to ponder on, for those who defend in war and not who invade, of course:

"War was not simply an enemy to kill voraciously. Rather, it was the assertion of the life of the land he loved and the woman he loved."

Now the author is passed, the baby who was born on the year she was published, in diaspora, is a grandfather of four. And the war still continues.

And who am I kidding. It will continue. This is the reality of time and history.

Let there be love!

Patern of Self

Recognized when I felt wrong about saying a point and still said it. Realized afterwards that indeed the receiver wasn't appreciative of the point conveyed and that I should've honored the disapproving voice inside.

I am learning how vital it is for me to pause and ponder before volunteering a point. Most people are not ready for it. So being fugal with the words might be wiser. 

One of Those Nights

Tonight is one of those sleepless nights that I want to just sing songs under my lips, move my hips with the tune, and sketch my dreams of the future.

I am to become what shall be. 

Midnight Dream

This is a crazy desire but I wish to retire soon!

What does it take to retire?

I rather teach at a school where kids care and I rather write. Above all I rather be home for anyone who needs me around. My little princess the most.

I rather retire from corporate America or corporate Japan soon. Amen!

The Curse of A Driven Woman

I was talking to my ex manager earlier telling him about our upcoming global meeting with our advisory board in Japan and how I didn't want to take the trip being away from my kids. He noted that he was proud of me to which I responded that I wasn't sure about pride. I was grateful for the progress in the company but at some level I wished I could be home with my little princess and make apple sauce of the apples in the backyard. He said "it's tough to be a driven woman"! Oh so true! I would add that it might be a curse actually.

Now here we go. On board. Buckled up. And determined to have a great meeting especially now that I had to leave my most precious treasures behind. It better worth it!

No Picture

Oh baby boy!

Sleep soundly tonight. Tomorrow is rid of bomb and starvation. You won't see your mom crying or your dad wailing, desperately searching for a shelter for you. Ever. You just sleep tight tonight. May you dream of angels!

Mourning

I still feel like mourning. It is as if I've lost a loved one. It is as if I were lost, unbalanced with sudden loss of a limb, trying to find myself again. It is as if I were never going to be whole again and I knew it.

I realize that war has been part of human history. Even my life history started with a war. Yet it has taken a toll from me, for ever, to see people fleeing from their homes and puting themselves and their kids in utmost harms to flee the danger at home. It has taken a toll from me to see families scatter and die. It has taken a toll from me to see a sleeping boy, dead.

Peace!