Half a lentile seed

Kneeling
opens the eyes 
to infinity,
even if it's smaller
than a lentil seed.

(Had I not sat on this grass after work,

 I would have kept passing ignorant of this tiny weed's  existence,  

as I've been doing for the past 2 years.)

Γονατίζοντας
φωτίζεται
το άπειρο
κι ας μην είναι μεγαλύτερο
από σπόρο φακής

Let music be

Yialla
weekend flowers 
bloom in colours!

A picture taken at the end of the "Boulevard Du Swing" concert. We are grateful to places like the French Consulate in Jeddah. Generally, public music events are pretty rare in the country. Being allowed to organise one becomes increasingly tough.

Now that these measures are tightening, 
we sprinkle water to soften the air. 
Music is the language of the heart.
So many are so starved for a moment of peace.

Let's let the music be the jasmine 
that calls in our oneness as humans.

What is our purpose after all, 
if not true brotherhood? 

Let music be, Inshallah

Ode to the Unnamed

Each semester, I get asked "Miss, why did you come to Saudi?" I would pause, and ponder upon this unexpected yet logical question. I would explain. Then, they would ask again "But WHY Saudi?". 

I am yet to give a fully satisfying answer. I'm in the process of finding out...which is awe-some.

Sometimes ignorance and prejudice prepares you for the far worse, until you see what there is to see....
Then, the veils melt..and WHAT a sight,
what a sign.

During my two years in Saudi, some people said they enjoy their time here. Alhamdullah (Thanks to God, in Arabic), I am one of them.

Yet, only one person has ever said "I love Saudi" and she truly meant it. That's my friend Clare. I am deeply moved and inspired at her ability to express such a profound and beautiful feeling. At the time, I was struggling to get my head around things...including setting up the veil (tarha) around my head. I wondered...what is it that I am blind off?

The other day, while walking I pointed to the wild plant growing between the pavement panels and confided to her "I LOVE this plant". She looked at me, rounded her eyes in wonder-puzzle. The same wonder I had before. "But it's just a weed", she said. I smiled.

Her question answered my old question.
Said nothing of its peculiar umbrella shape, 
of seeing it in the most neglected-by-man corners, 
of Cyprus, UK and Saudi Arabia....
where everybody thinks nothing grows 
but God or whatever you like to name it, cares.


Its name might be unknown to me, 
but each morning we bow to each other. 

Amen.

New Treasures

Each 

cell

 of us

 a ray 
of

God

Infuse

your 
grace

in me

beloved.

39 days
 to Easter 

Guide me 
to fast

from unkind thoughts,
water my lips with faith,

be in love

be love.

I just adore chrysanthemums. 

Deriving from the Greek "chriso" and "anthos", meaning "gold flowers". 

To me, however, they are more like sunflower number 2 

(since sunflower is already taken).

Inspired by Brian Peterson's workshop, went to Al Balad souks last night.

Got myself a late birthday present, my first macro lense.  

Lied in bed anticipating for the morning light to rest upon these delicate, fairy fingers. 

Sleepy eyes..open skies

                                           Thank you

Faizal, Mena, Heba, Badr and...

Lemon peel with

our freshly picked pelargonium, 

mint and lemon grass leaves 

from Mena's beautiful herbal garden.

A sleepy song..for slow mornings

Blooming Week

 A week blooming of inspirations it was.

The highlight was an inspiring workshop 

with Rosana & Ina at Effat University.

The two skillful couches 

"held the mirrors for us" to see who we are, as Rozan simply explained.

Often we cannot control or change an uncomfortable situation. What we can control is our reaction to the situation, which changes the perception of the situation.

We shared our stories of failure, 

sighted with relief 
and the fulness of fresh perspectives. 
Thoroughly enjoyed the hands-on activities that enabled us to reprogram our response to failure...and re-evaluate it as part of our transformation.

Then, came across Lauren Singer ,

Lauren has produced no trash for the past 2years. Unbelievable,yet after finding more about her, it is do-able and with no sweat...just a few pinches until we get into the trash free routine. 

This turned my attention to my neglected recycling habits (during the past 2 years in Saudi). Alright, recycling here isn't as accessible as elsewhere, but the option exists.

I can carry the recycled material to work) 

The option exists

and excuses are no longer accepted. :)

Embracing the holy of it all.

...I'm already feeling the flirty air of this coming weekend!

One more chance to treat a special someone,

your self!;)

Today

Today I had a wonderful time with two of my old students,

Miral and Khadija. 

Intelligent, noble and humble women. 

Last night I read Miral's short story. 

What a fascinating feeling, observing someone's first steps 

into discovery, 

expression, 

into the beyond.

"Hope sees the invisible

feels the intangible

achieves the impossible" 

This phrase from Miral's short story stayed with me.

Let's open up more
for faith and inspiration to come in. 
Happy new week, beloved!

For you

This is for you.

indian jasmine, 

bucemvelia 

and love. 

 Yesterday, I just went with the flow,

no plan/expectations, just went with the flow

...where magic lives.  

Sea-picnic with my sisters, 

stars and that crazy moon.. 

In gratitude. 

Thank YOU for the wishes, sisters and brothers. 

Thank YOU for being.  

Silence is movement

On our road trip to Al Ula village, to Madaen Saleh, we met a-not-so-unexpected traveller. On average, 1 car passes every 5 minutes (on busy weekends).Still, nothing would stop her from crossing the road, exactly when she wanted, in her own chilled-out pace.

No matter what, keep on,even silence is movement.

- After a month I returned to facebook, having decided to use it a lot less and focus on my blog & instagram.