My art works

Passport, by Mahmoud Darwish, a Palestenian poet

(this poem was originally written in arabic, however has been translated into english)

They did not recognize me in the shadows

That suck away my color in this Passport

And to them my wound was an exhibit

For a tourist Who loves to collect photographs

They did not recognize me,

Ah . . . Don’t leave 

The palm of my hand without the sun

Because the trees recognize me

Don’t leave me pale like the moon!

All the birds that followed my palm

To the door of the distant airport

All the wheatfields

All the prisons

All the white tombstones

All the barbed Boundaries

All the waving handkerchiefs

All the eyes were with me,

But they dropped them from my passport

Stripped of my name and identity

On soil I nourished with my own hands

Today Job cried out

Filling the sky:

Don’t make an example of me again!

Oh, gentlemen, Prophets,

Don’t ask the trees for their names

Don’t ask the valleys who their mother is

From my forehead bursts the sward of light

And from my hand springs the water of the river

All the hearts of the people are my identity

So take away my passport!

America and Israel: An Unbreakable Bond ?

Obama, I dare you to see life from the eyes of an 8 year old palestinian.

You don't understand the problems happening in 

america, so don't assume you know about the problems in the middle east. 

I lost all respect for this man.

My "Ingenious" Plan

The other day I was thinking about buying a book over the weekend, then I remembered I already have many books that I didn't read. So what was the point of buying a new one if it would just sit on the shelf for a few months? 

I wrote down a list of all the books that I have but have not yet read, then stuck it beside the air conditioner so I would always see it. Each book on the list is numbered, but in order to avoid getting bored I asked my boyfriend to pick a number from 1-11. The number he chose (8) is the first book I will read, and when I am done I will cross it off my list and let someone chose another number.

It's a bit childish, but what to do? When determined we'll do anything we can to get it done.

Live Fast, Die young

Identity Crisis

Today it came to my attention that International Day is approaching. International Day is an annual event held by my school; which celebrates the cultures, clothing, art and food of various countries. A teacher entered my English Language class and asked each student to write down the country they most identify with. This instantly stirred up many discontent emotions and I began to critically question myself. What country do I belong to? My parents are both from different countries and I have never gotten attached to any one culture, nor have I ever been accepted as a part of them. I lived most of my life in America, but I didn’t exactly “fit in” there either.

I have an American passport as well, but that doesn’t necessarily mean that I identify with America. As a matter of fact I don’t agree with most things happening in America at the moment. I would not refer to myself as Anti-American, as I do appreciate many of the USA’s accomplishments. However, the lifestyle, culture and most political and economic policies do not appeal to me.

On the slip of paper being passed around the class, I decided to write Mexico – my mother’s country. I do not know much about Mexico, but I noticed it wasn’t on the list of countries that have a stall for the event. So I took it upon myself to add it since it is a fascinating culture and wasn’t already being represented.

Throughout the day I ached myself with a question that most people wouldn’t need to second-guess. Where in the world am I from? As I drank my daily dose of Earl Grey and Green Tea, it dawned on me. I do not need a country or any specific culture in order to create an identity for myself. We are all people, living on the same Earth, each one trying to find our purpose.

The people of this wondrous World have different and sometimes opposing cultures, beliefs, religions, and races. But in the end don’t most religions aspire for virtuousness? Aren’t all people born innocent? Regardless of all our differences, each of us has the ability to feel, and every individual aims for happiness, a better life and a better future. It’s a great feeling to be apart of a culture as well as learn about others. It creates a sense of belonging, comfort and knowledge. Yet, it shouldn’t be what creates an identity. 

"The World is my country, all mankind are my brethren, and to do good is my religion."

 - Thomas Paine

minimized my wardrobe!

I purged my belongings of clothes, accessories and shoes that i do not wear or have no more interest in. They will be donated to the Red Crescent and will be given to people who will appreciate and use them.
I feel great!

A house made from old car scraps.

This is what I call creative. So inspirational!

you know what?

nothing beats the feeling of pumping up a great song. period.

America, land of the illiberal

Journalist Chris Hedges is suing the Obama Administration, claiming the the new NDAA and SOPA acts are unconstitutional.

To watch an interview with Chris Hedges and lawyer Carl Mayer click here

Chris Hedges' - "Why I’m Suing Barack Obama"