tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29238047037366742152024-03-12T20:00:31.970-07:00life with a jazzy songbirdAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06604277708605401301noreply@blogger.comBlogger32125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2923804703736674215.post-16483551016977885252013-09-22T08:26:00.002-07:002013-09-22T08:33:14.292-07:00We Need Sacred Spaces as much as We Need the Gym <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: white;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Quattrocento Sans'; font-size: 14px; font-weight: 300; line-height: 21px;">There are just a few things I would like to suggest airports around the world offer i</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Quattrocento Sans'; line-height: 21px;"></span></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: white;"><a href="http://nhfaithfusion.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/airplane-yoga-main-460x270.jpg" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-size: 14px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><img alt="finding sacred spaces in flight" class="alignright size-thumbnail wp-image-2071" height="132" src="http://nhfaithfusion.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/airplane-yoga-main-460x270-225x132.jpg" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: #f8f8f8; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; border-bottom-color: rgb(230, 230, 230); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-color: initial; border-left-color: rgb(230, 230, 230); border-left-style: solid; border-left-width: 1px; border-right-color: rgb(230, 230, 230); border-right-style: solid; border-right-width: 1px; border-style: initial; border-top-color: rgb(230, 230, 230); border-top-style: solid; border-top-width: 1px; float: right; font-size: 14px; height: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 20px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 5px; padding-left: 5px; padding-right: 5px; padding-top: 5px; vertical-align: baseline;" width="225" /></a> addition to the food and duty free shopping. First of all, I would like a gym. How much happier would passengers be if they could release endorphins and run a few miles during that three hour layover?</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: white;">I would also like a yoga studio: just imagine dropping your heavy carry-on luggage to stretch your cramped muscles and relax your mind in preparation for the flight. Yes please! Ok, perhaps I’m asking for a lot. I should commend the airports I traveled through this week on one very important amenity they offered: sacred space.</span></div>
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<strong style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: white;">Where Do You Meet God?</span></strong></h4>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: white;">People have been building, honoring, and warring over sacred space since the beginning of time. Clearly there is something significant about calling a location, whether it is a sandy beach or a beautiful cathedral, a place of worship. Many religions feel the need to create elaborate structures to create the most glorious house for God, while others may feel the most sacred space is nature as it was made by the creator.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: white;">Interestingly enough, both of these kinds of places are really significant to me. You could say I have a very aesthetic and environmental relationship with God. Not that my relationship with God depends on these things, but that I am further able to connect to God through significant environments, so I seek them.</span></div>
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<strong style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: white; font-size: small;">Sacred Spaces in Flight</span></strong></h3>
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<a href="http://nhfaithfusion.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/DSCF1016.jpg" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-size: 14px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: white;"><img alt="Newark Airport Chapel" class="size-thumbnail wp-image-2069" height="225" src="http://nhfaithfusion.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/DSCF1016-180x225.jpg" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: initial; background-image: none; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-size: 14px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 4px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 4px; vertical-align: baseline;" width="180" /></span></a><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: white;">Newark Airport Chapel</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: white;">That is why Thursday afternoon when I ended up in the airport in Newark, NJ, for a fairly long layover (en route to Vietnam), I decided to look for a prayer or meditation room. Many people don’t realize that a lot of airports have these rooms. I walked by the one in Newark three times before finding it.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: white;">There was a little door with a small sign above it, very easy to miss. But thankfully a nice officer pointed me in the right direction. I walked into the room, which was warmer than the rest of the airport, and was greeted by the American flag and New Jersey flag, a monument to 9/11, and a large white unadorned alter in front of several rows of chairs.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: white;">In one corner there was a small alter dedicated to Jesus, and another corner a small collection of prayer rugs were left for use. The room was no bigger than an average bedroom, but sufficient enough for a quiet escape from this bustling airport. As the sounds of babies crying and security alarms became muffled by distance and separation, I sat in one of the chairs to read and pray.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: white;">It’s really remarkable to be in a room that visually and symbolically creates the kind of world that God desires: a world where every person can worship and reach out to God in their own way. A world where different faith traditions are respected, and a world where spirituality is prioritized within our busy days.</span></div>
<h4>
<strong style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: white;">The Diversity of Praying Travelers</span></strong></h4>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: white;">While in the room, which was empty when I got there, five different people entered so that by the time I left it seemed like a very busy place. As I continue praying, I was moved by the diversity in the room, not only in appearance or ethnicity but in use: one man knelt before Jesus, another woman and I sat and prayed silently, another man lay down behind the chairs, while another bowed repeatedly. I am so happy I was there to witness this room in use.</span></div>
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<a href="http://nhfaithfusion.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/DSCF1015.jpg" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-size: 14px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: white;"><img alt="Hong Kong Airport" class="size-thumbnail wp-image-2068" height="225" src="http://nhfaithfusion.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/DSCF1015-160x225.jpg" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: initial; background-image: none; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-size: 14px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 4px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 4px; vertical-align: baseline;" width="160" /></span></a><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: white;">Newark Airport</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: white;">But then I was back on another plane and made the very long flight from Newark to Hong Kong. In Hong Kong, I had a five hour layover, so I walked around the very large and interesting airport for a while before I ventured towards my terminal. While looking around I made note that there were several “Prayer and Meditation” rooms throughout the airport.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: white;">Once I got to my terminal, I found a nearby sacred space, and decided to check it out. Located close to the bathroom this one had two fire safety doors. I went three steps down, and it was much colder than the rest of the airport. Stepping through the doors it looked like I was going someplace I wasn’t supposed to.</span></div>
<h4>
<strong style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: white;">Prayer and a Shower Anyone?</span></strong></h4>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: white;">When I opening the final door, I found a small white cube shaped room with a tile floor, 1 bench, 1 shelf and a shower (hmmm?), which was partitioned from the rest of the room. There was also a plaque on the wall which explained the room’s purpose as an interfaith sacred space. In this bubble of a room I couldn’t hear anything else in the airport and felt at peace in a very private place.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: white;">The white walls and scarcity of the room reminded me of heaven’s waiting room as I imagined it as a child. As my muscles were very cramped from the 16 hour flight, I did some yoga. I did not take a shower, although it was tempting, sort of. I prayed that the rest of my journey would be safe, as by this time I was really tired and couldn’t think of much else to pray about.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: white;">Before returning to my terminal to fly to Vietnam I felt very grateful. I’m grateful that I found sacred spaces in all the airports to refresh my spirit and recompose my energy. Also, witnessing many people sincerely using the interfaith chapels regenerates my faith in the human spirit. I guess I also got my work out after all; as if walking through all the airports was not enough.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: white;">*This post has been reblogged from <a href="http://nhfaithfusion.com/2013/09/sacred-spaces/#">Faith Fusion</a> </span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06604277708605401301noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2923804703736674215.post-86240132107912980152013-09-22T05:30:00.000-07:002013-09-22T08:21:03.193-07:00Jasmine's journey to Vietnam <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;"></span><br />
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I am so excited to be writing from the other side of the world! If I had a globe I could put my finger on my home town (Manchester, NH!) and a finger on Vietnam, and be able to split the globe in half by the line formed by my fingers. In other words, I’m pretty far away from home.</div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Home is a small city in NH, where my family has lived the last 18 years. We didn’t always live there though: I was born in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida and have moved seven times throughout my life not including college. Thats 3 houses, 2 condos, and 3 apartments. My family consists of my two parents, me, an older brother, and a younger brother. Currently we have two cats, a guinea pig and a rabbit. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I’ll be spending from September to December in Vietnam. I’m starting my journey in Ho Chi Mihn City, where I will spend the next three weeks. After that, I’ll be traveling to northern Vietnam and spending 10 weeks in Hanoi. I’ll also be taking some excursions into surrounding areas, and spending a week in the central district.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 20px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I am a Gilman International Scholarship recipient which means I have been awarded monetary support in order to reach my potential as a world traveller! The Gilman program helps many college students like me all study or intern all over the world. I am so grateful to this program because I would not have been able to come to Vietnam without it. In addition to going to Vietnam, I’ve also had other opportunities to travel! I am a dual citizen with the United States and Australia, so my family and I visited Australia when I was 14. I went to London in Great Britain for three weeks to study theater with fourteen other students from my school. Three years ago I went to Cape Town, South Africa to volunteer as an HIV/AIDS educator. Most recently, I went to Mexico on vacation with my fiancé and his family. I really love traveling and hope to have more opportunities to do so throughout my life! </span></span></div>
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- See more at: http://www.reachtheworld.org/jasmines-journey-vietnam/journal/meet-jasmine?page=2#sthash.OpDW0QSm.dpuf</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;"><br /></span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06604277708605401301noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2923804703736674215.post-32506285357487658902012-06-26T07:51:00.002-07:002012-06-26T07:53:04.721-07:00Getting Crafty!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I've recently gone on a jewelry making binge! Here are some of my creations:</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiylSR-vYNxffFFpJTdoeSzMqPFk82oJ6bXF9hFg1XlwuZFH0_vj0Z4Dzw34o8nC-r0oFPm693Pr3UZWrJoq7OG_c_jDVuJespH8_M3BLqtJAJWVf2YF8aFTYSN3tPPGck45b3E7i2ujbmE/s1600/DSCF1003.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiylSR-vYNxffFFpJTdoeSzMqPFk82oJ6bXF9hFg1XlwuZFH0_vj0Z4Dzw34o8nC-r0oFPm693Pr3UZWrJoq7OG_c_jDVuJespH8_M3BLqtJAJWVf2YF8aFTYSN3tPPGck45b3E7i2ujbmE/s320/DSCF1003.JPG" width="255" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-7wYG4-uMttYJDv7j_H-0KfSiTkLopRAiLIhuJuvDBwAW1tc_2orzUDrE2-w-vKC9cBaY-fxJ4yQaqPHxmzp1Td6YOGi7nswqxlURxc8RBXWDpsFa6SAlyd8CF4F3ePEl-2tn_AYKFu3S/s1600/DSCF1015.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-7wYG4-uMttYJDv7j_H-0KfSiTkLopRAiLIhuJuvDBwAW1tc_2orzUDrE2-w-vKC9cBaY-fxJ4yQaqPHxmzp1Td6YOGi7nswqxlURxc8RBXWDpsFa6SAlyd8CF4F3ePEl-2tn_AYKFu3S/s320/DSCF1015.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/craftingsbyjasmine?ref=seller_info">See more here!</a></div>
<span id="goog_1838941910"></span><span id="goog_1838941911"></span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06604277708605401301noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2923804703736674215.post-91035390269196406572012-06-13T12:02:00.000-07:002012-06-13T12:02:17.999-07:00Blissfully Not BusyI'm the kind of person who loves being on the go, thus I pack my school schedule with everything I possibly can. With a full course load, extra dance classes, and as many clubs and extracurriculars I can fit in, somehow I manage to get everything done, and digest anything life throws at me with a smile. Yet, when I got home one week ago I faced a new predicament: I had nothing to do. Slowly but surely I filled my schedule with organizing my room, seeing friends, movies with Mom, and sharing books with my brothers. I admit, I forgot how enjoyable relaxing can be!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">my summer reading list </td></tr>
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However since I can't stand sitting still, I prefer having a to do list of relaxing activities.<br />
Here is part of my to do list for the next few weeks:<br />
--Read all those books I'm to tired to read during the school year<br />
--Organize the attic!<br />
--Do something great for Father's day<br />
--Reunite with my high school friends<br />
--Bake something delicious for my family<br />
--Cook myself yummy vegetarian foods<br />
--Fix the sewing machine<br />
--Sew something<br />
--Work on my screenplay<br />
--Find more pieces to complete my tea set<br />
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thats all for now, but I'm sure I'll find more things to fill my current blissfully not busy schedule!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06604277708605401301noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2923804703736674215.post-41784336157932683732012-06-09T15:19:00.000-07:002012-06-09T15:19:01.626-07:00New Etsy ListingI listed a new <a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/101765022/hope-tee">item</a> on etsy this morning!<br />
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Check it out <a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/101765022/hope-tee">here</a>!<br />
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<span id="goog_100190924"></span><span id="goog_100190925"></span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06604277708605401301noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2923804703736674215.post-82951459383471502282012-06-04T19:30:00.003-07:002012-06-04T19:30:08.821-07:00Horrors we hide<a href="http://www.salon.com/2012/04/27/horrors_we_hide/singleton/">Horrors we hide</a><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 16px; line-height: 20px;">"Would Americans eat less meat, and would animals be treated more humanely, if slaughterhouses were made with glass walls and we all could see the monstrous killing apparatus at work?"</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 16px; line-height: 20px;">Would we buy goods made from slavery if we knew the individuals who made them?</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 16px; line-height: 20px;"><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 16px; line-height: 20px;">Would we look a child in the eye and say, your pain is worth my cheap $12 dress from Forever21?</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 16px; line-height: 20px;"><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 16px; line-height: 20px;">We don't even have to close our eyes or turn our backs, society does that for us by hiding atrocities with glamourous products, and delicious foods. </span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06604277708605401301noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2923804703736674215.post-7898496040945035622012-05-29T22:11:00.000-07:002012-05-29T22:11:55.905-07:00Dance<br />
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"Dance is bigger than the physical body. Think bigger than that. When you extend your arm, it doesn't stop at the end of your fingers, because you're dancing bigger than that: you're dancing spirit." -Judith Jamison<br />
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<br /></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06604277708605401301noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2923804703736674215.post-64596226634430598222012-05-24T09:14:00.003-07:002012-05-24T09:14:56.466-07:00Eggs, Birth, and Life<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I recently happened upon on a nest of robin's eggs, and am now determined to watch these little birdies hatch. I've been visiting the nest every day, and am hoping they'll be ready to experience life outside the shell sometime next week. </div>
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How cool will it be to witness new life be brought into this world? </div>
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This is something I've yet to experience, but I realized that an even more profound experience, must be bringing that new life into the world oneself. I'm not a mother yet, I have no idea what it will be like to give birth, but the concept of the way humans (and animals) create new life fascinates me. Isn't it amazing what our bodies can do? Isn't it awesome that we don't have to think about it? Our bodies take care of everything themselves. Or as I believe, God takes care of everything. </div>
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Life is such a miracle. I was sharing my thoughts on birth, bird eggs, and babies with some friends in the dining hall, when one of the women who works in the dining hall turned around and shared a remarkable story with me. When she was 17, she was told that she would never have children. She accepted that this is the way it would be, and eventually married a man with two children from a previous marriage. When she was 27 she felt sick often, but didn't think much of it, until one day it was particularly bad and she decided to go to the doctor. He told her she was 6 months pregnant! She barely gained any weight, but the baby was born perfectly healthy three months later! Almost exactly a year earlier, her father had passed away, so she says the birth of her son was God's way of giving her new life in exchange for the life he had taken away. </div>
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Life is precious, birth is beautiful. Its such a wonderful gift that we have the capacity to share in the creation of life. I know I'm probably romanticizing it a bit. I can't quite fathom the pain that is also associated with birth. Yet, I think the pain is a gift too. The deepest part of love is the willingness to suffer, to sacrifice, and still love unconditionally. God planned that part out too. </div>
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As much as I look forward to a future involving my own motherhood, for now I'm completely satisfied waiting for Mama Robin's baby birds to hatch. </div>
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06604277708605401301noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2923804703736674215.post-32091779403889226372012-05-16T13:20:00.000-07:002012-05-16T13:20:56.517-07:00<br />
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Do not what is evil. Do what is good. Keep your mind pure. This is the teaching. -Buddha</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPft0pd2PvKlKa_8uHAG8ySvAp1R20G5pzzwxcFKjh-5U3cSQWq_P9S7y2oIojS5qcYWrhiQAiOQzhb2ztiYyMd5JJpEEQaVF0yiBYiD2f9zvuwF-NVxVajwB7PV2XpBnq2EWv1Fi6TKpS/s1600/DSCF7400.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPft0pd2PvKlKa_8uHAG8ySvAp1R20G5pzzwxcFKjh-5U3cSQWq_P9S7y2oIojS5qcYWrhiQAiOQzhb2ztiYyMd5JJpEEQaVF0yiBYiD2f9zvuwF-NVxVajwB7PV2XpBnq2EWv1Fi6TKpS/s320/DSCF7400.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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<br /></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06604277708605401301noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2923804703736674215.post-3944685175555117592012-05-13T08:53:00.002-07:002012-05-13T08:54:57.649-07:00Happy Mother's Day<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiYjPCrR-zsuLClY-rTplu9_K10IZWyFTrl-ZKIP5q6VOoduHKu0feYq0oNQEquua7C9rjKkR8_NWXzGKtOwnJ4I_E1tS5Iji-w3KqUg0q9V8C3llc6DNcz8HbhyGTNKPTKA5TgU4xZ0gW/s1600/DSC_0534.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiYjPCrR-zsuLClY-rTplu9_K10IZWyFTrl-ZKIP5q6VOoduHKu0feYq0oNQEquua7C9rjKkR8_NWXzGKtOwnJ4I_E1tS5Iji-w3KqUg0q9V8C3llc6DNcz8HbhyGTNKPTKA5TgU4xZ0gW/s320/DSC_0534.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Family is the school of love. Its where we learn what it means to love unconditionally, sacrificially, and happily. I want to take the time to thank my mother for all the ways she's loved me, my siblings, my dad, and her own parents. Throughout my life, my Mom has constantly brushed her own needs aside for the sake of loving others. My mom is one of the most creative, talented and artistic people I know, but she gave up many of her own dreams in order to be a mother. Not a day goes by when I don't think of all the ways she sacrifices for our family. I guess thats what being a Mom is all about: putting others before yourself, loving your family enough to make them your number one priority. I'm not a mother, but I hopefully will be one day. I don't think I'll ever fully be able to understand the heart of a mother, until I am one myself. But I do know and understand that it takes a lot of love to do what my mother has done throughout my life. It takes a lot of patience, faith, prayer, hope, ingenuity, and positivity, to be the kind of mother that I have. For all this, I am so unbelievably grateful.<br />
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I love you Mom!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06604277708605401301noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2923804703736674215.post-64737837977645458452012-05-08T21:42:00.001-07:002012-05-08T21:42:32.714-07:00Spring is finally here!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTulOpFrDMVhAhvuPPtIaXWW_TabgqWPeVhyOa4O1Ozk3yXhbdYihq6nu6c8l0ZfyBVrlPWwkTPMdr6OszBjAhDQif1xFM7FDsdFuSZyiGAfzs0uEt2g3jEc09r-l0onup-lrCRtGbEbg5/s1600/DSCF9025.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTulOpFrDMVhAhvuPPtIaXWW_TabgqWPeVhyOa4O1Ozk3yXhbdYihq6nu6c8l0ZfyBVrlPWwkTPMdr6OszBjAhDQif1xFM7FDsdFuSZyiGAfzs0uEt2g3jEc09r-l0onup-lrCRtGbEbg5/s400/DSCF9025.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06604277708605401301noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2923804703736674215.post-21120219234961329932012-05-02T20:15:00.003-07:002012-05-02T20:15:37.765-07:00Musings on Mutli-faithA few day ago my college hosted <a href="http://www.ifyc.org/about-us/eboo-patel">Eboo Patel</a> as a speaker on religious pluralism. I was lucky enough to be invited to a special reception for Mr. Patel at the house of our college president, and a dinner and discussion after the talk. After spending about five hours of my day around Eboo, I am extremely grateful for many of the ideas he shared.<br />
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Between quoting Ghandi, Martin Luther King, Rumi and many others, he spoke of his own personal experiences growing up Muslim, and engaging in interfaith work. What stands out to me most is a story of how after failing to stand up for a Jewish high school friend who was facing antisemitic bullies, his father told him he had not only failed his friend, but also his own faith. What a powerful notion: when we fail to love and protect those of other faiths, we fail our own faith. Inherent in all religions is a sense of love, and compassion towards others.<br />
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Love doesn't have to be agreement, but it does have to be acceptance. A common misconception with interfaith work is that we have to establish that all our religions are true. I think we can have mutual respect for each other's believes while still holding our own faiths dear. I do believe there is one universal truth, but small pieces of that truth can be found in different cultures, traditions and faiths around the world. My life has sincerely been enriched by the multi-faith dialogues and experiences I have had. My own faith has been strengthened by learning about others, and I do right by my faith by loving those who have different views. <br />
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Above all, Eboo Patel called our campus to action. He called us to put aside our differences to make the world a better place. In a world facing a lot of religious turmoil, persecution and prejudice we need to use our common ground to build a more peaceful world.<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #181818; font-family: georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;">“To see the other side, to defend another people, not despite your tradition but because of it, is the heart of pluralism.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #181818; font-family: georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;">”</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #181818; font-family: georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;"> ~ Eboo Patel </span><br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06604277708605401301noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2923804703736674215.post-35635859712148870272012-04-29T20:53:00.000-07:002012-04-29T21:24:09.818-07:00Wise Words"The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others." <br />
- Mahatma Gandhi<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuxhoOrZkv6VzVzOjT_J2dnGLi1BGmaVMb925vgsVM3Og_n9nPcroD0fYId8YZ24ti7TvIixV8Y4MdjdxrnHqPg9YuibosoRVii-toQVlpPnfZsWp8KYGnU9SIFXbwGQ5SAbqynzabI-Bw/s1600/DSCF7018_2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuxhoOrZkv6VzVzOjT_J2dnGLi1BGmaVMb925vgsVM3Og_n9nPcroD0fYId8YZ24ti7TvIixV8Y4MdjdxrnHqPg9YuibosoRVii-toQVlpPnfZsWp8KYGnU9SIFXbwGQ5SAbqynzabI-Bw/s320/DSCF7018_2.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06604277708605401301noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2923804703736674215.post-25112528444528877372012-04-27T09:21:00.002-07:002012-04-27T09:21:32.753-07:00Relay For Life<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Last weekend I participated in Relay for Life at my college. My housemates and I had a booth where we did purple manicures and face paint as people walked along the track. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAQPrzYgzFk95SWmAGjaCbMbEP1Y1JVhfEPEdf1wY6jb77E34SkBZC7yjYfmqs8VmIKiXPXSUIG6zXW9JanEYHiUn86Ft7soGdIwUlMeZ1lZje7NC3EeLjxR0aPCTAwsoxUT2c0sbUF5UH/s1600/DSCF9010.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAQPrzYgzFk95SWmAGjaCbMbEP1Y1JVhfEPEdf1wY6jb77E34SkBZC7yjYfmqs8VmIKiXPXSUIG6zXW9JanEYHiUn86Ft7soGdIwUlMeZ1lZje7NC3EeLjxR0aPCTAwsoxUT2c0sbUF5UH/s320/DSCF9010.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNUte1KHhgyILc0XAqCqGqq6uJrPqjtVy90_o64ovbh46O3-N8VKL_eo7eKi7tiZ71mbsdxxAbkmZLAmb3mKPCLqOiLM7kqitWWOlAhgUfaUGHTlafmAp2BuYhbUd1ShMdB_rJbbVeZpsO/s1600/DSCF9013.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNUte1KHhgyILc0XAqCqGqq6uJrPqjtVy90_o64ovbh46O3-N8VKL_eo7eKi7tiZ71mbsdxxAbkmZLAmb3mKPCLqOiLM7kqitWWOlAhgUfaUGHTlafmAp2BuYhbUd1ShMdB_rJbbVeZpsO/s320/DSCF9013.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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It was a simple gesture to show our support for cancer victim and survivors. It often seems that efforts like this aren't enough to make a difference. Yet, seeing all the different people from our campus community come together to love others, gives hope to those in need. </div>
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06604277708605401301noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2923804703736674215.post-62812829347137558212012-04-25T20:11:00.000-07:002012-04-25T20:13:29.053-07:00Someone is looking out for meAs a college student, I tend to get caught up in the details of my life. Homework assignments, papers to write, social engagements, club meetings, classes, scholarships, applications, more classes, rehearsals, going to the gym and finding time to eat meals, all consume so much of my time. This can feel awfully overwhelming, but on a morning when I felt particularly stressed, the universe left this message in my inbox:<br />
<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">The real reason your brain is so large, Jasmine, compared to most of the other blessed creatures dwelling in time and space, is so that you can vividly imagine all the exquisite, exciting, and enthralling details of your heart's desires; not so that you can figure out who you need to meet, when you need to meet them, where you need to be, or how you're going to pull it all together. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Your brain's not nearly that big. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">But mine is, </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> The Universe</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">p.s. Actually, that's just one of the reasons, Jasmine. Some of the other reasons are so that you can take notice of the miracles in your life, feel the joy when you visualize, and, of course, so that you can laugh at yourself whenever you temporarily forget these things. Ha ha.</span><br />
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Its nice to know the <a href="http://www.tut.com/theclub/">Universe</a> is looking out for me.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06604277708605401301noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2923804703736674215.post-69133257391949616142012-04-19T19:32:00.001-07:002012-04-19T19:34:50.646-07:00Special Promotion!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjD9rGpBhgq6wXFjvL87BKGUHY6W8x79RUBwjiFDsYa3whQdugk2yKbUsVAjYwTaGFr26Y9b_T4MbeeJmN7FoOubp7xNKQPlI1XnBRrQrZUYC2RAUTurUVLujUSghY5q5xZl2ksnp_Pnnm6/s1600/DSC_0603.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjD9rGpBhgq6wXFjvL87BKGUHY6W8x79RUBwjiFDsYa3whQdugk2yKbUsVAjYwTaGFr26Y9b_T4MbeeJmN7FoOubp7xNKQPlI1XnBRrQrZUYC2RAUTurUVLujUSghY5q5xZl2ksnp_Pnnm6/s320/DSC_0603.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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I'm having a special sale, only for those who read this blog.<br />
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Visit my <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/craftingsbyjasmine?ref=ss_profile">etsy</a> site and use this coupon code: <span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;"><a data-code="JAZZYSONGBIRD55667" data-discount="30" data-id="704895" data-seller_active="true" href="https://www.etsy.com/your/shops/craftingsbyjasmine/coupons#JAZZYSONGBIRD55667" rel="#coupon-overlay" style="color: #0192b5; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-decoration: none;">JAZZYSONGBIRD55667</a></span></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06604277708605401301noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2923804703736674215.post-51153473503930014462012-04-16T21:07:00.003-07:002012-04-16T21:07:39.121-07:00A Poem By Maya Angelou<br />
This poem was inspiration for the title of the screenplay I am writing in my screenwriting class so I thought I would post the whole thing.<br />
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<b>I Know Why The Caged Bird Sings</b><br />
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The free bird leaps<br />
on the back of the wind<br />
and floats downstream<br />
till the current ends<br />
and dips his wings<br />
in the orange sun rays<br />
and dares to claim the sky.<br />
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But a bird that stalks<br />
down his narrow cage<br />
can seldom see through<br />
his bars of rage<br />
his wings are clipped and<br />
his feet are tied<br />
so he opens his throat to sing.<br />
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The caged bird sings<br />
with fearful trill<br />
of the things unknown<br />
but longed for still<br />
and is tune is heard<br />
on the distant hillfor the caged bird<br />
sings of freedom<br />
<br />
The free bird thinks of another breeze<br />
an the trade winds soft through the sighing trees<br />
and the fat worms waiting on a dawn-bright lawn<br />
and he names the sky his own.<br />
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But a caged bird stands on the grave of dreams<br />
his shadow shouts on a nightmare scream<br />
his wings are clipped and his feet are tied<br />
so he opens his throat to sing<br />
<br />
The caged bird sings<br />
with a fearful trill<br />
of things unknown<br />
but longed for still<br />
and his tune is heard<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLPboHmBIRzdPMDTgJipQv_wGyWpFlTcO0UoUgjdqZ27LJA9tDDpNSafwMiJm41uWb130U7gxeutezFjPhcKPLZSw0MV0AJq0rS6PN-Yj9cbvrSQkDpxKqKcNloPaWn4d8MNWgYKZZ0HC8/s1600/108_3631.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLPboHmBIRzdPMDTgJipQv_wGyWpFlTcO0UoUgjdqZ27LJA9tDDpNSafwMiJm41uWb130U7gxeutezFjPhcKPLZSw0MV0AJq0rS6PN-Yj9cbvrSQkDpxKqKcNloPaWn4d8MNWgYKZZ0HC8/s200/108_3631.JPG" width="150" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Can you see the bird? </td></tr>
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on the distant hill<br />
for the caged bird<br />
sings of freedom.<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06604277708605401301noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2923804703736674215.post-81386808764815027162012-04-14T10:25:00.002-07:002012-04-14T10:25:25.780-07:00PassionI've always thought it was important to have passion. Whether thats passion for a cause, passion for people or passion for an activity. People who are passionate about something are engaging, interesting, and energizing, because they've found something bigger than themselves to love.<br />
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To me, I'm passionate about my faith, my artistic and theatrical endeavors, and making the world a better place. But what exactly does it mean to be passionate about something? Is it simply to love something to an exuberant amount?<br />
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As Easter was a week ago, I've been reflecting on the way christianity portrays the crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus. The crucifixion is usually called the Passion of Christ. Why passion? This word is clearly being used in context that I don't usually associate with passion. So I looked up the etymological roots of the word.<br />
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Passion comes from the latin word passus which is the past participle of the word pat, which means to suffer. The Passion of Christ refers to Jesus's suffering. Yet, Jesus suffered out of love for the broken world. With this new definition passion becomes a mix of love and suffering. To be passionate about something must mean you love it enough to suffer for it.<br />
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So what are you willing to suffer for? What are your passions?Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06604277708605401301noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2923804703736674215.post-69810849617292340652012-04-08T21:55:00.001-07:002012-04-08T21:55:04.813-07:00Happy Easter!<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">Easter is the demonstration of God that life is essentially spiritual and timeless. ~Charles M. Crowe</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiebH5wJGklqxqDKB1Gwzx_fx1Gtn9VCxyix51t-gQo5PKtcQOWztA_G2Gof1T5Ezf6wQwThP0rSKx8xHU4rX_7_tah3Vkp6apIFIvW1TcIzBhOS92gMeX9ls6l4jvIFdmPujXYYDNXabJU/s1600/DSCF7336.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiebH5wJGklqxqDKB1Gwzx_fx1Gtn9VCxyix51t-gQo5PKtcQOWztA_G2Gof1T5Ezf6wQwThP0rSKx8xHU4rX_7_tah3Vkp6apIFIvW1TcIzBhOS92gMeX9ls6l4jvIFdmPujXYYDNXabJU/s320/DSCF7336.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06604277708605401301noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2923804703736674215.post-63772789631667688192012-03-31T09:04:00.000-07:002012-03-31T09:04:01.050-07:00Half the Sky<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/MRfDzznfEOU?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
<br />
This is a trailer for a documentary series that deals with woman's rights around the world. Social justice issues of human trafficking, education, and health related issues are effecting women of all ages. Its certainly not enough to just have these few celebrities make a film, but its inspiring that hollywood is actually paying attention to these issues. Its inspiring that some of these women will have the opportunity for their stories be told. Through awareness we can bring understanding, and through understanding we can change the world.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06604277708605401301noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2923804703736674215.post-24787314383652084972012-03-29T21:31:00.000-07:002012-03-29T21:31:53.126-07:00Einstein on Kindness, Our Shared Existence, and Life's Highest Ideals - The Atlantic<a href="http://www.theatlantic.com/entertainment/archive/2012/03/einstein-on-kindness-our-shared-existence-and-lifes-highest-ideals/254768/#.T26PbQ9pwm8.blogger">Einstein on Kindness, Our Shared Existence, and Life's Highest Ideals - The Atlantic</a>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06604277708605401301noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2923804703736674215.post-31654181348591209702012-03-25T09:00:00.000-07:002012-03-26T20:31:13.075-07:00How can we love the whole world?<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #181818; font-family: georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;">“Love all God's creation, the whole and every grain of sand of it. Love every leaf, every ray of God's light. Love the animals, love the plants, love everything. If you love everything, you will perceive the divine mystery in things. Once you perceive it, you will begin to comprehend it better every day. And you will come at last to love the whole world with an all-embracing love.”</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #181818; font-family: georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #181818; font-family: georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #181818; font-family: georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;">―</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #181818; font-family: georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #181818; font-family: georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;"><a href="http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/3137322.Fyodor_Dostoyevsky" style="color: #666600; text-decoration: none;">Fyodor Dostoyevsky</a></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #181818; font-family: georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;">,</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #181818; font-family: georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #181818; font-family: georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;"><i><a href="http://www.goodreads.com/work/quotes/3393910" style="color: #666600; text-decoration: none;">The Brothers Karamazov</a></i></span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06604277708605401301noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2923804703736674215.post-12048188240362127982012-03-24T13:27:00.002-07:002012-03-24T13:27:37.871-07:00Mother Dearest<h3>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; line-height: 14px;">"To live a happy life, you have to start by apprieciating and being grateful for it" ~Cheryl Roth </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; line-height: 14px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; line-height: 14px;">"There is no failure, only feedback and learning" ~Cheryl Roth </span></span></h3>
These are quotes from my mom, whose wisdom is always a guidepost in my life.<br />
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My Mom's birthday was on wednesday, and I've spent every day this week trying to write a post to honor her for her birthday. Its so difficult to sum up in one quick post how much my mother means to me. Whether or not she was my mom, I would find this woman to be extremely inspiring! I admire the way she deeply looks at the world and her heart of compassion towards others. I am grateful for the way she's loved me unconditionally, sacrificed for our family, and lived a life of service to God. I love the way she listens when I cry, laughs at my jokes, and shares in my joys.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQw1ospe0dl1TDC_HqI7lgzXCwbiSUzIyB99WMRmRV1MPPSgtlZ6VPVjnXSBdX0S6I_aJUH2LXgEAJtYf2C7L1BtP8X3mjYPzLqcwAFmycizHhGXDWhcWwi7CJ0-ZIxHe0m5a7_XLaGCFP/s320/CIMG0897.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="320" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Having Tea with Mom </i></td></tr>
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A mother's love is truly incredible. I hope one day to be a mother myself, but for now I strive to be the best daughter I can be for this truly remarkable Mom.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06604277708605401301noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2923804703736674215.post-52867419442058711992012-03-19T08:01:00.005-07:002012-03-19T08:01:56.040-07:00Spring BreakI writing this post as a lounge on a blanket of hot sand in the Caribbean...<br />
<br />
Ok just kidding...<br />
<br />
I'm really spending my spring break backpacking through Europe....<br />
<br />
Ok just kidding again.<br />
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I'm actually sitting in my room at my house (which I haven't been back to since Christmas). Maybe this is slightly less exciting than warm beaches and trips to Europe, but honestly its really great to just be home.<br />
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This is actually something I rarely do. I love adventures and exploring new places. I love traveling and being independent. But sometimes I just need the peace and quiet of my own backyard. The simplicity of cuddling on the couch with Mom, or the tranquility of sleeping in my own bed.<br />
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Although, lets be honest, that could get boring pretty quickly... UNLESS I keep myself busy.<br />
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So here is my spring break to do list:<br />
--Give my mom a fantastic birthday<br />
--Fix my sewing machine<br />
--Star gaze at least once<br />
--Buy a tea cup that matches my tea pot<br />
--Spice up my spring wardrobe<br />
--Read a book! preferably in the sunshine :)<br />
--Spend time with friends<br />
--Play a board game with my brothers<br />
--Apply to scholarships for school<br />
<br />
That should probably give me enough to do, but I'm sure I'll find more and more ways of entertaining myself.<br />
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It can be just as easy to enjoy life whether at home or on some fancy vacation. We create our own fun, our own adventures. Theres always something to do no matter where you are.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06604277708605401301noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2923804703736674215.post-8048615133689092602012-03-15T14:03:00.001-07:002012-03-15T14:52:16.651-07:00Fair Trade FashionTwo things I love a lot: fashion and fighting injustice.<br />
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These two loves combined drive me to do a whole lot of fair trade shopping. Human trafficking happens all over the world and many of the items we take for granted were made by the hands of slavery.<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Did you know...</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><b>An estimated 2.5 million people are in forced labour at any given time</b></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><b>as a result of trafficking<span class="Apple-style-span"> </span></b></span></div>
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<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span">(</span><span class="Apple-style-span">International Labour Organization, Forced Labour Statistics Factsheet (2007)) </span></span></i><br />
<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /></span></span></i><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><b>32 Billion dollars are made annually because of Human trafficking according to the UN</b></span></span><br />
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<a href="http://www.ecomii.com/blogs/business/files/2009/04/fair-trade-fashion.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://www.ecomii.com/blogs/business/files/2009/04/fair-trade-fashion.jpg" /></a></div>
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So here is Jasmine's guide to Fair-Trade Fashion </div>
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<b> Be a conscious consumer!</b><br />
Know the facts! There are any online resources about not buying certain products from certain countries because of the child or forces labor that is involved in making the product.<br />
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The organization Not for Sale, has a great site that has rated hundreds or companies on an A-F scale based on their policies on and use of forced labor. <span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="http://www.free2work.org/">Company Ratings </a></span><br />
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<b>Find the fair and trendy market</b><br />
There are tons of stores and organizations dedicated to fashion and engaging in fair trade. It sometimes takes a little digging to find them but they definitely exist!<br />
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Heres a list of places that I've found: </div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">Fair trade and trendy:</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><a href="http://www.uniquebatik.us/">Unique Batik</a> - Not only do they sell gorgeous clothes, jewelry, hand bags, and other accessories, but they also sell beautiful fabric for those of us who love to sew! </span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><a href="http://worldofgood.ebay.com/Eco-Organic-Clothes-Shoes-Men-Women-Children/43/list?clk_rvr_id=323123609234&keyword=fair+trade+clothing&crlp=3630575920_449631&MT_ID=514&tt_encode=raw">World of Good</a>- as a branch of ebay, this site supports the philosophy that our shopping shapes the world and offers a wide assortment of fair trade and eco friendly products</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><a href="http://www.sevyafairtrade.com/">Sevya</a> as a member of the Fair Trade Federation, Sevya Fair Tade gets all of their products from artisan community in India. </span><br />
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><a href="http://www.indigenousdesigns.com/?gclid=CMSWsei84q4CFcRM4AodW0iRVw">Indigenous Designs</a>- free shipping everyday and all organic materials!</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><a href="http://www.peopletree.co.uk/">People Tree</a>- since the 90s People Tree has been working to ensure the availability of beautifully crafted fair trade garments, and support the artisans who create such products. </span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><a href="http://www.fairindigo.com/">Fair Indigo</a>- A great selection of classic looking outfit pieces, and a great collection of alpaca winter wear. </span></div>
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<a href="https://www.revivestore.com/images/revivestore1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="206" src="https://www.revivestore.com/images/revivestore1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<i>The Revive Store </i></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><a href="https://www.revivestore.com/shop/index.php?c=web1.33">Revive</a>- an independent boutique located in Ohio (but shopping can be done online) Revive features clothes for men, women, children, and tons of home decor products! </span><br />
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A lot of these places are fairly expensive, and that is to be expected since fairness costs more than slavery. So do we have to be rich to change the world? of course not! There are plenty of ways to shop conscientiously and still not break your bank.<br />
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<ul>
<li>Try local thrift stores, consignment shops etc. Even if the original source was not 100% fair, its better to reuse that buy something new from a source that supports modern day slavery. </li>
<li>Shop <a href="http://www.etsy.com/">etsy </a>for hand made items, and material. </li>
<li>Look around your town for local fair trade boutiques, the locally owned places are sometimes cheaper than the larger companies. </li>
<li>Participate in a clothing swap with friends </li>
</ul>
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<br /></div>
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<b>Be Proactive</b></div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiL-ZHmewtHNDQVZLhFCR2YrDnAZi8t6A66Vk6PigEW9FgP2mTWl-TPBtJDkoezR2JKEiOV8ewOjtqfdtocm2QlFC07SVa1QdguVsjqGzfpaNj9GS5NFebWVwxgC-W6jXzkXh-U4pCuCUU/s1600/taraproducers.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiL-ZHmewtHNDQVZLhFCR2YrDnAZi8t6A66Vk6PigEW9FgP2mTWl-TPBtJDkoezR2JKEiOV8ewOjtqfdtocm2QlFC07SVa1QdguVsjqGzfpaNj9GS5NFebWVwxgC-W6jXzkXh-U4pCuCUU/s200/taraproducers.jpg" width="142" /></a></div>
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There are several organizations out there that not only sell fair trade products, but also use the proceeds to benefit others or fight human trafficking. </div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><a href="http://www.feedprojects.com/shopping_product_list.asp?catID=3675">FEED</a>- it says it all in the name, every purchase helps feed the world! </span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><a href="http://www.notforsalestore.org/store/womens-accessories/">Not for Sale Store</a>- The mission of Not for Sale is to end human trafficking. Buying hand made jewelry and accessories from their online store supports the organization and artisans who craft them. </span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><a href="http://www.krochetkids.org/">Krochet Kids</a>- There motto is "Buy a hat. Change a life" each hat helps support a family in Uganda or Peru. </span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><a href="http://www.warbyparker.com/do-good/#home">Warby Parker</a>- a glasses company that gives a pair to someone in need each time someone buys a pair for themself. </span></div>
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There are many ways to combat the issue of human trafficking. Making informed decisions when shopping is a small way of letting our actions align with our beliefs. Every purchase counts to making a better world because every human life counts.<br />
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<br /></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06604277708605401301noreply@blogger.com1