Something

Two weeks ago, Justin and I went to the premiere screening at a nearby church of a film titled The Stones Cry Out; The Story of Palestinian Christians.  Filmmaker Yasmine Perni also spoke about her experience creating her first documentary.  During the Q&A a woman expressed gratitude for the illuminating story and asked, in an almost desperate tone, "This is so important to know.  What do we do now, Yasmine?"  Yasmine's way throughout this portion of the evening was honest, humble, and endearing.  She must have reiterated with each question that she is not a filmmaker, has never produced anything, and has very little idea what to do next.  She simply suggested that this woman tell people, share the story, and to keep learning.  In fact, Yasmine suggested this in each response...  and explained that somewhere along her life path, she started hearing a new perspective on an old story.  It compelled her to learn more and, ultimately, share the stories.  To say something.

A few weeks ago, my father-in-law Scott drove me to Logan Airport to catch my departing flight back to Cairo.  We got to talking about all kinds of things, including the bombing at the Boston Marathon.  Scott, Claire, and Aiden were all within a block or three blocks of the finish line when the bomb detonated.  We spoke of the country's reaction (which continues to unfold) and both expressed great hope that it not be one that perpetuates the cycle of violence, hatred, and fear.  Scott had responded to questions from different news sources that week, feeling it's very important to say something...  and to participate in promoting peaceful solutions, at the very least, through the sharing of words and experience.

Just this past week, I've come across articles on Facebook about the protests going on outside the Graham, Putnam, and Mahoney Funeral Home in Worcester.  Owner Peter Stefan has assumed responsibility for the care of Tamerlan Tsarnaev's body and for working to find a cemetery that will welcome him.  Word spread quickly and protestors wasted no time in expressing opposition.  Many claim Mr. Stefan is supporting a terrorist act.  I'm not sure if or how the City of Worcester is involved in this dispute, but if they are I hope they do the right thing and support Mr. Stefan's efforts.  This article is worth reading, as is the Catholic Worker's press release (scroll down) announcing a vigil to be held tonight in support of the burial of Tamerlan Tsarnaev.

More often than not, my mind races with wonderings about roots.  What is the root of hatred?  Of violence, poverty, hunger, oppression, or fear?  I tend to hang back when controversial topics come up, assuming I don't have enough experience or knowledge about history, society, culture, or whatever else to really go to bat...  for a feeling.  Is a feeling enough to move forward with?  Just this morning, someone older and wiser reminded me that it absolutely is.  And my wisdom does run deep.  How quickly we second-guess ourselves and defer or keep silent.  That, in it's own way, perpetuates the very cycles I so often contemplate.

The internet, Facebook in particular, assaults me daily with articles and images of so much.  For some reason, I felt especially triggered by a recent headline about escalating airstrikes over Syria by Israeli warplanes.  Incredible.  I'm not sure what this rambling post is all about.  Like Yasmine, Scott, and millions of others have discovered over the years...  it's just important to say something.  Where it all leads, who knows?  Trust small acts and early steps.  Period.  And what I have to say is I'm certain that the root of violence is not more violence.  Makes me think of something I read about the film The Interrupters.  "This powerful documentary follows CeaseFire, a Chicago-based group - staffed by former gang members - that's dedicated to wiping out urban violence.  The organization treats violence like an infection and seeks to eradicate the root cause."

Fear not, loved ones!  Lighter posts and beautiful photos to come.  :)  Justin had the past five days off and we were up to all kinds of fun and exploration.  Looking forward to sharing those with you as well!  In the meantime, follow the links in this post.  You can watch the trailer for Yasmine's film and learn more about tonight's vigil in Worcester.

And since blogs are better with more visual stimulation, here are a few photos for the sake of photos (mostly taken during my visit to the states).  Consider each one of a million reasons to not get violent?  KEEP THESE THINGS ON THE MAP!

Donkeys!  You know, the Animal Kingdom...

Babies!  Family!  Walking them to preschool in the morning!

Rooftop gardens in Cairo and around the world!  Growing food for yourself and others.

Art!  Self-expression!  Here, zooming in on one of Aiden Schaeffer-Duffy's senior art show pieces.

More family!  And community!  My cousin Kyle Preston is in there somewhere.  

Moss?  Yeah, ancient stuff like moss.  Also healing!  This was taken alongside a stream in Jaffrey, NH near the John Harvey Grey Center for Reiki Healing where I've been studying Reiki.