Comments for The Ever-Evolving World through Her Eyes http://shadiafaynewood.wordpress.com Shadia Fayne's Thoughts Fri, 22 Aug 2008 00:43:26 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=MU hourly 1 Comment on A Much Needed Update by Shannon http://shadiafaynewood.wordpress.com/2008/05/22/a-much-needed-update/#comment-71 Shannon Sun, 15 Jun 2008 02:29:47 +0000 http://shadiafaynewood.wordpress.com/?p=43#comment-71 Shadia, beautiful girl i talked to your brother last night and he reminded me of you, just the sight and then the sound, and then most definitively when he said "Shadia's coming home in mid-july." i can't wait to see you and give you a long overdue hug and listen to everything. i have a friend i dance with who only wears purple clothes. her bags, shirts, dress, all violets and deep purples. and coincidentally she is always happy. i love you and wish this was longer. shannon. ps. my camera broke. Shadia, beautiful girl
i talked to your brother last night and he reminded me of you, just the sight and then the sound, and then most definitively when he said “Shadia’s coming home in mid-july.” i can’t wait to see you and give you a long overdue hug and listen to everything.
i have a friend i dance with who only wears purple clothes. her bags, shirts, dress, all violets and deep purples. and coincidentally she is always happy.
i love you and wish this was longer. shannon.
ps. my camera broke.

]]> Comment on A Much Needed Update by Emmeline Carpenter http://shadiafaynewood.wordpress.com/2008/05/22/a-much-needed-update/#comment-56 Emmeline Carpenter Sat, 24 May 2008 13:58:53 +0000 http://shadiafaynewood.wordpress.com/?p=43#comment-56 Dear Shadia, Your MOM was kind enough to give me your blog address when I expressed my concern for your saftey when the most recent unrest erupted in Lebanon. I know that you are doing alright because of this blog and your Mother's updates. You are living through some history that many of us can only begin to imagine. Sometimes these eye openers are what drives people toward change. You are a doer. You always have been. I remember when you and Hayley were very young going to our government's institutions and expressing your views for change. Even then you both were doers. That was the cultivation ground for who you have become and who you will be. It is a drive that many are not strong enough of spirit to handle. I have great faith that you will come home to us with great knowledge that change is the only way that things can come to the "middle ground"; that place of balance. You and Hayley were gifts to our families. We have been graced with your places in our lives and as you were gifts to us , we have given you as gifts to the world. We have not expected as much as you have given us, we only know that we will be amazed at what you will give the world a step at a time. I will close with a quote from someone I admire, Margaret Meade, to someone else I admire (you): " Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has". Live safley, come home safely. We Love you Shadia. Emmy Dear Shadia,
Your MOM was kind enough to give me your blog address when I expressed my concern for your saftey when the most recent unrest erupted in Lebanon. I know that you are doing alright because of this blog and your Mother’s updates.
You are living through some history that many of us can only begin to imagine. Sometimes these eye openers are what drives people toward change. You are a doer. You always have been. I remember when you and Hayley were very young going to our government’s institutions and expressing your views for change. Even then you both were doers. That was the cultivation ground for who you have become and who you will be. It is a drive that many are not strong enough of spirit to handle. I have great faith that you will come home to us with great knowledge that change is the only way that things can come to the “middle ground”; that place of balance.
You and Hayley were gifts to our families. We have been graced with your places in our lives and as you were gifts to us , we have given you as gifts to the world. We have not expected as much as you have given us, we only know that we will be amazed at what you will give the world a step at a time.
I will close with a quote from someone I admire, Margaret Meade, to someone else I admire (you):

” Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has”.

Live safley, come home safely. We Love you Shadia. Emmy

]]> Comment on A Much Needed Update by Alicia http://shadiafaynewood.wordpress.com/2008/05/22/a-much-needed-update/#comment-55 Alicia Fri, 23 May 2008 05:46:33 +0000 http://shadiafaynewood.wordpress.com/?p=43#comment-55 Dear Shadia, And I don't mean that as a "to shadia" but to actually call you dear, your words and your ability to capture what is going on around you is inspirational. I saw your note the other day, so I took a bit of time to read over all of your entries and see what life has been keeping you busy with. I think it's so wonderful that you feel such a heavy attachment to "your home" and that you are able to live and breathe with it. The sorrow filled days you have experienced having surely kept you from becoming apathetic which is the disease of American kids as we know it. I'm taking this class at my school right now, it's a humanities class, required because we're a liberal arts college, but I'm actually finding a sort of fascination with it. Right now we are reading John Locke and his theories of governing and such. One of the things he said is that the government should be appointed by the people, but if they are to fall into a "state of nature" where they become purely selfish and animalistic to protect their personal rights, instead of taking care of the rights of all the people like they were elected to do, than the people should have the right to revolt. And that makes me sad. Because through that lense, well we shouldn't settle for anything less than our needs met, for the US, or for Lebanon. But your right, what level of disturbance, of violence, is really necessary to try and provide what should be so naturally attainable to us. As human beings... Your entries are very humbling, and I am glad you have found a nice boy while your there. I hope he's wonderful to you. And I hope that you are remaining careful as you are precious cargo and a wonderful wonderful person. Take care Shadia Much love, Alicia Dear Shadia,

And I don’t mean that as a “to shadia” but to actually call you dear, your words and your ability to capture what is going on around you is inspirational. I saw your note the other day, so I took a bit of time to read over all of your entries and see what life has been keeping you busy with. I think it’s so wonderful that you feel such a heavy attachment to “your home” and that you are able to live and breathe with it. The sorrow filled days you have experienced having surely kept you from becoming apathetic which is the disease of American kids as we know it.

I’m taking this class at my school right now, it’s a humanities class, required because we’re a liberal arts college, but I’m actually finding a sort of fascination with it. Right now we are reading John Locke and his theories of governing and such. One of the things he said is that the government should be appointed by the people, but if they are to fall into a “state of nature” where they become purely selfish and animalistic to protect their personal rights, instead of taking care of the rights of all the people like they were elected to do, than the people should have the right to revolt. And that makes me sad. Because through that lense, well we shouldn’t settle for anything less than our needs met, for the US, or for Lebanon. But your right, what level of disturbance, of violence, is really necessary to try and provide what should be so naturally attainable to us. As human beings…

Your entries are very humbling, and I am glad you have found a nice boy while your there. I hope he’s wonderful to you. And I hope that you are remaining careful as you are precious cargo and a wonderful wonderful person.

Take care Shadia
Much love,
Alicia

]]> Comment on A Much Needed Update by Immi http://shadiafaynewood.wordpress.com/2008/05/22/a-much-needed-update/#comment-54 Immi Thu, 22 May 2008 19:44:42 +0000 http://shadiafaynewood.wordpress.com/?p=43#comment-54 As I read your account, I sit beside you by the ocean and under the trees and smell the flowers while the soldier carrying his burden floats by ~ sending you and lebanon my deepest prayers of love and light. one planet, one people, one love - immi PS your comment was unfinished xox As I read your account, I sit beside you by the ocean and under the trees and smell the flowers while the soldier carrying his burden floats by ~ sending you and lebanon my deepest prayers of love and light. one planet, one people, one love - immi

PS your comment was unfinished xox

]]> Comment on A Much Needed Update by Chris Wood http://shadiafaynewood.wordpress.com/2008/05/22/a-much-needed-update/#comment-53 Chris Wood Thu, 22 May 2008 17:12:01 +0000 http://shadiafaynewood.wordpress.com/?p=43#comment-53 Thank you for your insight into these trying times sweet girl... you are an inspiration to us all here at home. Do well in school, keep safe, and inshallah you will bring home the most beautiful flower in Lebanon... YOU. Love, Topher Thank you for your insight into these trying times sweet girl… you are an inspiration to us all here at home. Do well in school, keep safe, and inshallah you will bring home the most beautiful flower in Lebanon… YOU.

Love,

Topher

]]> Comment on You Are My Heart In This by Immi http://shadiafaynewood.wordpress.com/2008/05/10/you-are-my-heart-in-this/#comment-30 Immi Mon, 12 May 2008 01:04:56 +0000 http://shadiafaynewood.wordpress.com/?p=37#comment-30 Beloved Daughter - I visit your blog frequently as this is the place I get to see your face and hear of updates from your heart, my heart. I know that you are capable and trust you implicitly - and yet, I too hear the guns and sleep is restless. When the sun rises and with it my consciousness my immediate thought is where is Shadia - and I reach for the phone, sometimes - it rings an eternity, sometimes right after it proclaims it is busy - and then it might have a recording with sweet serene music with a sweet serene woman's voice speaking to me in my mother's language that I can only assume indicates that the lines are not working. This sweet serene voice is harder for me that the busy signal or the endless ringing. So my beauty, know that the distance is an illusion and I sit with you - we share a cup of tea, some laughs, some tears and I snuggle beside you (move over nadim). I will visit you here again. Ana Hebic Ecteed - Immi Beloved Daughter - I visit your blog frequently as this is the place I get to see your face and hear of updates from your heart, my heart. I know that you are capable and trust you implicitly - and yet, I too hear the guns and sleep is restless. When the sun rises and with it my consciousness my immediate thought is where is Shadia - and I reach for the phone, sometimes - it rings an eternity, sometimes right after it proclaims it is busy - and then it might have a recording with sweet serene music with a sweet serene woman’s voice speaking to me in my mother’s language that I can only assume indicates that the lines are not working. This sweet serene voice is harder for me that the busy signal or the endless ringing. So my beauty, know that the distance is an illusion and I sit with you - we share a cup of tea, some laughs, some tears and I snuggle beside you (move over nadim).

I will visit you here again.
Ana Hebic Ecteed - Immi

]]> Comment on You Are My Heart In This by Mason McMahon http://shadiafaynewood.wordpress.com/2008/05/10/you-are-my-heart-in-this/#comment-29 Mason McMahon Sun, 11 May 2008 22:41:29 +0000 http://shadiafaynewood.wordpress.com/?p=37#comment-29 Shadia, This is a voice of the past.... to say the least... I've come to consider you an estranged relative of sorts, the type that if they showed on your door step one night you would welcome them unbegrudgling, not asking them why there here or how long they will stay, instead letting them reveal as they desire. I have no idea with that you must face, day to day, night to night. What hardships that surround and confound those within Lebanon. Regretably even my heart turns dark at the thought of Israel even in casual mention by friends here... I cannot begin to understand how bitter the youth there are, even being familiar with hate - knowing the strength and heart born wickedness that word implies. The caustic grip of war... I cannot relate to you for I have not witnessed, have not smelt it's acrid and pestilent odors, haven't heard the echoes of excrutiating and life leeching resonance... otherwise how could I be so pseudo poetic daring mention it. I do however understand the pain concerning the loss of love... the holistic the deep and thrumming connection which binds entines even in ways we can't divine... or to even believe I am on the brink of losing all of it forever. I regard you as a creature of surreal grace, as well as friend perhaps even a sister of sorts with an acumen for wordplay, and an understanding that far out weighs mine... It's likely you shan't respond, I would ever be poignant even to underscore that fact with a recommendation not to... I will remain as I should remain for you, standing quietly in the rear for the moment when you request a thought or word to hear an action to bear... If there is anything I may do for you at an point say the word, with kindess, and the loyalty of friendship Mason Shadia,

This is a voice of the past…. to say the least…

I’ve come to consider you an estranged relative of sorts, the type that if they showed on your door step one night you would welcome them unbegrudgling, not asking them why there here or how long they will stay, instead letting them reveal as they desire.

I have no idea with that you must face, day to day, night to night. What hardships that surround and confound those within Lebanon. Regretably even my heart turns dark at the thought of Israel even in casual mention by friends here… I cannot begin to understand how bitter the youth there are, even being familiar with hate - knowing the strength and heart born wickedness that word implies.

The caustic grip of war… I cannot relate to you for I have not witnessed, have not smelt it’s acrid and pestilent odors, haven’t heard the echoes of excrutiating and life leeching resonance… otherwise how could I be so pseudo poetic daring mention it. I do however understand the pain concerning the loss of love… the holistic the deep and thrumming connection which binds entines even in ways we can’t divine… or to even believe I am on the brink of losing all of it forever.

I regard you as a creature of surreal grace, as well as friend perhaps even a sister of sorts with an acumen for wordplay, and an understanding that far out weighs mine…

It’s likely you shan’t respond, I would ever be poignant even to underscore that fact with a recommendation not to…

I will remain as I should remain for you, standing quietly in the rear for the moment when you request a thought or word to hear an action to bear…

If there is anything I may do for you at an point say the word,

with kindess, and the loyalty of friendship
Mason

]]> Comment on Lebanese Army Trying to Restore Calm by Judith Mokhiber http://shadiafaynewood.wordpress.com/2008/05/11/lebanese-army-trying-to-restore-calm/#comment-28 Judith Mokhiber Sun, 11 May 2008 14:25:51 +0000 http://shadiafaynewood.wordpress.com/?p=40#comment-28 Dear Shadia, Sorry I have not replied or read your posts until now. I was just about to dedicate a song to my daughters "baby of mine" written in early 1800's. I have been praying for you and our family in Lebanon. I hear you and those rose colored glasses should not be put away. Everyone has the right to exist, have the opportunity to achieve their dreams, and have equal rights. This is what will create peace and less wars. Getting there as you know is the hard part. All good things take time and lots and lots of effort. We all do our part to make it happen through experience, and sharing truth and knowledge. Keep up the good work and thank God you have your loan! We love you very much and stay safe. p.s. I dug my hands into the wonderful dark dirt yesterday for the first time this season. The same dirt Sitti Sofie and Sitti Barbara's hands have touched. Paul and I planted roses, flowers, and herbs. Later on this month we will be planting vegetables. Dear Shadia,

Sorry I have not replied or read your posts until now. I was just about to dedicate a song to my daughters “baby of mine” written in early 1800’s. I have been praying for you and our family in Lebanon. I hear you and those rose colored glasses should not be put away. Everyone has the right to exist, have the opportunity to achieve their dreams, and have equal rights. This is what will create peace and less wars. Getting there as you know is the hard part. All good things take time and lots and lots of effort. We all do our part to make it happen through experience, and sharing truth and knowledge. Keep up the good work and thank God you have your loan! We love you very much and stay safe.

p.s. I dug my hands into the wonderful dark dirt yesterday for the first time this season. The same dirt Sitti Sofie and Sitti Barbara’s hands have touched. Paul and I planted roses, flowers, and herbs. Later on this month we will be planting vegetables.

]]> Comment on Lebanese Army Trying to Restore Calm by erinamelia http://shadiafaynewood.wordpress.com/2008/05/11/lebanese-army-trying-to-restore-calm/#comment-27 erinamelia Sun, 11 May 2008 11:46:39 +0000 http://shadiafaynewood.wordpress.com/?p=40#comment-27 This sounds...good, I think? As good as the military taking control could ever sound. Hm. This sounds…good, I think? As good as the military taking control could ever sound. Hm.

]]> Comment on You Are My Heart In This by Dan Worth http://shadiafaynewood.wordpress.com/2008/05/10/you-are-my-heart-in-this/#comment-26 Dan Worth Sun, 11 May 2008 10:21:49 +0000 http://shadiafaynewood.wordpress.com/?p=37#comment-26 Hi Shadia, My name is Dan Worth and I'm one of the folks that helped start Energy Action - and I've got you as a Facebook friend. I have been following your posts with great interest. I just finished a book about the history of the US in the Middle East - from the East India Company, to the Barbary Wars, to Egyptian cotton, to Middle East oil, to Israel, etc., etc. What struck me about the book - although I may be reading it through Red, White, and Blue lenses - was the work of the original US missionaries, who hoped to live with the diverse communities of the Middle East, learn about the culture, make lifelong soulmate links, and share what they knew/adapt it to what was already there. It seems this international spirit has been lost to most Americans - turning into a black/white assessment of blood for oil, western/eastern thought, christianity/judaism/muslim schisms, etc. Reading your posts has been an amazing window into what life must be like on the ground - checkpoints, gunshots, and a whole city and country of people trying to live amidst the madness. Here where I live in Jamaica Plain, MA (near Boston), we recently had a shooting incident. One teenager recklessly shooting at a basketball court 2 blocks away and killing a local resident of 20 with 2 kids. The shooting shook the neighborhood, because it is just on the right side of the tracks (literally), and "those type of things" don't usually happen here. Reading your posts of going to sleep with relentless gunshots was a real wake-up call and a reminder of the fear, anger, and confusion of a local population that often gets lost in the nightly news sound bites. So, stay strong, know that folks are listening over here, and that your insights open up a new window into a different world over there for me, and I'm sure many others. And maybe by helping people like me glimpse that world, understand it a bit better, and think about how it came to be and how it could be, you are sending ripples out around the world that will cause other ripples, until thousands and millions are touched and moved to find solutions. Stay safe, please keep the updates coming, and thank you for what you are doing. Dan W Hi Shadia,

My name is Dan Worth and I’m one of the folks that helped start Energy Action - and I’ve got you as a Facebook friend.

I have been following your posts with great interest. I just finished a book about the history of the US in the Middle East - from the East India Company, to the Barbary Wars, to Egyptian cotton, to Middle East oil, to Israel, etc., etc.

What struck me about the book - although I may be reading it through Red, White, and Blue lenses - was the work of the original US missionaries, who hoped to live with the diverse communities of the Middle East, learn about the culture, make lifelong soulmate links, and share what they knew/adapt it to what was already there.

It seems this international spirit has been lost to most Americans - turning into a black/white assessment of blood for oil, western/eastern thought, christianity/judaism/muslim schisms, etc.

Reading your posts has been an amazing window into what life must be like on the ground - checkpoints, gunshots, and a whole city and country of people trying to live amidst the madness.

Here where I live in Jamaica Plain, MA (near Boston), we recently had a shooting incident. One teenager recklessly shooting at a basketball court 2 blocks away and killing a local resident of 20 with 2 kids. The shooting shook the neighborhood, because it is just on the right side of the tracks (literally), and “those type of things” don’t usually happen here.

Reading your posts of going to sleep with relentless gunshots was a real wake-up call and a reminder of the fear, anger, and confusion of a local population that often gets lost in the nightly news sound bites.

So, stay strong, know that folks are listening over here, and that your insights open up a new window into a different world over there for me, and I’m sure many others.

And maybe by helping people like me glimpse that world, understand it a bit better, and think about how it came to be and how it could be, you are sending ripples out around the world that will cause other ripples, until thousands and millions are touched and moved to find solutions.

Stay safe, please keep the updates coming, and thank you for what you are doing.

Dan W

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