Ahmed al-Haj

Well, last night I went to see Ahmed AlHaj a well known Iraqi peace activist and classically trained oud player originally from Baghdad and more recently from New Mexico. His music brought me to tears as he talked about love and loss. The piece that especially touched me was called Baghdad II and was about the Baghdad he returned to after since fleeing in 1991, after the war in 2003. He talked about how much it had changed from a place of ancient beauty to a place of mourning and utter inconceivable violence. . . he says now he could probably write Baghdad III. His mourning is one I feel deeply, especially in light of Bush's decision to send in more troops. And I wonder what it is that thinking people are to do in light of such huge miscalculations of justice and peace? It is difficult to imagine that anyone no matter what there political affiliation can think that this policy is the key to quelling the violence. It is so out of touch, I feel, with what so many people are asking for and advising. I urge you all to do whatever you can to end this madness - even if it is something small, make your voice heard.

It's January 8th. One of my "New Year's Resolutions" is to write more often on this blog, and care less often about who might be reading it out there in the 'void' of internet land.

I've been listening to a lot of Tom Waits these days....especially his new album, 'Orphans'. His voice has really changed dramatically from his early years. I actually love his voice and its journey. I listened to some reviews of the album and many complain that his voice is "too rough". But I think its a symbol of life on a journey. At least for myself, I'd hope to 'mature' over the years like a life really lived.

Well, I just finished my break from school that went way too quickly. As I mentioned in my last e-mail I was on a road trip, and saw a lot of family. I was overwhelmed by my family's love and generosity - so thanks to each of you for enriching my life so!

This year marks the 40th anniversary of the occupation of Palestine. The occupation of Palestine really pains me - its not just empathy that I feel, but real anger too. I'm glad that I choose early in my life to dedicate myself to the practices and teachings of nonviolence like many living and dead before me. Last night I read a friend of mine's blog - he lives in Camden too. He mentioned trusting G-d more. I suppose that Christmas is supposed to be about trusting G-d, or in miracles. I'm not sure how that was changed into buying things. I suppose I do feel a slight ache every time Christmas rolls around because its potential power to teach us lessons of hospitality is lost in a drive to fill social conventions. Surely, Christmas induces greed, but that greed is cultural. We feel badly if we don't buy presents for our loved ones. Its not always that we are just blind consumers (we are) but I think we give gifts also because it is a tradition

oh Lists!

1. Run 500 miles by the end of the year (attainable factor - iffy but not impossible! Actually my housemate Jeremy has a sweaty old t-shirt that says, "I ran 500 miles!" He promised to give it to me if I accomplished this resolution....sweet.)

2. Take more pictures

3. Write more thank you cards (and I don't mean for the hell of it - real letters with thoughtful ideas and thanksgiving). Honestly with the # of letters I wrote last year, this shouldn't be very difficult.

4. Travel to the Middle East. I feel I should be there once a year - last year I was there four months of the year. I'd love to finally make it to Iran this year.