Archive for June, 2009
Saints Bracelets
(sold on Gringas and Company)
Saints bracelets were never that common while I was growing up. Most people use prayer beads or cross ornaments. Others overdo it with layers of crosses, 3D Christ on the crucifix or Mary symbols.
It wasn’t until my trip to Honduras that I learned about Saints bracelets. I brought one for my friend who was in the hospital while I was there, and have worn one since.
I’m not particularly religious, but have been raised with Christian beliefs and traditions. One of them, for example, took place today. My mother and I drove up to Harissa (a large statue overlooking Jounieh and the sea). Whenever you have a new car it’s tradition (or maybe even a little superstition) to drive it up to Harissa for blessing and protection from accidents.
While there, I wandered into the souvenir shop (Harissa is extremely touristic with people visiting from all over the Arab world). I just couldn’t decide on which Saints bracelet I wanted! They all looked so interesting!! I love how detailed the images on each one is and the stories behind all the saints that wrap around your wrist.
South American, or Latin cultures tend to wear these bracelets more than others. A salesman once asked if I was Puerto Rican because of it! I’ve started spotting them in trendy shops, like Metropark, but the religious implications remain.
Found!
Found it! Right by the bridge connecting Achrafieh to Downtown Beirut against a random wall of a building. I had to do a few twists to find it, but there it was, still intact. Comparing this mark to others he’s done, I believe it is an original Banksy. He’s also been to the region, which leads me to believe even more that it was him.. Do YOU think it’s an original Banksy?
My Alma Mat(t)er(s)
Two day ago, my little brother graduated from the same university I did. Walking into the campus, I felt a huge wave of nostalgia. I hadn’t been there since my graduation a few years ago. Funny how when we’re in university, we can’t wait to get the hell out of there and when we’re not, we wish we were still there.
I’d practically lived on this campus for 5 years and little things reminded me of different events that happened there. This wasn’t just the green field: This was where I made my first friends during freshman orientation. This wasn’t just college hall: This was where I spent endless hours looking up books in the library for my papers and then hanging out in front of main gate. This wasn’t just the green oval: this is where I’d lounge in the sun between classes. No matter what anyone says, college years are truly the best years of your life.
As I watched the graduating class of 2009 walk up the podium, I felt proud. Proud for the students, my university and most of all, my country. This institution has taught generations – not only my father and my uncle, but all my cousins, my brothers and in a few months, my little sister. I loved her application essay, where I quote, she wrote “by admitting me to AUB, you’ll be carrying on a family legacy.” Hey, it worked!
Congratulations to all the graduates and keep making us proud wherever your dreams take you.
Prodigal Return
Whenever my father introduces me to new people, he likes to jokingly refer to me as the “prodigal daughter”. I’ve always been somewhat of a black sheep in my family. I’m always the one to do things differently, or rather, things that don’t make much sense. When I decided to move the USA, my parents weren’t ready for it. Three years later, they still weren’t ready for it. Nonetheless, I still did it.
Moving back has been bittersweet. I don’t regret the choice I made, but if anything, I do miss the certain freedoms I had living on my own. Being independent in general is very freeing. Here I have more responsibilities and more people to consider. For example, leaving the house is an at least 15 minute process! I can’t simply walk out the door, but rather have to say bye to everyone and answer questions about what I’m doing. Most Arab parents tend to be that way and have a hard time seeing their children as adults.
The perks of living back home are that I’m definitely less stressed. Laundry, cooking and even errands are taken care of without my even asking. I have more time to focus on my career and spending time with friends. I really can’t complain, but it does feel a tad weird. When I first moved away, I felt a deeper appreciation for having that luxury at home. Now that I’m back, I feel a certain guilt in having to trouble others. Either way, you can’t really win. Hmm.. On second thought, I’m just going to enjoy it while I can. 
Reactions to my move back have been on two extremes. On one side, I get the “Why the hell did you move back?” and others can’t be more thrilled for me, saying “There’s nothing like Lebanon. You made the right choice.” Either way, it was the right time for me to leave. Boston wasn’t for me and neither was the USA anymore. I still have a lot to learn about myself and what I want out of life.
[ I also hope to finish work on my graphic novel surrounded by the people who inspired it. I didn’t forget about it in case you’re wondering ]
The King of Accessories
I just came across this article in the Inspiration Room – amazing how accessories become such a part of a person’s identity! DDB Espana created these print advertisements for L’Illa Diagonal in 2008 – a commercial center in Barcelona.
Rest in peace Michael Jackson and we’ll forever remember how you transformed the world of music.
Credits:
The Michael Jackson ad was developed at DDB EspanaSpain, Barcelona, Spain, by creative director Juan Ramon Alfaro, copywriter Guille Ramirez, art director Lisi Lluch, account supervisor Gorka Lozano, advertiser’s supervisors Gerard Cutal, Andres Torres, and photography by Pastor Heredia Studio.
Article & image credits: The Inspiration Room
For more information, go to: http://theinspirationroom.com/daily/2009/michael-jackson-accessories-are-everything/
