You almost certainly have noticed my gorgeous new banner. It is very special to me because it represents my own little connection to the beautiful, creative force brought to the blog realm by two of the women whose blogs initially enticed me into this world, and then who inspired me to explore more of the things that make me come alive (including, especially, photography).
The banner is designed by the wonderful Denise of Bohemian Girl Designs, whose blog Chronicles of Me first grabbed my attention with it's beauty, its honesty, and emotional and soulful depth and range. Thank you lovely Boho for this gorgeous banner.
The photo on the left-hand side of the banner is by Susannah whose photography is one of my very favorite treats and whose blog Ink on my Fingers was the first place I ever dared to leave a comment, so consistently moved and impressed was I by the combination of Susannah's writing, her photography and her insight. Thank you for responding Susannah, you started something!
This banner is my tribute not only to these two wonderful women whose examples nudged me out onto the path but also to all the other incredible women whose thoughts, words, images, poems, stories, reflections and adventures have become my quite unexpected and most delightful companions along this journey.
Could I ever have imagined, when I started this blog, that I would be communicating regularly with a gorgeous human rights lawyer in Morocco whose wonderful dream is coming to life before our very eyes and whose kindness and understanding has brightened many of my days; or a American writer in Paris whose work in Iraq and other places would enable to her to provide me with much needed words of wisdom and support; or a kindred spirit whose path seems to mirror mine and whose gorgeous words and images seem to put my own thoughts into a more eloquent form than I could ever find; or these special ladies of Portland whose extraordinary talents and passions, and gifts for the marvelous have sustained me and entertained me and inspired me to set my inner-fairy free.
Could I have divined that I would met a soulful and worldly wise 16 year old living in Saudi Arabia whose passion for justice and drive to live well would refresh my own sense of possibility for the world; or a fellow traveller whose honesty, wit and intelligence combine with a genuine desire to live right and who though sometimes tough on herself is so very kind to me; or a writer whose words stop me in my tracks, drawing me back in over and over again for more and whose honesty gave me the courage to share my own dark days; or an artist and traveller whose eye for beauty shares with me a little light in my day and whose sense of fun and curiosity leads me on adventures in the Garden State.
Would I have guessed that I would join forces with this amazing good soul, whose desire to help moved beyond an impulse and grew into an action that rippled and grew and became a real agent for change; or this angel whose words are so heartfelt, so true that I always feel that if I just reached a little I could touch her and experience the loving kindness of her words in the flesh.
Did I ever suspect that just a few hours away in Kabul there were women of this kind of with, who could make me giggle even on days when I had given up on cracking a smile, and whose honesty and frankness about their experiences as Afghan-Americans would give me a whole new perspective on this amazing, maddening, heart-wrenching, beautiful country.
No, I could not have imagined, I could not have predicted, I did not suspect, I would not have guessed. I started this adventure only a few short months ago, I knew that I needed to do it. I just thought I needed to do it for completely different reasons. But here I am am, and there you all are and I am enjoying this adventure and all that I am learning from you. There are so many others out there, some new discoveries and some regular treats. I swear there are days when I could stay at the computer from morning til night (or, more likely, from night til morning) simply drinking my fill at the seemingly limitless source of spell-binding blogs.
So to Susannah, Denise and Laini - who started it all for me - thank you. The banner is my tribute, along with the Laini's ladies who are flying across the world to join me on my adventure!
Labels: Links and blogs, Tributes
HI Frida!!(Waving from the world of the stressed and confused - mathematically and linguistically)Smile ... (and a big thank you)
Posted by: Lacithecat | January 31, 2007 at 10:12 AM
What a beautiful chronical and two new Afghan links for me to explore. What a treat. Love the new banner. Hugs, Annie
Posted by: AnnieElf | January 31, 2007 at 10:34 AM
It's a beautiful new banner, and a really lovely post! I understand totally where you are coming from - blogging has totally changed my life and my perspective on what is possible. I have so enjoyed reading your blog and getting to know your world. I'm so glad you started commenting and then posting!!!
Posted by: megg | January 31, 2007 at 11:12 AM
*sniff* Ditto. Just...ditto.I can't believe it took me so long to FIND you...but I CAN believe how grateful I am that I did. And yes, blogging has changed my life. And continues to do it.
Posted by: Mardougrrl | January 31, 2007 at 02:33 PM
Dearest Frida- you are the angel... you have been so inspirational to me that I can't even put it into words. I am amazed by your constant courage and conviction to do the right thing and be the best person. I have been so blessed by you.And... I don't know why I didn't comment on this before- your banner is beautiful! Denise is awesome!Thanks, dear one...
Posted by: Regina Clare Jane | January 31, 2007 at 02:34 PM
Ah, dear Frida you're so sweet! It is I who should thank you for sharing your brave journey with so many! It's a real treat getting to know you and it is hoped someday we will meet in person and compare more notes. Your banner is wonderful and reflects the giving, caring person you are (oh, sorry is this beginning to sound like a Hallmark greeting card?). And yes, blogging has changed all our lives, for the better. Today I celebrate one year of blogging and it's friends like you that make it all worthwhile. xo
Posted by: paris parfait | January 31, 2007 at 02:48 PM
Awww, Frida, I'm so glad that I found YOU! Your posts are truly inspirational. I say that we ALL head down to New Zealand while you're there and drink strawberry daquiris by sea. Now wouldn't that be fun?!
Posted by: susanna | January 31, 2007 at 03:40 PM
Fri, Linda! I've been missing out on your goodness for a couple of days and I'm already having withdrawals... This post is such a treat! And it summarizes perfectly how I feel as well. Thank you so much for that! Boho, Suzanna and Michelle along with Andrea, Keri and Jen were also my "first blog loves"! They taught me how to live a fuller life by savoring all the fabulous details... I feel so honored to be included in this tribe of fascinating women! (And have I mentioned gorgeous? You girls are all absolutely beautiful inside and out!) Love and hugs to you ~ Love the banner, the photo and the idea of drinking strawberry daquiris by the sea! x
Posted by: Alex aka Gypsy Girl | January 31, 2007 at 06:33 PM
This post is like a journey that takes you from soul to soul
Posted by: runliarun | February 01, 2007 at 11:36 AM
shucks :-) was i really your first comment? that brought a little tear to my eye.... you are so lovely - and the banner reflects the depths and thoughtfulness of you... hurrah for blogging!:-) x
Posted by: Susannah | February 01, 2007 at 12:22 PM
Aw, you put us all to shame. I have no words:-)
Posted by: My Marrakech | February 01, 2007 at 06:37 PM
Your banner is beautiful and the lovely and amazing woman who contributed to it are too! This was warm and wonderful tribute and a reminder of all of the superb people there are around the world.(including you!!!)
Posted by: ceanandjen | February 01, 2007 at 07:38 PM
Frida, Frida, Frida:Just knowing you read my blog is an honor-that you gave me a shout-is beyond words. ;) You are an amazing woman...generating a light that can be seen even through the little pixels on the screen. (No, not the backlight from the PC, really a different light.) Actually, in Arabic/Islamic context it is referred to as "nur". More like a light that eminates from within, versus glowing around. So yeah, you got nur sister! Take care and please look me up if you come to Cah-bull.
Posted by: Zohra | February 02, 2007 at 12:14 AM
Frida, if it were not for the fact that I read almost every blog that you have linked here, disocvering you would have been a supervnova today! What a beautiful way to show your love!
Posted by: Novel Nymph | February 02, 2007 at 04:24 PM
I love the banner and thanks for sharing news of the creator. I feel like I've stumbled upon a beautiful world of blogs out here in this corner :)
Posted by: woman wandering | February 03, 2007 at 12:11 AM