Blessed is the spot...

Happy Birthday to my brother, Geoffrey!

2009-09-13T19:32:00.002-06:00

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, GEOFFREY! We love you and miss you!! Here's a small tribute to all the humor, intelligence, talent, skills, and spiritual strength that is you! We hope you had a specially lovely birthday day!

Love,
Alicia & Brian

http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/o9O1Xt2_4IV-t61_h9nhUQ?authkey=Gv1sRgCODXpo_8nIHxUg&feat=directlink

(You may need to hit F5 and refresh to view the video so it loads fully. Please let me know if you have any technical difficulties!)

Wildflowers and Wildlife in Colorado

2009-09-03T15:27:00.005-06:00

Dear Readers,
I realize we have been on a very long hiatus from Blogspot and this is partially due to recently joining Facebook and dealing with a lot of stressful life changes. Anyway, I'm starting a project of taking pictures of wildlife and wildflowers on the many walks I take on a nearly daily basis throughout Colorado.
The small sunflowers are from walks around Highlands Ranch in this small field - since mowed down - near a small business shopping area.
The daisies and purple flowers are from a hike in Eldorado Canyon.
Enjoy!

Rebirth

2007-10-14T12:40:00.000-06:00

Alicia: I just came across this as I was unpacking a box in my office today - yes, still unpacking. It's a poem I wrote in 1997 as part of a multi-media presentation for a summer photography class. I warn you ... it's fairly dark and I don't remember if the theme was death, but I do think it had something to do with light and dark. I'll see if I can't scan and post some of the images used.

Rebirth

Hands and hearts - yearning
Attempting the final ascent
Life weakened by the strain

Death strengthens its hold
Clouding our vision, our focus
Pulling us back from the Truth

As these hands of death
Grapple with just intentions
The entanglement becomes too great

Rendering helplessness
Shroud in the cloth of misery
And vain imaginings

Will we fight
Against these overwhelming odds?
And leave the despised threads behind?

Or shall we succumb to the dreaded fate
We rushed to in hasty hopes of love
In a world blackened by its very absence?

Will we join this lowly circle
And welcome the grim embrace?
Life from death emerges.

Happy Birthday Brian T.!

2007-10-03T09:42:00.000-06:00

Alicia: Today is my brother, Brian's birthday. He is 20 today! I can hardly believe it! I still remember him dancing the night away in Mexico City some, oh, wow, it's been about 14 years now. Good times! If you've seen the video, you know what I'm talking about! Some amazing footwork that little guy had! And, then oh so many fond memories of soccer games (both on the field and in the house - usually between him and my brother Geoffrey) and, until he became a close match in size, he would run at Geoffrey's legs attempted to tackle him or take the ball away and Geoffrey would just laugh and laugh - we all did. Brian had/has so much tenacity! Now he has grown physically and mentally, and I still see his tenacity and ambition played out in his many efforts to be of service wherever he goes. He has a strong sense of justice and wants to make a difference in this world. And he can do it too! And, then you combine that with his amazing creativity - what a combination! I love you Brian and I wish I could be there to help you celebrate! We hope to see you soon! Have a wonderful brithday day!

Braving the world every day in his own way
Rhyming his way into everyone's heart
Intelligence that will carry him far
Always sharing his heart - if you know how to receive
Never a dull moment when he's around

I love you Brian! ... and now for a couple fun, adorable photos of Brian ... will have to find some more ...

A Most Useful List

2007-10-02T15:59:00.001-06:00

Alicia: I forget where and when I got this ... I just remember that when I read it, I found much comfort, inspiration, and motivation for the perfection of one's character and a reminder of what's really important. (If you're reading this and you recognize it as something you created, please let me know. I am not intending to plagiarize.)

A MOST USEFUL LIST
The most destructive habit ..... WORRY
The greatest joy ..... GIVING
The greatest loss ..... LOSS OF SELF-RESPECT
The most satisfying work ..... HELPING OTHERS
The ugliest personality trait ..... SELFISHNESS
The most endangered species ..... DEDICATED LEADERS
Our greatest natural resource ..... OUR YOUTH
The greatest "shot in the arm" ..... ENCOURAGEMENT
The greatest problem to overcome ..... FEAR
The most effective sleeping pill ..... PEACE OF MIND
The most crippling failure disease ..... EXCUSES
The most powerful force in life ..... LOVE
The most dangerous pariah ..... A GOSSIPER
The world's most incredible computer ..... THE BRAIN
The worst thing to be without ..... HOPE
The deadliest weapon ..... THE TONGUE
The two most power-filled words ..... "I CAN"
The greatest asset ..... FAITH

Be virtuous and have a wonderful day!

Water - there is so much we take for granted.

2007-09-23T12:33:00.000-06:00

Alicia: I just finished watching the movie, Water. It is a foreign film, filmed in India. It is about an 8-year-old girl, Chuyia, promised in marriage (and actually married) at seven, who is suddenly widowed (her husband was much older than she). She is then is forced to live out the rest of her days (well almost, watch and find out) in a temple for Hindu widows, communing with 14 other women and a cruel headmistress who agrees to take her in and who abuses her station within the household. But it's through the trials of another widow, a beautiful prostitute named Kalyani (forced into prostitution by the headmistress in order to garner income for the house but largely for her own sake)who is courted by a man from a higher caste. I won't tell you the rest because you should see it. It is also the story of the effect the teachings of Ghandi had on law and social inequalities in India down the most rural and poverty-stricken areas of India. You also learn about the importance and symbolism of water in the socio-cultural traditions of India.

The movie was released in 2000 and directed by Deepa Mehta. It received a nomination for the 2007 Academy Award®: Best Foreign Language Film.

You must see this. It's amazing and takes such a captivating look at the hardships women, married and unmarried, faced in India. Some reviews claim there are some historical inaccuracies regarding the reaction by the people of India to Ghandi's message at the time that he was alive, regarding the new law passed allowing re-marrriage by widows, and as regards the degree to which the practices of the people in the small town depicted where as widespread as the director would have us believe, but I do not know enough of the history of that country to tell. The subtleties of character and the lyrical yet realistic attempt at portrayal is captivating.

"I am only a child"

2007-09-23T09:17:00.000-06:00

Alicia: Please watch this and listen carefully ... it will speak to your heart ... it will make you cry ... but it will inspire you as well.

http://www.informationclearinghouse.info/article17665.htm

Happy Birthday Amelia and Navid!

2007-09-21T16:48:00.001-06:00

Alicia: Today is my sister Amelia's birthday and coincidentally my cousin, Navid's birthday as well! I am so very proud of the amazing adults and individuals they have become. They are both working toward their dreams in their own ways.

Navid easily reveals his extremely silly side, especially around his cousins Brian and Geoffrey, but then has this amazing dedication to his work, his family, service, the perfection of ones character and bringing joy to others with his easy smile and witty reparte! But watch out when he gets into a water fight with his cousins! Still .. he has a plan or rather, I should say, plans ... and he is going to do amazing things and, in fact, does them already in the way he enriches the lives of all those he works with on a daily basis.

Amelia ... dear, sweet Amelia ... she and I have grown so close over the past year I am very proud to say! I have always been exceedingly proud of her and the woman she has become and even more so as she gets ready to embark on what will be a fascinating learning experience with a New York children's theatre production company. I am so, well, proud (there are really not any other words to describe it) that she is going after her dreams. It's not an easy thing to do in this world today - to master the natural desire for fulfillment professionally and creatively and also to find an environment that fosters a spirit of service and the perfection of virtues. I am also very excited that she will be coming for a visit on her way back to the States from Haifa in a month!

Happy Birthday to you both! All our love! (See some pictures below)

Jameh & Taleh

2007-09-20T14:19:00.001-06:00

This just in! My nephew, Jameh, holding his new little sister, Taleh! Absolutely precious! It doesn't get much better than this!

Traveling back in time - Labor Day Weekend

2007-09-20T10:58:00.001-06:00

Alicia: So ... the exciting events of my niece's birth have delayed this posting (not complaining at all - it was an exciting and fun weekend! - a new baby always trumps). Well, on Labor Day weekend, Brian and I attended the Tennessee Baha'i School but not just as attendees - as teachers! That's right, Brian and I teamed up to teach the preschool kids, ages 4-5. I have taught children's classes in the past but this was Brian's first experience with not just teaching litte kids (short people as his Dad likes to say) but with being around so many bundles of energy. On some days (we taught 3 morning classes) we had as many as 17 kids in the class. Of course, sometimes parents stayed to help those kids who were not quite ready to deal with a bunch of new people all at once, but that didn't always make a lot of difference in the amount of work we had to do to prepare the lesson plans and activities for the day as well as to keep track of all the needs of each of the children, all from diverse backgrounds and upbringings. Needless to say, we were exhausted at the end of each day. However, we were very happy to be of service in this way and it was a wonderful experience for me and Brian as we hope to soon be enlarging our own family - not just in the sheer exposure to so many little ones but in how we as a team work together. It was a great learning experience and I am very grateful for the opportunity. Well, as you will see below, one of the main activities for the children was a mjor art project where they painted and decorated faces representing each child and then added plants and leaves from our nature walk. The focus of the lesson was to teach the children how even though we may all look different on the outside and come from different places around the world, we are really all the same inside - all one human family. The children were simply amazing. I love being around children as they learn and discover. In the evening of the second to last day, a talent show was held and you will see some video clips below from it. Unfortunately, the video quality is poor and if you adjust your sound on your computer, you can hear the quality of the performances better. There were a wide range of performances but these were some of the ones I particularly enjoyed. Also, my brother Brian and a couple of his friends performed a rap. I know you can't really understand what they are saying, but you still get a sense of the performance and I hope to post the lyrics soon. So, well, enjoy!

Taleh Maria Fananapazir

2007-09-20T10:20:00.001-06:00

Alicia: This is the name of my new little niece - Katrina (my sister) and Nafeh's (her husband) second darling, blessed child. She was born on Saturday, September 15 at 1pm. Myself, Brian (my husband), Brian (my brother), Lameh & Karen (Nafeh's parents), my parents, and Jameh were all down at the cafeteria having lunch - and in Jameh's case, taking a nap - when my mother got the call from the nurse. We rushed up there and in groups of four went in to meet this new little blessing. She is absolutely darling and I am so proud of Nafeh and Katrina. They decided this time to use hypnobirthing techniques and this worked for most of the birth. They also had with them a midwife and nurse (and of course late the delivery doctor). They did spendidly will relatively little complications and no pain meds - way to work through the pain Katrina! Oh, I am so proud of her. And, Taleh ... oh, she is just so precious and cries very much like Jameh did when he was first born though higher pitched. She's a little smaller than Jameh and I would be surprised if she ends up having blond hair like Katrina did when she was younger as her eyebrows are very blond. And, she makes the cutest faces and even smiled at me a couple times (though I am sure it had nothing to do with the fact that I was the one holding her). She and momma are home now resting and everyone is adjusting to the presence of this new little life. Jameh loves his new little sister and is just so excited and amazed by the little thing and loves pointing our her cheek and eyes and nose, etc. He's such a smart little boy - it's hard for me to believe sometimes that he's only abotu 20 months. So ... here are a few pictures from this past weekend (more will be forthcoming). Also, check out the sites at the left for more details and pictures of Taleh.

Happy Birthday Geoffrey! - Updated!!

2007-09-13T06:26:00.000-06:00

Soooooo sorry the pictures have been so long in coming ... we were happily sidetracked by the birth of my beautiful niece Taleh Maria Fananapazir (see post above). Anyway, here are some delightful and memorable pictures of my wonderful and amazing brother, Geoffrey Darrell Tyson. So enjoy the many faces of Geoffrey ...

--------------------
Alicia: Today is my brother's birthday! He turns 23! I can't believe it. We are so proud of him! So, my brother, Geoffrey - truly a unique soul! I truly cherish the special relationship I have with him. As he said on the blog post for my birthday, we certainly do have a special connection - poets often do.

So, Geoffrey ...

May the rhyme of your life
Never cease to bring you rhythm.
Even as that soul-stirring beat
Echoes constant yet ever-changing.
For with change, you have become
More than you knew you could be.

Though, certainly He knew.
He has filled you up
With His love and His love is your love.
Your eyes glisten with this Truth.

Give ever of yourself more than you can bear
For love is never truly lost.
It only transforms the lover.
For as once we were asleep
Now we wake - brighter still is the morrow.
And your heart will embrace it.

This He knows.
He has filled you up
With His love and His love is your love.
Your eyes glisten with this Truth.

Trust in Him and all shall be revealed -
through your everlasting light.

-------
I love you, Geoffrey! You're awesome!

Water exercise is the way to go

2007-09-06T08:59:00.001-06:00

Alicia: So, this morning I went to my water workout class. So fun! But hard. It's amazing how much of a workout you can get in the water with an hour of water aerobics. The instructor paid me several compliments along the lines of "Have you ever done aerobics before? You're good at this." and "Yeah, you've got it. Very good." I felt a little proud but also a little like I was 6. It was such a small accomplishment but one nonetheless. Not all of the workouts are easy especially when you have to try and stay in one place and are short and can barely touch the bottom in the shallow end. I'm exhausted. This is going to be very good for me. The other women in the class are very nice and welcoming. I should have done this a lot sooner. This is really going to help me in my battle with hypothyroidism and general de-stressing. My arms especially feel stronger and when I got home and weighed myself, I had lost 2 pounds. I know your weight can fluctuate up to 5lbs per day, but it still felt good to see the needle go down and to the left instead of the right. In fact, since starting the detox program (detoxing your body is a bit like spring cleaning - this is not the other kind of detoxing ... we all build up toxins in our body in the foods we eat, not drinking enough water, and not getting enough exercise - even stress increases the build-up of toxins) .... anyway ... since starting it, I have lost 7 pounds! Very proud of myself thank you very much! Now, Geoffrey, my brother, says I need to be creative today ... so ... here goes ....

Swimming in the pool
Jumping in, I didn't feel so cool
Daunting idea at first
Then I felt that burst -

Of energy as I crissed and crossed -
How much weight have I lost?
Stretching and crunching
Toes pointed, knees bunching.

I love the water.
Oh no ! Here I go ... teeter totter
Ooops ... drifting to the left then right
Up ... down ... with all my might.

Done already? Time flies ...
We say our goodbyes ...
I'm going to love this class.
Yep ... I think I'll pass.
==============

Does that work Geoffrey?

Happy Birthday Roya!

2007-08-30T06:37:00.000-06:00

Well, yesterday was my lovely cousin Roya's birthday! I'm afraid time did not allow for me to be able to post these before now, but as a small homage to the lovely woman she has become .... heeeeerrreee'ssss Roya ... (check out other blogs for more picture of my wonderful cousin)

and this one is very special for me ... this is Roya and Lucia preparing little party favors in preparation for an upcoming wedding shower - ours! You'll notice that there's a lot of overlap between pictures of Lucia and pictures of Roya ... those two are inseperable.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY ROYA!!

Rainy Day Dreams

2007-08-22T10:54:00.000-06:00

Alicia: *Composed while sitting in Panera Bread waiting on my Chai Tea Latte with soymilk. No, it wasn't raining - it needs to, but it's really only been spurting down on us every other afternoon or so.

Rainy Day Dreams

One day - it rained.

The sky opened twice

Cleverly dropping cats -

And dogs - some say.

Well, how I laughed!

That is to say -

People stared. Wondering why -

I came by that part of town.

Whispers in the corner.

Trolleys down the lane.

Bumbling men selling trees.

Did I say it was raining?

Crooked mazes of red cobblestone ...

How come I to this place?

... And windy angry rivers

Made angrier still by the rain.

Well, one day I just looked.

And it was raining.

Happy Birthday Lucia!

2007-08-22T10:08:00.000-06:00

For those of you who know my dear sister Lucia, you know her birthday was actually yesterday! Well, unfortunately, a small problem with my wrist and hand prevented me from posting this yesterday and since getting a brace I am now able to complete this post in honor of Lucia. Lucia is a facinating person with a brilliant smile and captivating personality - especially when she gets all lit up inside. She just simply glows! Happy Birthday Lucia! (To see more pictures of her - scroll down to some previous posts for other family birthdays.)

HAPPY BIRTHDAY LUCIA!

Today, August 12, my husband was born!

2007-08-11T21:03:00.000-06:00

Walking softly though boldly
Standing at so many crossroads
Eyes wide open – hearts even more so
We share – life, love … promise.

Precious gifts have you bestowed on me.
Gratitude through an eternity would not be enough.
Yet we face as equals.
Laugh as friends.

Gladly do I open my small hand -
From within yours.
With a glance you see I hope to always find it so –
Sharing your quiet strength with me.

Can it be this time already?
The sun has not even risen.
Patient soul – will you walk with me to the sunset?
Whispering ... We will all verily abide by the Will of God.

--------------------

Happy Birthday, my dear husband! Thank you! I love you!

Happy Birthday Daddy!

2007-07-23T07:18:00.000-06:00

From Alicia & Brian: HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!
This first picture is just an iconic Tim Tyson picture - buffalo, Kansas, photography, adventure.

And now ... Some fond memories of the papa!

Happy Birthday Katrina!

2007-07-17T10:43:00.001-06:00

I was inspired by my truly incredible brother, Geoffrey, to construct this photo montage featuring my lovely sister, Katrina and all the many wonderful memories I have of her and the joy she spreads! I love you, Katrina! You inspire me! Happy Birthday!

The results are in ...

2007-04-30T17:52:00.000-06:00

The results are in and the Baha'i House of Worship in Wilmette, Illinois has been named one of the Seven Wonders of Illinois.

See a video about the Seven Wonders at www.enjoyillinois.com/sevenwonders.

Or read about the Baha'i House of Worship at www.enjoyillinois.com/sevenwonders/chicagoland.html

Canada World Religion Day Stamp

2007-04-26T20:02:00.000-06:00

From the Darkness

2007-04-25T21:33:00.000-06:00

From Alicia: Sometimes ...the words just flow ... it's been awhile since I've felt the inspiration and urge to compose. This just came to me and so I share it with you.

When it all falls away,
Where does the heart live?
To what song does it cling?
Voices arise, freeing themselves
From the chambers of the lies -
Holding fast the tear welling
From the rapture of His grasp.
Fall away, fall away.

Trees kneel down in hunger,
Or is it thirst for a mere
Drop of the ocean of His wonder?
His grace that palpitates vibrantly
Out from even the smallest leaf vein -
Rending asunder all that binds
Till nothing is left but ...

That raw paleness glowing, softly glowing.
Now bursting, yearning with pain ...
And love - the Battle ends, begins.
Stretch out your hand. Let loose the heart strings
And receive, rejoice and fly away.

Trip to Haifa, Israel

2007-04-05T10:49:00.000-06:00

--Please forgive this very rough and incomplete outline of our experiences. More to come.

Day 1, Saturday (Shabbat)
Arrive
Take Sherut to Haifa, Israel
Locate Rutenberg Institute where we are staying.
Sisters, brother, cousin greet us.7
Journey to the Mansion at Bahji and the Shrine of Baha'u'llah.
Dinner at Lucia's flat.

Day 2, Sunday
Recovery morning; Tour through the Monument Gardens; Dinner at Lucia's flat; Talk by Peter Khan, Universal House of Justice Member. More details later.

Day 3, Monday
Visit to the Shrine of the Bab
Walking part of the Terraces
Talk by Universal House of Justice Member

Day 4, Tuesday
Serving with Lucia at the Baha'i World Centre, Office of Pilgrammage
Visit to Shrine of the Bab
Visit Amelia's Flat

Day 5, Wednesday
Serving with Lucia
Visit Geoffrey's Flat

Day 6, Thursday
Visit the Shrine of the Bab
Walk part of the Terraces
Riding the Carmelit with Family

Visit to Roya's Flat - Monopoly Night

Day 7, Friday
Trip to Acre/Akka

The Prison

Move to Dan Gardens Hotel
Recover

Day 8, Saturday
Breakfast with the girls
Temple Land

Brian and I walk up the Terraces from 1-19 (including stop at at the Shrine of the Bab)

Quick Trip to Bahji, Shrine of Baha'u'llah

Sushi Night

Saying goodbye

Day 9, Sunday
Amelia takes us to the train station
Take train to Tel Aviv
Fly home

James Mock Journeys On

2007-03-17T12:57:00.000-06:00

Alicia: I will never forget the morning of Friday, January 5. We were still dealing with the fallout from the broken water heater as well as from an incident in December when my wallet was stolen (the thief then wrote over $2,000 in checks from our account and we had to deal with the collection agencies for months, file a police report, sign affidavits of fraud, etc.). Then, early in the morning, we received a call from my mother. My dear Uncle James (husband to Maria Mock and beloved father of seven children) had just passed away that morning from a suddent massive heart attack. I couldn't believe it. Almost immediately I think I went into action mode ... it still seemed so unbelievable. After coordinating details on notifying friend and family, we headed out for Demopolis, a small town about 2 1/2 hours west of us. There are only a few moments that are clear from that weekend ... sharing grief and love with all the family and friends that gathered, helping to organize the service, comforting loved ones, crying at the viewing, and then the funeral. The clearest moment was at the service the morning of the funeral. I felt so filled with James' love and spirit. I know he gave me strength to speak and welcome everyone and to make it through the day. I felt so at peace. It was a lovely service. We will miss you so very much James and will strive to champion lofty virtues in everything we do. I am saddened a little as I write this, but not just because I miss his presence, his humour, his kind words and his peaceful ways, but because we cannot yet journey with him. He has gone ahead. I love you, James. Thank you. Thank you.

One of James' parting gifts ... he gathered so many family and friends together, many of whom had not gathered in a very long time. We gathered in unity and love.

(I will post more pictures later as well as copies of the articles about his life and contributions to the local community.)

Water heater breaks!

2007-03-17T12:46:00.000-06:00

Alicia: So, we returned from the New Year's celebration to find that the water heater in our apartment had broken and wet half the apartment-significantly. We hurried to get furniture and belongings our of the way and, then, spent the next two weeks trying to get management to come clean up the water and to look at the damage. We lived in a wind tunnel for a few days as three blowers and one huge dehumidifer (you can see the imprint in one of the pictures ... we had so much condensation on the windows and it smelled) ran throughout the day and night. The carpet was soaked clean through to the pad and it spread throughout the dining room, spare room closet, half the spare room, the entire hallway, into the entranceway of the master bedroom, and a little into the living room. The only non-wet room was the office. Everywhere else was slosh, slosh. On top of it, when the carpet clearning company came back to clean the carpet and tack it back down, they put in this chemical to reduce the chance of mold and mildew growth, but neglected to tell us that we needed to be out of the apartment while they did this. So, upon walking out of my office and breathing in the fumes, I went into an asthma attack and we rushed out of the apartment. Don't worry .. I recovered and we ended up going to a hotel for the night to let the fumes settle. Not fun.

Celebrating the calendar New Year in Huntsville

2007-03-17T12:21:00.000-06:00

Alicia: For the New Year's weekend, we went up to Huntsville to celebrate with family and friends. We were also fortunate to have Brian's mother, Linda, visiting from Colorado. Take note of the man in the gray and, later, red, sweater. That is my dear uncle, James Mock. He will play a pivotal role in another post soon after this one.

Trip to Ohio

2007-03-17T11:35:00.000-06:00

So, in mid December (2006), we went to Ohio to visit Brian's Dad, Bill, and stepmom, Lou. We had a lovely time meeting friends and other family (Brian's half brother, Steve, his wife, and their two kids) and getting the tour of Vandalia and Dayton. It was quite a nostalgic time for Brian as he used to live there when he was a young lad... well, in middle school and the first couple of years in high school.
So ... here's some pictures ...

So .. yes we need to update our blog

2007-03-17T11:15:00.000-06:00

Alicia: Good afternoon all! Yes, we have been remiss in updating our blog, but so much has happened since October, it's hard to know where to start. I think, for now, given the constraints on my time, what will follow will be primarily a collage of photos that will tell the story of the last several months. I may provide some narrative, but largely these next several entries will constitute a picture diary of the goings-on. We will start with a trip to Ohio, but prior to that, major events included: a fun trip to Huntsville for Thanksgiving which ended, unfortunately, with food poisoning, but then followed shortly with (for me) a week long visit in Nashville to help visit my newphew, Jameh. Then, Brian and I successfully finished our semesters at school, he at Auburn and me at UNT. Unfortunately, I then promptly got sick with a bad sinus infection ... probably from the demands of my schedule, but I later recovered in mid-December.
So, thank you all for your patience and let's begin.

Celebration for Geoffrey and Navid

2006-10-10T15:22:00.000-06:00

From Alicia): We also recently visited family in Huntsville to celebrate my brother, Geoffrey's birthday and my cousin, Navid's birthday. We had a fun, silly time at a Caribbean restaurant, Todi's!

Good times in Huntsville

2006-10-09T21:52:00.000-06:00

Here are some pictures from a quick visit to Huntsville in September to perform (well, Brian, not me) some emergency repairs on my parents' cars. While there we went out on the town with my parents (a rare and lovely outing) and also a sherbert-filled night of fun at the Family-on-the mountain home. We were blessed to be joined by Katrina and Jameh.

Aren't they adorable!

The Summer Story

2006-09-14T17:31:00.000-06:00

From Brian: Over the Summer I shifted gears from lots of studying to a more open schedule that allowed time for more things. The studying did continue in a smaller way, though, in the form of a review of quantum mechanics, but I had time for more important things: Alicia and I went camping on the Gulf Coast, in Panama City I had been eagerly awaiting that trip and I'm really glad we had the chance to go. We also visited family in Gulfport, Mississippi, and spent some nice relaxing days there. It would have been almost nothing but fun and relaxation all Summer if it weren't for two unfortunate things: 1. We both worked part time (I was teaching assistant for first-term general physics - definitely not as cool as the engineering physics I had taught last year - and Alicia worked remotely for the NEHA journal) - OK, well having to work is not that unfortunate...we need to eat and we do like working and I like having the chance help students!, and 2. Alicia got a bad sinus infection. I took her to a clinic, and afterwards she had to take anti-biotics for about a month. Neither of us has a lot of time for being ill and it's frustrating, but she bore it well, and I'm just glad she let me take care of her. Afterwards we found out that our AC/furnace unit had - no, not an old filter - it had no filter at all, and that must have been a big factor in the infection and in our overall health. We were unamused. The Summer Story will continue ...

Second year at Auburn...

2006-08-31T09:09:00.000-06:00

From Brian: Physics studies have been going strong through the Summer and now are broadening also. Last year I essentially did the 'year of mechanics': classical, quantum, and statistical (meaning thermodynamics). So since I did motion last year, mechanics being the study of motion, this year I am doing the other main area in physics, electrodynamics. Hopefully this will get me ready for the qualifying exam I will most likely take Fall 2007! That exam is the main factor in being able to earn the degree. So electrodynamics, some quantum review, another math course, and teaching second semester intro physics as a TA are what I am doing these days.

Still playing catch-up

2006-08-13T10:28:00.000-06:00

From Alicia: So...let's see...I turned 30 (aaaahhhh! But age is only a number, right?)! I don't really feel older or 30, whatever that's supposed to feel like. It is hard to believe the number though....it just doesn't feel like that much time has passed...but it definitely seems to go by quicker the older you get....let's see...what else...I have been suffering from a nasty sinus infection (resulting in chronic migraines, headaches, and face and head pressure-basically being bed-ridden fairly often) and from the side effects of the meds (more headaches, dizziness, nauseousness, disorientation) that I am on to hopefully combat the infection. It's been fun! (heavy sarcasm here)... Also, I just finished my first class (graduate level, Intro to Anthropology) as part of the Online Masters Anthropology Program with the University of North Texas. I don't know my final grade yet, but so far I have received full marks for discussion and all my assignments. It was a challenging class both from an intellectual standpoint and because I was ill and on meds for most of it. It was especially facinating to take part in the kind of virtual community that developed among the students in the class who range in ages from 25 to 56 and who represent a diverse mix of ethnic and economic backgrounds. I probably learned just as much from the other students as I did from the classwork and lecture notes. If this class is any indication of what the next three years will be like, then it will be an amazing experience and discovery process. On an entirely different note, Brian and I are hooked on Agatha Christie mysteries. Namely, we have been watching all the Poirot and Miss Marple mysteries we can get our hands on either through our local library or Netflix. Well, I think that's about it for anything significant...much like the rest of the U.S. it's been hot here as well so we try and go swimming whenever possible, both for exercise and recreation, and I am proud to say I have lost and kept off 10 pounds...not much, I know...but I'm working on it. Next week, I leave for the Texas heat as I will be attending Orientation for the anthro program at UNT. So...that's about it...other than celebrating my fabulous husband's birthday yesterday...it's just steady as she goes here in Auburn, Alabama.

Catching Up...

2006-07-12T08:48:00.000-06:00

So much has happened since our last post that I hardly know where to begin. First, thank you all for your kind words and prayers on behalf of my family and my mother. Her was successful and she is recovering well. Of course, there is a five-year out waiting and chec-up period to make sure the cancer does not return, but her health is definitely improving and we are very hopeful.

After returning to Auburn, Brian and I took a short trip down to St. Andrews State Park in Florida for a little camping adventure. And, adventure it was. The site we had reserved had been flooded just days before our arrival from the tropical storm that passed that way earlier in the week and waterfront view we thought we were getting was actually the shore of the lagoon-not the beach! It was still plenty of fun and the water was so clear and beautiful and the waves were fun.

Though we probably won't return to St. Andrews unless we can get a beachside camping spot, we will definitely check out Henderson State Park near Destin.
Also, a very beautiful beach.

Unfortunately, I did pay a heavy price for all the fun at the beach-very painful and bad sunburn! Apparently, the sunblock I was using was no longer effective and I received what was probably 2nd degree burns on my back and neck. Pain and discomfort for a week afterwards!

We've also had a chance to visit my grandparents and other relatives down on the Gulf Coast. We surprised my father for Father's Day at the tail-end of our trip to Florida and then returned for July 4th weekend. Both were very memorable trips (pictures to come).

However, I am still amazed by the expanse of damage from Hurricane Katrina that is still so very evident !
This wonderful place that created for me such fond childhood memories will never be the same again.

Now, on to some happy news...while Brian chugs along with his program at Auburn (he's taking a summer course and teaching an Intro Physics class), I have decided not to attend Auburn. The program, unfortunately, doesn't really offer the depth and breadth of study that I crave and is necessary at this point in my professional and academic career. However, all is not lost. A couple months ago, I came across a program at the University of North Texas. "What? You're moving to Texas?," you ask. No. This is just one of what I hope will be many applicable, unique, and suitable aspects of the program-it is an online program with a very flexible schedule offering an interesting array of study from professors with diverse and fascinating backgrounds. Well, I applied and a couple of weeks ago was accepted to the Online Anthropology Masters Program at UNT, http://www.unt.edu/anthropology/onlinemasters/. I have to take a summer leveling course that started yesterday and that promises to be very intense and challening and then I begin full-time for three years in August. I am very excited. This program will, I believe, combine a lot of my interests and experiences, professional and personal, into a rewarding experience that will be very useful as I look to options for a Ph.D. program down the road. I also hope to continue my employment with the National Environmental Health Association. It is a valuable organization that has been very good to me and I find my work rewarding and applicable, in fact, to some of my goals and interests in Anthropology.
So...there you have it...that's about it for now...more to come...thanks for visiting!

Up to 6,817 steps today...

2006-04-11T14:20:00.000-06:00

[Alicia] So, in the spirit of getting healthy and working to challenge ourselves and other family members to get healthy, I am working toward a goal of 10,000 steps a day. Right now Brian is definitely outstepping me and not just because his one stride is equal to three of mine. He's on his feet with school and teaching all day almost every day, but I found this nice fitness trail to aid me in increasing my daily dose of cardio when we don't have the opportunity to walk to and from the campus which is approximately 2.5 miles. Besides increased exercise, we are also watching our diet more by increasing vegetables (lots more greens for the Greens) and fruit and drinking at least the recommended 8 cups of water a day. This is alll especially important because of the news I received today.
As I have not had the opportunity, for a variety of reasons, to get my thyroid checked since moving here, I went in for some tests last week. Well, the results as in as of this morning and they're not good, but they're not untreatable either. My thyroid (or TSH reading) is almost as high as when I was first diagnosed with hypothyroidism. In addition, I apparently now have high cholesterol. The thinking is that my cholesterol will go down once my thyroid gets under control and with the aid of good diet and more exercise. The results were rather surprising. I expected my thyroid level to be off, but not that far off and I certainly did not think that I would have high cholesterol, especially considering that I eat fairly healthy and am only 29, but apparently it is not an uncommon additional problem to have if you are as hypothyroid as I am right now. BUT, I just have to stay positive and realize that this is all completely treatable and that this is just that much more of a reason to increase my focus on establishing a more healthy lifestyle. So...there you have it! Maybe you too should join the challenge - I challenge you...get a pedometer and start journaling what you eat and how much water you drink. I bet you'll be surprised!

Spring is here...

2006-04-09T21:36:00.000-06:00

[Alicia] Yes, indeed it is and with Spring showers, er, and hail, and high winds, and tornadoes. We have escaped any real damage or harsh weather. We continue to see weekly forecasts for strong thunderstorms, but nothing serious down here and, in fact, it cools things off which is nice considering the hot, humid summer is just around the corner. Everything is in bloom down here which is quite lovely. So far our allergies haven't really been affected too much which is a good sign. I think actually Brian has a harder time with allergies than I do, but then we all know how sensitive he is - just kidding.
Brian continues to work steadily at his studies as finals are just around the corner (first week in May). The first year is almost over. It's hard to believe! It's been quite a year of adjustment for both of us.
I continue with my work for the National Environmental Health Association, part-time, and am working on getting my health issues under control and am continuing to investigate the best option for me with regard to my future endeavours in the field of anthropology.
For the immediate future, however, I will be moving, temporarily, to Huntsville for about a month and a half to help out my family any way I can. You see, my mother was just diagnosed with Endometrial Cancer and will be undergoing surgery in about 2 weeks. So, please keep my family in your thoughts and prayers as we journey through this challenge together. The cancer has been caught at a very early stage and we are very hopeful for a successful surgery and recovery. My mother is doing a great job of trying to get as healthy as possible prior to the surgery by walking several miles almost every day, eating better, and drinking lots of water. She also has an ever-growing support group outside of her family as we learn about other friends and co-workers who have dealt with cancer personally or know someone who beat it.
Well, it is now time to sleep perchance to dream and wake tomorrow rested and ready to make the most of the gift of life for one more day.

Happy Anniversary!

2006-03-14T18:12:00.000-07:00

Today is a very special day for two of our favorite relatives - it's Davin and Jen's 14th Wedding Anniversary! Congratulations! You can check out their blog in the list of links to the right.

Yes, yes, I know...

2006-03-14T16:42:00.000-07:00

I [Alicia] have been told (repeatedly) that we need to update our blog. Me aculpa, me aculpa. We've been a little busy with school and work what with mid-terms and loads of homework and personal projects and thus the delay in our attention to the blog. This is an even tougher semester for Brian and he is working hard on his constant responsibilities for the classes he teaches and trying to stay afloat with all the homework and quizzes and tests (He's lately been preparing for mid-terms in Quantum Mechanics and Statistical Mechanics.). I, with my one little class, have been kept busy with preparing for a mid-term last week that ended up being much easier than expected. I got a 56/60! :-) We also had a take home essay portion and I hope to receive full credit on that portion of the test resulting in an A for the mid-term. I could have and should have done better on the in-class portion, but I am grateful for the chance to test my knowledge and learn where I have room to grow. For the take home portion, I wrote a 2,000-plus word essay on Orientalism. It's a very interesting perspective about how the West views the "Orient" and its impact on foreign policy and popular opinion and attitudes during the post-colonial periods in Europe (specifically in France and England) and later in the U.S., and the resulting impact on today's popular perspectives of the Middle East in particular as arising out of an Orientalist perspective.
On a lighter note, the weather here is quite nice. Everything is blooming and it has been lovely. We've spent a few afternoons studying outdoors (I wish we had a camera so I could share some of the lovely blooming trees. One of my plants that blooms tiny little rose-like blossoms has been growing wonderfully and producing adorable little flowers. However, we (and by "we" I really mean mostly me) have to watch the fact that I sunburn easily - one afternoon of studying resulted in patches of sunburn on my left leg and my arms. :-( We just had a cold front roll through and temps dipped down into the 60s! Imagine - and they just had 4-5 inches of snow in Colorado! I think we had about a week of Winter down here. I am not complaining one way or the other, but I do miss the snow. Well, it is time to go eat...that's all for now.

Radiant Abuelita

2006-02-12T11:52:00.000-07:00

We had to post this picture on our site since it's such a beautiful, radiant picture of my [Alicia] mother! We had the good fortune to visit Jameh (and Katrina and Nafeh) again in January. As you have probably been able to tell from his (Jameh's) web site, he's growing so fast and quickly developing more and more character in his lovely, little countenance. His birth was such an amazing experience for me [Alicia]. My mother and I had the blessing of being with Katrina throughout her labor. I have been graciously (too graciously, I think) thanked for my efforts in that process, but I can only offer that I would not have felt as confident in my own instincts had my own mother not been there. Her wealth of experience, love, and words of wisdom gave me so much strength and allowed me to truly connect with Katrina and be as much of a help to her as I could be. It was also such a blessing that so many family members could be there as well throughout the hours leading up to and after the birth (Katrina's parents, her brothers, her cousin, Navid, and my husband were all there during the labor-though not necessarily in the room during her hard labor hours as only a couple people were allowed to stay). And, then, fortunately, Nafeh's mother, Karen, was able to join us shortly after the birth. Other family members were also there in spirit, we are sure, if not frequently by phone. I only hope I am blessed to have so many family members surrounding us when we have our children. Then, the blessings of this birth continued as my mother and I were able to stay several extra days to help Katrina out during the critical days after the birth. We miss Jameh so much and can't wait to see him again!

I love this picture of Jameh and Brian! Just see how Jameh's fingers reach back for Brian's hand...so adorable!!

Everyone should get regular massages

2006-02-12T10:21:00.000-07:00

Yesterday, Brian and I went to get massages at a local massage and aromatherapy center! So relaxing and so long overdue!!! Brian got a 1/2 hour Swedish massage and I got a 1/2 hour Hot Stone Massage. That was the first time I had ever gotten a Hot Stone Massage and it was wonderful! Whenever any of you come to visit, we will have to treat you to a massage at this place (see link at left). They are very reasonably priced and very nice people. We will definitely be going back. They also feature other types of massages, body wraps, facials, manicures, and the list goes on. Then, we went to Smoothie King and got some good antioxidant and detoxifying smoothies, water (a must-have after massages), and some really good health snacks like these chips from root vegetables and a Pistachio Pineapple Boomi Bar (gluten free). It was a day of health to be sure...now the real challenge is to carry over that same perspective on health every day...and we try.

Brian's Pirate Name - we didn't plan this!

2006-02-08T17:50:00.000-07:00

My pirate name is:

Mad Sam Rackham

Every pirate is a little bit crazy. You, though, are
more than just a little bit. You have the good fortune
of having a good name, since Rackham
(pronounced RACKem, not rack-ham)is one of the
coolest sounding surnames for a pirate. Arr!

Get your own pirate name from fidius.org.

Alicia's Pirate Name - what fun!

2006-02-08T11:41:00.000-07:00

My pirate name is:

Mad Anne Rackham

Get your own pirate name from fidius.org.

Movie reviews

2006-02-08T11:40:00.000-07:00

Brian and I went to see Nanny McPhee this past weekend and WE LOVED IT! It is such a treasure of a movie and we highly recommend it! Emma Thomspon (who also wrote the screenplay) and Colin Firth are great-we're a little partial because they are two of our favorite actors. Nanny McPhee is just one of those movies that takes you back to the innocence of childhood and the idea of believing in magic and fairy tales and the fun of being mischievious. Our experience was made even more enjoyable by all the little children in the audience (I am pretty sure we were the only ones there without children.) and especially these two adorable little boys (about 3 and 5 years old) who giggled and laughed the whole time.

We also rented The Last Samurai from Netflix and watched that this past week. A great movie also...a real tearjerker for me. Some beautiful imagery, writing, and the historical aspects were fascinating.

Has anyone else seen these movies? What did you think?

Thru the Looking Glass: Amelia, Lucia, and Roya

2006-02-01T21:18:00.000-07:00

As Amelia, Lucia, and Roya are away in Haifa, Israel, and cannot, sadly, be with us for many of these events (though they are with us in our thoughts and in our hearts), we think it is only fitting that they have their place on this blog as well. So we offer the photos below of the darlings out and about at cafes, walking the grand steps up the terraces on Mount Carmel at the World Centre, celebrating birthdays, and generally enjoying each other's company. (Of course, girls, this does not deprive you -or relieve you- of the responsibility of continuing to send us news and more pictures.)

Reasons for the time warp

2006-02-01T21:14:00.000-07:00

[Alicia] You will soon notice that there will be more and more photos for the time being that were taken in the past. This is as a result of the plain fact that we didn't start this blog until this month and there are just so many great photos that we want to share and that shouldn't stay hidden. So...for the time being...you will pardon the fact that some of these photos will be a little dated.

Time Warp...Back to New Year's Day 2006

2006-02-01T17:59:00.000-07:00

[Alicia] Brian and I walked in the mist along the remains of one of the piers in Gulfport (Cousin Cheryl in the background). The damage and destruction everywhere was amazing. There are many places I remember as a child visiting, when my family and I would go to visit family in Gulfport, that are simply not there anymore as a result of Hurricane Katrina. The destruction and remains looked particularly eerie this morning. (I'm not TRYING to look extra cool in my glasses...there was glare - I promise! Yes, there was!)

More images of the destruction that are neat, but that only really offer a small glimpse of the scope of the destruction.

Time Warp...Back to New Year's Eve 2005

2006-02-01T16:19:00.000-07:00

[Alicia] It was a magical night - New Year's Eve at the grandparents in Gulfport, MS. I hadn't been back for that occasion in some time and Brian had not been at all. As much as was possible throughout the misty night, we sent fireworks soaring into the night sky (usually beyond our vision) that was most anything but clear and we danced and we laughed and we ate good food and played silly games like Mafia and Black Magic (They sound very sinister but are really rather fun and harmless.). It was amazing how much more room we all take up now that we are grown. Many of us couldn't really stay up all night and then when midnight came...we were so engrossed in the games we all only half-muttered a "Happy New Year" to each other and quickly went back to the silliness. Gatherings at the grandparents are always times to remember!

So....what else is new?

2006-01-25T19:39:00.000-07:00

Well, we recently moved to a new apartment in Auburn. We are not all set up yet and largely without much furniture or we'd show you some images of the new digs. We are settling in, but getting moved in must also be tempered with the start of classes, travel, and other committments. Also, thanks to Nafeh's recommendation, we just signed up for Netflix. We haven't received the first movies yet, but the selection is amazing. A lot of good documentaries, classics, independent films, and television series you wouldn't find in your local Blockbuster or Movie Gallery. For example, we love mysteries so we already put Miss Marple and Inspector Poirot mysteries in our queue along with some great sci-fi like Farscape and Babylon 5!

We spoke of classes earlier and yes, we did mean classes for both of us. As you all probably know, Brian is now in his second semester of the Ph.D. program in Physics at Auburn and doing well as well as eating, drinking, and sleeping Physics. Our conversations have become quite interesting and enlightening if not increasingly silly from the strain on the brain. And, now, I (Alicia) will be joining him for lunch occasionally on campus as I started taking one class, Middle Eastern Societies, this Spring. Yes, I applied and was accepted to the M.S. (or M.A. - haven't quite figured out which) program in Sociology with a concentration in Cultural Anthropology. I will also be taking some core theory and methods undergraduate sociology courses over the summer. So, the balancing of time has become quite tricky, but we both have a lot to aspire to and are enjoying the challenge.

Welcome Jameh!

2006-01-25T18:38:00.000-07:00

The most amazing recent event in our lives recently was the birth of our nephew, Jameh Tyson Fananapazir, son of Nafeh and Katrina Fananapazir, born Sunday, Jan. 15 at 3:11 a.m. We'd like to share some oh-so-cute family photos with you - basically because we can't get enough of the little guy!

You can go to http://www.nafeh.com/baby/main.php, to learn more about Jameh, the Fananapazir's and to see more cute family and baby pictures.

Katrina, Alicia's sister, presents Jameh to the world and vice versa.

Here I (Alicia) am with Little Jameh! Awwww! I could hold him all day long!

And...here's Brian with Jameh! Aren't they so cute!!

Awww...Abuelita and Jameh! Wait! What's that? Truly a blessed baby!

Awwww...three generations!!

And here's the Father-of-the-Mother-of-Jameh soaking in some rays!

Dad (Nafeh) and son!

Here's some more images...

Geoffrey and Jameh

Navid and Jameh

Brian (Tyson) with Jameh

Father-of-the-Mother-of-Jameh walking Jameh