Each year I vow to do things differently. Lose weight, cut down on the wine and Starbucks, stop worrying so much. But this year I resolve to look inward. Oliver Thomas suggests that’s the way to go in his column for “The Forum” in USA Today. A trifecta of resolutions that seem much wiser and easier to keep. http://blogs.usatoday.com/oped/2009/12/column-its-time-to-look-inward-.html For more information on Vicky Collins … Continue reading New Year’s Resolutions
To celebrate Barbie’s 50th anniversary a line of Muslim Barbie dolls have been released to help Arabic children connect. There’s a love/hate relationship with Burka Barbie. They wear hijab and brightly colored burkas. What do you think of this diversity doll? http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/babylonbeyond/2009/12/arab-world-burka-barbie-iconic-doll-gets-an-islamic-makeover-for-50th-anniversary.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+BabylonBeyond+%28Babylon+%26+Beyond+Blog%29 For more information on Vicky Collins visit http://teletrendstv.com. Continue reading Burka Barbie
Esther Heller tells me she used to be a dancer. She says she won competitions in Paris and Athens and even Kamchatka (although she no longer is certain where that is.) She used to teach dancing in Denver. Waltzes and Polkas and Fox Trots. She did it for free so people could learn to move their feet. But now Esther’s feet have betrayed her. Until … Continue reading Esther’s Last Dance
Abigail Van Buren who wrote the syndicated Dear Abby column for many years introduced me to the Thanksgiving prayer we say at our table. I love its simplicity and reminder that we need to keep in mind those less fortunate than we are as we count our myriad of blessings. This year, in our troubled world, let’s also be grateful to those who are different from us … Continue reading Thanksgiving Blessing
Many of you have come to this blog to watch the story about Juliette and read about her brutal acid attack in Kampala, Uganda (http://vimeo.com/5703299.) I had always considered the violence against Juliette and other women like her as personal. Jealous men destroy the lives of women who threaten them in some way. Nicholos Kristof of the New York Times writes widely on this subject as … Continue reading Acid Attacks: Personal and Political
Told Ranya, Suzanne and Priscilla about my blog and they have linked to it. I’ve returned the favor in my blogroll. Here’s the nice email they sent me. Please check out their site at http://thefaithclub.com if you would like to join the conversation. Hi Vicky – Thank you so very much for your email. We are honored that our words in any way inspired yours. … Continue reading Feedback from The Faith Club
Over the course of reading the book “The Faith Club” many things resonated with me but one statement from Ranya, the Muslim woman, sums things up. “Once you can see things from both sides you’re on the side of compassion and humanity.” Another thing that impressed me was a bit of wisdom from my friend, Cheryl, during a walk last weekend. “Don’t judge a religion … Continue reading The Faith Club Part 4
Three years ago I was on the road in Buenos Aires, Argentina during Rosh Hashanah. As is my custom when I am traveling I find myself a service wherever I am. One year I celebrated Rosh Hashanah in Wilmington, North Carolina while covering a hurricane. Another time I spent Passover in Kampala, Uganda where we substituted Indian naan for matzah. There was Yom Kippur in Savannah, Georgia and a seder at a … Continue reading The Faith Club Part 3
My son, Kyle, was born with a bump on his head and it terrified me. As a first time mom I was certain he would become gravely ill and I would not be able to hang on to him. Perhaps it was the postpartum imbalance of hormones but I found myself crying in the shower. Then and there I surrendered. I conceded I could not do … Continue reading The Faith Club Part 2
I’ve spent the last two days in temple celebrating Rosh Hashanah but for some reason this year I’m not feeling it. Perhaps it’s because I only show up for the high holidays and each year it’s the same story of Isaac and Abraham and Hannah and Peninah. My Jewish experience is so limited. Rabbi Mo is at the top of his game with sermons about living … Continue reading The Faith Club
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