Wednesday, May 26, 2010

Kenya Tomorrow



Ahh, family portraits, the moment to create that perfect reality of the smiling family, standing next to a scenic background, so happy together, just like everyday... or maybe not...

Since I'm leaving tomorrow, we took over 50 family pictures, and only in one are we really all smiling and looking at the camera, but we got a lot of good silly faces, both intentional and not. I heart my family! :)

Bye everyone! Get ready for my blog to get a lot more exciting!

Love,

Laura



Tuesday, May 25, 2010

The Historical Momentousness of Packing 5/25






























By my empty suitcase I sit. Blue or white, two pairs of sunglasses or three? The dilemmas lie in front of me, almost as momentous as the teetering towers of clothes now surrounding me, a moment set to determine the next two-month, if not the future of my entire life.

As any history professor will tell you, history is not random but a string of choices. What if Rosa parks had tripped on her skirt the way to the bus and never made that fateful ride?

Take Isadora Duncan, considered by many to be the creator of modern dance. Duncan's fondness for flowing scarves was the cause of her death when her silk scarf while still draped around her neck, became entangled around one of the vehicle's open-spoked wheels and rear axle, breaking her neck. If only she had just not worn that scarf…

And here I find myself, still alive, surrounded by the scarves and shirts, shoes and hats that to me can bring fame or fallow misfortune, death or life, and I ask myself again, blue or white?

Monday, May 24, 2010

The Calm of the Summer Day 5/24


Hello!

I awoke this morning to see a seagull on our front porch. I am used to crows and squirrels, but I wasn't expecting to see a seagull! It was very friendly and let me get within a few feet of it.

Another day spent biking around, playing outside, rediscovering how much swings are, and taking pictures of green things. In case you haven't noticed, my blog has been very green. Green is a beautiful color.

Yes, perhaps one could say that a seagull being the highlight of my day is sad, but hey! No news is good news. These are the treasured calm days before the winds of summer adventure begin to gather...

Countdown to Kenya: 3 days!

Laura

Sunday, May 23, 2010

A Hiking Tale 5/23

Time with ones father can be a beautiful and influential moment in a young girl's life. The following is a detailed scientific description detailing the hike my father and went on to Eastern Washington:

Amidst the Ponderosa pines and wildflowers blossoming against the struggling springtime hills of Eastern Washington, silhouettes of a girl and her dad shone black against the bluest of peaks behind them (See picture 1). They made their way slowly, stopping to admire a animal's footprint (fore- shadowing) or to gaze upon the bewitching allure of the hillside stretching further behind them with each step.

The girl sat down to rest amongst the radiant flowers, yellow like to sun to which they stretched earnestly their supple young photo- synthesizing necks (Picture 2).

Then suddenly, looming in front of them stood a wild creature! Twice the size of a bobcat, it reveled itself, staring at them mouth open, tail sweeping slowly back and forth like the hands of an old-fashioned cuckoo clock, ticking down the time until death be upon them (See picture 3). Knowing there was no escape, they stepped aside and the creature lumbered past them, surely on to feast upon the flesh of another...

They walked on, seemingly strangely unfazed, with the kind of bravery to which all noble souls should aspire, having been confronted with such a near-death experience. They faced hail, prickers, and heaven forbid, slightly muddy paths at times. Yet, up the mountain, amidst the glory of the wilderness, they continued ever forward, just a girl and her father (Picture 4).

Thanks for a great day Dad.

Love,
Laura

Saturday, May 22, 2010

Just another Day 5/22



To who it may concern:

First of all, as you can see, I have become a ninja, fighting off enemies within the suburban wilderness of my home and yard...

Second of all, I continued my search today for conservative Muslim clothing.

Then, I contemplated the meaning of life with an umbrella.

A day well spent.

Love,
Laura




No Collarbones 5/21


"Appropriate Dress: In Mombasa you will be living in a conservative Islamic society where in appropriate dress causes offense and may result in your isolation. Garments worn outdoors should cover one's collarbone, elbows, and knees."
-Instructions for
Study Abroad

So, thus I began my mission to find conservative Muslim clothing amidst the unscrupulous jungle of the American mall. Surprisingly , it is really difficult to find clothing that covers knees, elbows, and collarbones.

However... I worked really hard, and after hours of shopping and multiple stores, I think I have done it. I think I really look like a native! It is a conservative but stylish look. I am so proud of my work. Don't you think so?

I also did a little camera experimenting during the epic rainfall that so defines my life here in Seattle. My friend Hilary and I were driving home, and it was just pouring so that we could hardly see the road. I really am home.

Your currently soaking wet Seattleite,

Laura

Thursday, May 20, 2010

A Rain Poem and Sunshine 5/20


It is raining today (again) and I decided to fight back with the power of the pen, or in this day and age keyboard. Here is my amazing rain poem.

Listen here rain
You are the bane
Of my Seattle terrain
I do not feign this distain
Don't you try and explain!
Just wane
And drain
Get on a plane!
Get in a train!
Go to Maine
Or Spain
You are such a pain!
You are so vain
So mundane

I ascertain
Do not sustain
You do not Entertain,
You know, I will complain
Please at least try and abstain

I will start a campaign
If you remain
Ball and chain
I will obtain
A ten ten foot crane
A wooden cane
A weather vane
With which, you, I WILL detain.

Yet, alas these efforts prove in vain

Not even chow mein
Nor McCain
Not even Saddam Hussein
Or little Mary Jane
Can stop this rain

Yes, although I complain
I suppose you rain will forever remain
The ruler of the Seattle domain

What do you think? I love rhyming dictionaries!
I spent the morning reading and studying Swahili with my trusted bear friend. Then, my poem worked and the sun came out so I went roller blading! I am still loving having trees and bike paths and parks all around here. I missed nature in Boston!

A week until I leave, and also I just realized it is my half birthday today!

Until tomorrow,

Laura