The Farns

Friday, 6 September 2013

Cambridge

Cambridge has become my new favorite destination. It is only one hour from our house and a very nice drive too. There is so much to do and see there. We have been up there sight-seeing with friends from out of town numerous times or there is always time to pop up for one of the many concerts or plays going on. We saw Midsummer Night's Dream a few weeks ago put on by one of the colleges in the middle of a lovely courtyard in the open air. I also have a favorite food cart that sells felafel sandwiches. If that food cart were in my village, I would eat there everyday! The above is a picture of Alex and our friend Rose from Chicago in front of Kings College Chapel.

This is inside King's College Chapel. They started building it in 1446 during the reign of King Henry VI, but didn't finish until 1544 during the reign of Henry VIII. King's College Chapel is regarded as one of the greatest examples of late Gothic English architecture. It has the world's largest fan-vault ceiling.

The chapel's stained-glass windows and wooden chancel screen are considered some of the finest from their era.

Here is a closer look at the ceiling...

In 1961, a millionaire gave King's College the gorgeous, original painting Adoration of the Magi by Rubens. The college displays the painting in the chapel as an altarpiece. Gorgeous!

Here is Alex just out of the chapel in the courtyard of some of the colleges. (Not sure which ones they are.)

You cannot go to Cambridge without going punting. Our friend Rose was brave and gave it a go (or perhaps she was forced). She did a fantastic job as punter because I must say, I wouldn't do it. I usually just hire somebody because it is not easy and I need to make sure Alex doesn't decide to go for a swim. The punter propels the punt (or boat) by pushing against the river bed with a pole. Note: A punt should not be confused with a gondola which is propelled by an oar rather than a pole. Another friend of ours went punting with his family and got his pole stuck in the mud of the river and it threw him overboard!

This is the beautiful scenery you get to enjoy while punting leisurely down the River Cam. Up ahead you can see the beautiful Bridge of Sighs.

And here is Alex in front of the Cambridge Round Church. It was constructed in 1130 by the Fraternity of the Holy Sepulchre. The round design of the church was inspired by the circular Church of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem, built by Constantine the Great. Today only four medieval round churches survive. All were constructed after the First Crusade of 1097, so presumably the returning Crusaders brought back stories about Constantine's church and these ideas influenced the builders of the new church. The circular ambulatory is also symbolic of the circle of life, followed by death, and finally resurrection. Can I just say, I LOVE WHERE WE LIVE!!!!

Thursday, 5 September 2013

My Garden

I thought I would give Syria a break and post something different, though I am still obsessed about it and spend far too much time on the internet reading anything and everything about the country and situation. Anyway, on a happier note, here are pics of my garden and some of my harvest. The above are sugar snap peas. We have had a lot of sugar snap peas this year, but I must admit, Sammy has eaten most of them right out of the garden. This doesn't bother me at all. I think it is great. Her and Alex have also eaten all my strawberries. Again, I am not upset because how could I be? I love that they are snacking right out of the garden!

This year I planted tomatillos for the first time. Here is one of them getting quite big on the vine! So exciting!

Here are my pumpkins, squash and sugar snap peas.

Rhubarb

My pumpkins are increasing in size and will be perfect in a month or so just in time for Halloween!

This is the entrance to my vegetable garden. Lovely huh?

All the branches on our apple trees are hanging low and heavy with apples.

Here is my largest tomatillo plant. Like I said, this is the first year I have ever grown tomatillos so it is kind of an experiment. If I would have known the plant got so big, I would have either planted it in the garden or in a bigger pot. Oh well. I will know for next year.

A lovely, delicate tomatillo lantern....and there you have it, MY GARDEN! I never thought I would be really interested in gardening but I must say the more I do it, the more I enjoy it. It is almost relaxing and therapeutic to go out and dig around in the dirt, to watch things I planted grow into something we can eat.

Tuesday, 3 September 2013

Sleepless Night

I heard from my friend Areen in Damascus this morning. This is what she said:

Good morning Joyce
Night was scary
Kudsia was bombed surface-to-surface missiles
We can not sleep
We spent a sleepless night with fear and horror
Seems that I should find another place to live
Because the system Decided bombing Kudsia
O God I'm tired tired
And I'm scared for my kids

(Please see previous posts for more about Areen.)

On a happier note, I just heard from my other friend in Syria, Sahar. I have not heard from her in a while. Last I corresponded with her, she was in a refugee camp. However, she is not in a refugee camp anymore. She is in a city called Homs, which is a little scary because I know it is a strategic center that the Syrian government would like to control so there is a possibility of escalated fighting there. I was just so happy to hear that she was safe though. Now I just need to hear from my other friend Ziyad who I have not corresponded with for several months. I hope he and his family are ok.

Saturday, 31 August 2013

A Conversation with a Dear Syrian Friend

This is a conversation I just had with my friend Areen who lives in Damascus. She has two sons. Her husband has fled to Egypt to escape military service so she is left a single mom and all alone. This conversation left me in tears...
(To read other conversations with Areen and read about my other Syrian friends, go to Older Posts and scroll down.)

Areen Alali

hi

good morning
8:43am

Joyce Stuart Farnsworth

Areen Good morning!

How are you today?

I think about you all the time.
8:44am

Areen Alali

not bad
8:44am

Joyce Stuart Farnsworth

I heard from Majd and have been reading up on Syrians in Egypt

How can I help him?

I am still figuring out how to send money but not sure what is a safe way to do it.
8:45am

Areen Alali

We are waiting for attack

Do not worry

If we stayed alive
8:47am

Joyce Stuart Farnsworth

From what I have read, I don't think the attack should be big. Hopefully it iwll just target where chemical weapons are stored. I know the U.S. does not want to get fully involved in Syria and they do not have the support of other countries.

I am so sorry. Are you still in your house?

Do you have a Western Union where you can go collect money that is sent to you?
8:49am

Areen Alali

We are not afraid of a U.S. attack only Fear that exploits to kill civilians without the attention of the world You you understand my intention Can take advantage of the regime or the opposition attack and many civilians are killed
8:50am

Joyce Stuart Farnsworth

Yes, I understand. It is very scary for you and all the innocent people.
8:52am

Areen Alali

After the attack, agree on a way to transfer money to that we will be in dire need of everything
8:53am

Joyce Stuart Farnsworth

ok I will start researching how to get money to you if it is possible. I will pray that you and your family are safe.
8:54am

Areen Alali

I'm sorry Always forget to ask about your family and your children I wish them good and peace
8:55am

Joyce Stuart Farnsworth

Don't worry about us.We are fine. I just worry about you and your family and the terrible situation you are in. I wish more than anything I could be of more help.
8:56am

Areen Alali

Do not worry Your feelings and your interest enough
8:57am

Joyce Stuart Farnsworth

I have been reading a lot of articles about Syria and then I post them on Facebook so that others can read them and be informed. I hope it helps people understand what is happening there.
8:59am

Areen Alali

I will send you a picture of me To see how i became after all these years If I died, remember me
9:01am

Joyce Stuart Farnsworth

Oh Areen. It makes me so sad to think that you have to face this horrible reality of possible death. Please stay safe. I will pray for you.
9:02am

Areen Alali

I will read what has been written If you know the time of the attack Tell me
9:04am

Joyce Stuart Farnsworth

I have no idea when they are supposed to attack or where it will be. The US government does not publish things like that. People just find out after the fact. Please try and get online and tell me that you are safe if you can.
9:05am

Areen Alali

We will stay in touch Now I'm going to buy something of the children's needs Do not forget me

salam
9:06am

Joyce Stuart Farnsworth

I will never forget you Areen!
9:09am

Areen Alali

I will try to stay on line But pray does not cut the net and electricity

salam
9:09am

Joyce Stuart Farnsworth

I love you!

Stay safe!
(She sent me some pictures of herself. See below for pictures.)
9:17am

Joyce Stuart Farnsworth

You are still so beautiful Areen. Thank you for the picture and PLEASE stay safe!
9:17am

Areen Alali

Ok

God with us
9:17am

Joyce Stuart Farnsworth

Yes God be with you!

Books I Have Read Recently

(Let me know what books you have read recently or what your favorite book(s) is. I am always looking for a good book. Here are a few I have read.)

-The Red Tent by Anita Diamant

-Pope Joan by Donna Wolfolk Cross
(Definitely one of my favorites)

-Men to Match my Mountains by Irving Stone

-Life of Pi by Yann Martel

-The DaVinci Code by Dan Brown

-Leap of Faith: Memoirs of an Unexpected Life by Queen Noor of Jordan

--Memoirs of a Geisha by Arthur Golden
(This is one of my favorite books.)

-Those Who Love by Irving Stone
(This is a book about Abigail Adams, wife of John Adams. It was an enlightening read.)

-I Love You Ronnie by Nancy Reagan

--The Lovely Bones by Alice Sebold
(I didn't like this book.)

--The Alchemist by Paul Coelho
(I liked this book when I read it several years ago but when I recently re-read it, I did not like it. I guess my tastes have changed.)

-The Glass Palace by Amitav Ghosh
(Begins in 1885, with the British invasion of Mandalay and the capture of the Burmese king and queen, and encompassing over 100 years to modern-day India and Burma (Myanmar). It was a great read.)

--The Peddler’s Grandson; Growing up Jewish in Mississippi by Edward Cohen

-Brick Lane by Monica Ali
(I liked this book a lot except for the middle part where you are reading a bunch of letters written in poor English. I could have done without that.)

-Nine Parts of Desire by Geraldine Brooks

-Secret Life of Bees by Sue Monk Kidd
(I saw the movie and loved it. It stars Queen Latifah as August and she is great!)

--Power and Glory by Adam Nicolson

--How To Run a Traditional Jewish Household by Blu Greenberg

-Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austin

-The No. 1 Ladies Detective Agency by Alexander McCall Smith

-Songs of Innocence and of Experience by William Blake

-The Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini
(This is a very thrilling read. I could not put it down. It may not be for everyone though.)

-Watching the English: The Hidden Rules of English Behavior
by Kate Fox

-The Hiding Place by Corrie Ten Boom and John Scherrill

-Girl with the Pearl Earring by Tracy Chevalier

-Atonement by Ian McEwan
(A very intriguing book and I loved the movie, even though Kiera Knightley was the star.)

-Time Traveler’s Wife by Audrey Niffenegger

--The Constant Princess by Philippa Gregory
(Great book about Katherine of Aragon, King Henry VIII's first wife)

--The Other Boleyn Girl by Philippa Gregory
(A book about Ann Boleyn - King Henry VIII's second wife)

-The Boleyn Inheritance by Philippa Gregory
(This one is about King Henry VIII's fourth and fifth wives - Anne of Cleves and Katherine Howard.)

-The Queen's Fool by Philippa Gregory
(This book is about Queen Mary, Katherine of Aragon's daughter, and the Queen-to-be Elizabeth, Anne Boleyn's daughter. There is also a fictional character Hannah. I loved it!)

-Stiff: The Curious Lives of Human Cadavers by Mary Roach

-The Bookseller of Kabul by Asne Seierstad
(A great overview of recent Afghan history. Check out the bookseller's rebuttal book published this year.)

-Virgins of Paradise by Barbara Wood
(I loved this book. It focuses on an Egyptian family from the 1940s to the present. It was a really good look at Egyptian culture and politics as they have changed through the years.)

-A Thousand Splendid Suns by Khaled Hosseini

-The Chosen by Chaim Potok
(This is a good look at Jewish life. I liked reading the history of the formation of the state of Israel and the different reactions of various Jews throughout the book.)

--The Painted Veil by W. Somerset Maugham

--The Thief by Megan Whalen Turner

-Children: The Challenge by Rudolf Dreikurs, M.D.
(I am still in the process of reading this book)

-The Audacity of Hope by Barack Obama
(I admit, I skimmed this. It was long with too much political rhetoric for my taste.)

--The Hours by Michael Cunningham
(I didn't like this book, I wouldn't recommend it.)

-The Boy in the Striped Pajamas by John Boyne
(This was an amazing book. I could have read it in one night, easily. I could not put it down. It is about an innocent boy living outside the fence of a concentration camp.)

-David O. McKay and The Rise of Modern Mormonism by Gregory Prince and WM. Robert Wright

-The Glass Castle by Jeanette Walls
(I loved this book!)

-1-2-3 Magic: Effective Discipline for Children 2-12 by Thomas W. Phelan
(I have been doing this with Abby and it works like "magic!" I even went to a lecture and heard the author speak about the method and it is great!)

-Reading Lolita in Tehran by Azar Nafisi

-They Dare to Speak Out by Paul Findley
(A book about an Illinois congressman who lost his seat to the Israeli Lobby.)

---“The Israel Lobby and U.S. Foreign Policy” by John J. Mearsheimer, a political scientist at the University of Chicago, and Stephen M. Walt, a professor of international affairs at the John F. Kennedy School of Government at Harvard
(This is an excellent paper.)

--A Tree Grows in Brooklyn by Betty Smith
(I must admit, I did not finish this book. I found it very slow moving and a bit boring. I read about half and gave up.)

--The Zookeeper's Wife: A War Story by Diane Ackerman

--Stasiland; Stories From Behind the Berlin Wall by Anna Funder

--These is My Words: The Diary of Sarah Agnes Prine, 1881 - 1901 Arizona Territories by Nancy E. Turner
(This was a great escape. I loved it!)

--Escape by Carolyn Jessop (This is a disturbing book but a good read. It's all about a girl who escapes from a radical FLDS polygamist cult.)

--Tall Grass by Sandra Dallas

--The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks by Rebecca Skloot
(Doctors took her cells without asking; those cells never died. They launched a medical revolution and a multimillion-dollar industry. More than twenty years later, her children found out. Their lives would never be the same.)

--FREE RANGE kids: How to Raise Safe, Self-Reliant Children (Without Going Nuts with Worry) by Lenore Skenazy

--Standing Alone: An American Woman's Struggle for the Soul of Islam by Asra Q. Nomani
(I loved this book. It is a very detailed account of the hajj and her take on Islam.)

--The Year That Changed The World: The Untold Story Behind the Fall of the Berlin Wall by Michael Meyer
(Meyer is a myth buster. The myth he tackles in this book is Americans' idea that communist regimes in the Cold War fell because of the United States' involvement. He is an excellent historian. I really enjoyed this book!)

--Hunting Eichmann: How a Band of Survivors and a Young Spy Agency Chased Down the World's Most Notorious Nazi by Neal Bascomb
(This book is now on my list of all-time favorites. It was thrilling and so fascinating. I highly recommend it!)

--Kabul Beauty School by Deborah Rodriguez
(I loved this book. It was adventurous and inspiring!)

--Someone Knows My Name By Lawrence Hill

--The Great Fire of London in the Apocalyptic Year 1666 By Neil Hanson
(I knew of the great fire in London but nothing else. This was very informative and kept my interest. It did get a little too detailed in parts though.)

--Son of Hamas: A Gripping Account of Terror, Betrayal, Political Intrigue and Unthinkable Choices By Mosab Hassan Yousef
(I like this book)

--Wild Swans: Three Daughters of China by Jung Chang
(Excellent book on the history of China and how it has changed over the century.)

--Hana's Suitcase by Karen Levine
(I would read this to my girls one day. It is a good look at the holocaust for children.)

--The Flying Carpet of Small Miracles by Hala Jaber

--Mengele: The Complete Story by Gerald Posner and John Ware

--Cutting For Stone by Abraham Verghese

--In the Garden of Beasts: Love, Terror, and an American Family in Hitler's Berlin by Erik Larson

--The Light Between Oceans by M.L. Stedman

--The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society by Mary Ann Shaffer

--Faith: Behind The Fences: A True Story of Survival In A Japanese Prison Camp by Kelly Dispirito Taylor

--Half Broke Horses by Jeannette Walls

--We Were Not Alone: How an LDS Family Survived World War II Berlin by Patricia Reece Roper

--The Paris Wife by Paula McLain

--Pillar of the Earth by Ken Follett

--Buddha in the Attic by Julie Otsuka

--The Cultural Revolution: A People's History 1962 - 1976 by Frank Dikotter

Books I Want to Read

--Terror in the Name of God: Why Religious Militants Kill by Jessica Stern
--Dark Star Safari: Overland from Cairo to Capetown by Paul Theroux
--Through a Glass Darkly: A Novel by Karleen Koen
--Well-Behaved Women Seldom Make History by Laurel Thatcher Ulrich
--The Jewel of Medina by Sherry Jones
--Shanghai Girls by Lisa See
--The Art of Making Money: The Story of a Master Counterfeiter by Jason Kersten
--An Enduring Love: My Life with the Shah - A Memoir by Farah Pahlavi
--Reconciliation: Islam, Democracy, and the West by Benazir Bhutto
--City of Joy by Dominique Lapierre
--East of Eden by John Steinbeck
-- The Agony and the Ecstacy: A Biographical Novel of Michelangelo by Irving Stone
--One Hundred Years of Solitude by Gabriel Garcia Marquez
--Year of Wonders, a novel of the plague by Geraldine Brooks
--Ms. Ayaan Hirsi Ali's autobiography "Infidel"
--Call Me Anna: The Autobiography of Patty Duke by Patty Duke and Kenneth Turan
-- The War against the Jews: 1933-1945 by Lucy S. Dawidowicz
-- Alicia: My Story by Alicia Appleman-Jurman
--Vintage Sacks by neurologist/author Oliver Sacks.
--Helen Keller's "The Story of My Life"
--I Thought my Father was God (a collection of peoples' stories from NPR's National Story Project)
--Middlesex by Jeffrey Eugenides
--I, Elizabeth by Rosalind Miles