Fields of Green

I’ve always been a bit “stingy” when it comes to my readings. I tend to dedicate more of my time for works of Arab authors, because naturally, I take part in their cause, relate to their uncertainties, share their sense of belonging, and then every once in a while (just when I’m about to overdo it), my very wise cultural Guru (and dear friend Georges) gently pushes me to indulge in books of different nature. His latest was “The Lowland” by British-born, Indian-American and Pulitzer Award winner Jumpha Lahiri.

A trip back in time to India in the 1960s, the book depicts a poignant story of two inseparable brothers who grow up happily in Calcutta but part ways years later, due to political affiliations, insecurity, and immigration- only to remain bound by an epic tragedy of love and loss and broken family ties,  across four generations and two geographies.

I do not wish to divulge further details of the book here today, for I strongly recommend you read it (it was shortlisted for the Man Booker award of the year but The Luminaries just nailed it). I just woke up itching to give credit to authors of the world this morning, and to also give a major shoutout to all Arab and non- Arab immigrants and families away from their homeland this Christmas.

May you live to see your children running happily, and freely, in their homeland’s fields of green.

May you live to see them starting a family- in their homeland- showered with flowers of jasmine, rice, and zaghareet (to each his own)

May you live to see them standing tall- in their homeland-  in times of peace, stability, and goodness, as responsible and compassionate citizens of the world.

Meet Jumpha below- she’s definitely a keeper!

Dear Santa

I’ve been virtually tuning in to the Lebanese Radio station “Light FM” every morning from Dubai for the past four years (that’s the beauty of the Online sphere), so I’m quite used to my morning routine: grabbing virtual breakfast with Tanguy, and genuinely sympathizing with frustrated Lebanese callers complaining about the unbearable traffic on their way to work, all whilst enjoying some of my favorite classic music tracks and indulging in fresh acoustic versions of new hits (that’s what makes Light FM really cool: its love for acoustic).

But Santa, dear Santa, my absolute favorite time of the year to tune in to “Light FM” is December. The whole morning show dynamics change considerably: suddenly, Tanguy is “overly” en bonne humeur (not that he usually isn’t), callers are less frustrated (although traffic is still crazy), citizens are turning a blind eye to the bad and taking note of the good only, political and religious debates are (almost) non existent, and the sole talk of town is Christmas trees, dinners and presents. Suddenly, Wham’s “Last Christmas” is played six times a day on average, and six times a day on average, I find myself wishing I was happily stuck in Beirut’s traffic – rather than in a virtual Chrome tab.

Santa, dear Santa,

This morning, I could almost see life in Beirut bleeping in lights of green, white and red.

I could almost see it peaceful in anticipation of the winter glut of Kodak moments.

I could almost see it smiling…for you are coming to town.

You know I’ve been a (pretty) good girl all year, and if I could make one wish only this Christmas, it would be for you to reside in our Lebanese homes and streets, and on our local radios, TVs and blogs indefinitely…