Reviving this blog!

It's been years since I have logged into this blog, but ironically, the title "Experiencing the World and Enriching The Soul" is more applicable now that it was before.

I have spent the last years on a professional, personal and social journey and realize that I would like to share it with others with hopes to inform, inspire and impact others on a similar trajectory for social impact.

I am in the process of reviving the blog and hopefully sharing more of my lessons, thoughts and things I have learned along the way over the past years that took me to the United Nations, to Harvard, and to 20+ countries.

"Give a Little Love"

"Give a Little Love" - A short and sweet video and reminder of how interconnected our world is. You never know who is impacted by what appear as tiny and mundane nice gesture, and what powerful force might be birthed from that. The lyrics of the song are very fitting: Give a little love, get a little love.

Importance of Travel -- expanding your horizons

2013 Daily Inspirational Quotes #21 - The importance and beauty of travel captured so wonderfully by Mark Twain:

“Travel is fatal to prejudice, bigotry, and narrow-mindedness, and many of our people need it sorely on these accounts. Broad, wholesome, charitable views of men and things cannot be acquired by vegetating in one little corner of the earth all one's lifetime.”

Photo taken at the Pashupatinath Temple in Kathmandu, Nepal in 2010. These men have flower-dyed ash on their faces. The smell of the whole area was burning flesh that was really hard to smell and made me a bit dizzy on several occasions. My wonderful Nepalese guide did a wonderful job of walking me through the history and traditions of the Hindu faith.

The Pashupatinath Temple is the oldest Hindu temple in Kathmandu. It is one of the most significant Hindu temples of Lord Shiva in the world, located on the banks of the Bagmati River (which was filled with ash and belongings of individuals). The temple served as the seat of the national deity, Lord Pashupatinath. The temple is listed in UNESCO World Heritage Sites list. The temple's existence dates back to 400 A.D. Learn more: http://en.wikipedia.org/

Give and Take

2013 Daily Inspirational Quote #22 - Growing up my father used to always say this to us, and it has stuck over the years: "In this world of give and take, one must learn what it takes to give."

Photo taken in 2010 in Nepal while walking around smaller villages on the out-skirts of Pokhara. As we passed by locals working on handcrafts, pottery and woven goods, would put out their hands asking for tips. Due to the language barrier, we didn't get to chat too much beyond basic sign language and exchanges of smiles. 

# 20 - Standing-up for what you believe

2013 Daily Inspirational Quote #20. Inspired by a quote from Alexander Hamilton in 1978: 'Those who stand for nothing fall for anything'.

It was amazing to watch the goats in Oman stand so perfectly to eat from high up in the trees. Despite there being shrubs, branches and bushes closer to the ground, they made a reach for the "good stuff" higher out of their range.

A good lesson for life: Stand-up for what you believe in and want. If you don't stand firm, you will fall for anything that comes your way.

Photo taken in Al-Suwaidi, Oman in 2010.

# 19 - Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) Birthday!

2013 Daily Inspirational Quote #19 - On the occasion of Mawlid al Nabawi, the birth of the Prophet Muhammad (Peace and blessing be upon him) 1443 years ago, I thought this picture and Hadeeth would be appropriate. 

The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said: "The best (Jihad) is (to speak) word of justice to an oppressive ruler." ~ Sunan of Abu-Dawood:2040.

This is a photo I took in Byblos Mountain, Lebanon from the fort overlooking the city. As we were walking, I looked to my right and was struck by how the opening in the fort, displaying the beautiful bright blue dome of the mosque, was in the shape of Palestine/Israel. Was beautiful!

FYI, PBUH was born on the 12th of Rabi' al-Awal of the Lunar Calendar — in Byblos, Mont-Liban.

2013 Presidential Inaugural Celebrations

Truly enjoyed being part of the inauguration festivities, both the inauguration itself and the balls later that night. Was great to be part of history for the second time. I would say the "happy feel" was muted comparing to 4 years earlier, however there was still a bit of magic in the air. 


One of the highlights of my day was meeting my twin. Yes, my long lost twin.  As we walked towards the National Mall to find a location to camp out and watch the swearing in, BOOM, Dakota and I found each other. Same color, texture & style -- in the form of a dog. Our meeting was a blissful joy. As I crouched down to take a photo, Dakota gave me a HUGE lick across the face, which is why I was turning my head away in the photo. This made my day complete. Heck-- it made my life complete ;).

Moments after parting ways with Dakota, an anchor from PBS stopped us to get a sound bite about our feelings about the Inauguration. I went on a tangent about US Foreign Policy and the role of the US in the Middle East, expectations of the international community, etc, however, as expected, it got edited to remove all the "juicy stuff."  Here is a link to the interview that appeared as part of PBS NEWSHOUR with Ray Suarez: http://www.pbs.org/newshour/bb/white_house/jan-june13/mallview_01-21.html

My sweet nephew Adam braved through the cold (well he didn't really have a choice, but was such a good sport through it all) to watch the Swearing-in and the Inaugural Parade. My dear friends bought him some hot chocolate to warm his heart.


The night ended with a few balls. We attended the 2013 Ambassadors Inaugural Ball hosted at the National Gallery Museum then an Inaugural Celebration at the famed Cafe Milano in Georgetown. All in all, was a fun day filled with dynamic activities spent with dear friends and my loving little nephew who brought so much life, laughter and cute smiles to it all.

The complexity of love....

2013 Daily Inspirational Quotes # 17 - We often get caught up trying to define love. Shakespeare captures it's complexity beautifully. This photo is of a dear friends wedding-- a friend whom I learned a lot from and with during my teenage years.

I have not been good about keeping up with these daily.

2013 Daily Inspirational Quote # 14. Photo was taken in Al-Suwaidi, Oman. This sole lonely tree, growing out of the sand, provided shade for some goats protecting them from the scorching Omani heat. Reminded me of the Chinese Proverb -- plant firm foundations for future generations to benefit. They will be thankful!

2013 Daily Inspirational Quote #20 - Dedicated to my mother on her birthday. Thank you for being such a wonderful mother and teaching me the meaning of unconditional love.

Love you mommy Suzanne Rinno Barmada! Happy birthday.

Photo taken in Nepal 2011 while trekking.
 

 2013 Daily Inspirational Quote # 15. Saw the quote on a bulletin board at Howard University when meeting with Dr. Sulayman S. Nyang a few years ago where we spoke about human rights, civil-liberties and activism. I found the Libyan proverb to be very profound at the time and jotted it down in my notebook. Months later, it became even more fitting in light of the "Arab Spring".

Photo taken in 2011 during a desert excursion in the Sahara Desert with Tabassum Rahman in Morocco.

Dedicated to my mother on her birthday. Thank you for being such a wonderful mother and teaching me the meaning of unconditional love. Photo taken in Nepal 2011 while trekking.

At times we get to bogged down looking at big pictures that we forget to stop, enjoy the small things, breathe, and enjoy life. Picture taken in my parents garden in Mississippi that they rebuilt after Hurricane Katrina.