mosaic

We met up in Philadelphia recently and decided to check out Philadelphia's Magic Gardens. It is a mosaic art environment in the South Street neighborhood by an artist named Isaiah Zagar. He includes glass bottles, mirrors, and many other colorful and unique objects in his work. It took fourteen years to complete.

Shrug: Zara

Long jean jacket: vintage (gift from cousin, taaanks)

Sandals: Lennon by Report (in nude)

Here are some more recent looks. I am obsessed with these sandals by Report. Can you tell?

Sweater: Forever 21

Loose pants: H&M

Chiffon kimono cardigan: Forever 21

(Philadelphia, outside an adorable coffee shop, "Chapterhouse". It has GAMES! Do you know how much we enjoy playing cards and drinking anything with espresso in it? Much more than most children.)

Faux fur: BB Dakota via 6pm.com (This stands out, wear at your own risk, it was complimented uncomfortably frequently)

Boots: Paris Hilton's Grey Martina

Oversize blouse: Express (old)

We are being incredible slackers/are unhealthily busy. A huge food post is to come soon, along with a shamefully neglected Acacia Label review of a beautiful dress from Spring. Yes, Spring. I shall return.

-A

steamed milk, scholars

Many of my free summer days have been spent arm in arm with a cliche of a story: reading books beyond my full understanding in local eclectic coffee shops. Either I am excessively enjoying my solitude to a hermit's level, or I am with another and speaking without a pause, until my drink sits lukewarm and enfeebled. 

There are lots of ways to express my feelings on the ending of this season. The following is the most accurate. 

SUMMER, DON'T GO. PLEASE. LOVE ME.

Sweater: Forever 21, buy HERE. It's only 47 inches (awkward), I stretched it to be more maxi-length. 

Bag: Aldo (old) 

Jeans: New Look 

Flats: similar HERE

Ring: Boscov's 

Shoes: similar HERE 

Mustache Hijab: Ross 

Clutch: Newlook.com

Aztec-print rayon pants/long knitted cardigan: anywhere, mine are from Ross (love you, Ross) 

Bag: Ann Klein "Petal Pushers" via Boscov's

Shirt: H&M

Flats: similar HERE

“Summer afternoon—summer afternoon; to me those have always been the two most beautiful words in the English language.”  -Henry James

to become unbound

We are created to be broken, to become unbound, to discover the space for two worlds.

We are indeed created to be broken, for the sake of keeping our hearts soft and conscience humble. To always be reminded of a greater power, to remember the impermanence of our time. This drives us to reflect and discover. Ramadan is discovery. In the depths of fasting, we discover our own true self, our source of strength, our intentions, and the capacity of our hearts.

and most importantly, we rediscover our primordial affinity towards God.

There is so much to say about the beauty of Ramadan to try to capture its essence; the air, the camaraderie, the marked livening of the spirit, the peace and mercy, the act of fasting itself, the forms of submission - but language would do it only so much justice.

May we all benefit highly from these last ten days and carry these discoveries beyond this month.

isla del encanto part II

One of the gladdest moments of human life, methinks, is the departure upon a distant journey into unknown lands. Shaking off with one mighty effort the fetters of habit, the leaden weight of routine, the cloak of many cares and the slavery of home, man feels once more happy.
Richard Burton

What I love most about this country, are the people. I love that the children initiate smiling and waving at you and when you greet them first, they return the pleasantries without a hint of mistrust (even the 12 year old boys!) I love that the women walking with their men would pass you by with a smile, without protectiveness (even if one accidentally were to glance upon her companion). I love that the men are not afraid to sit with their legs crossed or show vulnerability. I love that they may just tango in a tea cafe, and that they will tango with their eyes closed and with succinct talent, exactly in step, despite how distant the sound of the music may be. I love that a person will leave their job to walk you to a place that you asked directions for. I love that young men may just come up to you and start a conversation without a comprehensible ulterior motive, and then pleasantly walk away, without even asking for your name. I love that you can just share the snack you are eating with the Puerto Rican lady behind you, and she will accept it, wordlessly. I love that when you speak an inarticulate Spanish, the people respond as if you were fluent. I love that cafe owners will close their shop and still not kick you out. 

In summary, regresaremos.

M.A.

M.A.

M.A. (what a beautiful child)

M.A.

M.A.

T.W.

M.A.

M.A.

No one realizes how beautiful it is to travel until he comes home and rests his head on his old, familiar pillow.
Lin Yutang

the great affair is to move -- isla del encanto

For my part, I travel not to go anywhere, but to go. I travel for travel’s sake. The great affair is to move. 

Robert Louis Stevenson

Last month, three lovely companions and I traveled to Puerto Rico. My thirst to travel is starting to be an inconvenience to my life, or the necessities of my life are starting to be an inconvenience to my thirst. The fulfillment from finding beauty in movement is lush but brief, and I am soon back online role-playing a ready traveler, until the credit card page appears.

I am debating if there is worth in explaining the details of the trip, or to just post photos and let it be just that. I think the latter is sufficient for this avenue. I can just say that it felt unbounded. 

credit: Maleeha A.

credit: Tasneem W.

credit: M.A.

T.W.

The whole object of travel is not to set foot on foreign land; it is at last to set foot on one's own country as a foreign land.

Gilbert K. Chesterton