Archive for March, 2006
Protected: Family, Service and Unity (Term 1- Session 6)
In Bahai children's classes, Bess Teacher Journal on March 31, 2006 at 11:47 pmBaha’i Musical Sites
In Bahai arts, Bahai arts sites, Site News and Announcements on March 31, 2006 at 12:37 pm
Divine Notes features downloadable Baha'i Music and profiles of Baha'i musical artists and song writers. Here is an example of one profile of a well known artist who I met when he travelled in Australia. I remember Jack Lenz as a very humble and gentle man who inspired us with his songs. I am interested in interviewing some Baha'i artists, musicians, and writers for this site – yes this is an electic mix of appreciating spirituality and arts. A new thread is developing ….
I have to thank George Wesley Bahai Views- George for his many posts on Bahai Views as well as Planet Bahai for drawing my attention to some great arts sites by Baha'is.
From Divine Notes
Jack Lenz is a renowned and prolific Canadian composer, producer and musician. His career spans over three decades and many diverse, distinct musical styles — a theme song for the Toronto baseball team, to pop and rock, to modern classical and everything in between.
Jack's music is heard extensively on television in Canada, the United States and other countries — on news programmes, documentaries, films, commercials and series shown in North America and overseas. His work also involves him in children's charities and youth achievement programmes.
His commitment to the promotion of the oneness of humanity started more than 35 years ago when Jack became a member of the worldwide Bahá'í community, and much of his music is inspired by the Bahá'í teachings."
Source Divine Notes
Jack Lenz's site
Tags
Bahai music
Jack Lenz
Cyclone Links
In Cyclone Larry - Our Story on March 31, 2006 at 12:34 am
Article on the Devestation
Bahai involved in clean up efforts
Queen Remember's Cyclone
Meterology blog
Cyclone Larry another article and picture of Meterology bureau
Story Net
In Poetry, World Citizen Dreaming on March 30, 2006 at 3:27 pm
Photocredit: Clix, Sa Paolo Brazil, Code 481221 Stock Photos
My Mekeo grandmother's story net
has been cast
far from the village
that daughter and granddaughter left.
It has found a manuscript in
another tongue of
Melanesian dreams of a Pacific way
complicated in the ocean
of questions &
answers.
In every sea
my bubu she's a calling me.
My Mekeo grandfather's carving
is etched into my academic mind
his bravery says
"Continue have no fear."
The story net goes far
it connects
melodies of Oceania
weaves a soul like a fishing net
to cast upon the sea.
Reading
In Poetry, World Citizen Dreaming on March 30, 2006 at 3:25 pmSurfers read the waves.
Palm readers see the future.
Economists read the market.
Politicians read the electorate.
The Electorate reads the news.
Ghandi read the human spirit.
Photo Credit Image from Global Gateway- International Dimension to Education
( Poem by June Perkins published in Bahai World Order)
Story Tree
In Poetry, World Citizen Dreaming on March 28, 2006 at 8:35 pm
Photo credit: June Perkins, From Talking with Trees Series
My story tree is in me waiting to get out
It tells me of the Bodhi Tree
Of Trials and Serenity
The tree sits within me
And to it I call and say
You will be my story tree
And I will see you in me
and me in you.
Tags
Bodhi Tree
More on the cyclone
In Uncategorized on March 28, 2006 at 5:17 pmOn that Cyclone, it has been just overwhelming to receive so many emails and phonecalls from our many friends, I am thinking of posting them at one of my sites and will provide a link later for anyone interested in reading how to deal with a cyclone from a Baha'i perspective.
I may also look at the recovery process in our region from time to time. The kindy my son is in is looking at using drawing to assist the children in the recovery process. My four year old son is waking up whenever it is windy and stormy.
Tags
Cyclone Larry
Peace Banners
In Bess Teacher Journal on March 28, 2006 at 4:26 pm
One of Karuna Arts’ delightful banners.
I have just come across a site which sells banners of peace and interfaith banners produced by Karuna Arts. Click on the links below to have a look for yourself. I just thought this would be such a great thing for teachers and others organising displays and things where they may wish to decorate. They include the nine pointed Baha’i star in some of the banners.
To see more of the banners go to www.karunaarts.com
Tags
Peace banners
Cyclone Larry halts blog
In Cyclone Larry - Our Story, Site News and Announcements on March 26, 2006 at 7:49 amWe have just been in a Cyclone and did not have power for a while, so it will take me a few days to get up and posting as there's a bit to catch up on.
Our town did well, we lost lots of trees and a few sheds, but people themselves were not badly hurt. No fatalities. Of course there are lots of people who have lost good for their business and have to rebuild.
A town up the road from us has several homeless people as well.
It was amazing to see how many trees fell between houses!
Tags
Cyclone Larry
Cyclone Larry
In Bess Teacher Journal, Site News and Announcements on March 25, 2006 at 2:26 pmThe normal BESS class was not held due to Cyclone clean up in our area.
All are well and classes resume next week.
We may reflect on the power of nature (:
Cyclone Larry hit on the morning of Naw Ruz.
Looking for the Light
In Poetry, World Citizen Dreaming on March 17, 2006 at 8:22 pm
Photocredit: June Perkins, Nature Collection.
Ever been looking for the Light in the Rainforest
looking for some kind of homecoming in the green
Ever been looking for sights of the unseen
Somewhere between the floor and the canopy
Tags
Spiritual light
Life Lines
In Poetry, World Citizen Dreaming on March 17, 2006 at 4:33 am
Photocredit: "Finger Heart" Mrnick – Netherlands
Stock Photos site
Imagine you gone
no you to share this life
spread out in the palm of
our tiny son's hand
no life lines
leading me to see this worlds
in his grasp which comes so easily
to trust us
each finger folds
you and me
in a single stroke
he leads us
to guide him
he touches our cheeks
and leaves affinity deep
within our grasp
our heartlines joined
have caused him to appear
as if he has always been
the answer
which we sought
he recreates our fortunes
in curtain fig trees
stretched along the Strand.
As we read the stretch of lines in
each other's Hands
& hold this phenomenon
so dear
so fragile
the palmistry of this beloved
unfurls
the universe
Protected: From a Children’s Class Teacher in French Guiana
In Bahai children's classes on March 16, 2006 at 11:17 pmArts Festivals
In Bahai arts, Bahai arts sites on March 16, 2006 at 10:31 amThe following are stories on Bahai inspired arts festivals around the world. Perhaps these might inspire anyone of any cultural or religious background to think about how the arts can be used to inspire us to become more concerned about others in the world through spiritual pathways. I really like the diversity within these projects which all reflect individual and team combined talents coming together in a spirit of unity in diversity.
Phillipines Baha'i Arts Festival 2005
Protected: Teacher Reflection 2
In Bahai children's classes, Bess Teacher Journal on March 15, 2006 at 4:54 pmBess Class articles on the net
In Bahai children's classes, Bess Teacher Journal on March 15, 2006 at 4:35 pm
For your interest here are some articles about BESS classes in Australia.
Protected: Sunshine and Manifestations of God. (Term 1 – Session 5)
In Bahai children's classes, Bess Teacher Journal on March 15, 2006 at 4:14 amTracing the Past
In Poetry, World Citizen Dreaming on March 14, 2006 at 8:28 pm
Photo credit: June Perkins, From Archives in the Land series.
Tracing the past in the lines of a book doesn't always work
Sometimes we have to go back to the bark and the rings
and the stories in the land and the stories in the memory
of the aunties and the elders sitting under the trees
They sit there tracing out those memories for the children
in the afternoon storytellings with their reconciliation days
winding around the tree, breathing up through its core.
Public Domain Images – for supporting creative projects
In Bess Teacher Journal on March 14, 2006 at 5:38 pm
A rose from a public domain site
I came across a site of public domain photographs – and liked it so much I am letting you know about it. It has the most awseome photographs of mountains, roses, insects, and the site photographer said he makes enough in his day job that he wanted nearly all the images on his site to be public domain for people to use how they want. People post how they are using them to let him know. For people preparing power points for devotional meetings, or wanting images for cards and so on I thought you would appreciate knowing about this one.
Public Domain Images – for all your class materials enhancement
In Bahai children's classes, Bess Teacher Journal on March 13, 2006 at 9:04 pm
As I was interested in public domain clip art and photographs I went off on a websearch.
For any other teachers out there looking for stuff PD photos is for you. It is a really cool site with public domain images and links, just perfect for enhancing class teaching materials, certificates, quote cards. He is hobbyist photographer who doesn't want to make money out of photos but just have them put to use. Great also for making meditation powerpoints. All that is asked is that you credit the photographer's site and if you have a site provide a link to the site. I'll post some more of these as I find them as there are some great stock materials out there in clip art and photography sites to make the job of educators and kids looking for images for projects easier. Read the creative commons on each photo though as some links to other sites are featured. I think I'll be making some good use of the PD photography. I haven't even tried to photograph butterflies yet.
Public Domain Images for Class materials
I also found neat gifs on the wise gorilla site. I'll post some clipart links later, but I have used these throughout this site to help make it easier to find journal subtopics, like reflections versus lessons plans.
Soul Spinners
In Poetry, World Citizen Dreaming on March 12, 2006 at 7:09 pm
Photo: Andrusha Glassman
Stock photos
The Following poems are featured in slide show with other poems dedicated to Martha and Tahirih
Soul Spinners
Spinning the stories of past, present and future
Those who live the stories tell of other's glories.
The spindle of the heart tightens and winds
The thread of the soul weavers becomes the twine
Tahirih and Martha, Effie and Bahiyyih
East and West form the warp and weft
Each spinner takes a new spool
Begins to live by new rules
The sisters and the brothers of tomorrow
They are weaving truths from sorrow
The spindle of the hearts spin
As each finds in the other spiritual kin
Beyond a kin of blood and land they will seek the
Soul's strands run them through the fingers just as
Hair through lover's hands
But this is more than even that love
This is that which flies as if it is the very dove
To Noah saying that the storms have ended.
Song for Martha
By a rainbow tree in Honolulu
Rainbow languages are gently flowing
Singing, "Martha board your next canoe"
Whether she knows the next bend's turning
Her heart is filled with a simple yearning
She is drawn to follow every rainbow
Searching the mysteries of its soul
On every continent she can only sing
Filled to the brim with her love of Him
Drawn on and on to where the next path is going
The red hues of her sacrifice growing
Her will with others does not always intertwine
But still on and on she rainbow dances
On boats, canoes, ferries aeroplanes and trains
Each stop is a spirit travel line
That feels itself drawn to the divine
On a train bound for glory
There's the beginning of her next story
In each rioting mob within places of unrest
She tries to see glimmers of light
The dawn of orange and yellow in her sight
In her pale blue silk dress and brown overcoat
Accompanied by one small suitcase full mostly of books
She'll travel the endless greens
On her way to visit Queen Marie.
The HeyDay Publication
In Bahai arts on March 11, 2006 at 11:25 amSome of Pearlz (otherwise known as June Perkins) work has been published on the web at the following links. Thanks HeyDay for having great Australian Baha'i Youth on line resources, thought provoking discussions, innovations, and tackling some issues that really matter to today's youth. Thanks so much for encouraging all us creative types!
For the publications go to the following.
Also check out Ron Price on poetry and have a browse through other stories, arts, and writing features on the site.
I have also put my poetry on line at World Citizen Dreaming collection
Bahai Poetry Blogs
In Bahai arts, Bahai arts sites, Poetry on March 11, 2006 at 1:16 amTonight I came across Haiku Bob. I especially enjoyed Mike Day's post about Robert Haydn, who is a Baha'i poet who is an inspiration to all Baha'i poets. After reading Haiku Bob's sampling I think I will feel like reading more of his work. It was inspiring to read Haydn's poetry and feel just how ardent poetry can be.
Haiku is a concise, beautiful and much underrated form of poetry, but Haiku Bob revives it here, and invites others to submit their haiku. A have not written a Haiku for many years perhaps like many others reading this blog I will be inspired to become HaikuPearlz. It is a form that reminds me of the conciseness of the Hidden Words. HaikuBob's blog seems to have a group of poets at work on both their poetry and of course staying in touch through the beauty of blogs. If you like Haiku, Spirituality, and of course witnessing a community of poets this is the blog for you to visit. Email Haikubob as you need to be invited to comment on posts I think- ie be a member of the blog.
Protected: Why its great to use music in BESS classes….
In Bahai arts, Bahai arts sites, Bahai children's classes, Bess Teacher Journal on March 10, 2006 at 9:48 pmBaha’i Blogging
In Bahai arts sites on March 10, 2006 at 10:05 amBaha'i Views is a great blog about Baha'is and what they are blogging on. Thanks to George Wesley for this great service. It's is really inspirational to read through some of these blogs and find out what other Baha'is in other parts of the world are keenly blogging on. These range from personal, to study circles, how they found out about the Baha'i Faith, and of course the hot topic for this month, the Baha'i Fast. For an interesting blogging journey I think his site is great to all beginning Baha'i bloggers. There are other Bahai's tracking blogs, and these can also be found on George's blog.
Tags
Baha'i Bahai blogs
Protected: My kids supporting their beginner BESS teacher Mum
In Bahai children's classes, Bess Teacher Journal, Juniper's World Journal on March 10, 2006 at 1:02 amSeeking Sunset
In Poetry, World Citizen Dreaming on March 10, 2006 at 12:50 am
Photo Credit: US Wildlife and Fisheries
Seeking sunset to seek to sleep to dream
to prepare for the next day of the fast
to prepare for the eternal journey
into the sunset of the body
but the awakening of the soul.
Vision blurs as night time comes.
Lights fade from peach to black.
Stars come out and bring the night.
Protected: Prayerfulness continued (Term 1 Session 4)
In Bahai children's classes, Bess Teacher Journal on March 9, 2006 at 11:31 pmProtected: Teacher Reflection 1
In Bahai children's classes, Bess Teacher Journal on March 9, 2006 at 11:21 pmProtected: Prayer (Term 1- Session 3)
In Bahai children's classes, Bess Teacher Journal on March 9, 2006 at 11:05 pmThe Fast
In Poetry on March 9, 2006 at 10:57 pm
From PD photos
5.36 Day 1.
The beginning
Is the rising of the sun
Of Wakefulness of the participants
Glimmers of orange and pink
Becoming the light sky blue
The Birds sing of wakefulness
Of a spirit and soul awakening
To its Maker
To its Maker in each stone
Each Bird Call
In Each reason to open eyes
Everyday
The prayer book is opened
For it is the centre of this day
When we call on Him
To take over as we surrender
To this Season of our reawakening
From any wavering from that path
That leads to Him
Our footfalls grow lighter and lighter
And we rise at a time when
There is little traffic,
Often our little ones are sleeping
Pondering, Dreaming
We pray they dream of Him
Find Him in Their Hearts
Surrender to that which will make their spirits grow
But it is not resignation to that which we can change
And it is not giving up what we must strive for
The scorching sun of this fast
Will burn away desires for the earthly
Take the self and leave sunburns streaks
For us feel the sting of our remoteness from Him.
Are we His Words?
Are we His Letters?
Does each word come forth to praise Him
Encourage praise
Inspire praise
Uplift each heart that comes into contact with ours
In the Passing Day….
To this day, to this first day of Fast
I give welcome
I surrender and
I begin to burn
Anew…
Tags
Bahai Fast
Fasting
Poetry Book
In Poetry, World Citizen Dreaming on March 9, 2006 at 7:43 pmI have decided to put my Baha'i poetry here so it can be read like a poetry book. When I get my podcasting skills up I'll put podcasts of them on here as well. This site is under construction, if you visit in the early days come back later when its more developed.
Indigenous Art and Writing – Traditional use of Feathers
In Juniper's World Journal, Poetry on March 9, 2006 at 6:39 pm
(c) Pearlz
My daughter was researching things beginning with F and we came across this interesting site on feathers on Native Web showing Different kinds of Feathers.
Another one I have been looking at with some interest, partly because it features stories on carving is Inuit Native Art. There are many other informative and interesting links on Indigenous technologies and art that can be found at Native Web and I think I will be visiting it a lot more. Authenticity is a large problem in Indigenous arts though, and the politics of identity becomes even more complicated on the internet.
I maintain an interest in Indigenous art, especially people keeping alive and adapting the traditional art forms. This same movement in the arts is being reflected in Indigenous writing. More on that another post.
Tag
Indigenous art
QCAN Blog
In Site News and Announcements on March 6, 2006 at 4:52 pmI have for a short time joined the QCAN blog with two other QCAN members, Daryll and Sheryl. We are there to have a discussion of how we use blogging in our CCD practice. To read the beginning of this thread on the QCAN blog head to Bloggin' for a Writer in Community. Don't forget to leave any comments you wish to make on the post. I'll post some more links to QCAN later.
Archives and News – Treasure box of links
In Site News and Announcements, Uncategorized on March 6, 2006 at 10:58 amI have started an idex of my treasure trove of clippings from my many personal archives over the years. It could include any of the following – projects, really can't part from writing starters, diaries kept for the kids or myself and excerpts from the inside of cards and farewell autograph books, fan letters, notes from really cool talks (with reference to copyright of course) and clipping from school reports- well just about any documentation I can think of that is interesting. Links to any electronic storage, or blogs of this treasure trove will be provided at the following site Pearlzo Archives and News.
The main goal of this project- to gradually cut down the need for paper, and prepare for a future autobiography or fictional work loosley based on life. It's also something for the kids to enjoy when they are older and an exploration of the many textual trails we create in life.
Next stage in my development as a logger is podcasting- so any advice on this would be appreciated. I am reading the help on blogger.com of course, but anything else would be appreciated. I'll let you know when I am ready for my first podcast.
Big monuments
In Paulien, cyberthreads on March 5, 2006 at 11:31 pmHere is one of those "Big" Monuments I mentioned in the previous post.
(c) Pearlz
Tabula Rasa
In Bahai arts, Bahai arts sites on March 4, 2006 at 4:29 pmFor all aspiring writers and artists of many spiritual backgrounds, but especially Baha'is – this is one you may wish to contribute to. You can download a PDF version of the magazine Tabula Rasa arts
Tabula Rasa, where art and spirit converge … gently, intelligently, meaningfully . . . Tabula Rasa has been created to celebrate the Creator in all of us, to express our pure wonderment
Tags
Bahai writer
Conversation between two friends
In Paulien, cyberthreads on March 2, 2006 at 2:42 pmPaulien will be here in just a few short weeks- visiting my latest hometown. I have been going through all the letters and photos I have received over the years. Inspired by some of the blogs I have found I felt it would be great to document our friendship and type in lots of these letters.
A lot has happened to us both since we saw each other as teenagers and it is great to have kept in touch all this time on email and also on this blog. So the next phase of Cyberthreads will be to concentrate on documenting a "Conversation between Two Friends" and of course keep up with gumboots project, which is going well and lots of gumboots are coming out of the woodwork.
Do they have giant clogs in Holland, or are big things just an Australian fixation?
Pearlz
Every Object
In Uncategorized on March 1, 2006 at 7:52 pmI just came across the site and thought it might be of interest to the readers of this blog.
Every Object This site features the opportunity to submit very short films on a chosen object like a hat, or shoes. It is well worth a look. Some of the most recently featured objects include
Teddy
Blanket
Pots
Those of us interested in digital storytelling, poetry and story will especially like this one.
