Today I went down to a local historical society with my dad and Grandma.  My dad had these old glass plate photographs from Chagrin that he got from a trash can while delivering the paper. We had some people look at them, and he is considering donating either the original plates or copies. The building that we were in was not an official museum, they had "artifacts" piled up everywhere, with many rooms housing every old thing you could think of. I saw some really old top hats and pianos and dolls, and I was even allowed to look at old photos of teenagers from the local high school.  They didn't look very happy. I went to lunch with some of my grandma's friends, and they quizzed me on every aspect of my life.   One of my Grandma's friend's husbands is running for state somethingorother. It was impressive at the time. Also she braided my hair again, and this time I did take pictures. I will email them to you, if you want. If you give me your email... One of the women I met today gave me a pair of shoes that have, I think, have four inch heels. They are beige and have these ribbons that you are supposed to tie around your ankle. They look nice, but I look ridiculous trying to walk in them.  I tried looking at the router, but none of the security keys seemed to work. Any ideas? 

-I miss you- not less at all because I am here.

-Geena

Hello! Sorry for not blogging yesterday- It was late when I checked the blog, plus I did nothing- In fact I built/painted Warhammer models for about (sorry about this) 5 hours or so. The rest of the day was playing video games and doing art. Today is the previously mentioned meeting of Game Night's Grand High Elders, so I am likely to nerd out incredibly hard again today- but I will also be implementing creativity, because I have been making a game. We might also LARP today... Omg, I am so unbelievably nerdy- sorry you find it confusing. Well, we shall see what the future holds- I need to make some watercolors for the game. Sorry for the over-dramatic thingy last time- I was trying to be funny.

I miss you so much

-Amin 

I am accessing the internet through my grandmother's iPad, and I am three hours later in time than you. And your nerdiness is not annoying, it's confusing. I made a Victorian skirt today.  After a lot of sewing  and ironing and messing up and holes, we finally finished it. It took us about four hours to make it.  We also went on this walk in the woods to look at old caves where people used to seek shelter.  We couldn't actually find the caves, but the woods in Ohio are so perfect.  I think they are comprised of Aspen and green maple, and they are huge and have white trunks. Sometimes vines grow all over the canopy, and give the trees tops that look like some sort if monster.  I caught some very tiny frogs, and later last night I caught some fireflies. Catching fireflies is difficult because they only stay lit for a couple seconds. I discovered that the snakes we saw yesterday were not venomous enough to kill us, and that I can try catching the ones that aren't black. My grandmother keeps on braiding my hair into these intricate patterns, and I feel like I should be royalty or in another century to wear my hair like it is. And you don't have to try to say " I miss you" in different ways.  I certainly gave up on that.  Don't feel obligated. That last one was...very dramatic. 

Please have fun. I miss you. - Geena

I am accessing the internet through my grandmother's iPad, and I am three hours later in time than you. And your nerdiness is not annoying, it's confusing. I made a Victorian skirt today.  After a lot of sewing  and ironing and messing up and holes, we finally finished it. It took us about four hours to make it.  We also went on this walk in the woods to look at old caves where people used to seek shelter.  We couldn't actually find the caves, but the woods in Ohio are so perfect.  I think they are comprised of Aspen and green maple, and they are huge and have white trunks. Sometimes vines grow all over the canopy, and give the trees tops that look like some sort if monster.  I caught some very tiny frogs, and later last night I caught some fireflies. Catching fireflies is difficult because they only stay lit for a couple seconds. I discovered that the snakes we saw yesterday were not venomous enough to kill us, and that I can try catching the ones that aren't black. My grandmother keeps on braiding my hair into these intricate patterns, and I feel like I should be royalty or in another century to wear my hair like it is. And you don't have to try to say " I miss you" in different ways.  I certainly gave up on that.  Don't feel obligated. That last one was...very dramatic. 

Please have fun. I miss you.

-Geena

It was the first day of Eid today- we had a giant family lunch at our aunt's house, and me and Karim got tons of warhammer stuff. I think i am going to the dmv tomorrow to get my practice permit- I am such a bad test taker, I am not looking forward to it. Quasim's sister Zaynab is here from England- she came here for Ramadan to see my grandfather, but she is leaving tomorrow. Before I forget, two items must be addressed: a) what is the time difference? and b) How are you accessing the internet? In the next couple days, I shall be calling a council of the Grand High Elders of Game Night (Me, Marco, Phillip, and Ari). We shall be discussing the upcoming year of game night, as well as engaging in much X-Box/Larp frivolity; I'm really exited. I don't think I'v ever told you this, so I will do it now: I am so thankful that you humor my nerdiness, It must be really annoying sometimes. Now that I am in California and not super busy, my heart is (ahem) libel to start melting into a pool of red tears, which, in it's sheer weight and grief shall deconstruct itself into a sprinkling of sound and dust which will echo across this country, seeking and seeking, until at last it finds you, and, with its last pulse of life, deliver unto you i'ts plea- please, please come back to me (a bit over the top... Not really).
I miss you
-Amin

PS. Do you have a picture of your hair in the Dickensy thing? I bet it was beautiful.

Believe me, I am not going  to miss you less. Just wanted to get that out.  My grandma is a hairdresser, and she braided my hair into this Dickens-esque  bun, but not a bun thing. It looked like Agatha's hair from The Grand Budapest Hotel. I loved it, but after she was done she took me to her water aerobics class, where she teaches elderly people from the village.  My hair died. I was the youngest person in the class by several decades except for another girl who I think had autism.  It was fun, and funny.  Later on we went on this walk through the forest to a pond, and later to the river. I saw approximately seven snakes, and none of them were small. There was a nest of them by the river, and snakes in Ohio are like lizards in CA, but they are slower and deadlier.  I was very tempted to pick them up. My dad and I went to explore the abandoned paper factory, but it was not so abandoned.  Construction workers are taking it down so we walked around the outer edges of the compound.  After that my grandma and I and the barking puffballs did " Irish jigs" in the kitchen as we cooked dinner.  She is going to help me sew a skirt for the Dickens Fair, and I got to choose the fabric tonight.  I miss you.

- Geena

Just arrived back and am sitting at home. I'm so glad you are having fun, and I am sure that being engaged and adventurous will make you miss me a lot less. Studied for my driver's permit test almost the whole flight, and I'm going to the dmv to get my permit as soon as possible. I have decided to innovate my AP art sketchbook: I'm gonna stitch a bunch of different sketchbooks and paintings together, and then call it a single sketchbook.
I can't believe I have to wait two more weeks to see you
I miss you Geena
-Amin

Hello! I am in Chagrin, and the weather is great.  Tornadoes, lightning/thunder, rain, flooding- who could ask for more? After plane difficulties and a night of flying through rain clouds with a fair amount of turbulence,( which I loved) we met my grandma and her friend who's name I have already forgotten. We then drove from Cleveland to Chagrin and had dinner at 1 am.  This morning I went on a walk with  my grandma and two white puffballs that she calls dogs. We then drove to the center of the village and looked at shops, and the town was as cute and historic as always.  The famous Chagrin falls are louder and water-ier than I have ever seen them before.  It looks like a great place to go river rafting.  Later we went through this giant bin of photos and found a bunch if everyone from a long time ago. I wish I could show them to you, and that brings up another issue. Unless we can figure out the wifi security key I will not be able to get internet access on my computer, and I will not be able to use skype. Technology is not popular in this household.  After lunch we went to eat dinner at a friend's house, and there were a lot of encouraging Christian quotes lying about their kitchen.  Chagrin is a very Catholic, fairly conservative town, as I have said.  Out of all the people I saw today, only about seven were not white.  You could call Marin diverse in comparison.  This evening after dinner we went to a local church to see a youth choir from Britain and Cleveland. They were both really good, and the one from inner city Cleveland sang a song called Cuckoo that was in Moonrise Kingdom.  I have heard that we might take a train to NY city, which would be...(high pitched squeal) we also may go so see The Finger Lakes or something nature-y.
I hope your flight went well
I miss you so muchfiytdirsrshkyrsh
-Geena

I will have no time to blog later on, so here it is! I am in the airport during our layover in North Carolina right now.  At the moment, loud Harry Potter music is blasting in my headphones and just before this I was working on my 6th scarf, which I am experimenting with. The first plane ride was tiring, especially because two screaming babies were sitting directly in front of us. I love being able to to observe all of the different people in airports.   Apparently my grandmother has hired us a chauffeur to pick us up later because she is not in the mood to come and get us. I  feel like I am in a movie because of all this intense music playing, especially since I am in an airport...Except in a movie they would only show a few seconds of me waiting and not several hours...

The accents are real nace o'er here too.

Ah miss yew

-Geena

In the morning today I went and had breakfast at the Deli with my dad.  We had a long conversation with a couple other people about Israel and Palestine.  It was interesting to hear all of the different opinions about who should be blamed and what needs to happen.  I really wanted to go to the protest, but my parents would not take me because I "needed more time to pack and do homework". I did nothing else today, except for packing, knitting and watching All the King's Men. It was a complicated political movie but the final message was all that really mattered.  While I am in Chagrin Falls, I am going to try to do my homework so I have free time when I get back.  I was also thinking about trying to catch a firefly for you, but  it might be difficult to get onto the plane, (although once I snuck about seven Mexican jumping beans onto the plane, which eventually were lost) .  Also I would feel evil catching and killing a firefly. Sooo I'll be around for you to call me from 5:30 to 6:40 your time.

And two weeks is long enough for me to go insane.

I miss you.

-Geena

I just got back from Paris and it's just before midnight. We are headed back to California the day after tomorrow, during which time it shall be Eid. We went To a beautiful museum in France today, as well as an amazing, Morrocon style Mosque. There was a vintage photo shop that you would have liked. Don't worry about not being able to skype me every day in Ohio- I'm sure it will be super difficult. I would like to ask that we skype tomorrow morning, if that is, I wake up in time. I don't think I have been this tired before. I feel like I have not had an actual rest since spring break. Summer needs to finish up faster...
I miss you so much Geena, but keep in mind that we only have two weeks to go.
-Amin

You're proud of me? I don't think that I have ever heard you say that before. Thanks-I think... I finally got to sleep in today! And then I packed a bit for Ohio, (I am leaving the day after tomorrow). And then I got enough yarn to last me for a couple weeks at Dharma's in San Rafael.  I was listening to the news today and found out about this big protest that will take place in SF tomorrow.  Liv and I are thinking about going.  We are going to protest about what is happening in the Gaza strip and everything else happening in Palestine.  The number of people that have been killed so far is..mind numbing, in a way.  I can feel the gravity of about ten, but when you get into the hundreds it is hard to think about.  Let alone more than 800. On another note, I feel like it may be difficult to Skype you every day when I am in Ohio.  My dad will be around a lot, so I will have to figure out a time when he won't be.  At least my posts will get a bit more interesting.    You should spend some time with Liv and Miyako/someone from Drake that you consider a friend when you get back.  What I am trying to say is: have a social life-Unlike me. And I hope you have been having a good time in Europe so far. Considering everything that is happening now.

I think that this summer has been the first in my life where I actually anticipate its ending. Well, more than anticipate.

I wonder why...

-Geena

My second day in France was amazing, but everybody was totally exhausted for the first half of the day, in which we went to the Louve (and saw the mona Lisa)- ironically, my favorite thing in that whole museum was a tiny ancient Egyptian bead made of stone. After this, we went to a really, really French cafe with cheese and really rich hot chocolate. We also went to a taxidermy shop in which I purchased a copious amount of insect parts for a very good price (art shall ensue). We also did tons of exploring and went to a famous, really adorable tea shop that really reminds me of Mendel's in The Grand Budapest Hotel. On a weird and artistic note- I found these super creepy mannequins that have really long necks, and nothing but little full lips on their smooth faces; I have done some art inspired by them and hope that drawing them more often will allow me to gain some mastery of the human form. Congratulations on finishing the art class- I am so proud of you. Also, are you leaving for Ohio tomorrow or the day after tomorrow?
I miss you so much Geena- it's gonna be really strange to be in California without you.
-Amin

Today was my last day at COM. YAAAAAAAYYY!!!!!!!! After my class I lugged all of my art supplies (finished art) across the campus and my grandpa drove me to Liv's house.  I showed her what I did, but we only got about a quarter of the way through the pile before we both got bored.  Then she decided that we should take the bus to West Marin, so we did.  I recognized a lot of people on the bus and talked to one of my friends named Barb.  We talked about the Drake's Bay Oyster Company, because my mom will be doing court reporting for the trial that they are going to have.  We got off of the bus at Point Reyes Station, and Liv and I wandered around and looked at shops.  After a while we got bored, and had decided that we wanted to go to Bolinas, somehow.  So we asked some local people how to get there, and they said that there was only one way to get there besides taking the bus and apparently it was "very convoluted".  We speculated what they meant by that.  So, we decided to walk.  We got about half a mile before our parents had hemorrhages and told us that we "could absolutely NOT walk to Bolinas". It was my idea... But my mother came to our rescue; she offered to drive us to Bolinas.  So we went there. We found a giant dead fish in the water, bigger than my torso, but it was in a rocky part of the water that we didn't want to enter.  We walked along the shore, and after a while I felt like we needed to swim.  I grabbed Liv's arm and we both ran into the water, (fully clothed) which was warmer than I thought it would be.  We had a lot of fun swimming around and made friends with some seals that were close to us.  After about an hour we began to freeze, so we decided to walk  through town!  Once we were beyond the ability to continue, we got into my Mom's car, and she drove me to my house before dropping Liv off. I am locked out of the upstairs, so now I am wearing some clothes that I stole from my dad. I am also rather caked in sand, and smell like the ocean.  Ugh! I am jealous of your trip to France. You will have actually seen the Mona Lisa!

And it is my fault that you couldn't reach me on Skype. If I had messaged you on Skype you would have known how to find me.  I'm the one who should be sorry. So there. Fifth time isn't the charm.

I MISS YOU.

because somehow capitalizing things makes you original

-GgEeEeNnAa

First day in France. Went to Notradam cathedral and it was totally amazing. I ate escargot, so I can add snails to my list of devoured Arthropoda. We also went to the D'Orsay, which is an amazing art museum; I got to see a lot of pieces from this artist I love named Odelon Redon. We also saw the Ifel tower, which was a lot bigger and less fragile than I expected. Everybody was on edge today because we were so tired from waking up early to catch the train, and Karim has been acting really crazy. Tomorrow I am going to the Louve museum which I'm sure you have heard of (you know, Mona Lisa). I decided that there are three things which, if I do not get them done before the end of summer, I will be very unhappy. The first is getting my driver's permit- I'm studying on an app. The second is being able to draw people with enough decency to not feel stupid in the looming AP Art class. The third is that I want to see you.
I miss you so much, and the departure/arrival timing is driving me crazy
-Amin

Really sorry that I could not get a hold of you on skype

LIV SPEAKETH

Hey Amin! It's Liv, obviously, because Geena's boring. Wow, you're going to France and Belgium, I hear! That's super duper cool. Geena's looking pretty depressed. She's knitting scarves maniacally. She won't do anything else. She just sits there, day after day, staring out the window, waiting for you to return.

See ya later!

Bye

When you wake up just accept our skype contact thingy and also never mind.  If you can't call please tell us. On the blog. sorry.

Unofficial ending

-Geena

..

Hello! Sounds like you had fun. I went to art class today and drew my last model. Tomorrow is the last day of class. Now I am at Liv's house, and if you want to Skype today you will have to add her to your contacts. Her username is liv.likes.guitar . Sorry for such a short post, but the battery on her ipad-thing is dying. We will be around, so contact us on Skype when you wake up.
Have fun in France
I miss you
-Geena

Epic day today. First off in London we went to a wonderful market where I had the best Ethiopian food ever- then, I did my surprise activity with Laila... I SAW BOOK OF MORMON (the musical made by the South Park guys that Chloe is always quoting- you know- "hello, my name is elder price, and I would like to share with you this most amazing book")! I met a wonderful chap today who came over for dinner with a muslim family that we know. His name is Musa, and he kind of looks like a mixture between Benedict Cummerbatch (Sherlock) and Collin Morgan (Merlin)- we had a spirited chat about books and Bio-Housing and such. I can hardly believe that I am going to France tomorrow- I am exited and a bit scared. I am leaving really early (for me) tomorrow, so I will have to skype you at like 8 or 9 your time if that's ok. If for whatever reason we can't get in touch via skype, I will continue to blog, and maybe even ipad skype in Paris.
Have you realized that I have been gone for almost a month? It's wierd.
I miss you so much- see you in 3 weeks or so.
-Amin

Surprisingly enough, I went to art class today.  We had our first male model. At least he had a sense of humor. And also he held giant, real swords as he posed.  After art classes my mom drove me home, and I watched a movie called Minority Report by Steven Spielberg.  It was great, and had a happy ending in contrast with The Circle.  It reminded me of Inception for some reason, but it was a lot less confusing.  It has been raining a lot here, and it was overcast today.  After the movie I felt all "inspired and depressed" and sat outside staring into the woods for about an hour.  For someone who loves overcast weather so much it can sure put me in a sullen mood.  I am probably going to watch another movie later or knit or watch videos on you tube.

I really wish that you could be here.

See you later

-Geena

Surprisingly enough, I went to art class today.  We had our first male model. At least he had a sense of humor. And also he held giant, real swords as he posed.  After art classes my mom drove me home, and I watched a movie called Minority Report by Steven Spielberg.  It was great, and had a happy ending in contrast with The Circle.  It reminded me of Inception for some reason, but it was a lot less confusing.  It has been raining a lot here, and it was overcast today.  After the movie I felt all "inspired and depressed" and sat outside staring into the woods for about an hour.  For someone who loves overcast weather so much it can sure put me in a sullen mood.  I am probably going to watch another movie later or knit or watch videos on you tube.

I really wish that you could be here.

See you later

-Geena

Sorry that I missed your call this morning, I was around but I didn't hear it.  Sooo, to start things off, I had a lot of fun camping with Chloe.  I told her that you said hi, and she said hello and "to be optimistic". During the car ride on the way up, we watched a lot of videos on you tube, and when things got boring, decided to get inventive..The traffic was terrible because some truck had crashed, and we tried making faces at the people in the cars on both sides of us.  Not many of them seemed to notice, so we then tied paper towels around our heads and cut holes for the eyes. We looked really creepy, so I drew a peace sign on my paper towel to clarify our intent.  You should have seen people's expressions as they did double takes.  It was great. We got to our campsite at ten, and had to put up our giant floppy tent in almost complete darkness.  After a lot of complications and string and hushed arguments about which pole goes where.  Eventually we got to bed.  And then we were woken by a screaming child, who screamed/cried/Ihavenoidea-d for about an hour. When we woke up the next morning, I met everyone from Chloe's Unitarian Universalist church who were also camping with us. Surprise! Chloe and I went on a short hike, and then inflated this dorky looking "boat" with which we would go onto this gigantic lake. After dragging it to the water's edge, we got in and I attempted to get us somewhere with the paddles.  It was impossible, so each of us had to row sitting next to each other.  It was very dysfunctional, and we glared at the kayaks and canoes that glided swiftly by. After a while we gave up, brought the boat to the shore and swam out into the middle of the lake.  We kept swimming away from our camp until we got fairly tired.  Because there were waves I kept inhaling water, but I wasn't going to let choking stop me! It was gorgeous out there, and being in the middle of a vast lake made me feel powerful. We eventually turned around, (thank God that Chloe had an inner tube) and the wind helped us get back to our boat.  We were so exhausted that we took a long nap when we got back, which is something that I usually find impossible to do. Later we had a campfire where I ate the largest marshmallow I have ever eaten in my life.  They were the size of tennis balls. As we sat there watching the flames, I kept hearing what I thought was a saxophone coming from somewhere deep in the woods. At one point I stood up, grabbed Chloe, and we ventured out barefoot, without a flashlight.  Eventually the music got louder and we discovered that there was an entire choir with multiple instruments.  Chloe said that they were singing in Arabic , and their harmonization and songs were eerily beautiful.  We stayed behind trees and listened to them for a while, before sneaking back to our own site.  We could hear the choir when we sat back down, and even as I fell asleep I could still hear their voices drifting though the woods.  The next morning Chloe and I swam again, this time without any inner tubes or boats. We knew that we would not be able to swim very far without something to hold onto, so we found this long beached log that looked promising.  We were able to sit on it as we paddled, and we named it Himerher.  Later that day we left, and Chloe was dropped of at her running camp.  Chloe's mother wanted to read the Circle, (which I brought to reread) aloud to us and I let her.  It was funny because there was a lot of cussing, and Chloe's mother is one of the sweetest people I have ever met.  I also saw a rainbow. Today went to COM and drew more naked people. My teacher seemed impressed with what I did, and told me that I should go to an art school (for the billionth time).  My ego is now running rampant and wild, and I am going to try to tame it by taking more rigorous art classes in the future.  I went running when I got home, and now I am here-typing!!!!! That was my day-s. My room is in one of its post tornado stages...Just a pointless observation.

I miss you terribly, but perhaps have some good news. 

See you en la manana
your manana

-Geena

Very Lazy day- did practically nothing. Watched lots of TV and had some quality bro time with Karim while Laila and my Mom were shopping. Going to Paris on Thursday. I am going to skype you during your night time when I usually do, if that ok. This is difficult to convey with just words, but the amount that I miss you has kind of traversed to a whole new level...  I am wondering if you are going to finish your AP art stuff in Ohio, because if you did, we might have a bit more time before school- no pressure though.
I miss you sooo much
-Amin

I am going to spend too long writing this blog tonight... I got back later than expected and I have to get up at 4:45 to finish my art homework.  Can you Skype me tomorrow at night?

Miss you

-Geena

Only one blog for today and yesterday- yesterday we went to London and went to both Tates (the big epic art museums- there is a modern one and an old timey one). I got to see the work of one of my favorite artists ever, William Blake (he was also a nudist, philosopher, a priest of his own religion, and poet... weird guy). I sketched a bunch in the art museum... I also got some "homework" from my mom- it was a list of artists to research for the Paris art museums- I took 3 pages of notes on them, and discovered a really cool artist with a very off name: Odelon Radon. He is very cool and ahead of his time- you should look at some of his stuff. I am also hoping that the research might help me out in art history class. We also went to our favorite Market, which is called Borough market. I got an ostrich burger, which was a mistake- It was basically just dry, stringy beef (which I don't like anyway).I also did a tour of the Globe Theater in London- during which I say a bit of a play rehearsal; it was so awesome that we are going to see the actual play tomorrow.

Today We took a two hour trip to Wales to the city of Cardiff, where we went to the Doctor Who experience- which was super fun; I got to see all the costumes and props, and there was a fun interactive part kind of like a haunted house. We also went to this amazing castle in Cardiff that was kind of overgrown and cool- you would have liked it. Lastly, I started my first big piece for AP art a few minutes ago- I have decided to do the Quote, the abstraction, the interior and the landscape (which I am doing in England).

Hope you are having fun camping- tell me all about it when you get back

I miss you Geena

-Amin

So...where to begin.  I woke up and went to art class. I drew a naked person (not as bad as expected).  Then my grandfather picked me up from COM and drove me to Fairfax in his almost new, bright red Jaguar. Heheheheeeee. Then I sat in Fairfix for  a while pondering the meaning of life, so I called Miyako.  Lo and behold, I was at her house half an hour later!  We watched a recent Dr.Who special with three doctors, (which I actually liked) and then had a sword fight where she won. Repeatedly.  I can feel the bruises forming already.  Also her dog peed on me. Thennn I went home, went running, and picked blackberries.  And tonight I will be showing my da (hobbit style) The Grand Budapest Hotel.  Also I am gaining back all of the calories I "lost" while running by eating blackberries with vanilla ice cream. I hope to see you tonight because I feel like you might have forgotten the afternoon plan, but don't feel bad about that. 

I miss you, but less now that I get to actually see you.

No, actually I am lying to myself.

I miss you even more.

-Geena 

AMIN!!!

I don't know if you will see this, but are you going to skype me tonight?

Lazy day- fasted, finished painting my warhammer models, and jumped on the trampoline outside for hours (while fasting btw) with Karim. During the jumping, something kind of scary happened- Karim tackled me from the other side of the trampoline while I was about 7 ft in the air- since this trampoline has no net, we both went flying almost 5 feet away from the trampoline to land, miraculously unharmed, on the grass. After this I went inside and watched epic rap battles for about 45 minutes- it was pretty stupid, and i'm regretting it now. I did not do quite as much art as I had hoped to. Tomorrow we are going into London again, where we will be overlapping with Karim's school friend, who's family is on vacation in Europe. The last thing we did today was take a long walk near the heath that lies "just yonder" of the house. These paths are wreathed with trees, and are perhaps the most pretty, yet ominous forests I have been in. By the way, tell me how your running is going. 

I miss you so much Geena

-Amin 

Sounds like you had a...unique day. GUESS WHAT I DID!!!!! I went to art class. And drew people (that I can assure you are dead by now) too.  So we have a few things in common.  I have been eating up the circle this whole day, (even during art class-muahaha)  and finally finished it a few minutes after driving into the valley.  It is amazingly sad, terrifying, and simple- in a complicated way. I would highly recommend reading it- I think you would like it. I will tell you more about it later, or earlier in your world. I went to the Fairfax farmer;s market and observed fellow Drake-ians from afar.  Then I overdosed on peaches and made a whole bowl of salad disappear in about two minutes. I will tell Liv about this Tom Baker, and it will be good because it will give me an excuse to call her. I haven't seen her for a while, (meaning a week). I become antisocial during most summers-Sometimes I need a break from people. Not you, of course. Sometimes I need to be alone to realize how much I actually need others in my life.  Human interaction is  like my energy, and I have to go into hibernation (aka read) over the summer to stay happy.  That was a lot of bad comparisons...I'll be drawing my first live model tom. and I shall go forth and, um, blemish white paper with mixed emotions.  Honestly I am so done with COM art classes. During the watercolor class we spent more time (hours) watching a demo from bubbly Julie, whom I cannot stop disliking. I like Marty's class the most, it is close to home, quiet, loosely structured, and I get to explore the valley and feed horses apples on the way home.

(there is an extensive back story to this poem- don't take it seriously)

I am an angry sloth

Covered by a woolly cloth

I'm too slow to take it off

My summer is an angry sloth

And in this moment I am lost

really, I am

I have no idea where to take this poem

this excuse for a poem

In fact I can't take it anywhere because I am a sloth

covered by a woolly cloth

Sitting in front of a wave

waiting to be swept into my grave

to this still time-

I am a slave



-Eughhh, this poem was not my fav.

I had a tiring but satisfying day in London. We went to two nerd shops, one of which was small, independent, and almost all Dr Who stuff! It was crazy; tell Liv that TOM BAKER goes into that store sometimes and surprises people for fun- we bought some things there that he signed (btw, this will probably kill Liv via jealousy, so watch out)! We also went to that Museum I mentioned- the Hunterian... It is truly one of the most interesting, and by far the most disturbing/horrifying place I have ever been to... There is a wall of pigment-less human fetuses, suspended in yellowish liquid on one of the walls; some of them have been semi-dissected, or decapitated, or cross sectioned, etc. I drew one that was so dissected that it was really just a tiny torso with some guts spilling out. This one was actually not in the dead baby section- it was in the animal section, and that's why it was so shocking; I was browsing the jars, reading the labels until I came across it- so pathetic and small- a large, typed font on the top read "Genus Homo". My other Hunterian highlight is the skeleton of Mr Jeffs. His story actually almost made me cry when I took the time to contemplate it. He had A really rare disease that caused him to (your never going to believe this) grow extra bones inside his muscles! these bones grew aggressively and merged with the bones of his back- forming a large, spiky, shell-like structure that extended from his neck to his pelvis. I drew his skeleton. A few years after his death, his grave was dug up "for science". His family had no say so, and he will never be able to fight- he will remain unwillingly on display until even his remains fall to dust. I memorialized him with a little speech on the painting I did of him. Anyway, the Hunterian is astonishing, and horrible, and sad, and beautiful- I think that everyone who gets the chance (and has a firm stomach) should go there if they have the chance. I also say a cool mummy exhibit in the British Museum. All things considered, I think I may have seen one to many dead people today. I would get depressed at this point, but even the simple reassurance that I am reaching you over the leagues extinguishes all morbidity from my mind. I won't bother writing a poem today, not because I don't want to put in the effort, but because I don't need to... Wow, i'm gonna be dreaming of dead babies tonight... Just kidding. 

I miss you

Its kind of being taken to a new level

It doesn't get worse every day- it comes on in waves that simply refuse to settle

But that's all right

because I could wait a lot longer if I had to

See you at school.

Over the leagues : Wonderful day! I went to the place where Camelot w...

Ok, ok-you have definitely beaten me.  I don't think that I can top that one.  Skype any time would be nice, and if you really want to wake up earlier you can.  I'll stay around my computer. Also, I went to Winchester!! Did you go to the top of the cathedral tower? You can see everything from up there.  Also did you walk down that road where all of the buildings lean in towards each other from opposite sides of the road? Also I went to this pub called The Golden Fleece. I know I have some photos of me at that cathedral somewhere, but I don't know where they are or how to put them here. Nothing new happened today...except I found out that the female and male models that we are going to draw are not going to be wearing anything. I am not looking forward to those days. I know I am immature, but whatever, (shudder).  I read The Circle by Dave Eggers, and spent some time with Abby today as well.  And now I am going to stuff my face with food and watch a movie. Please don't try to Skype me before nine. See you later. Also, Good morning.

-Geena

Wonderful day! I went to the place where Camelot was supposed to be, and where the English monarchy was founded- It was really cool- and whats more, it is the most preserved town in England; they did not completely remake the infrastructure for car travel, so it still has tons of medieval streets and buildings. The town is called Winchester, and it is basically composed of old buildings, cute shops, and a huge, glorious cathedral, which I did a quick sketch of. I also got lots of art supplies and ate at a really lovely cafe called Eat, Sleep, Be- There where a lot of bee related puns inside. I'm so glad that I skyped you- if you would like I can call again tomorrow, but a little bit earlier- I don't want to keep you up again. Please include your response in your next blog, which I shall read right when I wake up. And now... Ahem:

There is a thin veil between thought and understanding, the fibers of which are not woven from soft silk, but from distance, and the simple frustration of not being able to see your face, or look into your eyes. With most things, this veil decays and falls away- but here, away from you it blossoms into a thick, woolen gauze which smothers and suffocates my mind- filling every contemplation with the risk of sorrow. No metaphor can ever come close to encapsulating the words that my fingers are about to hammer out: I miss you- I miss everything about you, from your laugh, to your smile, to your hair and your beautiful face, always filled with joy and light...
I miss you Geena

Now if you will excuse me, i'm going to go and cry in the corner (just kidding).  

I saw your message on Skype! jubilation! sorry. You had better be awake when I call you. But you probably won't read this until tomorrow..Today, I just went to art classes and then saw Planet of the Apes with my dad, which I liked.  I don't know why but today felt like the first day of the end of summer, for some reason.  Everything seemed bleak.  I was going to see Liv but then she called and said that her aunt had to go to the hospital after she fell...I hope she is ok. So now I am lying here on my carpet feeling rather booky- like life would be so much more interesting if I were able to actually be a book character. Even though book characters have very difficult lives. But that's beside point...of course!  The adventure aspect would be good for me. So basically I am feeling angry at the world for not being a fairy tale. And plenty of people out there would die to have the life that I do, so I am going to stop feeling whatever it is that I am feeling, and drink some tea. And stare at a wall.  Actually I'm probably not going to drink tea because I am too lazy to get up and make it.  And I would like to say that I have finally found the best adjective for my art class: mental institution. Silent-Glasses-Girl-sorry-I-forgot-her-name and I decided that this adjective was the best.  We had this conversation as we observed Autism-Shorts-Girl wandering around doing nothing while having spurts of hysterical laughter.  While I was trying to talk to Silent-Glasses, High-Road Trip was making comments about the toned muscles of her nude figure's butt, and was also telling me how the only way that I could survive in SF is by being a drug dealer, ( I just laughed, nervously). She knows this from personal experience! I am talking to the experts!

Also Tattoo-Jesus was going on about how ex-junkies would make good doctors because they would be able to find veins easily. All I need to do is become familiar with recreational drugs and I am set for life!!!!

Sorry for the stream of consciousness happening above...

uoy I ssim!!!

-Geena

Skype sounds like a really good idea. I think you can find my account by entering my first and last name. What time do you usually wake up and go to sleep? we can probably figure out a time that is early in the morning or late at night.  If you want I can Skype you at midnight tomorrow, (8 am for you) which would not be a problem for me. Also please tell me the name of your account. And if it makes you feel any better I have been watching the news and listening to the radio frequently about what is happening in the middle east.  I just listened to interviews with US representatives (I think) from Israel and Palestine. It is really terrible how Israel is launching missiles into the civilian population just to target like, one suspect. But I guess Hamas is trying to get missiles into Israel too...But not very successfully. Once again, how is your family doing, (both you mother, brother, father and everyone in Jerusalem)? 

So while you were eating cheese, exploring caves and hiking, I was...SHOPPING!!!! I am sooo spoiled. It is sad how getting new clothes makes me so happy. If only you were a girl you could share in my highly feminine shopping happiness. After analyzing my new clothes, I realized that Liv, (who I mention in every blog) 

was right. Mustard yellow, maroon, grey, and black. Sigh. But now, I feel like a hipster...Which is guiltily, a very good feeling. It has been a long day. I would run today, but being a consumer is surprisingly tiring. I have been doing some of my self portraits, which are going horribly, so I decided to just zoom in on my nose. So I am going to be drawing a lot of noses.  

You I miss

You I miss

You I miss

I am so original,

-Geena

I had an amazing day today! WE WENT TO STONEHENGE! It was fabulous and giant- I did some sketches. After Stonehenge we went to Cheddar Gorge, which is an amazing place; it's basically a huge canyon with a cute little town inside it where they make all these epic cheeses, some of which are matured in caves that line the sides of the gorge. We explored one of these caves- it was full of stalagmites and stalactites, and pools of water that were so eerily reflective that you could not tell if there were more stalactites on the bottom or if it was a reflection. We also went on a super long hike through the hills, and almost walked through a field of adult bull cows. All in all it was a fun day, but I have some bad news: we will actually be getting back on the 28th, which means that we will have no overlap... That actually makes me really sad- i'm not gonna see you for ANOTHER 3 weeks. I really want to actually speak with you more often, but the phone is really expensive- so I have come up with a plan... I think we should skype. If you send me your info I think I can skype you from our ipad- if not, I will use somebody elses computer- tell me if you think that's a good idea in your next blog, and, if it is- give me a good time to call you. It's really refreshing to get not-BS Palestine news here in England- the papers here are really being brave; if it's not to much to ask, I hope that you keep up with the news on Palestine... Palestinian death toll is aproximatally 160 now. Anyway, have fun, tell me how your running is going- be happy.
Goodbye Geena
I miss you
I miss you
I miss you

-Amin

Sorry about not being able to write last night, it had been a very, very long day. We started off the day by trying to get into the London Comic Con, which was by the way our plan for the day; we were unable to do this because the line to get in was like a 3-5 hour wait. We decided to go to this museum that was having a Victorian-themed tea party. It was fun, but kind of aimed towards younger kids, and the actual museum exhibits were a bit outdated, but I still liked them. Finally, we decided to go to the tower of London, which is always AMAZING. They have this huge weapon armory that your dad would probably love- it is basically a compilation of all of the surviving armor of past English kings, along with every weapon that the royal court has made/been gifted with through the ages. After seeing the weapons, we saw the Crown Jewels... I'm sorry, but those things were just to decedent for me- everything was made of gold- there were huge plates and saucers and mugs and swords, and of course tons of crowns, each glistening with enough precious stones to set up a whole Indian city for life. Honestly, I found it grotesque. Anyway, the tower of London closed before we could finish looking at it, which was a bit sad. We were supposed to get to our friends house in London at 7, but we ended up getting there at 9 because our underground line stopped working, and we had to walk a few miles in the pouring rain, which I found fun, but my mother did not. anyway, as you can tell it was a tiring day, but today is going to be even more exiting and awesome... Guess where i'm going? I'm going to Cheddar Gorge (no idea about the name since it has nothing to do with cheese), which is this epic, legendary mountainous place pocketed by really spectacular caves- and on the way to Cheddar Gorge we are stopping in STONEHENGE! So, i'm exited, and ill be blogging about it later today... 

I miss you Geena

-Amin   

I am staying over at my grandparents house today and tomorrow. I think that I have eaten the largest meal in one sitting so far this summer and I honestly feel like I am going to explode. We went to this fancy restaurant with prices that made me feel afraid to order certain things. And also I had the best peach pie I have ever had in my life. Earlier today I watched the new spider man movie with my grandpa which was nice, except for the prolonged kissing scenes that I had apparently forgotten.  Whenever they came up he would turn on his phone and look at giants scores or stocks or something. I am writing this in the kitchen, where I am "supposed to use the computer" so I don't know if my grandma will read what I write.  She is very "interested" in you, but as far as I know she does not know anything about us. Thank GOD. It's hard enough having a friend that is male in my family, yet alone someone who is more than a friend. My grandmother has given me a bunch of clothes, some of which look like they are from the flapper era.  I am going to wear the dresses at some point as long as Liv doesn't laugh at me. And maybe I'll wear them around her just to humiliate her. I might get to go get more un-needed clothes tomorrow at free people, which sadly makes me really happy. So my life is currently comprised of food, art and clothing. I am officially American!!!! Oh joy.

I miss you, and I am too tired to be creative tonight.

-Geena

I'm so sorry- but we have arrived home at midnight- I will need to write you my blog in the morning; sorry to be a hypocrite, but please still tell me about your day!

So after you called me, and I ate my rather odd, but surprisingly good lunch, I went over to Abby's house.  I am normally not allowed in her house, (long story) but her mother was asleep and her father and brother were not home.  We watched entertaining videos on you tube; I was told that there was an evil seed in me by a talking loaf of bread. Then I let her paint my nails, (why I don't know) pale blue and I actually like them.Then I ran, and my hamstring started hurting again! YAY. So now I am lying on my bed in mild pain, after having an interesting conversation with Liv about having an affair with Obama. I don't know how that started. Later I am going to go see an opera that Chloe is in, in Point Reyes, with Kate. The end.'

Oh and also THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR CALLING I WOULD HAVE HAD A MENTAL BREAKDOWN IF I HADN'T SPOKEN TO YOU.

Oh and if that doesn't sum up the miss-you-ness, (clears throat...)

"Once and a while, when I am up to nothing, I stare out my smudged window into the warm summer rain.  This summer rain is odd, being in a place so notoriously hot during the summer, and it seems as though the gods want to amplify my misery until I am beaten into the ground. All I can do on these days is think. It is in these quiet moments that some gullible part of my brain asks me if I may ever reach you across all the mountains and oceans and plains that separate us, and the rest of my mind pushes the silly question away and says, "Be patient, for nothing can hasten time except living through it." And I sigh, close the curtains and find something to distract me for another day."

How was that? Muahaha!

-Geena.

We drove a lot today. We were visiting our dear friends Mohidin and Asea, along with there Child Daud, and his wife and kids (who are a kindergartner and a dribbling baby). It was very fun; their toddler, Ismael is really enthusiastic and cute- try to imagine a tiny, happy little boy with a British accent... Are you squealing yet (sorry)? We made a stop motion video with some clay things that we made with Ismael- it was fabulous. We also went to the waffle house, which, if you have not been there is possibly the third most decadent place on earth- I had a giant, chocolate coated, banana covered waffle with about a foot of whipped cream on it... Again, i'm gonna be so fat when I get back. speaking of me getting back, try to find out if I do it the day before you leave or the day that you leave please. I have been seeing all of these hilarious/cute signs for various towns, and also house names- I have included some pictures. Lets see... "The aching expanse of my psyche yearns for your presence, for now it is as an endless chasm- an abyss unlit by your gleaming starlight." In other words I miss you... Hey, it was your Idea!

-Amin  

This is a house we  found called "Skimbleshanks"

This is me and Karim and my Mom in front of the amazing St. Albun's Cathedral

Karim and Ismael

More Funny Signs/Towns to come!

      

I'm sorry that you won't be able to visit your family in Jerusalem. That sucks. But I have to admit that I am happy that you will not die this summer.  Funny that you get back on the 25th, that is either the day I leave for Ohio or the day before. So I may leave just before you arrive- maybe I'll see you in the airport!  And yes, I am jealous that you are going to France. Have fun vith ze "American hate" zere. I'm sure it won't be bad. 



My day was...frustrating.  We did portraits of people in our class...with charcoal.  I did alright in this field, more or less, but then my teacher decided we were ready for (drum roll) SELF PORTRAITS !!!!

I think that was the worst drawing I have ever done in my life, (besides the ones from when I was like 5). It was a face, but it was certainly not mine. And for homework I have to do 7 more :)  After that I met Liv and went to San Rafael. I bought a dress at Knimble (the place where I get almost all of my clothes) and was very proud of it. We wandered around some more after shopping and went and ate lunch.  We were both broke afterwards and pondered multiple ways to get enough money to buy a "medium mocha cookie crumble Frappuccino with whipped cream" at Starbucks. One of these ways involved stealing the wall off of a bank...Then we had some expected encounters with homeless(?) people, and went home. I finished knitting my hideous scarf, (not for you) and watched Harry Potter until I got tired and thought about writing here. So that was my day.

Sorry about my complaints,

Also I briefly tried looking up synonyms for miss because it's getting repetitive for me. All I found was want, which when put in the phrase, I------You, well, sounds a little out of place. So I think we should make a contest out of trying to say I miss you in..different..ways.

Soo....um...Your presence is strongly lacking as I look about the...country.

Eugh. Sorry.

-Geena

Hi Geena! So... I have some good news and some bad news- the good news is that i'm not going to Palestine, The bad news is that... I'm not going to Palestine. I have been missing it all year, as usual, and at first the prospect of not going really made me depressed, but you know me- safety first; if there is any violence or extreme stress involved then I am out. Karim cried for like an hour when he heard, it was really sad. Anyway, the flip side is that: a) I am not putting myself into the horrific situation that is going on there, b) I will be back 1 week earlier (probably in about 15 days) and c) I am probably going to take the Chunnel over to france and stay there for a couple days... Are you jelly yet? Anyway- today has been a fun, much needed chill day of art in the garden, movie watching, and Thai food. I miss you too, a lot - but as I said earlier I will probably be back sooner than I thought- about the 25 of this month- let me know in your next post if you will be gone to Idaho or Indiana or whatever (sorry) by then. Miss you.
-Amin

My thoughts and advice...hmmmm. Well obviously it would be nice if you didn't go and get blown up in Jerusalem.  It sounds like it's not such a good time for a "vacation" over there but I guess you could get a "taste of erm...Death?" I don't know-I don't know exactly what you want my advice about. You and your family know way more than me about the situation.  Just try to enjoy your time in England until things hopefully settle down. 



I would talk about my day- but it was boring, uneventful and just one of those days that I will forget in approx. one week. I am going to try to run again today but I am still sore and it is annoying. I feel disabled, and I believe that the muscles that are used to dance are not the ones used to run.



And ALSO, I have no idea how to upload pictures onto this thing, so you might have to patient about those. Sorry. And I miss you, (I mean, you probably guessed from the ten times I've said that on this blog) a lot- and a lot more than I thought I would during the first week. Which is troubling, but also a good thing, in a way...

 My sincerest apologies for not being very poetic.

-Gee  na

I went to Museums today- specifically the Natural History Museum, the Science Museum and an Art Museum that I cant remember the name of. They where all great, but of course we spent the most time in the Natural History Museum, as always. There was an amazing mammoth/mastodon exhibit which housed the most complete mammoth specimen ever found- I am sure you have seen the picture. It was fabulous- me and Karim sketched everything with gusto. Bad news on Palestine- I am sure you have heard it; Gaza launched some Rockets at Israel, one of which was aimed at the airport- by the way this happened on the day we where supposed to arrive. Nobody was harmed in the strikes, which where all diverted. Israel responded by promptly bombing Gaza, which has killed 70 so far, and caused hundreds of injuries. My dad does not want us to fly on, and our family there says that they are just staying inside and not doing anything- they are not worried about safety or anything- its just really, really tense, and they don't see the point of us coming right now. I have no idea what to feel- I have been missing Palestine all year, and yet the idea of going in the midst of all this is so worrying and stressful- I would really appreciate your thoughts and advice, but don't feel obligated or anything. Hope you are having fun; say hi to everybody for me
miss you
-Amin

Liv-ing

Soooo while you having a blast in some interesting looking historical places, I was probably sleeping.  But, not the point. I went to art classes, (maybe I should omit this because it could get repetitive) and called Liv.  It felt like eternity since I had seen her. I then "invited" her over to my house to "read with me". She wisely said no, and when she got here we went and picked blackberries.  The guilt of doing this still pulses through me, because we may or may not have mashed them up and added ice cream. I am still eating them now, and Liv is here reading over my shoulder and waiting for me to stop writing so she can write a blog too. OR...she wants to write one here.  And don't worry I barely showed her anything that you wrote. Now she is asking me if I have something to hide (sigh and eye roll). She is helping me with my punctuation. And now she is making jokes....."No I'm not, I"'m singing! (guitar solo)" Anyway..

Until tomorrow

-Geena



Here comes Liv...My apologies in advance.  Now she is doing one of those evil laughs.



LIV



Hey Amin!!!!!!!!!!! Wow that ol' England sounds great! Anyway, Geena forgot to mention that she misses you terribly. She's knitting a scarf for you (I think it's kind of... interesting looking but you'd probably be touched). By the way, you're forbidden to go to Jerusalem. Seriously. I'll kill you if you do because it's pretty (expletive) scary. So yeah. Geena's drowning her sorrows in blackberry-ice cream mush. Poor thing. ("Oh my god, Liv!!!!" *excessive laughter*) Say hi to the Queen for me. Tell her I think she's the bomb.com. Tell your family we're all waving madly virtually from Marin (ya know, the whole gang). OH DRAT A DOG.

Bye.

Stay classy.

-Liv



Geena-

I would just like to say that I am not making you a scarf, and that Liv is a....well...lot of things!

Bet that one burned Liv!

So much for my insulting skills.

Also I would like to point out that considering that this is typed I would have had time to edit that weak insult- my I am just too old fashioned for that!!!!!!!



LIV (again)

OUCH Geena how could you! Golly, you're just so mean! Just hurling those insults at me day and night, why, I should report you to the authorities!

Sorry you had to see such wickedness, Amin. You really just don't deserve the hatred this girl is harboring for everyone. It's just despicable.

And by the way, she IS making that scarf for you. She knows she is. And she sleeps with it every night.



Geena-

....................

how kind you are, Liv.

Good Job getting fitter! I am officially NOT becoming a better artist- I have not taken one of my classes in weeks- but oh well. Today I did not fast, because I went to HAMPTON COURT (King Henry the Eighth's Palace)! It was sooo epic... Prepare for a long description:

Part 1-Henry's Palace Highlights:
You never think about the extra rooms that are produced as a symptom of kinghood- there is a chamber next to his throne room that is essentially a super-deluxe waiting room, with giant fluffy pillows, board games everywhere, and giant tapestries on the walls (The tapestries alone where breathtaking- most of them where European depictions of biblical scenes, which I find fascinating; they gave me an Idea of this art project that I am going to do in my AP Art sketch book of re-drawing the tapestries with the same composition, but with very me stuff- you know... Monsters). Next to this was the feasting hall, which you would have loved; it was very similar in size and flavor to the Great Hall in Hogwarts, accept it had more giant tapestries on the walls, again of biblical scenes. Near the feasting hall there was a long corridor of paintings, all of which where exquisite and done in oil. They depicted the king and the court. The last thing we saw in the palace was the Chapel- The birthplace of the Church of England. It was incredible, the ceiling was a dark rich blue, gilded with gold and covered in golden statues and gargoyles; a huge organ sat on a balcony, its pipes weaving up towards the ceiling like veins.

Part 2- The Infrastructure:
You would have loved how it feels to be inside this structure. When you get past all the stain glass windows and exits, and up all the stairs, you start to feel like you are in the guts of some gigantic beast; its all long corridors and hallways and spiral staircases.

Part 3- The Food:
We had a glorious high tea with scones and sandwiches and cake... I'm gonna be so fat when we get back :(

Part 4- The Gardens: The Gardens where unbelievable. There where amazing statues everywhere and all these hedge tunnels and groves. There was a hedge maze, which me and Karim solved underwhelmingly fast. I must admit that the funnest part of the garden was the tree... There where these huge trees all around that had really thick-growing leaves- perfect for hedge work; I had a strange suspicion that these might not be exactly what they seemed. I pulled apart some branches, and sure enough, the trees hid a secret: The branches inside formed these big clearings that where totally hidden from outside eyes, like impenetrable green tepees. I called over Karim... Can you guess what happened next? I think you can. After a few minutes of intense squirming, scrambling, and arm-scraping branches, we sat in the center of the tree, feeling proud. It was very cool in there- I have included some amusing pictures that my mother took from the outside.

PICTURES: look if you dare...

 

Have Fun, be happy
-Amin

I am officially becoming fit-er

Art classes today were pretty boring.  I painted a giant wooden horse head.  And discussed my "organic eating habits" with Crazy Amish Guy.  It was relaxing, I guess. Then I had a guitar lesson with Kate where we learned a two part piece from Harry Potter. And then my dad finally bought me a pair of running shoes and I was so exited that when I got home I went and ran a couple miles. I paced myself by stopping whenever I saw blackberries or plums on the side of the road. I had Abby come along with me on my scooter, and she yelled motivational things at me while I refrained from attacking her as I ran, (I would call it shuffling) and eventually I got home. I was a wreck, but I felt very accomplished.  And now I am probably going to go watch more Harry Potter. 

P.S. (even though it is just an old fashioned abbreviation that was meant for pens that didn't erase...) what is the time difference from here to England? 

Adios!

-Geena

Today was probably one of the laziest in human history; It rained, and rained and rained some more. While this was happening, I did a tiny bit of art and a tiny bit of video game playing, but eventually I just kind of flopped on the couch with Karim and watched TV. Did I mention that I fasted today? In England, breaking fast time is 10 at night- which means that I had to fast for about 18 hours (including pre-Iftar sleep). For future reference, I shall give you some Ramadan lingo so you actually understand what I am saying when I talk about fasting: Iftar is breaking fast, Souhour is the 4 AM fasting pre-meal (which I myself do not partake in), Laila Til Quadar is a special holiday that always falls on the 27th night of Ramadan, and Eid is the big festival at the end of Ramadan.
Miss you
-Amin

I Don't Understand How To Use This

Well....I have officially read all of your posts so far. And honestly Amin, it has been about three days since you left. At least pretend it is a long weekend for a while before you get all depressed and anxious.  As I said earlier, this weekend was crazy, and I don't think I will ever be able to fully explain everything that happened  there.  The most entertaining thing that happened (from an observer's perspective) was when we made a few attempts to catch a bullfrog. 

Attempt # 1: Kate and I discovered, while exploring, that there was a very nice, deceivingly shallow pond near the woody side of the ranch.  This pond was full of bullfrogs giving us the evil eye as they floated around in the muck.  Through trial and error, we discovered that bullfrogs can be lured in a certain direction by throwing sticks near them.....A few hours later we were equipped with a net, a 12 year old and a 14 year old.  And some sticks.  I managed to catch a big one with the net, (after falling halfway into the pond and nearly killing myself- seriously that thing had no bottom). We disentangled a very flustered looking frog and sent Kate and Donny (age 12) running to find a bucket.  I poured water on the toad to "keep him from getting too dry" and Kate came back with a small bucket.  Yet all great things must come to an end-frogs are very slippery, and after a lot of screaming and jumping and water, everywhere- we no longer had our bullfrog, which we had named Bob.

Attempt #2: So a few hours later things got a bit more complicated. We wanted to get another one.  Lets just say that this attempt involved rotten boards, reeds, a leaky canoe that was used as a plank, a lot of mud and these creepy black bugs that crawled onto our legs when we "were in" the water. Also we had to dodge this sprinkler that was making its rounds for the fireworks later that night.  Eventually we gave up on trying to stay dry, and we had no toad.

Attempt # 3: So after recruiting two new members to the Frog Catching Clique (ages 16 and 18) Kate and these two odd fellows and I decided that a leaky canoe was no thing to be scared by, and soon enough we were the middle of the pond.  It was so full of weeds that we were able to use the net and a rotten board as paddles.  I sort of leaned of the front part and lunged at any frogs that got to close.  After almost tipping the boat over several times, we were again soaked by the sprinkler, and were frog-less.  There was a lot of cussing.  

So the moral of the story is that frogs are truly the better organism, and people get inventive when they have a goal. Not much of a moral....

 Miss you.

-Geena

I saw Martin Freeman Today in the play Richard the Third; it was sooo epic! Everything was super intense and gory. To give you an idea of the caliber of this gore, Karim was not allowed to walk on the stage at the end because they where afraid of him slipping on the theater blood! The acting was all really good, (there was an old lady that was wrecking it). We also had a very amusing (and kind of terrible) museum experience- which I shall recount now: When we arrived in the part of London where the Theater was, we still had some time before the play. We decided to go to the National Gallery- a free entry art museum, which, by the way houses some of the most famous paintings in history (Van Gough, Monet, Gaugin, Michaelangelo, etc.). Because of our time budget, we had to kind of run through it, so the flavor was a kind of "Oh look, a precious, timeless piece of human culture! Ok lets move on...". Sorry for my previous blog- Just first day I guess. Awaiting your response- I want to hear how you are doing.
Goodnight Geena

Its the middle of the night here in England. When I lay down to get some rest- I was struck by the sheer distance that separates us right now, and the thought of not being able to get to you or see you just trampled through my brain- I started crying uncontrollably... I am still crying as I write this- I hope that you are not sad as well. Since you do not have a smart phone with which to send/receive pictures and texts, I would like to request that you please try to blog quite often- maybe once per day, if that's all right with you; send me lots of pictures so that I can know your having fun. I know that you have a kind and wise sisterhood, but If you ever want any advice/help from me, don't hesitate to ask- ill be there for you.

Goodnight Geena

Well- I am in England. I'm staying with Quasim and Laila in Quasim's Parent's house. Its absolutely beautiful; they have this giant Garden in which all the plants are flowering. Thats it for today- but I am going to see a production of Richard the Third tomorrow, oh- and guess who is playing Richard the Third... Martin Freeman (ie. Bilbo in The Hobbit and Watson in Sherlock). I get to see him live! Get back to me as soon as you can... Or as soon as you want to... Or whenever- honestly I just want to know that you are alive.
-Amin

Over the leagues : The pointless testy bloggy thing

I hope this works...Why is there a line? That's better. I might not be able to write here when I am camping, so you might not hear from me until Sunday.  Don't die, don't cry, and tell your family I say hi, or مرحبا

the end