Book Review: Whispers from the East by Ilham Badreddine Mahfouz

"Through art, the truth is delivered for the viewer to experience."--artist Ilham Badreddine Mahfouz.

The world is full of art whether you have an artistic eye or not.  Everything has a shape and unique characteristics.  Art connects people emotionally, bonds  groups through symbols as well.

I got myself a copy when I found out that Ilham Badreddine Mahfouz wrote a book called 

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because she is a beautiful woman inside out.  Her art is a representation of her feelings and thoughts.  Her art reminds you that there is still pain and problems, yet there is still hope.  Whispers from the East * is a combination of combining the emotions and memories of  Ilham's life  with art.   Ilham includes her thoughts on the suffering of the Syrian people.  By using art, Ilham is able to convey the feelings of pain and suffering greater.  We are a visual society.  We like to see the world in terms of pictures and abstracts.  Perhaps, Ilham is correct in saying "Abstract art appeals to me for the mystery and imagination of expression it affords."  

With each art in the book, Ilham gives a reflection of thoughts and emotions.  She shows despite how humanity is fragile, humanity can succeed once we understand the pain of each other.  

 I highly recommend this book if you truly want to get a worldly view through the abstract of art.

*contains affiliate links

Volunteers Needed in the Philippines for Typhoon Haiyan Disaster Relief

In the wake of the recent Typhoon Haiyan disaster in the Philippines, Projects Abroad is calling for volunteers to help with valuable typhoon recovery work.

To help in areas that have been affected by Typhoon Haiyan, Projects Abroad is directing resources and efforts in the Philippines toward providing volunteers to help in typhoon relief work in the Philippines through a special Disaster Relief project.

Projects Abroad's Disaster Relief project in the Philippines will focus on areas in the northern part of Cebu Island close to the typhoon's path, including Bogo City, Tabogan, and San Remigio, all of which have been affected by the typhoon.

The main objectives of the Disaster Relief project are to bring educational facilities that have been affected by the typhoon back to working order as soon as possible and to look after local children while their parents help with the clean-up efforts.

It may take several weeks for schools and other care centers for children to receive government help while infrastructure is being repaired. Projects Abroad volunteers will help to bridge this through repair and renovation work at schools and childcare centers and by helping to care for children.

Volunteers can join the Disaster Relief project in the Philippines anytime and stay as long as they can, for a minimum of at least two weeks. Work will start as soon as possible and be ongoing for at least several months. It is preferable to plan to arrive on a weekend so volunteers can start working in teams Monday mornings.

All volunteers will be accommodated with secure and undamaged host families and be supported by full-time local Projects Abroad staff.

For more information on how you can get involved, contact Projects Abroad or visitwww.projects-abroad.org/volunteer-destinations/volunteer-philippines

Forgiveness: A Time to Love and a Time to Hate

Acclaimed writer, producer and director, Helen Whitney was interviewed on Connecting Women Radio on her new book and PBS mini-series, "Forgiveness: A Time to Love and a Time to Hate" which is going to air in April. 

When you watch this video, be prepared to grab a tissue.