A Wish Cocoon

Along a dusty road in India there sat a beggar who sold cocoons. A young boy watched him day after day, and the beggar finally beckoned to him. "Do you know what beauty lies within this chrysalis? I will give you one so you might see for yourself. But you must be careful not to handle the cocoon until the butterfly comes out."The boy was enchanted with the gift and hurried home to await the butterfly. He laid the cocoon on the floor and became aware of a curious thing. The butterfly was beating its fragile wings against the hard wall of the chrysalis until it appeared it would surely perish, before it could break the unyielding prison. Wanting only to help, the boy swiftly pried the cocoon open.Out flopped a wet, brown, ugly thing which quickly died. When the beggar discovered what had happened, he explained to the boy "in order for the butterfly wings to grow strong enough to support him, it is necessary that he beat them against the walls of his cocoon. Only by this struggle can his wings become beautiful and durable. When you denied him that struggle, you took away from him his only chance of survival."May the walls of your cocoon, be just thick enough, to allow you to struggle, just long enough, TO EMERGE, The beautiful person, I already know you to be."

Munir Fasheh (2000)Director, center for middle eastern studies, Harvard University

About Me...

I'm studying English Literature at Azzahra University.I worked as an English teacher for three years.Sociology is my favorite field of study that I want to continue.Being an idealist and perfectionist,I try to do my best all the time.I'm not satisfied with my present state, because I think there are much unknown areas to travel in.My dreams and goals are accompanied with making a happy,meaningful life for myself.All the time I thank God for his blessings and say:"God, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change,the courage to change the things I can,and the wisdom to know the difference."

In this special moment in life ...

Think freely.
Practice patience.
Smile often.
Feel deeply.
Forget trouble.
Forgive an enemy.
Hope.
Grow.
Count your blessings.
Look for rainbows.
Gaze at stars.
See beauty everywhere.
Work hard.
Be wise.
Try to understand.
Take time for people.
Make time for yourself.
Laugh heartily.
Spread joy.
Try something new.
Slow down.
Believe in yourself.
See a sunrise.
Listen to rain.
Cry when you need to.
Trust life.
Have faith.
Have good ideas.
Make some mistakes.
Learn from them.
Celebrate life.

Jan Michelson

A New Year has come!

In harmony with rebirth of nature, the Iranian New Year Celebration,
or Norooz, always begins on the first day of spring, March 20th of each year. Norooz ceremonies are symbolic representations of two ancient concepts - the End and Rebirth. Norooz in Persian means "New Day" and brings hope, peace and prosperity to the world.Iranian people celebrate 12 days which are equal to 12 month of year,and every day is introducing one month of year.

Norooz is a celebration of creation,blessing and growing.

Norooz Customs

Chahar Shanbeh Soori happens on the last Tuesday evening of the year. Every family gathers several piles of wood or brush in the streets or parks to be lit shortly after the sunset. Then all the family members line up and take turns jumping over the burning fire and singing “sorkheeyeh toe az man, Zardeeyeh man az toe’. “I give my paleness to the fire and take fire red healthy color”. Yellow or paleness symbolizes the sickness and pain and red symbolizes health. Fireworks can be heard troughout the night.

Haft Seen includes seven items which each symbolizes a wish or theme. All of them start with the Persian letter Seen or S in English. These items are Sabzeh (grown wheat or lentil) for rebirth, Samanu (flour and sugar) for sweetness of life, Sekeh (coin ) for prosperity and wealth, Senjed ( dried fruit of Lotus tree) for love, Seer (garlic) for health, Somaq ( sumac berries) for warmth and Serkeh ( vinegar) for patience. Besides, painted eggs, which represent fertility, a mirror that represents image and reflection of life, and a goldfish in a bowl that represents life, make the Haft Seen much more beautiful.

Seezdah Bedar is the 13th day of Norooz. To overcome the bad luck ,people spend the entire day out of the house with families and friends in the parks having a picnic.They throw the sabze in running water to remove the bad luck. They celebrate a happy and healthy holiday season.

Wearing new clothes,giving gifts,sending bautiful cards and messages,visiting relatives and friends,and spring cleaning are other interesting customs of Norooz Celebration.

My Hometown

Paveh

Paveh is located in north west of Kermanshah.

It is a mountainous place with cold and snowy winter. Its summer is moderate.

It has a glorious beauty which makes people leave the noisy life behind there .
Its houses are built in a way that roof of every house is the yard of another one, living in a beautiful valley with some fabulous landscapes , pets , some rivers and blue sky add its beauty.

The adventurous way of Sirvan and its dreamy road , beautiful villiages and Bell spring are from its exciting regions from Historical and religious attractions of this town, the tomb of king Eshag can be named .

Some other attractions are Sirvan river, water fall of Nosoud , care of Ghori – galeh , stone house of Hosein.

Come and see it!