Reading, Writing, and Movies

There is grand disappointment in reading a great book and then watching the movie.

A few days back I finished reading Angela's Ashes by Frank McCourt. This Pulitzer Prize winning book was recommended in both my travel writing course and again in my memoir writing course.

This book comes alive from the very first page. By the time I was on page 20 I felt as if I've gone through an emotional wringer, and yet I have over 300 pages to go. The descriptions painted the scenes perfectly in my mind, the depth he gave the characters made me feel as if I personally knew every single one of them.

Then you get the movie. The movie version is a hollow shell of what book is. The best way I can describe it is like when those people who think that having their dead dog stuffed will make them feel as if the animal is still there with them. It's like the Cliff Notes version. You get the gist of the story, but not the nuances, depth, or insight.

Early into this movie I knew it would be a disappointment but I continued watching it anyway. And, my feelings didn't change at the end of the movie; it was a disappointment.

Because I watched this movie so soon after reading the book, I was able to see and feel what good writing will do to a person in comparison to a movie. A screenplay is really about dialogue, and the visuals come from what we see on the screen. But a great book will paint a picture and take your mind to places of such depth, that a movie can only dream. This helped me to see what I need to learn, to develop, in order to make my writing better, to make readers see the story as I intend. This book is good story telling at it's finest, and I could only hope to be a quarter, if that, of what this man accomplished in this book.

Anyway...it goes without saying that I'm recommending the book Angela's Ashes.

Just a regular day in the neighborhood

Today was just another regular day in the neighborhood. I got caught up on my assignments for the writing course I'm taking. Yes!! That feels good. Now, I can plan and work on what's due next week. I love this, because I'm forced to be creative on a regular basis, helping to develop discipline and good writing habits. Gawd. At least I hope that's what will happen. Time will tell. I've read from experienced writers that the hardest thing is just sitting down and writing. I know for myself, as long as I keep doing it I'm good. But, if I relax for too long, the longer it takes me to get started again.

I cleaned house, somewhat, I mean, I didn't do much since my househelper was here today. That prompts me to have to do stuff, since I only having him do the stuff that I don't want to do. For example, I have him fold up all the clothes that I've spend that past 2 days washing. I don't like for other people to wash my clothes. The thing is, I take all my under garments out, and put them up myself. IDK, but I think it's kinda weird to have some dude handling my bras and panties. I wonder if other people who have help feel the same way. What was kinda cool though and a first time experience for me was that I had him unpack our luggage from our last trip. A friend gave me this idea. And, I was like, huuuuum...maaaaaybe..... So, here I was almost a week after our trip, and my bags still were laying on the floor, with clothes still in them so.. I was like yep, add it to the list. It was awesome!

Anyway...I updated my travel blog with a cool restaurant review on a Jamaican Restaurant in Stockholm that a friend of my husband owns. You can check it out here: Back A Yard

Peace!!

I'm Back!! And, Here's 2 Catching Up....

Hey Y'all!!

Some of you may ask, "where in the heck did she go?" Actually I did go somewhere. But what I'm referring to is my blog going offline for the masses. Well, it's back live and in living color. LOL. I took it offline for a few weeks, for reasons I will not mention here. During that time, I went to Stockholm, Sweden for a week. Love, Love, Love Stockholm. I lived there for a brief period from '99 - '00, and when I left, I wasn't ready to leave. This time, 10 years later, when it was time to go, I wasn't ready to leave.

We spent most of our time visiting old friends and family. I played tourist, which isnt' hard to do in Stockholm since history is right at your feet. If you wanna check out my Swedish Adventures, you can check them out at the links below. These are the prelim's. I have more photos, restaurant reviews, etc. coming down the road as well.

Gamla Stan - Stockholm's Old Town

Stockholm Walking Tour 1

Oh Yea! I've had a few other things happen while I was offline that I'd like to share:

*My restaurant review on Mama Testa, a mexican restaurant in San Diego, was picked up by a new magazine out of Bahrain and will be featured in their Food & Travel section. I will post that as soon as I get my copies. So, that's kinda cool.

*I wrote an advice article for Expat Arrivals titled, Women in Saudi Arabia, and have become one of their "local experts" for Saudi Arabia. That's also cool as well.

My travel writing course ended 2 weeks ago, but my Memoir writing course started 3 weeks ago, so I'm still busy writing, writing, writing. I'm taking the courses to make me accountable. This way I have to write something and turn in on a weekly basis, and I'm learning a lot, honing my writing skills, and I must say, I'm having fun with it.

I think this brings you up to date.

Peace!!

Do They Lose Their Freaking Minds?

Okay. So, I've discussed this with a friend. But, I'm gonna throw it out there. There are a lot of people here, who don't have the sense or courtesy that God gave to an ant. And, we all know ants have no courtesy. They get all up in your stuff.

I've grew up in fabulous Sunny San Diego, and before coming to Saudi, spent the last 10 years in equally fabulous Seattle. People are friendly and there is a certain level of common courtesy. You will find that certain level on common courtesy pretty much throughout the United States. However since I've moved here, I've run into some of the rudest MF's ever. A friend of mine who has been here for several years tells me that, most of those types fall into 2 groups. Group #1 - the trailer trash who now have a little "bit o money", so now they think they're better than others. Group #2 - the one's who have been here so long they have lost all social skills.

Let me state...that not everyone is like this. There are a lot of good decent people here. But, in every group...the assholes will always stand out. It's like the funda"mentals" Why is that? IDK

For example...there's this biotch...who from the 1st time I met her she was a biotch to me...and every time I see her...she has some shitty comment. I think she falls into Group #2. Then add a touch of control freak, then you got a biotch on wheels. Then there's the woman who when introduced to me as an American, she clarified by stating, "southern American", with extra southern twang. Like, WTF? I was so close to telling this cow...thanks for the warning because I didn't notice her Klan hat. But...I let it go.

So...when you come here...you have to wade through the BS and the BS people. Then, with patience, persistence in putting yourself out there, and not being afraid to just hang with yourself (I LOVE myself) until you meet people with whom you vibe; the day will come when you meet someone who actually has a personality, that doesn't revolve around talking about other people or trying to control them...they're just good, cool people to hang with. Then you will see it start to turn around. If you're lucky that will happen right away.

It took me about 4 months. It may not have taken so long if I hadn't went back to the states for 2 months during that period. Now...I have friends, we vibe, we hang, and it's all good. And, trust me...your friends are what help you make it through while living here.

I'm Famous

I was at another Masalama party last weekend. (If you don't know what this is, go here: http://blackchickinsaudi.blogspot.com/2010/01/masalama.html). While in the kitchen chatting someone up, I saw 3 young ladies leaving, and as I looked at them, one said, "You're Black Chick in Saudi". Tentatively, I was like, yeesssss. And, they were like;

"ohmigod! I love your blog. I've been reading it, and it really helped me when I was thinking of moving here".

This isn't verbatim, but as I remember it, since it's been about a week since this exchange. But, I was like; wow. These 3 young ladies had been reading me blog, they were 2 months in, and was thankful to me for putting it out there and being truthful about my feelings and experiences. One of them said, what they liked about my blog was that I was "real and truthful". It made me smile, since all I ever wanted to do it put out my experiences as they are. Versus white washing (which Americans love to do) my experience to appease others.

It always feels good for people to give you validation for what you're putting out there. And, if it helps people, that's even cooler.

I think the reason people who are considering moving here have found my blog helpful is because if you read from the beginning, you will see the transition to me settling in. Everyone goes through culture shock, and this culture is shocking, LOL, so it's even harder to transition through.

I got their names, but of course, I don't remember them now. Ladies, where ever you are, THANKS!!! You made my evening!!

Still Among the Living :-)

Today while reading my lecture on New Media and Photography for my Travel Writing course I realized that I had not posted to this blog in about 3 weeks. Well, actually, I realized it about a week ago...but nothing new is going on.

Still doing the following: (1) 5th week into my 11 week Travel Writing course; (2) I'm still working out my Photography course, I'm on Lesson 7 out of 12 Lessons; (3) Still trying to lose the weight gained during my last "ReFat" (I stole this from a chick I met in the gym, she calls the RePat, ReFat); (4) hanging out with friends in Dhahran weekly. This one activity helps tremendously with the level of boredom I feel living in Ras Tanura.

Anything new? Oh Yea...I'm going to start a new writing course in June on Memoir writing, and I'm picking up a course in Photoshop when I get back from a brief vacay in June.

I'm going to Stockholm in June. Im sooooooooo looking forward to this trip. I haven't been there since I moved back to the states from Stockholm in Feb 2000. The summers in Sweden are beautiful. This should be a really good trip.

I have a few fun filled activities coming up over the next few weeks, that should prove to be a blast, so I will share and post pictures.

What else? I don't think there is anything else I want to share.

Peace!!

I'm Back................

I've been back in Saudi Arabia for a week now. It's always hard for me to get back on track with everything (workouts, assignments, projects, etc.) when I've been gone for 4 weeks...this time I was gone for 8 weeks. So...I'm way outta whack and off track. 8 weeks of nothing to do except for what you want to do. So...I over indulged in everything that I like to do. LOL. One of those things being Mexican food. I love, love, love Mexican food. Oh Yea...and cookies and cupcakes. I didn't over do the cupcakes too much...but the other stuff....gawd...I was all over it. And, guess what? I brought some of it back with me in the form of 15 extra pounds of fat on my stomach, ass, and thighs. The good news is that I've already lost 4 of the 15 pounds. I have to lose the other 11 pounds before 5/20. I'm not concerned...I know I can do it.

See...what happens is this...while in SA I can never (okay, hardly ever) find the really good stuff that I like. I think anyone who is living away from home, has certain things they miss. So..when I'm about to go home, all I can think about is....I'm going to Mama Testa's (Mexican food) or Uncle Biffs (cookies) or Cupcake Royale or King's Fish House, or.....So, you can see how I can easily put it on...then when I wasn't eating...I was lounging. I did a lot a travel back and forth between San Diego, Los Angeles, and Seattle. In each one of these locations, I have my favorite food.

I took TONS of pictures. As I sort through them, I will post for your viewing pleasure. :-)

What else, what else? Oh yea...I spent time with Henry (my son)...it's always good to see him. He's quite handsome I must say...and has turned into a nice young man. It's kinda a trip to see your baby with a "man" body and man muscles. And, pretty much living his life. And, he's not doing too bad. Gawd. I'm getting old. But, not old enough for grandchildren, so I hope I don't get that surprise before 2015.

Anyway...I'm glad to be back in my place with my things. I will try to post more often...but it's always the same 'ol same 'ol so....

Decided Not 2 Go Back

So...we're on vacation in San Diego. Traveling back and forth between San Diego, & LA. The weather was nice....I was in my element. My element being; I'm driving, my music is semi-cranked, my sunroof is open, and I'm just cruising. I go by Starbucks...pick up my drink; a double shot of Espresso, and a Iced Passion Tea Lemonade (I like to think of it as 2 shots and a back lol)...then I head to Venice Beach (it could be any beach for that matter, but in this case it was Venice beach). I'm cruising. The day is beautiful...people are hanging and I'm people watching. That's when I do it. I decide I need more time...Im not ready to go back to Saudi Arabia. So...I'm staying a few extra weeks.

Forgive me for being incommunicado but, I'm having too much fun. I'll be back in the Sand Pit in a coupla more weeks. Then when I've recovered from jet lag...and I'm back to the "routine"...I'll be back to blogging.

These photos were taken while I was driving to Venice Beach on that very day. This is what I saw, and all I could think was...I don't want to leave.

Saudi Bloggers...

...are making news. Check out this article post on the Fox News website regarding Saudi bloggers. Really interesting. I actually visit these sites on occasion. It just goes to show...you never know who's reading.

Saudi Bloggers Shatter the Kingdom's Silence and Censorship

Still on Vacation

Yes...I'm still on vacation and playing "hometown tourist" in San Diego. Went to Sunset Cliffs today. Back in da day...this was a spot that we'd (my friends and I) hang out at...and do stuff that young people do. ;-)

You can check out the beauty of this locale here: Sunset Cliffs National Park

Not in Saudi...

I'm in San Diego...crashing at my Mom's place. It's 4:04AM...I'm up up up. This is the routine. Which is why wasn't really looking forward to coming back to the San Diego. I was just here last November '09 and the jet lag was horrible. For some reason, it affects me more so than Roland...because as I type, he's in there sleeping hard!! When I return, it will be even worst. Okay...no more whining.

I think I'm gonna go lay down. I hope I fall asleep.

Introduction

Hello Fellow Bloggers!!

My mom has a friend who has taken a job and moved to Bahrain. She's a newbie to the Middle East. So...let's give a warm welcome to Jorgi. You can keep up with here adventures here: http://overseasadventures.wordpress.com/

Photography...

I joined the RTPA (Ras Tanura Photography Association). We had a session on "light painting". I've never heard of this technique before. Not that I would have since before Christmas...I was exclusively a Point n Shoot gal. It wasn't until I started working on my travel writing that I decided to up my photography game. And, I love it!! Who knew I had an eye...I sure didn't. I'm still in the infant stages when it comes to learning my camera, and how to use the shutter speed and aperture to get the best effects, etc. etc. But...learning is part of the fun. I'm also, taking what is equivalent to an online photography course taught by a photographer who lives on camp. It's getting me off of the "preset" settings, and working more with the advanced settings. Which is cool. I hope to one day take the Photographer Expedition Weekend with National Geographic.

The 2 photos I'm sharing are pics that I've recently taken. I love the one with the palm tree. But, if you look closely you can see the shadow of my big head in the frame. Argh!!!!! But...these are the things I'm learning and working on. The Guitar is one of the light painting technique photos I took last night. It was my best photo of the evening.

Anyway...this is just a brief update as to what I'm doing in the sand pit.

Peace Y'all!!

The Portal Was Open

A few days back I was standing in line in the produce section of LuLu's. There is a area in which you can have your fresh pineapples, peeled and sliced for you. So, while we're standing there, waiting for our turn, the Saudi lady (completely covered, with the exception of her eyes) standing in front of me, just started talking to me. I have NEVER had this happen before. Ever!! She asked me if I was from South Africa. I told her no, that I was American, from California. She said that's nice. She then commented on the price for the pineapple cutting service, blah, blah, blah. But the funniest past was when she asked if I was married, I said, "yes, this is my husband right here". And, she looked at us and said "oh...you don't match". LMAO!!!! Oh-mi-god. Roland said something, I can't remember now, but we all laughed. And, the fact that she spoke to me...I just loved that. Some times I want to speak, but honestly, it's kinda intimidating to speak to someone who you don't know and their face is covered. I'm glad she reached out.

Then, while in Tamimi's (Safeway/Vons in the states) this Saudi man overheard my distress over the guy at the deli counter telling me that they didn't have any of the Palestinian Olive Oil (This stuff is the sh*t). He goes, "there is a store, not to far from here, and they sell Palestinian food products". After it was all said and done, this guy had drew us a map, told us to bargain (despite the price marked), and to sample before I buy (sometimes they will try and foist the cheaper stuff on you). After we thanked him profusely, he was like, "no problem. I lived in the United States once, and people helped me". Can you believe this guy? Freakin' Awesome!!

Then...(yes there's more). We're on our way home from Al-Khobar (the location of LuLu's and Tamimi's) and while at a red light, the guys next to just started bobbing their heads to the Reggae music we were playing. Then they turned up their stereo so we could hear what they were listen to. At this point we rolled our window down further and asked them what they were listening to, and they said Arabic music. We said, "cool. we're listening to Reggae". and they're like, "yea, we know...we like it". The light turned green, and we all smiled, waved at each other and went on our way.

I tell you...the portal to the Saudi people must have been open that day, because I've never had this experience, let alone all in one day. So...I'm still trippin' off of it. And, I laugh every time I think of this lady saying, "But, you don't match". LMAO!!

It's a Small Small World

In April 2006, Roland, my mother and I went on a 12 day trip to Thailand (Bangkok and Koh Samui). At 1:30am as Roland was handling the bags, I went to the counter to check us into our hotel in Bangkok. While in line I notice a Black lady speaking "American" english to the desk clerk. So, when she was finished with her transaction, I asked her where she was from, she stated that she was from Oakland, California, but was currently residing in Saudi Arabia. As I was checking in, she went on to tell me a little about her life in Saudi Arabia. At that point, I think she said she had been there 4 or 5 years, and that she was working there as a nurse. She went on to tell me all these other things she liked about living in SA. Then I started telling her how Roland had heard about a job opportunity in Saudi Arabia...but that things hadn't come together yet for him. I asked her what company she worked for, and she said, Aramco. And, I'm like, ohmigod. So now I'm getting Roland's attention, and introducing them and telling him how this lady works for Aramco. Blah, Blah, Blah. We exchange email addresses. But, that was really the end of our contact, there were a few (and I mean about 2), email exchanges, but we never really connected.

Well...today, we were in Dhahran, taking care of some banking business. Of course...there is a wait at the bank, so I go to the car. After a while, I decide to go back into the bank. I locate Roland and I see him talking to this black chick. I go over, and he introduces me, and we looking eachother in the eye, and at the same time, we were like, "ohmigod, you're the person I met in Thailand". LOL...we jumped up, hugged eachother, and tried to get caught up...as if we had known each other all our lives. LOL. It was so cool. She asked how my mom was, she updated me on her stay in Saudi.

Whenever this sort of thing happens to me...I view it as a sign that I'm exactly where I'm suppose to be in my life.

I said all that to say...it's a small small world