Art Starved

Dying to get over this creativity funk

We are desperate for good art here. Even though we have one of the most renowned Islamic Art Museums here, outside of that beautiful building, it is slim pick'ns. Axel and I feel like our creativity notch has been turned way down since we left Nepal. I think the atmosphere of Nepal--the colors, the smells, the people--inspired us to create.

Apparently, for our neighbor (who also happens to be a member of our church) doesn't feel that same way. He is an architect by profession, but he decided to go into teaching at a university in Education City. Unlike his rigorous work schedule back in the states, he had extra time in Doha so he did what he loved--painting.

As a result, his art was on display at the university exhibit. Axel and I couldn't resist the opportunity to go check it out:

One of his beautiful paintings.
I had the honor of watching him work on the painting of the woman in the abaya at his home. I love the intimacy of these paintings. As an expat, you never experience such intimacy with a local Qatari. I feel like I am experiencing something so exceptional when I look at these paintings. I LOVE them.

What to do with the ropes? I was slightly relieved the kids didn't join. This corner would have inspired some crazy climbing. Or maybe that was the point...

The majlis (Arabic traditional seating) was in all sorts of unconventional shapes. Axel wasn't sure how to sit on the cushions, but I totally figured it out. You, too, could look this hot.

Box Full of Love

Nothing says love more to an expat family than a package; and Grandma Moore has loved us a whole lot since we moved overseas. I remember during my mission I decided who really loved me by the size of his/her box. It didn't really matter what the box contained, it just mattered that they loved me enough to go to the post office, stand in line, and pay more for the postage than the contents inside. I have done it enough to know that is true love.
Grandma Moore also has a special ability to know exactly what we need. She has sufficiently stocked our 'church bag' full of all sorts of goodies. My kids are so immersed in books and quiet activities on Fridays they aren't the naughtiest kids in the congregation. What a blessing! Where would I ever find 'I Spy a Nephite' in Qatar?

Grandma Moore also sent me a stack of Better Home and Garden Magazines and Pottery Barn Catalogues. Imported magazines at the newsstand in Qatar cost about 15 bucks a pop or more, so for me, it was Christmas all over again. I now have bathroom materials that will last for months. See, true love I tell ya.

Thanks Grandma Moore for everything! We felt your love and deeply miss you!

Extraordinary Ordinary

What I remember about Sri Lanka

I have been in a blogging funk lately. It seems I have no words. By the end of the day, I have none left. Instead, I have been reading a lot. I like other people's words. It takes less work.

As the New Year has started I have become more reflective than usual. I find myself looking backwards, which is rare for me. I am amazed at how quickly time passes. This has been especially true over the past 4 years as we have lived in 3 different countries. Where did the time go? Didn't I just leave Delaware with my two small babies to start my overseas life? It all just melts together: sand dunes, sacred cows, and indoor ski slopes. Where did I see that?

Axel and I were walking through the mall yesterday thinking of our next post. I haven't a clue when that will happen or where we will be going, but it then dawned on me that Qatar will, at some point, become a distant memory. Sadly, it won't be a detailed memory. Instead, it will be simply a flash of eating breakfast in my kitchen, watching my kids play outside on the street, or eating at a Thai restaurant with Axel for date night. The specifics will be blurry even though right now they are vivid and mundane.

The mundane moments are always what parents seem to talk about when their children grow old. It is the scraped knees, the kisses on the forehead, and the laughter outside that parents seem miss. I am trying to relish in those moments and hold them in my heart. (The only memories I am ready to give up are throw up and poopy diapers. Those you can keep.)

The truth is we have lived in this house for only a few short months, and life has become quite ordinary. It doesn't take long for the ordinary to set in, and when it does, it is welcomed. I like the ordinary because I know it is those days that I will reflect upon with fondness. It is watching Sedona run on the trampoline with her little boyfriend Zachie; it is Asa chasing the neighborhood cat across the road; and it is Xavier and Heavah racing to the bathroom right after the bus drops them off from school. Those are the pictures I will take with me to Timbuktu, even if it is just a flash.

Missing Mom and Dad

Mom and Dad at the Pearl (manmade island)

My parents left a few days ago and Axel just boarded a plane for Dubai. The house is silent. Why is it when the house is so noisy with movement and conversation I beg for a chance to hear my own thoughts; then when it finally comes, I am anxious for the bedlam to happen all over again? Being a young mom is full of dissatisfaction.

My mom and dad are truly the best guests in the world. It is always such a pleasure and honor to have them want to come visit a house full of rambunctious kids for an entire month. My house is completely spotless when my dad comes into town. His distain for garbage and misplaced items keeps my house organized and spotless. I don't think a dirty shirt hit the floor before my dad had it washed, dried, and placed back in the closet. I love it that he continually sings around the house. No voice is more soothing to listen to than my father's. He is always playing with the kids and he is never above wrestling or throwing pillows. There are many times when I have to remind the kids that he is their grandfather and not just one big kid.

My mom is always wonderful to have around. She often takes the kids to go for a walk, reads them books, and has an ample supply of kisses and hugs to go around. Even when she was deathly ill during her visit, she loved being around the family. It was a downer to have her be so sick because no one has more life or drive than my mom. She is always game for anything presented before her. The day before my parent's left my mom and I went shopping. It was the first time we explored the shopping scene of Doha. It was like my mom was unleashed into the real world. My mom is an amazing shopper and quite the fashionista. Truth be told, she is more current in her style than I am. I love that we can wear the same clothing and have the same tastes. Who can do that with their mother?

We had grand plans to go to Jordan after Christmas, but the sickness got in the way. When my parents left, it felt like we had unfinished business. Playing is what we do best and once everyone felt like they wanted to throw up, there wasn't much playing going on. Instead, we watched a dumb movie or stared at the World Atlas together. No matter what we did, it was fun because it was with them.

I am thankful for my parent's vitality and ambition. I know it is rare for most people to take their parents (who are in their late 60's I might add) to a restaurant with a bucket of kids, let alone Sri Lanka for 10 days! I am thankful for their love for me and the way they can always go with the flow. It doesn't matter where in the world I live, I know my parents will always come and play. They are the most down-to-earth people and a joy to have around. I know I discuss my appreciation for my parents often, but I never want them to forget how lucky I know I am.

So, for now, I will sit and organize all of my holiday photos. I will try to enjoy the silence, but only if I have a promise that it will return.

Abaya Shopping

My mom has been seeking out some belly dancing scarves ever since she got here. She is dabbling in belly dancing and where else to find some props than in the Middle East? So far, no luck. But we did find a great assortment of abayas. Taking photos in stores in the ME is a big no-no, but I risked it all for these shots. You can thank me later...

Many women in the ME don't wear abayas just for religious reasons. For some, it has become more of a symbol of culture than anything. I have discussed the abaya with many local UAE women and several of them say it is not something their husbands want them to wear. Instead, they admit, it is more of an opportunity to hide the fact that they didn't change out of their pajamas before they came to pick up their daughter from school. I am ready to convert.

Another interesting thing is most women are not nearly as modestly dressed underneath as one would expect. When I attended an 'All Women' fashion show at my daughter's school a few years back, once the men left the room, the attendees were dressed in these dresses:

I was amazed at how 'covered up' I seemed. It was their opportunity to shine, and boy did they shine.

No abayas were purchased today. If you want a nice one expect to pay around $200 bucks. Seems like a lot for a black sheet. But to tactfully get away with wearing PJs all day, is any price too high?

Islamic Art Museum

We took Grandma and Grandpa to the best sight in Doha- The Islamic Art Museum. The museum opened only a few months before we arrived and it is, by far, the most remarkable and graceful piece of architecture in the Middle East.
It was designed my I. M. Pei a Chinese/American architect who can boast the Louvre Pryamids, John F. Kennedy Library, Dallas Town Hall, and National Gallery of Art as his creations. Even though the building is simplistic and elegant, it slightly detracts one's attention from the art it contains and more on the structure itself.

I. M Pei is 92 years old and he spent over 6 months in the region to fully understand Islamic architecture and style. He also toured to Spain, Tunisia, and Syria to examine the mosques. He also convinced the project coordinators to build an island on the Persian Gulf to allow the structure to appear floating in its own space. The interior shows subtle movement and appears to change continually with the use of lights and shadows. It is truly spectacular.

Panel found in Iraq dating back to the 9th century

The contents within are also incredibly fascinating. Most items come from the Qatari Royal Family--Al Thani. Over many years the family has collected many rare and authentic artifacts and by building the museum, they wanted to share it with the public.

Iranian carpets-15th century

Anatomical sketch- 16th century

Sometimes it feels this way, does it not?

Standard 'Alam - 1667 AD from Iran

Finally finding our Knight in Shining Armor

The favorite falcon made with ruby, emerald, gold and pearl

Although it is difficult to entice someone to visit Qatar, this museum alone is worth the trip. Oh, and maybe a side trip to Sri Lanka helps.

Don't Trust Grandma

to watch the kids at the park.