Fida Islaih's Blog, page 47
March 2, 2014
UnexTex Release Day
Hello Poetteers,
Today is the book birthday for UNEXPECTED TEXAS by Tui Snider. It's a tour guide. I didn't finish it since I just got it this weekend, but I can say it has some unexpected things. And that I'm adding Texas to my travel wish-list.
I would tell you what but I don't want to give away any spoilers. You are just going to have to read it yourself.
Love and thank you, Fida
Today is the book birthday for UNEXPECTED TEXAS by Tui Snider. It's a tour guide. I didn't finish it since I just got it this weekend, but I can say it has some unexpected things. And that I'm adding Texas to my travel wish-list.
I would tell you what but I don't want to give away any spoilers. You are just going to have to read it yourself.
Love and thank you, Fida
February 28, 2014
New Term: Soundtrack Poetry
Hello Poetteers,
Yesterday I did things and thought new things and came up with a new term, just like the title suggests!
Disney
All under Disney
frozen cold or dry or hot
it's a circle of life
in the corner
of Arabian nights
or under the sea
you got a friend in me
Just a spoonful of sugar
or building a snowman
you got a friend in me.
Just dream more fun
cuz dreams are wishes
your heart makes
you got a friend in me.
you got a friend in me
you will be in my heart
forever and always.
It's the last day of Writer Recharge. Since Wednesday the writing for MAYBE LOVING YOU has slow down, but still going. I need to keep working on it. I'm in search for beta readers for it.
Other things are that I have an Amazon author page and HER OLIVES is available at Kobo.
Love and thank you, Fida
Yesterday I did things and thought new things and came up with a new term, just like the title suggests!
Disney
All under Disney
frozen cold or dry or hot
it's a circle of life
in the corner
of Arabian nights
or under the sea
you got a friend in me
Just a spoonful of sugar
or building a snowman
you got a friend in me.
Just dream more fun
cuz dreams are wishes
your heart makes
you got a friend in me.
you got a friend in me
you will be in my heart
forever and always.
It's the last day of Writer Recharge. Since Wednesday the writing for MAYBE LOVING YOU has slow down, but still going. I need to keep working on it. I'm in search for beta readers for it.
Other things are that I have an Amazon author page and HER OLIVES is available at Kobo.
Love and thank you, Fida
February 26, 2014
What's up Wednesday
Hello Poetteers,
What I'm Writing:
The first two weeks of feb I wrote everyday like I wanted to. The third week I wrote just three days. We're on the fourth week, I hope to redeem myself with lots of writing. I did write several poems for my WIP these past couple of days.
If you didn't see on twitter or Monday I found a book to be a comp for my WIP, so I'm really re-inspired.
What I'm Reading:
The fourth book I read this year and the one I refer to above is THE PROBABILITY OF LOVE AT FIRST SIGHT by Jennifer E. Smith:
It's a short, fun read. I really loved it. It's fun seeing the common things the two have and the differences they hide. It's just fun seeing how the puzzle pieces of seeing each other fit. I'd give it 4.5 stars.
My next two reads with be DRAGON SEER by Heather McCorkle & ELEVATED by Elana Johnson.
The books I want to read are all on my TBR list but the tops ones are this month's releases, especially MAYBE ONE DAY and BRIGHT BEFORE SUNRISE.
Love and thank you, Fida
What I'm Writing:
The first two weeks of feb I wrote everyday like I wanted to. The third week I wrote just three days. We're on the fourth week, I hope to redeem myself with lots of writing. I did write several poems for my WIP these past couple of days.
If you didn't see on twitter or Monday I found a book to be a comp for my WIP, so I'm really re-inspired.
What I'm Reading:
The fourth book I read this year and the one I refer to above is THE PROBABILITY OF LOVE AT FIRST SIGHT by Jennifer E. Smith:
It's a short, fun read. I really loved it. It's fun seeing the common things the two have and the differences they hide. It's just fun seeing how the puzzle pieces of seeing each other fit. I'd give it 4.5 stars.
My next two reads with be DRAGON SEER by Heather McCorkle & ELEVATED by Elana Johnson.
The books I want to read are all on my TBR list but the tops ones are this month's releases, especially MAYBE ONE DAY and BRIGHT BEFORE SUNRISE.
Love and thank you, Fida
February 24, 2014
Monday Blessings & Her Olives playlist
Hello Poetteers,
• HER OLIVES has been out in the wild for a week
• I'm restarting HER OLIVES blogfest for the post-release part of the tour. You can find my day one poem here.
• I didn't say this in the review, but it took me three tries to finally read ZEITOUN. I'm really glad I did, I really love it.
• on both days of the weekend I attempted an internet free day, but lasted four to five hours both times.
• I finished reading THE PROBABILITY OF LOVE AT FIRST SIGHT. I know what book will be the comp for MAYBE LOVING YOU.
• my friend is attempting to write in Arabic to me.
• whatever coffee my dad got from the ROYAL CUP is very yummy!
Today I am sharing a playlist. Here's a sneak peak: Check out more on this playlist on today's tour stop ->
We Will Not Go Down - a song I mention in one of my poems.
An InLinkz Link-up
Love and thank you, Fida
• HER OLIVES has been out in the wild for a week
• I'm restarting HER OLIVES blogfest for the post-release part of the tour. You can find my day one poem here.
• I didn't say this in the review, but it took me three tries to finally read ZEITOUN. I'm really glad I did, I really love it.
• on both days of the weekend I attempted an internet free day, but lasted four to five hours both times.
• I finished reading THE PROBABILITY OF LOVE AT FIRST SIGHT. I know what book will be the comp for MAYBE LOVING YOU.
• my friend is attempting to write in Arabic to me.
• whatever coffee my dad got from the ROYAL CUP is very yummy!
Today I am sharing a playlist. Here's a sneak peak: Check out more on this playlist on today's tour stop ->
We Will Not Go Down - a song I mention in one of my poems.
An InLinkz Link-up
Love and thank you, Fida
February 21, 2014
Friday Review: Zeitoun
Hello Poetteers,
A while back I was at goodwill and got some books. One was ZEITOUN. And I finished it earlier this week. Here's my thoughts:
This book has annotations. Mostly in the beginning, then stopped. It's a humbling feeling seeing Quran verses in this book. Seeing someone love the words of the Quran.
There is lots of annotations about dismissing instinct vs wanting to give into it.
This person knows what to highlight. I like the quote, "if a sailor finds the right port or right woman he'll drop anchor."
I loved reading the story of how Zeitoun and Kathy met. "She had a wide, shy, electric smile. He wanted that. He wanted to make her smile like that. He wanted to be the reason."
I really loved reading her friend's and Kathy's convert stories. It will make you fall in love with Islam. It did for me even though I am a Muslim. It's all in how the message is given. Seeing it made me smile and tear up.
I love what he did with the fishes. His tent adventure. What he did with his canoe. Helping people and dogs. I love the constant reminder of the Quran and prayer. I love the metaphor he made about God. I love how he found the horses, relating to his talk. It's more than sad that he disappeared. I loved reading their story of traveling to Syria. To Spain. And their inside jokes to motivate her.
Then I stopped mentioning everything I loved and focused on reading. It's a bit scary to with what happens. That's why I can't believe this is non-fiction.
Based of this book, here's where I want to travel:
Syria, of course! Spain, Italy, Greece, North Africa, Lebanon and Palestine
Food:
Homemade bread, McD's, or any Mediterranean/Arab dish
Playlist:
• Waiting On The World To Change and Say, both by John Mayer - first song I heard as I started the book.
• Payphone by Maroon 5 - Kathy and Zeitoun's conversations.
• Lighthouse Tale by Nickel Creek - as Kathy told the church on her thoughts on accepting Islam.
• MUSLIM by Native Deen - as I finished the scenes of Kathy's convert story.
• Dream On by Yusuf Islam - Zeitoun's thoughts on his childhood.
• I Love You So by Maher Zain - during Zeitoun's disappearance.
• Stand Alone by Native Deen - for his staying behind and help. His suffering through prison.
• Won't Go Home Without You by Maroon 5
Have you read Zeitoun? What did you think of it? If you have or haven't read it what food, country and song triggered in your mind by the word Zeitoun? Let me know in the comments below.
If you're still reading, comment below that you're awesome!
I'm restarting the HER OLIVES blog tour for the following week. You can go ahead to do any promo or answer any of the prompts:
Bouns | Day 5 | Day 4 | Day 3 | Day 2 | Day 1
Just link it up.
An InLinkz Link-up
Love and thank you, Fida
A while back I was at goodwill and got some books. One was ZEITOUN. And I finished it earlier this week. Here's my thoughts:
This book has annotations. Mostly in the beginning, then stopped. It's a humbling feeling seeing Quran verses in this book. Seeing someone love the words of the Quran.
There is lots of annotations about dismissing instinct vs wanting to give into it.
This person knows what to highlight. I like the quote, "if a sailor finds the right port or right woman he'll drop anchor."
I loved reading the story of how Zeitoun and Kathy met. "She had a wide, shy, electric smile. He wanted that. He wanted to make her smile like that. He wanted to be the reason."
I really loved reading her friend's and Kathy's convert stories. It will make you fall in love with Islam. It did for me even though I am a Muslim. It's all in how the message is given. Seeing it made me smile and tear up.
I love what he did with the fishes. His tent adventure. What he did with his canoe. Helping people and dogs. I love the constant reminder of the Quran and prayer. I love the metaphor he made about God. I love how he found the horses, relating to his talk. It's more than sad that he disappeared. I loved reading their story of traveling to Syria. To Spain. And their inside jokes to motivate her.
Then I stopped mentioning everything I loved and focused on reading. It's a bit scary to with what happens. That's why I can't believe this is non-fiction.
Based of this book, here's where I want to travel:
Syria, of course! Spain, Italy, Greece, North Africa, Lebanon and Palestine
Food:
Homemade bread, McD's, or any Mediterranean/Arab dish
Playlist:
• Waiting On The World To Change and Say, both by John Mayer - first song I heard as I started the book.
• Payphone by Maroon 5 - Kathy and Zeitoun's conversations.
• Lighthouse Tale by Nickel Creek - as Kathy told the church on her thoughts on accepting Islam.
• MUSLIM by Native Deen - as I finished the scenes of Kathy's convert story.
• Dream On by Yusuf Islam - Zeitoun's thoughts on his childhood.
• I Love You So by Maher Zain - during Zeitoun's disappearance.
• Stand Alone by Native Deen - for his staying behind and help. His suffering through prison.
• Won't Go Home Without You by Maroon 5
Have you read Zeitoun? What did you think of it? If you have or haven't read it what food, country and song triggered in your mind by the word Zeitoun? Let me know in the comments below.
If you're still reading, comment below that you're awesome!
I'm restarting the HER OLIVES blog tour for the following week. You can go ahead to do any promo or answer any of the prompts:
Bouns | Day 5 | Day 4 | Day 3 | Day 2 | Day 1
Just link it up.
An InLinkz Link-up
Love and thank you, Fida
February 19, 2014
Wordy Wednesday: Four Poems
Hello Poetteers,
I answered some prompts from POETS ON A PAGE and thought I should share (:
Arid
Dirt roads, ghost town
old, empty, alone
a mailbox, a flower still stands
A sign, someone lost
gives hope, settles
a house, a store
comes up
Once arid, now alive.
Love
Hydrate myself for the day
giving love to a cute, little furball
to expand my giving love
for later
a garden, a ball
mysterious to guests
receiving roses
find one, a lover
reveal myself, we escape
we dance
I leave
letting my head fall
into dreams of seeing him again.
They Say
They say write without thought
without critique
I do this everyday
they say do something different
I can't
if it'll ruin my love
if it'll cause me to think too much
just let me be.
Sick
Why write of such a sad thing
yet I started this love with sorrow
but now I look back
glad I did
it helps us heal
but now may be different
I get sick, I laugh
I won't question anymore
God is here, helping me.
Winter
Dark and cold
bringing aches and sorrow
it's all too long
a sign of sun
water splashing
maybe coming sooner
ready as ever
like me.
Love and thank you, Fida
I answered some prompts from POETS ON A PAGE and thought I should share (:
Arid
Dirt roads, ghost town
old, empty, alone
a mailbox, a flower still stands
A sign, someone lost
gives hope, settles
a house, a store
comes up
Once arid, now alive.
Love
Hydrate myself for the day
giving love to a cute, little furball
to expand my giving love
for later
a garden, a ball
mysterious to guests
receiving roses
find one, a lover
reveal myself, we escape
we dance
I leave
letting my head fall
into dreams of seeing him again.
They Say
They say write without thought
without critique
I do this everyday
they say do something different
I can't
if it'll ruin my love
if it'll cause me to think too much
just let me be.
Sick
Why write of such a sad thing
yet I started this love with sorrow
but now I look back
glad I did
it helps us heal
but now may be different
I get sick, I laugh
I won't question anymore
God is here, helping me.
Winter
Dark and cold
bringing aches and sorrow
it's all too long
a sign of sun
water splashing
maybe coming sooner
ready as ever
like me.
Love and thank you, Fida
February 18, 2014
HER OLIVES release day
You know my love for poetry. You may know or not know of my love for Palestine. I combined both into a beautiful book collection.
I put my heart out there more than any other poem. It's about struggle. Hope. Victory.
I hope you come celebrate its release with me.
Goodreads | CreateSpace | Amazon | Barnes & Noble
Love and thank you, Fida
I put my heart out there more than any other poem. It's about struggle. Hope. Victory.
I hope you come celebrate its release with me.
Goodreads | CreateSpace | Amazon | Barnes & Noble
Love and thank you, Fida
February 17, 2014
HER OLIVES: Top Six Behind the Scenes Facts
Hello Poetteers,
I'm back to my regular scheduling. Some promo because my book comes out tomorrow!! Here are some behind the scenes:
1. Other titles I was thinking of was JASMINE AND OLIVES, JASMINE AND HER OLIVES or HER OLIVES.
2. My sister almost made a cover for the book.
3. It took me three years to write all the poems. Poems require inspiration not force.
4. My drafts went from a collection of poems in order they were written to a story. Then back to a different order of collection will see when the book is released!
5. Until two months before publication I was still adding poems. The gray area of advantage and disadvantage of self publishing.
6. This was mostly inspired through twitter. The other half is my mind. I didn't meet anyone hinted in my poems. Except for my dad and grandmothers obviously.
Now onto the blessings of the week:
• Had an awesome weekend on twitter with the Love-a-Thon.
• My mom's homemade bread.
• Last but not least the wake up calls/reality checks God gives us with all these news of death. May He protect us all, ameen!
Love and thank you, Fida
I'm back to my regular scheduling. Some promo because my book comes out tomorrow!! Here are some behind the scenes:
1. Other titles I was thinking of was JASMINE AND OLIVES, JASMINE AND HER OLIVES or HER OLIVES.
2. My sister almost made a cover for the book.
3. It took me three years to write all the poems. Poems require inspiration not force.
4. My drafts went from a collection of poems in order they were written to a story. Then back to a different order of collection will see when the book is released!
5. Until two months before publication I was still adding poems. The gray area of advantage and disadvantage of self publishing.
6. This was mostly inspired through twitter. The other half is my mind. I didn't meet anyone hinted in my poems. Except for my dad and grandmothers obviously.
Now onto the blessings of the week:
• Had an awesome weekend on twitter with the Love-a-Thon.
• My mom's homemade bread.
• Last but not least the wake up calls/reality checks God gives us with all these news of death. May He protect us all, ameen!
Love and thank you, Fida
February 16, 2014
2014 Love-A-Thon: Awards
Hello Poetteers, it's award time!
Best Blog Design
1. Hafsah L
Best Weekly Feature
1. What's Up Wednesday
Best Discussion Posts
I don't know. Unless twitter chats count then check out #StoryDam, #K8chat and #WritersRoad.
Friendliest Blogger: anyone and everyone!
Most Helpful Reviews/Recs:
1. Jamie M
2. Dahlia
3. Ginger
Favorite Author Blog:
1. Janet Gurtler
Favorite Author Twitter:
1. Emily Murdoch
2. Rainbow Rowell
Favorite Bloggers to Fangirl With: anyone and everyone!
Love and thank you, Fida
Best Blog Design
1. Hafsah L
Best Weekly Feature
1. What's Up Wednesday
Best Discussion Posts
I don't know. Unless twitter chats count then check out #StoryDam, #K8chat and #WritersRoad.
Friendliest Blogger: anyone and everyone!
Most Helpful Reviews/Recs:
1. Jamie M
2. Dahlia
3. Ginger
Favorite Author Blog:
1. Janet Gurtler
Favorite Author Twitter:
1. Emily Murdoch
2. Rainbow Rowell
Favorite Bloggers to Fangirl With: anyone and everyone!
Love and thank you, Fida
#LoveAThon Mini Challenge 5
Hello Poetteers,
I have put my heart out there with my poems, but I'm about to do it with a letter. It's personal and hard for me, so be kind, please. Thank you! And here's my love letter poem (:
Dear Fida,
Habibti, no matter how bad and hard it is right now you will be in a better place with awesome people, old and new. Those who listen to you, understand your silence and wait for you to talk. Know you need a heart to heart, but sometimes just want a hug and their presence beside you.
You will overcome your disability and fears. You will get out of that job and get a new, better one. You will see your writing succeed with love, touched souls. You will find someone who loves you more than your crush or maybe it is him or not.
You will get to do more travels. You will be inspiring, a good role model and mentor. You will get to be more you.
Love, Fifi
I have put my heart out there with my poems, but I'm about to do it with a letter. It's personal and hard for me, so be kind, please. Thank you! And here's my love letter poem (:
Dear Fida,
Habibti, no matter how bad and hard it is right now you will be in a better place with awesome people, old and new. Those who listen to you, understand your silence and wait for you to talk. Know you need a heart to heart, but sometimes just want a hug and their presence beside you.
You will overcome your disability and fears. You will get out of that job and get a new, better one. You will see your writing succeed with love, touched souls. You will find someone who loves you more than your crush or maybe it is him or not.
You will get to do more travels. You will be inspiring, a good role model and mentor. You will get to be more you.
Love, Fifi
