Page 282: Lovely Nest, Lovely People

Her positive attitude soothes me, most of the time. She’s a dreamer, but also a doer – I love the way she uses “dream out loud” as her “tagline”. She’s a good listener – that kind of person who can make you feel comfortable to tell your problems without a fear of being judged and when she gives you an advice, it really makes sense and gives you the energy to overcome the difficult situations.

Her name is Nike. I met this lovely woman through a friend a few years ago, well, got her phone number to be exact, because I had to interview her to write an article. We met, and then started to read one another’s blog..found out that we have things in common, share the same interests, from books to music. Long story short, we became friends.

Last week, I came to her home in Bintaro, spent my Saturday with her and her adorable daughter, Kira. It was a blissful weekend for me, although we didn't have a picnic in the park like our first plan because it was raining.

(that's her and her daughter Kira, the right one was taken in Singapore, not Bintaro, haha) 

I liked the way she and her husband arranged things in their nest. Movie posters, books, artworks, furniture, etc. I wish I had better phone with better camera to show you what I meant, haha. But you can check her instagram and livingloving if you’re that curious. I think she posted pictures of her home and its decor on her instagram and that lovely website.

Sometimes, it doesn't take much to make me happy.

So how was your weekend?

photo courtesy of me except the first three, courtesy of Nike Prima Dewi

Page 262: Outshine

“We lived on farms, then we lived in cities, and now we’re going to live on the internet!”

 – Justin Timberlake as Sean Parker, “The Social Network” 

Post photos. Write a status. Check in. Share a link.
Share stories. Share? No, sell. Sell stories then buy attention.

Attention. People want that, sometimes they're craving it. Through this whimsical invention called social media that support and enliven the big parade of narcissism. I’m using it (even pay my bill because I utilize it on daily basis for work), thus I’m part of that big swirl. With the need to express yourself [that you have voice, that you’re alive, that you have A LIFE] as the pivot.

And some people can be overly sensitive because of it. And some people can get addicted to it. And some people can prioritize it more than the warmth they can get from talk to each other, to smile and laugh instead of choosing emoticons.

That’s the dark side. It still has a bright side as well. I just hope that the dark side won’t outshine the bright one. 

Page 257: Little Morsels of Happiness in November

good food. new shoes. wayang. snake puzzle. good people :)

Page 256: Ra ra ra ra random

A bit “funny”, I think, for some people who think that to be an open-minded person means that you have to show your rebellious side, break rules, or do wild things. It’s as “funny” as to see boorish fundies/ atheists who try to dismantle people’s faiths and force them to embrace their beliefs. Open minded is simply realizing that people have their own ways to live their life, as long as it harmless, as long as it won’t bring more damages to this (already sick) society. Simply realizing that close minded people also have histories that took parts in shaping the ways they think right now, that they still have chances to open their minds and learn to accept differences in this world (whether we will have parts of those chances or not).

Anyway, RIP Paul Walker and oh Jennifer Lawrence, you’re awesome! I’d go lesbian for you (told ya this is a random post.)

Page 237: Delicate Morsel

YOU WILL
ALWAYS BE
A GHOST 
FLICKERING BEHIND 
MY EYELIDS 
WHEN I SLEEP

Kriz from jktxnyc

One of the warmest yet saddest sentences i've read last week.

Page 133: Last Lullaby

Perhaps there were intricate words in her head. Floating in abstract movement and left her no choices except mumbling and said discreetly in her head, in her heart; because perhaps that was all she could do. For kept screaming but no one listened. For being tormented soul that sang lullaby to accompanied her through nightmares, even when she awakened. The lullaby and prayers couldn’t expel the pain. Perhaps…

So she lost her appetite to choose path for her own life. The burdens in her chest were too much to handle. So she chose death, through rat poison which she swallowed to end all suffers. What’s the different between suicide and obligation to face your rapist every day, as husband; the despicable and abusive ones?

This story is real. It’s not a movie, novel, or crazy plot inside someone’s mind. “She” is real. Her name is Amina Filali. This 16-year-old girl, killed herself on March 10, after being severely beaten during a forced marriage to her rapist.

Zohra Filali the mother of rape victim, Amina Filali who committed suicide on March 10, shows a picture of her daughter

According to Avaaz, Article 475, in Morocco’s penal code allows a rapist to avoid prosecution and a long prison sentence by marrying his victim if she is a minor. Since 2006, the government has promised to strike this down and pass legislation prohibiting violence against women, but it hasn't happened. When Amina was brutally raped, her family reported it to officials in their town of Larache. Instead of prosecuting the rapist, the court allowed him the option of marrying his victim-- and Amina's family agreed to the proposal.

Sometimes such insanity makes me wonder what kind of monster that dancing upon a throne inside their hearts; those rapists and that society that embrace such a sick culture. Marrying your own rapist? Honor killing? And still blaming woman? What kind of law is that? Islam? Oh, please, I'm so tired of hearing about people using religion to justify the terrible things they do. Cut it off, fraud!

No more words to spill in this writing. This case is another sadness that represents how rot human souls can be.

Dear God, I know most of the people say that suicide is an unforgivable sin. But I know You are the fairest, the Almighty. Please keep her soul safe.

Rest in peace, dear Amina. I hope all prays for you are your last lullaby. Amen.

---

If you want to take action to bring justice for rape victims and protections for women and children, sign the petition here.
More News:
Jezebel - Moroccan Women Rally Against Horrible Rape-Marry Law
BBC - Morocco Protest After Raped Amina Filali Kills Herself
Huffingtonpost - Amina Filali, Morocco Rape Victim, Commits Suicide After Forced Marriage To Rapist 

Page 58: The Hunt of the Sunsets

“And you can feel the sunshine fading…”

- Ewan, The  Radio dept.-

15 days

2 countries

4 cities

Fun journey

Lovely places

Silly best friends

New faces

Amazing beach

Enormous temples

Unforgettable sunsets

Yeah. Life is good…

Life is good...

:)

Page 45: Sometimes... (part 4)

Sometimes,

people forgot their promises to u not because they're busy...

They just didn't think that u're that important 

image: mummy boy by baboon