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Tag Archives: Afghanistan

Primroses, Tamar Narcissi and Landays

Our border of primroses is coming on.

The daffodils we bought last Saturday in town are lovely. I usually prefer single blossoms but these doubles are really beautiful. I think we were told that they are Tamar Fire but these seem more delicately coloured than the ones I find online.

This afternoon I listened to a wonderful programme, ArtWorks on BBC radio 4: Lyse Doucet, the BBC’s Chief International Correspondent and regular visitor to Afghanistan, was talking to female Afghan poets about the landay: a 22 syllable Pashtun verse form they create, perform and share to speak of love, sex, war and hardship. There are 9 syllables on the first of the two line poem and 13 on the second. The poems were very moving and the programme is well worth finding on BBC Sounds.

 

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Knitting, Nao Roz Kites and Kneelers

1   I have done my first 100 cms piece for the 7 miles of knitting being done by supporters of Wool Against Weapons (See this post)  Now to sew all the ends in. I haven’t decided whether to do stripes in the next piece….

First 100 cms knitted

First 100 cms knitted

2   We joined a bunch of like-minded people today on the beach by St Michael’s Mount for a very special event, Fly Kites Not Drones, in honour of Nowruz, Afghanistan’s New Year.  There were kites of all shapes and sizes flown by children and adults of all ages. Voices for Creative Non-Violence UK is holding a weekend of solidarity with Afghans who will be facing uncertainty and the possibly of an escalation in conflict during the renegotiation of the international presence within Afghanistan. Our kite flying on the beach was a part of this. Here’s a gallery of photos to give you a flavour of the event. Click on any one for the detail.  I’d like to wish my readers in Afghanistan, and there are a few, a Happy New Year.

3   After the kite flying, we strolled about Marazion for a while and as the Church had a notice inviting anyone in during daylight hours (rare these days – many Churches, sadly, are locked when not in use) we had a look around and were both struck by the colourful beauty of the kneelers. Click on the photo to see the amazing stitch-work..

A great deal of work has gone into these beautiful kneelers

A great deal of work has gone into these beautiful kneelers

 

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