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BLOG | BREAKING MY SILENCE \ ROMPIENDO MI SILENCIO \ كسر الصمت

This photograph was taken last spring. On May 1st - my birth month. The orchid was given to me by friends on my father's passing on April 12, 2015. In my Eulogy to him, I mention his departure marked the "end of an era." He was a myth and legend all at once. Men like him hardly exist.

Years passed. I traveled, performed a little, got married to a lovely French-Sicilian whom my mama adored. Then, last January I lost the love of my life - my mama Fayrouz. The most pure soul you would ever meet. Since then, my heart wanders aimlessly. And my voice along with it. Voy rumbo de soledad...

So why the photo of the orchid, you ask? And why now?

My mama loved plants. She never attended school a day in her life, yet her relationship with plants was sacred.
Any flower, plant or tree was her form of meditation with life. She would sing to them and in return for her loving purity, her plants and fruit trees would shine and grow healthy. We would all marvel at how beautiful her orchids and plants gleamed. With her sweet smile and voice she would say, "just water!" 

When spring came around last year, my plants shared surprises with me straight out of a magical realism story. This orchid had not shown a sign of life for years. Then, its buds blossomed...and blossomed...and blossomed!

A succulent plant I'd had for years, grew a tall sprig -- and by tall I mean 3 feet tall -- with tiny white flowers on top. 
I almost forgot! There was her hydrangea -- which she loved. It started flowering some weeds beside -- they were beautiful yellow-flowered topped weeds.

I don't know about you, but I Iive for these tiny moments of magic.  They are so full of wonder.

I know it was my mama showing me beauty. Despite the pain, she was revealing her presence -- just in a different form. 
To remind me that life is a cycle -- of death and rebirth, death and rebirth. 

As we are experiencing this historic new cycle of rebirth and death, I wish for you to choose one thing that brings you joy.

Wishing you well, wherever you may be. 

Thank you for your reading and supporting my music all these years. 

I will be sharing more, soon. And I promise, I will share more in more languages -- tengo corazon latino y arabe!

Love,

Elizabeth xox

06/28/2020

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4 comments

  • Fuad
    Fuad Northern California
    Jul 3 2020 4:21 PM
    So happy to hear from you 😊 While I was sad hearing of your losses, the strength and stories you have of your parents radiates! I love the connection of your mother with flowers, trees and all living things. The strength of your father and his generous and philanthropic nature ; connecting to his homeland.. priceless. Your video making hummus is wonderful. So much energy and charisma; with your music in the background! Haven’t listened to you in a while, but I plan to. Hope to hear more great stories from you in the coming weeks. Hope you’re staying healthy and managing well through these crazy times. All the best, Fuad

    So happy to hear from you 😊

    While I was sad hearing of your losses, the strength and stories you have of your parents radiates! I love the connection of your mother with flowers, trees and all living things. The strength of your father and his generous and philanthropic nature ; connecting to his homeland.. priceless.

    Your video making hummus is wonderful. So much energy and charisma; with your music in the background!

    Haven’t listened to you in a while, but I plan to. Hope to hear more great stories from you in the coming weeks.

    Hope you’re staying healthy and managing well through these crazy times.

    All the best,
    Fuad

  • Rebecca
    Rebecca The Hague, Netherlands
    Jul 4 2020 3:13 AM
    Dear Elizabeth, I'm saddened and sorry for your loss. This is a most difficult and profound moment in our lives. I'm really pleased that you're coming back. I've been listening to your music since I first heard it on NPR some years ago. Your multicultural background makes it all the more beautiful. I look forward to hearing more. Abrazos.

    Dear Elizabeth,

    I'm saddened and sorry for your loss. This is a most difficult and profound moment in our lives.

    I'm really pleased that you're coming back. I've been listening to your music since I first heard it on NPR some years ago. Your multicultural background makes it all the more beautiful. I look forward to hearing more. Abrazos.

  • Aya (Daniëlle) Dürst Britt
    Aya (Daniëlle) Dürst Britt Heerde, Netherlands
    Jul 5 2020 8:07 PM
    Dearest Elizabeth, My heart skipped a beat out of sheer joy upon seeing your message. Thank you for reaching out, for sharing your journey and sorrow, your happiness, love and pain. My heartfelt condolences for your loss! Hugging you and your beautiful heart. I was so moved, reading the story about your beloved late parents -and especially moved, to the core, due to the way your plants started to thrive.. beautiful <3 and yes, true moments of magic, indeed. Your angel mom must be smiling! Your precious music often rings through my mom's home, through mine, and now the adored daughter I'm mothering (my Djanna turned 10 in May!) asks for your music from time to time. We would love to see you bringing out a whole new album! May your path be smooth and happy, dear lady, and may your every step be blessed. Much love!

    Dearest Elizabeth,
    My heart skipped a beat out of sheer joy upon seeing your message. Thank you for reaching out, for sharing your journey and sorrow, your happiness, love and pain. My heartfelt condolences for your loss! Hugging you and your beautiful heart. I was so moved, reading the story about your beloved late parents -and especially moved, to the core, due to the way your plants started to thrive.. beautiful <3 and yes, true moments of magic, indeed. Your angel mom must be smiling!
    Your precious music often rings through my mom's home, through mine, and now the adored daughter I'm mothering (my Djanna turned 10 in May!) asks for your music from time to time. We would love to see you bringing out a whole new album!
    May your path be smooth and happy, dear lady, and may your every step be blessed.
    Much love!

  • Elizabeth Ayoub
    Elizabeth Ayoub
    Jul 6 2020 1:22 PM
    Thank you all for your sweet and kind messages. My Tribe!

    Thank you all for your sweet and kind messages. My Tribe!

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