Category: Ecstasis

by jad

Riders’ Rights: Registered!

In July of 2015, @farajchadi and I started something in Lebanon that we called @BusMapProject. We wanted to ask a simple question: “Do you know that there are buses in this country?” For four years, we came up with new ways of asking that same question; making friends, building alliances, pushing forward, falling behind—but always, always supported by so many companions along the way. We’ve finally managed to register our NGO in the National Gazette, after several attempts. This means that we can finally build a sustainable platform for our rider-led transit advocacy. We almost stopped believing that this would … Continue reading “Riders’ Rights: Registered!” →

by jad

Neighborhood Exegesis: Little Saigon/Atlantic, Seattle

I did a quick “walkabout” yesterday, around the peripheries of Little Saigon and Atlantic, down to the edge of Hiawatha Place and back to St. Peter’s Episcopal Parish on S. King St, as part of our parish visioning process this year. I took dozens and dozens of photos, and soaked in the sights, sounds, smells and sensations along the way. I turned corners for the first time; I felt my body tense up and relax as it passed through jarring disparities—my sense of walking in the midst of colliding pressure systems heightened by the gathering storm clouds overheard. I saw … Continue reading “Neighborhood Exegesis: Little Saigon/Atlantic, Seattle” →

by jad

‘Ethics of Coffee’ Event, July 25

Coffee is the quintessential “thing” that even dictionaries will reach for when thinking of a definition of “commodity.” From farming, to sourcing, to trading, to roasting—coffee makes the very idea of a supply-chain more concrete for the discerning consumer. It’s also just damn delicious ☕️ That’s why I’m excited to be co-organizing ‘Ethics of Coffee,’ a @ypinseattle event at @lamarzocco.usa in Ballard, on July 25. We’ll taste yummy roasts in an intimate setting while delving into the ethics of coffee production, from bean to barista. Featuring: @atlas_coffee, @boonboonacoffee, @olympiacoffee, @ondaorigins, @seattlecoffeeworks, @zokacoffee and @coffeeatlarge, who will help us think about … Continue reading “‘Ethics of Coffee’ Event, July 25” →

by jad

‘We Won’t Build It’

“We won’t build it.” A statement from Amazon workers in solidarity with #NoTechForICE, read out in front of Amazon HQ in Seattle. Yes, “in the belly of the beast,” as Katie Wilson of the Seattle Transit Riders Union put it, and yes, on #PrimeDay. This was before the delegation attempted to deliver a petition signed by over 200K to @AmazonWebServices’ CEO. They said no… Support migrant justice. Support local businesses. Join the #PrimeDayStrike.

by jad

Say Hi to Riley!

This adorable ball of fluff is Riley, our rambunctious little rescue from the @seattleanimalshelter. Someone found this kitten in the jaws of a coyote (!) somewhere in North Seattle; thank goodness, that blasted rascal dropped her and scurried away.. 😾 I’m a sucker for stories like that, but I was already in love with her long before I even heard about her heroic escape. She’s been with us for a couple of days now, and her sweet and spunky personality is really showing. Our much older kitty likes her too! It’s incredible how quickly they’ve adapted to each other… So … Continue reading “Say Hi to Riley!” →

by jad

Stand With Pride

My first Seattle Pride has been a good one. A few of us joined St. Paul’s Episcopal Parish for morning worship, then bussed to 4th and Marion where we gathered with the Diocese of Olympia to represent The Episcopal Church as witnesses to #TheWayOfLove. I knew this Pride was going to be special, because I would be very carefully carrying St. Peter’s beautiful processional banner for the first time. I also knew that something glitteringly spooky was up when I realized that this Sunday would be the Feast of Saints Peter and Paul—the two banners we raised across Seattle today. … Continue reading “Stand With Pride” →

by jad

St. Mark’s, Sanctuary Church

I’m proud of the @dioceseofolympia for taking this bold stand of providing “urgent & morally necessary action” to keep a loving and hardworking family from being separated by a cruel and unjust border regime. The Dean of St Mark’s Episcopal Cathedral announced this morning that our “beacon of hope on the hill” will be providing sanctuary to Jaime, as he continues to face the threat of deportation despite having a legal pathway for remaining with his family. Jamie, Keiko and Yoshi have been supported in this long battle by @oneamerica, @church.council, and numerous members of the community, who will continue … Continue reading “St. Mark’s, Sanctuary Church” →

by jad

We Are One

This past Saturday, I went through a rite of passage called reception, in which I was made a formal member of the Episcopal Church and the global Anglican Communion. There were hundreds of us there, milling about St Mark’s Cathedral, with lots to remember and do; and still, I couldn’t help but notice these vibrant and intriguing paintings lining the back walls of the sanctuary. There was something almost liturgical about them; I made a mental note to come back and get a better look. The last time I saw artwork in this space, I had just arrived to this … Continue reading “We Are One” →

by jad

Tender Touches: Cornish’s BFA Expo 19

Here’s are some thoughts from my favorite pieces at the Cornish College of the Art’s BFA Art and Design Expo 2019: # “You Never Left” A sense of tender vulnerability cuts across many of the works in this show; a good number express this vulnerability through the elevation of domestic space, familial memory and quotidian craft. Here is one example: @stupidstinky’s sculptures and embroidered works are an invitation into a gentle and generous intimacy that feels far from self-indulgent. The works approach the universality of good storytelling, and the sheer amount of artful “clutter” on display is a delight. # … Continue reading “Tender Touches: Cornish’s BFA Expo 19” →