Suheilah
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See The World Through My Eyes
Female
31 years old
Portland, Oregon
United States
Last Login: 10/26/2009
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Mood:
pensive
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Suheilah's Interests
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| General | Philanthropy, humanitarianism, & activism..
Global family, friends and life's (relative) beauty captivate me. .
I am artsy, passionate. .
I have a love for interior design, architecture, books, the languages I grew up on (arabic, english and some french), comparative religion (It strengthens my faith), cooking, colour (Since the world, though grey tends to define everything in black and white), whimsy (Did I mention I have a weird streak), perfume/cologne (I love the lingering scent), cremes (because I always want to have beautiful, touchable and cancer-free skin), hats, and beautiful scarves..
I have a collection of Middle-Eastern art, and an appreciation for artwork of all other genres/location. My personal artwork is currently largely done in watercolours & inks, or charcoal and pencil. I also enjoy painting Oriental eggs, but have not in quite some time....not a kid-friendly venture. .
I love to read, but also collect books that are classics or old. .
One of my favorite scents itself is that of an old book. My other favorite scents are/were various perfume/cologne, my sittu's cooking (she passed away in 2007), fresh laundry from the dryer, and earth after rain..
I have been told that I am an awesome cook-largely preferring Saudi, Emirati, Moroccan, Indonesian, Indian and Jewish cuisine. .
I enjoy hiking, walking and going to the gym. There could always be more of that than there is. .
I love my teas and coffees, & I eat ice-cream when I take a bubble bath. | | Music | Timeless voices: Sade, Diana Krall, Harry Connick Jr, Sinatra, Billie Holiday etc. Love French, Hindi & Arabic music. Too many to list. | | Movies | Hello Dolly, Amelie, Fiddler On The Roof, My Big Fat Greek Wedding, Water, The Pianist, The Message, The Namesake and numerous cartoons.
My favorite actors: Sean Connery, Omar Sharif, Johnny Depp, Orlando Bloom, Adrien Brody, Neveen Andrews...and others. All men. | | Television | To be honest, I did not have any TV access for over 4 years. When I wanted to watch something I rented it. Netflix was great! .
Since getting it back, I prefer documentaries, independent & foreign films, Discovery Channel, HGTV, The History Channel & The Learning Channel. .
Dont watch it often. When you shut it off you discover how full life is, how many hours you've been missing out on what really counts. I prefer to live life. Not to watch others living it. | | Books | Favorite books: Catfish & Mandala by Andrew X. Pham, Swan Song by Robert McCammon, & House Of Leaves by Mark Danielewski.
Currently reading: Too many books to count.
Religiously: the Quaran, a study Torah, a study bible..
Various religious & cultural books: Islamic/Arab, Buddhist, semitic/Jewish or Bahai. .
Most of what I read is either religious, spiritual, self-help or inspirational. .
Folk-tales & fables too!! | | Heroes | In everyone there is something to be found that is heroic..
Heroic is in the everyday just as much as in extraordinary circumstances.... .
It does not matter our age, gender, faith but our choices that determine this. So I have many heroes.....
A quote to reflect on:.
"Sacrifice, be determined & proud, account your talents & never forget your faith If you neglect who you are, what you believe in...then what substance is left?"
Life is a challenge. I most admire those who stick to their convictions and carry themselves with dignity. We do not have to agree in our values and beliefs. What matters at the end of the day is that we can look ourselves in the eyes and be proud at who is looking back. |
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Suheilah's Details
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| Status: | Divorced | | Here for: | Networking, Friends | | Hometown: | Floating Between Saudi Arabia & USA | | Body type: | 5' 8" / Average | | Ethnicity: | Middle Eastern | | Zodiac Sign: | Pisces | | Smoke / Drink: | No / No | | Education: | In college | | Occupation: | Many. What day is it? | | Income: | $45,000 to $60,000 |
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Suheilah's Companies
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La Perle Le Paon Art & Photography
Lake Oswego, Oregon US
Artist & Freelance Photographer
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Sharbat Gula Justice Center
US
Co-Founder
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Current
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Impact Proximity - IBBDO
Jeddah, SA
Senior Executive
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Suheilah reminding you "fewness of words & abundance of deeds". Whatever your voice, pray & take action. There is greater power in the collective. Posted at 11:16 AM Aug 6, 2007
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Suheilah's Latest Blog Entry
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Where do I go from here?
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Sacrifice
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Reading Papillon by Henri Charriere,...Victims & Survivors
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A recipe for Mati...My Grandmother's Banana Bread
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A note, & some thoughts
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Suheilah's Blurbs |
About me:
I am a free-spirited humanitarian, activist & student of the world. .
An educator, short story & children's writer, photographer, artist, marketing executive, culinary lover, mother of 4 & friend to many..
I am also the co-founder, along with my dear friend Fareed, the one through whom this vision was born,(on top friends list) of The Sharbat Gula Justice Center. Please contact us for more information. We can be reached through our MySpace & Facebook pages.
Sharbat Gula is the young Afghani girl/woman who was photographed for National Geographic in 1985 by Steve McCurry. She is of the most recognizable faces in the world, yet VERY few who recognize her haunting green eyes, know where she is from or her struggle..
National Geographic and a team of professionals went to find her in 2002, after 17 years had passed. Upon finding her, she was asked what she most wanted in her life. What she asked for was not for herself but for her three daughters. Her wish has been for their education.
As a mother myself, as well as a victim of many unjustices (Rape, physical abuse, gender apartheid, etc), I felt I had to use my own experience and channel it in to something good. Something to heal myself, others & to give other women hope. .
To this end we created the Justice Center. Not only to provide the means for the education of girls and women in Afghanistan, Iran and Pakistan, but to assist women world wide. .
We fundraise to help build schools, provide vocational training and legal asylum for victims of gender based persecution. Our work revolves not around 'charity' but JUSTICE. We feel it is only JUST that everyone, most importantly WOMEN have the same opportunities that exist for men, if not more so, for women are the first teachers of children and the creators of future generations.
I am Saudi-American. Grew up between the US (Pacific NW) and Saudi (Jeddah)..
That's been both a blessing and a curse- To sit on the fence, see and understand both sides is great, but sometimes that means you never get accepted to play on either. You're too one or the other. .
My heritage is quite diverse: Yemeni, Lebanese & Indonesian on my father's side. German, Norwegian & English on my mother's. My family diversity also includes Islam, Christianity & Judaism.
I speak: Arabic, English. When I was little, spoke french, but now, not so much. Would love to refresh myself in French, as well as learn Hebrew, Yiddish, & Aramaic. .
Consider myself feminine, naturally pretty. Was always teased for having a semitic nose. Am proud of it, and not fitting typical ethnic or cultural stereotypes of beauty..
I usually wear a lot of black and pearls. Classic and easy elegance. Currently, am more in jeans, beads & sweats. A chameleon...Zen hippy- artsy- corporate girl.
A morning person.
A conservative and a liberal, depending on the topic.
Can be both easygoing and a stickler, eccentric.
A bit of a "Highbrow" (I set and expect high standards).
friendly/kind, intellectual, low maintenance, sensitive, practical, quiet/shy.
Oddly romantic (My first gift to my ex-husband was a stone with the Chinese symbol of tranquility on it. He contented my heart!) .
Serious/responsible, simple (It's not the quantity of what I possess, but the quality) .
Spiritual, unconventional. A friend once told me I am like a bird who will not sing when feeling caged. Another told me I am like the fish who swims against the stream. I dont conform without understanding. .
"Do it because I said so", is one of the most hated statements I can hear. I dont mind having lines defined...I just dont believe in always having to stay within them. Isn't where growth happens.
My friends have described me as kind, big-hearted, generous, weird, responsible, thoughtful, funny, introverted. .
I'm known for making other people feel good. Though too, I'm not the kind of person who's going to candy-coat things. I'll tell you what I think. I do believe that sometimes the best friend one can be is the one who will say what might make you cry. The friend who always laughs with you may laugh behind you as well.
SOME RANDOMS:
I was born on March 4th in Portland, Oregon. My father worked overseas and my mother didnt care for life in the Middle-East. I therefore bounced most of my childhood between countries and my parents- A child of the world. .
While I never enjoyed being uprooted, I do enjoy knowing people on a global scale. I guess just one of those things that you have to trust had some wisdom in it. :-)
I attended public and private schools between the US and Middle East. While I dont always remember names, I do remember faces, so if I walk up to you and tell you a story about what I remember about you, dont be floored.
I have friends in many circles. If you're going to judge me negatively by it, you and I probably wont have a lasting friendship or acquaintance.
I hug my friends, kiss my friends, and give my friends nicknames. Does not mean I disrespect or dishonor myself. Again, if you feel otherwise about my actions, you and I probably wont have a close acquaintance or friendship..
I once wanted to pierce my nose because I had admired it on an older Pakistani-American friend, Yasmeen, but my Baba said it'd look like a fly. That ended that. It did not end my love for other cultures or ideals of beauty.
Growing up, while I excelled in art, science, English comp. and math, nothing was ever really expected of me besides marrying well, being a good wife and mother. And while I love/adore these things, they are not all that I am or what I have to give. .
What you see, what you read, and what you experience through me...It's my open book, asking you to read on..
I've journalled since I was 11 years old. Though once punished for my writings, was the safest place I could voice myself. Still is, despite my learning to speak out..
Am also understanding the impact of silence. Sometimes is the best way to be understood..
FAVORITES
Food: Honey and plain yoghurt over fresh diced fruit, topped with Granola
Candy: Baby Ruth, blended into non-fat frozen yoghurt
Number: 6
Color: Black. It's classic and doesn't go out of style.
Animal: Peacock.
Drink: Cantaloupe/honeydew smoothie (blended with coconut cream and ice-
Yumm!)
Body Part on Opposite sex: Hands, eyes, teeth, lips and feet. How they look or how well a man cares for those can tell me a lot about his habits and personality
Water:Perrier.
Fast Food: Shawarma anytime, even if I have to take the time and it's homemade. I make awesome shawarma, so if you want the recipe, just ask.
Fruit: Strawberry or Watermelon: Both. Topped with honey, fresh mint and a bit of rosewater
Hot Drink: Tea (or Ice tea) I'm a tea maniac! Ice tea, bubble tea, flavored tea, herbal tea, chai, etc.
Ice-cream: Chocolate or Vanilla. The first with coconut and nuts. The second with choc syrup and salted peanuts like my grandpa used to eat
Hot Chocolate or Coffee: Chocolate only if it's dutch cocoa.Too much coffee makes me giddy.
Kiss or Hug: Both. Who doesn't love affection?
Dog or Cat: Cats. I used to prefer birds. My cats have been/are Creep, Bijan & Yazzy. I also have my heart set on a Chameleon in the reptile shop. Once I get him his name will be Solomon. I loved his silence & strength. Years ago had a miniature dog named Nuni, a hamster named Issey Miyake and birds, Simsim (the cockatiel), Romeo & Juliet (lovebirds). Fish, I will no longer do. They're relaxing to watch, but nothing else. I prefer interactive pets.
Summer or Winter: So much beauty in all the seasons
Scary Movies or Funny Movies: Funny. When I was a teenager I watched a scary movie and it haunted me for years. What I feed my eyes lingers with me for a long time
Love or Money: Love. Definitely. Money comes and goes. Love is much harder to find and painful once lost.
YOUR...
Bedtime: Depends. I dont sleep well alone. Once they're ready, I'm ready. Well, most times I'm ready :-)
Most Missed Memory: My childhood. Grew up too fast. It's kind of odd- how can one miss what they never had?
Best physical feature: My eyes, face, feet. I can be my own best friend and worst critic on the rest.
First Thought Waking Up: I have been blessed with another day!! Yay!!
Goal for this year: Oh, so many...personal, spiritual, business, social, etc! Mainly, to find a balance that works.
Best Friends: Spread out all over the world! My closest are in the US, Canada, UK, Singapore, Saudi and Spain. Of course, unless their floating between places, like I do.
Fears: Allah, death, losing a child, drowning, suffocating, being shot. Stories to each if you ask.
Longest relationship: 5 years and going :-)
IN A GUY/GIRL
Favorite Eye Color: Brown. When I was young I literally didn't trust people with coloured eyes. They didn't seem as warm or as deep. Live and learn, eh?
Favorite Hair Color: Brown. I love the warmth and richness of it.
Short or Long: Depends on the person, face and style
Height: Average-Tall
Style: Style should be something personal. I prefer those that can carry their styles off with charm and grace.
Looks or Personality: Pleasing. I like confidence, not arrogance.
& MORE RANDOMS
Number of Regrets in the Past: A handful
What country do you want to Visit: Many, but to be honest, have no desire to travel at the moment.
How do you want to Die: Peacefully in my sleep
Do you like Thunderstorms: Yes! I like swinging and running in the rain
Get along with your Parents: A loaded question. Short answer, not really. I love them anyway.
Health Freak: Not a freak, but am health conscious
Believe in Yourself: I am my own worst critic. So it's a yes and a no. I always think I can do better.
Want to go to College: Yes! I re-enrolled in 2007. Once upon a time my goal was genetics. Currently I am more interested in conflict resolution, peace studies, socio-cultural anthropology, interfaith studies, law, education and journalism.
Been in Love: Yes. When you can close your eyes and still see images of the person, or something about them, you know that love runs deep.
Do you Sing: Yes, but typically not in public. Decided I want to change that. Who says a woman in a veil cant sing??
Children: I have 4. Two daughters and two sons.
Had your kids names planned out: Yes, but I like traditional and uncommon, he likes well-known
Virginity: I lost mine to being raped as a young teen by a family acquaintance. My advice to whomever will listen- Be wise and be careful. If you have a choice, and most do, save yourself for marriage. My naivity and blind trust cost me dearly.
Hate anyone: No. Hate is a very strong word. Dislike is better, and yes.
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You Are From Neptune
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You are dreamy and mystical, with a natural psychic ability.
You love music, poetry, dance, and (most of all) the open sea.
Your soul is filled with possibilities, and your heart overflows with compassion.
You can be in a room full of friendly people and feel all alone.
If you don't get carried away with one idea, your spiritual nature will see you through anything.
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| Your Hidden Talent | 
Your natural talent is interpersonal relations and dealing with people.
You communicate well and are able to bring disparate groups together.
Your calming presence helps everything go more smoothly.
People crave your praise and complements.
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| Your Birth Month is March | 
You love life and exude an outgoing, cheerful vibe.
Blessed with a great sense of humor, you can laugh at adversity.
Your soul reflects: Respect, desire, and generosity
Your gemstone: Aquamarine
Your flower: Daffodil
Your colors: White and light blue
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| Your Personality Profile | 
You are dependable, popular, and observant.
Deep and thoughtful, you are prone to moodiness.
In fact, your emotions tend to influence everything you do.
You are unique, creative, and expressive.
You don't mind waving your freak flag every once and a while.
And lucky for you, most people find your weird ways charming!
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| Your Personality Is |
Idealist (NF)
You are a passionate, caring, and unique person.
You are good at expressing yourself and sharing your ideals.
You are the most compassionate of all types and connect with others easily.
Your heart tends to rule you. You can't make decisions without considering feelings.
You seek out other empathetic people to befriend.
Truth and authenticity matters in your friendships.
In love, you give everything you have to relationships. You fall in love easily.
At work, you crave personal expression and meaning in your career.
With others, you communicate well. You can spend all night talking with someone.
As far as your looks go, you've likely taken the time to develop your own personal style.
On weekends, you like to be with others. Charity work is also a favorite pastime of yours.
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| Your Power Color Is Red-Orange | 
At Your Highest:
You are warm, sensitive, and focused on your personal growth.
At Your Lowest:
You become defensive and critical if you feel attacked.
In Love:
You are loyal - but you demand the respect you deserve.
How You're Attractive:
You are very affectionate and inspire trust.
Your Eternal Question:
"Am I Respected?"
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You Are A Lily
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You are a nurturer and all around natural therapist.
People see you as their rock. And they are able to depend on you.
You are a soothing influence. You can make people feel better with a few words.
Your caring has more of an impact than even you realize.
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You Are a Peacemaker Soul
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You strive to please others and compromise anyway you can.
War or conflict bothers you, and you would do anything to keep the peace.
You are a good mediator and a true negotiator.
Sometimes you do too much, trying so hard to make people happy.
While you keep the peace, you tend to be secretly judgmental.
You lose respect for people who don't like to both give and take.
On the flip side, you've got a graet sense of humor and wit.
You're always dimplomatic and able to give good advice.
Souls you are most compatible with: Warrior Soul, Hunter Soul and Visionary Soul
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Who I'd like to meet:
Philanthropists, Humanitarians, Activists, Writers, Photographers, Artists, People who think outside the box, Global networking contacts, Friends, Models, & Clients. .
Contact laperlelepaon@gmail.com, suheilah@sharbatgula.org, suheilah@laperlelepaon.com .
OR leave a voice msg with complete contact information at (503)226-2666. Please leave your reason for the call, including location and country code if you desire a call back.
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| Suheilah's Friend Space (Top 29) |
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Suheilah has 7593 friends.
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