7.26.2006

Illustration Friday: Opposites

With the news that my parents are finally leaving Beirut, last night I sat down and drew. I was so excited to hear they were going to leave. In fact, thrilled. But both of them at the other end of the line didn't sound happy at all. In fact, for the first time in the past 2 weeks, they sounded really really down. They're worried about where they'll be taken, how they'll be treated, how long it will take, and all the uncertainties that surround leaving their country as refugees.



I stayed up and called them at 8.30am their time to see if they made it down to Beirut safely. check. I woke up early and called them at 1pm to see if they were on the ship. Nope, not yet. They were "checked in" and their bus was being held for 3 hours, so when I called they were sitting, waiting. I have spent so much time with the cell phone glued to my ear that I am 46 minutes away from my limit this month.

The trip to wait in Cyprus is going to be at least 24 hours. The irony is that they will be boarding the same cruise ship they took last year on their tour of the mediterranean.

My parents really would not be leaving if it were up to them. Every year they spend the spring & summer there, and their fall & winter here, and this whole war and evacuation just didn't fit into their plans. The good news is my father completed some crazy root canal work on Monday, his foot is feeling better, and my mom had time to get her hair done. SA says she's going to be the prettiest refugee!

Previous Illustration Friday entries ::
jungle : jungle : portrait : cake : sorry : angels and devils : fat : under the sea : robot : spotted robot : speed : spring again : more spring : spring : monster : tattoo [one page tale painted gocco print] : tattoo : insect : tea : song : simple : chair : glamour [color gocco print] : glamour : cats : e is for : sea : flavor : holiday : imagine

15 comments:

Diane Duda said...

Lovely illo. My heart goes out to you and your family. Hope all goes well.

Victoria Koldewyn said...

really like your drawing/illustration style - colors too. bon chance......

carla said...

I do hope everything goes smoothly for your parents. I love the painting of the phone conversation...it certainly has a lot of meaning!

Anonymous said...

what a cute illo! i love your style and i hope your parents make the move smoothy, safely, and sound.

Jaimie said...

What a charming painting. I like your style a lot. I hope your parents make it back safe and sound. My heart is breaking for the people of Lebanon...

Anonymous said...

I love the illo, and I wish your family a very comfortable journey.
xxx

flossy-p said...

and look a all those bright colours in your painting, much brighter than usual, your happiness is beaming through!!!

Congratulations on the good news, wishing your parents a safe and comfortable journey back.

Stef said...

I really like this one too. I'm glad you're feeling better and are drawing again!

Christine Lim said...

It's so sad about what your parents are going through. Being forced to leave behind a home is such an unfair event for them. I never understand the need for a war.

I will pray for the safety of your parents. It must be tough for you on your end. Take care and update us about it.

stephanie said...

I love how you did everyone's hair. I enjoy the family story as well & hope all goes well- good use of color!

Reya Mellicker said...

Thank goodness for telephones, hairdressers and dentists. At least your parents are only refugees for a temporary period of time. Thank god.

ADAM said...

This is truly representative of "Opposites". You've expressed that so well with the opposing feelings in the faces of you & your parents.

I absolutely detest what is happening in Lebanon. I feel so ashamed of the United States government for not taking a more steadfast approach to helping bring about a peace.

I wish your parents well.
Great illo:)

Unknown said...

Coool take on the theme! Love the layout design of this illo. :)

rania said...

Thanks, everyone. Yes, suddenly I'm working with brighter colors!

igotmoxie said...

that is such a cute/perfect rendering of yer mum.