#RandomThoughts

It has been quite a challenging month and a challenging year as the Holiday Season is before us that kicks off with #Halloween2019 Today.  

I had the good fortune to celebrate a Birthday as our family mourned the loss of an icon and a matriarch--My Aunt.   .    It was a nice touch as some of the folks I've worked with sent forth some nice birthday greetings: 

Today is National Siamak Day. Happy Birthday to you. A celebration is definitely in order. So, whatever you decide to do, we hope you have a great time. Your friends at Experian

Happy Birthday, SIAMAK!

Birthdays are all about celebrating life, something that as a platelet donor you make possible for so many. Your act of love and generosity means that someone else might be celebrating another birthday too, because of you! We hope you enjoy today with family, friends, and cake, too - knowing that you have helped save lives. And that might be the best gift of all! Wishing you the happiest of birthdays!

I took comfort in this from the fab Og Mandino that is featured on my Facebook Wall because it underscores a sense of optimism that is absolutely vital no matter what the calamities are:

This was also a month that Iranian Women were allowed in Stadiums for the first time in 40 years.   Empress Farah of Iran Issued a Statement on it that underscored her sense of joy:  

It was also a distressing month of sorts as I joined the Fish For Life Cruise and one of the catches at hand was a Tennis Shoe--and we all thought it was a big shock: 

@Fish For Life 2019 (copyright Mike Pouraryan) 

@Fish For Life 2019 (Copyright Mike Pouraryan) 

I continue to remain hopeful in spite of the challenges as I wish all a Happy Halloween and say how the Best is yet to come:  

Outsider Dana Point Harbor (Copyright Mike Pouraryan) 

Onward to November with all its' possibilities....

Remembering a Icon of My Life....

Out & About with Brief #RandomThoughts

This is my First #RandomThoughts here in my corner as a new Quarter dawns.    It has been quite a challenging time in our World.   It was distressing as I saw Alla Abdel Fattah, one of the heroes of the Egyptian Revolution of 2011, was arrested yet again: 

I first heard of him and his family when he was first arrested--and never forget how his Aunt said how lucky they were that he received only a death sentence and was not shot as Egyptians took also to the streets to protest against the brutal rule of Sisi.     

While on responsibilities at the Daily Outsider, I have been assessing the protests in Iraq and continued challenges in Iran--a very small victory as women in Iran were allowed to attend a FIFA-sponsored soccer event which in some measure was brought about as a result of the death of the Blue Girl.   Challenges, though, are profound in Iran which is heartbreaking to be witness to.

Remaining hopeful and upbeat is not easy.   But, I see no choice as I caught this courtesy of the team at foundr:  

As I was in Community, I caught this on the absolute beauty of my hometown, Laguna Niguel as the Moon was out there in the background:

Remaining Hopeful....