After the countless feedback that we have received in praise of our unique forum, I would like to convey my gratitude to each and every one of you for your genuine expressions of enjoyment and appreciation. After all, that’s exactly what we set out to do... and we did it!
It’s been a long and arduous road... but a worthy one, at that! So many of you can identify with the degree of commitment that is needed in order to ascertain a level of achievement, while others... well, to put it delicately, haven’t the faintest. Truth is, some of us coast through life without ever having learned a thing. Naturally, we would never recognize ourselves as being so... simple minded.
The number of years that one is bestowed in this ‘journey of life’ has nothing whatsoever to do with growth or capability. One can live to a ripe old age, all the while aimlessly sporting a narrow mind and empty head... as though it were some sort of trophy! Others who have experienced financial hardship choose to remain greedy instead of generous, not even willing to throw a quarter to a bum! Longevity does not insure a quality life, one of true understanding, empathy, generosity and love.
It’s amazing how many people I have had the opportunity to meet and befriend through my travels. Variety is definitely the spice of life! It has permitted me to truly expand my horizons, share in a mosaic of culture, yet never once having to jeopardize my own personal convictions. This is strength. This is confidence. This is a voyage well spent.
Leading by example, having broken all barriers by showing what true democracy has to offer, ‘America’ is an admirable symbol of transformation amidst a world in crisis. To my friends, Michelle and Barack who stand before a nation of extreme diversity, the colour of their skin ‘a mere accoutrement’, perhaps even an embellishment to the Obama Presidency.
If only we could close our eyes to the likes of race and religion... if we were to open our ears and listen to the symphony of ‘the spoken word’... each and every one of us, not just some. At that point, at that time, there would be peace amongst nations. ‘War’ would cease to exist.
Do not be disillusioned by confusing a ‘trance-like state’ as an excuse for ‘living life’. Weigh each word judiciously, for blaspheme, no matter how movingly delivered, precipitates karmic backlash. To lay blame for one’s own failure and inadequacies upon others, against neighbouring nations or on financial deprivation, sadly fortifies that you are but one of a jillion souls who have yet to comprehend the magnitude of this earthly trek... ‘your reason for being’.
Terminus: What legacy will you leave behind? Will anyone remember your name?
Godspeed!
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Contessa
It’s that time again! If you’re reading this letter, you are without a doubt one of our faithful viewers. For whatever reason you have returned, we’re happy to have you amongst our growing family. Yes, family! It’s a big word, isn’t it? We all have different interpretations as to its meaning. Some find family in friendship, while others find family solely within blood relations. Whatever the case, LALLOUZ INTERNATIONAL MAGAZINE’s goal since incubation, has been to extend opportunity and to encourage others to share their gifts across a global network.
Contessa Rhonda von Sternberg
Editress-in-Chief