- Elizabeth Ayoub - Journal

Maktoub - It is Written

Fri, 11 Sep 2009 00:00:00 -0700

Maktoub. It is a word we refer to oftentimes in the Arab culture. It means 'it is written.' In my relatively short but rich life, I've come to the conclusion that things do happen for a reason and that we must believe in the Universe and/or God's power to show us these signs, or omens. It's always up to us if we want to receive them. I say this because my music is a mirror image of me, my life and the way I view the world at the time the songs were written.

I was in Lebanon for two months. I wanted a change of atmosphere, a re-shifting of the mind, to help me place everything in life into perspective. And in the end, what matters is that we're happy. No matter with who, or where, or what we're doing -- we must be happy. Because life is too short and tragic. One of the things that brings a smile to my face is receiving messages from all of you -- it is so wonderful, really! So, Thank you. Gracias. Shukran. Merci. It is always wonderful to receive messages here and emails from listeners all over the world. Believe me, these messages give me the impetus to carry on - to sing of the times, of the moments, of the big issues of the human condition.

I recorded a record in Madrid and Beirut last year - a labour of love and hard work. It appears it will not come out this year, so I'm hoping to share it with you all in 2010.

Until then, may you be open to the Omens, may you all be happy and may you all come back and let me know how life is going.

Not very good at journaling here

Thu, 31 Jul 2008 00:00:00 -0700

Guess I really don't have much time for this. Spend most of the time writing songs and well, my personal journals. Nothing I put out in the open!

Lately, I've opted to not listening the news anymore. It's made me much calmer. I watch YouTube on the latest in Iraq, Palestine and Lebanon and my blood begins to boil.

I wonder if there will ever be a day of reckoning.

Listen & Feel

Tue, 01 May 2007 00:00:00 -0700

I feel compelled to write my first journal entry today. Lately, I haven't kept up with my childhood habit of journaling. I don't know why that is. I have journals dating back to when I was in first grade - they are hilarious. So trivial and yet sublime, the things children consider to be paramount in their little worlds.

Perhaps I don't journal anymore because I write songs and the ocassional play or screenplay that pops into my head. After all, these are snippets of my life and everything ocurring around me, in any given moment.

We are so desensitized these days. Few things make us cry with intensity. Even with laughter, the tears are hidden, silently waiting for the listener to take hold of its anguish. We have little patience or mental space for anything that carries meaning, because this forces us to be conscious and that is a frightening thought to many; to be here, in the moment. We are in a constant state of seeking escape — either through travel, companionship, sex; anything to make us forget about the uneasiness that permeates our everyday lives. Music heightens awareness and existence. It forces us to feel things we don’t usually welcome into our souls. Whenever loneliness and heartache comes knocking at my door, I leave the door half open, pick up my instrument and sing the truth of the moment. Only then, do I feel better.

So get out there - listen and feel!