For those I've spoken to recently, it's likely I mentioned Osho. For those I haven't been in touch with, Osho:
Freedom is the ultimate value. Even love is not higher than freedom. Freedom is the ultimate value; next to it is love. And there is a constant conflict between love and freedom. Love tries to become the ultimate value. It is not.
Remember, be true to your inner voice. It may lead you into danger; then go into danger, but remain true to the inner voice.
Yesterday was Rawan's 7th birthday. The following is an excerpt from the conversation.
Aunt: happy birthday! are you a teenager yet (there's history here- see footnote)?
Niece: nooooo! how can I be a teenager? I'm in the first grade.
Aunt: how is the first grade?
Niece: the first grade is like a dreeeeeam.
Footnote: when my cousin was visiting them a couple of years ago, they were on the side whispering: go ask him, no you go ask him, no you go ask him.
Niece approaches and asks: are you a teenager?
Cousin: yes.
Nieces: cooool.
