Be careful brother
I am not a girl anymore
Stop labeling me
Marxist, liberal, leftist
Be careful darling
I am mad like a woman
not like a little girl
I am a feminist
I was not born with anger
Boys playing with my nerves
You can't do it, girl
Made me mad and powerful
Laugh at me one more time
Be sarcastic again
Awaken the beast in me
I am an angry feminist!
July 20, 2020
Cousin Melody
Melody was born with a heart defect
Yet she has a kind heart
Hospitals, oxygens, surgeries
I am thankful for healthcare workers
Melody was our Mozak
The Mosquito who cried and smiled
She played with her cat
I am thankful for her joy
Melody was born on October 31
Iran’s Prince’s birthday
Trick-or-treat give candies
I am thankful for her celebrations
Melody was born as the director’s niece
Legendary filmmaker Samvel Khachikian
Iranian actors donated blood for Melo
I am thankful for compassionate artists
Melody was born with health issues
British doctors gave up hope
Miraculous surgery took place in Tehran
I am thankful for resilient doctors
Melody was born with a golden heart
Rescued dogs and pampered them
Animals sensed her kindness
I am thankful for her passion
Melody was born to become a mom
Liam was a heavenly gift
Mom and son play with their dogs
I am thankful for her motherhood
Melody was born with challenges
She played, danced, and sang
Overcame judgments and thrived
I am thankful for her spirit
February 7, 2024
To My Baby Brother Vazrik
Left home when you were only five
Unknown beginning for me in the new land
Culture shock or noticing differences
I miss kissing you as a baby
Hugged my pillow and cried
Holding you on my lap like a doll
The warmth of your little legs
I miss dressing you up as a toddler
Your socks and sandals were my toys
Mini shirt with matching pants
You were a mini gentleman
I miss telling you stories with expressions
Your face changed listening to me
An active and engaged listener
You became a theatre actor later
I miss playing sad music cassettes
You cried but stopped when I changed it
Such an observant little boy
Noticed my hair and dresses
I miss hugging you and kissing your cheeks
Your long golden hair and cute nose
Kissed your pictures caressing your hair
Wished to be a Super Woman to fly home
I miss walking you to the market
It took me four years to return
You were in third grade in May 1981
We walked hopped and talked
I miss watching you play
You grilled corn in the backyard
Sold them to relatives
Started the salesmanship at five
I miss dancing with you
Returned when you turned eighteen
Loved your shirt and suspenders
Hopped on your motorcycle and screamed
I miss telling you stories
You listened and smiled
We met in Amsterdam
Walked and talked and cried
I miss listening to your songs
We met in Glendale in 1996
You are the kindest car salesman
My Baby Brother Love you
February 6, 2024
Horkour Lusik
Aunt Lucia was born in Kharkiv, Ukraine. Dad’s family spoke Russian at home.
She was a self-made woman and spoke several languages.
Lucia gave light like the full moon
Her Greek mother’s nose and skin
The Ukrainian red hair changed to black
Some thought she was a Spaniard
Lusik had Aphrodite and Venus
Shined like a pearl among silvers
Had a unique face in Tehran
A naturally fit body turning heads
Lucy spread love and joy
Too attractive to stay home
She left to get married young
He didn’t treasure the queen
Lucia could not return home
Shame and cultural pressures
Endured pain became resilient
Finally decided to leave him
Lusik married the Saudi ambassador
She deserved a new life
Armenian past, Russian worrying
Traveled and learned languages
Lucy cared and worried
Her mom’s superstitions
The evil eye and the black cat
Limiting joy and happiness
Lucia traveled with her daughter
Mona returned from Europe with dolls
Loved watching them at the airport
Coming down the stairs like royalty
Lusik shined like the moon
She was generous yet worried
Finally, we talked as women
Loved her stories. I understood!
Lucy, the queen of worrying
The Goddess of love and joy
She was brave, like Athena
The eagle who soared to freedom
Lusik Horkour spread her wings
Inspired Self-education and improvement
Etiquette, respect for everyone
A multicultural traveler, my role model!
February 4, 2024
Hasmik with her son, Rafi.
Hasmik Morkour
My aunt who died at the age of 36
You were a bird in a black cage
Married too young to escape home
Wanted to learn and work
Shame on women who wanted to work
You were a kitten who needed love
Acting like a protective jaguar
Wanted to leap and run
Shame on women who wanted freedom
You were a penguin waiting patiently
Waiting for the Emperor to help
Wanted to give love and protection
Shame on women who couldn’t handle all
You were the Homa bird
Iran Air gave you wings
Wanted to travel and explore
Shame on women who travel
You were my young aunt
Mom’s baby sister full of life
Wanted to empower your nieces
Shame on women who encourage education
You were the strong swan
Happy and filled with sorrow
Wanted a new life
Shame on women who want divorce
You were a small elephant
Comforting your friends and sisters
Wanted to give love and joy
Shame on women who are happy
You were my phoenix
Changing women’s lives
Wanted life but left soon
Shame on them for pushing you
February 4, 2025
Traveling with a purpose gives me energy.
Traveling with a purpose gives me energy.
In 2024, I spent six weeks in Costa Rica.
My youngest brother, Vazrik, had just returned from Costa Rica and generously bought my airline ticket. “Go stay for a while. You are retired,” he said. I appreciated his kindness, but I needed a purpose for such a long trip. So, I decided to improve my Spanish skills and explore the West Coast of Costa Rica. In December 2006, I studied Spanish in Alajuela. This time, I chose to study for two weeks in Tamarindo and one week in Samara.
I was an elementary school teacher for 32 years. On June 9, 2023, I retired and began a new chapter—one focused on documenting experiences and dedicating more time to travel and writing.
In February 2024, I published Paraiso Interior, a Spanish-language book (available on my blog). Initially, I published Inner Heaven in 2010 in both English and Farsi. That book compiled positive-thinking articles written by my mother while she lived in the U.S. Her pieces were initially published in Fogholadeh, a Persian magazine. My mother passed away on August 19, 1990, at the age of 57. Her sudden loss left us devastated. After 20 years, I translated her articles and compiled them into a bilingual book, adding family photos to honor her memory.
My journey began when my new friend, Margot, met me at my hotel in San José. Margot and Alla, who run a YouTube podcast, invited me for an interview. Alla Jilobokov, a Russian author who has lived in Costa Rica for many years, has published several novels in Spanish. They asked about my book, my solo travels, and my experience as a vegetarian. I had met Margot in Glendale, California, in December 2023—destiny brought us together. It was a beautiful welcome!
I enjoyed the interactive tour of Teatro Nacional, where two actors explained the history of the building through role-plays as the architect and a female character from a mural. The building reminded me of Teatro Massimo in Palermo, Sicily. After a few days of sightseeing and meaningful time with Margot and Alla, I traveled to La Fortuna, where I stayed for three nights at Hotel Linda Vista. The hotel staff showed a keen interest in my book, which was heartwarming.
Signing books for the people who showed interest. Liberia, February 18, 2024
Later, I stayed in Liberia, where my brother’s friend, Josias, lived. Her sister, Jessica, owned a nail salon next to my hotel, and we quickly became friends. Jessica’s husband, Esteban, became my private driver. He drove carefully, making stops so I could take photos. We listened to music and talked about life. Esteban wanted to practice English with me, and I wanted to speak in Spanish. He was a great listener. In Costa Rica, most streets don’t have names, so he made sure I went to the destination before he left.
Both language institutes were close to the shore at the Pacific beaches. Every afternoon, I watched the sunset and took photos. Most restaurants offered happy hour, where two drinks were served at once. Spending time with international students was enriching.
One of the highlights of my trip was staying at Hotel Belmar in Monteverde. The hotel embraced cultural events and celebrated artists. I happened to be there on March 8 during the Women’s Day celebrations. I presented my book, and the event organizer read a chapter aloud. It was a fulfilling experience—my mission felt complete.
After 18 years, I reunited with my host family in Alajuela. As we embraced, joy filled the air. “¡Qué guapa!” Irene said in her usual warm tone, admiring me and my work. She used to have women’s support groups in her house’s corridor. I loved the covered and gated area, the corridor, where we could watch people passing by and yet be indoors and safe. Paraiso Interior was perfect for her groups. So, I had posted the articles on my website earlier to be accessible to everyone. She was surprised that I remembered her group events.
Back in San José, I visited Margot’s children’s school and met the principal. One Friday afternoon, I taught a writing lesson that integrated social and emotional learning. The third, fourth, and fifth graders wrote about kindness. “Hello, Super Kids! Writing is fun,” I told each class.
Teaching writing and kindness. March 15, 2024
Later, the principal said, “Thank you for working during your vacation. The teachers and students loved your lessons.”
On the last day of my long trip, I went to dinner with Josias (he was in San Jose at that time), his lovely wife, Daniela, and their cute baby girl. Later, I attend a ballet at Teatro Popular Melico Salazar. I had spent quality time in the forests and beaches, but I enjoyed going to cultural events.
I left Costa Rica with a deep sense of fulfillment. Traveling with a purpose had made all the difference—it was truly inspirational.
