Does the Internet need one more blog? No, but I do, and so does whoever wants to read what I write. Having developed a near addiction to other people’s blogs, I realized how deep and far the blogosphere extends. I want to jump in. I want to meet people on the other side of the world, who– were they my neighbors– would become my friends. I want to know that in another state or country, a few people smile when they read my work, as I smile when I read theirs.
This blog shall be a place in which to publish memoirs from the twelve years I lived in Riyadh, 1986-1998. Those were my years of romance and adventure. I miss them.
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About Marahm
At first glance, I may appear to be a middle-aged American woman with kids, grandkids, retired from a job in a hospital, gratefully relieved from the responsibilities that come with all of that. Behind the image, which is true enough, I am fairly unhinged from much of American mainstream living, having spent twelve years in Saudi Arabia, years that sprung me from societal and familial impositions, and narrow bands of truth. I have learned to embrace my identity as a seeker, an artist, and a writer.
I study Arabic and Italian language, because I love them, and I love their people. I still dream of spending more time in the Middle East and Italy, though the dreaming now seems more real than the possibilities. I am a photographer. I write, and sometimes publish, flash memoir, and now a blog or two.
Does the Internet need one more blog? No, but I do, and so does whoever wants to read what I write. Having developed a near addiction to other people’s blogs, I realized how deep and far the blogosphere extends. I want to jump in. I want to meet people on the other side of the world, who– were they my neighbors– would become my friends. I want to know that in another state or country, a few people smile when they read my work, as I smile when I read theirs.
Marahm 
Hi Marahm –
I feel the same way you do about blogging. It has opened up a whole new world for me. I would love to hear about your years of romance and adventure in Riyadh. I look forward to your future posts.
Susie
Welcome, Susie! You are the first person to leave a comment on my blog. Thank you.
I am amazed at the abundance of blogs and books that are written by Westerners living in the Kingdom. I had none of that when I arrived in 1986.
Yes, this blogging busines is “a whole new world,” and I’ve got a lot to learn. I’ll add your blog link to mine when I figure out how to do that.
Marahm
Hi Marahm!
The world can use any new good blog that turns up!
I also had no idea one could find so many intelligent and informative blogs. I thought blogs were for bigger nerds than me, or really pathetic people who needed to get their boring thoughts out. And now for the real thing! I’m hooked!
I see you’ve added me to your blog: I’m deeply flattered!
As my blog is not at all ment to be informative or enlightening, just rambling on. And complaining obout Live, the Universe, and Everything!
Thank you, however, and I will return the favour 🙂
Hi, Aafke,
Thank you for your response. Your blog may be more informative and/or enlightening than you think. Though you claim to write it for “rambling on” and complaining, you are surely inspiring readers, offering more than what you think you offer.
Personally, I love the posts and photos of your horses. I take vicarious pleasure in your love of The Tarq, and of your infusing the artistry of the Arabic language into the nameplate on his stall door. Your blog is a celebration.
Marahm
Marahm: you’ve been tagged!
Put those grey cells to work!
http://clouddragon.wordpress.com/2008/02/15/tagged/
marahm, welcome to the blogosphere. You have a very sincere voice, and I am so curious about all the writing projects you are talking about. Your memory and recollection of the past seems strong, vivid and..deliberate in a way.. Its almost like, whilest you were in Saudi you were taking it in slowly, shot by shot, knowing that you will be sitting on a chair years later arranging the pics in order…
I look forward to reading more.
Thank you, Aysha. You got it right. I always knew I’d leave the Kingdom, sooner or later, and I wanted to take it with me, as much as possible.
I also know I’ll go back, sooner or later, God willing. If I do not revisit the actual Riyadh, I will surely return to the metaphorical place.
Salam Marahm,
I have noticed you commenting on quite a few blogs that I comment on and silently read,so today I decidd to click on your name and get redirected to your blog. I have just been through all the archives (*sigh* okay, so I only read the ones with the interesting titles but still!) and have decided that you are a great blogger.
I shall now honour you by adding you to my Delicious and adding you to my browser favourites. Insha’Allah I shall be commenting regularly, but I’m not promising anything! I like to read silently most of the time, because I am too lazy to comment 😛
Tuba
Thank you, Tuba, and welcome to the blog! I look forward to reading more of your comments. I doubt you are lazy.
With the abundance of wonderful blogs, a click away, one is tempted to keep reading, and not spend much time writing comments.