The weblog of Sara Hickman: singer, songwriter, angel 2008-05-14T21:27:08Z Copyright (c) 2008, Sara Hickman tag:zenlala.com,2008:05:14 tag:zenlala.com,2008:/5.5316 2008-05-14T21:25:00Z 2008-05-14T21:27:08Z Sara Hickman sara@sarahickman.com http://www.sarahickman.com
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wKoj67CmB64

Love,
You know who ]]> tag:zenlala.com,2008:/5.5312 2008-05-10T14:25:01Z 2008-05-10T14:28:14Z Sara Hickman sara@sarahickman.com http://www.sarahickman.com Ida Berresheim, CSJ

A 40-mile an hour El Paso wind may have kept the group small; but about 70 appreciative listeners formed an enthusiastic audience on April 9, 2008, at Club 101 to hear Sara Hickman and Mayor John Cook give fine musical performances. The event, sponsored by El Pasoans Against the Death Penalty (EPADP) was one of twelve concerts being presented by Sara to support the work of the Texas Coalition to Abolish the Death Penalty (TCADP). Carmen Velazquez and Gloria Espinoza, who continue to suffer the consequences of murders of close family members, both gave testimony about these traumatic events. At the same time they spoke with deep conviction about their stance against the death penalty.

Bob Van Steenberg, a practiced master of ceremonies, and his wife, Jean, attend and assist with the organization of each concert for the twelve Texas cities. Bob's brief presentation about the work of TCADP and his introductions to the performers and speakers helped reinforce the mission and activities of the two organizations. In an attempt to "spread the word" a table with literature, t-shirts and other sale items with messages against the death penalty drew the attention of many of the concert goers. ]]> tag:zenlala.com,2008:/5.5309 2008-05-09T12:30:00Z 2008-05-09T18:39:02Z Sara Hickman sara@sarahickman.com http://www.sarahickman.com video for "The One", the environment in which I am weeping is margaret's sacred bungalow, and she was so very kind to allow me to use it for the filming.

much love to margaret, always...
and to all my friends who never cease to amaze me with their love and support.
xo
sara


]]> tag:zenlala.com,2008:/5.5308 2008-05-08T21:30:00Z 2008-05-08T21:36:18Z Sara Hickman sara@sarahickman.com http://www.sarahickman.com by Nicole Sotelo

"Arise, then, women of this day!" goes the Mother's Day proclamation.

But this is not your wake-up call to french toast and flowers. Instead,
this phrase was the rallying cry for the first "Mother's Day of Peace" back
in 1870—back before the day became laden with Hallmark and guilt.

Julia Ward Howe, the creator of Mother's Day, pleaded with women to speak out
against war, not only for the sake of their sons, but for the sons of mothers
across the globe. Today, mothers must not only seek peace for their sons, but
for themselves.

Studies are showing that warfare brings significantly increased incidents of
rape and domestic violence. Soldiers are taught violence in war and
that violence is then turned upon innocent civilians in the country of
conflict, fellow soldiers during wartime, or it returns home in the form of
spousal and child abuse. Think the war is taking place thousands of miles away?
Think again. Wartime violence is happening in living rooms across the country.

Americans may remember the four women murdered by their military husbands
within a six-week period at Fort Bragg army base in North Carolina near
the beginning of the Afghanistan invasion. While this caught the media's eye for
a brief time, the violence at the hands of military personnel continues to rise.

A 2003 study financed by the Department of Defense found that nearly
one-third of female veterans who sought health care through the Veterans
Affairs reported that during their military service they experienced rape or
attempted rape. Another set of figures from 2004 and 2005 showed a 40%
increase in the number of sexual assaults reported by female soldiers—which
may mean women feel safer in reporting the attacks or that the numbers are
on the rise.

"60 Minutes" did research in the 1990s that found that domestic violence was
five times more common in U.S. military families than civilian families. And
that was during "peace time." During war, the numbers become far more
gruesome. During the Rwandan genocide, UNICEF estimates 150,000 women
were raped in the 100 days of conflict. Today, the remnants of that violence
have ventured into the Congo and 27,000 sexual assaults were reported there
by the United Nations -- in just one year, in just one province.

So, arise, then, women of this day! Forget the french toast. Forget the
flowers. Arise and speak out against war. Spend this Mother's Day writing
letters, calling congress, or finding another way to help stop the war. It
is just a few hours of your life. And you might just end up saving one. ]]> tag:zenlala.com,2008:/5.5307 2008-05-06T15:25:00Z 2008-05-06T15:27:55Z Sara Hickman sara@sarahickman.com http://www.sarahickman.com
The meeting did not take place last week as ICE's represenative was out of
the office. It is scheduled for Wednesday now. The letters have been
very useful. There was one letter to be signed by a lot of people. Is this
ready now?

Please convey our appreciation to the AAIM board for all their
assistance. I believe it can make a critical difference.

I will keep you posted as soon as we have some developments. We
are pressing from all angles to get some answers this week. If not then we need to
go full blast with a national media campaign the following week.

I also await a response form Homeland Security in Washington.

Hasnain ]]> tag:zenlala.com,2008:/5.5306 2008-05-05T22:39:00Z 2008-05-05T22:40:59Z Sara Hickman sara@sarahickman.com http://www.sarahickman.com
You can download a spot I did with Tequila Mockingbird for the great state of Texas...It is running nationally, so I hope you get to hear it soon:

http://www.traveltex.com/ads/allads.aspx

I did the ZIPPITY one....

It is such a happy, fun spot....Enjoy!

Love,
Sara ]]> tag:zenlala.com,2008:/5.5305 2008-05-03T01:30:00Z 2008-05-03T02:21:24Z Sara Hickman sara@sarahickman.com http://www.sarahickman.com

Here is the mayor of El Paso. His name is John Cook. He came out in support of our Music for Life tour when we were in El Paso, performed, allowed me to interview him for my documentary, and has since contacted us with the desire to finish out the entire tour! Five more dates!!!

He wants to challenge all other Texas mayors to come out in support of abolishing the death penalty, or at least match his level of participation by attending one of the events.

It takes a lot of courage to speak up nowadays, but even more so to be a politician who sticks to his core beliefs and tries to speak out, whether the issue is popular or not. ]]> tag:zenlala.com,2008:/5.5304 2008-05-02T02:42:01Z 2008-05-02T02:46:19Z Sara Hickman sara@sarahickman.com http://www.sarahickman.com
Salaam and Peace.

I would like to thank each one of you for the efforts and assistance in our attempts to seek Shaikh Safdar Razi's release from detention.
Your support and passionate response to his plight is a measure of the love and respect you hold for him.

Tomorrow, May 2, Shaikh Safdar will have been detained for one full month. A month where a justice and freedom loving person,
like Shaikh Safdar, is yet to receive justice and freedom. A month when his wife and three children have missed him coming home.
A month when the eager congregation at the IILM center continues to miss his sermons and guidance. A month when his friends
from different faiths have missed his affable and understanding company. A month of wasted talent, captive in a detention center
in Heskell, when our nation could use more clerics like Safdar Razi.

Like many of us, Shaikh Safdar came to this great land with a promise of "Life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness". But in the past
month, his life is devoid of liberty and happiness. Yet, when I saw him at Heskell 10 days ago, his spirit was unbroken and his faith
stronger than ever. His prime concern was for his family.

All of us who have been touched by him, continue to work relentlessly for his release. We have left no stone unturned, no door
un-knocked and no channel unused to find out – why? why? why?

Regrettably, there is a deafening silence from the authorities who hold him, as to the real reason for his detention. My recent visit
to present his case to the authorities in Washington DC has elicited no response - yet.

What next is a question we all need to ask. Surely, we can not allow another 30 days to go by, as we continue to seek the answer
to the question – why is such a positive, civically engaged and well meaning cleric being held so? What has he done to deserve this treatment?

I urge you all to redouble your efforts to bring his plight to the highest office of the great State of Texas as well as the highest office of the Nation
to seek an early resolution to his plight. Please feel free to contact the undersigned if you need to have further information or have any further suggestions
to help the campaign for Shaikh Safdar's release.

Sincerely,

Hasnain Walji, Ph.D.
Director of Religious affairs
Institute of Islamic Learning in the Dallas/Fort Worth Metroplex
(ILM)


]]> tag:zenlala.com,2008:/5.5303 2008-05-02T02:38:00Z 2008-05-02T02:41:48Z Sara Hickman sara@sarahickman.com http://www.sarahickman.com
He has welcomed Jewish people to his congregation and visited our congregation where he has taught a class
about Islam to us and also graciously welcomed our rabbi to teach about Judaism to his congregation.
We have broken bread together, shared our hearts and faiths with one another.
He has been nothing but kind and open, He is an example for all faiths about building bridges...
I have heard stories of his integrity demonstrated on his service on the AAIM board.
His detention is a travesty

Lynda Lieberman Baker
















]]> tag:zenlala.com,2008:/5.5301 2008-05-01T15:51:01Z 2008-05-01T15:53:39Z Sara Hickman sara@sarahickman.com http://www.sarahickman.com Everyday they have one word, a new word daily, and you write for a minute about that word and other people can read it.
I love it...you will, too...Starts your day off creatively, lovingly.....

Sara

http://oneword.com/ ]]> tag:zenlala.com,2008:/5.5299 2008-04-29T17:11:00Z 2008-04-29T17:45:48Z Sara Hickman sara@sarahickman.com http://www.sarahickman.com
I'm thrilled to say that the donations this year were really amazing ($2490), and I'm honored to list the folks below who were so kind to donate
on behalf of my ride:

Tintal
Cyndi Bock
Joseph Leavell
Mary Robinson
David, Lucy, Kelsey and Maddi Indorf
George Hetrick
Jennifer Haley
The Jackson Family
Sara Ramos
The Kelpen Family
Joan Montana (thank you so much for the box of sweet smelling and yummy goodies, too!!)
Neil and Teresa Ferguson
Skarekro's Family
Helen
Kim and Roy Steinhagen
Kathie Cleveland
Denise Boudreaux
Marilyn
Melody McCarty
My mom and dad
David & Beth Lester
Celeste, Martin, Belle and Patrick Hubert
Debbie Garner and Family
GoGirlsMusic.com
Jim and Wanda Mills
Wendy Fujinami
Mrs. Linnea Hart
Holly and Jim
Claudia Dollen
Caroling Lee
Odland Family
Jule Peterson
Jody Denburg

THE RIDE ITSELF:

Friday came, and I had prepped like last year, only further...instead of riding 1/2 a block the night before, I rode an entire mile two days before! Yes! The workout of a champion who has faith that 50 miles is a ride, not a race!

And, so, Friday morning, as I was trying on my bike shorts and figuring out which shirt I would wear the next morning, I received some upsetting news about a very dear friend in Dallas, someone who has been an important father-figure, consistent confidante and adopted family member. I was informed that my friend, Jerry, had been diagnosed with Parkinsons, was getting a pacemaker put in (I found out it had been put in before I arrived), and that he was not doing very well at all.

I discussed this news with Lance, my husband, and he told me what, in my heart, I knew I wanted to do: Go to Dallas and be with my friend now. You just can't know.

That was it. I would go. I was bummed to miss the race, but my friendship was calling and, so, I grabbed some things and hopped in the car to go see Jerry, to see what I could do to support his wife, too. I needed to hold his hand and see his face and understand the state of his health. And I am so very, very glad I did. Although Jerry is in poor health, we spent
time together talking, and I felt he was, mentally, sharp as a tack. Spending time with his wife and son, too, sharing a meal and talking about what has been going on since I saw them all last made me realize, once again, how fragile we all, truly, are and that our time together on this planet is to be treasured and soaked into the skin with each encounter.

As for the race: My dear friend, Jack Jeansonne, my sole team mate (I had a team mate this year! YES!), arrived at the starting point in Krause Springs on Saturday morning and rode the entire thing by himself, and in good time! He crossed the finish line in about 4 1/2 hours. Whoa! It's amazing because I don't think Jack worked out either, although I have to say he is super cool because he rides his bike to work every day (about two miles away.) So, Jack was DEFINATELY more trained than I will ever hope to be.

So, here is this blog entry, summed up:

I am blessed to have people who supported this cause I believe in. Thank you to each of you for your generousity and kindness in helping those with AIDS, helping researchers to find a cure,
helping me believe I can ride that race! (I will return next year, promise!)

We must always respond to the call of a friend in need because the moments come and go so quickly. I am thankful to my husband for his encouragement and wisdom.

That we all must live our lives fully on the way to death. It isn't easy for us to think about it, but we all will die. No one escapes the greatest mystery alongside birth. How we choose to spend our time
on this path is cause for reflection daily. I am grateful to be surrounded by people who remind me to enjoy the laughter, the tears, yes, even the pain, along the way. My friends teach me so very much. Thank you, Jerry. (And Doris, too.)

Celebrate those that can cross the finish line....Jack, thanks for honoring so many by riding that race. You rock.

Know that you can ride a bike race if you just set your mind to it. Or whatever challenge is in your way.

As always, a big heart full of love,
Sara







]]> tag:zenlala.com,2008:/5.5298 2008-04-28T10:15:02Z 2008-04-28T10:17:43Z Sara Hickman sara@sarahickman.com http://www.sarahickman.com Love,
Sara

Free Community Health Fair

May 24, 2008
10:00 am to 4:00 pm
Crockett Center
10601 N. Lamar-between Braker & Rundberg

 Free Blood Sugar and Cholesterol testing
 Free Eye Examination
 Free Hepatitis B & C Screening
 Visit Doctors for Free: Heart problems, Cholesterol, Heartburn,
Constipation, Diarrhea, Cancers, Blurred Vision, Neck & Back
Pain, Headache, Stroke, Infertility, Pregnancy, Asthma & Allergies,
Acupuncture, Yoga, Children’s: Vaccinations, Infections, Growth
& Development Problems, Learning disorders, and more
 Free Blood Pressure reading
 Diabetes Education

Also:
 Children’s Games and Play Area
 Ethnic Food for sale

Information: http://www.unityforum.org or Call: (512) 990-5425 ]]> tag:zenlala.com,2008:/5.5296 2008-04-25T14:54:01Z 2008-04-25T14:55:39Z Sara Hickman sara@sarahickman.com http://www.sarahickman.com theme song.

Here it is:

http://kut.org/items/show/12421

Enjoy!

Love,
You know who ]]> tag:zenlala.com,2008:/5.5295 2008-04-22T14:53:01Z 2008-04-29T17:47:04Z Sara Hickman sara@sarahickman.com http://www.sarahickman.com steps of the Texas State Capitol. He was standing should-to-shoulder
with Rabbi Baker, whose congregation meets on the grounds of the Dell
Community Center. After that nootime prayer service, at which we heard
prayers from dozens of clergy for peace, I climbed the steps to meet
this remarkable man for the first time.

His friendship has been one of the greatest blessings in my life.

He and Rabbi Baker became close, and their congregations celebrated Yom
Kippur and Eid Al-Fitr together. In fact, Eid has come to be
celebrated by all Austinites who are interested: open to our entire community.


At my invitation, in late 2001 or early 2002, Safdar spoke during the
Sunday School hour at FUMC Austin, and his message of peace and love was
unmistakable and pure. The God of Abraham wants his children to love
each other, as all three great religions based upon that tradition
teach and history has proven numerous times is the only way we can survive
together.

I have never met a man more committed to open communications, "agreeing
to disagree," or loving all of God's creation -- instructed to do so
by his faith -- than Brother Safdar Razi.

When he said to call him "Brother" my father, Reverend Doctor D. Orval
Strong -- a retired Methodist minister -- said, "I guess that makes me
your uncle." Safdar said that was okay because his uncle had been
killed in Pakistan.

He often held up the Q'uran and said that it did not sanction killing,
that "If you kill one person it is as if you have killed everyone, and
if you save one person it is as if you have saved everyone."

He once said that like the patterns in wallpaper, diversity among
people makes the world more beautiful in God's eyes. Safdar's ability to
make the teachings of Islam clear is invaluable. There is a lot of
misinformation, and to hear from someone who is well-educated and faithful,
to be reminded that three of the world's great religions worship a God
who has commanded us to love each other and care for our brothers and
sisters is inspirational and uplifting.

As I said, I have never met a man more committed to peace and love and
harmony among people of good will than Brother Safdar Razi. His
message of tolerance undoubtedly puts him in danger in many places, including
Pakistan. Even Bhutto was unsafe there; how could they protect him?

His is a brave, kind, intelligent, and energetic man. The USA needs
him. I need him, as his friendship has illuminated parts of my world
that were a mystery to me since the late 70s at least.

This nation was built with the strengths of many different cultures,
and seeing him and Rabbi Baker and the other members of AAIM meet and
talk, rejoice, worship, and pray together reminded me that here in our
nation we really do continue to have freedom of religion and it is a very
good thing.

We should not have to fight for what we believe in because we are
Americans and can believe anything we want to. Safdar has shown me that
those who use Islam for non-loving purposes are defilers of the teachings
of Prophet Mohammed (Peace Be Upon Him) and unworthy to call themselves
Muslims.

The Spanish Inquisition did not take place under the rule of the Moors,
and our own history has shameful incidents -- from the Salem witch
trials to the McCarthy hearings -- of misguided finger pointing based on
fear and ignorance.

Personally, were it in my power, I would grant Safdar honorary
citizenship if for no other reason than for spreading peace and harmony in the
bewildering and horrifying days following the tragedy we all witnessed
nearly seven years ago. There are enough problems in the world and
enough people wishing to do harm that we do not need to be rejecting those
who truly do believe in "liberty and justice for all."

Beyond that, Brother Safdar is true to his faith. To say he has not
always acted as an Imam (or even a pastor) to those who turned to him on
questions of faith or personal need is to be blind to reality. If he
has transgressed restrictions placed upon him, community service would be
the ideal punishment; he has done nothing but devote himself to the
well-being of our American community since the opportunity first
presented itself.

It has been thrilling me to see the outpouring of support for him from
everyone who has known him well, like my dear friend Sara. Any who
think our nation could be served in any positive way by expelling him do
not know Safdar or how genuinely he serves and exemplifies the love that
binds us all as children of God, without exceptions.

Love and Peace from David Strong in Austin ]]> tag:zenlala.com,2008:/5.5289 2008-04-18T03:19:01Z 2008-04-18T03:24:11Z Sara Hickman sara@sarahickman.com http://www.sarahickman.com
...I met with the Executive Director, the talented and hilarious Mr. Kim Campbell, who personally flew down from Dallas and took me to lunch today...and then surprised me with a full page color announcement that has my photo and announces the event in their beautiful season catalogue!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I will finally be stepping into my grandparents shoes and fulfilling my Rosemary Clooney dream!

Hallelujah!!!!!!!!!!

Off to bed to get up to go to Seattle tomorrow early...hope to see those of you that live in Seattle somewhere this weekend!!!
Love,
Sara ]]>