art ~ spirit ~ transformation
e*lix*ir

e*lix*ir   #9, Special Bicentenary Issue
autumn 2019
 

TABLE OF CONTENTS


Editorial

  • This Holy Land of Persia by Sandra Lynn Hutchison

  • Personal Reflection Piece

  • The Gate to Eternal Life by Roxana Karamzadeh

  • Sweet Fruit

  • A Small Window on the Big Blue Sky by Mahtab Rezvani
  • Planting Seeds by Shadi Saadat
  • Broken Dreams by Roxana Karamzadeh
  • * Reading Anne Frank in Isfahan by Sahba
  • * Sweet Fruit by Anisa Bahamin

  • In the Land of Persia

  • An Alley Called Golestan by Nabil Zarei
  • Culinary Sisters-in-Law by Neda Akhavan
  • My Grandfather’s Library by Siavash Haghighat
  • * A Small Piece of Heaven on Earth by Saba Shadabi
  • * Riding a Purple Bicycle in the City of Isfahan by Sahba

  • Holy Places and People

  • Maku and the Muslim Man by Shadi Saadat
  • Fort Tabarsi and The Courage of the Brave Bábís by Negin Rezghi
  • The Cloak by Shadi Sadaat
  • The Mysterious Box by Sara Shakeri
  • Haji Assad, the Great Teacher of Seysan by Shadi Saadat
  • * A Glimpse of the Glorious Landscape by Rojin Ghavami

  • Through a Child’s Eyes

  • The Grief of War by Tanin Azadi
  • An Earthen House by Nava Habibi
  • A Cherished Dream by Elmira G.
  • The Golden Crown by Shaghayegh Rashedi
  • A Dream of Childhood by Basir Samimi
  • * The Love Bird by Zarrin Kasiri

  • Comic

  • Ruhi & Riaz
    by Eira

  • From Yazd to New Delhi

  • A Weekend in a One Hundred Star Hotel by Saba Shadabi
  • The Long Journey from Yazd to Tihran by Ali F.
  • The Road at the End of the World by Tanin Azadi
  • My Soul Dances in New Delhi by Roxana Karamzadeh
  • The Turkish Girl by Nava Habibi

  • The Left Hand of an Artist

  • The Left Hand of an Artist by Sara Shakeri
  • To Sing or not to Sing by Ellie
  • A Sympathetic Friend by Farina Shafei
  • Taraneh Alidoosti, My Hero by Nava Habibi

  • * asterisked works appeared in previous issues of e*lix*ir.

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    My Grandfather’s Library

    by SIAVASH HAGHIGHAT

    Spring is the best time to visit my grandfather’s library. At this time of year, you can experience the perfection of this beautiful place. In May, my grandfather always perfumes the space of the library with a kind of Iranian rosewater. As you walk among the shelves, you are drawn to the books by a rich and flowery aroma.

    You cannot imagine the beauty of this library unless you see it with your own eyes. There is a joy in filling your lungs with the clean, mild morning air as you search for your favorite book. A small pool stretches between the shelves of literature and art in perfect harmony with the spirit of the library. Here you can hear the voice of the water, rippling softly, preparing you to experience the beauty of art and literature.

    There are more than 5000 books in my grandfather’s library: books of literature, art, philosophy, history, sociology, psychology, economics, politics, and religion. You will find many of the classics of the humanities and social sciences. The library is a paradise for any author or researcher.

    Five desks adorn the library. Once you find your interest, you can turn on the lights, sit at one of the desks, and enjoy reading your chosen book. My grandfather himself built the walls of this library, making them sound-proof, so no outside noise will distract the reader.

    If you want to visit this library, you should avoid going into the yard because you may be distracted by the magical feeling it inspires. A large swimming pool lies at its center, lined with the tall cypresses. On the left side you can see colorful flowers that give off a powerful perfume. the aroma of the flowers together with the beauty of the peaceful waters might captivate readers and draw them away from their books.

    My grandfather established this private library, not only to earn money, but also to realize his dream. He wanted to encourage people to read, and read, and read. I believe he has succeeded. I know that each spring I am drawn by the stunning landscaping, the aroma of the flowers, the stateliness of the cypresses, the softly rippling waters of the pool, and most of all, the treasure trove of books.



    Photo by Della L. Marcus