Avatiach, avatiach!

So, I guess this will be the "title entry". I feel like that's a good anchor for the rest of the project. And the perfect place to set my kavannah (intention) for this public journal.

At its genesis, a watermelon seller was carting around watermelons outside, announcing "avatiach, avatiach!" in a very showy manner. And the tone of this announcement has gotten on my nerves -- and because of that, is something my nerves will remember. It seems like a typical Israeli sound, and what better name for a blog that hopes to capture the essence of this year, than a phrase called from the street, a word emblazoned on my nerves?

Anyway, back to the kavannah: on a trivial level, it'll be great for me to get over my relative fear of presenting my writing to a public! On a deeper level, I want this to simultaneously be a space for me to reflect, create and plot -- and a frequent stop for friends, loved ones and complete strangers -- so that I can share this segment of my journey from "abroad", and for those nearby from "home". Maybe you and I can share the sound of the birds, or the smell of the dusty wind, or the golden light of sunrise, every once in a while...