MSI Press Blog

  Murjan doing what he did best: Communicating with his staff Be Kind to Animals Week is here—a time to reflect on the many ways we can show compassion to the animals who share our world. At MSI Press, we believe every week should be kind to animals, but this one gives us all a little extra motivation to step up. Here are a few ways you can join us in spreading kindness: 1. Support Animal Advocates Around the Globe Follow your heart when it comes to supporting rescues, shelters, and advocates—but consider lending a hand to animals in places facing exceptional hardship. Rescuers in Gaza , Syria , and Ukraine are doing heroic work in devastating conditions. We’ve highlighted some of these dedicated people in past posts. If you’re able, please join us in donating directly to help their lifesaving efforts. 2. Stay Alert for Local and Urgent Animal Needs Animals in high-kill shelters often face deadlines that only funding or foster placement can change. These calls for help are poste...

  Today's book back story is about the (today) timely book,  Syrian Folktales   by Muna Imady . From the publisher: Muna Imady, sister of Omar Imady and daughter of Elaine Imady, both of whom have published through MSI Press, was a teacher of English in Damascus, collector of recipes, and recorder of Syrian folktales that she gathered at the feet of her grandmother. These tales have captured the attention of readers all over the world. Unfortunately, Muna unexpectedly died from heart surgery a couple of years after the book was release, and her next book, Damascus amid the War , was published posthumously.  Book Description: This delightful book relates folktales from various regions of Syria. Each folktale is located on a regional map and is accompanied by a local, related recipe.  The stories in the book have been adapted to theater by a regional company in Massachusetts.  They live beyond the boundaries of time, as does now the book and its author. CONTE...

  excerpt from  Damascus amid the War  (M. Imady) --     Pre-war Poems 11-20 11. Mending With gold and silver threads, my dreams I mend. Patch up the grey thoughts, then embellish them with bright hopes. ***        12.  The Field of Hope In the field of my mind, I weeded out the fears, sowed seeds of hope, then watered them with tears of joy. ***   13.  The Mask The sad look faded out. The pale mask shriveled and shrunk. Then, suddenly, it dropped. Undisguised, fingers danced upon the bare flesh with grace. Lips twisted and curled. Then, cautiously, drew a happy face! ***   14. The Shadow A laugh! A carefree laugh rang in my ear. Arms excitedly flapped in the air. Feet danced – lively – down the street. Gazing at the reflected figure -on the pavement – to my surprise I realized it was me! *** 15.  How How hard must I try to break through the iron bars? How far must I go To reach a silver star? How mad s...