The Metaphysical Site

The Jilbab is a very common sight throughout the Middle East and the Muslim world, yet for a very long time it has remained an object of mystery and is much debated in the west. Over the decades due to a strong influx of Muslims it has become a common sight on the streets of some western capitals. Jilbabs tend to be long robes which are used as an outer garment to cover the clothes which are worn in the privacy of the home with family or in all female gatherings.

Jilbabs although worn as over garments do not have to look unfashionable and out-dated in their style. In fact there has been a recent surge in trendy, fashionable and elegant Jilbabs designed for day to day wear and special occasions.

The styles include black jilbabs with a choice of different colour pinstripes or subtle colour jilbabs with detail pinstripe work on cuffs. These styles of jilbabs are ideal for making the right kind of impact on a job or even an interview.

Trendy jilbabs tend to be very bold colours like burgundy, lilac, shades of green, pink and teal with ruffles on the neckline and sleeves. If one prefers, other choice of designs are available with pleats on the front, side, on the bodice and bell shaped arms.

There is also the gypsy style jilbab which is very much prized for the look and feel of the fabric with frills on the sleeves and base hem. They can come with contemporary style patterns printed or warm colour patterns. Day to day jilbabs tend to be dark colour while the design could be quite chic with pleats on the base and flared sleeves perhaps with some light thread work or embroidery also.

Some of these new jilbab designs have got attractive styles making it less daunting to wear. When matched with the right colour hijab or other types of accessories like shoes or handbag it can create the right kind of right impression in the public.

Sohail Khan works for Islamic Impressions which specialises in retail and wholesale products for the Islamic market and stock a wide range of jilbabs and abayas for the discerning Muslim woman.

The Rose Breasted Grosbeak Bird

What a surprise to have two male Rose-Breasted Grosbeak birds on our bird feeder in the month of May. Then to our amazement we had three females appear! These birds are neo-tropical migrants. They spend the winter months in an area from central Mexico to northern South America. In May, they return to the North American continent and take up residence in the northeastern United States and southern Canada. Their habitat is shrubbery, woodlands, and brushy stream areas adjacent to open fields. The male birds arrive before the females, select a nesting territory, and begin singing to attract a prospective mate.

As well as, the sunflower seeds from our bird feeders, a typical diet for these beautiful birds might include seeds of elms, blossoms of hickory or beech trees, buds of white ash, flowers and fruit. Insects of the forest such as gypsy moths and tent caterpillars are also table fare for Grosbeaks. The Grosbeaks savor crop damaging beetles, locusts, cut worms, chinch bugs and other creepy crawlers. Because of this they are sometimes called the "potato bug bird".

The Rose Breasted Grosbeak is of the finch species. The male has a black head, back, bright red breast and white rump, sides and belly. The bird's wings are black with white patches above and red, white and black below. The bird in flight reveals startling pink-red linings on the wings. These birds have a large, stout, pale pink-almost white, conical bill. They have a long slightly notched black tail with white patches.

The female Grosbeak has a buff color breast with heavy brown streaks on the sides, making it seem almost drab compared to the male bird. The only "showy" part of the female is her yellow wing linings, only visible in flight. The male and female birds bear little resemblance to each other. Except for the bill, they can be easily mistaken for two different species. Both male and female birds are about the size of a starling.

The male bird is a proud and devout family man. He helps build the nest of twigs and grasses usually in a small tree or bush five to fifty feet high. The nest appears as a flimsy constructed saucer. He also takes his turn incubating the eggs. The female Grosbeak lays three to five light green eggs with brown spots. Incubation time for the eggs is thirteen to fourteen days. He sits on the nest from morning to afternoon, while the female gets the night shift. After hatching,the baby birds leave the nest in nine to twelve days. The male bird is so happy to be included in the family chores that he even sings while on the bird nest. Both the male and female birds sing; their songs very similar to a robin. Rose Breasted Grosbeaks often sing from the treetops in their loud, clear song. It is richer and a more melodious version of the lengthly sing-song of the robin. The notes are sweeter and they have more slurred whistles.

The Rose Breasted Grosbeak is a favorite bird in Mexico, Central and South America. Here the locals are fond of them and often capture them for pets.

We had not seen a Rose Breasted Grosbeak before and were so happy to have them come to our bird feeders. They have already moved on for their flight to the northeastern states. We hope when the late summer days start to become crisp, these beautiful birds will again visit our bird feeders on their way south for the winter.

The author became interested in birds because of her desire to overcome her bird phobia. Over time many interesting and beautiful birds have come to her yard, bird houses and bird feeders. Visit www.birdbedandbreakfast.com for bird houses, bird feeders and more.

About the Author

Visit http://www.birdbedandbreakfast.com for bird houses,bird feeders and more.

What does the word "goddess" mean to you?

look at pages 124-6 (chapter 28) in the da vinci code, you will see a very interesting description of the church's impact on the goddess in the West.

I have not read the Da Vinci Code, but to me the Goddess is mother nature herself; she is embodied in every woman. A lot of women today don't tap into the lush, earthy, richness of their true roots. They have been neutered by the restrictive teachings of various patriarchal faiths.

Interesting take on 'Wolfman review
Once dusk hits, the moon peeks through the night clouds and the whole village yearns for a crescent moon because disaster will strike the village if the moon is full.

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