Brilliant Star/Volume 43/Issue 6/Text

Brilliant Star

A BAHA'I COMPANION FOR YOUNG EXPLORERS JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2012

[Page 0]Brilliant Star

Bahéa’i National Center 1233 Central Street Evanston, Illinois 60201 U.S. 847.853.2354 brilliant@usbne.org

SUBSCRIPTIONS: 1.800.999.9019 WWW.BRILLIANTSTARMAGAZINE.ORG

Amethel Parel-Sewell EDITOR /CREATIVE DIRECTOR C. Aaron Kreader DESIGNER/ILLUSTRATOR Amy Renshaw SENIOR EDITOR Susan Engle ASSOCIATE EDITOR Annie Reneau ASSISTANT EDITOR Foad Ghorbani PRODUCTION ASSISTANT

CONTRIBUTORS Claudius Adebayo ® Bayan Anvar # Teresa Arboleda e Lisa Blecker Beth Blenz-Clucas © Quentin Maxwell Bough # Elspeth Conway Zaki Farooqui « Darlene Gait « Dr. Alex Gardner © Doug Marstall Mona Mosavi # Dan Myers # Arvid Nelson © Monica Osgood Kal Parel-Sewell « Donna Price # Linden Qualls « Gail Radley Mary K. Radpour Brady Rymer # Dr. Mark C. Serreze Dr. Ben Smith # Olivia Thurman # Lary Travis # Dr. Joshua Wills,

Original illustrations by C. Aaron Kreader, unless noted. By Lisa Blecker: Photos for p. 6 Historical photos courtesy of National Bahl Archives, unless noted

Story and activity credit By Amy Renshaw: 11, 14, 16, 17, 21, 24, 26, 29 By Susan Engle: 5, 12, 17, 18, 20, 28 By Annie Reneau: 3, 8, 9 By Lisa Blecker: 4, 6, 7 By Donna Price: 2, 10, 14, 22,

Brilliant Star magazine invites all kids to explore the Baha'i Faith. It is the second most widespread religion in the world, with more than five million Baha'is.

The Baha’t Faith was founded by the Prophet Bahda’u'lléh (“Glory of God” in Arabic) in 1863 Bahé'u'lléh taught that all people are part of one human family, and that all religions come from one God Baha'is work to bring peace and unity to the world, and end prejudice and discrimination of all kinds.

Bahé’u'llah’s eldest son, Abdu’l-Bahé, interpreted His teachings and led the Baha'i community after Baha'u'llah’s passing.

Brilliant Star encourages kids to bring their virtues and talents to light, and use them to make the world a better place. Brilliant Star is produced bimonthly by the National Spiritual Assembly of the Baha'is of the U.S.

SUBSCRIPTIONS AND RENEWALS To order or renew a subscription, contact Baha'i Subsoriber Service by phone at 1.800.999.9019 or by e-mail at subscription@usbnc.org Standard U.S. rates: $18 (One year): $32 (Two years)

Intemational airmail: $38 (One year); $68 (Two years)

Canada and Mexico: $28 (One year); $48 (Two years)

SUBMISSIONS

We welcome submissions and ideas from contributors of all ages. For editorial themes or submission guidelines, mail your request with a self-addressed stamped envelope, or e-mail us (above).

RIGHTS, PERMISSIONS, AND CLASS USE

All content in this magazine is copyrighted by the National Spiritual ‘Assembly of the Bahai of the U.S. or by individual contributors.

For permission to copy or translate material, contact: Rights and Permissions, Briliant Star, 1233 Central St, Evanston, IL 60201 Teachers may photocopy pages in limited quantities for classroom use. The name of the magazine and issue date must be present on all copies and proper credit given to the copyright owner.

INTERNET RESOURCES AND INTERNET SAFETY We sometimes provide Internet resources to encourage readers to explore a topic, or to share our references, While we make every effort to choose reliable websites, Briliant Star does not endorse or account forall content in referenced websites. Furthermore, we urge caution and parental guidance when using the Internet. For more information about Internet safety, visit www. wiredkids.orgiwiredkids_org,htm!

ISSN 0884-3695

Baha‘u'llah’s Life: Mission of Peace Inspiring people with the power of poetry

Maya’s Mysteries Explore the magic of animation.

Nur’s Nook Make a glowing firefly to brighten your day.

Riley’s Rainforest Increase your smarts with arts.

We Are One Explore and care for the place we all call home.

Radiant Stars Get to know kids who shine, like you.

Lightning and Luna: Episode 48 Fury brings trouble to the North Pole and beyond.

Stargazer: Arvid Nelson A comic book writer full of creativity and curiosity

Music Café What fills your head with wonderful ideas?

Shining Lamp: Effie Baker Braving danger for an important photo assignment

Calendars What's special about January and February?

Cosmo's Corner A crossword and more from our favorite chameleon

aMAZEing ADVENTURE Persevere as you explore the Land of Creativity.

[Page 1]PRINTED WITH

SOY INK],

Icy Invention Have a double scoop of creamy ingenuity.

Unlock Your Creativity Take a quiz to open the door to adventure.

Artistic Sparks Tips for lighting up the world with your imagination

Happy Ayyam-i-Ha! Celebrate with friends, family, fellowship, and fun!

Building Creativity Architects inspire us with their imaginative designs.

Many Ways to Shine Onstage or backstage, there’s a role for everyone.

Musical Escapades Where in the world do these instruments come from?

Silent Storytellers What story would you tell with your own totem pole?

Octopus Adventures What has eight arms, three hearts, and one big brain?

Song of the Heart Tobi pursues his dream, despite the barriers ahead.

PRINTED IN THE U.S. AT AN FSC®-CERTIFIED FACILITY USING FSC-CERTIFIED PAPER, AND ALSO PRINTED WITH SOY-BASED INKS.

™ i rf TEND When you think of creativity,

what comes to mind? A famous painting or painter?

A rock star, a movie actor, or a best-selling author?

Do you ever think of yourself?

You have the power to be creative in unique and wonderful ways. Any time your imagination comes out to play, you’re being creative—whether it’s at school, at home, or while hanging out with friends. Inside of you is an originality that can be triggered by anything— books, music, nature, or a dream at night. When you keep your mind open to the inspiring people and things all around you, magical ideas can burst forth.

In this issue of Brilliant Star, you'll find lots of tips for kindling your creative spark. Take a creativity quiz, make your own firefly, and get ideas for celebrating Ayyam-i-Ha. Andmeet AQ Arvid Nelson, who invents imaginative worlds in comic books.

Some of the best ¥ things about creativity are that it’s always changing and it never ends. What will inspire you today?

With love from Brilliant Star

[Page 2]ICY INVENTION

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Brilliant Star % JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2012

[Page 3]Baha’u'llah’s hife: Mission of Peace

Timeline ivine Poetr imeli D Poetry The hife of oetry can move and inspire people Him to write a poem in the same rhyme and Baha'u'llah p with soul-stirring words. Baha’u'llah meter of a famous Arabic work—a challenge Himself wrote poetry. And He sometimes __ no one had ever been able to achieve. The highlighted quoted great poets. In 1852, He revealed one In their presence, Baha'u'llah revealed at ee coke poem while imprisoned for His faith in the least two thousand verses! The scholars were story takes place. Siyah-Chal, or Black Pit, of Tihran, Persia amazed and agreed that their beauty and (now Iran). Though He was suffering in eloquence were far greater than the original terrible conditions, His words were joyful. poem. Baha'u'llah chose 127 verses for After His release from prison, Baha'u'llah them to keep. prayed in solitude in the mountains of Baha'u'llah used poetic language in rien pera Kurdistan for almost two years. Scholars many other writings. He celebrated the in Tibrén, Iran from the town of Sulaymaniyyih were Word of God and its power to transform need impressed with His wisdom. They asked people's hearts throughout time. Recognizes the Bab as Oe ae Find words that Bahd'u'Ildh used to refer to the Word of God.

ARDS RIFT SY Imprisonment in the “Black Pit” of Tihran

Search forward, backward, up, down, or diagonally.

1853-1863

Exile in Baghdad, Iraq. From 1854-1856, He goes into the mountains

to pray in solitude. pllgemibracing a a Beauty BL ZX LA TIAX PL Y 1263 anril22——_ Wh \ Blessed LJBOYSRAELVOD eclares Divine Mission \ } Divine as Prophet-Founder Exalted ETHIbDCLAECE U of the Baha Faith Tt “ SHWOTTNMDIOE oly 1863-1868 7 Incomparable SOMCESEEREAY Exile in Constantinople Irresistible ETT?TDQRIITISR (Istanbul), then Adrianople hight DNLVAATS LOXE (Edirne), Turkey. Begins a writing letters to kings Majesty MEM C IC TB EP P W and rulers in 1867, Mysteries Y DItLNN UY HR OO urging world unity Ocean AN EARS EJS CS RP NS Paradise GESBEAUTYAXI Last exile, to prison- f pores ELBARAPMOCNI city of ‘AkkA, Israel ower BPTHGILSORCB eg FSM Y S$ T ERI ES U Fh lly free to live it saree I—€MtIcoOTtLODODM 4H inally free to live in rh countryside homes Sanctified of Mazra‘ih and then Sublime ERYTSEIAWK UW Bahji, outside ‘Aka Wisdom X BAX HP YVQL WZ

892 May 29 Baha'u'llah passes

away at Bahji.

MP eS JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2012 * Brilliant Star 3 [Page 4]hen you're watching an animation, one \Afesors doesn't seem like a long time. But did

you know that in one second, you often see a series of 24 images? Animators break down actions into small movements and make a separate image for each one. When these pictures are viewed in very quick succession, your amazing brain fills in the spaces between them. Like magic, the objects appear to be in continuous motion.

ANIMATION 1S REALLY AWESOME! |

Today, computers help to create incredible 3D characters and effects in animations. Back in the 1900s, animators began creating movies by filming or photographing drawings, paintings, or puppets. An early type of animation was invented in 1832. It was the phenakistoscope, which used a spinning disk of drawings to give an illusion of movement. Experiment with the world of animation and create your own phenakistoscope.

Phenakistoscope Fun

You'll Need: 9" (22.9 cm) round plate © thin sheet poster board ¢ ruler pencil ¢ large eraser ® pushpin e thick black marker ¢ wall mirror @ scissors

@ Trace plate on poster board and cut out. Measure to find center of circle and mark with dot.

Ze

® Draw a large and nearly identical face in each tab, making slight changes to several mouths. The mouth expressions should change gradually, then return to the

DRAW LIGHTLY WITH PENCIL FOR STEPS 1-4.

starting expression.

® Draw four lines through dot to make eight equal sections.

3) Draw a 1" x %" (2.5 x .6 cm) rectangle at end of each line. Cut out to create tabs.

@ Hold phenakistoscope by eraser in

front of mirror. Look at disk in mirror through a slit at top. Spin disk and quickly shield your eyes

with your hand to block overhead light. Watch your “movie” move!

6 Trace faces and the center dot with marker. Erase all pencil lines.

4 Brilliant Star # JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2012 [Page 5]flags flying from its majestic towers. The gigantic

door of the castle is locked, but you can hear mysterious sounds. You're curious, but anxious. Suddenly, in a puff of smoke, a key appears at your feet. Will you pick up the key and step inside?

Entering the castle is like unlocking the door to your creativity. When you turn that key, you're

| stumbling upon an ancient castle, with

ee G ivity = ov |

ready to explore the unknown. Maybe you've always wanted to try dancing, acting, painting, or writing. Or maybe you'd like to do cool science experiments, work on inventions, or solve mysteries. We all have creative talents that we can discover, strengthen, and nurture.

Step right up and find out what's waiting in your castle of creativity.

Take this quiz and see If you're ready to open the door to adventure. Circle your answers, then add up your potnts.

1 I’m curious, and I love to learn new things. Often =3 * Sometimes =2 + Rarely=1

2 Icarry a notebook to write

down or draw my ideas. Often =3 * Sometimes =2 « Rarely=1

3 When I have a problem or challenge, I like to find lots of possible solutions. Often =3 * Sometimes =2 Rarely=1

4 ILappreciate the beauty all

around me, including in nature.

Often =3 * Sometimes =2 + Rarely=1

36-28 points: You're the queen or king of your Creativity Castle. Have fun and keep exploring!

5 [like to think for myself and explore my interests, even if others don’t share them.

Often =3 * Sometimes =2 « Rarely=1

6 I like to try new arts or hobbies, even if I can’t do them perfectly. Often =3 * Sometimes =2 + Rarely=1

7 Lenjoy sharing my creative work with friends, family, or teachers. Often =3 * Sometimes =2 + Rarely=1

8 I feel energized when I go to a good play, movie, museum exhibit, or concert. Often =3 * Sometimes =2 + Rarely=1

7 My Score 7

27-19 points: You've begun your journey into your Creativity Castle! Look

for ways to unlock even more new ideas.

9 When I work on my art or creative project, I often don't want to stop.

Often =3 + Sometimes =2 + Rarely=1

10 I try to remember my dreams, and I can be inspired by them.

Often =3 » Sometimes =2 + Rarely=1

11 IfI make a mistake ona creative project, I learn from it and try again.

Often =3 » Sometimes =2 + Rarely=1

12. If I’m not sure about some- thing, I ask questions.

Often =3 » Sometimes =2 + Rarely=1

18-12 points: Take another step and open the door to creativity. Be adventurous and choose ideas from the quiz to try today!

JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2012 * Brilliant Star 5 [Page 6]TLuwine Your Imiginstion

“Ye must shine forth like the lightning . . .”. —‘Abdu'l-Baha o you ever have a hard time coming up with creations by looking at common items in new ways. bright ideas for school projects, or even for For example, check out duct tape. It’s a practical thing, fun? Sometimes searching for ideas can feel but with it, you can make unique bags, decorations, like being lost in the dark. But if you keep an open and other crafts. Or how about building musical mind and heart, you'll find the light—with sights, instruments with objects such as buckets and boxes? sounds, and ideas that inspire you. Look around in nature or in your recycling bin. One way to illumine your imagination is by paying How can you make ordinary things extraordinary? Here's attention to everyday objects. You can invent cool one brilliant activity to help guide your way.

16.9 oz. (500 mL) clean empty plastic bottle with cap ¢ ruler four 12" (30.5 cm) pipe cleaners © glow stick about 8" (20.3 cm) long 4" x7" (10.2 x 17.8 cm) decorative paper ¢ clear tape ® scissors

black permanent marker ¢ 5'/2" x 8" (14 x 20.3 cm) sheet stiff paper glue that works with plastic (such as tacky glue) ¢ dried beans and peas

eo ——<!

3 Fold stiff paper in half 4 Add wing details with

1 Loop three pipe so short ends meet. Draw marker. Fold a ‘/." cleaners around bottle 2 Wrap decorative wing about 5" (12.7 cm) (.6 cm) tab at base and twist in place. paper around bottle long. Cut through folded of each wing. Glue Bend ends to make feet. and secure with tape. paper to make two wings. tabs to firefly.

5 Color entire bottle cap 6 Wrap pipe cleaner around bottle- 7 Activate glow stick and put in with marker. Let dry. neck and twist at top. Curl ends. bottle to see your firefly glow! Glue beans to bottle cap for facial features. Use iy

marker to add details.

taf. 5

6 Brilliant Star % JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2012 [Page 7]Y be v7 Yi

ZILA

|

1. Look for new challenges, then set for yourself

2. Let your and taste—inspire you in different ways.

— sight, hearing, smell, touch.

with others who share your interests. If you get stuck. ask someone you trust for _.. __s__

5. Learn about current events in the world and around you. Your can impact your

6. Set aside a specific time to

your art, so you can focus your attention

7. Remember that projects may not go the way you expect them to.

ideas can come from mistakes

Let your ideas __ without judging them. Just write

or sketch freely, and pick out the gems later

your body by breathing deeply and calmly

before you start to work

Ph

SY Z A

i "iy

wd) <_ aaa

it » | UPON OUR SKILLS!

SEE ANSWERS ON PAGE 28 JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2012 * Brilliant Star 7 [Page 8]AINt

“Send down... from’ the clouds of Thy mercy the rains of Thy healing...” —Baha’u'lldh

es Smart Arts

————

an drawing, singing, or dancing improve your schoolwork? Can they make you happier?

The arts not only lift your spirits—they may even help boost your grades. Some studies show that kids who are involved in activities such as dance, drama, music, and visual art have higher reading and math scores. They also have stronger motivation and self-esteem. And the arts help kids develop skills such as critical thinking, problem solving, and working with others.

The arts are also linked to health and happiness. One study found that people who create or observe art, such as by singing or attending a concert, report better overall health. And music can relieve stress, helping to keep your heart healthy. Have you noticed how your favorite tunes can make you feel happier? In fact, music therapists use music to help treat many kinds of emotional

Explore and Soar: Creativity Boost

ver feel like your creativity could use a boost? Try these fun ideas.

using only items in nature. ¢ Write a story with a friend. Take turns adding lines or sections.

and physical conditions.

Some scientists are even exploring whether music changes your brain. They've found that certain areas of the brain can be larger in some musicians. One study showed that kids who studied music had stronger connections in some parts of the brain.

You can also use the arts to express your faith. Whether you're singing, dancing for joy, or using your talents to inspire others, your creativity can soothe your spirit and bring you closer to God. And that’s really some- thing to sing about!

and think of 10 different uses for it.

Invent new dance moves you've never seen before.

8 Brilliant Star # JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2012

(anohy of @xBBiionalll

hat do you want to know about

staying healthy and happy? Health can involve your body, mind, emotions, and spirit. Send your questions to brilliant@usbne.org. Responses are given by a health professional.

€6What can | do to keep from being bored? 9? —Bayan, age 12

Dear Bayan,

When we see the world as a place full of mysteries to unravel, suddenly nothing is boring. If you are always learning something new, you won't be bored, either—and there are always new things to learn. When | was little, | asked my grandmother to teach me the names of all the birds nesting around our house. Larks, doves, wrens, mocking- birds—I learned to recognize them all. What could you learn to do? You could play a new game, cook some- thing, fix something, learn new words, learn a new language, read about something new, write a story or a how- to manual, record a video, meet a new neighbor, or even create a new world, like author J.R.R. Tolkien's hobbit world. Make a list of ideas to refer to if you're bored. Or you could write us another letter, telling us some- thing new that you've learned!

Wishing you health and happiness,

Mary K. Radpour Licensed Family Counselor

[Page 9]é fe % @ 2 °° oe

and much more. Arts from diverse cultures add to the

festivities. Friends of all faiths are invited to join in the fun. Sing a song in another language, do a folk

Pears Happy Ayyam-i-Hat

riends, family, fellowship, fun—it’s time for \ the festival of Ayyam-i-Ha! From February 26-March 1, it’s a joyful holiday celebrated by millions of Baha’is around the world. It’s a time for charity, goodwill, hospitality, and gift giving. Families and communities enjoy Ayyam-i-Ha with

dance from a different country, or prepare a favorite traditional food. During Ayyam-i-Ha, Baha’is also prepare for the Baha’i Fast, a time of spiritual renewal.” parties, service projects, gift exchanges, performances, Try these ideas for celebrating Ayyam-i-Ha this year.

Colorful Cut-Outs

Decorate with these festive ornaments,

Who Am i? Game

Hand out paper and pencils, and give guests five minutes to draw a

and invite guests to make their own. 1 Use colorful paper, 4/2" x 11" (11.4 x 27.9 cm). Starting at shorter end, fold accordion-style, in 1/2"

picture, write a poem, or make a list of clues that (1.3 cm) sections, and trim corners. conveys who they are. 2 Staple paper in center. Punch Collect the papers and ask everyone to guess

who created each one.

decorative holes with hole punch. 3 Unfold ends and tape to make a circle. Hang individually or create a garland.

ee

Service Surprises

“Fast Food” for Friends Give the gift of a hearty breakfast to Baha’i friends who will be observing the fast. Decorate a clean container for the gift, and add a tag with your favorite quote.

HEALTHY HOMEMADE GRANOLA

4¢ (320 9) rolled oats (not guick-cooking)

Consult with your family about small acts of kindness, such as “Write a sweet note to Grandma” or “Bake cookies for the neighbors.” Write each idea on a slip of paper. Decorate an empty jar for the slips. Every day of Ayyam-i-Ha, ask each family

member to draw one surprise to carry out.

pc (40 9) shredded unsweetened coconut 1% ¢ (120 mL) pure maple syrup 4 ¢ (26 9) ground flax seeds 1.¢ (120 9) chopped walnuts 2 Tbsp (30 ml) vegetable oil Ya tsp (2.5 mL) salt

1¢ (160 9) raisins

Combine all ingredients except raisins in large bowl. Pour into 9"x 13" (22.9 x 33 cm) baking pan. Bake at 350°F (180°C) for 25-30 minutes. Stir every 10 minutes. Let cool, then mix in raisins.

During the Baha'i Fast, March 2-20, Baha'is ages 15—70 who are in

good health do not eat or drink between sunrise and sunset.

JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2012 * Brilliant Star 9 [Page 10]Building Creativity

WwW hat are your favorite buildings to visit? Houses how the sun lights a structure. They study the location,

of worship or famous landmarks? Architects what a building will be used for, the best materials, can inspire us with their imaginative designs. Some and the climate. Many ask, “Is this design good for the structures have lasted for thousands of years, environment?” The list of topics to consider goes on expressing people’s culture, history, beliefs, and dreams. _ and on, like the stories of a tall skyscraper. In their work, architects creatively think about a Whether it’s a house, a landmark, or a bridge, great

lot of factors, such as size, shape, patterns, colors, and _ architecture makes our world diverse, enjoyable, and safe.

If you love to imagine, draw, and build, you could become an architect and create amazing structures such as these. Match each one to its description.

2 | Sydney Opera House, Australia

4 | Hozomon Gate, Japan

CO

The world’s tallest building! It's over half a mile high,

reaching 2,717 feet (828.1 m). Standing near Lake Michigan, First built in 942, this structure Its Y-shaped design helps this holy place has nine sides stores sacred treasures and reduce stress from the wind. with nine gardens. Its elaborate leads to the oldest Buddhist ornamentation features temple in Tokyo. symbols of many faiths.

P CO Built on a harbor, the dramatic This bell tower was going to be 185 This holy place with nine chapels roof of this performing arts center tegab tell (BEA il), Labi crettzzz is also a museum. It contains resembles sails in the wind. New Lezritiag Gren Peston swat ites n22 the tomb of a holy man who lived engineering and building techniques tin Bina Waren aaa (itera in Moscow about 500 years ago. were required to complete it.

engineers have stabilized it. C) Photos: 1 by Richard Susanto, 2 by Neale Cousland, 3 by Luciano Mortula,

10 Brilliant Star 4 JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2012 4 by Lazar Miai-Bogdan, 5 by KENCKOphotography, 6 by Viaditto SEE ANSI B

[Page 11]“All the members of this endless universe are linked one to another.” —Baha’i Writings

EARTH-SAVING TIP WOW, REALLY?

Glaciers store

three-fourths of our planet's fresh water. Tf all land ice melted,

OUR CONNECTIONS ___ sea level would CS ee rise about 230

Ls feet (70 m)!

PROTECTING OUR PLANET

JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2012 % Brilliant Star 11

[Page 12]x”

Age: 9 I live in: Ohio, U.S. xe

| want to be: Marine biologist

Best quality or virtue: Joyfulness

Hobbies or sports:

Yoga, rock wall climbing,

dancing, swimming, writing

Favorite Baha'i activities: Performing in Ridvan dances*

«

Connect with kids around the world! How are they like you? How are they different? Each of us has a unique " story to tell. What’s yours?

Favorite animal or pet: Elephants, turtles, pandas, and bobcats

What is your favorite way to use your creativity? Participating in NaNoWriMo by writing, because I got [to] achieve one of my goals of writing a 5,000-word story in 30 days.**

Who encourages or supports your creativity?

My sister, Ceilidh. [She] helps by telling me to not copy things and

[to] be unique.

If you could create anything, what would it be?

I would create world peace so that every- one would have equal amounts of everything ... like shelter, educa- tion, food, and clean water and health care.

Age: 13

| live in: Humacao, Puerto Rico

Best quality or virtue: Excellence. I always try hard to do my best.

Favorite Baha’i activities: Puerto Rican Feasts." I get to practice my Spanish, meet new people, and eat delicious food!

Favorite animal or pet: Dolphins! They are highly intelligent and beautiful.

| like to help people by:

[Including] people who are outcast[s] and not treated fairly by others

Inspires me to be creative: Everything I see around me. Just today, I was looking at a puddle, andI thought, “Hey, that would make a great painting!”

What is your favorite way to use your creativity?

Age: 10

| live in: Texas, U.S.

| want to be: Web game designer

Something | like about me

that makes me unique: Perseverance

Hobbies or sports: Football, video games, paintball

Favorite Baha’ activities: Children’s classes

Favorite animal or pet: :

Cheetah

Mf

Painting. You can create anything with paint and a canvas, and ...express your feelings and thoughts.

Who encourages or supports your creativity?

My parents... by providing me with art supplies and lessons. If Iam discouraged, they always help me get right back on track. *

Can everyone be creative, or just those with special talents? Everyone can be creative! ... Creativity is having the courage to do something different, whether it be in art or any other endeavor.

Place I'd love to visit: London

| like to help people by: Donating to food drive[s]

What is your favorite way to use your creativity? Ilike building stuff, because it’s cool.

Coolest creation I've made: A globe puzzle. It looked really nice...

If you could learn any art in the world, which would it be? Game designing

Who encourages or supports your creativity?

My mom. She encourages me in everythingIdo...

If you could create anything, what would it be? Avirtual 3D game and a one-kilometer paint- ball field...

12

Brilliant Star % JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2012

“Ridvan isa festival honoring Bahalulah’s announcement that He was a Messenge

“NaNoWriMo is National Novel Writing Month [Page 13]Age: 13 I live in: California, U.S.

| want to be: An architect

Something | like about me that makes me unique: Having a happy spirit and being optimistic in every situation x Hobbies or sports:

Playing tennis, biking, painting, and playing the guitar and violin

Favorite Baha’/ activities: Jr. youth groups and Pr

service projects

Inspires me to be creative: Animals, nature,

and flowers

Coolest creation I've made: My duplication of the van Gogh irises. It took me five months ...and I put my heart and soul in the painting.

Age: 9

live in: Luganville, Vanuatu

| want to be:

Tm not sure yet, but I like driving and fixing stuff.

Best quality or virtue:

My mom says I’m generous.

Favorite animal or pet: CATS!

Places I'd love to visit:

I'd love to visit Israel and China.

Hobbies or sports: Swimming in the South Pacific

| like to help people by: Making them happy

What is your favorite way to use your creativity?

Tell stories, [be]cause that make[s] people happy

Ifyou could learn any art in the world, which would it be? Sculptures. I admire the hard work put into them, and I would love to see my art become 3D.

Who encourages or supports your creativity?

My family... by allowing me to take art classes...

Can everyone be creative, or just those with special talents? Creativity does not mean that you have to be an excellent artist, but... that you enjoy what you are doing and [put] all your heart into it.

Coolest creation I've made: Buried hidden treasure, and I like it because I got to dig it up.

If you could learn any art in the world, which would it be? Iam learning to play guitar so that Ican play at Feasts.

Who encourages or supports your creativity?

Everyone encourages me by singing along when I play.

“God has crowned you with honor and

in your hearts has He set a radiant star;

verily the light thereof shall brighten

the whole world!”

Age:10

| want to be:

Architect, like my papa, so I can help make our environment cleaner by using... architecture with solar energy and wind energy.

Something | like about me that makes me unique: Iam part Filipino, and I’m learning to speak Tagalog.

Hobbies or sports:

Piano, soccer, tennis, LEGO [toys], origami, designing/inventing things, taking pictures Favorite Baha'i activities: Ayyam-i-Ha™

Places I'd love to visit:

Philippines, Greece, and all LEGOLANDs...

Inspires me to be creative: Tall skyscrapers inspire me to build and draw. Music inspires me.

ve

I live in: Kentucky, U.S. £{

What is your favorite way to use your creativity?

To make presents ...1 like to make origami and paper sculptures... [and] abstract pictures...

Who encourages or supports your creativity? She My mama and papa encourage my creativity. They give me ideas, advice, and help.

If you could create anything, what would it be?

A really cool city full of energy-efficient sky- scrapers and houses... [and] whole forests of trees... The buildings would have the highest green technology!

1, If you're age 7-14, write us at brilliant@usbnc.org

or Brilliant Star, 1233 Central Street, Evanston, IL 60201. Include your name, age, mailing and e-mail addresses,

and phone number. Mention “Radiant Star” in the e-mail subject line or in your message.

. When it’s your turn to shine, we'll send you questions

and a form for you and your parents to sign.

. Answer the questions and send them to us with the signed forms, along with at least two good- quality, close-up photographs of your smiling face. Photos should be in sharp focus and show your eyes clearly. Please don’t send color copies,

low-resolution digital images, or copyright- protected images (like school portraits).

‘Feast is a Bahai community gathering with prayers, consultation, and fellowship, ‘Feb. 26 —Mar. 1, days of hospitality, charity, gift giving, and preparing for the Baha'i Fast

JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2012 * Brilliant Star

”

13

hall

[Page 14]_ LIGHTNING BND LUNA

F~LIN FURY’S LAIR NEAR THE NORTH POLE... F T T —_s—_ sir

KEEP FIRING! T WANT VA. —|_ WHAT ABOUT THE WORLD TO SEE +r a iN THE RESEARCH W \

THE POWER OF MY STATIONS? SOLAR CANNONS!

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—— ARE YOU? THAT

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14 Brilliant Star + JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2012 *See Episode #44, May/June 2011 [Page 15]RSS| MEANWHILE, IN THE UPLIFTERS’ COMMAND CENTER . . . }

OUR SATELLITES ARE GETTING PUZZLING VATA FROM THE ARCTIC.

INCOMING EMERGENCY MESSAGE FROM FALCON,

I AT OUR ARCTIC OUTPOST!

SHE SAYS IT’S A DISASTER! THEY SEE STRUCTURES BEING

DESTROYED AND MASSES OF ICE CRASHING

COULD IT BE AVOLCANO ERUPTING,

QUASAR?

FALCON SENT THEIR UPLIFTERS TO HELP WITH A RESCUE ATA RESEARCH STATION.

. INTO THE OCEAN.

WHAT ABOUT THE i _ PRESENTATION OF | THE NEW UNIFORMS?

ZAPPO, SEND TEAMS TO HELP FALCON RIGHT AWAY.

I SEE... LASERS... PANIC... PEOPLE RUNNING... ANIMALS SCARED. ..

YOU DON’T USUALLY HAVE SUCH A POWERFUL REACTION-THIS IS BIE/

SEND LIGHTNING ANP LUNA FIRST!

VUL ENE THEM THE NEW PODS.

ANGE IN PLANS. YOU’RE LEAVING: ON A MISSION.

AWESOME UNIFOKMS/

HAS FURY WRECKED THE CLIMATE FOREVER?

JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2012 % Brilliant Star 15 [Page 16]——

he school halls are buzzing about the big play. T Lots of kids are getting involved. What role

excites you most? Will you audition for the lead as the brave knight? Or will you sing in the chorus? Maybe you'll be backstage, painting the set or creating an awesome dragon. No matter what you like to do, there’s a way to let your talents shine.

Every show has a star or two, but the whole team

is important. If you don’t feel comfortable onstage,

Many Ways to Shine

=

think about other ways you could contribute. Do you like building things or working with electronics? You could help make the scenery or set up the lights and sound system. Is writing your thing? You could work on the script—or even write your own play.

Take the stage—or work backstage—for a new creative adventure. Even if you're not in the spotlight, you can develop new skills, make friends, and have fun. And that’s cause for a standing ovation!

These friends are putting on a play. Find each one in action. Which role looks most fun to you?

i

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16

Painting FT g

4

Brilliant Star % JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2012

Singing Writing

—— Fa i

[Page 17]|

hen you travel around the world, you discover

new ways of life. In fact, some researchers found

that people who have lived in other countries show more creativity and innovative problem-solving. Traveling the globe is a rewarding experience that can lead you to think about your everyday life in fresh ways.

so Musical Escapades —

Your eyes and ears can also explore art, music, and humanity’s rich cultures by visiting nearby museums and attending concerts and festivals. People everywhere use music to tell stories, express feelings, and celebrate. Where would you like to go, to sing the praises of travel and adventure?

Tune in to the clues from these instruments and match each one with tts homeland.

My body is a plant stalk

| |

That grows where | am made. Near mountains of the great Southwest, You'll often hear me played.

DRu

—

By the waters of Loch Ness I'm curved just like an hourglass, Where tartan kilts are worn, And hours do fly by You'll hear my strong, distinctive tone As my notes echo through Tihran Some sunny Highland morn. And Elburz Mountains high. “ e (Cox, \ cs BR

Te

=| my. °-) L. 4!

| e) i il With sticks wrapped up in rubber, > L |'m played by drumming hands. Co 9 My sound is high and piercing (e) 7 In Caribbean lands, First made by Aborigines y Offin the land down under, \ , I'm now played all around the globe sa € é With energy and wonder. \ *, o) ie — “4 AW Ga C4 AS Rol{io! " — 4 iy Taek s R S 3 ~ FA | eS YO | ee | ee i ~ 5 . ae °j ~ < Beautiful and striking sounds iG = A rounded gourd is part of me, {sing when people play me, = 7 Attached to many strings. quer the Ganges wer =| & In Africa, fine tales are told concerts in New Delhi 66) i In Rio de Janeiro, a In songs my player sings. ~ & \\] | sound like falling rain. \ And also by the Amazon

\ You'll hear my sweet refrain.

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7 ‘i _——<, a —_" United itusielie Brazil thsi) India fem Scotland Trinidad |__ jaa States " and Tobago I

SEE ANSWERS ON PAGE 28

JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2012 % Brilliant Star

17

ne =

og, [Page 18]ARViD NELSON

ee C is wonderful, and kind of living in a fantasy world...” says Arvid Nelson. When he writes his successful comic books, Arvid often puts imaginative twists on historical events. His Rex Mundi series has been translated into five languages. A screenplay is being written for a Rex Mundi movie with the involvement of actor and producer Johnny Depp. Arvid has also written comic books for publishers Dark Horse, DC, Marvel, and Dynamite Entertainment.

Growing up in Connecticut, U.S., Arvid loved books, including mystery and fantasy. In college, he studied creative writing, and after earning his degree in 1999, he worked as a production assistant for a movie by writer and director Woody Allen. Then he got excited about telling stories through comic books.

Though Arvid’s comics are for older teens, he wants to write for a younger audience, too. He’s working on a fantasy novel for kids about age 14 and up. “As I get older, I realize that the stories that I like the

most are the stories that are truly [for] all ages,” he says. Arvid lives in Massachusetts with his wife, Robyn.

Q. What's your favorite childhood memory?

There was a nature preserve near my house. I loved walking there . . . There was a big rock we liked to climb. My father knows a lot about geology. He said it was called a glacial erratic; that is, a glacier just dumped a big boulder in the middle of the woods, so we liked to climb that . . . There were duck ponds and marshes. It was very peaceful.

Q. What inspired you to become a writer? For a long time, I thought I wanted to make movies. But the more I heard about making movies, the more difficult I saw that it was. Movies cost a huge amount of money. Even an inexpensive movie still costs millions of dollars to make.

So I had to reflect on what I really wanted to do, and I realized that for me, what's important is storytelling and the story. I don’t really care if it’s a movie or a comic book or a song or a poem. What interests me is storytelling, and writing is just the easiest way to do that .. . To have done the stories I did in comics would have taken millions and millions of dollars [as films].

Left: Arvid, at about age four, with his dad. Arvid says, “I was very, very blessed to have loving parents, a stable environment.” Right: Visiting the Bronx Zoo in New York, U.S., at about age nine

Q. How did your family encourage you in your career?

I am so blessed to have my mom and my dad. They were always supportive .. . They would read everything that I wrote as a child. They read to me when I was very young. They instilled [in] me . . . an appreciation of art and literature . . . every step of the way. They still support me...and I love them, and I'm so grateful to them.

18 Brilliant Star 4% JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2012 [Page 19]Q. When you write a comic, what's your process like? It really depends on whether or not I'm writing a story that

Left: Arvid visited the Alhambra palace in Granada, Spain, partly for research for a comic book project. He says, “I very much admire the architecture of early Islam...”

I'm creating, or a story that a publisher has asked me to write. If it’s a story that I'm creating, it’s my idea. I'm a lot like the director/producer of a movie, where I make all the decisions, and I kind of have the final say on everything. When I'm writing for a publisher, it's very different. I have to be cognizant of what they want and what their vision is . . . Not everything you write is great and wonderful at first, so I think part of being a professional writer is understanding what the concerns of the other people you're working with are, and trying to address them as best you can.

Q. Religion is a big theme in some of your comics. What inspired you to explore that theme?

A lot of it was the Baha’i Faith. It just totally blew my

mind, reading about [it] and the prophecies surrounding it.

Growing up Christian, I had one perspective on it, and

the Baha’i Faith just made everything kind of fall into

place like a puzzle. Yeah, the Baha'i Faith was extremely

important to me .. . I just find religion in general really Above: At Comic-Con 2010 in California, Arvid signed

interesting, whether it’s Christianity, Buddhism, or Islam. —_ autographs with director Joseph Kosinski. Arvid co-wrote a novella called Objivion that Kosinski plans to turn into a film.

Q. How has the Baha'i Faith affected your career?

One of the best assets you can have as a writer is having

something to say, having a point of view. It’s really easy to Q. How do you juggle so many projects at once?

be negative about the world and say, “Oh. . . I don’t like Just willpower . . . If you're writing with a publisher, they

that, I don’t believe in this.” But I think it takes courage set a deadline .. . You have to have it done by a certain and strength to take a stand for something and believe time. If you don't, the publisher just is never going to ask in something and be for something. So the Baha’i Faith you to write anything ever again. So you have to do it.

gives me that . . . I believe very deeply in the ideals of the | When you write something for yourself, it’s so important ... Faith, and I always try to transmit that in my writing. to do the same thing, to set deadlines for yourself.

Q. What advice do you have for kids who want a career in writing, especially in comics?

Definitely think about online comics. [They] have done Photoshop and Illustrator. And I've learned a lot about really, really well lately ... That and learning about the technology of the web . . . It’s fun to learn, and it’s technology is really, really important . . . One reason I've really useful . .. Learning proper grammar is really, really

[had a] little bit of success with Rer Mundi is that I've important... The most important thing is just to maintain really learned how to use graphic design software like your sense of awe and wonder about the world...

Top left portrait and Comic-Con photo by ss Chelsea Lauren/Gety Images JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2012 % Brilliant Star 19 [Page 20]MUSIC CAFE

“Music, sung or played, is spiritual food for soul and heart.” —Baha’i Writings

LKEEP TRACK OF MY THOUGHTS FOR NEW SONGS IN MY NOTEBOOK. I FEEL VERY EXCITED WHEN I’M INSPIRED AND HAVE .. .

SO MANY IDEAS

Music and lyrics by Brady Rymer with Dan Myers and Monica Osgood

WHEN 70 YOU FEEL CREATIVE? FOR ME, IT’S AFTER DREAMING, BEING IN NATURE, OR LISTENING TO MUSIC.

I G Em Am D G Em Am D 3 I Like a book that’s not been re - ad I got so ma- ny i-deas in my head Like 2 Like a book that's not been re - ad Like 3 Like a book that’s not been re - ad Like

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my i- deas. Like stars in theskythere’s mil-lionsa- round__ me head I wan-na let’em fly 28

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change the world Like head

20 __siBrrilliant Star % JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2012 Cerrar ae Bt et at nc dye com [Page 21]Silent Storytellers Q@gz

hen you think of your family, what images come to mind? Your house? Your pet turtle or dog? A favorite place you like to visit? American Indians in the northwestern U.S. and First Nations cultures in Canada have a tradition of telling family stories with totem poles. Huge cedar logs carved intricately with animals and people represent tribes or

shells, and salmon eggs. The figures on a pole have meanings that vary with different tribes. An animal may represent a family’s clan. A person with out- stretched hands can be a sign of welcome and peace. A raven might symbolize the Creator, while a wolf may stand for family unity.

Today, modern carvers continue to create these

families. Or a series of figures on a pole can reveal a legend. majestic, colorful works of art. Many stand in parks,

In the past, artists used handmade tools and villages, and museums, honored as symbols of rich

natural paints made from materials such as minerals, aboriginal heritage.

What family stories would you tell on a totem pole? Think about symbols that represent your family, and draw your own family totem pole here.

7

H - f

JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2012 % Brilliant Star 21 [Page 22]smartest creatures of the sea? Scientists in They also change color and texture to blend in with their h Indonesia were astounded to see them pick surroundings. Some sneak around disguised as rocks. up coconut shells larger than their bodies, carry them In scientific research, octopuses have learned to = x across the sea floor, and hide inside! This surprising recognize shapes, open jars, and solve mazes. They cause & ‘i behavior is “tool use”—a sign of animal intelligence. _ trouble in labs by escaping from their tanks. Some scientists ~ Octopuses have large brains compared to their believe octopuses are curious and like to play. But some body weight. They use their complex brains to cleverly are poisonous to humans. The next time you visit the protect themselves from predators. They carefully beach, keep your eyes open for the incredible octopus.

D: you know that octopuses are some of the choose their dens and move rocks to block the entrances.

These octopuses are swimming in cleverness. Search the scene to find 15 of them.

ail

22 Brilliant Star % JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2012 SEE ANSWERS ON PAGE 28 [Page 23]SHINING LAMP

A Baha’ who served humanity with radiance

EFFIE BAKER (1880-1968): Picture of Courage _ By Gail Radley

woman died here, Effie recalled. She gazed at the tuined luggage scattered by the road to Baghdad. A Baha’i traveling with the woman had said that bandits also shot off their driver's ear. They took what they wanted, leaving the rest to rot. Effie and her companions hoped bandits wouldn’t bother several cars traveling together. Bandits weren't the only danger. It was 1930. Effie was a 50-year- old unmarried Australian woman traveling to Persia (now Iran). There, neither westerners, nor Baha’is, nor independent women were welcome. Foreigners were seen as spies. Baha'is had been persecuted and even killed since the Faith began there in 1844. Persia still wasn’t safe for Baha’is. Effie was going to Persia to take pictures, but her photography risked attracting unwanted attention. Shoghi Effendi, the current Baha’i leader, had asked Effie to document the Faith’s historic sites. The task couldn’t wait. First, Shoghi Effendi needed photographs for The Dawn- Breakers, a Baha’i history book he was translating. Second, Persia’s leaders, eager to create modern cities, were destroying old buildings. They weren't concerned with preserving Baha’i history. In fact, they wanted to eliminate it. This mission required a skilled photographer. It also required a brave, daring one.

Effie was a gifted photographer who risked danger to take photos for the Baha’i Faith. One type of camera she used is shown below.

Adventurous Spirit Happily, Effie was both. From her sea captain-astronomer-inventor grandfather, she learned to enjoy working with technical equipment and observing carefully. She shared his adventurous spirit, too. She also developed her artistic talents. She played piano, painted, drew, worked with wood, made toys, and explored photography. Then, in 1922, Effie became a Baha’i. She soon traveled to what is now Israel to meet Shoghi Effendi, staying five years to serve the Faith.

Now, she was heading to some villages no westerner had visited. The three-month trip became six as she and her companions moved through Persia. When they weren't repairing tires on rough roads, they were thawing a frozen car. They

also traveled by horseback on rocky mountain paths. Along the way, Persian Baha'is helped them.

Dangerous Visit Effie’s most dangerous visit was to a mosque. Only Muslims were allowed inside. “If they had ever suspected me,” she wrote later, “they would have torn me to pieces .. .” Two Persian girls dressed Effie in a robe, her face covered. They entered the mirrored room, and Effie gazed in awe at the jewel-studded ceiling. She stepped into the courtyard, nearly tripping over a shrouded body. There were, she said, “dozens of them, bodies brought in to be blessed, [w]rapped in sack-cloth . . . They had died on the way...” Then the girls showed Effie a sign stating that foreigners entered “at their own tisk.” They hurried her away.

In all, Effie took nearly one thousand pictures, developing them as she went. This requires running water and a room lit only with a red safelight. Effie found creative substitutes: a blanket over her tent, a flashlight covered in red paper, and a bucket of water. She worked secretly to avoid causing suspicion.

Back in Israel, she chose 400 pictures for Shoghi Effendi. Without Effie’s courage and creativity, images of the Baha’i Faith’s beginnings might have been lost forever.

Sources include Ambassador at the Court: The Life and Photography of Effie Baker, by Graham Hassall

Photo of No. 1 Autographic Kodak Junior camera by Richard F. Lyon

JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2012 % Brilliant Star

23 [Page 24]JANUARY 2012 ¢ 168 Baha’i Era

ainting, writing a song, or inventing a dance are ways to express your creativity. But being creative is about more than practicing the arts. Part of creativity is being curious, asking questions, dreaming, wondering, and looking at the world in your own way. It’s having fun and finding humor in your daily life. And most of all, it’s being your unique self—a masterpiece that only you can create! In this new year, put an imaginative spin on everything you do.

Sunday Monday TueSday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday

Veuge

New Year's Day 2012 is the International Year of Sustainable Energy for All (UN). In Belgium, kids write letters of appreciation to their families. What do you do to save energy in your home?

Imagine your life 10 years from now.

Write or draw what you see.

13 14

My Goal for the Month:

Akind of paint from 100,000 years ago was discovered in shells in a South African cave! A cat's ears have about 30 muscles. Humans only have 6. 12

15 16 17 8 - - very World Religion Religious Birthday of author, a f Day (Baha) Freedom Day (US.) _ inventor, and days, Baha ' BAHA'I! i for ts pa diplomat Benjamin Feast is ret MONTH OF in Iran and others Martin Luther Franklin, 1706 on or near the SULTAN denied religious King Jr. Day (U.S. i freedom. ‘ ° 70s) A frst day of the Sle TeRSTINOM Make up new words to your favorite song an Baha’i month.

22 2,25 26 27 28

No Name-Calling Australia Day Zl wo Week (Jan. 23-27) It's summer in ‘Speak up and tell an Australia from Did you know?

Chinese New Year begins (Jan. 22-28) ~ 24 adult when you see December through Some dogs can recognize their owners Year of the Dragon, symbolizing luck and prosperity in Chinese culture bullying. February. and even other dogs—in a photo.

29

WHERE 70 COWS GO [10 SEE COOL ART?

7

Gogmo’s Word Challenge a) A great detective b) Disbelief

c) Favorable; promising Success

24 Brilliant Star % JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2012 2°60 8RMISNY [Page 25]FEBRUARY 2072 ¢ 168 Baha’i Era

reativity is a gift from God, and it’s a gift you can share with others. Ayyam-i-Ha, February 26-March 1, is a perfect time to let your imagination shine. It’s a Baha'i holiday of hospitality, charity, gift

giving, and preparing for the Baha'i Fast.* How about making your own party invitations, decorations, or gifts? Or be inventive in the kitchen with delicious

party treats. Share your talents in music, dance, acting, or comedy at a party or nursing home. How will you be generous with your creative gifts? \

Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday

san Aw lh 2. iam 4 days, Baha’i A H

i merican Heart Feast is he NW ah Wi, il) Month (U.S.) fn or near the Keep your heart irst day of the Groundhog ee \ healthy with an hour

Baha’i month. (U.S., Canada) \ Mi h)) VY, of activity every day. mM ,

fi roe BAHA’i ‘ Birthday of inventor

Thomas Edison, who MONTH OF

held a record 1,093 orien 4 patents on his own

Random Acts of Kindness Week = as (Feb. 13-19) Did you know? » Great Backyard Bird Count

Show your love with Some crafty crows can (U.S., Canada, Feb. 17-20)* ahandmade gift. Valentine's Day make and use tools—a sign of super smarts. Y Help scientists track our feathered friends.

20 21 22

World Day of International Ash Wednesday

Social Justice Mother Language (Christianity)

(UN) Day (UNESCO) Lent begins —a time What languages of prayer, fasting, and

Presidents’ Day are part of your preparation for Easter.

(U.S.) family's heritage?

EDIFICE MEANS... _

Gogmo’s Word Challenge a) Huge office for inventors

b) A building, especially an impressive one c) Giving a friend good advice

Ayyam-i-Ha .. .. (Bahai, to March’ 1

“Intro—During the Baha'i Fast, March 2-20, Bahés ages 15-70 in good health ore donot eat or chink between sunrise and sunset; 17—See wuw.birdsource.org/gbbe JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2012 * Brilliant Star 25 q-0WSOD YaMSNV [Page 26]EAT IEL AT IEL VATE LEAT IE LEA TIE LNA TI EO’

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lived in a farming village. Dayo, the eldest son, tended the yam field with his father. Lara wove colorful cloth to sell with her mother. But Tobi, the youngest son, loved to sing and play his dundun drum. “Music doesn’t put food on the table,” Tobi’s father said. “But, Father, music makes my heart sing,” said

i ong ago, near the Nigerian coast, a Yoruba family

Tobi. “I want to be a musician.”

“You will have a difficult life wandering the land. You are no musician. You are a farm boy.”

Tobi’s mother said, “Most musicians play in the court of an oba, and they come from musical families. It is a position passed from father to son.”

“Our farm is not good enough for you?” asked his father, sounding hurt and angry.

Tobi said respectfully, “You have worked hard on this farm, Father. But we have troubles here, too.

Like the droughts. Maybe music can help the family.”

His father shook his head. “This is just foolish.”

“I believe I can succeed. Let me prove it.”

The next day, Tobi packed for his journey. His family urged him to stay and work on the farm. He worried about the future, but he was also hopeful and eager.

Tobi’s mother hugged him tightly and whispered,

“T understand that you have to follow your dream.”

“O da bo. I love you!” he called to his family. They sadly watched him go.

In the first village, Tobi played and sang in the streets. He earned some food and a place to sleep. Then he moved on.

ml.

After a while, Tobi lost count of the many villages he visited. Although people danced to his music, he grew tired and lonely, and worry gnawed at him. Maybe his father was right, he thought. He was running out of food and money. Should he give up and go home?

One day, he walked until the sun was high, then rested under a mahogany tree. He was far from the next village, and he felt heavy with sadness. To lift his spirits, he played a lively beat on his drum.

Suddenly, Tobi stopped. He thought he heard music in the distance. He kept drumming, and the music played again.

Tobi followed the sound. Along

the river, he found a young man playing a flute. “Ekaabo,” said the man.

“Who are you?” asked Tobi.

“Tam Ayo. A traveling musician, like you.”

“I want nothing more than to perform,” Tobi said. “But so far, I feel that I’m failing.”

“You have good rhythm,” said Ayo. “And there is strength in teamwork. Maybe our meeting was meant to be.”

Ayo taught Tobi the ancient songs of Nigeria’s noble obas and myths passed down through the ages. Ayo said Tobi’s drumming was the heartbeat of their songs. Their voices worked in harmony, and they grew as close as brothers.

In each village, Tobi played his dundun with more passion and skill. Soon they were known throughout the land. Tobi was happy, but he longed to see his family.

26

Brilliant Star % JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2012 [Page 27]Often he and Ayo walked many miles, only to reach a

village where people had little food to share.

One day, Tobi heard news from his village. There was another drought, and the crops had suffered. His heart lurched as he worried about his family.

Tobi and Ayo came to a city where the oba’s palace sat

high on a hill. A plan formed in Tobi’s mind. “Ayo,” he said, “Some musicians find favor with the oba and play at court.” Ayo grunted. “The oba’s musicians

are arrogant. They have musical ancestors. We are not privileged.”

“But if we prove our worth, we will no longer struggle just to eat. And we can help our families.”

“My family is in the next world,” said Ayo, as he looked up to the sky. “The plague took them all years ago. I am alone, except for you.” Then he said with sadness, “After all this time together, do you want to part?”

Tobi’s stomach churned at the thought of playing without Ayo. The oba was known to be demanding. Tobi said, “Please, my friend, come with me to the palace. If my plan does not succeed, we will continue on our path.”

“If you want to try to meet the oba, you go. I will play in the market,” replied Ayo.

The next day, Tobi alone took his drum to the gates of the oba’s palace. People danced and gave him money.

At noon, two drummers in fine robes walked through the gates. One of them sneered, “Go home. We are the oba’s musicians, like our fathers before us.”

Later, Tobi told Ayo about the other musicians. “See?” Ayo said. “We are not welcome in a royal court!”

“I want to keep trying,” said Tobi. “Come with me.”

“No, I am sorry,” said Ayo. “I will wait for you for two weeks, but then I must move on to the next village. ”

Every day, Tobi played at the palace gates. When the

court musicians went by, they ignored him. He wondered if their music was truly superior.

At the end of two weeks, Tobi performed in front of the palace until he

thought he would drop. As the sun set, he sighed and hung his head. Then he heard a voice say, “Don’t give up yet.

You have good rhythm.” It was Ayo.

Tobi looked up. “It was lonely playing without you, my friend,” he said. “Yes, there is strength in teamwork,”

smiled Ayo. “How about one more song? Our favorite one about our great Creator?”

This time, they played for no audience but themselves. Carried away by their own hypnotic rhythm, they didn’t notice a man standing nearby as they joyfully sang the final notes.

“The oba wishes you to play for him,” said the man.

With wide eyes, they followed the man into the palace and bowed before the oba. Tobi thought he was in a dream. But they played and sang with all their hearts. People danced and clapped. Even the court musicians listened with surprise. Yet the king sat in calm silence. They finished and bowed again, their hands shaking.

Then the oba’s face lit up with a smile. He opened his arms wide and declared, “My kingdom needs your music. It is refreshing and original. Serve in my court and you will be richly rewarded.”

Tobi’s heart soared and Ayo’s eyes beamed. Quickly, Tobi sent for his family. When he saw them, he hugged them tightly and felt their frail bones. The oba invited them to enjoy a feast. A sacred festival was held, and Tobi and Ayo joined others in a magnificent performance.

Under the stars, Tobi’s father said, “I see that your music brings joy to many. I am sorry for doubting you.”

Tobi smiled and said, “You were right. It was difficult. But all is well, because I followed the song in my heart.”

Yoruba: oba = king; O da bo = Goodbye; Ekaabo = Welcome

JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2012 % Brilliant Star

27 [Page 28]O'S CORNER

Look for clues throughout the magazine.

OSM

1. Part of Fury's evil plan will change the earth's -(p. 14)

2. Arvid says, “The most important thing is just to maintain your sense of awe and about the world ..." (p. 19)

4. In animation, you often see a series of 24 images in one —__! [p. 4)

5. The world’s tallest Emirates, or UAE. (p. 10)

8. They think about a lot of factors with buildings, such as size, shape, patterns, colors, and how the sun lights a structure. (p. 10)

9. Look for new challenges, then set for yourself. (p. 7)

10. You can cool creations by looking at common items in new ways. (p. 6)

11. This Chinese New Year, it's the Year of the . (p. 24) 14. Tobi wants to use his

DOWN

is in the United Arab

to help his family. (p. 26)

FROM OUR MAILBOX

My theme [for a future Brilliant Star issue]

would be creativity. Because creativity is how you show emotion .. . You are your own creative self. | am creative by making my own music and making my words to the song, and then singing it to a group of friends or family.

—Teresa A., age 11, China

Editors’ Note: Thanks for your sharing your idea, Teresa. The theme for this issue of Brilliant Star grew out of suggestions from you and other readers around the world. We love hearing from you!

3. Octopuses have large . They can also change color and texture to blend in with their surroundings. (p. 22)

6. World's most popular museum (p. 11) 7. \ce isa sweet invention with a multicultural history. (p. 2)

9. Ayyam-i-Ha is a time for charity, and gift giving. (p. 9)

, hospitality,

12. Kids who are involved in the

motivation and self-esteem. (p. 8)

have stronger

13. Quentin is learning to play this. (p. 13) 15. We all have creative to discover and strengthen. (p. 5)

16. Olivia says, “Creativity is having the to do something different, whether it be in art or any other endeavor." (p. 12)

17. Every show has a star or two, but the whole is important. (p. 16)

18. Though it was dangerous, Effie Baker traveled to Persia in 1930 to take . (p. 23)

KEY: T=Top, C=Center, B=Bottom, L=Left, R=Right

PAGE 2: 1) Adventurous, 2) Resourceful, PAGE 16: Acting at C, building at CL,

3) Caring, “Greil a) Cooperative, Caray at CR, designing at C, painting 6) Curious, 7) Meditative, 8) Mindful, at CL, playing music at BL, photographing 9) Noble, 10) Observant, 11) Patient, 12)

at CL, singing at TR, writing at BC Brave, 13) Steadfast, 14) Visionary, 15) Wise

PAGE 17: A) 5, B) 8, C) 6, D) 7, E) 3, F)2,6)4,H) 1 PAGE 22: Octopuses at far TL by title; practice, 7) Original, 8) flow, 9) Relax at TL with cube, ui fish, in cave; at TR sei and ee icone at on hind statue; at BC by anchor and by PAGE 10:A)5,B)1,()4,D)3.E)6.F)2 ish: at BL with trunk: at CL in shell, by turtle's feet, behind coral; at C by PAGE 11: Paris, France; Echolocation turtle's head inside ship

PAGE 7: 1) goals, 2) senses, 3) help, 4 experiment, 5) observations,

28 _siBrilliant Star % JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2012 [Page 29]One LE Es« . m4 a hts bry Wl \ <a in|, Geeative Wie, <a

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Jave you ever delved into a story where the idl characters battle frightening dragons or monsters in raging seas or gloomy caverns? The

heroes need strength, resourcefulness, and even magic to overcome their dangerous challenges.

When you're creating your own story, sometimes the scary creatures can be your own thoughts. You may doubt your talents or feel unprepared. But you have

4

the power to defeat these discouraging demons.

You're full of original visions that only you can bring to life. Every artist has challenges. Try to be patient, let yourself relax, and have fun with your art. Do your best to keep going—you'll improve with experience. When you believe in yourself and your imagination, you can express your creativity in unique and magical ways.

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Pyramids of Perseverance

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Conformity Wn ~ "

JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2012 * Brilliant Star

Bridge of B Balance |

29 [Page 30]“En this wonderful new age, art is wershig.

y ‘The more thou strivest to perfect it,

y | the closer wilt thou come to Ged.” —Abdul-Baha

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a, yet »

www.brilliantstarmagazine.org

Soaring with Creativity * January/February 2012 Vol. 43, No. 6 AN AWARD-WINNING PUBLICATION OF THE NATIONAL SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLY OF THE BAHA'IS OF THE UNITED STATES &

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