Nor Shall She Die
"Let's die, my brothers, or on high
Maintain the flag of liberty
To perish—there's no other way—
Shall it be chains or in the fray ?He who doth hate a captive's chains,
The test of battle ne'er disdains! . . .No more with evil temporize!
Fall, rather than your powers waste!
Stand proudly, do not bend the knee,
Better to die than traitor be!
The morrow will bring victory.Then not in vain shall we see rise
From slumber Ukraine's virile race;
And not in vain in their young eyes
Those old-time fires we shall trace.Perhaps in their good, strong right hands
Will gleam and flash new shining brands.
Long have we been by woes bestead,
A grievous lot our souls doth try,
But let us shout:
‘Ukraine's not dead,
She's not yet dead, nor shall she die!’"
March 01, 2008 | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0) | Permalink
The Girls
"The Girls" were my boys' best friends in Ukraine. They are visiting the States for a little while and were recently at Heather's church. I hope they come to Florida! One of the hardest things about the choices we've made in our lives is how far away so many people are, people who are very dear to us. Email and internet help, but aren't the same.
February 16, 2008 | Comments (5) | TrackBack (0) | Permalink
Razom Nas Bahato
I was surfing around some UkrBlogs and then YouTube, and when watching this version of Razom Nas Bahato, thought I saw Hubby. Look closely around seconds 23-25. See the grey hat guy with a goatee? The quality isn't that great, and Hubby didn't do much chanting. . .so I'm not certain. But Hubby wore that grey knit hat all winter, and in Ukraine, only Americans and Ukrainian pastors had goatees. . .
June 04, 2007 | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0) | Permalink
Ну, погоди!
Memories of Ukraine, just for my boys.
May 12, 2007 | Comments (2) | TrackBack (0) | Permalink
Гагарин, я Вас любила
Гагарин, я Вас любила
Он обернулся простой такой
И белозубый, незнакомый,
Пригладил волосы рукой,
Пока еще не сведен оскомой
Добрый-добрый рот его,
Нежной-нежной щетиной рыжей
Касался, пусть бы был никто,
Прощай, прощай, родной, бесстыжий.Жизнь била, била, да.
Жизнь крыла спалила
Гагарин, я Вас любила.Не знал он после, как долго я
Плыла осколком его медали,
И в спину била его струя,
И жал он молча свои педали.Больно-больно потом упал,
Расшибился. Из-под обломков
Извлек себя и начертал
По фюзеляжу златой иголкой.Жизнь била, била, да.
Жизнь крыла спалила
Гагарин, я Вас любилаКак будто правда, что Млечный Путь
Господь спустил ему на лампасы
Его погоны горят, как ртуть,
Он так прекрасен, что нас колбасит.
Белым светом наполнен он,
Добрый, славный себе смеется,
Душа его, как полигон,
Ему светло и ей поетсяЖизнь била, била, да.
Жизнь крыла спалила
Гагарин, я Вас любила
--Ундервуд
This is one of my favorite pop songs from when we lived in Ukraine. Jen reminded me of it recently, and now I have the words and tune going through my head. The main line is Gagarin, I loved you, referring to cosmonaut Yuri Gagarin. I found the words, but so far I haven't been able to find an online clip of the song. If anyone finds it, will you give me the link?
Listen to "Gagarin" by Underwood here.
April 14, 2007 | Comments (6) | TrackBack (0) | Permalink
Pray for Peace in Ukraine
I don't really know what is going on. . . one of the difficult things about living on this side of the pond.
However, my friend in Kherson e-mailed me to alert me about the political unrest, especially in Kyiv.
It makes me cry. I know that some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we will remember the name of the Lord our God. And though the Lord worked mightily in the winter of '04-'05, still much of that was political and not spiritual--so why am I surprised at the recent events?
More info:
From Neeka
From our friend Dan
From Homeward Bound
April 03, 2007 | Comments (7) | TrackBack (0) | Permalink
Images of Easter in Ukraine
These are some images from my teammate in Ukraine, Little Mrs. Reformed, showing the pysanky and paska that were so common in the this time of year in Ukraine.
April 02, 2007 | Comments (5) | TrackBack (0) | Permalink
Kyiv Memories: From The Window
R7 (when he had just turned 6) is standing on the radiator and looking out of the boys' bedroom window in Kyiv. That flat was on the 15th floor, and provided a great view of the construction of the yellow/triangular-roofed building.
(Kyiv, March 2005)
November 08, 2006 | Comments (2) | TrackBack (0) | Permalink
Only In Ukraine. . .
. . .would you see a campaign ads like this.
March 04, 2006 | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0) | Permalink
*sniffle*
The boys got a book on Ukraine from the library. I got an e-mail from a teammate in Kyiv with greeting from Babushka. I haven't done well in e-mailing our Ukrainian friends.
I'm feeling sad and sentimental and missing Ukraine.
July 21, 2005 | Comments (3) | TrackBack (0) | Permalink
On the Cover of Elle
That's our Yulia! And yes, the women in Ukraine are tall, gorgeous and well-dressed.
(Via Google News)
April 19, 2005 | Comments (2) | TrackBack (0) | Permalink
No, not THAT Orange Ukraine Website
After a meeting yesterday, Hubby and I went to one of our favorite coffee hangouts, the Fashion Cafe. The decor is great, they broadcast fashion shows all day long, they have two walls of English language books for sale, and they have some of the best cappuccino in town.
I was browsing through the business section of the Kyiv Post, when I came across this article,
American firm claims 'key role' in revolutionRock Creek Cooperative says they helped coordinate online media for Orange Revolution, but gov't begs to differ…
Unfortunately, the Kyiv Post has gone back to paid subscription to read many of their articles online, including this one. In the last paragraph, however, our friend Dan at OrangeUkraine blog was mentioned!
Their [Rock Creek Cooperative] Orange Revolution site should not be confused with OrangeUkraine (www.orangeukraine.squarespace.com), a popular blog that teamed up with the Kyiv-based Internet portal Maidan (www.maidan.org.ua) to popularize the non-stop demonstration on Independence Square that began after the second round of presidential elections on Nov. 21.
Way to go, Dan--you're now recognized as the blogging power you are not just around the world, but also locally!
February 12, 2005 | Comments (5) | TrackBack (0) | Permalink
Speeding Lisa
A guy who regularly comments on Hubby's blog e-mailed this week about tonight's Speeding Lisa concert at Art Club 44. It was great. There is just something about good rock'n'roll that is balm to the soul.
They started the set with a rousing rendition of Razom Nas Bagato, but leaving out Ми не бидло, Ми не козли. A bit of whimsy came across in Back in the USSR. The Ukrainian girls behind us went wild for Basket Case and I'm a Believer (during which I couldn't help but think about Joe's recent post and wondering if any seeker-types out there had already fiddled with the lyrics and included it in a church service.)
The rest of the show rocked, and I must say my fave is still Anarchy in the Ukraine. The only thing that could have improved the music would be adding Bullet with Butterfly Wings. *hint, hint*
We saw a few people we knew there, and had a chance to visit with Castor after the show. It was a great night and I don't remember the last time I got home from a date at 3:30 am. Check out Hubby's blog for some pics.
January 29, 2005 | Comments (8) | TrackBack (0) | Permalink
Just Call Me Prime Minister
Yes, our dear Yulia Tymoshenko was appointed Prime Minister today. She'll be confirmed by parliament in mid February.
(Via Kyiv Post)
January 24, 2005 | Comments (4) | TrackBack (0) | Permalink
Yushchenko, Tak!
Victor Yushchenko was inaugurated today.
What a victory for the people of Ukraine! A triumph over corruption!
President Yushchenko with his daughers, Sofia and Krystyna
Photo: AP/Efrem Lukatsky
Via Neeka's Backlog
My Mom wrote to me from Chicago, Today I watched the inauguration of Yuschenko and felt joy for the Ukranians as they sang with their orange scarves bundling hopeful hearts....and felt close to you. . . I am glad you will take home a greater part of history. . .
Both the inauguration and that note made me smile and cry.
More inaugaration photos at Le Sabot, Orange Ukraine, Blog de Connard, and Neeka's Backlog.
January 23, 2005 | Comments (3) | TrackBack (0) | Permalink
The Anti-Yushchenko Fringe
In some corners, people still refuse to accept the validity of the Orange Revolution. They do not want to see that it sprang up from the Ukrainian people themselves. They find comfort, or political advantage, in positing elaborate political conspiracies in an attempt to minimize the truly momentous, peaceful revolution it was.
Those of us who live in Ukraine or intimately understand the region clearly see that the Orange Revolution did come from the hearts of the people of Ukraine.
Over at Le Sabot, Hubby is dialoging with Justin Raimondo of antiwar.com. He's well known for his attacks on basically anything America does. Raimondo's anti-Yushchenko (and anti-Ukraine?) rants are simply grasping at air. Why is it some people seem so set upon seeing machinations and conspiracies instead of appreciating this movement for democracy and true freedom?
If you've heard any of the American money bought the election screeds, you need to go over and read Le Sabot. Be sure to also read Hubby's commentary on Jake Rudnitsky's slapdown of the pro-Yanukovich crowd.
Update: Instapundit gets in on the action: A fly, SWATTED.
Also joining in are BloggledyGook, Fire Ant Gazette, The Senescent Man, The Argus here AND here, and in the comments were Orange Ukraine, Aris Katsaris, Ivan Lenin and Mr. Tom G. Palmer. If I were Justin Raimondo, I think I'd go crawl under a rock. . .
January 04, 2005 | Comments (11) | TrackBack (0) | Permalink
Getting Orange Gear
Dan and Lesya over at Orange Ukraine have taken on the unenviable task of trying to supply Orange Revolution stuff for those outside of Ukraine. They're working out the details.
Get yours while it lasts. Or do the Ukrainian thing, and apply orange liberally and creatively wherever you go, whatever you wear.
January 02, 2005 | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0) | Permalink
Happy New Year!
My boys, getting ready to go down to Independence Square for Yushchenko's inauguration and to welcome in the New Year!
More New Year's photos from Maidan, courtesy of Hubby.
December 31, 2004 | Comments (1) | TrackBack (0) | Permalink
Yushchenko Boys
Yushchenko Boys
These aren't my boys, but my boys would certainly join them in accessorizing with orange ribbons.
Photo from obdymok, thanks to Hello.
December 28, 2004 | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0) | Permalink
The Kathy She Knew
"I met Kathy during the Cold War days, doing rallies and events in support of freedom and democracy for the Soviet bloc. (She loved Ukraine deeply -- to this day most of what I know about Ukrainian culture is what she taught me -- but she cheerfully worked to free all the Captive Nations.) At the time, most people thought the Cold War would go on for decades. Only true believers did the work Kathy did. There was no glory in it; certainly no money (one usually had to supply one's own money) nor prestige. . . . But Kathy wanted Ukraine to be free and she was in the cause because of that love. I can't say I am surprised to see that she is still on the job, because I never met anyone more dedicated to the freedom of her homeland than Kathy.
Amy Ridenour has a great post about when she knew and worked with Kateryna Chumachenko Yushchenko.
Quite a vivid difference from Lyudmilla "And their hands reach out for another orange" Yanukovich.
(Via FeebleKnees)
December 28, 2004 | Comments (2) | TrackBack (0) | Permalink
Yushchenko, Tak!
55.21% Yushchenko!
44.01% Yanukovich
From the Central Election Committee
99.09% of the votes tabulated
Reported at 3:38 p.m.
Watch the celebrations here and here. The boys are going around the flat singing, Yushchenko! Tak! Yushchenko! Tak! Nash president, tak, tak! They're even more excited about Yushchenko's election than they were about Bush's. . . And that's saying something.
December 27, 2004 | Comments (11) | TrackBack (1) | Permalink
The Heart of the Orange Revolution
If you are just starting to follow what is going on in Ukraine, let me help you find the heart of the matter. As our friend Lena wrote,
". . .2 month ago I guessed that I live in the worst country in the world. I was oppressed when I could not see a dignity in my fellow citizens, willingness to freedom and happiness. . . . November, 22 I started to be really proud of my co-citizens. Now I can see that they are not passive mammals who want just to dig comfortable burrow, to generate they own posterity and to finish life in poverty, pretending that there is no another way. Since November, 22 there are not a crowd on the main square of my country. This is the PEOPLE. . . . And now I know for sure that there are a lot of us. But we are not only the force who able to be the opposition to criminals and cads. It can't be enough for me, I think. We are the people in the most exalted and humane sense of this word. And not only number turns us to be the force, but exactly these LOVE, FAITH and HOPE which live in everyone now. . ."
Serhii Rakhmanin writes in the Mirror-Weekly,
"Ukraine has been awaiting this day since 1991, when independence fell to the people’s feet as an overripe fruit from a dried tree. At that time we were not ready to digest it. . . .The number of sincere dreamers was too small. There were too few new heroes to form a new type of elite. The same old people kept their offices, having only modified their rhetoric a bit.We got a new state. . . . Yet it proved insufficient to become a nation.
. . .
We have stood this test to be rewarded with a new generation of people.
We do not want to be disillusioned again. Yet even if it happens, today’s events will be remembered by generations to come."
And please take the time to read Oksana Zabushko's essay on Ukrainian Solidarity.
December 26, 2004 | Comments (4) | TrackBack (1) | Permalink
Election Observers Beaten?
From Ovozrevatel:
Observers shot at in Zaporizhzhya
At polling station №83 of constituency № 215 in Zaporizhzhya an hour ago, observers found a violation of the law, which centered on dozens of applications to vote at home written in the same handwriting. As soon as the observers began to draw a judicial act about the violation, the members of the election commission began to expel them from the polling station by beating them.
The observers, with a video-tape of the violations, tried to leave the constituency. At that time they were shot at. As a result, the driver was wounded near the heart, and was hospitalized.
I hope this early report is an exaggeration of what happened, and I pray the driver and all involved will sustain only minor injuries.
December 26, 2004 | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0) | Permalink
Ukraine Exit Poll Results
the Center for Social Monitoring: YUSCHENKO - 58.1%, YANUKOVYCH - 38.4%
The Razumkov Center: YUSCHENKO - 56.5%, YANUKOVYCH - 41.3%,
The Interfax-Ukraine Exit Poll: YUSCHENKO - 53%, YANUKOVYCH - 41.3%
The Luntz Research Company at the request of ICTV: Yuschenko - 56%, Yanukovych - 41%
Poll numbers courtesy of InterFax.
Note: The polls have been closed for over an hour now. These polling results, to my knowledge, reflect the results from the whole day, not just part of the day (as the misleading Kerry-leading-polling was.)
(Via OrangeUkraine)
December 26, 2004 | Comments (1) | TrackBack (0) | Permalink
Live-Blogging from Kyiv
Dan and Hubby are at Maidan, in the center of Kyiv tonight. Both are live-blogging, posting as regularly as they can in the midst of participating. Keep checking on them throughout the day to see what's really going on here in Ukraine.
Obdymok and Veronica are also updating pretty regularly.
December 26, 2004 | Comments (1) | TrackBack (0) | Permalink
Ukraine Election: Take 3
Today is the election day in Ukraine--the third election in less than two months. And this time, with over 12000 international observers, we all hope that this vote will be held and counted as fairly and accurately as possible.
To keep updated, check out these blogs and news sources:
UkrBlogs, in and out of Kyiv:
Hubby, at Le Sabot
Neeka's Backlog
Orange Ukraine
Foreign Notes
obdymok
Ukraine, Oh My!
LoboWalk
The Argus
Fistful of Euros
Daniel Drezner
The Periscope
SCSU Scholars
A Step at a Time
EuroPhobia
UkrNews in English:
Kyiv Post high integrity
PORA News
Maidan News
Ukraine Now
Ukraine Observer
ObozRevaTel
Mirror Weekly
Google News - Ukraine
EinNews - Ukraine
Hotline News
And, a big thanks to Instapundit, for keeping the Orange Revolution on the minds of his readers. *grin*
December 26, 2004 | Comments (2) | TrackBack (3) | Permalink
Yushchenko / Yanukovich Debate
I didn't watch the debate on Monday. My Ukrainian is rustier than my Russian, and our tv cables aren't working at all. I knew, however, I could rely on Dan to give a summary of Monday nights' Yushchenko / Yanukovich debate.
If you've been listening to Разом нас багато, you might recognize the line Ми не козли or "mi nye kozli." We're not goats!
Yanukovich called the protesters who had gathered in Independence Square, one of the foulest names in this culture. Here's my favorite part of the debate:
"Are you ready to apologize to the ten million active opposition supporters for calling them 'goats'?" asked Yuschenko. "I mean, maybe you could say they're only ten million, but they're still Ukrainians.""I called them goats in the biblical sense, in the sense of betrayers," answered Yanukovych, which made Yushchenko laugh. . ."
Read Dan's thorough debate commentary here.
December 22, 2004 | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0) | Permalink
Orange Revolution Accessories
As Disco says, When you revolutionize--accessorize!
December 21, 2004 | Comments (6) | TrackBack (1) | Permalink
Ukraine Bits and Pieces
Today is the last day to bid on Angel's Tak Oranges original painting with proceeds going to charity. Even if you don't buy it, click on the link and be inspired by the story and photos of the creative process.
Dan warns about some money-for-Ukraine scams and has a list of solid MSM articles about what's going on here.
Check out this brand-spankin' new blog, originating from Kyiv. Little Miss wonders, Is Yushchenko Really a Believer?
Ukrainian politics--it's not about the Left or the Right. . . To borrow Disco's phrase, it's a mix of politico-economic tribalism and Pragmatic Kleptocracy. Read more.
Foreign Notes writes more about the US money that was involved in the Ukrainian election. My take? If US money wasn't involved, then it should have been. . ..
And wow, I'm flattered! Included in the same category as the Big Daddies, like Instapundit and Atrios. *blush, blush*
December 14, 2004 | Comments (4) | TrackBack (0) | Permalink
So You Want To Spend Christmas in Ukraine?
I've been looking for this information, and only just now have it, thanks to Dan. The desired deadline is past, but I don't think it's too late to contact them about being involved as an Election Observer. The following is from Orange Ukraine:
Continue reading "So You Want To Spend Christmas in Ukraine?"
December 14, 2004 | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0) | Permalink
Yushchenko's Poisoning
While it's old news that Yushchenko has been poisoned, today the Ukrainian Rada re-opened investigations.
Nikita Demosthenes has written extensively about Yuschenko's poisoning and chloracne. Read here and here.
December 13, 2004 | Comments (2) | TrackBack (0) | Permalink
From the Archives. . .
Hubby has some of my favorite photos that capture Kyiv in his archives.
From our kitchen window during our first winter in Kyiv.
December 13, 2004 | Comments (2) | TrackBack (0) | Permalink
Orange Revolution Timeline
Thanks to the Kyiv Post, here's a Timeline of the Orange Revolution.
December 10, 2004 | Comments (0) | TrackBack (1) | Permalink
From Georgia
"When a person knows freedom, they want other people to be free."
(via Le Sabot)
December 09, 2004 | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0) | Permalink
Ukraine Update
The Tent City will remain through the run-up to the Ukrainian elections on December 26th, but the protests are more low key, now. Orange ribbons are still seen everywhere throughout the city, as people return to a more normal rhythm of life. Things are not "over" but definitely have shifted focus.
Activism has shifted from protest mode to campaign mode. Dan at Orange Ukraine has the scoop on Yushchenko's campaign strategies.
Wikipedia has expanded to include a new section--WikiNews. I think this has great potential, depending on how it's executed. Here's their news page on the Ukraine Political Crisis. (Via EuroPhobia)
Hubby has some new photos up along with news and analysis.
Things are so hopeful!
December 09, 2004 | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0) | Permalink
Going, going, gone. . .
As I post this, there are only four hours left to bid on this painting inspired by the Orange Revolution. All proceeds will go to charity.
Update from Angel:
Hi! I have terrific news!!!!!! Thanks to the auction $217.50 will be donated for the people on the square! Here is a bit of the email from the winning bidder:
Angel,I'm looking forward to receiving your painting (saw it on tulipgirl.com). My wife and I are moving to Kiev for work next spring and the painting will be going with us.
Thanks to all who bid in support of Ukraine!
December 07, 2004 | Comments (7) | TrackBack (0) | Permalink
Who's Doing What in Kyiv
Neeka has been spending time with Crimean Tatars.
And Scotthas met the Egg Guy.
Dan and Lesya have been down at the tent city, "They'll easily make it until the 26th." They participated in a multi-religious rally and prayer time. Hubby also has photos illustrating the support the revolution has among the religious.
Maidan reports just how close things came to military force on November 28th.
Hubby has been in the center tonight. Keep checking his blog for updates.
And, on a personal note, our local grocery store has been out of eggs for about a week. It puts a cramp in my plans to make Christmas cookies with the boys. I'm curious whether it is related to the strike, which I am willing to forego eggs to support. Or, if it is simply a breakdown in the distribution system for this chain. It's been known to happen even without a revolution going on--in October toilet paper was out of stock for two weeks. . .
December 07, 2004 | Comments (1) | TrackBack (1) | Permalink
Orange Babushka
This is one of my favorite photos of Ukraine, ever.
Hubby has a whole slew of new photos up.
December 06, 2004 | Comments (8) | TrackBack (1) | Permalink
And Reagan Should Know. . .
"Evil is powerless ... If the good are unafraid."
December 03, 2004 | Comments (9) | TrackBack (0) | Permalink
Just In -- Supreme Court Has Ruled!
Our friends Lena and Seryozha just came over. At 5:58 the Supreme Court decision was read. The Supreme Court has ruled that:
1. The election from November 21 is invalid.
2. There will be another run-off election, between Yushchenko and Yanukovich.
3. The election will be held before the end of December.
We were all jumping up and down and so excited. This decision is wonderful and right. And honestly, I am so happy and amazed at how things are turning out. We're celebrating!
As soon as I find this from an English news source, I'll provide a link.
Update: Here's the story from the Kyiv Post Some excerpts:
Ukraine's Supreme Court on Friday invalidated the official results of the disputed presidential runoff election and ruled that a repeat vote must be held.
Presiding Judge Anatoliy Yarema said the rerun should be held by Dec. 26.
. . .
The court's ruling is binding and cannot be overturned.
Yushchenko has pushed for a quick rerun of the runoff, saying it may come as early as Dec. 19. He has rejected outgoing President Leonid Kuchma's call for a completely new election, which was widely seen as a bid to field a new candidate more popular than Yanukovych.
Tens of thousands of opposition protesters who had massed in central Independence Square (Maidan Nezalezhnosti) in anticipation of the decision cheered, waving blue-and-yellow Ukrainian and orange Yushchenko flags and chanting "Yushchenko! Yushchenko!" The crackle of fireworks could be heard in the distance.
. . .
"This is a great victory of all people who have been standing at the square, a great victory for Ukrainian democracy," said Mykola Katerinchuk, the Yushchenko lawyer who wrote the appeal.
Read the rest here.
Update: Read the text of the decision at obdymok.
December 03, 2004 | Comments (12) | TrackBack (1) | Permalink
Online Translator
Update! Thanks to Paul, here's an online Ukrainian/English translator!
For those who are trying to dig a bit deeper to understand what is going on in Ukraine and want first source material, I recommend this internet auto-translator. You still have to gist and guess a bit, but it's the one I use. Unfortunately, it's only Russian/English. I still haven't found a reliable Ukrainian/English online translator
Update: How cool is this? I just went to use the online translator to prepare vocab words for a class, and there's an orange Tak! banner at the top of the page! *grin*
December 02, 2004 | Comments (4) | TrackBack (0) | Permalink
Ukraine Backgrounder
One of the best overviews I've seen for Ukraine's history and politics is at Wikipedia.
Also check out:
Wikipedia: Ukraine
Wikipedia: Verkhovna Rada
Ukraine Constitution in English
Ukraine History Timeline
Map of Ukraine
Three Language Map
And, if you can get to a library or bookstore, Borderland: A Journey Through the History of Ukraine by Anna Reid is a very moving and readable history of Ukraine.
(Especially for Helena. *grin*)
December 02, 2004 | Comments (6) | TrackBack (1) | Permalink