WISER, MISS TWEET BLUE PEARL

Polly put the kettle on to boil

2012-01-23T08:58:00.003+03:00

"Pour me out some sparkling somethings, 1 part faith, 2 parts of bold happiness, one quart optimistic giggles, a whole lot honeyed self esteem topped with sprinkled loving trust" she says, "there'll be no tempests in my teapot, today, thank you very much. I have decided insanity is closer to fantasy darling, it is what keeps my heart fluttering and me sipping tea out of a saucer on a spinning checkerboard balancing on cup swirling confidence"

I am pollyanna today!

*Pollyana defintion: an excessively or blindly optimistic person [Wiki]

The madhatter

2012-01-22T09:44:00.000+03:00

is futterwacken-ing in my mind...a breath of fantasy clouds my judgement.

Love thy Rooster

2012-01-17T09:49:00.003+03:00

Abu Hurairah (RA) narrated that the Prophet (SAW) said: 'When you hear a rooster crowing, then ask Allah for His bounties, for it has seen an angel, and when you hear a donkey braying, then seek refuge in Allah from Shaitan, for it has seen a Shaitan'

[Sahih al-Bukhari, Muslim]

Definition of stress

2012-01-16T13:13:00.004+03:00

...when your nerves start flowering...

Scribbling through

2012-01-13T23:11:00.001+03:00

300 posts, 80 followers, 3 years blogging| My beautiful mother turned 60 - yes, I surprised her| High tea at the Westcliff hotel in cloudy rainy Johannesburg| Merlin season 4 and desperate housewives season 8 gets the thumbs up | Gluten free au gratin for dinner - turned out perfect | Aura by Swarovski - amazing perfume | Kodak family moment - playing bowling, all of us, having a silly funny genuine time | the weekend filler - playing sims | self realization - I'm finally getting wiser :) Have a great time doing whatever you're doing!

Perspective | أَلَا بِذِكْرِ اللَّهِ تَطْمَئِنُّ الْقُلُوبُ

2012-01-13T10:45:00.000+03:00

Donate 2 dollars today, after jummah salaat, either to the street cleaner, the beggar, the fuel attendant or any needy person and feel your heart illuminate with warmth and satisfaction!

I am change

2011-12-26T10:29:00.000+03:00

YOU serve as an example for everyone you touch!

Sweet somethings

2011-12-20T08:51:00.000+03:00

a phone is not your life ...

while you spend your time away on it,

life is busy passing you by!

CHOOSE sunshine over a stiff neck

Qatar national day

2011-12-18T13:52:00.000+03:00

BluePearl (c)

It's National Day! Have fun! If you in Qatar, take a look at the events here, for where it's all happening

Happy National Day Qatar

2011-12-14T19:08:00.000+03:00

Ask a child his dream and he'll tell it to you with such hope and belief...the future leaders have spoken!

Wordling through

2011-12-01T23:32:00.001+03:00

Enjoying the rainy dark cosy gray winter days | Congratulations to the UAE on 40 years | The Arab games commence in Doha 9-23 December | casa del gelato blueberry yoghurt ice cream is outstandingly yummy | reading your great posts and loving them| and satisfied that need to have hinna... Have a lovely weekend

Childish me

2011-11-24T10:57:00.001+03:00

There are many pages in my work notepad that have drawings. Ever since I been in school, I just had to draw while listening to the teacher preach. Its passed on to University and work.

This is yesterday's crazy art from one of my meetings... and crazy only because there's no thought behind the drawings - just circles, squares, lots of flowers and sometimes hands like this, when I am thinking of 7nna.

Have a great weekend!
*Much Love

Oh no, blue pearl

2011-11-22T17:28:00.001+03:00

Driving home this afternoon, or what seemed like evening with the dusty skyline ambience, I felt like I made a U turn...you know the part where you unconsciously believe that you know everything until the day comes when you don't, well today was that day. As I wondered why my mother always seems to get it right, it hit me I miss my best friend without whose comfort my days these days all feel like u turn's. It's true we take our loved ones for granted and it's only when they leave we realize what they mean to us! Oh no blue pearl, قصاد عيني، في كل مكان

Ice breaker

2011-11-21T12:05:00.001+03:00

The ability to laugh at life's insanities is what helps us connect with people on such a rich and fulfilling level.

Create a space in your calendar for spontaneity, fun & laughter!

Come, tell me the funny in your day?

Small miracles

2011-10-11T08:05:00.002+03:00

وَلِلَّهِ مَا فِي السَّمَاوَاتِ وَمَا فِي الْأَرْضِ ۚ وَإِلَى اللَّهِ تُرْجَعُ الْأُمُورُ

And to Allah belongs all that is in the heavens and all that is in the earth. And all matters go back (for decision) to Allah.

This verse brought such comfort to my heart today!

Golden polish

2011-10-01T08:57:00.000+03:00

He who wishes to secure the good of others, has already secured his own

Stepping out of the shadows

2011-09-25T19:02:00.000+03:00

A satellite is making its way to earth - "will it crash on my house?" he says. Who cares? On my end of the world I'm just relishing in the great exchange rate courtesy of the European market depression. I know Obama is on top of his debt crisis introducing a millionaire tax and Dubai - well it just launched its own online Apple store. Further away Tim Cook has a ring on the 4th of October for the launch of IPhone 5 and some kid just tantrum'ed up a storm over not getting the latest Wii game while another could not decide between chocolate or vanilla ice cream and mom, well she's busy checking if she'll have enough for those new shoes she has her eye on.

How quaint - the contentment in our little bubbles makes the world so sweet and nothing else matters except that our little world is part of a bigger picture called reality that includes a child dying every 6 minutes in Somalia, coral reefs dying through pollution and polar bears suffering from human induced global warming. When I sat down to write this post this evening, my mind was held hostage by my heart, begging the question, "what is it going to take to make these glaring wrongs a little bit better?" Well it comes down to this question - can we give up on a luxury for our closet in return for a life? If we can we just made a difference. You do not have to spend a fortune on charity nor does charity mean money alone. Where money falls short you can do volunteer work by visiting shelters and giving time - that good deed that is done consistently no matter how small or big is loved by Allah. All it takes is you - so go on put a smile on someones face today.

Watch this video

Latest coverage

To help with the East Africa crisis or any of the other world crisis, please visit Islamic Relief where you can donate online

Thought of the day

2011-09-23T11:27:00.000+03:00

Truth is precision however a lie gets halfway around the world before truth has a chance to put its pants on. [Winston Churchill]

...Even if you're alone in war, fight with truth for fear of Allah

Sweet

2011-09-22T09:22:00.000+03:00

Today the office cleaner surprised Zee and I with hand picked flowers - he left us shy and smiling over his sweet gesture. I was really humbled by it.

تبسمك في وجه أخيك صدقة، وأمرك بالمعروف صدقة ونهيك عن المنكر صدقة، وإرشادك الرجل في أرض الضلال لك صدقة، ونصرك الرجل الرديء البصر لك صدقة، وإماطتك الحجر والشوك العظم عن الطريق لك صدقة

To smile in the company of your brother is charity. To command to do good deeds and to prevent others from doing evil is charity. To guide a person in a place where he can not get astray is charity. To remove troublesome things like thorns and bones from the road is charity. To pour water from your jug into the jug of your brother is charity. To guide a person with defective vision is charity for you.

To my little guy

2011-09-18T12:55:00.002+03:00

My baby boy Ben10,

Happy 8th birthday

I am sorry I am not there today to sing you happy birthday and cut through your gluten free cake but I am thinking of you and still remember the first day I met you. Since then you just been amazing me, like the other day teaching me maths over the phone and asking me "So what news do you have for me?" or just watching you read to me or when I am about to leave how you hold onto me and tell me, "Wait, I have something to tell you, I love you".

I just can't believe how big you've gotten and pray that Allah will always keep you this amazing and pure, inshallah. Can't wait to play Donkey Kong again *kisses* & *love*

*Ben10 is my eldest nephew - he really is more of a friend in my mind, I miss him more on days like this.

What can change in a day?

2011-09-15T07:34:00.000+03:00

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Pearl drops

2011-09-14T09:06:00.000+03:00

I can be who I want to be if I just give myself a chance

Less is more

2011-09-07T10:19:00.000+03:00

It's about time

2011-07-10T11:23:00.006+03:00

After taking stock of life as is, I realised that in creating that fundamental balance I so often speak about, I needed to make changes. To start of with (ranging from two months to current), I got rid of my laptop, additional e-mail accounts, cut down on blogging and de-cluttered my home. The only interaction with obvious technologies is my Iphone, my TV and PC at work. Even in the car, I shifted from listening to music in the morning to Quran podcasts - it's left me feeling alot more calmer in my days.

These smalls changes have added mass loads of time on to my weekends which I have now actively used towards doing things that I almost neglected like cooking better meals (instead of quick meals), taking walks in the evenings (instead of sitting with my laptop), making time to actually smile and enjoy life instead of stressing.

The next big thing is about me and where I want to be in life. I'm busy re-analyzing my time here in Doha versus going back home. On my much awaited upcoming trip back home, I hope to actually filter out a mental answer, inshallah. After being in Doha for 3 years, it is no doubt a big decision which will take a while - I'll be sure to keep you all updated. I have this dream about how much better I would live my life no matter where I am - its all about freedom, happiness and serenity with no complications and materialism.

The last thing is, I'd like to wish you all a wonderful Shabaan and even better Ramadaan. I don't foresee myself posting much anymore but I am enjoying catching up on some of your blogs whenever I can.

"Never, never, be afraid to do what’s right, especially if the well-being of a person or animal is at stake. Society’s punishments are small compared to the wounds we inflict on our soul when we look the other way. "Martin Luther King, Jr.

Much love:)

This fine life

2011-06-08T08:59:00.010+03:00

A Stylish blogger award from Muslim Women Exposed.

I do so love your blog, dear Zarina as it is real, familiar, full of great Islamic content. I respect you for the great Muslim women you are, el7umdulilla!

I normally shy away from doing these 7 things, but I think this time I'll tell you something:

(1) I am one of those people who thinks faster than she types and very very often you will find typing errors in my writings, only because I have left my bad habit unattended to. Perhaps I enjoy that error as I know its mines.

(2) I am intrigued by mystery, fantasy, debate and intellect - I'm drawn to it like a magnet.

(3) I am analyst by profession and an observer by personality.

(4) I love roses, clouds, laughing, butterflies, birds, pandas, chocolate cake, pink, velvet, kindness, strawberries, pens, gadgets, postcards, family, trinket boxes, vases, candles, blue, perfume, black, 7nna, art, orphans, mozaics, mirrors, blueberries, evening skies, walks on the beach, lofts, children, cheesecake, sand in my feet, rugs, & rings.

(5) I love shoes but I prefer being bare foot.

(6) I hate conformity, I hate rules - I love to be free.

(7) I am taking a break from blogging but I'll be around reading your blogs & commenting.

Pass it on:

Rose water

TeaCoffeeParty

Styled Modesty

Bitten by an Arab bug

Hijabi and the city

Blue Abaya

Happy Muslimah

Much love*

Get aboard, ye scallywags

2011-06-07T12:19:00.011+03:00

What can be better than Jack Sparrow's deep piratical voice, scavenger adventurous antics,his somewhat questionable motives which had me in a selfish consumed twist over the Stranger tides launch and no matter how slow paced the movie was, it was the utter fulfilment after the long wait ? What can be better than sipping iced coconut water with cold lychee under sunshine filled brimmed hat days? What can be better than live tv coming to Xbox 360 or for heavens sake just what can be better than watching the last episode of Desperate Housewives Season 7 ?

None other than very thing that stole the limelight since yesterday making glaring headlines today, the very thing that hello'ed twitter in, kicked Facebook out and gave Amazon and Google some dusty food for thought smoothing out airplay with some mirroring and nunchucked Blackberry messaging with Imessages, as if RIM is not suffereing enough with Apple and Google competition, and still not leaving any lessoned love for Cloud lovers...Yeah you guessed it, Apple iOS5 is here partnered with the launch of iCloud. iClouds data center looks amazing built to handle the super streaming of the century and bearing in mind that Itunes eats up approximately 63% of the digital download market, this hot fascinating new trend is set to leave its competitors with lashing summers while Iphone lovers relish in the new stack up of apps to play with.

I'd say Summer just got more interesting and well when fall gets here, you will definitely hear the ball drop over iPhone5, for its counterparts atleast!

The most precious thing in my life

2011-06-07T09:30:00.000+03:00

On consistency

2011-06-04T15:32:00.008+03:00

وَإِنِّي لَغَفَّارٌ لِّمَن تَابَ وَآمَنَ وَعَمِلَ صَالِحًا ثُمَّ اهْتَدَىٰ

(82) And verily, I am indeed forgiving to him who repents, believes (in My Oneness, and associates none in worship with Me) and does righteous good deeds, and then remains constant in doing them, (till his death)

And the winners of May's Blue Pearl Awards are:

1. Xenia - Miss Socialite, every post with inspiration

2. Ati Miss Affectionate, you proved challenges can be overcome

3. El Shahlab - Mr Authentic, not afraid to report it like it is

4. IamFarsilla - Miss Fellowship, like a buzzing bee spreading cheerfulness around

Waiting to be found

2011-05-30T12:15:00.008+03:00

" Locked in pillowed satin ends of its trinket box, is a pearl that can only be seen through nucleus eyes...if you should find it, hope that your sanity will permit the insomniac mysterious uncovering in it's every entirety "

From 4 degrees, brown suede'd boot, hot chocolate and chenille'd evenings to 37 degreed ice tea days, 24 hours later, I'd say its bound to have some affect on my body's biology but what the heck, whilst it acclimates, I relish in the savoured memories of good old fashioned family times with lots of noise and warmth that braced me over the last few days.

From meeting the youngest member of my family (Ben10's little brother) clad in a red winter jumpsuit bearing the sneakiest resemblance to the Teletubbies, getting a smiling nod from the little fellow after engaging him in some baby talk, surprising Ben10 who had no idea I was coming, warm coffee and shopping trips with mom, bon fire barbecue get together evenings to Princess Arial, who bunked with me and needless to say that while most princesses need to sleep to preserve the aged tale of sleeping beauty my niece found comfort in waking me up at 6 in the morning, just to talk! Yes i was awake by the time the sixth and seventh question came along...she was very ready to pack her bags and come to Qatar too only dad stopped her en-route airport. Enough of that Missy and some ice cream sundae worked its magic.

it was all just awesome without a minute wasted and each taking their time to make me smile and enjoy my short stay!
Just Precious, they are:)

Everything has a season

2011-05-16T20:31:00.005+03:00

Over the next 2 weeks I'll be busy at work and doing some personal travelling so I am not sure if i'll have much time to keep up with blogger but i'll try my best. If not, know i'll be back soon, inshallah. And considering that blogger is behaving mysteriously, I'd say my timing is perfect.

If any of you would like to chat, please e-mail me at bluepearlfun@gmail.com

*much love

The art of being sincere

2011-05-15T11:47:00.003+03:00

Beastly as it is, our beauty is not in our faces that age over time, it is in our hearts where the trueness of us resides which is realised in the eyes of the beholder. These days goodness is becoming a rare find with a loss of pure minded people, etiquette, goodness and just plain old sharing and caring.

It seems that when you show kindness, love and goodly hearty acts it is not well received and often questioned for its motives. The true art of sincerity means you have to always be consistent and know that your reward lies with Allah. We have the ability to do good - if we wrong then we have repentance, an honourable blessing bestowed upon us by Allah, so that we may start over again.

Volume 1, Book 2, Number 49:

Narrated An-Nu'man bin Bashir:

I heard Allah's Apostle saying, 'Both legal and illegal things are evident but in between them there are doubtful (suspicious) things and most of the people have no knowledge about them. So whoever saves himself from these suspicious things saves his religion and his honor. And whoever indulges in these suspicious things is like a shepherd who grazes (his animals) near the Hima (private pasture) of someone else and at any moment he is liable to get in it. (O people!) Beware! Every king has a Hima and the Hima of Allah on the earth is His illegal (forbidden) things. Beware! There is a piece of flesh in the body if it becomes good (reformed) the whole body becomes good but if it gets spoilt the whole body gets spoilt and that is the heart.[Sahih Bukhari]

Beastly

2011-05-14T13:31:00.002+03:00

It's all in the eyes, never the face. The eyes are the doors to our heart. I wont say much more than watch this movie.

Watch the full movie here

Any excuse to have cake

2011-05-14T10:28:00.000+03:00

So this week, I had very good news from a very dear friend & blogger, Crafty Muslimah - she e-mailed to let me know she tied the knot. My dear darling, not only could I sense you blushing in your e-mail but I am so fulfilled on your behalf to hear that you got married. I have this song in my head that Mae played for me recently - its a song from an egyptian movie where the bride sings a song saying "Finally I got married" Wallah the song is just marvelous and so appropriate that I would play it now only I don't know the title... but I am going to ask Mae for the YouTube link and post it soon. I pwomise!

And then there's my dear darling Rose water who is celebrating her birthday today. I wish you only the best for your special day. Don't study too much, cut some cake, laugh, cheer and scream as loud as you can (just to open up the lungs) and oh just imagine me singing "Happy Birthday to you" *grin*

So everyone join me in wishing these two lovely woman all the best and help yourself to some virtual cake and tea.

Okay now I am so done posting especially after waiting forever for blogger to start up again.

Im going to have real some green tea:)

Have a wonderful weekend.

Much love*

On my henna

2011-05-10T10:28:00.005+03:00

I got some henna done on Tuesday - before it fades too much, I thought I would share it with you.

Numbers & tags

2011-05-09T13:54:00.005+03:00

1487 comments - thank you | 257 posts - wow!| 70 amazing followers - I appreciate you |9 May - there are always signals in my head on this day but I have no idea why. Strangely cute. |5 crazy gorgeous nieces and nephews who wished me a happy mother's day, I love them | 47 degrees - today's expected high for Doha's temperature | 5 new blogs that you should visit - The Hijab Girl, Juillet & bleu, Khimar Kouture, Poet Named Fida, glitter & dreams |2 cute panda babies - take a look here | 4 expected aching months left for the Iphone 5 launch | 350 northern right whale (Eubalena glacialis) only left in the world | 10 things you can do to help preserve wildlife - click here | 60,000 thoughts run through an average person's mind each day - 56,400 are about ourselves | 3 easy steps to newcomer, doodle - check it out here & finally | 1 lovely butterfly award - thank you IamFarsilla

To tell you of something me: I am a "Pirates of the Caribbean" fan so you can imagine the personal hype in the run up to the release of "Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides" which happens on the 20th May' 11...only 11 days to go. Can Hardly Wait!

In keeping with the tradition, I am passing on this award to:

Bosnish Muslimah, The sparkle of a smile, TeaCoffeeParty, Hijabi and the City, Rationality, Xenia, Ria, Happy Muslim Mama, Mustika

Have a great week guys!

Dark chocolate days

2011-05-05T14:50:00.011+03:00

There are things we read this week that left us confused, perhaps a touch of ignorance portrayed in humaneness which perhaps we swallowed down with some tea and an afternoon chuckle, then there are other things in contradiction to the former that has slowly showcased a revolutionary shift towards pluralism and self-expression. The need for balance between modernity and faith has found a platform and is being entertained because of a lack of fairness and good leaders. Had faith anything to do with anything we would have hoped our life to be grounded in it and we would have ousted leaders for beneficial humane change threaded in traditional cultural religious standards instead of westernized ones. Over time, not even chocolate cake will take away the after taste of that transition.

But let me not ponder to far off politically as when moulded into context why care about the next, right? We live our life in isolation and since it happens everyday lets leave alone the nascency saga's, grandiose weddings, rare tornadron days, and rather choose selfishness just this once.

On the topic of selfishness, if we ever wanted to let a loved one know how we feel but we held back because of circumstances that prevailed, walked away finding some false hope like a little stumble which we let slip and decided that happiness of the other was more important, then we did the right thing, scoring one for kindness. Too much of our life we spend saying things to others (whom we love) and then when everything is okay, we wonder if we could have saved the harsh words. It is better to let something be, silently, to allow the ones we love to live choke free and happily. It is not a matter what we want that it is important but rather understanding that we can't have everything our way and just letting go off the unnecessary minors once in a while allows the inklings of goodness to stick around.

Moving on, it's Mother's day on Sunday and while I tried hard to be with mines this weekend, circumstances have it that I will be spending another weekend without my loved ones. For those of you who have your mother around or just your family members for that matter, embrace them, love them, appreciate them and know that you're really fortunate. After all, you could be in my position, alone most of the time and when weekends come around, it is only your patience that keeps you sane on what seems like never-ending dark chocolate days!

أَلَمْ يَرَوْا إِلَى الطَّيْرِ مُسَخَّرَاتٍ فِي جَوِّ السَّمَاءِ مَا يُمْسِكُهُنَّ إِلَّا اللَّهُ ۗ إِنَّ فِي ذَ‌ٰلِكَ لَآيَاتٍ لِّقَوْمٍ يُؤْمِنُونَ ٧٩

79 Do they not see the birds held (flying) in the midst of the sky? None holds them but Allah [none gave them the ability to fly but Allah]. Verily, in this are clear Ayat (proofs and signs) for people who believe (in the Oneness of Allah). [Surah an Nahl]

Have a great weekend!

April BluePearl Award winners

2011-05-02T14:13:00.006+03:00

SomalianArabPrincess

You always find time to visit everyones blog and leave sweet messages. In your own blog, you not only offer humor so naturally my dear Naz but you also touch on topics close to your heart, many of them concerning your arab roots.

Yara

Your blog is a source of energy with words that speak to the heart.

Fruitful Fusion

I love your unique, creative ideas. For a while I thought you disappeared but its so good to have you back.

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ Sσrℓisค ...

I found your blog recently but love your take on life especially through your photography.

Mabrook & thank you making a difference!

Leading by example

2011-05-01T11:46:00.008+03:00

If I should let this pen write, it would never stop considering the countless thoughts my mind holds each minute. But perhaps the miracle of my persona is that in my writings, there are secret doors that sometimes exude of sarcasm. It is the mystery that makes the read worthwhile. Some may understand it at first glance while others may just pass it by for what its contents hold. If everything was written up on the chalkboard, we would have all been A students.

There was no one more sarcastic at school, as me, as I was called "Miss know it all" which often clashed dramatically with my noisy playful character that earned many ruler slashes (on the hand of course). Many a time, I was brought to the front of the class to teach the rest of the lesson as a punishment. A teacher once said, "Don't aim to be a clown so much, rather aim higher to where you belong. The secret outcome of great students is their ability to listen and understand."

It is harder to achieve dreams she says, the holder of painful shins, the scars of gym this week. Alas if we do not reach out over an above expectation, then dreams will stay piped. Kate never thought, as a little girl, she would one day have a fairy tale wedding becoming the envy of others but she did because she probably wished it in a dream once upon a time and just believed in it, silently, ever since. Perhaps the charm, pure nobility, fairy taled wedding ensemble left me too even feeling ever so feather toed and dreamy of my own, one day. A dress like that can in itself cause tremendous upheaval in the feminine nous spurring desire.

Perhaps walking in her shoes, now though, means many are waiting for a stumble, while others, especially little ladies are hoping to be her. After endless leadership training back in the day, the concept that stuck like glue was "leading by example". Its reference not poised at corporate attitude alone but it extension lies in how we personally portray ourselves in the public eye.

As if getting in my car spotting a little scene across the road, offered some perspective, (Hold the bus...What? Yeah Yeah I know but I am a desperate housewives fan after all..), the thought of who we are as a named person, as a community member, as a muslim, as gender would have it, as a professional, as a family member and perhaps many other roles we each offer, is what makes us and the others that grow in our shadows.

The father who raises a son to follows his antics, the one who pulls up in a phantom, is envied by the valet, the one who went out looking to earn some money, ends up envying the one in a suit and the housewive who is home waiting for her husband to return envies the one who spends their time with him all day. Yes, leading by example is not as simple as it resolves to be, it is an act of constant scrutiny by anyone hoping to follow in its footsteps.

Just ask Hitler - equally hated and loved but alas he revived the economy post the depression following WWI leaving many still quoting him today. "Nazism took root in the world's most powerful scientific culture, boasting half of the world's Nobel Prizes and a sizable fraction of the world's patents. German science and medicine were the envy of the world, and it was to Germany — the "land of scholars and poets" — that many academic hopefuls flocked to cut their scientific teeth." [Source] ...And yet the very same leader who sparked off WWII. "Example is not the main thing in influencing others. It is the only thing." [Albert Schweitzer]

Winning

2011-04-20T00:00:00.001+03:00

While watching Desperate Housewives Season 6, Episode 18 last night, I was very touched by the ending. There is an important lesson in it all for us - I have shared the video here so you might extract that lesson too! PS: Gaby and Susan are trying to both make their children win a school candy selling competition.

Please watch all the way to end to understand it.

Pink diamond

2011-04-19T10:58:00.003+03:00

Zingara memoirs

2011-04-18T14:07:00.032+03:00

This mask (below) is a wallpaper but an actual one sits on my dresser at home. It comes from the memoirs of my life and today on siting this wallpaper for my IPhone it rang bells of that day at Madame' Zingara's , the Grande Dame of burlesque... a gypsy team dinner at the famous travelling circus, 4 years ago. It was perhaps one of the most spectacular dress up dinner shows I have attended, next to Fantasia (Phuket, Thailand). Pure enchantment and captivation for anyone who enters into her magical world.

www.madamezingara.com : a chocolate chilli steak, that was my dinner that evening, halal of course. Just divine!

There is something about fantasy, mystery, dinner entertainment evenings and the magical fairy tale connection that lies between them that really engages me to want to be apart of it. I can enthuse myself for hours on fantasy and fairy tales...perhaps because fantasy offers happiness behind every door.

"Man is least himself when he talks in his own person. Give him a mask, and he will tell you the truth." Oscar Wilde

April awakenings

2011-04-17T14:28:00.017+03:00

We do not exist to make good the material of the world, We do not exist to make rich our own pockets, We do not exist nor have the right to hurt or revenge, We do not exist to stand on pedestals nor rob someone of their future but...We exist to believe in one God, to forgive were forgiveness is sought, to help where it is needed, to give of what we earn be it as a gift or to an orphan, to seek knowledge from the cradle to the grave, to talk as little as possible, to teach a good thing, to shelter our beloved, to respect no matter superiority or inferiority, to let go or be without what we can not have, we exist to repent for we are humans who are prone to error & to make a good difference in everything we do, say & touch.

We exist simply to be good-hearted, patient & appreciative!

1. "The simplicity of us is in the mind and while its execution comes from the heart, it is only visible in the silent offerings of our kindly actions."

2. "It is up to you whether you forget, but it totally unacceptable not to forgive."

3. "We were without pride at birth, but we acquired it because of our lavish needs"

4. "The kindest of people never let you know much but they leave you touched by their actions"

"O 'Ibadi (My slaves) who have transgressed against themselves (by committing evil deeds and sins)! Despair not of the Mercy of Allah: verily, Allah forgives all sins.Truly He is Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful. [Surah-Az-Zumar]"

The perfect thought

2011-04-16T11:57:00.003+03:00

BluePearl (c)

لَهُ مُعَقِّبَاتٌ مِّن بَيْنِ يَدَيْهِ وَمِنْ خَلْفِهِ يَحْفَظُونَهُ مِنْ أَمْرِ اللَّهِ ۗ إِنَّ اللَّهَ لَا يُغَيِّرُ مَا بِقَوْمٍ حَتَّىٰ يُغَيِّرُوا مَا بِأَنفُسِهِمْ ۗ وَإِذَا أَرَادَ اللَّهُ بِقَوْمٍ سُوءًا فَلَا مَرَدَّ لَهُ ۚ وَمَا لَهُم مِّن دُونِهِ مِن وَالٍ ١١

(11) For him (each person), there are angels in succession, before and behind him. They guard him by the Command of Allah. Verily! Allah will not change the (good) condition of a people as long as they do not change their state (of goodness) themselves (by committing sins and by being ungrateful and disobedient to Allah). But when Allah wills a people's punishment, there can be no turning back of it, and they will find besides Him no protector.

[Surah-Ar-Rad]

Fighting the age

2011-04-14T19:48:00.002+03:00

"The woman who follows the crowd will usually go no further than the crowd. The woman who walks alone is likely to find herself in places no one has ever been before." [Albert Einstein]

In the gloom of this day, while searching for a rainbow, there is a thought in the scenery of my day that often taunts me. It does not come from the degradation of nature, nor from the passing rain but it comes from the changing society, the people who are the custodians of nature. Mannerisms or etiquette (أدب) is a word that is vaguely present these days and if we are unable to honour ourselves, how will we bring out the best in others?

When I was growing up, my mother always insisted, a lady can only call herself a lady if she possessed good etiquette presented within the norms of culture. She insisted that as a lady we should always be willing, kind, soft, patient and elegant. When sitting down to dinner it is absolutely necessary that you maintain your usual seat, when serving your guest you should approach and deliver from and with the right or for that matter when sitting for salaat that you leave your pride and perfume behind; only a smile, your heart and clean clothing is necessary.

In your courtesy, it is highly repugnant to show dislike but rather womanly to be appreciative and supportive. Yes my mother was one of those woman who insisted that even when your rage was erupting or your cheeks suffering from a lack of oxygen, that you absolutely should hold your tongue and change the topic." You are after all a woman who will one day lead a home, be supportive of a husband who will echo your ways in his reply because he is not effeminate hence adopting your balance whilst your growing ones look to you for their cultural values."

Not only is the violation of good manners inexcusable on ordinary grounds, but it is sinful. When, therefore, parents and guardians and teachers would inspire the young with a desire for the manners of good society, it is not to be thought that they are accomplishments which may be accepted or rejected. WE are all bound to observe the laws of politeness. It is the expression of good-will and kindness. It promotes both beauty in the woman who possesses it, and happiness in those who are about her. It is a religious duty, a part of our sunnah to possess good mannerisms. Those who tend to follow the grace of good hearty etiquette are far removed from the need for greediness or pomp for you see class or elegance exists to not only create a simplicity in us but to promote the purity of attitude in everything we do.

I do so hope that while this world changes, that we may preserve such mannerisms which promote culture while fostering good deeds; and that it is those qualities that keeps us away from the evil inclinations that are so ripe in our day.

Live simply void of materialism, Love with your heart not lips, Let be what you can not have, take care of nature (it is what makes us appreciative of our creator), Give with Respect, Share & Help with Sincerity, Promote and Savour Goodness be it at home or to the next and never forget to always seek Refuge in Allah from the whisperings of Shaitan!

مطر‎ هلا|Hala Rain

2011-04-13T08:41:00.007+03:00

Rain on my window

Coffee image taken from Google, all other photo's are owned by BluePearl

I just love the rain - do you?

Pearly days

2011-04-12T10:43:00.039+03:00

Another work day and yet another week...Yesterday I received a very beautiful gift from the lovely Miss Deros. I loved the blue colour with the pearls on the strings. How cute is that? Thank you my dear darling - I wish I could be as creative as you! Its just beautiful, I love it.

BluePearl (c)

So as you know I'm still busy with my LIFEBOOK4LIFE project. As one of the official insiders, we been tasked with some interesting activities with the most recent one being multi screen display to show the smart performance of the Intel Core system. If you care to see what myself and the other LIFEBOOK4LIFE Insiders are upto or for specific information on Fujitsu Laptops, please visit the LIFEBOOK4LIFE Blog. Oh, if you're on Facebook, visit the latest Fujitsu Promotion to be in line to win 8 cool DS E2000 Air Soundsystems or a LIFEBOOK T580! Ps: If any of you are in the US, please take a look at this post for a Missing Muslim Woman in Cartersville, Georgia

Dark chocolate moments

2011-04-11T13:01:00.007+03:00

While enjoying my dark hot chocolate drink, from Costa this morning, it was hard to miss the dusty dull day that lies ahead in Qatar ...and even though it might be just dust, the lower skyline and dull day make for feelings of a cloudy day which I just love. Zareena, my colleague, deserves a special mention today because she really makes me laugh and no one better than my team and I know how to make her giggle like yesterday provoking her on the subject of jinn's...Yeah sometimes we're just naughty.

Now I am having dark chocolate from Moscow, truly ambrosial!.

There was absolutely no thought or reason behind this post, just pure craziness.

*much love*

On entering a task

2011-04-10T12:15:00.006+03:00

رَبِّ اشْرَحْ لِي صَدْرِي وَيَسِّرْ لِي أَمْرِي وَاحْلُلْ عُقْدَةً مِّن لِّسَانِي

O My Lord! Expand my breast for me. And ease my task for me; and loose a knot from my tongue, (That) they may understand my saying

[Ta'ha 20:25-27]

Beautiful things

2011-04-07T12:20:00.025+03:00

IamFarsilla tagged me to do a tag on my favourites however I think this type of tag is personal for me and as such I am just going to pass the tag on to you my dear followers who wish to do it, please check Farsilla's blog for the details.

BluePearl (c) - How do you like my mozaic picture?

قُلْ يَا أَيُّهَا النَّاسُ قَدْ جَاءَكُمُ الْحَقُّ مِن رَّبِّكُمْ ۖ فَمَنِ اهْتَدَىٰ فَإِنَّمَا يَهْتَدِي لِنَفْسِهِ ۖ وَمَن ضَلَّ فَإِنَّمَا يَضِلُّ عَلَيْهَا ۖ وَمَا أَنَا عَلَيْكُم بِوَكِيلٍ ﴿١٠٨﴾ وَاتَّبِعْ مَا يُوحَىٰ إِلَيْكَ وَاصْبِرْ حَتَّىٰ يَحْكُمَ اللَّهُ ۚ وَهُوَ خَيْرُ الْحَاكِمِينَ ﴿١٠٩

Say: "O ye men! Now Truth hath reached you from your Lord! those who receive guidance, do so for the good of their own souls; those who stray, do so to their own loss: and I am not (set) over you to arrange your affairs." Follow thou the inspiration sent unto thee, and be patient and constant, till Allah do decide: for He is the best to decide. (108-109 Surah Yunus)

Have a great weekend!

We're on your tail, Apple

2011-04-06T14:48:00.015+03:00

At the beginning of the year, I briefly mentioned the coming of cloud computing and as the year progresses we been seeing more of it come out from Google Apps, Apple TV2, Apples massive redesign of ITunes and the App Store to the launch of Sony's Qriocity. If you ask me they all have greatness in them but perhaps for me, its Apple. As biased as I am, just take a demo walk through the Apple TV2 or its App store alone and you'll agree with me and the fact that Apple's iOS App Store is growing 11 times faster than Android's for 2010

But perhaps what amazon did today made the competition even more exciting as they just became Apples tail in the front line ahead of Google. Amazon became the first major internet company to unveil a music-streaming service that is kept entirely online with the ability to listen to the tracks on any computer or Android. The Cloud Player allows for downloading music without the restrictions of iTunes, offering users a convenience over Apple. Hold on though - 69 percent of the digital download market is already controlled by Apple! Yes, thats right so nothing is stopping Apple from releasing its own web product while Amazon starts to play hard ball with the possibility of piracy issues creeping into their game... Oh, this game is so ON!

Video 1: What is Amazon Cloud player

It's important to note that the only difference between Apple and Amazon is that Apple has localized the cloud to the source ITunes library which is available over home sharing and obviously your IPhone will have its library loaded but for streaming it needs its ITunes library which can only sit in one place whereas Amazon is allowing you to access your music over the web which makes it available at anytime on your devices. On Apple devices, the Amazon cloud has to be accessed via safari with some drawbacks (see the video below) but I believe that on other smartphones there will be a downloadable app.

Video 2: How to use the Amazon Cloud player on the Iphone

Wave and pay

2011-04-04T19:52:00.008+03:00

I don't think that Apple can afford to slip up and not include NFC (wave and pay technology) in its next release of IPhone, namely the IPhone 5. Why? Because with an international market penetration like theirs and some Androids already covering NFC, Apple would not only be lagging behind the times but possibly losing out on higher yieldings. If they hold out it might just be for security reasons alone.

For example, right now some countries have already implemented wave and pay card systems while countries like South Africa should steer clear of it as it would mean more crime since the process does not employ any real validation. When it comes to your smartphones accommodating NFC, I would think as great as the technology is, it might just mean that misplacing your phone will cost you alot more than just the phone especially if force sign-in on Apple id's have been switched off!

Good bye internet banking fraud, welcome iBank swindling.

Honestly, we love complicating our lives but hey we love technology right.

Of something inspiring

2011-04-03T12:05:00.010+03:00

Thank and link back to the person that awarded this to you.

Dear little Aunty and RiaLive, thank you for this wonderful award. You are much too kind to consider me for an inspirational award considering you ladies to do a much better job of it:) You deserve the award rightfully!

Link posts by you and fellow bloggers that YOU find inspirational.

However critical I maybe of everything, I fall short on myself. As such, I could not decide on a post to please the so-called inspirational me, offered to you. Instead, I'll pass you onto the fellow bloggers below for some great inspiration no matter how social or religiously inclined they are.

Give the award to 10 fellow bloggers!

Over and above the March BluePearl Award winners and the two great bloggers who

gave me this award, you (below) inspire me in your own way. You keep me enthused no matter what it is you are writing about. I am delighted to be following your blog. Oh and for the sake of my own oddness, I chose 11 and not 10, because I can!

Rose water

Blue Abaya

True Colors Revealed

Scents of Arabia

IamFarsilla

BittenByAnArabBug

SomalianArabPrincess

El Shahlab's

Tea Party

Mrs Handbag

Vanilla Ice Cream

My parents

2011-03-31T13:39:00.006+03:00

When I spoke to my dad over skype the other day, he was not too well and sounded sick. My dad is not one to speak much but has worked very hard in his life. He worked particularly hard when we were younger and together with my mothers help, they both worked long hours each day to see us through University. Times were tough back then and money so valuable and when I speak to my parents these days especially when they are sick, it makes me emotional thinking of their tiring days all in aid of us being educated.

I really appreciate everything they have done for me and my brothers. Without them (and Allah) we would not have come so far. I hope as a child that I fulfil my role in their life because there is not enough that I can do to say thank you to them.

Have a great weekend

The musings of the world

2011-03-29T08:18:00.013+03:00

Kuwait Sandstorm 3 days ago, see more pictures here

Every morning I shuffle through different news sites to see whats going on...they range from news24.com, gulf-times.com, techcrunch.com and finally the Huffingtonpost. There's no greater amusement I get in the morning than reading the latter, the Huffingtonpost. This morning I enjoyed a chuckle on Donald Trump vs. Obama over birth certificates which started since Trump has become a potential president candidate. What fun! Have a read for yourself, here. Then there was this post, the return of Jesus on May 21, 2011. I am not sure whether to muse over that last one or not:) If you want to see a picture of the dooms day van, look at this article

For the pleasure of Fantasy

2011-03-28T10:28:00.007+03:00

I just loved this!
He wrote to her,
"...I watch you take your dinner this evening, in the dim corner of the world. You've caught my eye in every way as if I have met you before yet a stranger you are in every way. Your beauty is not of here, the lingering of your scent is like roses touch. You're forcing the world away sheltering some hurt. Why should such hurt or the revenge thereof be the price of me, the one who wishes to see only your eyes in mines? You sit alone contenting yourself out of pure necessity for perhaps it is safer that way, lest those lamenting scars frowning you will disappear leaving you in peace some day. But is it loneliness you desire, oh fair one or is it that I see in your every move a need for that fairy tale, a longing to have happiness? How should you find that sitting pretty in solitary's nest...if you never venture out to my eyes alone, how can you find me? Lift your fears dear one, I am here but no more found than lost if you do not seek me."

She wrote back
"Oh one who speaks such great words, which can only be the key to tragic endings. It is safer to keep this heart locked in its abode without worry of tomorrow's loss."

2011-03-27T19:42:00.003+03:00

I love flowers, I love animals, I love nature, I love children... Because I can talk and entertain myself with them for hours, and all I'll get in return is pure satisfaction. It is ofcourse void of that one on one conversation, we humans crave but alas it comes with nothing pessimistic like we humans tend to protract unto each other! I'm sure you'll agree with me?

Wordle

2011-03-27T15:27:00.005+03:00

BluePearl (c)

Do you like it? I made it using some words from my blog, after seeing one done by So Sweet Designs...you can create your own at Wordle.

Have fun!

Have you created one - share it on your blog and leave a link here, I would love to see your creations.

Its time

2011-03-26T11:05:00.003+03:00

Change is not something that is always welcome as it sometimes brings heartache or dislike and while you fight the change, it is as if you are waging battle with a storm. Surely you will lose no matter how many times you try for the change has already taken its seat with no chance of leaving.

You have two choices...

Mull over how much you dislike it, cry your heart out because you want your status quo reinstated and with every strength you push it out of your way, bringing only more frustration or no matter how much you dislike the change, you let it be, embrace the change and follow it on life's path.

"Count the garden by the flowers, never by the leaves that fall. Count your life with smiles and not the tears that roll."

Chat with me

2011-03-25T19:23:00.002+03:00

I'm so bored. It's been a lazy weekend indoors for me. It's so dusty outside. I spent most of my day watching movies while keeping an eye on the hotel construction going on next to me. How has your weekend been (so far)?