Daily thoughts

Hello September 

nhpureandsimple

S for school, studies, and those warm and chilly sunny days,

E for early mornings, early alarms, the early race to have the first access to the toilet.

P for parents with their checklists: school uniform, school bags, and lunch box packed just right.

T for timetable, for lessons, exams, and that copy you pin to the refrigerator.

E for every day, with its new drama full of moans, excuses, and the latest friendship-challenge test.

M for mothers, rushing through those few free hours they try to enjoy, while the clock hands keep running towards home time. 

B for birthday, have you ever thought how lucky you are if your birthday falls in September?

E for every night, when the lights turn off, the roads get quiet, and everyone tucks themselves into their own little nests.

R for remember, school days make precious memories, just do your best to create good ones.

With new September thoughts,

Nahla

daily prompt

My First Cooking Book

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What’s a book you never finished but still think about?

Years ago, during the final steps of my wedding preparations, my mother insisted that I should have one of those well- known cooking books in my new home. She had already bought me one before I had even thought about it. 

Before getting married, I used to help in the kitchen, but I had never been in charge of making full meals or anything complicated.

So my mother (may God bless her soul) believed that a cooking book would be a good help.

Honestly, I never used it, and I have no idea where I left it.

I might have had a look at it, though, but that was all.

Since then, whenever a booking book, with its colourful, mouth watering pictures and recipes, fell into my hands, I would give it a quick scan and put it back where I found it.

This doesn’t mean I don’t like cooking, because I do.

The thing is, perfection, consistency, exact measurements, are not on every woman’s cooking agenda.

By the way, would you really pause one day to think about a book that you never finished?

If the book was really of any interest to you, then you would have finished it. 

Otherwise, you’d ruffle through its pages and quietly set it aside without anyone noticing.

With a-book-never-finished thoughts,

Nahla 

P.S. the falafel in the photo are not home-made.

Daily thoughts

Thinking Too Much

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Sometimes thinking too much is not only frustrating but also a kind of torture.

So, for example, when you think too much about writing something, you end up writing nothing at all.

Have you ever felt this way?

I usually don’t think too much before writing. When an idea or a quote or a book or whatever strikes me as inspiration, I grab my iPad and write. 

Of course that’s when there are no distractions around.

And I have too many distractions these days.

Now, back to my Thinking Too Much post, the idea simply popped into my head this afternoon as I was reading.

I’ve been reading more of Lisa Wingate’s books. Her writing style is one of the things that won’t bore readers, even when the story itself isn’t that surprising.

For me, a story becomes more interesting when its narrative is captivating.

Anyway, the main character in the book is one of those people who thinks too much, giving both herself and me as a reader a headache.

But this kind of inner turmoil happens in life too. Right.

Some people weave a drama inside their heads that has nothing to do with reality. Or they weave things that do have something to do with reality, but don’t need all this drama.

In both scenarios, the drama doesn’t end until you spill it out. When you finally reveal what’s bothering, what’s annoying, or what’s frightening; all that have been buzzing in your head suddenly quiet down. It feels as if the door was wide open all along, and you were only looking through its magic eye.

The heroine in the story is exactly this type, and she stays that way until truth and reality meet her face to face.

But reading this inner turmoil is not like feeling it. I mean if you ever write your inner overthinking drama down and read it later, you might be surprised by your reaction because you would definitely laugh at yourself.

You would say: why think too much, why not explain things, why not ask about things, can’t you see the open door there, all the time? All you need is to step in, straightaway.

Things may turn out simpler and clearer than what you’ve been weaving into your head. And if they don’t, then at least you can step away but never back behind the door again.

And finally, this post is done and hopefully I’ll finish the book by the end of today.

And perhaps no more overthinking ever again.

With thinking-too-much thoughts,

Nahla

Just writing

A Blank Page

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I’ve just started writing this post with no clear idea or topic in mind.

I’m just wondering how it will go, and where it might take me.

Have you ever experienced this before?

I mean the moment when you grab a pen and a blank sheet of paper, stare at them, and wait?

You wait for any inspiration to flutter around you, or for a current of some thoughts to flow into your mind.

By the way, isn’t the idea of using pen and paper so classic?

I mean the image itself seems like a piece of history. 

Of course pens and papers haven’t disappeared yet, and I really hope they won’t end up as museum antiques any soon.

But using notes on your device is also a good way to write.

Tapping on your screen or your keyboard doesn’t carry your unique handwriting, but at least it still carries your thoughts and feelings.

So, now, a blank page can be filled after all.

With blank-page-thoughts,

Nahla

P.S. the cute cat photo was taken at the Cats Café in Malaysia.

daily prompt

The Conspiracy Theory of Seagulls 

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What’s a conspiracy theory you actually find believable?

I used to believe seagulls were fish eaters.

Really.

And I never imagined they could be that big until I moved to 

the UK many years ago

But they’re not only getting bigger, they’re multiplying. 

And… they don’t seem interested in fish anymore.

They have changed their diet to human food, any kind of food, even the discarded leftovers in the food waste bins.

Apparently they have changed  their own conspiracy theory about food hunting over the years. Everything changes, so why shouldn’t they?

So, according to my humble observation, their updated theory now consists of two components.

First: the secret agents, the ones positioned on the rooftops, cars, buses, and those who walk side by side next to humans along the streets. They try to look cool and cute and well-behaved which is the most important part of the plan to support the second half of the theory.

Then comes the critical part, the job reserved for their professional leaders. When the right moment arrives, the gull commanders launch into one of their marvellous scuba-dive shows. But neither the dive nor the show has anything to do with marine life. Those big commanders plunge from the high sky, straight, strong, committed, towards their target: human hands. They snatch a poor human’s long-awaited meal. 

Yes, they snatch, gulp, swallow any kind of food, you, human, might be enjoying at that very moment.

And you, poor human, are totally oblivious to those gulls’ conspiracy theory. 

But recently, It seems that humans finally decided to form their own conspiracy theory against the gulls.

Yes, some old men in a public park were joking about having roasted gulls for dinner.

I only wish they would consider the difference between the wild gulls and the trash-eating ones.

Otherwise, their conspiracy theory does them no good.

The gulls will multiply, and those funny old men will be extinguished. 

With seagulls- conspiracy thoughts,

Nahla

daily prompt

Shakespeare and Uncertainty

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How do you deal with uncertainty?

To be or not to be, this is the question.

Doesn’t this line certainly evoke uncertainty?

I once read that there’s some uncertainty surrounding Shakespeare’s writings. According to some researchers, he may have been supported by other writers who added much to his literary works.

Now I’m really uncertain about this news.

But I’m certain that Shakespeare was a main, heavy course during my BA studies years ago.

But again, I’m uncertain whether my lecturers and professors back then were aware of this information.

Anyway, even if there’s uncertainty about his works, I’m pretty certain that no one cares much this piece of news.

With uncertain thoughts,

Nahla

Just writing

Play the Adult

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What’s a moment when you realized you were officially an adult?

I was the youngest of my siblings; my sister was the eldest, my brother was the middle, and the youngest was me.

So I didn’t have to play the adult much. 

It wasn’t until I cradled my first baby in my arms that I felt both the beauty of motherhood and the weight of its responsibilities. And since that day, I realised it was time to play the adult.

As a full time mother, I played the adult with its different characters, moods, and shapes.

Yes, I played the kind nurse, the angry doctor, the mad teacher, the patient counsellor, the strict inspector, the loyal lawyer, the secret keeper, the watching owl, and so many others.  

But the youngest sibling in me always finds a time and a space, to laugh, to play, and to have fun with family, friends, and even her own-self, with no adult roles to play.

With play-the-adult-role thoughts,

Nahla 

Just writing

Reading Challenge Fulfilled

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At the beginning of 2026, I set my reading challenge target to sixty books.

A month or two later, I reduced it to thirty.

I thought it was better to achieve the target than to lose track of it.

This wasn’t cheating, was it?

But at least, I’ve been honest with myself.

So over the last two, no three, days, I finished a wonderful book, and it happened to be the thirtieth one. 

This means my 2026 reading challenge is officially fulfilled.

Now I can read more, without any pressure.

My best reading challenge score was seventy-eight books in 2023, 

and I was so happy with that big harvest. 

But honestly, I’m not sure if I had followed the same strategy back then.

I mean if I had started with a target of thirty and ended up finishing seventy-eight books.

Things didn’t work with the same enthusiasm over the last few years, though.

Why? I wonder sometimes.

But, I do know why.

Mainly because of my stubbornness.

Once I set my mind to read a book, I want to finish it; even if I don’t like it, even if it gives me a headache, and even if it bores me to tears.

And I discovered another reason; the high target I set for myself.

Whenever I planned to read more books, I ended up reading far less than expected.

But we do learn from our mistakes.

So, I will stick to my old strategy; start with less and end up reading more.

And perhaps, for stubbornness, I’ll pretend to forget about the books I don’t like until the end of the year. Then I can say, “sorry but your time is out.”

So… well done, me, for achieving my reading target in August. 

And I will let you know how many more books I finish by the end of this year.

Or you can simply have a guess.

With happy- reading thoughts,

Nahla

Just writing

A Stranger on the Road

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What’s a moment when a stranger completely restored your faith in people?

Well… it’s becoming quite rare when a stranger offers some help on the road.

But of course, one should be careful; not every stranger offers help out of kindness.

So, one day, about two years ago, we got onto the train to make a short visit to our new place, the very place where we live now. 

We walked from the station to our B&B, hoping for a bit of rest and a good meal before going out to explore the city.

But less than an hour later, we left the B&B and booked another room in a hotel. 

Why?

Simply, because the first one was terrible.

Tired as we were, we decided to walk because the weather was one of the best spring days.

It wasn’t until a steep hill, a long steep one, stood waiting for us that I decided it was time to call a taxi. 

And what luck… non of us had a signal.

“Let’s have a little rest and walk again until we get a good signal,” my son suggested. 

But there were no benches around, not even bus stops.

Our one and only option was to keep walking.

But then, a yell and a cry rang behind us.

Our feet stopped, and our heads turned back towards the sound.

A lady stood beside a small parked car, waving at us.

She called out, “Can I help you?” 

We turned to one another and decided to cross the road to ask her for a taxi number. 

She was all smiles as we drew near.

After thanking her and briefly explaining our dilemma, she said she wished she had a bigger car to give us a life to the hotel. 

“Thank you, that’s so kind of you,’ I said and asked again if she knew a taxi number.

She did, and then, unexpectedly, she offered to drive me and my daughter to the hotel instead of waiting. “It’s on my way,” she said, smiling.

I was just about to accept the offer but then a dog started barking from inside the car. 

I looked from the dog to the lady, feeling full of embarrassment.

There was no way my daughter or I could sit next to her dog.

We might smile at a small one on the road, say how cute it looks, but getting any closer especially to a big one is impossible.

The lady smiled, fully aware of our hidden terror.

“I’ll wait with you until your taxi comes,” she said.

And then, in the blink of an eye, the taxi arrived.

We hugged, and I thanked her from my heart.

As I waved to her from the taxi window, I felt as if we had met before. 

For a moment, she reminded me of someone I couldn’t quite place.

“She looked like my friend’s mum,” my daughter said, and I nodded with a smile. 

Could you believe that a stranger on the road might be that kind?

Sometimes kindness appears out of nowhere, just to restore your faith in people.

With faith-in-people thoughts,

Nahla

daily prompt

Was it a dream, or a good omen?

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If your future self could send you one sentence, what do you hope it would say?

I dozed off after a long, hot, busy day, until a cool breeze wafted towards me.

Before I opened my eyes, I heard a voice, my own voice, speaking to me.

‘Hey there, I’m your future self.’

I didn’t respond; ‘this is a dream,’ I whispered.

My voice gave a light laugh.

‘Listen they just told me to send you a message.’

‘Who told who?’ I asked, wondering why the cool breeze had disappeared. ‘Did anyone shut the window.’ I wondered.

‘WordPress told me, your future self, to send you a message.’

‘WordPress… it will be still there in the future?’

‘Yes, it will. And now just let me deliver the message before I forget it.’

‘Message from you, or from WordPress.’

‘Of course from me, your own future self.’

The cool breeze wafted back, and just before I dozed off again, my future self whispered into my ears and said:

“Write more. Write every day. Your writing will shine, day after day.”

When I woke up, my future voice was still echoing in my ears.

Perhaps it’s a nudge to write something today.

Or maybe it’s a good omen. 

With my-future-self thoughts,

Nahla

holidays

A Sound, a Lizard, and a Big Laugh

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Well… I wish they had taught us how to practically deal with insects and reptiles at school.

Science classes always give scientific information about different creatures, but they don’t teach students how to practically handle any of them in real life.

Schools focus mainly on scientific facts so students can be well informed and prepared for their exam grades. As for the practical part of how to deal with these creatures, schools leave that task for parents to handle at home.

Some parents were raised with good practical experience, enriched by old folk knowledge and techniques. 

Others think and behave exactly like school children, lacking any practical experience except the running-away strategy when they come face to face with those crawling creatures. 

So… one night on our recent holiday, and after a long day exploring different places, my daughter and I snuggled into bed and grabbed our iPads to scroll for a bit before sleeping. 

It was all quiet.

My eldest son had fallen into a deep sleep after finishing his running routine.

Why running in such steamy hot weather and on holiday too? I wanted so much to argue with him, but of course a man in his twenties wouldn’t listen. 

My middle son had already left for Thailand for a couple of days. “Well, Mama, it’s cheaper than flying from the UK.” 

Again a man in his twenties, once sets his mind on something, nothing will change it.

And my husband was out having dinner with one of his acquaintances.

That was why the night felt so still… until a strange hissing sound broke the quiet nearby.

I paused and looked around, wondering whether it was coming from the AC. 

Then it stopped.

I looked back down at my screen and started scrolling again.

A few moments later, I heard the same sound but louder.

This time my daughter heard it too, and we both turned to each other at the exact same moment.

‘Did you hear that?’ We asked together.

‘What could it be?’My daughter whispered.

‘Is it outside or inside?’We whispered to each other, then stood up on the bed, staring around the room in every direction.

Then I remembered I’m the mother here, and I have to find out.

I jumped down, grabbed a slipper, and tiptoed around the room.

I looked down every bed in our big room, under the chairs, and in the bathroom. 

Nothing.

So I climbed onto a chair and started hitting the curtains with my slipper weapon.

“It’s a lizard’s sound.” My daughter said, her eyes fixed on the screen she was holding tight.

That was what I had guessed too as the day before we saw a long one crawling out of the bushes in one of the parks. 

‘How do you know?’ I asked, still standing on the chair but no longer hitting the curtains. 

‘AI,’my daughter replied, ‘he said it’s probably lizard crawling on the outside walls.’

I sighed in relief, grateful for the AI’s generous help.

Then my husband came in.

‘What’s wrong?’ He asked and I climbed down from the chair while my daughter quietly sat back on the bed.

We told him the whole story.

‘Oh yes, they say it’s normal to see things around.’ 

‘Thank God the windows are always locked.’ I whispered. 

The following day, as we were waiting for the taxi to start a new adventure, I told my son the whole story and he couldn’t believe he had missed such an interesting episode. 

And just before getting onto the taxi, my daughter and I heard the same sound again.

We turned immediately towards the source, wondering how long the lizard would be this time.

But it wasn’t a lizard.

It was just one of the hotel porters pushing a big luggage trolley into the lift.

Me snd my daughter looked at each other and burst into laugher until tears flooded our faces.

With funny-moments thoughts,

Nahla

Daily thoughts

Reading Update

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I’ve just finished the second book on my reading list for this month. 

Such a big achievement after a few months of slow reading rhythm.

At the beginning of 2026, I lowered the number of books I hoped to read.

It feels better to meet the target than to miss it. 

So, for my reading challenge, I decided to keep my feet on the ground and my head in the clouds.

Soon, I will announce the good news of fulfilling my reading-challenge goal.

But of course, I will keep reading.

I’ve returned to fiction over the last two months.

Fiction is intriguing and interesting but that always depends on the book.

When you read a good book, you reach for more by the same author.

And if most of the books turn out to be so good, it becomes hard to turn to another author.

But then, at some point, you have to pause and tell yourself that it’s enough.

It’s time to discover a different world with a different author.

I’m already happily stuck with Lisa Wingate, and I don’t think I’ll turn away any time soon.

With reading-update thoughts,

Nahla

P.S.

Even cats love reading.

The photo is from the Cat Café in Malaysia.

daily prompt

Which Advice Is Best

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What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?

Actually, I’ve learned so many good pieces of advice over the years.

Right now, I’m wondering which one might be the best.

Perhaps by the end of this post, I’ll make up my mind and nominate one as the best.

The first piece of advice that crossed my mind is not to eat a heavy meal at night. Some say it’s bad for digestion, and others say it brings awful nightmares. I appreciate this advice, but I’m not much of an eater anyway, and I rarely eat at night unless we’re on holiday, when your routine goes upside down.

The second piece is to make full use of permissions and not try to play the big hero. I learned this one by heart, and I’ve saved it in my mind ever since, always tied to its miserable memory. 

One day we were on our light back home from holiday. It happened to be during the holy Month of Ramadan. We are allowed to break our fast in some cases, and travelling is one of them. So my husband didn’t fast, but I did. Why? Because I thought it would be okay.  I don’t eat much anyway, and I rarely enjoy the flight food. But of course, it wasn’t okay. A terrible headache struck me, and when I tried to eat or even drink, I couldn’t. This is why I appreciate this piece of advice so much.

The third precious piece is to think positively, to see the cup as half full in any situation. But sometimes the mood loses its efficiency and sensibility, and suddenly the table turns on positivity.  Still this is one great piece of advice.

And then there’s this piece about kindness; do at least one good deed every day. This one is beautiful, and what makes it even more beautiful is its simplicity. Your deed doesn’t have to be fancy or expensive; it just needs to be genuine. I think this might be the best advice… but wait I’ve just remembered another one.

Stop following blindly, stop believing everything.

Isn’t this the best piece of all?

With best -advice thoughts,

Nahla

daily prompt

Is There Anyone Who Doesn’t Worry?

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What’s something you used to worry about but don’t anymore?

Well… that reminds me of those old school years when I used to worry far too much about my grades.

Punishment, rewards, and competition were never the real reasons behind those childish worries.

A quiet, shy, dreamy child wouldn’t care much about such concepts, or would she?

But of course, somehow, they found a way to feed my worries. 

I used to worry about my grades because I was hardworking and independent in my learning.

My siblings and most of my friends took private lessons to improve their marks.

I didn’t have any… well except for French, but that was only because I didn’t like my French teacher at school.

So a child and later on a teenager, relying on her own self-learning strategy would naturally worry about her grades. Right.

And I never disappointed my parents, my teachers, or myself. 

Those old worries have now become good memories.

Years later, when I began my postgraduate studies, I didn’t worry  much about achieving perfect results.

Perhaps because a mother has far more important family duties in her heart than the pressure of flawless grades.

And when her sons are in their twenties and her daughter is fourteen, her worries naturally turn towards their choices and decisions, accompanied by a quiet prayer that God always guides them to the right path. 

Amen

With unworried thoughts,

Nahla

Just writing

Welcome August 2026

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Today, I can welcome August with a big smile.

First, because I finally finished The Sea Keeper’s Daughters, and it turned out to be a unique story.

Second, because I have a plan, and a promise, to read a list of more books this month.

It’s a bit embarrassing to gather the harvest of only one book at the end of the month. 

But of course, July understands my situation: the holiday, the jet lag, the cold, and the house chores that never end.

And August looks, so far, supportive and considerate. 

Third, because the weather is nice so far.

It’s been rainy, a bit windy over the last few days, but that’s better. Actually, that’s a blessing, after the heat wave that lasted until the end of July.

Fourth, because I finally made my coconut frozen-yogurt ice cream with four simple ingredients: coconut milk, yogurt, shredded coconut, and honey. And, it turns out like something from another world. 

There are more reasons to welcome August, but that’s enough for now.

With welcome-August thought,

Nahla

daily prompt

Can It Be a Coincidence?

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What is your favorite quote?

I was scrolling through Insta for a while, then stopped when the notification for the limited time I had set popped onto the screen.

After that, I opened to my reading book; the story is actually interesting, and I am planning to finish it today.

So, just after highlighting a quote, another notification appeared, but, this time, it was WordPress daily prompts.

I paused…

The quote I highlighted is one of my favourites, and the daily prompt asks about my favourite quote.

Can it be a coincidence?

Really.

I didn’t just highlight the quote, I lingered around certain memories. And that was exactly when the prompt appeared, as if nudging me not to lose the moment, to write about it now.

And here’s the quote:

“Forgiveness given is forgiveness gained.”

And here I am, writing about forgiveness.

But first, how do you see forgiveness?

Is it a merit or a fault?

Is it a strength or a weakness?

Is it possible or impossible?

You think… and decide.

As for me, I see Forgiveness exactly as that quote above.

It’s a win, a fair, clean win after an atrocious fight against painful memories, unforgettable hurts, professional lies.

Forgiveness doesn’t come with a silver spoon.

Since there’s a fight, things take time, a really long time, unless you’re an angel, a one-hundred precent angel, who can grant forgiveness straightaway.

Forgiveness shows up in its perfect timing.

This is when you appreciate how blessed, how saved, how strong you are,

when you close your eyes and recollect your bad moments,

and when you whisper to the Creator, asking for His forgiveness.

Then you remember you too need to forgive others.

Once the action is done with pure intention, your life feels brighter, wider, and healthier.

But… just a little note to pin; 

you don’t have to include forget in the forgiveness deal.

Nor do you have to befriend or keep in touch with those who hurt you.

Which means things don’t have to end like a dead-end road, but rather like two separate roads. 

You forgive and start yours.

They feel relieved and take theirs. 

Now… was the quote and the daily prompt a coincidence?

Maybe.

But… can it be a heavenly whisper to extend goodness?

With forgiveness thoughts,

Nahla

daily prompt

People, Basic Skills, and Cats

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What’s a skill you consider basic, that most people don’t actually know how to do?

If there’s a basic skill that most people don’t know, I think a superhero is urgently needed to reveal it.

But wait… superheroes don’t know basic skills, do they?

They mainly handle complicated missions with super-duper techniques.

So don’t expect superheroes to be any help with basic skills.

And if most humans need an instructor for basic skills, then they can rest aside for a bit.

Instead… can we think of other creatures who really know some basic skills most humans don’t?

No, please, don’t think of devils.

There are enough humans in devil’s clothing in the world.

Besides, all devilish “basic skills” would be nothing but devilish.

What about angels?

But angels are more protective than instructive.

They’re our pure guardians, not instructors.

What’s left?

Animals?

Yes, they can do.

Wouldn’t Darwin’s theory of “the Descent of Man” support this idea?

I’m not supportive of Darwin’s theory, but let’s pretend his argument was simply that animals know many basic skill most humans don’t.

Have you read I Am A Cat by Natsume Soseki?

I’m not sure if I ever wrote a review of this book.

Anyway, it crossed my mind as I was writing this post.

You know why?

Because the cat, this cute creature, was the main character and the narrator in the book.

And… she actually gives one of the most important basic skills I believe most humans don’t know, even though it’s very basic, and so simple.

Here’s the cat revealing the basic skill most people don’t do:

“In my opinion, there is nothing more unbecoming in the human type than its indecent habit of sleeping with the mouth open. Never in a lifetime would a cat be caught in such degenerate conduct. The mouth and the nose have their separate functions: the former is provided for the making of sounds and the latter for respiratory purposes.” 

Thanks, Cat, and I’m glad to say I’m well acquainted with this basic skills, and thank the Lord I’m saved from this indecent habit. 

With basic-skills-thoughts,

Nahla

holidays

Reading In July

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Well… I wish I could say I finished the book I started reading at the first of July, but I didn’t. 

People say you can read more during the summer holidays, 

but things went totally the opposite for me.

July was my least supportive month for reading.

It was a busy, buzzy month.

Still, my hopes were high, so high that I downloaded two books on Kindle.

I imagined that during the long flight to Malaysia, I would finish both books.

I even thought I would download and read more.

My plan vanished into thin air the moment I fastened my seatbelt on the plane.

Our outward and return flights were both early morning, too early to think of anything except falling asleep.

And then, we arrived full of enthusiasm, couldn’t wait to start our new adventure.

I set my book aside, promising to pick it up before going to bed.

But then, at bedtime, I felt not only tired but awfully drained.

‘Tomorrow at breakfast, I will do some reading,’ I promised my book.

The poor book trapped on Kindle app, sighed and moaned and shed a few tears.

The following day, I woke up late, missed my breakfast, and rushed to get ready to explore more of the city with my family.

‘I broke my promise,’ I remembered and vowed to grab a few moments for reading at any time during the day.

The same routine, with the same unfulfilled promises, repeated day after day. 

Then one day, I woke up with a sore throat, really sore, and blocked ears and nose. 

‘Relax today,’ I decided, and grabbed my iPad to clear the air with my poor book.

The book tittered and muttered as I ruffled through the pages, looking for the page I stopped at.

I had no energy to argue or fight or make peace.

I escaped from the kindle app to WordPress.

Sipping my lemon tea, I wrote a few posts. Two or three? I’ll check the accurate number later.

So even if my reading was poor in July, writing came to the rescue of productivity by adding a few writing pieces during the holiday month.

With July-holidays-thoughts,

Nahla 

holidays

Thanks, Malaysia

nhpureandsimple

Dear Malaysia,

Despite the long flight,

the seven hour time difference,

the heat,

the humidity,

the heavy traffic,

and the unexpected cold I caught,

we have had a wonderful holiday and a memorable experience. 

The people we met were kind, respectful, and content.

Your food was a bit different, but there are always alternatives.

And nature is another story. 

When one walks along those big parcs, they feel lost in their beauty:

the high trees,

the colourful flowers,

the cute birds,

the funny squirrels,

the small ponds,

the big rivers,

and those skyscrapers hills.

How funny the monkeys “keep your distance” sign looks in the parks.

The sight of some crossing the road or climbing the trees would make you laugh, even if you’re not a monkey fan.

And those long lizards crawling out of the green bushes would give you a jump.

What else you have been storing for your visitors, Malaysia?

Oh yes, you still have plenty:

the beautiful mosques with their unique, authentic architecture,

the holy Quran printing centre, which is the second largest in the whole world. 

the river cuises,

the big shopping malls, 

the cute cat cafe,

the coconut buns,

the frozen yogurt,

and the boiled sweetcorn cobs that I haven’t tasted in ages.

I know you, Malaysia,  have more beautiful treasures, but that’s all we could see on our holiday.

Perhaps we can see more next time.

Thanks again for the kind hospitality.

With summer-holidays-thoughts,

Nahla 

 

daily prompt

Push and Pull: Funny Momments

nhpureandsimple

What’s the funniest misunderstanding you’ve ever been part of?

Isn’t the Push and Pull sign obvious to everyone?

But of course it is.

It hangs there in big letters and clear colours,

reminding you in advance,

reminding you politely,

almost begging you to use your eyes.

Still, you pull instead of push

and push instead of pull.

Then you pause for a second, wondering what’s wrong,

your face warming with embarrassment.

In a split second, you realise your mistake

and you smile… or laugh… or giggle.

And you breathe a long sigh of relief,

feeling happy as you promise yourself to use your eyes properly next time.

But it wasn’t your mistake, was it?

It was the P-letter mistake.

They could have made the door work either way.

With funny-moments thoughts,

Nahla

 

daily prompt

Hard Times

nhpureandsimple

What’s a chapter of your life you’d title “The Hard Years” — and what got you through it?

Life is life. 

Sometimes it feels like paradise, and other times it feels like hell.

Sometimes it goes easy and smooth, and other times it goes rough and spiky.

And… sometimes it’s full of promises, and other times it’s full of warnings.

Then you start wondering why life changes, why it is unstable, and why it is unpredictable.

But you know why, don’t you?

Because it’s temporary.

And if you’re thinking beyond the Big Bang, you will definitely believe that life is a big test.

So … hard times come and go.

They may last for days, months, or years.

And based on the unsteady nature of life, everyone is expected to have a share of those hard times.

How we handle those hard times depends mostly on who we are. 

Some people try not to think back, not to remember the pain, and to forgive the hurt. Others stay in the past, replay the pain, and never forgive the hurt. 

By the way, these some and others are not about angels and devils.

It’s more about… abilities and choices. 

Have you read my post Can Experience Alone Shape Us? If not, please do. Can Experience Alone Shape Us?

Now, is there really any need to talk about hard years?

Maybe.

But it’s better to leave them behind.

Just an advice.

With let-bygones-be-bygones thoughts,

Nahla

daily prompt

What Is “Trend”?

nhpureandsimple

If you could erase one trend from history, what would it be?

You know, if I were ever in charge of this thing called “trend,” I would erase all them, including the word itself.

Really, things aren’t “every now and then” anymore. They are every second, everywhere.

It feels as if people are using copy and paste technique without pausing to think, to question, or even to say no.

And for God’s sake, what is a trend?

It is mostly about someone known as an influencer or a celebrity, whatever label with millions watching, who wears something, buys something, says something, listens to something, eats something, or whatever they offer. And people swallow everything without testing, tasting, or even digesting, then recommend that madness to others. And others follow, running breathless after this and that and those. But then, time slips by unnoticed, unappreciated, and unvalued.

Wouldn’t it be calmer if there were a law to slow down these overflowing trends, perhaps by limiting what can be shared or saved?

If that happened, trends would be fewer, the copycats fewer, and our brains might finally relax, breathe again, and perhaps work more efficiently.

Have I been cruel?

I just think this is too much.

With no-trend- support thoughts,

Nahla

daily prompt

Apology From The Sleeping Beauty

nhpureandsimple

What is the best excuse you have heard lately?

“Sorry, but I’ve no energy to even open my eyes.

It’s my catnap time.

And the heat is getting the most of me.

I’m not in the mood to play anytime soon.

Maybe later at night.

But you won’t find me in this spot.

I’ll wander around to look for some yummy food.

Wish me luck.”

The cat whispered and meowed. 

Isn’t that the best excuse from such a cute cat?”

Me and my daughter tried to wake this sleeping beauty up, but she didn’t want to.

But we understand.

We apologised too for we can’t wander and play around at night.

Perhaps we’ll meet again.

But thanks for making a good memory. 

With apology thoughts,

Nahla 

personal thoughts, Philosophical musings

Can Experience Alone Shape Us?

nhpureandsimple

Do you think we’re shaped more by our experiences or by who we are?

Are we shaped by experience or shaped by who we are?

This is not as easy as it looks. 

At first glance, I said: experience.

Life teaches us how to live through the many experiences we gain day after day.

And… the more experiences we have, the more we change along the way.

So yes, experience does shape us.

But wait a minute…

I re-read the whole thing again.

Doesn’t us or we came before experience?

Yes, it’s who we are that first exists and shapes us.

Experience follows.

Experience offers possibilities and changes.

Yet, who we are is the root of our life tree.

Or, better put, who we are is made of a special fabric woven from too many threads.

There are certain things that make us but can’t be changed; things like our souls, our origin, and our families. 

Yes, I know everything can be changed nowadays, including some of the things I just mentioned, but you can’t erase them from your “who you are” identity.

After each and every experiences you live through life, it’s “who you are” that manages it in the way “ who we are” wants. 

Is your head spinning right now?

Mine is, but only because of the AC, which I don’t like at all. But in some places, it is the most convenient way to survive on holiday in a tropical country. 

So, back to this life shaping player.

Simply, we are shaped by who we are.

Out of each and every experience, we’re the ones who decide whether to learn the lesson, to ignore it, or to destroy it.

Some experiences may push us to be cruel, savage, or selfish.

But in the end, it’s us who decide whether to follow the experience’s recommendations or not.

With who-shape-us-thoughts,

Nahla

holidays

Jet Lag, Humidity, and Writing

nhpureandsimple

A flight with almost fourteen hours and a three hours transit, is not easy at all.

If you’re accustomed to these long… really long flights, then you really deserve an award for endurance.

I think I deserve two, since this is my first holiday with such a long journey.

Perhaps I deserve three, since this flight also comes with a big time difference.

Three or two hours difference wouldn’t be such a big deal.

But… wait, 1,2,3,4,5,6, 7 hours make a significant difference.

Time suddenly feels as if it’s going in opposite directions.

In the morning, you drag yourself out of bed, your eyes so heavy that you fall asleep again everywhere, at any moment. 

At night, you feel wide awake, and surprisingly hungry and ready for outdoor activities.

Breakfast time becomes dinner time and dinner becomes breakfast.

The sun that plays tricks on you in the Uk is now punctual, serious, and happy.

How happy?

So happy that she’s laughing all the time, watching people out and about in sunglasses, hats, and face fans; all enjoying her majesty’s presence. 

Rain visits often but, lightly so far, as if trying to lighten the mood.

Unfortunately, the mood refuses to be lightened because of humidity.

And humidity is that heavy, sweaty, stick neighbour no one likes.

And finally, after those first confused, steamy, lazy days, a gentle nudge of writing arrived, with a smooth landing, to save these funny moments in this post.

With July-holidays-thoughts,

Nahla

Just writing

The Bad Apple

nhpureandsimple

What villain actually had a good point?

Why do you think there is a villain in almost every story?

Because without one, the story would not only be boring, but also unrealistic.

There is a bad apple everywhere in life, and real life is such a big story.

So…this person who stirs problems, spread lies, wounds others, behaves this way mainly for their own benefit.

After all the hard efforts and plights the villain weaves and plots, they gain no real prize, only a bloated self-satisfaction. 

They could do far worse things, of course, but let’s stop at this level.

Do you think a villain has any good point?

A good point for being mean, sneaky, and evil!

Perhaps this good point is possible in fiction, where the writer is the sole weaver of the character. In fiction, the only “good point” a villain can offer is a memorable warning sign — a danger zone marked with a quiet Please Be Careful note.

In real life, things are different. The villain chooses to be a villain, chooses the path of Abel, Scar, and… Voldemort.

There is no good point they can have, or pretend to have.

Is there any good point left after choosing to be the bad apple?

With villains-and-life-thoughts,

Nahla

daily prompt

Chaos, Chaotic, and Chaotically 

nhpureandsimple

Is a little chaos actually good for us?

Can you live your whole life measuring things with a pencil and a ruler?

But a life like that will be so stiff.

By the way, using a pen and a ruler is a common expression is Arabic, or you can say in Egypt. If you say someone lives by a pencil and a ruler, you mean they measure everything in life.

Actually… it can be a compliment.

But it can also be a defect.

The extreme opposite of this condition is chaos.

And if someone is known as chaotic, this means their life goes upside down, aimless, and messy.

There’s no way chaotic can be an advantage.

But a bit of chaos won’t hurt.

Actually, it can make some change, bring a laughter, or earn you some skills.

And what better example is there than baking?

My daughter insists on following the recipe from A to Z, including the exact measurements and using the scale which I bought mainly for decoration. 

Yet the kitchen under her supervision looks like bedlam. 

I usually, perhaps out of experience, take the shortcut.

No measurements, no scale, and always sticky hands.

Still, the kitchen under my supervision looks no better.

In both cases, we enjoy the chaos in the chaotic kitchen, even though we chaotically complain about the mess.

But without this chaos, we would be sacrificing baking for the sake of glassy, glossy Kitchen. 

With a bit of chaos thoughts,

Nahla

daily prompt

Please Be Kind,  Bloggers

nhpureandsimple

Who is your favorite blogger to follow?

What a question!

To pick one favourite blogger and announce it publicly is so unkind. One should, at least, consider others feelings.

Yes, some may sign out from WP or delete their accounts completely after such a heartbreaking announcement.

I’m already considering taking action.

Maybe I will hit unfollow… or block… or worse smash my iPad.  

But of course… I’m joking.

The question about your favourite blogger is more about connection rather than preference.

It’s more about blogs than bloggers.

This is how I read it, honestly.

In other words, sometimes you find something similar, related, funny, or interesting in what you read by another blogger.

You press follow and look for more.

So “ your favourite” doesn’t have to be “your best.”

It may simply mean that you somehow don’t feel like a stranger, or an alien on a different planet.

On the contrary, you feel welcomed… or, better yet,  involved  in what you read. 

With favourite-blogger- thoughts,

Nahla 

.

daily prompt

How Strange Is Our Brain 

nhpureandsimple

What’s the best way to deal with negative thoughts?

Yes, how strange! 

That brain in your head can play tricks on you.

In a moment, it can make everything rosy, nice, and safe.

At other times, it turns the magnificent world into a dark, gloomy, and scary image.

And it’s your brain, the same machine working up there in your head.

Is it making fun of your useless powers?

Maybe.

But you’re the one in power, in control of this unique machine.

Now what are you going to do with these bad thoughts that visit your brain every now and then?

Well.. I’m going to ignore them, 

and to tiptoe around them so they wouldn’t hurt me.

But bad thoughts are just like that bully

who won’t stop bullying others until someone stands up and slaps him in the face.

I can’t they will attack back, stronger this time.

They are all pretences.

The bully is nothing but pretences that will shatter like broken glass after one big slap.

So what am I supposed to do?

Face them, fight them, and conquer them

Some people just can’t.

And some people can.

How?

Maybe out of strength,

or wisdom,

or experience,

or faith.

But they are so powerful.

But the tortoise won the race against the hare, 

and the ant saved the elephant.

Still… I can’t 

Then you’re the one needs the slap

Slap.

With strange-brain-thoughts,

Nahla

daily prompt

From Hate to Something Like Okay

nhpureandsimple

What do you love now, that you hated when you were younger?

Actually there are many things I used to hate, but… I don’t feel the same now.

You could say I’ve finally come to accept them.

By the way, I used the word hate which I hated so much.

But sometimes hate can’t be replaced by a gentle dislike.

Strong words belong to strong feelings.

Right.

For this post, I’ll just mention one of them which is … Dogs.

I used to hate these creatures in all their shapes, species, and origins.

Many years ago, during the summer holidays, we used to go to the village where my grandparents’ big house was. There, dogs were my nightmare because most of the big houses had big guarding ones.

Their barking, their sharp teeth, their lolling tongues weren’t showing any sign of cuteness or any kind of amity. 

Worse, dogs were known in Egypt as savage, and the masters of biting. 

How could anyone on this earth love these creatures.

Dogs in cartoons were the exception, for two main reasons: 

First, they were fictional.

Second, they sometimes behaved better than humans.

Now, don’t they say; after hostility comes amity. 

Or better put, after hate comes amity.

I try to follow this piece of wisdom.

My hate levels gradually went down. 

Cute and funny joined my dictionary of dog vocabulary.

Until that day, about three years ago.

My neighbour on the opposite side of the road used to have two big dogs. 

They barked at everyone passing by whether as a sign of welcome, excitement or warning, I honestly don’t know.

I always avoided crossing the road and walking past their door.

But once, when I was in a hurry, I totally forgot about their routine.

So I crossed the road, and as I was checking the time, they burst into barking.

My heart almost stopped beating as I froze before the gate and looked them straight in the eye.

“You’re such an animal!” I mumbled under my breath, and they looked as if they had swallowed their tongues.

I walked away my head up, full of dignity, proud of myself. 

I even managed to stifle a big laugh, wondering whether I had hurt their feelings.

So … I can’t say I like dogs.

But I can say I’m okay with dogs as long as they keep sufficient distance and show good manners.

With hate-turn-into-okay-thoughts,

Nahla

daily prompt

Stars and Wars Do Not Match

nhpureandsimple

Emperor Palpatine has announced open elections for a new Emperor — and he’s nominated Darth Vader. You get to nominate one challenger.

Well… I have no idea about Star Wars, and I’ve never thought about reading any of its books either.

So I am at sea, don’t know any Star Wars heroes to nominate as challengers.

What I know is that stars and wars do not match.

Those luminous shapes up there in the sky look too peaceful to even know the meaning of the word war.

The sun, however, can do well with wars since it’s boiling nonstop like hell, and its atomic explosions never rest. 

So Sun Wars makes a bit of sense for movies and books.

Is there already any movies or books about Sun Wars?

Hopefully not.

If they can play with the stars,

no one would ever play with the sun.

With no-idea-about- star-wars- thoughts,

Nahla

Just writing

We’ll Always be Friends

nhpureandsimple

What’s something you used to believe as a kid that seems ridiculous now?

Friendship will last forever.

Yes, this is how I, and perhaps you too, used to believe in this promise when we were children.

We promised we would go to the same school, to the same university, and that our children would one day be friends just like us.

But these pure and simple childhood dreams didn’t always come true.

Your childhood best friends changed schools, moved abroad, or just disappeared.

And this holy promise of “we’ll always be friends” vanished into thin air.

And the blow repeated itself over the years

Because this is life; unexpected and always changing.

So instead of crying over the holy promise, you learn to move on. 

Day after day, you realise how that the old holy promise wasn’t only ridiculous but it was also so naive. 

But you can’t blame your childhood self.

And don’t laugh at its innocence.

What could be better in life than those simple, pure children?

Their holy pinky promise was honest,

but their little minds could never have imagined how the big world would change everything, friendship included and perhaps on the top of the list.

With kids-promise-of- friendship-thoughts,

Nahla

Just writing

The Old, Famous Slogan 

nhpureandsimple

If you could change the ending of any book, which one would it be?

I’ve just come across an old slogan in my reading book.

By the way, I am reading two at the moment: one fiction and one non- fiction. 

And my reading rhythm is going at a turtle’s  pace. 

Hopefully, I’ll finish at least one by the end of this month.

Oh my… it’s already the 26th.

And it’s so hot today.

So I’ve been thinking… perhaps instead of changing the ending of a book, we can change one of its quotes, can’t we? 

Now, that famous slogan I came across was actually an advertising catchphrase for an old brand of men’s hair crème.

I’m not sure if the brand still exists.

But of course, my reading book has a totally different content, about a totally different subject.

I was really drawn to that quote because I believe such a casual, simple phrase can carry blossoms of wisdom. So, I decided to change it.

Now here’s the quote:

“A little dab’ll do ya.”

The advert was offering a piece of advice for healthy, shiny hair.

But in a flash of light, my brain saw something broader.

And then I turned the old slogan into this brief piece : 

A little of everything will be sufficient.

Don’t overthink.

Don’t overreact.

And definitely don’t overeat.

This way,

your mind,

your feelings,

and your body

will always be at peace. 

I don’t think my version suits any hair crème advert, but it certainly suits your wellbeing in general.

With a little-will-do-thoughts,

Nahla

daily prompt

The Secret Language

nhpureandsimple

Which languages do you speak and how did that impact your life?

Apparently, we all talk to our pets, right?

You can’t have a pet without finding some way to communicate together. 

Anyway, at the moment, I don’t have any.

My sons say, “ please no more, Mama.’

Simply because I got so attached to them, and you know how hard it feels when you lose them.

Over the last few years, I used to have three pets. 

No wait… actually, they were two and the third came only for a short visit.

First was Fish; those colourful tiny creatures in a small water tank. 

Me and my daughter were fascinated by them.

But real, tiny fish are mute, not like those talkative ones in movies or in fictional books.

Yet, you still have to find some kind of language to communicate with them. Otherwise, you will end up sending them back, either to the big open sea or the store where you got them.

Thanks to my daughter, we found something simple by just tapping gently on the tank glass.

They would drew near and start staring at you through the glass.

Perhaps… we can translate this as hi, how’re you doing.

Second came my birds: two cute parakeets, Blue and Sky.

These two were so talkative, but their birdie language is easy to learn.

So they would start the day with loud “morning prayers” followed by nonstop discussions about their daily routine. Sometimes, later in the day, their chatter would change into a thoughtful, lyrical kind of sweet conversation before having a catnap.

“Please, Mama make them stop this noise.” My sons complained when they came for a visit.

‘They’ll be quiet at night.’ I replied, laughing.

Whistling works so well with birds, and my daughter found the idea very interesting.

I’m so bad at whistling, yet me and those cheeky birds used to nod, yell, and whisper at one another.

Then came the cat, with those beautiful eyes and soft meows.

Since we were only having her for a short visit, she spend most of the time hiding.

But cats are clever, and easy to communicate with. 

Their meows, purrs, and little winks not only make your heart melt, but they also don’t need any explanations. 

With pets–language- thoughts,

Nahla

daily prompt

Simple Advice: Just Listen

nhpureandsimple

What’s the best advice you’d give to someone younger than you?

Whether you’re 10, 20, or 23 plus — Please Read.

Reading is better than television,

better than cinema,

better than social media,

better than nonsense talk,

and yes, even better than football. 

By the end of the day, they all consume their energy, 

eat your brain, 

and dull your senses.

Books can restore it all.

And reading doesn’t ask for money, subscriptions, or travel visa.

It only asks for a little of your time everyday, and in return it offers great rewards.

The best two rewards are: 

a healthy brain

and a loyal companion.

So… please read.

With book-reading thoughts,

Nahla 

Just writing

The Longest Day of the Year

nhpureandsimple

Well… that was yesterday.

Honestly, I didn’t really notice the difference nor did I try to register the moment.

Over the last few days, the day wasn’t only long, it was also hot; too hot to care about the addition of a few more minutes.

The Uk sun has no equivalent, even the Egyptian sun would shy away before it. 

Really, this English sun goes straight into your eyes, and you can’t escape it.

It feels so close, like your shadow following you everywhere.

And these days, it likes to linger until ten pm.

This cheeky yellow-orange sun hangs in the sky and smiles at you as if to say, it’s still too early to go to bed.

‘But it’s almost ten,’ you moan, wanting so much to push it down.

Instead, you yawn, rub your eyes, and yawn again.

And then, you start scrolling online.

Everyone is talking about the heat, turning it into a heatwave with warnings and precautions. 

And people start complaining.

Why?

Because it is so hot. 

But we have been crying our eyes out because of the long winter and the cold spring. 

We have been longing for some warmth and some sunshine.

Yes, the sun has been more generous, but it’s finally summertime, with its short nights, long days, and this memorable longest day which I barely noticed.

With summertime thoughts,

Nahla

daily prompt

Success and Its Different Formula

nhpureandsimple

What’s your top tip to be successful in life?

Can we pause a bit at the word “success.”

 In the back of my mind, those old memories of success were always tied to education and graduation.

From the first day you stepped into school, success became all about your grades. And it kept this iconic status until you earned your degree, secured a respectable job, or earned a good salary. 

Some people not only polish this status of success, but also worship it, believing there’s no other possibility or meaning of success beyond education and career.

I was one of those people, raised with this holy image of success. But over the years, success began to show up in different ways. It looks you in the eye and says: “Yes, education is important, but it’s not the only path to reach me. There are other meanings, other routes, and other possibilities to prove yourself successful and to earn my golden badge.”

Life is our big school. 

It teaches different lessons and gives us hard challenges.

And it never forgets to award us with its own unique success certificates.

Some people pay attention to the life’s big moral awards, while others stay loyal to success in its physical, printed form. Apparently both groups work hard, but their expectations of success are completely different. 

So…the earlier you decide which group to join, the better you’ll save your time and energy.

And that’s what I can say is the top tip for a successful life.

It is to know which way to follow and what makes sense to you.

In other words, to be You in this vast, fast –changing world

It is to choose your route, to follow your path, and to have faith. 

Years ago, I used to think like most of my friends about seeing success only through its narrow angle version: high grades and a good career.

And years later, most of my friends followed the same formula.

But Almighty had a different plan for me.

And, whenever I tried to rebel or sneak around it, He brought me to my motherhood career and my writing passion. Both give me a kind of unique success that top everything else in my life.

And I believe I’m blessed to enjoy every moment of my quiet world as a beautiful kind success.

With top-tip success thoughts,

Nahla

daily prompt, personal thoughts

Happiness: Different Standards

nhpureandsimple

What’s a common misconception people have about happiness?

Today, happiness has different standards.

Have you heard this common comment lately?

Honestly, I don’t know what to say, or whether it’s said out of blindness, selfishness, or what else.

But… look around these days and you will see how happiness has become so sensual, so material, so selfish, and so fake. 

It turns into a big, fancy castle built from lies and pretences; a place some people spend their whole lives building. They live inside it, seeking protection, until it collapses over their heads. And then, they spend the rest of their lives buried under misery, regret, and loss.

Unfortunately, in most cases, social media plays the main role in shaping this messy version of happiness. It makes things worse by planting fake seeds of fake happiness. It keeps pushing those crème “elites” to the front, above everything and everyone else. Those with shiny smiles, dazzling fame, great power, and unlimited cash have been presented as the idols of absolute happiness.

And you gape, you make a wish, and you follow suit.

The blind leading the blind, heading nowhere.

The selfish ego swells and swells until it bursts.

And one day, you wake up; your head heavy and buzzing. You hold your head in your hands, wanting nothing but comfort and relief. Then suddenly, you glace at a short note nearby. Your blurry eyes clear as you begin to read:

‘You’ve never been happy, yet you can be. Happiness is neither loud nor glamorous. And, it never comes different standards.’ The note was signed: true happiness.

So… will you agree when others say today’s happiness has different standards?

As for me, I still believe that… happiness can be as simple as a bird’s nest, as pure as snowflakes, and as genuine as a mother’s prayer.

With happy thoughts,

 Nahla 

daily prompt

I Wish I Could Say “Taller”

nhpureandsimple

What is one way you have grown this year?

But no, I don’t. 

So… let me think… 

If I have grown something this year, it would be…acceptance.

Yes, I have grown past that phase of crying over this or that. 

Sometimes you get disappointed, surprised, or shocked.

You think too much, worry too much, or care too much.

You ask why, how, and what’s wrong.

You don’t understand the explanation.

You can’t agree with the answer. 

You think and overthink.

But then you decide it’s time to accept.

“Let it be what it was meant to be.”

By the way, this is not surrender.

Stubborn doesn’t go with surrender.

Some people can be very stubborn.

But acceptance is what you can call… the silent admission.

You finally admit that you can’t be in charge of everything.

Some things may be out of your control.

Some things have to change.

And some things don’t deserve the effort.

In this way, acceptance is a cure, a therapy that can save both your time and your energy.

With acceptance thoughts,

Nahla

 

daily prompt

I’m Proud of You, Me

nhpureandsimple

What is something you wish you could tell your 20-year-old self?

Hi there, my dear me,

Life runs so fast, my dear 20-year-old me, but life is good with all its hard and sweet days.

This is not a spoiler, by the way… just bits and pieces, little hints about life, our life.

You, my dear me won’t believe what the future has stored for you; what the Almighty has planned for you.

Think, imagine, and dream as much as you can, yet you wouldn’t come any close to reality.

By the way my dear 20-year-old me, I still remember uni studies, small circle of friends, dreams, job plans after graduation, and… Egypt, with its warm days and humorous people. 

Oh… that was a slip of a tongue.

But yes, you will have a second Home.

Whatever you’re thinking right now, Egypt will always be present in your life.

Everything change, right, my dear 20-year-old me?

So be prepared.

Mama and Baba used to criticise Egypt —the Egypt where you live now, saying, “Where have those old good days gone? People are not the same anymore, manners aren’t not the same, even food isn’t the same. 

You will get married soon, my dear-20-year-old me.

Your prince will take you far away.

Children will arrive safe and sound, and they fill your life with joy and blessings.

Challenges, adventures, confusion, disappointment, tears, laughter, and many more welcome and unwelcome visitors will knock your door along the way.

So… don’t forget to be grateful, and always count your blessings.

And from now on, be proud of yourself my dear 20-year-old me,

for the more challenges you face, the more lessons you will learn.

And the more lessons you learn, the more you know how to enjoy life.

And… I know this might sound a bit funny but be ready to live in the new world of AI.

That… well you will discover more in the future.

With my dear 20-year-old -me thoughts,

Nahla

Just writing

There’s Always a Second Trial

nhpureandsimple

Why a second blog? 

I’ve already asked myself this question too many times.

One day, I decided to be more disciplined by creating a separate blog for my book reviews and quotes. 

We usually feel excited when we start something new, right?

So I was excited when the idea struck me like thunder striking a tree.

Then my reading mood changed— for a long time, and my second blog got bored.

It actually fell into a slumber, then a nap, and finally a long, sound sleep. 

Honestly, I almost forget about it, which only made things worse.

My poor blog was almost on the brink of… some deep psychological loneliness. 

And just before its final departure, I realised there was something missing. 

Aha, my second blog! I slapped my forehead, and decided to give it a second go.

It was a wonder how I regained my interest. I tried to give it a new look and some easy exercise.

And so…

even if we give up sometimes,

there’s always a second trial.

Things may need a little change,

perhaps an open window,

to breathe again and feel fresher.

With a new trial thoughts,

Nahla

nh825.wordpress.com

daily prompt

Mars, Humans, And Life

nhpureandsimple

Do you think humans will ever colonize Mars? What would life there actually look like?

Can you guess what’s the first thing that crossed my mind as I read this prompt about life on Mars?

It wasn’t the possibility of new life.

Not the chance of finding inhabitants living there.

And not even the idea of humans starting wars to invade and occupy the planet. 

But of course that would still be occupation, as if humans don’t already have enough to deal with on our dear planet Earth.

Now… what actually popped into my head was the image of one of those social media stars embarking on a new adventure to Mars. 

He or she would prattle nonstop about their nearly two way spaceship trip to Mars.

They would put on this spaceman costume.

Smile at the live camera,

maybe even record a prayer or two for safety.

Then, before disappearing into the spaceship, they would promise live vlogs from Mars.

Is there internet on Mars? The thought cut right into my imagination.

But really, if there is internet on Mars, some friends over there might have already heard of us, and they maybe… try to get in touch through WordPress.

Anyway, let’s see how this superstar vlogger’s trip ended.

After one whole month off social media, they land safely on our precious Earth.

Spaceman costume on, camera in hand, broad smile on face, and with a shaky emotional voice, they began their first live vlog.

“Can’t express my real emotions.

Such scary but marvellous trip.

Can’t believe it

Am I dreaming?”

And the tap of comments, likes, and shares explodes; wows, nos, and oh my God, racing one after another.

“Sorry guys, just landed, and I lost my phone.” The superstar seems in a rush.

“Thieves on Mars,” one follower comments.

“I’ll tell you everything. You know honesty is my motto in life.

Wait for the next vlogs.

I will share more about my adventure on the moon.”

“Wasn’t it Mars?” Another follower comments.

“Oh, my head is upside down,” the famous vlogger replies and vanishes.

“That’s all fake,” someone comments

“Yes, all fake,” a thousand comments follow.

Nowadays… fake is more popular than reality, but it’s easily spotted.

I don’t know whether there’s life on Mars, or whether life is even possible there.

What I do know is why some people set their eyes on what they don’t own.

Why some abandon what they already have for something they can barely reach.

And why people want to build a new home instead of fixing the one they have.

Apparently, if Mars ever heard of human plans, he would shake with laughter, wondering how his neighbour’s intruders from Earth expect to survive  his freezing cold deserts. 

How wise Mars is,

how disappointed Earth must be,

And how fake some humans can be.

With Mars and humans thoughts,

Nahla

Just writing

Joy in Between the Lines.

nhpureandsimple

Well… I borrowed the title exactly as it is.

But, mind you, this is not plagiarism.

How?

Because that’s the title of my post on my other blog.

Anyway… how many beautiful things do you notice while walking?

By walking, I mean that nice long walk you enjoy with no rush.

I hope you’ll say “many,”  because there are so many beautiful things around.

If you miss them, you really miss so much beauty and fun.

Really… you will miss things like the sky when it is clear, 

and the gentle, warm breeze.

Everything looks different…  more shiny and pretty:

from the high sky to the green grass,

from the wavy see to the steady land,

from the flying birds to the buzzing bees.

Aren’t these simple, quiet joys that are tucked in between the lines of everything around us worth your attention and appreciation?

Of course they are.

But sometimes you just can’t avoid interruptions.

A phone call, a serious talk, some funny comments, or the barking of an angry dog.

That’s exactly what happened today as me and my daughter were going for a walk.

Though we were on the other side of the road, a nosy, jumpy dog began barking nonstop at the gate of his house. 

He didn’t only interrupt our conversation, he also gave us such a jump that made us forget what we were talking about.

But… perhaps he was somehow trying to remind us that he also wanted to go out and look for those hidden joys tucked along the road.

Honestly, I was happy that his search – for – joy adventure wasn’t scheduled with ours.

With simple, quiet joys,

Nahla

 https://nh825.wordpress.com/2026/06/13/joy-in-between-the-lines/

Just writing

How was your day?

nhpureandsimple

Windy, sunny, rainy, and cold.

Doesn’t that make a wonderfully multi – weather day?

I suppose it does.

At least we saw the sun, and the wind passed by to dry the laundry.

Not to forget the visit of rain, and her insistance on offering the birds’ a fun gift — a small pool. 

And now, at bedtime, the cold breeze slipped into our homes, just to remind us of dear, missed autumn.

It is June, right?

Can June in your place nudge our June here?

He seems a bit confused.

Or lost.

I think… according to his symptoms, his mental confusion is affected by the madness in the world these days.

East and west, North and south, and the even World Cup squeezed into the mess.

Poor June, and it’s only the tenth.

But let’s have hope,

Tomorrow will be a good day.

And next week will bring more warmth, and good news.

And by the week after, you will laugh, wondering how your visit passed in the blink of an eye

Amen.

With confused – June – weather thoughts,

Nahla 

daily prompt

Arabic Names vs English Pronunciation 

nhpureandsimple

If you had to change your name, what would your new name be?

Since we were created with different tongues, I find it very interesting how names sound different in other cultures.

So though my name has just four simple letters, in English it can’t be pronounced the same.

In Arabic, the h is pronounced clearly, like the h in hello, but it is dropped in English because it’s difficult to pronounce when followed by an L.

And things don’t stop there as the other three letters are also pronounced differently… more stronger. 

But I’ve been used to it, and I actually like the change.

When my husband and I chose Arabic names for our children, we tried our best to make them easy for English speakers to pronounce. Still, they never sound the same.

Different tongues, right.

And then, years ago, more interesting things happened.

One of my friends told me about her attempt to correct the pronunciation of her name for English speakers, but none of them worked.

Her name is Eman. Oh… how I love this name.

When I was young, I wished my name was Eman, after one of my favourite teachers. 

And If it wasn’t already used in my family, I would have named my daughter Eman. 

By the way, Eman means faith. 

Isn’t that a beautiful meaning. 

One day, as we were walking together, she suddenly started talking to herself.

‘It’s E and man. If they can easily pronounce man, why can’t they pronounce it in my name?’

‘Are you okay Eman?’ I asked 

‘It’s just E and man.’

‘What?’

‘E and man.’

And we both burst out laughing. 

With different- tongues thoughts,

Nahla

daily prompt

Kindness: The Most Needed Treasure 

nhpureandsimple

What are the most important things needed to live a good life?

Yes, what can be most needed these days than kindness. 

Kindness softens the hardest hearts and spreads goodness everywhere.

Kindness fills ordinary days with blessings and quiet happiness.

And Kindness always comes in different shapes; a loud gesture, a soft whisper, an extended hand, a pat on shoulder, a warm smile, or a listening ear. 

But kindness has never been weak.

When she stands face to face with animosity, the latter shrinks and burns into ashes.

Life can’t be liveable without kindness.

The whole world needs her today more than any other time.

Trees, oceans, birds, animals and every creature on this earth needs kindness just as much as we humans do.

Be the first to show some kindness every day.

Nothing big or fancy, even a sincere prayer can do.

People say kindness returns in abundance.

And now, don’t you agree that kindness is the most needed treasure in our world today.

With most -needed – kindness thoughts,

Nahla

daily prompt

Time Thief and Companion

nhpureandsimple

Who do you spend the most time with?

Well… here, I’d like to talk about my spare time.

For, if I speak about who I spend the most of time with, the answer would certainly be my family and my home.

Nor would I talk about reading and writing, because I believe I write about them every now and then.

So… can we just talk about Time and its two main jobs in life?

Sometimes, he is just a highly professional thief.

Yes, he is.

He sneaks and glides, stealing hours, days, and years from our life with a smirk on his face.

And we can’t stop him. 

You know why?

Because we give him carte blanche to sneak and glide and steal our life right under our nose with the famous phrase: I will do it tomorrow 

‘Tomorrow, you’ll say the same,’ Mr Time Thief bursts out laughing in your face. 

Then, on another day, Mr Time Companion gives you a surprise visit.

That’s when you appreciate every moment and make good use of it.

That’s when you set your mind on your plans, choosing to do them now rather than later.

And here, Mr time lingers, stretches, and sips his cup of tea for as long as you wish. 

Wouldn’t you lock the door before Mr Time Thief, yet open it wide to Mr Time Companion whenever he decides to pay a visit.

I try my best.

With time-is-gold thoughts,

Nahla 

P.s. By the way, have a look at The Fisherman’s Tales post before he gives up telling any.

https://nh825.wordpress.com/2026/06/07/the-fisherman-tales/

daily prompt

Religion and Practice

nhpureandsimple

Do you practice religion?

Do you practice religion?

It reminds me of the questions my children used to ask when they were little.

Why do we pray, mama?

Why do we fast?

Why are we allowed to this and not allowed to do that?

And their list of whys multiplied over the years.

When children are young, it’s better to give answers that satisfy their curiosity, not their spirituality.

Their innocent hearts believe in God innately.

They need no big, fancy words or explanations at such young age. 

So… my answers were usually simple, and straight to the point.

For example, for the first question I would say; We pray because God wants us to pray, to stay close to Him, always.

Over the years, as we grow older, we not only understand but also feel the strong connection between religion and practice. 

For me, religion without practice is….

a path without direction,

a candle without light,

and a heart without blood. 

Sometimes we get lost, confused, and even a little prodigal.

Yes… no one is perfect.

But without following directions,

without lightening the candle,

and without purifying the blood, 

life becomes a maze, a snakes -and-ladders game.

And this child’s innate belief in The Creator will easily fade as we grow up.

Only practice can restore faith.

It gives us the nudge that keeps us on track.

And it can soften the heart and purify the soul.

Religion cannot be without faith,

and faith cannot live without practice.

With practiced religious thoughts,

Nahla

daily prompt

Wind Back Time to Year Nine

nhpureandsimple

Do you remember your favorite book from childhood?

Time: Year Nine

Place: Cairo, local state girls’ school

Class: Arabic

As far I can remember, a different Arabic Story was included in our curriculum every year.

I can mainly remember that book, though I’m not actually sure whether it was in year eight or nine.

Anyway the story was somehow historical, the kind of heroic epic with a gentle tug of innocent romance. They used to say that it was adapted from a real story. 

That’s the first reason I still remember it.

As for the other reason… I’ll reveal later.

Just keep reading.

The story took place centuries ago in a small city near Alexandria. Though it was only a small city, its people, old and young, men and women, were among the bravest in all of Egypt. They had taken part in a heroic battle and made a memorial contribution to defeating and expelling the french invaders from Egyptian lands.

And so… this once -upon -a -time story unfolded during the Napoleonic Invasion of Egypt.

Within its historical, epical context, the book weaves the tale of one of the prettiest young women and one of the bravest young men in that small city.

They were cousins, deeply attached to one another, but each with a different dream.

She listened to the fortune -teller and believed she was destined to become a queen.

He listened to the cries of his country, the enemy invasion, and the duty to free his homeland.

She married the chef leader of Napoleon campaign and travelled to France, but she never became a queen.

He worked hard, fought for his country, and married an English girl who believed in his cause.

She returned defeated and humiliated.

He stayed, died, and was buried as a martyr and loyal man to the very end.

The end.

Isn’t it a memorable story.

Now, here’s the second reason which is a bit funny, and that’s why I remember it. 

Isn’t memory selective? 

Yes it is, and it always seems to swing between two extremes: the happy and the awful.

So then… here’s the fun bit.

During one of the classes, while the teacher was in the middle of explaining the historical events, a girl raised her hand to ask a question. 

Strange how I still remember that girl, but not her name. Perhaps it’s because she was the tallest in the class. 

The girl was leaning against the wall when, out of the blue, she threw her question into the room: What was the age difference between Zubaida (the pretty heroine) and Laura (the English girl)?

Our Arabic teacher turned and gave the girl one of those blazing looks that made the whole class freeze.

“Out of all the sensible questions we’re practising, you came up with the one that doesn’t relate. Why would you ever care about their age?”

The poor girl flushed, straightened in her seat, opened her book and flipped to a random page.

That was so funny how the poor girl, instead of keeping her dreamy question to herself, voiced it out loud.

 Even now, I still can’t help laughing.

And that’s all about my memorable book.

Though it wasn’t exactly part of my childhood, my teen years will do.

With school- book thoughts,

Nahla

Just writing

Off The Hook Fishy

nhpureandsimple

Should a fish shut her mouth?

But of course she should,

otherwise she will be hooked out of her world; her big, secure home. 

And then it’s over.

She will serve as a fresh dinner plat for a hungry stomach.

“You definitely, and by all means, shouldn’t open it,” the old wise fish advised her fellows. 

“As delicious, fresh, and rare as the bait may be, it is as dangerous, cunning, and deceptive. You should remember that, and think twice,” the old wise fish warned.

We humans should think not only twice but thrice or even more before stepping into a zone that isn’t ours.

Whatever this zone may be; 

social, professional, or even familial.

It isn’t advisable to open your mouth and swallow everything, 

nor to open your mouth and pour everything out.

In both cases, you transgress your zone and fall into waters that aren’t yours; whether deep or shallow it doesn’t matter, again they’re not yours.

You sacrifice your self-respect, your peace of mind, and your time over trivialities.

Didn’t the old man repeatedly give this piece of advice?

Of course he did.

Psychologists , psychiatrists, and many books say and repeat the very same advice. 

If you don’t trust humans because they’re the ones who invented fishing rods, then trust the old wise fish who has never transgressed its own territory.

By the way this post was inspired by a quote I wrote on my other blog; the one I’m trying to bring it back to life. If you’d like to read it, here’s the link:

https://nh825.wordpress.com/2026/06/03/the-fish-and-the-hook/The Fish And The Hook

With the old wise fish’s  thoughts, 

Nahla

daily prompt

Would You Live in Your Parents’ Garment?

nhpureandsimple

What’s something you do completely differently from how you were raised?

In Arabic, there’s a saying or perhaps an old adage says: I’m not going to live in my father’s garment. 

Actually, this saying became the title of a famous TV drama in the nineties.

Anyway, parents, in most cases, want their children to live a far better than life than they did. That’s why they often work hard, save money, and build big dreams for the future of their children.

And, sometimes, parents believe that their children will always follow their footsteps. 

But the thing is, life is unexpected.

And this garment whatever it may be; a profession, a business, or even certain traites, won’t always fit the size of their children.

So…even though you and your siblings may have been raised in the same way, your lives don’t have to be the same. 

It’s not only about choices, whether to follow this path or that, but it’s also about how life changes, and how it changes you along the way.

With parents’-garment thoughts,

Nahla

daily prompt

Manchester Oxford Road

nhpureandsimple

What’s the best thing you’ve ever found randomly on the street?

On familiar roads, streets, and cities, memories are often the first things to rise and flow one after another as you walk along and through them.

Have you ever experienced that quiet feeling of nostalgia?

I have.

As you walk along a familiar street, a memory of an old friend, a joke, or even a phone call might pop up into your head without any warning.

Those moments are actually the best gifts you may find along the road, and they may be the most precious too.

Whenever I visit Manchester and walk along Oxford road, where Manchester University is, the memories of our first days in the UK rush back into my mind as if it was yesterday.

Things have changed, though; with new shops, new buildings, and of course new faces, but I don’t mind. My first memories of this city always come back fresh and strong. 

There, in the university accommodation which still has its unique name, Horniman House, we lived for quite a few years.

On this road, I walked with new friends from different countries. 

On this road, I heard the Manchester accent that was so different from the English I learned throughout my entire education.

On this road, I knew how it felt like to be soaked by the British heavy showers.

On this road, I got my first sunburn under the British glaring, bossy sun.

And there are more and more memories, I find along this road whenever I go there, but that’s enough for now.

With memories-along- the-road thoughts,

Nahla

daily prompt

Can it be a book?

nhpureandsimple

What’s the last movie that made you cry?

I didn’t watch movies much but I used to, though.

The recent movie I watched was Toy Story 5  which of course doesn’t make anyone cry. 

Me and my daughter watched it just for a change, something different to do during the summer holiday.

But that’s all.

I love reading more.

So, instead of a movie, my recent reading book is really what can make a reader weep. 

It’s such a book that stirs tendre emotions; fear, horror, sadness, compassion, mercy, love, hate, injustice, and even moments of happiness.

But… honestly, I didn’t technically cry. 

It just made me feel like crying.

This is the book; Before We Were Yours

With no-movies thoughts,

Nahla