personal thoughts

Multifunction Printers

nhpureandsimple


A few years ago, we purchased a printer—not as a luxury, but because we really needed one. So, we chose an HP model with multifunctional tasks: printing, scanning, and photocopying (faxing was not included). We still have it, and it’s working fine. We haven’t decided to replace it yet, because it’s just eight years old. However, technology has advanced rapidly in recent years, producing massive, unbelievable changes in the electric devices industry.

In comparison to the modern printers, our poor printer seems to have suddenly aged. Nowadays, we realise that it takes a few minutes, and sometimes even longer, to complete a print order, making us almost give up waiting. Not to mention, how it chugs along during printing, just like an old steam locomotive from the 19th century. Still, I find it really entertaining.

What about multitask printers? I read that they’re the postmodern generation of the multifunctional ones. They can print, scan, copy, and fax at the same time. Perhaps they can talk, maybe even walk. Isn’t that mind-blowing? But, they also say that these new-age printers, though very efficient, have a complex internal mechanism that makes their repair an awful nightmare. So, if it breaks down, you will cry your eyes out over the money you’ve spent because you’ll have no choice but to replace it. That’s why I wish my old printer a long, healthy life.

Now let’s move to the main point of this post. Do you prefer to be multifunctional or a multitasker? But first, let me share my  perspective on both.

There’s both flexibility and practicality in being multifunctional as you can do certain jobs in your own time. However, being a multitasker is like being unbendable and machinery. Any multitasker has to handle more different tasks within nearly the same fixed timeframe just like a multitask printer.


If there’s anything that could summarise a multitasker’s life, there would be nothing better than a juggler tossing and catching balls into the air all his life. He smiles, perhaps laughs, and perhaps putting on a clown costume too—such a good player. But what a life to live when you can’t let go, when you can’t miss the ball, when you can’t stop to breathe, really breathe.

A multifunctional person’s life needs no juggling, no balls to toss and catch. You just pick the right job, just as the bowler picks the right ball. You handle one task at a time, taking your time to fulfill it before moving on to the next task. The bowler grips the ball, takes a good position, and throws it—done. He may hit the target, and he may not, but he does the job with careful calculations and adaptability.

Over the years, I have met many people. I saw how some made their life even harder by choosing to be multitaskers. And they complain about challenges and exhaustion. They wish others would lend a hand or that things were easier. But aren’t they the ones who chose to be the juggler? Why did they choose to work like multitask printers, taking on multiple tasks all at once?

“To be or not to be, that is the question.” is really a great slogan, but I prefer to live by this one: To live, and to choose how to live—that is the question.

With hope and peace,

Nahla








Just writing

Are You the Same Person?

nhpureandsimple

Oh, don’t think I’m wondering whether you are a real person or an AI. No, this post isn’t about that.

It’s about how much you’ve changed since you started blogging on WordPress.

It’s a bit hard—no a bit weird— to assess yourself. Of course, you can feel the change in yourself, but it’s just odd to evaluate your own work. You can’t be both the examiner and the examined at the same time, right?

When I first started blogging in 2017, I was looking for some change, or better yet, some adventure. My writings were mostly family–based topics. Step by step, new ideas and thoughts began flowing and flooding into my posts.

Do you know what happened next?

In October 2018, I joined a part-time MA program. Can you believe that without my WordPress blog, I probably wouldn’t have been able to enroll? Why? Because in my application, I needed to attach some of my published work. I would have never believed that my WordPress posts could count as published work, but they did. And two years later, I was awarded my MA degree in Creative Writing. Honestly, I had no idea that one thing would lead me to the other—God’s plan, right?

From 2017 onwards, I felt as if I had discovered a secret garden— one filled with trees, flowers, and beautiful birds. And it wasn’t any far—just around the corner, inside my own mind. The garden wasn’t only colourful but serene, with no mayhem, no pressure, and no fixed times. Just me, my thoughts, and my writing.

It wasn’t until 2020 that I decided to pause my visits to my secret garden–not completely, but mainly my blog.The reason was nothing more than the pandemic, with all its chaos affecting everyone. Still, I can’t believe that pause lasted for four years. I haven’t forgotten about my blog, nor have I stopped writing. On the contrary, I wrote and read more than ever before. That’s why I don’t regret my decision back then, becuase I had learned to appreciate every day of my life with both its good and bad moments.

In February 2024, I revisited my WordPress blog with fresh excitement. DailyPrompt was the first thing I spotted, and it felt like a warm welcome back. Since then, I’ve restarted my blogging journey.

I believe my writing style hasn’t changed much, nor has my voice, but my thoughts have. Isn’t that expected? Eight years are not like eight days.

There’s a quote that says: “You won’t find the same person twice, not even in the same person.” This doesn’t necessarily imply to find an entirely different or bad person instead. The idea suggests that change is natural, and a healthy experience that simply needs to be sought out and nurtured.

Do I need to answer the first question in my post, or you, as my assessor, already gets the answer?


With hope and peace,

Nahla







Just writing

The Watching Bird

nhpureandsimple

I smiled when I saw this gull as I took the photo. Can you see how confident and steady it paused as if it knew about photography and how to master the perfect pose. Perhaps it knows about social media, and dreams of becoming a celebrity among its own kind. That would be totally unbelievable!

As you see in the photo, the sea, the boats, and the clear sky (it was all blue later on) create a beautiful, natural background. But what you can’t see behind my phone camera is the hustle and bustle on the seashore. There were rows of benches lined along the seafront, and people sat there eating, talking, and basking in the sun. We were there too— my daughter and my husband enjoying their ice-cream, and I drinking orange juice. It was just then when I saw that dangerous bird, landing gracefully on that picturesque boat, and watching every soul around just like a hawk watching its prey.

Such greedy birds! Nature provides plenty for them—fish in the sea, worms in the soil, and more hidden beneath the sand. Yet, they are never satisfied. Always looking for the easy catch—human food. Excellent fishers and divers, these birds are professional at snatching and stealing others’ food. They seem to never have their fill—always watching, always wanting. That’s why I call them dangerous.

But they say humans are responsible for these birds’ changing of behaviour. They have spoiled the gulls by feeding them their own food. And that’s also why humans had tried to solve the problem by putting big sings that read: “Don’t feed them.” I saw these signs years ago, but not anymore. However, signs or no signs, the gulls have already adapted to their easy catch meal.

Aren’t there people who behave just like these greedy gulls? Those who have plenty but always set their eyes on what others have, what others eat, wear, and so on. The madness of social media has spread the danger of this phenomenon so badly. If gulls watch out of greed, unfortunately, some humans do the same, plus adding hate and envy.

Ironically, the sign that says: “Don’t feed them” could also apply to us—humans. But would we understand it?  Would we see that we, too, need to stop feeding our bad habits, unhealthy curiosity, and negative feelings toward others. 

Of course, we can—if only we’re willing to.

With hope and peace,

Nahla

Just writing

It’s Not Important

nhpureandsimple

Today, I came across a beautiful sentence with a beautiful meaning. It says: It’s not important for people to give you a special place in their hearts, because nowadays, hearts seem too small to embrace everyone. However, it’s enough to receive their respect.

Do you know why I find it beautiful?  Because it’s true.

The fast-changing rhythm of life often fills our hearts with disappointment, hurt,  indifference, selfishness, fear, and other negative emotions. Of course, love, kindness, compassion, and other noble feelings still exist, but they are squeezed and squashed with other negative ones. Therefore, it becomes a great challenge for a newcomer to even try to find a place in such a mess.

On the other hand, respect means making a good impression – one that draws others to remember you and seek your company, advice, or simply your presence. In other words, you win their hearts by treading this different, safer road.

That’s why it’s enough to win others’ respect; after all, that’s another way to win their hearts.

With hope and peace,

Nahla



Just writing

A Cake Without Sugar?

nhpureandsimple

Don’t be surprised or shocked or both because yes there is a cake without sugar, and I’ve just baked one!

But first, with pure honesty, the cake does have sugar. It’s just not the refined kind, but dates and chocolate, instead. So, perhaps, the more accurate introduction to the product should be A Cake With Natural Sugar. (Mostly dates, and barely any chocolate as my daughter said.)

Does it taste good?
Hmmm, I’m the only one eating it, but it’s okay. I should have added more dates and chocolate, but I assumed I had used enough.

Now, do you really think this post is about cakes?

Actually, I was thinking of creativity when my cake pushed itself into the post.

So, everyone has their own special way of showing and practising their creativity. Have you noticed that while reading daily prompt posts? I have.

We may write about the same topic, use similar terms, share similar feelings, but our products will never be the same because we are different. When you use your own talent, hear your own voice, and add your own touch to whatever creative work you’re doing, you are creating something different.

Isn’t that the essence of creativity?  Its uniqueness, right?

Still, we can be inspired by others’ ideas, drawings, sense of humor, or even by a cake without sugar.

With hope and peace,

Nahla

memories

Wives, Husbands, And Household Appliances

nhpureandsimple

One day, while mowing the long grass in my garden, the lawnmower began a weird noise, and then smoke come out of it. I ran to unplug it. Everything was under control with no serious damage caused.

The following day (or week) I seized the opportunity that my husband was working from home and asked him to go with me to buy a new one. Since, the store was not far from home, he agreed.

It was a hot summar day, and my husband, clutching the heavy box, was drenched in sweat.

‘That’s why one shouldn’t work from home,’ my husband grumbled.
‘That’s why one should work from home every now and then,’ I said, stifling a laugh.

We arrived home safe and sound. My husband left the box in the kitchen and ran upstairs.
‘Aren’t you going to help me fix it?’ I called after him.
‘I’ve got a meeting, but give me a shout if you need any.’

I opened the box, took everything out, and gathered all the emply packaging. For a moment, I thought whether to throw away the cardboard, but decided against it. I grabbed the manual which I always found useless. I tried my best to put things together, but that mower, though small, was more complicated to put together. After a dozen attempts, I managed to fix the handle, but there was some wires I had no idea where to place. So, I shouted for help and waited for my husband, who promised to come in as soon as possible. In the meanwhile, I dismantled all the pieces I had put together and made me a nice cup of tea.

‘Oh, you haven’t started anything.’ My husband wondered, and I knew he wished half the job was alreafy done.
‘I did, but things didn’t work. So, it’s your turn to fix it.’
‘At least you could have made me a cup of tea like yours.’
‘I will, but only after you fix it.’I said with a smile.

My husband crouched on the floor, trying to put things together, asking me loads of questions as if I was the one who had invented the machine.

”I’ll try later.’ He gave up.
‘But it won’t get fixed. Something is wrong. Can you just take it back to the store and ask them to assemble it.’

Grumbling and murmuring under his breath, my husband asked about the box and the receipt. I whispered a thankful prayer that I hadn’t torn and bin them.

An hour passed, and my husband neither came home nor called. I finally called him.

‘Why is it taking so long?’
‘They can’t fix it. They called an expert to check it, but he couldn’t either. I got a refund.’ My husband said, sounded both happy and relieved.

‘So, you’re coming home.’
‘No, I’m going to work.’

With hope and peace,

Nahla

P.S. I know the photo is not related to the topic of my post, but l love nature. Isn’t it better than a lawnmower?

daily prompt

Why is the world so cruel?

nhpureandsimple

Have you ever been camping?

What’s the first thought that crossed your mind when you read the word “Camping”?


The fun times, family holidays, starry nights, games, laughter, and the warm campfire. Am I right?

Now, have you ever thought about the people living in the heart of this world who have no choice but to live in camps with very basic qualities and facilities? These are people who, not only face unimaginable hardships, but have been forced to move, perhaps every single day, just to escape death and live one more hour of life with what remains of their family.

There, in those heartbreaking camps, starry nights are full of danger, and days full of hard work. Children’s eyes are full of tears and fear. Mothers and fathers dig life with their nails, striving for their families’ survival. The old and the young alike give everything they have, to help, to survive, and to tell the world how their camps know no fun, no peace.

Why is the world so cruel? And don’t blame God. Those innocent people despite all their misery, never do, because that’s not God’s doing. When you believe that life is temporary, you’ll definitely understand that evil will never last– just like fire, which eating and destroying itself.

Isn’t it ironic that some believe Adam’s forgiveness guarantees his offsprings the same blessing, regardless of their deeds? But, Adam committed just one sin, yet he spent his whole entire life repenting, working hard, learning, and nurturing his pure soul. Adam’s hands had no blood, his heart felt no hatred, and his soul knew no greed.

I’m sorry to disturb your rosy memories of camping.

I only hope that you would at least pray for those who are suffering in other camps– camps that know no roses, no sweet dreams.

With hope and peace,

Nahla

daily prompt

It’s Not Hard

nhpureandsimple

When do you feel most productive?

You feel most productive when you achieve something – small or big, simple or complicated, slow or quick. So, you have to achieve something to feel productive – whether the most productive or a bit productive, right?

By the way, I think that productive achievement doesn’t need to be innovative. It could be something you’re doing everyday or once a week, or it may even be a long -‐awaited step that’s finally taken. However, this thing has to stir and fill you with positive feelings, like pleasure and contentment. In the end, it’s not just about the achievement itself, but about how it impacts your well-being.

I feel most productive when I focus on the things I love, and when I let go of the worries about the things I don’t.

It’s not hard to feel productive when it flows naturally, but it becomes hard when you try to force it.

With hope and peace,

Nahla



Just writing

Your Post Title

nhpureandsimple

Do you think of your post title before or after writing a post?

For me it depends on whether my ideas and thoughts are flowing or stuck inside my head. If they are flowing, I will hurry to write them down and then think about the title. If they are stuck, I’ll take my time thinking about the title until I  know what to write about. Once I fix the title, my thoughts will start flowing into my new piece.

You know that sometimes, I forget all about the title and press “Publish”. But, since I usually check whether my post is published, I quickly notice that most important element of my post – its title –is missing, and I add it. I hope you haven’t noticed that, have you?

But don’t you think that the title of your post or book not only highlights and introduces the idea of your piece, but it is also part of your voice as both a writer and a person? I really find it interesting to think this way because your voice reflects how you feel when you’re talking, and writing is a unique, creative method of talking.  And since, you’re human, you experience different feelings that, willingly or not, will be reflected in your piece. (But, of course, that’s different with the news articles, as their titles, in most cases, have no genuine voice and are issued under authorised policy.)

People say you can’t judge a book only by its cover, right? But may I make a tiny addition and say that you can judge a book by its title because its the first thing you as a reader hear and feel about its writer.

With hope and peace,

Nahla

daily prompt

Can you guess what it is?

nhpureandsimple

Describe a risk you took that you do not regret.

There are many risks I’ve taken that I don’t regret, and I’m sure I’ve written about them in my posts. Some might be easy to notice, while others might just need a bit more focus to find. But today, what’s popped into my mind is something different. It’s related to my WordPress blog–something that I know would affect my blog. Still I took the risk, and have never regretted it.

Can you guess what it is?  Have you noticed it?

When I first started  my blog, I was (and still am) determined not to connect it with my other social media accounts. I was just thinking of my blog as something special–a quiet, small conder away from the choes of my other accounts. I knew back then this choice wouldn’t bring me more audience, visitors, followers, or likes to my blog. I knew that all. Still I took the risk, and I don’t regret it, because I am still writing. And, in that quiet, small corner I call Pure and Simple I appreciate you all–my special readers.

With hope and peace,

Nahla