personal thoughts

They Don’t Cost Much

nhpureandsimple


There are things that cost little but can brighten your day, draw a genuine smile on your face, and take you by beautiful surprise.

These things surround us in abundance, waiting just for us to notice and enjoy. Can you think of any? Please do.

Isn’t it interesting how these little things that make your day can be as much given as received? What could be better than kind words spoken fully and sincerely, without abbreviations? They are simple, free, and abundant.

Everyday greetings, wishes, and casual compliments are among the simplest you can offer to make someone’s day. “Thank you”, “Good morning”, “Have a good day” – all are free of charge, yet full of beautiful meaning.

Have you ever thought that there is a higher level of kind words, those that can fill your heart with peace and delight? These are blessings.

I once read that the word  “Hello” doesn’t exist in the Gaelic culture. Instead, blessings were used during their daily encounters. Isn’t this beautiful? This is so similar to my Arabic culture, where blessings are plentiful in our greetings.

May peace be with you.
May God be with you.
May God guide your path.
Be in God’s care and assistance.

There are loads of blessings, and do you know what, goodness in my form – be in words, deeds, or feelings – always returns to the one who gives it.

So, why give less when you can give more? After all, you will receive your great share of happiness. That’s God’s promise for both the giver and the receiver.

With hope and peace,

Nahla






story

I Want Your House!

nhpureandsimple

‘Good morning Madame.’

‘Good morning Sir, how can I help you?’

‘I’m your wealthy neighbour, the third road on the left. My mansion can’t be missed.’

Of course I know your mansion, heard about you,  no need to brag about your power and wealth. Besides, I have never wished, never would, to be honoured either with your presence or your company, I thought holding the door half -open. 

He remained silent, looking from me to my house. I remained silent looking from him to his massive, monstrous car swallowing the whole wide road just like an enormous  whale stuck in a small lake.

‘You’ve got a beautiful house,’ he said, with one of those fake forced smiles.

‘Thank you,’ I replied.

‘May I come in and have a look?’ Now, his smile was a mockery one.

‘A look at what?’

‘Your house.’

‘Have anyone told you mine is for sale?’

‘If you allow me some of your time, I’ll be happy to explain things.’

‘I’m so sorry but I don’t know you and I can’t let you into my house to explain things that have nothing to do with me.’

All his smiles, forced or mocking, disappeared. His face reddened and his eyes blazing. He was, definitely, on the brink of exploding, but that wouldn’t be my fault, would it?

‘But of course, they have. It’s about your house which I know is not for sale. But, I’ve come to offer you the deal of a lifetime.’

‘For my house which is not for sale?’

‘Yes. Now may I come in to talk business?’  He looked a bit calmer, a bit hopeful.

‘No.’

‘Why?’

‘I told you.’

‘I can turn your house into a fairytale palace.’

‘It’s already my fairytale miniature palace.’

 ‘Your garden will be exotic and magical.’

‘Thank you very much but I’m not a wich.’

‘Your kitchen will turn into a sophisticated, modern restaurant with…

‘Sophistication and I do not go well together.’

‘Your bathroom…

‘Clean and tidy.’

‘How many rooms do you have?

‘Enough.’

‘Your bedroom..

‘I want to replace my dressing, and fix my wardrobe drawers.’

‘Give me time to explain.’

‘What do you want?’

‘Your house. It would make a great extension to my compound, influence, and buisness. But it will also remain your place. You can choose to live in its modern renovated version, or nearby. I’ll simply hold the “ownership”, and you will live a better life.’

‘Thank you very much but my house is not for sale.’ I shut the door.

He exploded, but, unfortunately,  I don’t have a fire extinguisher to contain the mess.

With hope and peace,

Nahla

Just writing

It’s A Beautiful Day!

nhpureandsimple

Finally the sun graces us with its warm, bright rays. It’s true that weather can affect people’s mood. I believe even animals and plants can also be affected by the changes of weather.

If you ask me ‘how do you feel today’? ‘Happy’, I will say. This is the first thing I felt when I stepped out of the house into this beautiful, warm day. Now, as I am writing this post, I feel blessed too.

What about you? How do you feel today? May I ask you to set aside, for a moment or two, any negative feelings and think of a positive one instead. No need to share it, just feel it.

In case you can’t find any, just look at that clear sky and the happy trees in my picture. They say misery love company, and I believe happiness loves company even more.

With hope and peace,

Nahla

personal thoughts

Is It Okay To Step Out Of The Race?

nhpureandsimple

Of course it is, or, if you want, you can join it but at your own pace. If the turtle wins the race against the rabbit, then it’s better to be the winning turtle than the losing rabbit. That’s my opinion!

Just imagine two people running a race (perhaps you and me). The starting whistle blows, and the first racer makes an incredible start, running faster than sound. A few meteres back, the second racer is also running but at a cyclist’s pace against a train. The first racer’s aim is the gold medal. The second racer joins just to enjoy the experience, believing in everyone’s unique limits and abilities.

Halfway through the race, the first racer keeps on running and running, believing that a winner never gives up. Pushing even beyond sound speed, a pulled muscle, awful cramps, and a burning chest will never overcome strong determination. That’s the first racer’s mindset. But, this strong determination smashes into the hardest wall. All of a sudden, the first racer bends over, can hardly breathe, is on the verge of fainting, and almost collapses.

The second racer is far, very far away from the first’s spot, but senses the danger and feels the urgency of the situation. They say that in an emergency, people can react in two, no three ways: The first, close their eyes and ears and don’t care. The second, be struck by the shock and become another urgent case. The third, dash to help even if it means running into a big fire.

Considering these options, the second racer thanks God, for there was neither fire nor blood ahead. The, a few moments ago, relaxed racer forgets about limits and abilities, and runs like the wind to reach the struggling competitor. Now, it’s the paniced person who steps out of the race, and takes a shortcut to save a life.  Finally, and breathless, the second racer becomes the saviour who reaches a sacred life’s side, offering reassurance, and calling for help.

As I am writing this post, I recall what happened two years ago on sport’s day at my daughter’s school. The event takes place at the end of the summer term, with the running race always being the final activity. My daughter started the race so good. After a few meters, she slowed down and stopped. I could see she was fine, but she was walking back to one of her friends. After a few moments, they both stepped out of the race, walking slowly while leaning against each other. When they finally arrived, I ran to my daughter to check if everything was alright. She was just fine, but she had heard her friend crying at the back. The other girl felt sick and shaky all of a sudden, and my daughter would not leave her friend just to compete in the running race.

The medal is great, and winning is even greater. Is there anyone who wouldn’t like to win the gold medal after extremely hard work? Of course not. But sometimes it’s okay to step out of the race, to respect your limits, and to listen to your heart. In the end, there are many prizes more precious than the gold medal.

Is it okay to step out of the race?

With all the best wishes,

Nahla

Just writing

Baklawa

nhpureandsimple

Or baklava? Both are correct – the first is in Arabic, and the second in Turkish.

You can buy it from the shops or restaurants, or make it at home. I love to make it. It’s the simplest recipe ever: puff pastry sheets, ground nuts, butter, and syrup. There are millions of videos on YouTube for this simple dessert.

Baklawa is most famous and enjoyed during the month of fasting; Ramadan – our very special, once – a -year guest.

Are your mouth watering  already? Mine is.

Sometimes, you might think, like me, that you can transform your traditional dessert recipe into a healthier one. Here’s my experiment with baklawa last year, and my baklawa this year.

Last Ramadan, I decided to cut all fine sugar and use honey, dates, or fruits in all desserts, including baklawa. It wasn’t because I was on a diet or had any medical issues, but because I want to eat healthily. So, the only change I made to baklawa was to replace the sugar with honey. But honey is thick and has a different taste, yet I insisted on using it.


“Where is the sugar, mama?”
“Why does it taste weird?”
“Is there any other dessert?”

My family compalined, obviously didn’t like it, and neither did I. It wasn’t making your mouth-water but rather make it shut and dry.

Therefore, for this Ramadan, I’m making it the normal way with homemade sugar syrup. Now, that’s the mouth-watering baklawa with layers of pastry sheets full of ground pistachios, walnuts, and almond. On top of each crispy piece, the shiny syrup spreads smoothly and penterates deeply into each layer. One bite of baklawa with its dripping syrup would make it ready to fast for the whole year!

Have you tried fasting before? I’m just wondering how you feel about it?

With all the best wishes,

Nahla

Books

I think that’s enough!

nhpureandsimple

Today I made up my mind that I have read enough of Daphne du Maurier’s books. My reading journey with ber books has started last December and continued until last friday. I read about ten of her works, both short stories and novels. I enjoyed reading them all, but one of my reading techniques is to follow my intuition. And today, mine says it’s time to read different books for a different author.

Don’t you agree that changing geners can enhance your imagination, polish your literary talent, and broaden your knowledge? I do agree, but of course, that depends on your literary preferences and style

Now, it seems it’s time to make a fresh start and read a new author. I have a specific one in mind, and I hope I won’t be disappointed. So, this month will be dedicated to non – fiction philosophy and wisdom books.

By the way if you wish to read my reviews on Daphne du Maurier’s books, please check my book review blog.  Here’s the link.

https://nh825.wordpress.com/

With all the best wishes,

Nahla

personal thoughts

He Flew Away!

nhpureandsimple

That’s Blue,  my little bird. I think you already know about him. I wrote about him a few times.

Today, he flew away. 

First, I couldn’t ‘t believe it when I saw him ran outside after me into the garden. He’d done it once before, but this time, he didn’t stand on my shoulders, didn’t jump on the laundry airer, didn’t fly back inside, and didn’t even look back. He flew away, up and high in the blue, warm sky.

But, I believe it, and I even felt it. Deep in my heart, I knew he would. Today was the perfect day. Yes, it’s a perfect springy day. The birds outside are singing and calling one another, high and loud. He couldn’t stop getting excited, couldn’t stop spreading his small wings and letting the gentle wind take him away. 

I feel happy for him, but also heartbroken, very hearbroken. He’s been my friend for almost three years. Over the last two weeks, after his mate died, he followed me everywhere. He made me laugh, he made me angry, and today made me cry.

I believe birds have feelings, because they have a soul. Otherwise they wouldn’t get attached to others, wouldn’t fear, wouldn’t love life.

I only pray I made him happy!

With all the best wishes,

Nahla

personal thoughts

I Missed It So Much!

nhpureandsimple

How I missed writing so much over the last few days!  Was it three or more days that I didn’t blog a post?

Things happen! It’s not that I ran out of thoughts but I felt just like want to pause. Perhaps because of the terrible headache I got, or because of my little bird following me like my shadow, or because of my daughter’s half-term break, or becuase of my middle son’s move to another city, or because of my eldest’s move to another in a month or so, or because of my husband’s busy work schedule.

But, you know what? All these are excuses, because I know myself well, and I know that I want to pause, and that’s what I did.

However, I haven’t paused reading, though my reading rhythm is slower than usual this month. I love and enjoy the book I’m reading right now. It’s interesting, a different story with special, unexpected turns of events and surprises. I’m determined to finish it today.

I have been reading quite a lot of Daphne du Maurier’s books. My first was Rebecca, and since then, I have read one after another. Though she belonged to a far distant generation, with different writing style, prose, characters, and plots,  many people still read her books. Perhaps, some find her work an alternative to contemporary themes, trends, and stories of today. Or, perhaps some enjoy her work because they, too, feel different in their own style, own voice, and own stories.

Aren’t there people who prefer to take the road less travelled by? 

Of course there are.



With all the best wishes,

Nahla

personal thoughts

Charms Or Merit

nhpureandsimple

“Charms strike the sight, but merit wins the soul.” 

Alexander Pope

I really like this quote.It was so random when I found it while searching for something else. I don’t remember if I have heard or studied Alexandre Pope before, but I think I will have a look at some of his work soon.

How many times have you met a charming person with dazzling looks that would strike the light and blast your mind at first sight?  These things happen at least once or twice in your life, right? But then, things turn out to be just like the old saying: Appearances are deceiving. Or, may I suggest a slight alteration and make it: appearances can be just soulless charms. When your charm is souless, it’s vague, and though it might be expensive and powerful, it is also short-lived just like a tempst in a teapot.

Haven’t things nowadays come to depend first and most on appearances, which are laden with money and power? In most cases, they are soulless charms because they have nothing to do with the soul. They mainly have to do with attention, attraction, and surfaces. Does this make sense? Let me explain more.

The soul is neither an ownership nor a commodity. It’s a divine entity. Whatever is divine is pure, and whatever is pure will touch the pure whining you: your soul.

Is things getting clearer now? I hope so.

That’s why it’s merit, not charisma that wins the soul. Perhaps that’s why some people say what is good, genuine, and honest always makes lasting impressions and wins true respect.

With all the best wishes,

Nahla

Just writing

You Are Flawless!

nhpureandsimple

How would you feel if you receive this message first thing in the morning?

Elated! That’s how I felt after I had finished an entire French unit on my Duolingo app with only a few typos. I really felt that I deserved it. It’s not becuase my French is perefct. I hope it will be one day, but my current level is high B1 level on the CERF scale, which means I can handle most daily situations.

The main reason, I felt I really deserved this compliment is that I made the best of my time early morning. During the weekends, I usually do just one lesson on Duolingo because it’s the weekend: my family’s gathering day. However, today I got up at four o’clock and couldn’t get myself to sleep again. An hour later, I decided to do my lesson. But when the first went smoothly and perfectly, I did the second, third, fourth, and so on. Actually, I think I did more than ten lessons.

Don’t I deserve “You are flawless” compliment?  Of course, I do.

My French learning journey started many years ago at high school. Back then, I didn’t like it because I found it too hard to write what you don’t pronounce. But my marks were good. At university, as I was studying for my English degree qualifications, I had to learn another foreign language. Though French would have been a perfect choice since I had already studied some of it, I decided to study Spanish instead. It’s really disappointing how I can hardly remember any Spanish, but if you don’t practice a language, it will fade away from your brain. But then, why this didn’t happen with my French? Honestly, I don’t know why.

I started my Duolingo sessions during the lockdown, mainly to encourage my daughter to keep on her French lessons. Surprisingly, I found out that my old French lessons were still stored in the back of my brain, waiting to be revived and used.

Scientifically, learning a different language is so beneficial for your cognitive health. It’s like challenging your brain to speak, read, communicate, and understand in more than your mother tongue. In this way, your brain becomes more alert, flexible, and smarter. And, socially, it’s a credit to your social status, professional opportunities, and literary creativity.

Have you ever read the concept of a dead language? It refers to the language that is not widely known but locally practised. However, I don’t like it, becuase even if a language is not widely known, it’s still honoured by its own people which means it’s not truely dead.

How many languages do you wish to learn or have already  learned? I’m just curious to know.

With all the best wishes,

Nahla