Just writing

No WiFi, No Signal

nhpureandsimple

Isn’t she so cute?

I have no idea what drew her to climb almost to the top of the mountain.

There wasn’t another sheep around.

Yes, I looked around.

None.

Perhaps, the grass up there is more delicious, greener, or fresher.

Either way, she looks safe and happy.

But you know what? 

She reminds me of that old philosophical question:

Do humans live to eat, or eat to live? 

‘Of course we eat to live,’ we answer with a pompous air of superiority.

But… excuse me, may I ask: how many meals did you have today?

And don’t forget to count the drinks.

Oh, and the desserts.

And yes, yes, all the fruits and vegetables for maintaining that healthy lifestyle. 

But, honestly… haven’t it just crossed your mind to have this cute sheep for dinner?

Now tell me, do you… really eat to live or live to eat? 

And that’s not all.

With all due humbleness and respect, I would like to introduce a new twist on the old question:

Do we live to eat or to share photos of what we eat? 

Watch one recipe, and suddenly loads of similar and different dishes will pop up from all around the world.

Instead of leaving your mouth watering, they trap you in digital gluttony, stuffed with endless edited images, repeating clips, and untasted flavours. 

Why, this cute sheep would grow more horns if she watched all those endless posts of food recipes.

With no baaaa or maaaa, she would give the same look she gave me for the photo, and continue enjoying her one authentic recipe—the mountain grass.

As if to say, ‘I do survive with no wifi, no signal.’

With hope and peace,

Nahla

daily prompt

Can we turn things upside down?

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Who is the most famous or infamous person you have ever met?

So… can we think of the most famous as the most infamous and vice versa?

In other words, why can a celebrity be the most famous, while the teacher, for example, is the last, or perhaps nonexistent, in the list of the most famous?

Can we swap positions, so the celebrity goes down the list and the teacher goes up to be the most famous? 

I hope your head isn’t spinning right now, or is it?

Mine actually is.

But don’t you get it? 

Some people can be famous but without big celebrations, shiny gowns, best-selling books, or seven zeros in their bank account? They can be the most famous because of something simple yet special about them—something that shines without glitter, something that resounds without raucous noise, and something that attracts with respect. 

Wouldn’t it be a good change to think of the famous and the infamous in this way? 

You may discover that you are more famous in your own surroundings than those in the media or politics. 

With hope and peace,

Nahla

Just writing

Never rush the customer

nhpureandsimple

I couldn’t help laughing when this idea crossed my mind today. It brought back so many funny memories in my homeland. 

But isn’t it one of the golden techniques for winning both customer’s satisfaction and their pocket?

It always feels more comfortable when the retailer lets the customer browse around, pick this, leave that, and go out and come back… or not. 

But things don’t always go that way, do they? 

Sometimes, retailers make you feel so ill at ease that you would think twice before stepping into that place again, or never at all.

So, instead of following the ”never rush the customer” rule, they rush you to choose, try, pay, and leave all in no time. 

Honestly, this doesn’t happen often in the UK as it used to in Cairo. Things might have changed, though. 

Years ago, most clothings and shoe stores in Cairo wouldn’t let a customer pass by without a warm greeting, a smile, and a hearty invitation to come inside and see more collections. Whether you were planning to buy something or not, the salesman or woman would give it a chance, trying to turn you into a good catch. They’d swear by God that they had the best qualities, the most reasonable prices, and that you would not leave without getting exactly what you had been dreaming of. The point is… you hadn’t been dreaming of anything except getting out of their reach.

This happens sometimes here in the UK. With a warm smile, they approach you and ask, “have you found what you were looking for?” Then, with another smile, they will suggest you to let them know if you need any help. That’s sometimes… because in most cases, you simply wander and browse around with no one following on your heels. 

But you know what? Sometimes, you really do need this nice, active seller to help you at some point, especially when you can’t find the right size or length.

Wouldn’t you ask for help? 

Well, I did.

But every now and then, I came across this person whose answer is as desperate as their looking. 

”We only have what’s been displayed.” A cold answer, without checking, for I might be mistaken, and without even trying to check the stockroom. But, no way, they gave you a flat answer that would send you out with no promise of ever coming back.

If only that old days Egyptian seller had seen them, he would have grabbed you before you made it out the store. He would swear to God that he would turn the store upside down to find what you wanted or at least something similar. He would weave tales about their colleague’s family or health problems just to win your pardon and sympathy. 

It’s funny to come across one seller who rushes you to buy and even spend more money, while another rushes you out with a silent “good riddance,” your money untouched. 

And, it’s even funnier when you remember those mements with a smile.

With hope and peace,

Nahla

Just writing

Should I take such umbrage in this situation?

nhpureandsimple

Well… sometimes you just don’t know how or why people behave this way or that? And honestly, in this situation, it’s better not to make a big deal of it.

So, today my daughter and I took the bus home. It wasn’t busy, but it was so warm inside the bus. All the windows were locked, and most people seemed to have a bad cold.

Isn’t it normal to open the window where you sit?

I think it is, especially if you feel like sitting in a sauna.

So, I consulted my neighbour, who was my daughter, and she said, “yes please mama.”

I stood, stretched to reach it, and finally pulled it open. Sometimes you just wonder why they design the windows that high… but perhaps it’s for some safety reasons.

Anyway, how refreshing it was to feel the cool air above your head, and to smell the scent of the fresh rain instead of the thick, condensed air inside the bus.

Just a few minutes later, and as my daughter and I were talking, and out of nowhere, I heard a woman’s voice nearby, not asking or even suggesting that the window be closed but saying she was closing it. In a flash, she pushed it shut, and just like a ghost disappeared.

For a second, my daughter and I looked at each other, wondering why she closed the window. She wasn’t the one sitting next to it, and since the seats in front and behind us were empty, there was no way she would be affected by it.

As our journey wasn’t taking long, I didn’t make a fuss. I told my daughter, “Perhaps she was sensitive to the fresh, cold air.” We smiled, and continued our conversation, and soon got out into the real fresh air.

Should I have taken umbrage at such behaviour?

I think… I did better by ignoring her and her action completely.

What do you think?

With hope and peace,

Nahla

Philosophical musings

They Say These Are Just Dreams 

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… but dreams may come true. 

How many times have you dreamed of things, impossible in your mind, yet one day they do come true?

Sometimes your dreams seem just like… the mountain summit; too hard to imagine, too far to climb, and too impossible to reach. 

But then, one says, “I have a dream,” while another says, “these are just fussy, meaningless dreams.” The difference between them is that one truly begins climbing the mountain to achieve something, anything, while the other waits down there, laughing, still wondering what a silly, unfathomable dream might be!

For the climber, to reach the summit, to cheer from up there, to enjoy the panoramic view all around from the top, is worth every step, every ache, and every drop of sweat. From now on, there will be no turning back, only moving forward—for every dream can come true.

For the others watching from down there, they wander about with mocking laughter, a few steps, a little effort, and no sweat. Poor them, they can’t see what the climber sees, they will not learn what the climber learns, and they will never understand how dreams can come true.

By the way, don’t you agree that to have a dream doesn’t necessarily mean becoming a president, a royal, or even a scholar? To have a dream is to have a purpose with valuable meaning. In other words, a dream has to do with something that can guide rather than mislead. It is a disaster if selfishness and pride are the sole motivations behind one’s dreams; actually this can be worse than having no dreams at all. 

Do you remember those old days dreams?

As children, we were often asked, “What do you want to be in the future?

Do you remember the boy who said, “I want to be an upright judge.” 

And the other who said, “an honest lawyer.”

And that girl who wanted to be a kind teacher. And another who dreamed of becoming a merciful doctor. 

These little noble dreams often came true, turning into something useful, generous, and prosperous.

Now, please do not to be pessimistic for even amid all the media madness and money mania, these little noble dreams still exist.

There will always be those who surprise us with true, prosperous dreams coming true.

With hope and peace,

Nahla 

Just writing

Please November Be Inspiring 

nhpureandsimple

Today is November the third, and finally I’ve found time to write. Honestly, so far, I have no idea how, or even what, this post will be about. Sometimes there are too many things to say, and other times none at all. It isn’t because you run out of ideas but because you just feel like… maybe later or after this or that. Or, perhaps it was the half-term break, and you wanted to enjoy it fully with family.

So, honestly the only thing that crossed my mind at the very moment was Napoleon. Of all the historical figures, he was the one who crossed my mind. 

Strange, isn’t it? 

I haven’t studied history in ages, and Napoleon, in my history schoolbooks, was an invader, who decided, out of the blue, to conquer the world through Egypt, to spread enlightenment and civilisation. 

But which enlightenment, and which civilisation? 

And who ever said there wasn’t any? 

And who decided that what he offered was better than what existed? 

I have no idea. 

But his project didn’t last long, and as far as I remember, for only three years, and then the whole expedition ended in a big failure.

Does this remind you of something else? 

Anyway, back to November with its dear winter. It has knocked heavily at the door, bringing the first hints of the season with strong gusts, heavy showers, and long, cold nights. Its company seems delighted to linger. This week, and the following week, are all grey and rainy and gusty. But that’s okay, we’re used to it, and we endure the visit with waterproof coats, warm homes, and delicious, hearty meals. Still, with a hopeful heart, I pray November and its dear guest have remembered to bring along some inspiring moments, not with more Napoleons, but with some… blue and white and sunshine thoughts. 

So, please November, be an inspiration of hope and peace, a gift of happiness, and a promise that beautiful dreams may come true.

With hope and peace,

Nahla 

Philosophical musings

What Does the Fish Want to Say?

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“If the fish comes out of water to tell you the crocodile is ill, believe it.”

I came across this sentence while I was scrolling through instagram. 

Is it a puzzle? I wondered, and decided that the only way to find out was to see how writing might solve it. 

But first: have you ever come across this one before? 

I’m just curious about its origin.

So, let’s set the scene first.

An old wise man was walking along the riverbank just after dusk. (Now, don’t ask me why an old man. I really don’t know, it just came that way into my head. Besides it sounds better than “an old woman” in the context of a quiet, dark background. And don’t ask why wise. Actually … I can see your point. Not every old men behave wisely. But, at lease let’s make them wise in stories. Now not more interruption, please.) 

Once upon a time, an old wise man was walking along the riverbank just after dusk, as the last reddish ray of the flaming sun sank deep behind the big, dark mountains. He was having his usual evening walk by the river. Whether it was cold or warm, rainy or dry, busy or quiet, he never missed this routine unless something serious held him back. 

On every evening walk, the old man had a plan—a simple plan to make a kind deed.

Sometimes he gave a stray cat some food,

sometimes he picked up litter and dropped it in bins,

sometimes he helped a mother get her baby’s pram onto the bus,

sometimes he sat back on a bench and patted another old man on the back as he listened to his heartbreaking story,

and sometimes he tried other gestures of kindness.

Until the day he took his evening walk by the riverbank, when it was extra quiet. The only thing he glimpsed that evening was a faraway, shiny golden fish bouncing on the beach. 

The fish was the size of a medium salmon. He glanced right and left, wondering whether anyone might run and catch her for their dinner, but there wasn’t a soul around.

He rushed towards the fish, not to make her his dinner, but to push her back into the water so she might live. When he was about a metre away, she made one great bounce into the air, and spoke in a human voice: “The crocodile is ill.” As she landed on the damp beach, a high tide crept forward and swallowed her back into the deep river.

The old wise man stared into the deep river under the dark sky, wondering whether he was dreaming. After a few long moments of silence, he turned and walked back towards the road.

“Even if it was all a hallucination… what does ‘the crocodile is ill’ mean?” He wondered, and sat on the nearest wooden bench.

“If the crocodile is ill, perhaps it means the world is finally safe. People can go out and about with no fear, no threats, no weapons. Perhaps, now they can swim into the river and get rid of it. Then, life will be safe, fishing will be abundant, and people will be free. 

“Or… if the crocodile is ill, it may be a warning of danger, awful danger. The river is no longer pure, no longer clean, no longer suitable for life. Not because of the crocodile but because of the river itself. Its water may be polluted, and the land no longer fit for living.” 

A moment later, a young man drew near him and gently whispered, “Aren’t we blessed to have this beautiful river…. Tomorrow we’re going fishing.”

The old wise man smiled. He had found the answer.

But… do you think which one was it?

With hope and peace,

 Nahla

Philosophical musings

I’m sorry

nhpureandsimple

Some people whisper it from the heart,

Some repeat it out of a habit,

some grumble it, 

some murmur it,

and some are too proud to let it slip from their tongue.

Aren’t these expressions of apology obvious to interpret? 

Both your brain and your heart can tell which is which, right? 

You don’t have to study psychology to distinguish a casual, fake, under-the-breath, shy, or sincere apology.

You know who’s the worst of all? 

Those who go round and round to avoid giving an apology;

as if they make no mistakes,

as if they don’t know,

and as if they are superior and above all reprimand.

They will tell you endless stories—fake or true, short or long—

just to evade what, for them, feels like the heaviest and most complicated word on the tongue: sorry.

But, those are hopeless cases. 

Do you know why? 

Because if you argue with them, they will explode.

If you go along and pretend things are okay, they will hurt you more.

The only suitable reaction is to play it safe, and smile not because they’re funny, but because they know you understand them.

Suppose one day someone comes to you with a warm, sincere apology— one touches not only your heart but also your soul.

Would you accept it? 

I think things depends on how close the person is to you. 

And how deeply the deed behind the apology has affected you. 

Right?

One day, as we usually do on special occasions, I sent an old friend a greeting message, and in her respond she asked me to forgive her.

The only harm she caused me was … disappointing me as a good friend— someone who was supposed to be there when I need them.

“I forgive you,” I texted back for I couldn’t find a reason not to.

To be honest, I was thinking more of myself than of her, thinking of how I would like to be forgiven too. 

But… you just can’t feel the same with the person.

Since then, she hasn’t sent any more messages, and neither have I. 

We have this famous saying in Arabic: Forgive and forget.

Funny how I used to teach it to my children, and they would wipe their tears, smile, and hurry outside to play with their friends again. 

But there’s another version of this saying: Forgive, but do not forget. 

The older you get, the more you understand why this version feels wiser.

It’s just a reminder that you, as a human being, need both to forgive and to be cautious.

To forgive is to purify your heart from anger, hatred, and agony, and to find this peace of mind that nourishes your soul.

To forgive is a noble path towards finding forgiveness yourself.

But, you, the same human being, have to learn from the experience.  It’s necessary, somehow, to remember the hurt, the lie, and the deception not as bitterness but as protection. Otherwise you may get hurt or disappointed twice. 

They say if something happens twice, it is more likely to happen again.

Isn’t that true? 

And people … they alway teach us important lessons. 

So grant your forgiveness, but remember why you give it in the first place. 

And, don’t close the door, just leave it a little bit ajar. 

With hope and peace,

Nahla

Just writing

Rain and Sun 

nhpureandsimple

Today, an hour ago, as I was reading by the window, I glanced at the blue sky. Its beautiful blue invites everyone to gaze into it and forget everything else. 

Beautiful, I whispered, and my eyes moved back to my reading. But then, the sun shone into them. I tried to evade its brightness, but couldn’t. It was warm, and we had missed it over the last few days. 

So I remained where I was, enjoying its warmth while continuing to read.

Then, all of a sudden, I heard rain, beating rain, big raindrops falling somewhere. 

I glanced out the window; no rain. But, I did hear rain.

I moved to another window, and just then it was pouring, generously pouring. 

The sun was shining and smiling, happy to watch the rain, just like me.

Oh my… the poor people were running along the streets. It’s been a bit chilly here, but some still think it’s not time for coats. They were running, trying to find any shelter. The trees gave them another cold shower, and the sun began playing her favourite game of hide and seek. 

And I smiled. 

Then the rain stopped, and the sun was still playing.

Oh my…  I remembered the laundry. It wasn’t outdoors, but I wondered whether to take it out or not risk it for my friend still playing hide and seek. 

Better not.

But I hate dryers.

I think I’ll give it a try.

That’s how rain and sun can change your day—from weather to whether.

With hope and peace,

Nahla

Books

Can the life that was right for one be ever right for two? 

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“I wondered whether the life that was right for one was ever right for two!”

That’s a quote from My Antonia, which I’ve just finished reading.

Isn’t it true?

It is.

Some people, for example, choose a simple life, feeling happier and more secure in small cities. But, others prefer the busy life in big cities where there are more people, more opportunities, and more entertainment. 

Can these two groups swap places?

Maybe.

But things depend on the urge and the necessity behind the change. In other words, change happens for a reason. You don’t just wake up in the morning and decide to leave your house and move to the mountains… or do you? 

Now imagine how destiny might bring together two people with different life preferences. What do you think their life would be? 

In the story, Antonia’s parents have this acute different preferences, not just about places but about many things. Her father left their homeland, taking his wife and four children to the new land. If it hadn’t been for his nagging wife, he might have never left, would’t have never sold the precious and the worthless to embark on this journey. He couldn’t adapt to prairie life, and his wife never stopped complaining. Then, one day he took his own life. (Oh, the poor man he might have shot himself twice, especially now, when laws are changing.)

But Antonia managed to find a balance, and to help her city -loving husband adapt to prairie life though not quite as much as she did, but enough. And, at least, he never reached the desperate limits her father had.

Now can the life that was right for one ever be right for two? 

Yes.

When there’s love, understanding, and a sense of belonging everything becomes possible. 

By the way My Antonia is just about Antonia. 

With hope and peace,

Nahla