Tag: Spring

Just writing

It Took The Evil Eye Away

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In my culture, when something breaks, burns, or gets damaged in any way, people usually say, “Thank God, it took the evil eye away.”

Funny how my grandfather, many years ago, used to laugh and say “Doesn’t this evil eye go anywhere else? It had almost broken all of the cups.”

Actually, I follow the tradition.

I never wept over spilled milk or a broken cup. 

I repeat the same phrase and feel relieved. 

I thank God that the damage was in things that can be replaced, not any one of us. 

What disturb me and what I make a fuss about is the mess. That’s when I start yelling at everyone around me to be careful, to watch out, and definitely to be safe. 

By the way, I didn’t break anything today, but I did have some funny, slightly annoying moments.

So… instead of making a nice, fresh orange juice, the machine grew grumpy and violent. It started shaking as if it were going to explode, splashing juice everywhere including me. Of course, I unplugged it, but then I hit the cup, and a river of juice came flooding across the counter. 

After cleaning the mess, I went to have some fresh water before heading out. But for some reason, the glass didn’t feel comfortable on the mat and decided to lay down for a bit. Then, again, another river flooded the table, and headed straight towards both my phone and iPad. No way, I gasped, snatching my precious devices just before the flood reached them.

Then I went out, happy with the sun, the blue sky, and the steps I was taking until the wind decided to make another mess. Not with rain, but by blowing pollen everywhere. 

I came back with a headache, itchy eyes, and a blocked nose.

Could it be another evil eye?

No, it is the spring evil.

Let me introduce the most unwelcome visitor: Mr. Spring Hay Fever. 

Wasn’t it just a wonderful day! 

With windy spring thoughts,

Nahla

Just writing

A Story Inside a Non-Fiction Book

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So… here I’m again, repeating the same story that started at the beginning of this year.

It’s about my determination to read more non-fiction than fiction.

So far, I’ve been reading non-fiction about different topics and I’m really enjoying them.

It wasn’t until a few days ago that I started reading  Of Men and Plants by Maurice Messegue. From its very beginning, the book turned out to be the story of the author himself, who was apparently a very famous herbalist.

I’ve really enjoyed every part of his story so far.

But… have you ever tried to put into practice some of the knowledge you read about?

Well… I tried, but of course not as a herbalist.

What happened is that I started looking around at different plants, not just the familiar ones I know and use regularly. 

To my surprise, I discovered there’s rosemary in my garden, but there are other plants that look totally unfamiliar.

I used Google search, and it gives some information but with a few warnings, as if I am going to eat them. 

I’m really thinking about asking my neighbours.

Wouldn’t that be a good idea.

Anyway, ever since I started reading about herbs, my instagram feed has been full of herbalists and herbs. 

Can it be a coincidence?

Or did everyone become suddenly interested in herbs.

Sometimes, I feel as if I am not just looking at  the herbs, but I’m almost smelling them.

Could this actually happen in the future?

Please no.

There’s already enough madness on social media.

But in the reels, nothing seems toxic or dangerous. Even the dandelion, that cute little yellow flower, I’ve been known for years as a weed, turns out to be nutritious and full of health benefits.

Sometimes, I wonder why they never taught us about different herbs at school.

At least then no one would mistake a dandelion for a useless weed.

I think I’m going to post more about this book.

With dandelion thoughts,

Nahla

Just writing

Why the Crow Is so Mean.

nhpureandsimple

Yes, I saw it — that crow who seemed not only overfed, but also a tyrant, a bully, and certainly greedy.

Everything happened as I was getting the clean laundry out in the sun, for we haven’t seen her much since the beginning of spring.

But she kept this promise.

Do you know about this promise.

Here’s my recent post, in case you’re curious.

https://pure-and-simple.co.uk/2026/04/17/its-a-sunny-day/

Anyway, a few seconds before the crow landed on the tree, a pigeon had just came back to her nest in a same tree. 

Of course, I didn’t see her nest but I saw her slip into the branches and disappear, which makes perfect sense if she has a nest hidden there.

She was cute, looked happy and lively in the sunny day. 

Just as I turned back to go into the house,

I heard the sudden flapping of wings and then that familiar, unpleasant sound of the crow.

I turned around and looked up, 

and there was the pigeon flying away from her tyrant, whose claws gripped the highest branch as if he meant to dominate the whole landscape.

Surprisingly another pigeon came to the rescue, not to fight with the bully. 

Pigeons aren’t cowards, thought.

They simply prioritise their safety and peace of mind.

So, it seems the second pigeon was checking on the nest before flying to support her friend on the other tree. 

Then both pigeons flew away with the same quick rhythm and lightness under the blue sky.

The crow was still up there on the tree, 

interest in nothing but the disturbance of peace of other creatures.

Soon, another senior crow, or perhaps one of those gigantic seagulls will chase him to the ground, I thought as I turned to go into the house wondering why crows are so mean. 

How I wish I could have taken a photo of that scene.

But I was more interested in watching it.

With peace against mean thoughts,

Nahla

(The pigeon in the photo is not the heroine.)

Just writing

It’s a Sunny Day

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Yes, finally the sun is gracing us with some light and warmth.

Still, the wind insists on extending its visit, bringing along its strong-gust companion.

But at least we can say we have a long, sunny day.

It seems the sun is pleased with our happiness.

It feels as though she’s smiling, spreading even more of her shining rays.

But I can hear her whispering that tomorrow she’ll be off on a mission.

Yes, she says she is going to push the wind and its companion as far as possible. 

East or west, she hasn’t decided yet.

Oh, she promises to come back soon to stay longer — a week or more.

Isn’t that great news.

I checked the weather forecast, and it’s all true.

She wasn’t lying.

She’s coming back on Sunday,

and will stay for one whole week,

and hopefully even more.

Time to get ready for a long, warm walk. 

With sunny-day thoughts,

Nahla

Just writing

Winter in April

nhpureandsimple

It’s April, and how it arrived so quickly, I’ve no idea.

But according to the calendar: it’s officially the first of April.

But why are you stretching the heavy blanket of winter?

You’re supposed to bring spring with its warm sun, blue sky, and colourful flowers.

Up to this very moment, it’s freezing cold here,

and rainy,

and the only colourful flowers are the ones in the supermarkets.

Not only that, you’re bringing along news of an unexpected guest: the wind.

She’s planning a short stay for two days soon, I heard.

Honestly, earlier that day, I thought it might be one of your fool tricks.

But no — it wasn’t.

You’ve just announced, clear and clean, that winter’s mood is still on.

But March announced that the summertime is already here, 

with a promise of long, bright days.

What’s wrong this year?

If you had a fight with long March,

or if you’re simply confused by the chaos in the world,

please don’t make us scapegoats for others’ madness.

Anyway, welcome April—

and thank you for the spark of sun that shone just as I finished this post.

Is this a promise of new hope.

Please be kind.

With kind and hopeful thoughts, 

Nahla

personal thoughts

Spring And May

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It’s almost the end of June—I know. But the book I am reading nudged me to use Spring and May in this post.

Don’t you like Spring and May? I believe most of us do. They are full of colours, warmth, hope, beauty, brightenss, rebirth, and so many other positive qualities.

Yet we… no, some… perhaps a few are just fighting the first and engaging in a usuelss war against the second.

Now, just a second— I mean Spring and May literally, not literarily.

Here are two quotes to ponder over this weekend… or perhaps for the rest of your life.

“Don’t go fighting against the Spring.”
To me, this means: don’t try to spoil beautiful moments. If you can not live them, at least pause to appreciate them.

“War not with the May.”
This has a similar interpretation to the other, but war is stronger, more dangerous than fight, right? To start a war is to destroy things completely, mercilessly, savagely.

So, “War not with the May” means: do not destroy life,  beauty, hope, or dreams. Let May live. Perhaps its warmth, feshness, and tendreness can find a way into those dark, solid hearts.

By the way, spring is not just about May. Your soul and heart can blossom at any time throughout your entire life.

Haven’t you seen flowers in December, and green trees in Januray?

With hope and peace,

Nahla

Just writing

May and May

nhpureandsimple

We’ve had a wonderful, sunny, warm weather over the last three or four weeks?  Can you believe it in the UK? It really did happen! Miraculous isn’t it? That was so encouraging to get out and enjoy long walks under the blue, shining sky.

May always brings special, unique surprises, which relate so much to the auxiliary verb ‘may.’ Both are full of possibilities, wishes, and sometimes permissions. Was the month named after the verb? I don’t know—Do you?

Do you like May? It’s okay if you may not.

I love May because it’s usually warm, colourful, and bright, but it may suprise you with heavy showers— just as the forecast expects next week.

Trees and flowers smile at May. They bloom and blossom, sing and dance, and pray: May our winter be far away!

Insects, too welcome the warmth of May. They explore freely around, but they never use ‘may‘ to sneak or rush into one’s house.

Time flies not at a airplane’s speed but like that of space rocket. And here’s May, almost gone. And you, just like me, still hoping … thinking …  praying that good news may come in abundance.

May the rest of May be kind and reassuring to all of us.

Amen

With hope and peace,

Nahla

Just writing

The Watching Bird

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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

personal thoughts

At The Feast

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“Sometimes the urgency of our hunger blinds us to the fact that we are already at the feast.”

Indeed.

How many times have you focused on what’s missing while abundance is present in your life?

Food is just a well – drawn metaphor in this quote, reminding us of how greedy and voracious humans can be.

Imagine you’re at a royal feast with a dreamy banquet as if it’s just fallen straight from heaven. Starving, you keep moving around the grand table, mainly looking for what’s missing, what’s not been served yet, or what’s already gone. In your haste, you leave – having neither tasted the various, mouthwatering dishes nor savoured their warm, wafting aroma.

Sometimes, we want something now – right now, this very moment–and we want it so much that we turn a deaf ear and a blind eye to other solutions, opportunities, exits already there in life, staring back at us. They are waiting to be seen, considered, and embraced. Only later do we realise how and why we missed it all.


On the other hand, can we think of this quote the other way round? I mean to consider that what you’re missing is so precious, so needed, that the abundance you’ve aleady accumulated and possessed as valuable treasures are just worthless extras in your life.

Imagine the same feast, the same banquet, and yourself in the same scene I drew earlier. But in this version, you savoured every dish and every drink until you’re completely full. You talk, you nod, you smile and laugh with other guests. Perhaps, you even make some good buisness deals – earning more money, gaining more possessions, and suffering more headaches. But then it’s time to leave for the feast doesn’t last for ever, does it?

As you’re leaving you glance back at the feast with a strange, nagging feeling. What’s been missing? You wonder. For the first time, just before getting into your car, you catch sight of two birds flying together out of their nest. It’s already dawn, and the fresh, soft light of a new morning begins to lighten the dark sky. How much I miss this simplicity, this inner peace, and a true companion, you whisper and drive away.

Which interpretation of the quote relates more to you? Just think about it.

With hope and peace,

Nahla

personal thoughts

Spring Forward, Fall back

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That’s how to remember when to change the clock. We’re changing it forward this Sunday.

Every time we change that blessed hour forward or backward, I feel a bit confused for a while, trying to figure out what time it was supposed to be.

But this post is not about time, or why and when the process started. Of course, it’s interesting to know, but don’t be disappointed when you find out it’s related to wartime decisions.

When I saw this phrase early today, I mainly thought of spring and autumn. How they both go in different directions, and never meet.  Or do they? I am not sure, but let’s see how my mind takes this post.

Life in spring goes forward — and with abundance. Spring steps forward, happy to leave winter behind. The trees put on their new, fresh green costumes. The small birds grow, spread their wings, and leave the nests. The flowers brighten their colours, and diffuse beautiful scents. The bees and butterflies receive the news, and come out of their cocoons and hives, adding more colours and sounds to life. The fruits become tastier, more sour, more sweet. The vegetables grow fresher, more editable. And, the day extends longer, warmer, and clearer. The nights become more sparkly, noisier, more adventurous. See? Spring goes forward.

After six months, autumn arrives. It’s the season of beautiful firey colours, chilly mornings, and cosy nights. But, it has to take a step backward, just to close the door on summer. Otherwise, summer would extend for more than enough. Autumn stands there for a while, shaking the leaves from the trees, sending the birds back early to their nests, and rushing the butterflies and bees to their hiding places. It offers its specials: root vegetables, and citrus fruits to strengthen the body and warm the heart before stepping into the cold, freezing winter.

Apparently both Spring and Autumn can never meet at any point. There are two gaps: winter and summer. But as I think about it now, perhaps there might be a possibility. Don’t day and night meet? They do, and there are more gaps than just two between them. In Arabic there are at least ten names for the stages of night, starting from dusk until it reaches dawn. Therefore, if we think of spring as a the first summer, and autumn as the first winter, perhaps there would be no gaps.

Hope this post doesn’t confuse you.

Do you change time in your country?

With hope and peace,

Nahla