The words to what I remembered was a song came to mind. So I used my intelligence to ask Artificial Intelligence (hahaha)
Me: Count your blessings instead of sheep comes from what song?
AI: “Count Your Blessings instead of Sheep is a song written by Irving Berlin. It was introduced in the 1954 film White Christmas where it was reframed by Bing Crosby and Rosemary Clooney. The lyrics encourage gratitude as a remedy for worry and sleeplessness with the memorable lines When I’m worried and I can’t sleep I count my blessings instead of sheep And I fall asleep counting my blessings. It’s become a timeless standard, especially around the holidays for its genre comforting message.”
Somewhat inspired by the answer I continued in conversation with the he/she/it of Artificial Intelligence
Me: Thank you. Counting your blessings is important in the Islamic Faith I think.
AI: You’re absolutely right. Counting your blessings is deeply rooted in the Islamic Faith and is emphasized both in the Quran and in the teachings of the Prophet Mohammed. One of the most well-known Quranic verses on this is: And if you tried to count Allah’s blessings you could never enumerate them. Indeed, mankind is truly unjust and ungrateful.” Surah Ibrahim (14.34)
And again. “And He gave you from all you asked of him. And if you should count the favors of Allah, you could not enumerate them. Indeed, mankind is most unjust and ungrateful” Surah An-Nahl 16:18
These verses highlight both the abundance of divine favor and the tendency of humans to forget or overlook them. In response, the Islamic tradition encourages a daily practice of (gratitude), not just in words but through actions and humility.
In Sufism gratitude is even more central. The great mystic Rumi once said: “Wear gratitude like a cloak and it will feed every corner of your life.” So yes, counting blessing isn’t just encouraged it’s considered a spiritual practice.”
The conversation continued, with my making screen shots of the continuing dialogue. It did continue, seemingly endlessly. At the conclusion I texted Shamir, explaining the journey asking AI and faithfully taking screen shots but then the necessity of typing the extensive conversation into the computer and then sending to the UK for posting.
Me: Is there an easier way, oh Genius to do this? And besides typing with the neck is most difficult. I am not using my neck to type but I am supposed to be holding my neck high. Hahaha
He: If its chatgpt u can elect copy and paste it.
Me: I do not understand. I have chatgpt on my phone but not on my computer.
He: I will teach u next time we meet.
Me: But in the meantime?? I could postpone some of the copy and paste stuff. So everything will be okay until we next get together. But in the meantime I need a typing slave. Do you know of a typing slave market nearby. Hahaha
He: Hahahah I need to ask around.
Me: Well you cannot get a typing slave on the Internet I do not think Hahaha.
Therefore, gentle readers you are going to have to wait for the profound dialogue between me and he/she/it of Chatgpt until after I get together with Shamir.
Decided that now might be a good time to start counting my blessings. I have SO many it is difficult to know where to begin. It must begin with the joys of my physiotherapy appointment ending with the gratifying result.
Din, my part time driver returned, and was able to supply transportation to the appointment scheduled by Shamir. I am grateful to Din, as you will also soon learn.
Arrived at my physiotherapy appointment early, armed with my x-ray and records from Dr. Lee. My therapist, arriving on time, examined both, explaining the problem I was facing, echoing the explanation given by Dr. Lee. She was most knowledgable and answered more of my probing questions. It was such a blessing to be able to discuss her immediate treatment and ongoing treatment plans. This was impossible with the Chinese physician. Learned that she was trained at a four year physiotherapy school in Malaysia I am a seasoned physiotherapy patient, not a mere novice, so could discern that her training was excellent, her communication skills superb. Her conveyed conclusion was that my posture a massive problem, the cervical collar I had been wearing for months added to the problem. I am to hold my head high, stop slouching and maintain mobility, prevented by the collar I had been wearing.
Me: So what you are saying it to stop wearing the collar except when I absolutely have to because of the pain.
She: Exactly.
I have done that. Did not wear the collar for a day and a half. Rarely and for a brief period of time wore it.
I have a follow up appointment on Monday. We were able to squeeze in the time before my Wednesday visa run to Jakarta (more about that miraculous happening later.)
Onto some of my other blessings.
I consider my part time driver Din a blessing. He was sorely missed, gone for about ten days when he travelled to to Istanbul, with a travel group accompanied by members of his vast family (He has six adult children). He is a devout Muslim, knows Penang intimately, has connections, makes appointments for me. I will provide you with an example, The day of the physiotherapy appointment I asked him to take a pair of my sunglasses for repair as one of the lens had fallen out, asking if he could have it repaired. He returned, sunglasses intact, repaired by a friend at no charge. Next he called my faithful manicurist obtaining a manicure appointment within a couple of hours, giving us time to go to Orchard Tree for lunch (my treat). Another blessing: he brought back a gift from Istanbul: a portable prayer rug. Turquoise, my favorite color. it shall be pictured. We shopped at the grocery story at Penang Plaza, the location of my manicurist. There was was able to purchase my very favorite halal beer. It is difficult to find in Penang. It too shall be photographed.
Recently I have been blessed with a new friend, Vani whom I met walking on the beach. We have walked together two of three times. You will hear more of her and her family. On our last walk I spied a shell, so intricate, so unusual. She knelt, picked it up and gave it me. It too shall be pictured.
But onto something slightly disturbing. A mystery recently emerged, told to Shamir, but he (understandably) did not have an answer. About three days ago I emailed an iPhoto movie, itself rather a mystery. It is entitled Jeddah and Riyadh April 13-15, 2024. Sent an email to blog master Chris.
Me: Please post this on YouTube. I am going to mention it on the blog.
He: Done. It is posted.
Me: Thanks luv.
Yesterday, almost accidentally went to YouTube, and to my amazement found the video (found under Latest) had received 115 views. How could that be I wonder? Who is watching it and why?? In the long run (and even short run) of my life; it was a painful interlude. The accompanying music is eerie: Don’t Try to Change Me, No Matter What I Say or Do. There is a stunning photo taken in a perfume store in Riyadh, which will grace the cover of my autobiography when (and if) I ever get around to writing it. An interesting photo of me watching me on television and my sporting a beautiful Nigerian abaya, a gift from Hammad’s mother.
To say the least I lead an extraordinary life. Tomorrow it is PA Office time, then Physiotherapy appointment, then iPhone tripod shopping, then dinner at Mojo Pojo, observing the chef’s in action and then a cameo appearance at the Kashmir Restaurant. A busy day indeed.
So this is what happened next. I had finished writing, was praying Magreb prayer outside on my patio – looked at the sky and was astounded. Grabbed my iPhone and quickly grabbed a shot. Sent to Chris for the blog and then to my Whats App folk. Here are some of their responses.
Yasmin: Subhanallah beautiful
Me: Perfect response! Subhanallah Alhamdullah
Alina: Wow! So dramatic the composition Subhanallah
Me: It was Allah, completely, not me. I was praying outside and it was just there. A gift from our Creator. I needed this. It turned into a difficult day. Now forgotten. Alhamdulillah
Baby: So beautiful
Me: unbelievably so. What a gift. Difficult day in some ways. A reward for perseverance.
She: 👍
Me: Yes!! Thank you. 🙏
