Stupendous is the proper word to use. Definition: extremely impressive. Synonyms: extraordinary, prodigious, phenomenal, mind-boggling, awesome, amazeballs, wondrous. Nothing run-of-the-mill, nor ordinary about the day.
It began, as all my mornings do, with Fajr prayer. It was a throughly planned day, as will be revealed, Some initial plans had gone awry, as plans sometimes do. My plans going awry have been extensively chronicled throughout this blog. I now (finally) see that IF my plans go awry it is because Allah (SWT) has, in his All-Knowing way, guided me upon the proper course, the Straight Path.
The photograph for my WhatsApp morning greeting had already been taken, It was the October 26, 2025 sunset, It was send with this caption: Good morning. Last evening sunset. Allah’s creation with a little editing by iPhone, also Allah’s creation.
To some of my nonMuslim correspondents send this message and photo.
Me: My breakfast, Made to order by a Lyf staff member. Yummy.
At 10:28 received a response from Nesh.
He: Oh Wow this is beautiful. Good morning Alexis. The blog breakdown is up and live!!
An hour later 11;28 I responded.
Me: Having a pedicure. KL plans coming together. Talk to you tomorrow about it.
He: Wonderful Alexis. Talk to you tomorrow then. Have yourself a great day today.
Me: I am Ever had a pedicure? It is heavenly.
A great deal had happened in the meantime. 7:28 found me at Lyf pool walking in, not on, the water. Walking and other water exercises strengthens my left knee. Shamir ordered a Terry cloth robe online which I wear over my bathing suit going up and down on the elevator. Sent Shamir a thank you.
Me: The fabulous robe makes it so easy and comfortable. Thank You!
Back to my room, got dressed for breakfast. Ate my made to order eggs. Nixon arrived and so did Sonny Gon, I had met he and his wife the morning before. You will hear more about it but he will pave the way for my trip to KL. We exchanged WhatsApp numbers to facilitate our correspondence.
My Malaysian ‘Wonder Doctor’ arrived for a home visit at 9:30. I am suffering from many minor ailments. He diagnosed, prescribed medication, gave me hope. At my age one needs competent, available medical care. I have it!! He has an added and necessary bonus to my Penang Retirement package.
Din, my part-time driver arrived at 10:30. Off we went to the best manicurist I have ever had. She performed magic on my fingers and toes. I now have blue sparkly fingers and black sparkles toes.
You will never guess what we did during our time together (other than the pedicure and manicure). I read Nesh’s blog breakdown to her. I will now write my response to Nesh’s breakdown and incorporate it into the blog.
To Nesh
A total change to my usual routine. I read your breakdown out loud to my manicurist as she glamorized my fingers and toes. I said to her.
Me: This seems longer than the blog itself. It is masterful but it goes on and on.
What Flowers Taught Me About Life
As usual. Exquisite choice of photograph. My closeup photo of the lily is not only beautiful but it fits in so well with the story of its ‘reincarnation’. And your initial reflection: “Life is not about lasting forever. It is about caring deeply while you are there.” Flowers are the perfect example of the temporary nature of our existence on earth. And YES, the whole blessing of prayer is expanded when an act of care becomes worship . I also appreciate your leading readers to the post to see further photos of the revived flowers.
You are so insightful – the ordinary question posed to Artificial Intelligence did definitely lead to bigger and better things. Great word to use – tending. “Tending what would otherwise fade” Indeed, it is not just about flowers, It is about everything in this temporary life of mere mortals.
A Question About Prolonging Life
I do have to admit that I was more than pleasantly surprised to get the answer to my initial question. It was detailed and added such knowledge and perspective to my initial query.
The Biological Perspective
The most eloquent, meaningful and thought provoking statement: Not lifespan, but health span. That should be the focus and the goal. Vitality, clarity and purpose should be the aim, not just occupying space in this world. As you said: “Living well is far more important than living long.”
The Philosophical Perspective:
Again the profound insight and question: Why prolong if delay is not accompanied by finding deeper wisdom. Enduring without growing is just putting in time – like serving time in jail before release. This simply describes it all: “ A full life is one lived with awareness.”
The Spiritual Perspective
It did ‘round it all out’. Strange phrase but everything came together: In Islam the goal is not to stretch out time, but to fill it with remembrance and gratitude. With the added benefit – if one’s life is spent in gratitude and remembrance of Allah – then one’s afterlife extends one’s existence endlessly.
A Paradox in Bloom
The paradox is that an unwanted gift of dying flowers became the incentive for exploring and enhancing my own life. Rather than becoming mired in negativity and anger.
The Lesson From Ikebana
There definitely are lessons to be learned from Ikebana. The timing of all of this HAD to be divine. I had, with the help of Shamir, just managed to ‘publish’ place my Ikebana graduate thesis on the Internet. Everything wove together perfectly. I wanted to bring attention to the book and the fading flowers provided the vehicle.
The Dry Oasis
More paradox. The green brick that goes by the name of oasis. An oasis must be tended – otherwise it becomes sand. Allah provides water in portions of the desert – Allah’s tending makes it an oasis. Giving nourishment and care is an act of Ishan.
Bringing Life Back
I had so much help. I was not acting alone. It was a group effort, all were respectful of me and my efforts. Such caring from Nixon and other Lyf staffers. The plastic container from Mojo staff is pictured on the blog. The flower emergency room was temporarily removed but restored by Nixon.
Lessons from Faith and Art
You summarized the process beautifully. “Ikebana taught me beauty through form. Islam later taught me beauty through surrender. Together they remind me that the most sacred acts are quiet and unseen.” That insight has great meaning because my worship is most solitary, unseen and very quiet.
From Ikebana to Islam
I do now see that Ikebana was a necessary step. The three Is: IKEBANA, INSPIRATION, ISLAM.
The Prayer
Most unusual when one considers the source. Talk about paradox.
The Bloom After the Lesson
I had saved a part of myself. Nourished my caring, restored my confidence in the goodness of so many people. Allowing me to put the evil doers in the background, where they belong.
Back to the Events of October 27, 2025
Din and I drove to our prearranged luncheon destination. Nixon had given me a Saigon House voucher, notifying the owner that I would be coming – even including a photo saying I was Lyf’s Number One Guest. My task was to report back to Nixon on the decor of the restaurant as well tasting the food, reverting to my foodie fame. (I have taken tens, if not hundreds of cooking classes – self-styled remedial courses as my mother could not cook and from her no instruction in the culinary arts.)
It was a blessed assignment. Allah had to be with us. Proof? We found a parking spot in front of the restaurant. We arrived and were escorted to a reserved table. As you shall see the decor was elegant, refined, reflecting the culture and beauty of Viet Nam. The owner of the restaurant and his lovely wife regaled us with stories of their life, and the history of the restaurant. The owner Michael Tan painted the beautiful wall murals when the restaurant first opened. I pictured one of them in my Good Morning greeting of the day.
Me: Good Late morning. I am not in Viet Nam. Had an absolutely delicious lunch at Saigon House here in Penang. More on Blog.
Michael took a selfie, sent it saying that it was ah honor meeting me. I responded that the pleasure was all mine. Hahahaha
I ordered the pancake and the spring rolls. Both were absolutely delicious. Told Michael that I had eaten in Vietnamese restaurants in California but they were nothing like this, an entirely different cuisine. (Those Americans never get anything right. Hahaha). The complexity of the flavors, the freshness of the vegetables and mint. Din ordered the skewered prawns sharing three: perfectly prepared, tasty sauce. I will definitely return to sample more from the menu. I have already invited Shamir, Eva and Yasmin and her husband to join me.
I returned to Lyf exhausted by the day’s events. Then spent possibly hours simultaneously messaging Shamir, Nixon and Michael. Such a strange existence, such a blessed life I lead. Alhamdulillah
Photographs of the decor and food shall follow. I am to sample the Dinosaur Egg on my return. As I said to Michael.
Me: It does not sound very appetizing nor does it look that appealing but I will take your word for it and give it a try.
