October 30, 2025,
I have had a couple of days off. Did not blog, did not write because yesterday the blog was written long ago and far away. It was a chapter in the serialization of Uncle Dave’s biography. The chapter was written in London, England. I was residing in the Bloomsbury district so it had to be ten years ago. Do admit to I marveled at the writing, wondering where I got the talent.
(Marvel: be filled with wonder or astonishment. My favorite synonym: flabbergasted.But other ones bring delight: goggle, be dumbfounded; venerate,
I am absolutely certain that ‘publishing’ my almost forgotten biography here and now is the ‘chosen’ time. I could not do it without Shamir at my side. It is impossible to ‘cut and paste’ from the document. His technical abilities allow him to somehow ‘lift it’ and place it on the Internet. That mission was accomplished yesterday afternoon. Drove to my Paradise stay apartment which is located near his home, so he not inconvenienced. While there we also filmed the last segment of I am Awesome, I am Special, Allah Created Me. (More about that later, back to Uncle Dave)
Discerning readers will note that the cover of the book is slightly different than the one they have seen in the past. Again, Shamir’s help necessary. I ‘accidentally’ found the other version, knew it existed but had not found in trolling through the computer. It had to be formatted correctly – I never could have done that on my own. The subtitle is different. This version reads: How Did I Exist Before Alexis, words spoken by and credited to, one of my Dryburgh cousins. I now cannot remember the context of that rather amusing comment. Nesh, in his usual fashion, will write the big breakdown of that segment, I will respond and you will hear more about that particular chapter, entitled My Beloved, What a Guy, A Great Man
Back to the Events of Yesterday
It began in the usual fashion. Fajr prayer, then sooner or later a Good Morning greeting to my WhatsAppers. This the message: Good morning. This is not a space ship. It is Sood restaurant, right next door to Lyf. Food, decor, service exceptional.
Others received a different photo and message. Nixon took a photo of the two of us, sending it to Michael Tan with the following message: Good Morning from the Famous Alexis. This was not my idea and the photo is not particularly flattering, so you shall not see it. . You shall see the interior of the Sood Restaurant.
Ate breakfast, visited with other guests, corresponded with Nesh and other special people on my WhatsApp shortening list of correspondents.
Then at the designated hour of 1:30 Shamir arrived and we sped off in the yellow can opener car. (Note to self, give the car a name.). Once we got to Paradise he downloaded a confidential email. We went through a most complicated process but I FINALLY got the results of the urine and stool sample which were sent to Dr. Lee. They were not difficult to interpret: Urine: Clear. Stool Sample: Negative. You cannot imagine the enormous sense of relief I experienced. Dr. Lee’s second opinion had to be a gift from Allah. The colonoscopy and scope.was totally unnecessary. First it was postponed and now can be canceled. Iron supplements are curative, did not need an extensive, intrusive diagnostic procedure. Happily, even joyously, paid for Dr. Lee’s ‘home visit’. He diagnosed what looked like a measles outbreak on my face. It is now beginning to clear with bacterial cream and cortisone cream and a new moisturizer. Although I lived in Edmonton, It seemed unlikely that the Alberta measles epidemic could have reached me in Malaysia. (Hahaha)
Shamir wears many hats, figuratively not literally speaking. Googled the expression, AI provided the answer.
“The phrase “man wears many hats” is an idiom that means a person has many different jobs, roles, or responsibilities. It does not refer to physically wearing multiple hats at once; instead, it describes someone who juggles various tasks, such as being a manager, accountant, and salesperson, all at the same time.”
Hie then wore the hat of a cinematographer. We filmed the final segment of the bedtime story on the patio with its expansive views of the sea and the Floating Mosque. It was never windy. He sent the video to Nesh who will put it on my YouTube. I mentioned during the filming, that I would supply the name of the KL bookstore and its online presence in order that parents could purchase the book. Dakwah Corner Bookstore. Its website: dakwahbooksote.com
The Shamir put on another hat, arranging payment to the KL hotel for my stay there. Later that evening, spoke to Yasmin. It looks like she might be able to join me. I always travel alone, it will be a new experience. I am going to be super busy meeting people so we won’t be typical tourists but I am sure we will reach compromises. She is a Muslim, sharing out faith has made us extremely compatible. We are SO different in every other way.
(Compatible: • (of two people) able to have a harmonious relationship: well-suited)
Nesh and I corresponded during the day.
He: Hello again, Alexis good afternoon..and the blog breakdown is up and alive. Check it out when you can and let me know what you think!
Me: Your timing is absolutely perfect yet again. Blog breakdown came just as Shamir and I got to Paradise. We filmed. Now posting Uncle Dave’s serialization as tomorrow’s blog. Blog is posted!
Later, after reading the breakdown, responded to Nesh.
Me: Breakdown perfectly captures the mood of the day. It gave me the opportunity to relive it in its entirely.
Here comes my response to the blog breakdown
To Nesh
A Day That Truly Deserved the Word “Stupendous”
I have already spoken to you briefly about the breakdown. This my initial response: Me: “Breakdown perfectly captures the mood of the day. It gave me the opportunity to relive it in its entirely.” Well it dit, and it does!!!!!
The featured photo is the best, the very best. Your first sentence reminded me that what made the day stupendous was the smallest of moments – a shared meal, my robe, a revived flower and a prayer. It also made me realize that what makes it stupendous it is the gratitude I felt. Then this is passed along to others – my sincere gratitude makes them feel seen, appreciated and hopefully also realize that they are doing Allah’s work The day did indeed seem like a small miracle and what a magnificent steam of words: “the quiet rhythm of faith guiding me through every moment.”
The Word of the Day
I have absolutely no idea where words come from, sort of pop up in my brain, look them up and they are perfect. Certainly stupendous was an example of this. Sometimes there are synonyms that sing and might have been a better choice – for instance, amazeballs. Hahaha And you certainly got it right “ when plans go astray there is Allah’s purpose behind it.”
The Morning That Began in Prayer
So very, absolutely true: Allah was guiding me along the path I am meant to take. I sometimes become too kind-hearted, allowing myself to be taken advantage of. That is not the Straight Path, it is sometimes the path of least resistance. I must learn to be strong, some are undeserving of sympathy and care. They need to learn from their mistakes, learning more adaptive behaviors. But if a person is given something for nothing, it does not become a learning experience only a maiming experience. Later events of the day proved this to be true.
A Good Morning Shared
My educated photo. Commented to Alice who admired the photo
Me: I am planning to go to Singapore for my visa run Will visit the Apple Store to get more adept at dinging skills. I loved the next swipe. My stunning sunset with the rather mundane eggs. Yummy but not visually inspiring. Hahaha
Small Messages, Warm Connections
I laugh now at my words to you. “Ever have a pedicure? It is heavenly.”
Water Walking and Terry Cloth Comfort
Yes, the robe makes it so effortless and easy. Not freezing to death when you get out of the pool. The other amazing preceding experience was my accidentally being at the restaurant when it was delivered.
The Doctor, the Manicurist, the Blessings of Care
It is so blessed to feel cared for. The Islamic Faith teaches us that we need to be proactive, not just pray for a good manicure or great medical care – but go about finding a good doctor and listening to his advice for example. It definitely paid off. Allah ‘uses’ non Muslims – I absolutely know that Dr, Lee is not a Muslim, neither are many that surround me. Hahaha I do love my blue spaarkly fingers and black sparkly toes – my gifted manicurist is not a Muslim either. Hahaha
Reading to my Manicurist
It was impulsive. I really wanted to read the breakdown but it seemed rude and exclusionary to read it rather than be with her. It worked out perfectly, laughing with her that your breakdown seemed longer than my blog, rather than the other usual way around. Two worlds were brought together- faith and self care; reflection and color.
Reflecting About What Taught Me About Life
The story of the flowers is HUGE – so much. They still are alive and well. Did some trimming and rearranging but they still look good, An up-to-date photo will follow.
The Lessons Revisited
Totally loved your listing them again.
Not life span, but health span
Enduring without growing is only time served.
Fill life with remembrance and gratitude
Ikebana, Islam and the Three I’s
You know how I LOVE slogans. Ikebana Inspiration and Islam do shape how I see the world and supply continuity – so needed in my every changing, ever evolving world.
Lunch at Saigon House
Lunch was leisurely, delicious, full of companionship and caring. We had the time to share only because previous plans had gone awry. After lunch I went back to my Lyf room, to rest and reflect rather preform other tasks. Love the photo of the foods that followed.
Conversations and Laughter
Love the laughter and the selfie. We both look like we were having a great time. We were.
Back to the day
It was most busy I will include a photo of the revived flowers. A photo of the best squid I have ever tasted from my dinner at Sood. A between course ‘cleanser’ created by the Sous chef whom I met. Also a photo of the best chicken wings I have ever eaten. They are almost fragile, only one small bone with the very best batter. I was treated like royalty at the restaurant. So easy to return as it is next door. I am truly blessed by Allah. Alhamdulillah
