This blog was first written on February 1, it is nowFebruary 13. Oops Friday the the 13th. Things going very well, n despite the doom of Friday the 13th.
The February 1 day began at the pool — already a promise.
I was greeted by a young Japanese girl I had met the day before. Her English was limited, but her joy was not. With unmistakable delight, she told me she had visited my YouTube channel and watched me — cooking, talking, living. Everything. She beamed as she said it, as though we already shared a secret language.
I had brought bubbles with me, intending to photograph them. She took them in hand and began to blow. Bubbles rose and danced in the morning light, floating over the water like small, perfect miracles. She blew; I took photographs. Again and again. Laughter without grammar. Connection without effort.
I sent the photos immediately — off to my WhatsAppers — and later they will find their way to Instagram, where these moments will live another life.
She is leaving today. But we will stay connected through Instagram, which somehow feels entirely right. A fleeting meeting, preserved not by promises, but by light, bubbles, and shared delight.
Some days remind you why you show up in the world at all.
This was one of them.
Words to describe the delight.
“Some connections need no shared language—only light, joy, and a handful of bubbles. • “She blew bubbles; I caught the light—and somehow we both kept the day.”
I returned to my room, visited Instagram and found to by absolute astonishment eight likes to my blog, refined by Nesh to The Joys of Being an Older Woman, and the Way of Ease. I cannot remember getting that many likes to a blog breakdown. And what made this so incredibly important is this was my ground breaking blog – as far as I was concerned. It stridently spoke against the purists, the strict ritualistic fundamentalists (of both sexes). It said what needed to be said: “The Quran did not forget older women, It honored us. “ The spoke of the Way of Ease as faith aligning with life. I examined the ‘Likers’ ’ identity – there were young Muslim women, a Muslim older woman, a friend from Edmonton and men who had websites showing great compassion. Remember those days – when someone declared they were gay – it was said that they “came out.” It felt that I came out – saying I am an older woman, living in dignity, not wanting to get married again, not needing the protection of a man.
There are many words, many ways to describe how this felt to me. Here are a few:
• “What I live now is recognized by those who are still finding their way.”
• “Ease is no longer my message—it is my state.”
• “I did not argue; I was understood.”
Then ways that my day became linked together – as one.
• “I embodied ease in the morning—and met it again at breakfast.”
• “When ease is lived, life responds—sometimes with bubbles, sometimes with breakfast.”
But getting breakfast out of the way – let me say
• “The Way of Ease no longer proves itself; it simply keeps arriving.”
• “Affirmed by women, delighted by chance, I let the day meet me.””
Going back to breakfast. :
• “Ease looks serious on camera—and very cheerful at breakfast.”
It occurred to me that this was not a footnote to the breakdown. It is the afterglow, so to speak
• “When the Way of Ease is lived, it is recognized—by women, by generations, by strangers who arrive bearing gifts.”
• “I did not speak of faith; faith greeted me.”
• “The young recognized what the years have taught me.”
The day went on and you will see what happened next. Actually some hilarious moments. Sim
• “I went about my day, and grace kept finding me.”
Back to breakfast, which was rather daring. You shall see the photo, the message sent to my WhatsApp (nonMuslim) friends. No reason to offend. Why would I be offensive?.
Me: Breakfast of champions. A beer and a hamburger. Not sending this to my strict Muslims friends – that is for sure.
Received many responses.
She: Great outfit.
Me: Wearing it tomorrow when I come to Singapore.
HeL Pls2 to easy on the CM staff after the beer, esp. with the can, the cane!!!
Me: I stuck no one nor nothing. They did not deserve a canning. Whereas you???
Then sent another message
Me: I cannot believe my day. So many good things happening!! I am blessed beyond my imagination.
Then another blessing. For many reasons I need a Personal Assistant. My former PA lost his job, shall we politely say.
This PA came highly recommended by his boss at Bamboo Hospitality. Henry is a Manager. He introduced me to my new home – and then one evening when he was on duty – he was there to calm and comfort me when I had a post traumatic stress attack. He was well respected by all- his bosses and those who he bosses. We laugh together and occasionally even share GIFs.
My former PA came highly recommended only by his evil father. Discovered that he was not well respected by anyone during my Penang December 22-29 visit. So the difference between black and white AND good and evil.
The evening ended in this manner. I was in the lobby. A Muslim young girl and her mother were there waiting for their room to be cleaned, just checking in. They were from Iran – the mother did not speak English, although her daughter was fluent. They shared fresh fruit with me. I asked them how long they would be staying. The daughter translated her mother’s word: “Forever:. They gave me roses from their bouquet, that too shall be pictured.
February 13, 2026
This has been an ordinary day. My breakfast was Brioche French toast accompanied by a Flat White. But wait until you see the flat white. It is me. How they managed this I shall never know.
The woman portrayed has a glow. I was discussing the phenomena of glow with my new Artificial Intelligence provider – Gemini. Well, I am one. Born on May 29.
We were speaking of my ‘glow’ which has been recognized. Gemini drew from other cultures as well as the Islamic. Mentioned the Celtic interpretation when I spoke of my Scottish heritage. We spoke of my absolute need of the occasional seclusion because I am, after all, human being, not a light bulb. Hahaha People requiring me to be a utility district giving them my glow 24/7 without paying their utility bill. This leads to a termination of service with no rights of renewal, shall we say. Honoring my need for ‘alone time ‘ Gemini offered me an inspiring Celtic poem .
May you have the damp mist to hide you when you are weary.
The soft shadows to cool your eyes when they have seen too much,
And the quiet of the stone to give you strength
Until the sun decides it is time to rise in you once more.
I find such comfort in this. I have spent many days, almost months in Scotland, It seems like home to a homeless person. Perhaps I shall return. Allah (SWT) is my guide. At least two men during my Muslim days, wishing to marry me promised we could live in Scotland six months of the year. West Wymess, a blessed spot, is not far from Edinburgh where there is a sunny mosque. But the men are history, and not mourned.
I did paint my face painted in the manner of the Scotland flag to encourage independence promised by a referendum. It id not succeed. In the meantime I am most happy in Malaysia – goodness knows the weather is better, medical care is better. Exchange rate is super AND I can wear Indonesian batiks and not kills. So, at the moment, no complaints.
Photographs shall include the lovely young Japanese woman blowing bubbles, Bubbles reflected in the pool. Me eating the Breakfast of Champions, the roses from the Iranian mother and daughter. And last, but not lease, my flat white portraying a woman with a halo who just might be me.
