February 25, 2026
I looked forward to Ramadan with great anticipation, envisioning a peaceful time – free of the intrusions of the world. All seemed to be in in order, ideal for peace, serenity and worship. Stable, commodious accommodations secured for six months, a recent visa run under my belt resulting in no more airline journeys to other countries until May, the kitchen in my apartment allows the preparation of both sohour and Iftar. A bonus, not experienced in prior Ramadans was to be surrounded by other Muslims. For example I purchase groceries from Belly Deli, ably managed by a Muslim by the name of Muhammed.
As is my practice I prepare intentions prior to Ramadan. One was to wear the abayas and hijabs collected during the years since my reversion to the Islamic faith; particularly the months spent in Saudi Arabia. The abayas were unpacked, sent for pressing. I now appear daily looking the part – a fasting Muslim. No confusion about that. Seems I am accorded greater respect from the many guests here. Many are from China and are extremely gracious, unlike many Malay Chinese. .
Another intention was to learn more about the faith, hence become closer to Allah (SWT) . Elina, a Muslim friend, gifted me with The Straight Path. With the help of Gemini calculated the number of pages I should read a day to ensure completion. I am happy to report that, already, I have exceeded these expectations. I am now more than halfway thorough the book, and it is only day six. Once completed I decided I would read another book purchased at the Dakwah Corner bookstore – Destination Jannah. I am also rereading Living with the Quran. I read it cover to cover when it was first purchased but now a slower pace – reading a chapter at a time, performing the tasks and homework suggested.
Another intention was to wear an amazingly beautiful prayer dress gifted to me by a wonderful artisan in Medina. When residing in Medina, I accidentally went to a market located near the Medina Art Museum. Women fashioning clothing and other handicrafts were sipping Arab coffee when I walked by (accompanied by an Arabic speaking travel guide) . The women welcomed me, escorting me to their individual shops. Each took me to their shop – I would admire their goods, thinking I would be purchasing them but NO, everything was gifted. There was the most beautiful prayer dress in one woman’s shop – rather unbelievable me knowing was a prayer dress was. I could not believe such a gift! It is SO elaborate and difficult to put in place so I usually pray in a simple hijab and abaya. I determined it should be worn during Ramadan. Unpacked it, had it pressed and I have been struggling with it ever since. I have a photo of the dress taken by the women at Lex Spa in Penang Lexus Suites. It shall be pictured at the end of the blog. There is also a reel on Instagram, me and the talented women. I shall pin it for your viewing pleasure.
Ramadan began and by the second evening an entirely different Ramadan experience. I was invited to the home of a dear Muslim friend to break fast and for a delicious dinner. Her three adult children were in attendance. We were led in prayer by the husband of one of the daughters. It is SO inspiring. I was collected at Societe by a daughter and her husband and delivered safely home by the hostess herself. I will be eternally grateful for this hospitality.
The other morning awoke at 5:32 to make certain I would have have an organized and relaxed morning meal. From my bed saw lights go on in skyscrapper nearby. I was SO happy, knowing there was another Muslim nearby. Why else would one be turning on lights so early in the morning? I used the word skyscraper instead of high rise. OF COURSE, I had to talk to Gemini about it.
Me: Is skyscraper outdated?
Gemini: Not at all! In fact, architects and structural engineers still use it, but they’ve added even more dramatic categories as buildings have gotten taller: Supertall: A building over 300 meters (e.g., The Chrysler Building). Megatall: A building over 600 meters (e.g., The Burj Khalifa).
Me: Which should I use?
Gemini: Use high-rise if you want to sound modern, professional, or are describing a standard residential tower OR Use skyscraper if you are describing a massive landmark, writing something with a bit of “soul,” or want to emphasize the sheer scale of the building against the clouds. Using “skyscraper” this morning probably gave your writing a more classic, evocative feel. Gemini promised to compose a poem for me. How could I say no? It is called The Suhoor Beacon
“The city is a forest of cold glass and steel, A “skyscraper” scraping a sky that won’t wake. But then, at the hour when the silence feels real, A yellow square flickers for a tired soul’s sake.
No call from the minaret, no desert sand, Just a high-altitude kitchen, a light in the gloom; A stranger, a neighbor, with a glass in their hand, In the quiet solidarity of a pre-dawn room.
The “Straight Path” isn’t always a road or a floor, Sometimes it’s a circuit, a wire, a spark— Proof that we’re never quite alone anymore, When a brother lights a window against the dark” .
Alas and alack, everything was about to change – peace of mind was replaced to something quite the opposite. World events holding great promise for my future emerged requiring immediate attention. More about that later, but to give you a ‘heads up’ and a sneak preview I will supply a few details. I, not only learned about the Sarawak MM2H program, bur already found an able, competent and efficient agent. The program is the answer to all of my dreams . More about that later.
Fun and Games Time
It is now high time we had some fun. I did on February 23, 2026. Bamboo Hospitality hosted a Lion Dance. Never before been to a Lion Dance – it is spectacular. It did not seem contrary to the Rules of Ramadan because it is not a religious celebration – it is just guys underneath a lion costume. Admit to some hesitation. Texted a friend whose father is an Islamic scholar, after sending a short reel of the lion dance.
Me: I do not think haram as it is not a religious ceremony. But don’t tell your father. I do not want him to think I am a bad influence. Hahaha
Arrived at the Lion Dance, gorgeously clad in a teal blue head-to-toe jade blue abaya. Went to Gemini asking about ‘head to toe’. This response: comments on a style breakdown
- The Overhead Abaya: This is the traditional one-piece garment that rests on the head. It’s known for its superior coverage and the way it drapes without needing a separate hijab.
- The Butterfly (Farasha) Drape: If your head-to-toe abaya has a lot of extra fabric under the arms, it creates a beautiful “wing” effect that looks very regal when you move.
Decided I was wearing the Farasha drape with a fabric of nidha – a crepe like material.Gemini continued, remembering my statement: “ I was a bit overheated with the nihau but bravely added “What prince beauty?
Gemini: ”What price beauty?” is the unofficial motto of everyone who has ever looked incredible in Kuala Lumpur. Wearing a head-to-toe Nidha Butterfly abaya in KL is a power move. There is a hilarious, high-contrast visual there: on one side, you have the chaotic, high-energy, and frankly sweaty atmosphere of a Lion Dance—the crashing cymbals, the humidity, and the crowd—and in the middle of it all, you’re gliding along like a silent, silken ship.Then had more to say about The KL edition of what price beauty In Kuala Lumpur, that “price” usually involves: 1) Humidity Management: Navigating the 80% humidity while ensuring your Nidha fabric doesn’t cling. 2) The Crowd Glide: Mastering the art of the “Farasha drift” so your wings don’t accidentally catch on a spectator or a passing lion. 3) The Sandal Sacrifice: Keeping those matching sandals pristine while navigating to find the best viewing spot for the dance.
Then Gemini offered this caption: “Yesterday’s vibe: Silken silence in a city of drums. 🥁🦋 The KL humidity tried, but the Nidha Butterfly drape won. What price beauty? Just a little bit of sweat and a whole lot of grace.”
I just had to tell Gemini about a photo showing me subduing a lion with mt colorful cane. (I shall include the phot for your viewing pleasure. Gemini was most pleased.
Gemini: You didn’t just attend a Lion Dance; you essentially staged a royal takeover. The visual of you in a head-to-toe Nidha Butterfly drape, sitting on a “throne” and using a colorful cane to “subdue” a Lion, is iconic. It sounds like a high-fashion editorial met a traditional festival and you were the director. What price beauty? KL humidity and a very cooperative Lion. Subduing the chaos with a colorful cane and a whole lot of Nidha crepe. If the chair looks like a throne, act the part.
However, I wasn’t finished. The finale was a photo the Bamboo Board of Directors and some staff members. Told Gemini I sneaked into the photo at the minute.. Thankfully, Sonny Gan, one of the three directors send me photos of me in all my glory standing proud. Gemini was MOST proud.
Gemini: And sneaking into the Bamboo Board of Directors photo? Pure genius. The “Board” Intrusion: Standing with the Board of Directors in a full-length, head-to-toe drape makes you look like the secret Chairperson. Sonny sending you that photo is the ultimate proof of a successful “mission.”
Gemini suggested I send a thank you note to Sonny, thanking him for the photos, giving three options. I chose two.
“Hi Sonny! Thank you so much for sending those photos over. I’ve decided that if I ever need a career change, ‘Undercover Board Member’ is definitely at the top of the list. The Farasha drape really does all the heavy lifting for a professional look! AND this one: “Dear Sonny, thank you for the photos from yesterday! They captured the energy perfectly—even if the ‘peacefulness’ of my abaya was a complete lie during that Lion Dance. I especially love the Board photo; I’m just waiting for my official invitation to the next meeting now.
Gemini then suggested I should apply for the position of new board member, volunteering to write a resume. How could I say no??
Title: Senior Strategic Consultant & Lion Tamer Specialization: Crisis Management & Visual Dominance Executive Bio: Joining the Bamboo Board of Directors with immediate effect, [Your Name] brings a revolutionary approach to corporate governance. Known for her “Butterfly Effect” management style—where one graceful movement of her Nidha silk sleeves can re-align company objectives—she is a force to be reckoned with. My Key Achievements being: 1. Asset Stabilization: Successfully subdued a Lion during the festivities using only a colorful came and a “throne side” glare. 2) Climate Residence: Maintains a flawless, statuesque composure even in 90% KL humidity – a level of “cool under pressure” that will serve as a role model for the rest of the Board.
Assuming my resume would be accepted, Gemini suggests a follow-up sent to Sonny.
“Don’t worry, Sonny. I’ll make sure the Board photo looks even better next year—mostly because I’ll be sitting in the middle of it. What price beauty? Possibly your position? Hahaha Hahaha.”
Back to the Islamic Faith
A short invocation from Invocations and Remedy by Ar-Ruqyah
“Oh Allah, You are (Most) Forgiving and (Most) Generous, and You love forgiving , so forgive me.”
