For days I have been hard at work attempting to write the Sequel to Yusuf Islam. I was so incredibly privileged to have a front row seat, listening to him and then spoke to him and he back at me. It was a chance encounter. One I shall never forget but am thinking it will perhaps remain private. My relationship with Allah (SWT) is private, perhaps this shall be be. I wonder if I used the word sequel correctly. Phew!! I did. It is a published, broadcast, or recorded work that continues the story or develops the theme of an earlier one. Simple synonyms: continuation, follow-up. Perhaps some ensuing event has to happen that will give this encounter more meaning. We shall see.
I am using the word ‘perhaps’ constantly, but correctly. It is used to express uncertainty or possibility. Some synonyms: for all I know, for all you know, it could be (that), it may be (that), it is possible (that).
At this precise moment I am sitting at my throne at Mojo watching Chef Grandson Cole do his ‘thing’, Granddaughter Sara took a photo which shall be presented at the conclusion of the blog. It can get hot, sitting so close to the action. If you cannot stand the heat get out of the kitchen is a phrase that comes to mind. Day before yesterday, when unpacking I found a LED fan. A helpful Lyf staff member charged it for me and I sit in comfort watching what is going on with avid interest. Asking questions, getting answers. At this precise moment only two grandchildren are present. Grandson Cole and Granddaughter Sara. Granddaughter Sabene has the day off. I have no idea where Grandson Jack and Granddaughter Ciara are.
If you cannot stand the heat get out of the kitchen. “This famous phrase means that if you cannot handle the pressure, stress, or difficulty of a situation, you should step away and let someone else do it. It is often used to tell someone to either stop complaining or quit the job or task entirely. Who could ever take my place, pray tell??? Hahaha The fan is working. I am cool, calm and collected. That is me.
We shall now play catch up. Yesterday or the day before I sent a photo of my black eye to my WhatsAppers. Show you at the conclusion of the blog. The caption: Good morning!! My black and blue eye. The last remnant of the great fall a week ago. Cannot keep a woman down. Hahaha It met with some classic responses. My doctor gets the prize.
He: Morning Alexis. Like a panda eye now. 😂
Others urged self treatment. This a Chinese remedy, suggested by Nixon and friend Ann. Boil an egg for three minutes, wrap it in a cloth and place it on or near the eye, using light taps.
Me: I do not think so! I would probably take me eye out as I am clumsy. I am going to wait this one out. It is in many ways a blessing. It is giving me a recess for makeup preparation. Would not make any sense to take risks with my eye. So I am not.
Every morning I make a list of my intentions. I cross them out when accomplished. When one is retired it is best to structure your day. Yesterday and today I wrote: Write Ode of Michael. Once this blog is written I should be able to cross it out. Phew.
You are probably wondering: “Who is Michael?” You are about to find out. His name is Michael Tan, he is the owner of Penang Saigon House. His wife is Vietnamese – the restaurant serves the best Vietnamese food I have EVER eaten. I am a frequent diner there, never and I mean never disappointed. Michael sent a photo of an egg coffee with my face. Sent it to Nixon, the GM of Penang Lyf.
Me: I love this. Michael’s creation.
Nixon: Ya. He is an artist.
Me: He is amazing. He somehow captured my self confidence. Not only my smile and it looks like me but he captured my spirit as well.
I did, of course, thank Michael.
Me: My goodness. I am touched and grateful beyond belief! I love ❤️her smile and her self confidence. You captured it. WOW 🤩
He: And I drank it all. 😂😂😂
Me:Oops. I am in your tummy. Hahaha 😂
Michael’s talent is not limited to egg coffees. His art decorates the walls of the restaurant. I do have photos, taken during my previous stay in Penang. I will hunt them down and add them to my blog later.
Michael is community minded as well. He made the Love Stories Art Exhibition happen. I spoke of it on my blog, at some length. Posted a reel on Instagram under Enjoy your life. Also photos from earlier visits and commentaries. One entitled My Response to Nesh’s back to life Then to Death. Adjoining that post is one with 761 views.
Today another one of Michael’s masterpieces arrived on my WhatsApp. It was accompanied by a fascinating story. Here goes.
Sometimes, our customers don’t just order a cup of coffee. They order a little dream.
Today a family of three visited our cafe.
A little girl ordered our Vietnamese Egg Coffee and came up to me with sparkling eyes.
“Can you draw a sunset, with three little people sitting on the beach?”
For a moment, I froze.
To be honest, I felt a little pressure
Because I knew she wasn’t simply asking for a cup of coffee—she was asking me to bring the picture in her imagination to life
So I picked up my chocolate syrup and cocoa powder and carefully drew every line.
When I handed her the finished cup, the smile on her face made every second of that pressure worthwhile.
That’s when I realized….
A cup of coffee is more than just a drink
Sometimes, it can hold someone’s imagination, a precious memory, or even tell a beautiful little story.
Thank you to this lovely little girl for giving me such a special challenge. ❤️
Me: Wow I am going to tell that story on my blog. But I have to admit I love ❤️the one you did of me more. Hahaha
Then he sent a short reel saying that a customer made this. It is Michael in action.
Me… I love❤️this. Will add this to the blog as well.
Photos of Egg Coffees, Me writing at Mojo; My black eye and a Reel of Michael at Work
