Books are essential for my existence. Always have and always will be. I turned to them for solace as a child, spending hours in my room reading; transported via them and my imagination to a better place. From book came, and do come, words to explain the world in which I live and my emotions.
This is an example. I just spoke of solace. Solace: comfort or consolation in a time of distress or sadness. Synonyms for the verb solace: comfort, console, support, relieve, soothe, calm. Repeating the definition and the synonyms helps broaden my understanding of the ‘service’ that books have beenin the past.
Then later in my life books became a source knowledge. They have definitely assumed that status these days as I am engaged in the acquisition of knowledge of the Islamic Faith, and of the world in which we find ourselves. Books are written with a better sense of perspective than media can ever provide – their knowledge is more perfect, more refined.
At this moment I have either read, or am reading, three books. Nakhoda, Living With the Quran and Big, Little Steps. I have just completed Nakhoda and will review it soon, Living with the Quran is a reread. I read it cover to cover months ago but am now reading it slowly, week by week, and competing the tasks and exercises on a weekly basis.
The exercises and meditations found in the book are most inspiring and inspiring. For example a dhiker counter was recommended. Sent a picture to my WhatsAppers this morning.
Me: Good morning. My dhiker counter brings me peace of mind this morning. Peace of mind so precious
She: Good morning ❤️I’m so glad your dhiker is bringing you peace this morning. May that beautiful peace stay with you throughout the day. Peace of mind is such a a precious gift. ❤️👐🏻
Me: It is! It definitely is superior to wine and makes it unnecessary. Hahaha
She: Haha Absolutely! Peace of mind with your dhikr counter is doing a better job than a whole bottle of wine.
Me: And cheaper. And fewer calories
She: Hahaha 🤣 And cheaper, zero calories and no hangover
Interesting this friend is not a Muslim. We often speak of our faiths, their similarities and differences.
I had such peace of mind that I feel asleep for at least an hour and half. It is strangely disconcerting and difficult to get your mind back in operation. The solution, it seems, drink more coffee. I am!! Now in the lobby serving as my own barista, caffeine is pulsating through my veins. Still feeling peace of mind. Phew!!
Today is Malaysia Day.
Me: Malaysia Day we just had a public holiday
Sandman: That was National Day
Me: Isn’t it the same thing?? This nation is Malaysia
Then this greeting from my amazing Sarawak visa agent
She: Good morning!! Its Malaysia Day. Have.a good day off!!
Me: I have every day off. My visa prohibits working. Hahaha Hope you have a good day.
Back to books, knowledge and words. Yesterday saw a man from my past, from a distance. Suddenly thought of the word perfidy. Looked it up. Its synonyms, duplicity, deceit, disloyalty, betrayal, treason,,falsity, double-dealing, dishonesty, two-facedness, untrustworthiness, Its antonyms are faithfulness, loyalty. When I saw that man I was walking, hand in hand, with a dear friend who has been SO faithful, SO loyal. The word association was cleansing. I felt SO blessed having such a faithful and loyal friend. I appreciated her so much more because of my experiences in dealing with a duplicitous, untrustworthy, betraying person. If everyone were loyal and faithful we would not appreciate them so much. Hahaha
This is actually a form of reconciliation – helping me reconcile the past. .
This is another profound and important concept. Can one ever reconcile the past and is this something to strive for? First how do we define it? I suppose in both simple and complicated terms; which is, in itself, a reconciliation.
Simple: to find a way in which two situations or beliefs that are opposed to each other can agree and exist together: It is sometimes though that It is difficult to reconcile science and religion.
Me: This is not so in the Islamic faith. Both are intertwined.
Another definition: Reconciling oneself to a situation which is to accept it even if it is unpleasant or painful, because it cannot be changed.
A more complicated concept is this: To reconcile the past means to accept, make peace with, or find a way to live alongside previous life events, mistakes, or historical hardships that cannot be changed. Used in a sentence. The act of patronising contemporary artists reconciles the conflicting demands of old and new cultures.
The previously mentioned book, Nakhoda does an excellent job of reconciling old and new Malaysian cultures – turning it into a seamless whole by writing, in great length and details of the hereto forth forgotten Malay sea captains – the Nakhodas.
This really is a book that must be read in its entirety to capture its profundity. It begins in great detail discussing the structure of the huge ships, their construction,
My September 7, 2026 blog spoke of the book.
The book has two authors and is in two languages. The languages: Malay and English. The authors: Uthman Zaik and Wan Ainun Rakzi. He is an independent researcher in the field of Malay boats and navigation. She is a seeker, a facilitator, and executive coach. I had the distinct pleasure of meeting Wan Ainun Rakzi on August 28, 2026. It was so entirely coincidental that it HAD to be Allah. It was either magic or Allah. I believe in Allah – not magic. She is not only an inspirational person; she had an inspirational story to tell. It is her story – not mine, therefore I shan’t tell it here. Hahaha
The book begins with Acknowledgements from both of the authors.Both of them acknowledged Allah. Uthman Zaik wrote. “He who allows what has been planned to come to fruition. He who provides Guidance in times of darkness. He who is the source of strength throughout the journey. So much so nothing more can be hoped for except what has always been granted by Him.” Wan Ainun Radzi wrote: “Every step of this voyage has been sustained by the Grace and Mercy of Allah (SWT) To him belongs all praise – from the strength to begin, the courage to continue and the blessing to arrive at the shore,” You shall hear more of my journey as I continue my reading. I did purchase the book but it seems like such a gift. To meet” one of the authors and to be able to read about the history of my adopted country, Malaysia.”
Further thoughts and insights about Nakhoda.
The book titled is now spelled properly. How embarrassing to have misspelled it. The authors further explain:”The process of writing this book is akin to the translated Malay proverb: The sea brings forth its hidden pearls. “ It reflected the authors’ dedicated effort to gather the long-forgotten wisdom of our seafaring ancestors, some passed down orally through generations, some preserved ancient manuscripts and literature, and others uncovered through direct field research with experts in boat building and traditional navigation This undertaking is driven by an awareness of the Malays’ maritime excellence in earlier times: their ability to build large ships and raise skilled navigators who ventured as far as the Arabian Peninsula, Yemen, the western coat of India, and China. They even cared out alternative maritime trade routs that rivaled the overland Silk Road. ( Navigating the Sea of Leadership). One is led, step by step. This the Chapter Overview.
Chapter 1 The True Meaning of Nakhoda
Chapter 2. The Great Nakhodas and Their Legacy
Chapter 3 Leadership and the Ship Community
Chapter 4 The Character of a Nakhoda
Chapter 5 The Nakhoda Leadership Philosophy
Chapter 6: The Timeless Leadership of the Nakhodas
The reader is guided every step of the way, gaining more and more knowledge. The concluding chapter is, therefore, hard won. Felt I had accomplished and earned the insights obtained. Do need to consider whether spoon-feeding readers the conclusion is advantageous or advisable. It may be meaningless, without having done the necessary homework first.
I shall therefore conclude this blog with a glimpse of everyday life at Lyf. A sign which shall be pictured announced a special week being observed. It is International Housekeeping Week. The housekeepers are being honored with special breakfasts, movies, time off and recognition. The sign announces: Thank you for making everyday sparkle and shine!
This recognition is to be applauded! I have never seen anything like it before in any of the hotels I have been frequenting over the years – this recognition. Imagine how motivating and rewarding it makes those hard-working men and women feel. Too often they are taken for granted. I do remember that in some of previous hotels, in which I was a long term guest, the staff would fight over who was going to clean my room because I would visit with them, chatting and showing my appreciation. Did find that amusing, and gratifying. Having upper management appreciate what you do is far more rewarding.
One cannot imagine how much serenity and comfort comes from staying in a hotel that is well managed. Believe me, it is an oddity. Do love that word oddity. The synonyms that capture my meaning are: rarity and anomaly. Rather like me. Hahaha On that lighthearted note I shall close.
I have future plans for my photography but today only my dikher counter and the International Housekeeping Week sign Then you shall appreciate my accomplished photography more. Hahaha
