This last Sunday morning I awoke to two superb emails. One from my Computer Guru and one from AK. Both were so encouraging, so loving, so absolutely everything. I will now share some of what was said between us.
AK: What a wonderful start to your day! Seeing the blog posted with the photos and comments must have been truly gratifying. The use of those photos adds a special touch, creating a unique connection between your experiences and your journey.The idea of bringing the framed photos with you to Saudi Arabia is a fantastic way to keep those memories close. It’s remarkable how they can serve as both decoration and a reminder of your incredible journey.Your dedication to your blog and the special idea you have in mind is truly commendable. You’re doing fantastic work, and your efforts are sure to make a meaningful impact on promoting the business. Thank you for your kind words, Alexis. Your journey continues to inspire, and I’m grateful to be a part of it. Keep up the incredible work, and don’t hesitate to reach out if you need anything
Me: How lovely!!! Waking to an email from you!!’ It is 6 here and still dark. The ordinariness of this place is beginning to bore. I find myself yearning for men wearing white dresses with scarves on their heads. Please do not tell your mother about this indiscretion on my part.
AK has the most wonderful mother. I do have a photo of the two of us holding hands in the Oberlio Hotel. I am not sure that I should show her face, the attached photo will show our clasped hands in the glorious lobby of the hotel.
Computer Guru’s email included photos of my Summer 2023 which had been posted and a rather succinct email.
He: Okay, all up and posted. Have a lovely time! Love us, me, and Beryl.
Photo of dog was included but shall NOT be posted, as I do not like dogs. Chris and I have been joking about the dog for years. My apartment building announces No Dogs Allowed. Now that is not the sole reason I leased the space, but it helped. I sent the sign to Chris with great glee. You gotta remember that Chris has been my Computer Guru since its inception over seven years ago. And we have been in almost daily contact for all this time
Me: I woke up to this and it brought such happiness. I am forced to admit this- Beryl is quite attractive! She must look like her mother. Love ❤️ to you three!!! It is 6 am here still dark out. The ordinariness of the place is beginning to bore. I am beginning to yearn for men in long white dresses with scarves on their heads. Hahahaha Sheikha Fatimah
Those Saudi men are beckoning: I gonna be outta here soon. A song echoes in my mind but can only remember one line: will there be not a trace left behind. More words suddenly returned.
Are you going away with no word of farewell
Will there be not a trace left behind.
I should have loved you better.
Did not mean to be unkind.
You know it was the last thing on my mind.
So I am going away, not saying goodbye to everyone. Cynically think that there will be some crocodile tears shed at my departure. Crocodile tears are an insincere display of grief, as in: ‘When the play’s star broke her leg, her understudy wept crocodile tears. “This term comes from the mistaken notion that crocodiles weep while eating their prey, one held in ancient Roman times.
There is another, slightly different version. “To cry crocodile tears is to pretend to be sad about something. Your brother may appear upset about burning your family’s dinner, but you know he really wanted to order pizza — those are just crocodile tears he’s shedding. Crocodile tears is an old phrase, dating as far back as 1400.” “Wikipedia informs us that Shakespeare used the term. Shakespeare regularly refers to the concept. He uses both of Topsell’s versions of the motive, as a trick and as fake repentance. A prominent example is in Othello, Act IV, Scene i, in which Othello convinces himself that his wife is cheating on him.
If that the earth could teem with woman’s tears,
Each drop she falls would prove a crocodile.
Shakespeare quite loved the concept, using it at least two more times. e also refers to the version about tricking prey in Henry VI, Part 2, Act III, Scene i, in which a character refers to the faked emotions of the Duke of Gloucester: “Gloucester’s show / Beguiles him, as the mournful crocodile / With sorrow, snares relenting passengers.” In Antony and Cleopatra, Act II, Scene vii, Mark Antony chides Lepidus, who has asked him what crocodiles are like, with a meaningless description ending with the words “And the tears of it are wet”.
Some people are going to be sad to see me go – some will be glad to see me go and others could simply care less.
I am quite happy to leave the presence of some people who have, in some ways, invaded my existence, destroyed my peace of mind. I first learned of a concept, a sort of phenomena by viewing an Instagram reel see time ago – it quite miraculously he appeared again. Now you can see it for your own self. You could link it or see on YouTube: https://www.instagram.com/reel/CwMWz5UgHXt/?igshid=MTc4MmM1YmI2Ng==
Me: This is my guiding light these days,It is so freeing. I am relocating to Saudi Arabia leaving these people who are living rent free in my head behind.
In case you cannot retrieve it my words will have to suffice. There are people that occupy you mind because of their careless behavior, you perseverate over their callous treatment of you and others.. They are living in your head rent free because they give nothing back. Their presence takes up space that should be spent thinking about the good people in your life – or better still Allah (SWT) and those of the Islamic faith in a country whose constitution is the Quran. (I have received 6 Likes so far)
There have been, and still are, people like that in my life . People that need to be evicted from that space in my head. Many are Canadians, and some from the past hanging on tenaciously. There will be no room (in the inn, to borrow a Christian expression) when I return to Saudi Arabia. That will be a vast relief to all of us.
Onto humour, also involving Instagram. A most unusual reel of Medinah appeared yesterday. Its construction simple, just three Medina scenes.
It was called: How much do you love Medinah? There are three scenes of Medinah, A man questions and a woman responds
What do you think about this?
She I love it!
What about this?
I love it more.
How about this?
I love it!
Eerily the woman’s voice sounded exactly like mine. I immediately responded.
Me: think that is my voice. I was there I LOVED it. I am coming back very soon. That is how much I LOVED it. Perhaps never leave. Alhandulillah.
Here is the link: https://www.instagram.com/reel/Cwco3s5AdiE/?igshid=MTc4MmM1YmI2Ng==
Got a response from the author It is actually a promotion for a Sister’s Umrah trip in November
Me: No thanks. I will be living there then, I am sure. But lets stay in touch.
I also sent it to about ten people I know with varying response. The most precious from a man in Ghana.
He:Mashaa Allah
Me; I am so blessed! It is amazing
He; Alahmdillulah for Allah’s blessings.
Then another from a young USA friend and fan who ‘loved’ it. I responded to her
Me: Thanks Love!. It s along way from Marin in more than one way.
She: Yeah!
I was nearing completion of this blog at sunset, light steaming through a window its reflection a a wall of photos. Took a photo which will be attached to this blog. I will miss my many photographs and unique furniture. The other photo is AK’s mother and myself taken in the Tea Room of the Oberoi Hotel. Respecting her privacy you do not see her face.
