Hope is my survival, success is my revenge is not original to me – the credit must go to Patricia Cornell. However, when I found that quote about two years ago, I made it mine. But it has to stop. I heard a word in my ear, convinced it is Allah (SWT)
The Voice in My Ear: Alexis you need to stop. You are absolutely driven. You are successful, according to a thinking person, never to an envious person, but never will be. Do not be so hard on yourself, from now on. You are to please Allah (SWT) who does not expect perfection – only progress. You put your health in jeopardy. This life is only temporary. You have left a legacy and will continue to have one.
This was written the other night. at my favorite in-house restaurant Mojo. Shamir arrived, joining me for dinner. Dutifully read him the preceding paragraph, laughing at myself
Me: If I really was stopping I would not be writing this to be included on my tomorrow’s blog.
He: I am glad you see that I would not want to be insulting you by bringing that to you attention.
Me: Thanks.
We had a great dinner. Oysters on the half shell, and the smoked chicken. We were the last remaining diners, which was fortunate, as our laughter would deafen anyone within hearing range. Shamir had posted my daily blog just prior to his arrival.
The last two or three days have been most unusual, as reflected in the blog breakdowns. Of course the blog breakdowns are based on the blog itself, I say laughingly. Perhaps this blog will compare the two, as I respond to Nesh.
To Nesh
Your response to my morning greeting was encouraging, as it always is.
You: Productive, Love to see this.
It was in response to the photo of my computer, ‘in action” Good morning! A different morning altogether from yesterday. Looking through unexplored documents found a loneliness study. Fascinating but irrelevant. Typing with my thumbs for the first time. It is more efficient.
He: Good morning the blog breakdown is u.
Me:Hallelujah Wow that makes my day! I am having a great day already and it is only 9:30.
I went for breakfast, reading your breakdown while earring fruit, sipping orange juice and coffee. Then texted you.
Me: First of all I love the photo you chose to start the breakdown. It is a total contrast from yesterdays. I also love that you kept saying that the blog is a Trump Free Zone. The best description and totally unique in the media. Hahaha
Maybe though we should go back to the breakdown of yesterday. I am getting behind again. I had texted you.
Me: I almost died when I saw the photo of the sad me. But when swiping saw it was perfect. I never let people see me when I am sad but it is almost divine, that the photo is there. Shamir said the funniest thing when I sent it to him to be posted.
He: My keyboard becomes wet when I open the photo. I realize that keyboards can cry too. 🤣🤣🤣
Me: 🤣 Hope your keyboard dried off.
He: Ya used the hair dryer
Me: Those hairdryers come in handy. Also when you pee you pants laughing, Hahaha Gotcha. I love getting you, it cheers me up.
He: Hahaha you got me good.
Shamir and I had a previous exchange wherein he said
He: u made me pee my pants
Me: Not again! I think you should call Dr. Lee about your leaky plumbing.
Back to your breakdown. A Lazy Day with Lessons
You captured it perfectly: Some days the holiest things you can do is nothing at all. I did indeed let myself slow down, skipping breakfast, laughed over GiFs and it was self-care. Rest is indeed worship when done with gratitude.
Conversations in Stillness
True, everyone did mirror the day’s pace, unhurried light headed ad warm. Joy is a quiet rebellion agains heaviness – and most effective.
Humor is a Form of Grace
Mentioning the Mayo Clinic study, supporting our love of laughter was a masterstroke while mentioning Artificial Intelligence creating the office seal for POOPS – well I thought of the name but AI was definitely ‘on board’.
Two Women,One Spirit
You wrote that Penang had become sacred ground, that does describe my growing feeling. It has led to a blossoming. As Shamir reminded, allowing me to be a Phoenix Rising From the Ashes. Yasmin contributed again sending the link to inspiring music, Allah does indeed speak in many languages.
Joy and Sorrow
Their coexistence so necessary, quiet days allow for the two to merge. My choice of the photos allowed both to be shown.
But then onward to Truth in the Time of Noise
Such a contrast as exemplified by the signature photo. Not sad but rather radiant standing in the absolute beauty of the inspiring masjid. I had in the blog forced myself to back into the ‘political theater’ After immersing myself in the ‘news of the day’ I pointed my way back to the Quran. The timelessness of “Surely humanity is in grave loss, except those who have faith, do good and urge each other to the truth. (Quran 1033: 1-3)
With Friends Like Trump Who Needs Enemies
An age old expression does capture the essence of the man. – the two loathsome men “playing political while lives hang in the balance.”
Lies in the Guise of Peace
Saw what was going on, Not peacekeeping but an absence celebration of genocide. The world applauded, truth downed out, not heard amid the thunder. Truth only can be found in silence, reflection and faith.
Declaring a Trump-Free Zone
Well, not quite as this response will appear in today’s blog but the emphasize on the photos and steering folks to the YouTube reel will hopefully refocus both they, me and you.
An excellent summary. “Alhamdulillah for the clarity that comes when you stop listening to men, and start listening to God.
October 7, 2025
There has been some progress on my stopping. I did not blog yesterday. Yesterday attempted to lighten up. Did not force myself to exercise, every second day for the pool walking sufficient, I do not have to turn myself into a daily exercise fiend. Din was available, not seen him in about a month. We went to Queensbay Mall where I completed tasks, had my hair trimmed, had a late lunch, went to Sephora, bought bread for my breakfasts. Returned to Lyf utterly and completely exhausted, not having napped during the day. Slept for almost twelves hours. Woke for Fajr. Created some order in my room, trying to focus. Went to the pool for exercies. This will be an important day. The Dream Team is meeting at 4 – Nesh traveling from KL to Penang, Meeting room is scheduled.
Now wondering what photos to use. I have an inspiration. Recently discovered a new Japanese Restaurant – the best ever in every way. The name of the restaurant is Kazumasa. Photos of my special lunch will follow. The name, followed first by an appetizer, so delicious, made with corn, an unlikely increments. Look at the presentation!
Then a photo of the unique way sake is served – not in tiny cups but rather in champagne glasses, so one can savor the aroma. One course was a Amber Jack carpaccio, the dry-aged fish the perfect ingredient. Tuna sashimi, three tastes, colors and textures from the same fish. Lastly the Uni. I was a late starter to sushi; will always remember my introduction at the ripe old age of 51 at a sushi bar in San Rafael, California. I was never brave enough to try Uni – was scared away for many reasons. I was a Uni virgin. Hahaha So glad I am a late starter. This was perfect! Sushi Chef Sammy’s perfect sushi rice, a mere dribble of soya sauce. And so special as I had waited so long. It is worth traveling to Penang just to visit the restaurant – and do not forget this. I am here too. Hahaha
