Prostitute yourself this Halloween

As a nod to Halloween, I will share with you lovelies some very funny Halloween related moments from my childhood.

.1. I used to gorge myself on so much candy (almost all of it) right after coming home from trick or treating (damn the BASTARDS who tricked instead of treated!), that my mother usually took me to the doctor’s the following day.

It was just a normal footnote to Halloween in our house…
I would trick or treat and collect as much sugar as possible.
My mother would point her finger at my circle for a head and say "don't eat too much!"
I would stare at her with my circles for eyes and nod 'ok'.
I would wait for her to fall asleep.
& then proceed to as-quiet-as-a-mouse unwrap as much candy as possible and stuff it into my aforementioned circle for a face.
Sometimes, and only because it was dark, I would miss my mouth and place a piece of candy in my nose. But not often.
I would discreetly, and only because it was dark, hide the wrappers underneath my covers.
My mother would find me on Nov 1st, passed out on top of candy wrappers, much like a drunk .

By about noon, my mother would take my doubled-over-in-pain body to the doctor.
The Doctor would laugh.
I would cry (& have the shakes).
My mother would swear to never let me out for Halloween "ever again!"
I would take a bigger bag the following year.
ad infinitum…

*psst. This only stopped in 2003.

.2. I have always been slightly temperamental and demanding (but now I’m really nice about it, and I give back 100 fold). One year, I forced my parents to buy me a full-throttle ballerina outfit (with shoes) so I could trick or treat looking – what I then considered - ‘sexy’.

I was 6, carried a wand and wore a tiara. I was the full-throttle idiot in a full-throttle ballerina outfit.

They bought me what I wanted, and from an actual dance studio. But then it all backfired because my mother put me in ballet classes. Ugh.

That was as memorable as my piano lessons. It was so memorable, I can’t remember a damn thing about it. My mother had to remind me that I took ballet. She said I hated it and would throw a fit every time she dragged me to the class. And – brace yourselves – I was the only one who had a tutu and refused to do ballet unless I was allowed to wear my tiara.

Now, I wear the tiara whenever I have a meeting with my assistant.

.3. In grades 6, 7 & 8, my girlfriends and I started developing crushes on boys. We wanted to be appealing to said crushes and so we used to dress all ‘grown up’ on Halloween.

Thing is, we never thought of women such as our mothers as appealing, alluring or sexy. We thought – again, brace yourselves – that prostitutes were the sexy ones.
Now, don’t get me wrong. It’s not like Mr. McKinnon was all “Oh, Maha, what are you this Halloween?”
And I’d smile and say “I’m the Mayflower Madam!”

It was more like, “What are you?”
“I’m a lady!”

I reference prostitutes now because when I look at our pictures from those Halloweens, there’s only two words that come to mind: Paid Whore.

Anyway. A troop of us idiot girls would spend an hour in the washroom every year. An hour prior to our Halloween Dance, we would tumble over one another and fumble with hideous colors that we would then smear all over our faces. We’d wear high heels and nylons with really short skirts, pull our hair up in the strangest styles and pull our shirts off our shoulders. Then we’d chew gum and prance out of the washroom, nearly falling over one another because none of us fit properly into the high heels we’d stolen from our mums.

Needless to say, none of the boys ever noticed us.

God, we were such drag queens.

Happy Halloween, kids!

Attend this

Le Festival du monde Arabe à Montreal. In particular, try to get to some of the dance & music shows.

It all begins today...

God doesn't have an Agent

A little sunshine this morning, in the way of a quote from the Quran: "I am indeed near (to them by My knowledge). I respond to the invocations of the supplicant when he calls on Me (without any mediator or intercessor)" (Al-Baqarah 2:186).

Most important about this quote are two things: (1) In Islam, there is no intermediary between you and Allah (e.g. no priest, no church, no confession booth); and, (2) Forgiveness belongs to only one: God*.

One of Allah's many names is 'As-Sitteer'. This means the One Who covers / conceals (the faults of humankind). Interesting because the name itself is a nod to human nature on two levels: (1) That humankind will fault (don't ever take that for granted); and, (2) Society's incapacity to forgive, preferring instead to wallow in a lascivious need for the pain and faults of others (think: Let him without sin cast the first stone & reality television**).

It doesn't matter if the church won't forgive you, it doesn't even matter if society won't forgive you. It matters that you have acknowledged your action and then sought forgiveness. Allah will forgive.

*Recall: This does not pertain to planning and executing actions meant to harm others. Allah relinquishes His ability to forgive you if you wrong another; instead, the act of forgiveness is granted the person who suffered the wrong. e.g. A woman is raped by a man. The man repents and seeks forgiveness. If the woman does not forgive the man, then Allah will not override this and grant forgiveness. There's always elements of justice in these issues...

**Reality television -- & all who partake -- give me hives.

The Starbucks Mermaid

There’s something perverted about the Starbucks Mermaid.

Aren't mermaids supposed to have only one tail?
Anyway. If she has two tails, then she’s got her ‘feet’ up around her ears.
If she has one tail, then she’s still got her ‘feet’ up around her ears.

I don’t understand. I promise to further contemplate this over my non-fat, no-foam, triple shot latte.



If you should return and find this blog defunct, know it’s because the crazies at Starbucks found me first.

My first

Prior to the Measuring Security Measures happening I attended Wednesday evening, I met two women who were shooting footage of the event. One of them is Aisling (pronounced Ash-ling). Chatted briefly and was a little more than intrigued by their line of work, since I am a bona fide 'activist documentaries' admirer.

It’s a world I have always been curious about, but have never known where to begin or how to get involved…have only, instead, observed and admired from a far.

I checked my email and there was a message from Aisling. At the event, she actually recognized me…from my blog. Isn’t that insane? I am so completely flattered and am at a slight loss.

Odd thing is that people have recognized me from television interviews, and my name from radio interviews…but never from my blog. I think this is akin to the time I was on St-Catherine St. in Montreal and was stopped (the first time ever) by a bunch of young women who recognized me from an event at which I spoke and emceed several months prior.

That was weird because they were so excited about meeting me (even my girlfriend was all "…the hell?"). They were sweet and gave me their email addresses and contact information and wanted me to lecture at another event (which I did)…but odd, nevertheless.

If only they knew what a dork I really am...

& Remember her name: Aisling Chin-Yee. As soon as I have more info on the work she’s done and what she’s presently working on, I will blog all about it.

IronMan & Security (of your ears)

.1. Is it unnatural that I set my alarm clock for Saturday morning cartoons?

.3. I was really pleased with last night's event.

There was a huge turnout and all documentaries were well done. The panel discussion was also quite good, with the usual suspects behaving as always: Sophie animated, Paul dry and sarcastic, Riad academic (with the anticipated and constant look of confusion on Sophie's face as he spoke). What was surprising is that Alexandre, the moderator, has a really great sense of humor. He made me laugh. Out loud.

Unfortunately, at such events, I don't usually like the calibre of questions posed; I find that people are in it to hear themselves speak. Lucky that I wasn't the moderator...I would have just turned off the microphones while certain people were speaking.

I've never pretended to have patience.

To hell. On a very fast motorcycle, is where I am headed.

Wife Beating

I just found this out:

"Under Muslim Sharia law, if a woman wishes compensation for her suffering, her husband could either be ordered to pay damages or be given a beating of equal severity to the one he inflicted on his wife."

I really dig the latter option.

Here's the thing...

It's been 24 hours and so I feel it's safe to indulge in the following...

My dad forgot my birthday. Bad enough that Tamer Hagras didn't send me flowers (it is most certain they were stopped at customs), but my father forgot that it was my birthday.

Your mother, the one who carried you around, like a bullet, for 9 months. She'll never forget. Ever. It's impossible.

And I wish I had an excuse for him...something akin to "I am one of 17 children and so it is inevitable that he would forget". The sad reality of it is: I am an only child. Which goes a long way to explaining a lot...but that's another blog entry.

Lucky that as an early birthday present, he purchased this (in cherry wood) and all it's trimmings for me a few months ago:



But still...
My father forgot it was my birthday!

Men.

Random Procreation Notes

.1. Last night, E had baby Kate. This is so exciting! Now she is the second of my girls to procreate. She was the second to get married, and keeping true to form, the second to have a baby.

Do think I can hear my ovaries crying.

.2. While E was being squeezed, we went out for my birthday dinner. Apart from spending a hysterical evening with three gorgeous women, the following particular moment stood out.

For the last several years, we’ve gone to this one restaurant to celebrate birthdays; although we have many friends who own restaurants, for some reason this one in particular has become our favorite.

Our waiter brought out fried ice cream and decided to sing happy birthday at the top of his lungs. God love him, he is completely tone deaf and without any sense of shame or composure he bellowed out the tune and I actually laughed my way through the entire ordeal.

The restaurant is very small and so the entire ‘audience’ stopped, listened, applauded (some actually whistled) at the end of our waiter’s explosion of song.

.3. I love opening presents. Even if they’re not for me (so watch it…).

.4. Today was day 12 of Ramadan, and fasting has been relatively easy this year. Am uncertain as to why this is, as we’re breaking fast at approximately 6:30 p.m. and that should make for a long day.

.5. I can’t believe I am admitting to this, but am already itching to leave Ottawa. Considering I have already traveled to three continents this year, I can’t figure out what the hell is wrong with me.

Perhaps am in search of something, even though I am unaware of it.

Maybe if I simmer down long enough, it’ll find me.

Libra girl / Libra boy Compatibility

As mentioned earlier, I was given Linda Goodman’s ’Love Signs’. Since we are in the month of October, all you Libra men ought to pay attention to the following.

Let me preempt with the following two points:
(1) I don’t really believe in this stuff, but think it could serve as a fun ‘guide’, of sorts. Goodman doesn’t tell you to start beating the living hell out of the Virgo, and so it’s relatively entertaining to read, and if anything, it offers food for thought because it really does – to a great extent – nail certain personalities down. Some things are so right, it's a little creepy.
(2) On a monthly basis, I’ll blog about Libra & that months’ compatibility because (a) I am a Libra; and, (b) This is my blog. If you want to read about Aries and Pisces compatibility, buy the book.

Actually…buy the book anyway. It’s a great read!

So then, some interesting excerpts re the Libra man and the Libra girl relationship…my comments are in bold and peppered throughout:

“They’re obsessed by a moral compulsion to do the fair thing. To do something they consider morally wrong gravely disturbs their consciences (this goes a long way to explaining why I almost break out in hives when I lie; it’s retarded how freaked out I become…and must be some sort of unhealthy). That’s why, when a Libran does say something, people believe it’s trustworthy – and nine out of ten, it is.

Two Librans will spend a great deal of their time together talking. All the subjects will be enthralling because of the logical, intellectual aspect Libra brings to the analysis. Some will concern vital issues…some will be petty [like] whether the window should be closed or open at night when one is sleeping. I’ll settle the last argument for them myself. Open. Definitely open. Most especially with Libra, because all Air Signs tend to have poor circulation (no shit!) , and must breathe fresh air while they’re sleeping or they’ll never achieve stable health and longevity. (This is really neat because I sort of freak out if I don’t have the window open when I sleep; even when it’s –45. And I usually have to sleep next to the window, or else I am a little claustrophobic. Worse still is that as soon as I walk into peoples’ homes – and those who know me can attest to this – I open up their windows. My friends hate me. But they’ve learned to wear a parka when I am coming…)

What’s important to Librans is the excitement of a mutually stimulating intellectual debate, which they find mentally energizing, like a tonic.

All forms of dirt are displeasing to them aesthetically. Ugliness of any kind quickly disturbs the Libra equilibrium. (This is great news for me, as now I am no longer left wondering if am shallow; it’s just my Sun Sign. Phew.)

Libra will work like a plough horse, feverishly, efficiently, and uncomplainingly for a long while – then suddenly reverse gears into a long spell of trancelike lethargy, during which (believe it or not!) even talking is an effort. The batteries must be recharged by complete rest in a tranquil, quiet atmosphere. If a Libra person is unable to do this, but is forced to go to work, mingle with people, and so forth, she will be so unpleasant, miserable and just plain nasty, everyone starts to wonder how astrology can possibly be correct in calling these folk peaceful, gentle souls with a smooth temperament and mild manners. (This is so dead on, it’s a little creepy. But, I don’t have a smooth temperament; but that’s only because was born under a Scorpio moon, or some such shit. I am actually relatively hot headed with a very short fuse. Especially if I think the person sitting across from me is lying to me, or thinks they can pull the wool over my eyes. And I hate woolen hats. They’re itchy.)

Sentimental Librans think in terms of poetry, art, and music…and so their thoughts have wings, with the power to fly them into ever higher heavens from the darkest hells. (I think she’s been reading about the pink elephants that constantly play in my head)

…Judge not, that ye not also be judged. That’s how Libra’s Scales measure human frailty and mortal yearnings. (Word.)

Libra women [are] unusually handsome creatures of great sentiment – and Libra men [are] unusually beautiful creatures of great strength – although Libra men and also uncommonly (and appealingly) sentimental, while Libra women are also uncommonly (and admirably) strong.

It’s sometimes necessary for the Libra girl, even though she often looks like the seductive personification of every female from Eve to Cleopatra, to remind herself which of the two of them is really the man. The task won’t be too difficult for her, because this lady is gifted with more natural charm, instinctive tact, and talents of sweet persuasion than she could ever use in one lifetime.

They’re cooperative by nature, except when something they feel constitutes a moral or ethical issue is involved. Then they’ll each be equally be difficult to sway from an opinion. If either feels the other is treating him (or her) unfairly – or if some situation seems to be unjust, the usual Libra “compromise” and “cooperation” may be replaced by tornadoes of temper and hurricanes of anger. Librans are always verbal when they’re agitated. (Yes.)

These two will probably never be starved for compliments they’ll usually be graciously considerate of one another’s feelings and enjoy many of the same interests, often centering around music and painting, or other art forms, long walks, and lots of reading. A double Libra marriage almost always produces a sizable library and record collection. (Considering that I already house thousands of books and a few thousand more CDs, this is already true.)

Libra is the sign of beauty, and although this means that all Librans are, in some way, strikingly beautiful or handsome, possessing at least one perfect feature (I love this woman)– it also means that Libra appreciates beauty in others. […]Mental infidelity subconsciously troubles the Libran sense of morality and fairness – and compels them to return to each other’s familiar, intimate smiles and dimples, accompanied by waterfalls of tears. Librans always cry at weddings, and cry over happy endings.

(Here come the goods…)The sexual chemistry of their relationship […] would reveal itself to be made up of 70 percent mental affinity, 20 percent affection and sentiment – and 10 percent physical passion. (That sucks, most especially because I already have the 70 + 20 from my family and friends. Oh, and from the pink elephants in my head.)

The typical Libra woman is a Wonder Woman as a hostess. (Yes, this is true, and here’s the proof.) Her talents and taste will transform [their home] into an oasis of peace and charm, a harmonious haven filled with gracious and beautiful vibrations, soothing to the troubled spirit. She’s remarkably cool and calm in a crisis (although afterward, she may collapse in his arms, when the danger’s over), fiercely loyal, and cheerfully adaptable to change […] always optimistic that tomorrow will be brighter.

She’s the kind of woman who will make any sacrifice to help her man. Whatever he wants for himself, she wants for him, with equal fervor.

He’s the kind of man who will romantically give his woman a diamond or a poem (does it really matter which?) (Erm. Is this a rhetorical question?) because he suddenly realized an unexpected truth – that without his Libra lady’s “iron fist in its velvet glove” – he’d still be back in Pittsburgh, selling Buicks.

That was sort of cool.

Ok. Am spent.

And a wee bit delusional.

Why hasn’t Tamer Hagras sent me birthday flowers yet?

TAMER: My favorite flower is a white calalily.

Libra girl / Scorpio boy compatibility coming next month…

Flowers from Maha

Post the Toronto International Film Festival, I had to send out various thank you cards, flowers, and photos to people who made both the B & G, as well as the Edison premieres and parties a reality and a lot of fun (most especially at 3 a.m.).

Alan Siegel, Anne Holtby, Bonnie Hillman, & Marcia Ross were the gems who made my two nights at TIFF an extraordinarily sweet and somewhat rambunctious time.

There’s also Baby J & T (who didn’t get flowers because “…flowers die!”). But, these two gorgeous and generous women (who stayed up well past 3 a.m. for a lot of chatter) received the prettiest gifts and cards of all.

Flattery *will* get you everywhere

Ok. So, this morning I receive an e-mail from some fella re my blog. A very cool e-mail at that...didn't have time to respond as I wanted to check out said e-mailer's blog lest he be some kind of freakshow.

I went to his home on the interWeb: Essential Uzi.

...and totally dug it!

This is what he wrote about my blog: "...The rest, and this is where it gets good, can just humble you. I mean sometimes, I'll come across a blog that will make me feel ashamed of the quality of work I sometimes put up, without spell checking at that.

Take this one blog I came across run by One Female Canuck. She has two blogs actually, one personal and the other Political. I was truly impressed. Her blog is honest, funny, well written and above all that, really really interesting. Talk about some original ideas. She speaks knowledgebly on the political topics and just does an all around awesome job. I've been itching to pass on her address for a few days now and I finally got the chance. Take some time and do visit her site. You will not regret the decision.

On top of all that, she lists Mos Def, Mr. Lif, Common and Talib in her music section. What else can you ask for? keep on sister!

Ya Uzi. Some points:
(a) Flattery will get you everywhere;
(b) I can't open my comments section because of Bob, Viagra Spammer;
(c) Get an "About Me" section up on your blog, STAT (& law sama7t);
(d) Be careful with the girl from the UK (here is my opinion on the supposed different languages men / women use, and then here is my opinion on what you should look for in a partner);
(e) I will totally check out your music references (am excited to do so, kamman!); and,
(e) Ramadan Kareem!

Random Daddy Notes

.1. I work with Fernando. Every time I run into him, I want to pull on white bellbottoms, dance and sing "Are the stars bright, Fernando?"

Even when seated in meetings, I want to do this.

.2. Three more days until am 31.

Do hope that should Tamer Hagras not be able to 2ukhtubni, on the occasion of my 31st birthday, he will at least send me flowers.

.3. Pick up Dzihan & Kamien's "Fakes". It's an excellent double CD and Track 2 on CD 1 (Homelands) will make you want to turn off the lights, blast the music and ignore the world.

GODSPEED!

.4. Dinner with dad was excellent. He's contemplating purchasing a summer flat in either Beirut or Cyprus, which would be so much fun! I love it when he decides to throw money around so casually.

He's a big property man, and so he tried to convince me to buy something in Montreal. But, I'd rather just let him do it, which he will...eventually.

.5. Recall the Gigantic Pheronic Head daddy won at the silent auction last year. At dinner, he asked me if I wanted it.

I declined and didn't even bother hiding my horror at his query.

I recommended he return it to CEPAL on the anniversary of the auction, telling them they could re-auction it.

This way, I'll never inherit it.

I love you, ya baba.

.6. I am going to Hell (staghfara Allah al3azeem) because I find things like this funny:



Philosophically, due to our human nature to fault, this is an impossibility; we can never "stop" (the goal is to be in a constant state of trying to stop). If we could "stop" sinning, we wouldn't be human...

The sign really should read: Try to cool it. I know it's hard, but just give it a shot every once in a while. You'll sin because you're human and you can be a real idiot sometimes. Maybe even most of the time. It's inevitable; just try to do it at varying intervals in your life and when you do...just you know. I don't know. Hey Bob, do you know? Okey doeky. Erm. That's it for me. Bye.

Hell. (& at 600 miles an hour is how fast I'll be going).

Randomly Fated Notes

.1. For some odd reason, have been in the grips of crazy amounts of energy since Sunday. So much so that this afternoon, I walked for 3 hours and then I worked out for another hour.

You know when you’ve not thought of someone in a long time, and then you think of them, and then that same afternoon you see them by sheer ‘coincidence’?

Well. I think my current levels of energy are like that, serving as a precursor to something. Don’t know what just yet, but something. Huge. It’ll be huge.

.2. I placed the word ‘coincidence’ in those single quote marks because I don’t believe in ‘coincidence’.

Coincidence: A sequence of events that although accidental seems to have been planned or arranged.

…probably because I don’t believe in ‘accidents’. But rather, I believe in fate, and this I believe in all across the board.

A prime example of this is my following theory about our lives and actions as individuals. I don’t think that any of the experiences we have or any of the actions we take are accidental, as the definition of ‘coincidence’ would have you believe. I have faith that they are all taken, each and every one – including the darkest and most traumatic ones – in order to help us reach our potential as individuals.

It was only about five years ago that I understood that and internalized it. I don’t use it as an excuse for every whim and action, but since then and when am talking to myself (which I often do), I see myself much more clearly and completely.

Even our ugliest actions are a path to self-improvement, if we so choose.

Much like the notion of Yin & Yang…

That people have the ability to choose whether they will embrace one path rather than the next, is what allows them to either: (1) continuously challenge themselves and work toward self-improvement and potential; or, (2) not.

It’s really that simple. Or not.

Back to the point at hand. There are no coincidences, only fated incidents that provide you with choice. What you do at each turn is what determines who you are and to what standard you will be held when you’ve kicked it and are standing before God and he’s all “Why did you embrace the darkness, Darth?”

Footnote no. 1: This does not pertain to psychopaths. Nor does it pertain to planning and executing actions meant to harm others and then hollering "Hurting him made me a better person".

Footnote no. 2: Actions where you plan and then execute hurt on to your self, I find, usually serves to quicken and intensify one's resolve to search for the good within themselves and polish it. Lucky are the blessed individuals fated for this particular fast forwarding...

And yes, I am equally aware of the counter arguments to all of the above; only…I have chosen this path on which to live my life. Should you feel more comfortable in a vacuous meaningless hostile life, you 1/2 Existentialst, that’s your prerogative. You probably don’t smile as much as I do…

I kid. Really.

.3. I have refreshed all RPNs from last year, the only ones missing are the ones from the summer of 2004. It will take me time to revive them but will have them completed by next week, I promise. God damn it, some of them are really funny.
Like this one.

Random Birthday Note

.1. I turn 31 in four days.

Three thoughts:
(1) I feel am too young for 31;
(2) Am single; and,
(3) Have never felt more confident than I do at this age. There's something really sexy about confidence that comes from your mind and nothing else. This coming year's going to be something special. I'm excited to wake up with a smile on my face every morning...don't know why yet, but I can feel something's going to happen...

Re point no. 2: It would be nice to have someone brush my hair out of my face every now and then when it sticks to my lip-gloss.

Erm. Not facial hair, but rather hair…from my head…that gets stuck to my obscenely large mouth.

Really. Gentlemen: I don’t have facial hair…

31 is going to be such an adventure!

xo. nightie.

Random Scorpio, Scots & MAURA Notes

.1. Forgive me ahead of time as my home on the interWeb will be a slight shambles in the coming days; I am splitting things up and bringing back my Random Personal Notes.

.2. Since I am starting up the RPNs again, know this: I am intensely private and anything that is blogged means almost nothing to me. If there is a situation or an individual that holds any sort of meaning for me, it/they will not be referenced online. RPNs are an illusionary sketch of the caricature that is I.

Don't let this blog fool you; don't think you know me.

.3. A 'WORD UP' to Maura as she gave me a heart attack and a serious shout out on her live journal. It is huge and it nearly made me cry. I am sporting Tony Curran's hat, which is sort of funny. He called me 'Palestine' for the duration of our conversation...and so I was left with no choice but to ring back with 'Scotland'. He has very unique eyebrows and is surprisingly tall. There is something about Scots men and height. They have a lot of it.

This is a nice thing when one is in search of shelter and protection from strong winds and torrential down pour.

.4. My dad's invited me over for dinner this evening. He was going to cook something for me.

Oh my God.

I love my dad...but he is no culinary master (do hope he thinks my life too boring to check this blog). In fact, he owns one of those grilling things that you plug into the wall and then throw chicken on to. Without spice. Without sauce. Without flavour.

When we made plans he chimed in with an excited "I'll make pasta and grilled chicken!". I had no choice but to counter with "NO! You rest. I'll cook and you don't have to worry about anything," as sweetly and as convincingly as possible. My life was at stake.

Now, I must cook. Something. And apparently, "coffee" isn't considered a viable option. Who knew?

.5. A friend recently gave me a copy of some freaky astrology book about the compatibility of signs. As I am a Libra, will post on a per sign basis, what it is that will draw you to me (e.g. should you be Aries, you will be drawn to me because...etc.)

.6. Have recently discovered that the love of my life - Tamer Hagras - is married and has procreated (as if marriage weren't enough!). Although I don't mind being a durrah, and only for Tamer, I am slightly distraught by this news. But his web site has been revamped and there's a slew of new photos. This shall keep me satiated for some time.

Also, he is a Scorpio which explains why I am inexplicably drawn to him (although: his height, body type, and face may be the more obvious reasons) and would have made him my ideal match according to above mentioned book *thank you Ms. Goodman. Although am a Libra, was born under a Scorpio moon and so this is supposed to explain my temperament and why I am constantly drawn to the alpha of the Scorpio. Damn them, the Scorps!

At least my father isn't a Scorpio. That would have been creepy.

Random Personal Notes are back

I had a crazy epiphany today (third one of my life), came home and decided to read through the sections I used to call Random Personal Notes and I was almost peeing myself, I was laughing so hard. I wasn’t really laughing at my own sense of humor, but rather, at the way I saw the world while I was doing that sort of writing.

I like those glasses.

xo

Pillars of Faith

By Pillars of Faith are meant the fundamental beliefs a Muslim holds as part of his submission to God. These are distinguished from the Pillars of Islam, which are ritualistic actions based on the beliefs (e.g. Salaat (prayer)).

The articles of faith are six, and they are:
.1. Believe in Allah as the One God, the Creator, the Sustainer, and the Sovereign Law-Giver of the Universe.

.2. Believe in God's angels who are God’s agents of Divine providence and action.

.3. Believe in the Books of God; such as the Holy Qur'an, the Last and the Complete Book of God revealed to Muhammad (peace be on him), and in the other Holy Books, like the Torah, (revealed to Moses), the Psalms (revealed to David), and the Gospel (revealed to Jesus).

.4. Believe in God's Messengers, who include among others, Adam the first man, Noah, Abraham, Moses, David, Jesus and Muhammad, the Last of the Prophets. “There never was a people to whom a prophet was not sent.” (Holy Qur’an).

.5. Believe in the Last Day, the Resurrection of the dead, the Day of Judgment, and the Eternal Life Hereafter.

.6. Believe in Divine Pre-ordainment. Every thing that happens here, whether good or bad, can happen only with the knowledge of God.

Above comes from Islam Online, the best interWeb source of information. If not familiar with Islam, recommend that you begin here, so as to learn a wee bit...

More in the coming days of this month, inshallah...

Ever wonder who gets to go to Heaven?

According to Islam, among the first to enter Heaven are mothers (sorry boys!). Specifically, it is women who are either divorced or widowed and are then left to raise children on their own.

Rather heartwarming considering the continued misogyny of all societies when it comes to the treatment of single mothers.

Treat your mothers well (they have a serious in with the Big Guy).

Yusuf Islam

Someone asked me earlier today: "What sort of man would you like to marry?"

The most honest answer I could give was someone like our old friend Cat Stevens, now Yusuf Islam. This man is so articulate and aware and totally at ease with his life and his surroundings. He is, for me at least, kind of ideal.

I think the two most intriguing (& what draws me) characteristics about this man are: (1) the darker parts of his life which have guided him to where he is today (I am not all that seduced by someone who has always been on the 'right path'); and, (2) the strength of character and personality it would take to move from Cat Stevens to Yusuf Islam. The ability to walk away from a life so seductive and so rampant with temptation is perhaps the most unambiguously masculine of what makes him attractive.

There are a lot of boys in this world, but very few men, of which he is one.

Ramadan kareem

Tomorrow is the first day of Ramadan, and this is the time for forgiveness, charity, self control and self awareness (granted, it is always 'the time' as God doesn't have a 'Be back in 5 minutes' sign hanging around; but the month of Ramadan is unique). I think that I may, on an I-don't-know-how-often basis, blog something about Islam this month. I did this last year, but later deleted the blog entries.

Here’s something I’ve thought a lot about recently…

Humans make mistakes because we are the only creatures who – when given the choice -- accepted the responsibility of free will. All other creatures refused the responsibility because they understood the difficulty which they would face.

Like a baby, I have often times wanted to give back that responsibility; I didn’t want it, I didn’t want the ability and the will to choose to make a mistake. The internal consequences are sometimes too great to hold, and you feel like you want to peel your skin off in order to get away from yourself. This is, in essence, the meaning of ‘jihad’ (transliteration = ‘struggle’)…the struggle within, between ‘good’ and ‘evil’.

But…it’s the human condition, this capacity to go astray. The ability to fault is what makes us the more beloved.

Here's a quote from Qur'an xxxix, 53 Sura Zumar:

“But no soul need be in despair because
Of its sin: God’s Forgiveness and Mercy are
Unbounded. Turn to God in repentance
Now, for at Judgement it will be too late.
…
Say: “O my Servants who
Have transgressed against their souls!
Despair not of the Mercy
Of God: for God forgives
All sins: for He is
Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful.”

You’re human and so you’ll make mistakes. That’s sort of the bottom line…and should make us feel a little better about our often times active engagement in stupidity.