Ring My Belle

Photo courtesy of faridfoto

Sometimes you see someone so well adorned and highly embellished that it boggles the mind and toggles the loin. I often wonder what these characters are all about. I also wonder if they'd let me ring their bell.

Entrustment

Photo courtesy of faridfoto

20 years ago, when I first told my dad that I was going to work in a bank, he was a little bit aggrieved. I couldn't understand his distress until years later when a customer offered me some pecuniary gratification in return for a sizeable loan. I then remembered what he said to me that morning he sent me to the office on my first day of work.

He told me that God provides for all of us. We take what is rightfully ours because we have deserved it. Never take what we do not deserve and what is not meant to be ours. If once we do, we will never be able to stop and will be enslaved to it. Always be grateful for whatever God has given us.

When we are employed, we are entrusted by our employees, by our stakeholders, by our shareholders to perform our fiduciary duties as diligently as we can. For that, we are paid a salary and when we perform, we are paid bonuses. That is what we deserve. That is what God has provided us.

Until today, whenever a fresh face officer enters my employment, I impart Dad's same wisdom.

Evanescence

Photo courtesy of faridfoto

• I've stopped flipping through the pictures of us together.
• I've stopped reminiscing of our passionate trysts.
• I don't feel awkward anymore going to places that reminded me of us.
• I don't stay away from our common friends anymore.
• I don't listen to Flo Rida and Chris Brown as intently as before.
• I don't care to know what papillomavirus does to humans anymore.
• I've stopped checking if you are online.
• I've stopped worrying if you'd be safe when you are travelling.
• I don't miss you as much anymore.
  
  I've stopped.
  
  I don't.

Friends of Any Kind

Photo courtesy of faridfoto

(Subjects in the above photo has no relevance to the topic of the post)

I have weird friends. I mean I have queer friends. Really, not weird queer, but queer queer.

M has been dating S for more than a year now. M wears slacks and shirts and hair cropped short. S is petite and sweet. Both are females. E has just broken up with her boyfriend of 4 years and is now seriously seeing H. H works in a bank and wears Clark-Kent-style glasses. Oh, H is also a female. B and W shares a condo in the city. B is an established architect and W works for a fashion house. The loveliest couple. Both are male.

Whatever orientation they may sway towards, I am not one to judge nor should anyone past judgement. That prerogative is not ours.

No matter how queer they are, they are my bestest of friends.

Shouldn't friends support each other?

My Angel

Photo courtesy of faridfoto

Oh where are you my angel

When will you come and rescue me

From the depth of my despair............?

God's Right

Photo courtesy of faridfoto

When you make a vow to marry someone, you also make a promise to God to hold your spouse in trust for Him. We are ultimately His creations and we all belong to Him. I find this posting by a fellow blogger interesting. Read on at http://daphneiking.blogspot.com/2009/11/leave-it-to-god.html?showComment=1258566763933_AIe9_BGcwYy2aOKJxMePNndsGX5mkht_prlbceBMCDLdVud5Z-Fb0EH4vdI5mnbte0LLUBZzCzFRU2e3ynOSZQQp4thkGuCLkr9J2e4W88sUmwAoXxc-_9vc_YsuTPpkCZIJMhrUWzClArnCFIb8Dv-fapT14x4EJIf74utTob3Afn9adlDDcNw0zS26EeORpp3KMAp9m6T7bg1X1ut-fZynP5POXMzsnLL6csm1FClbskaR2Ki7Gko#c8777693739615831970

My Kryptonite

Photo courtesy of faridfoto

• Slit-eyed pretty faces.
• That scent right after rain cools a hot tarmac.
• Freshly-cut grass. Take a deep breath and smell the freshness.
• Stargazer lillies (and perhaps white madonnas too).
• Times Square at dusk after rain. The neon reflections on the wet street is a sight to behold.
• Prominent posteriors (Fat bottom girls you make the rocking world go round yeah.....)
• A mic, lyrics and a loud minus-one.
• Sharing a brolly with a warm-body in the rain.
• A perfectly placed mole.
• An excellent communicator.
• The magical hues during sunrise at the east coast.
• Piping hot pizza in Milan.
• VWs. Not that other German, please.
• Riverdance!!
• Perfume-counter girls dressed in white uniforms.
• Fluffy down-feathered pillows at Mulia, Jakarta.
• Gadgets and electronic toys. (Will someone get me a Segway for my birthday please....)
• Cats.
• Gigi Leung and Takeshi Kaneshiro romantic movies.
• Strawberry anything.
  

Losing one's shoes

Photo courtesy of faridfoto

Last night, over a cup of milk tea, BH and I concluded that in a person's life, there will be at least once, that a person will be at his/her lowest point.

Someone I know has been out of a job for the last 10 months. Last month, a friend discovered that she was pregnant. She was not married and a muslim. She thought about ending her life. Yet another friend came home one night after work, only to find his house empty. His wife had taken the children and left him for another man. Tonight, a friend who is brilliant at his job, found out that he is about to lose it due to internal office politics.

Sometimes bad things happen to good people and strangely, good things happen to bad people. We wonder why.

My dad once told me that God test His creations in various ways and in varying degrees of hardship. It is a matter of faith and belief.

If you have it good all along, don't think you are not being tested. Think again. You should be thankful to Him for your good fortune. This is His way of testing you. Don't you forget Him.

So if you've lost your shoes, keep running. Sooner or later, with some effort, you will get back in stride. Shoes or no shoes.

The Search

Photo courtesy of faridfoto

Sometimes we find a certain emptiness in our lives. Despite the well-paying job, the cosy penthouse in the city, the lovingly devoted spouse, the beautiful children and the fancy sports convertible, we continue to search for a missing something. So much so, all the luxuries in life becomes meaningless and ennui.

Unfortunately, in our search for that missing something, we make decisions and behave in ways that may hurt the people around us, especially the ones that we love. We become impertinent, irresponsible and reprehensible. Invariably, we hurt ourselves in the process.

Strangely, we keep doing the same over and over again.

For years I have been searching for that missing something in my life. In my quest to fill that void, I have hurt countless people, including myself.

I am sorry.

I am even more sorry for I know, I will never stop searching for that missing something.

Walking our paths

Photo courtesy of faridfoto

There are moments in our lives where if we had made a different decision or taken the other alternative, our lives would have significantly changed as we know it today. It could be saying 'no' to a marriage proposal, agreeing to take that other job, not going through that abortion or even something as mundane as procrastinating changing the car tyres as a heavy storm looms.

Often times we blame things that happen to us on fate and the will of God. There is nothing we can do about it.

We often forget that as human beings, God has given us the necessary intelligence, will-power and autonomy to make our own decisions and chart and walk our own paths.

We are what we make ourselves to be. We live the life we chose to live. We lament and we rejoice at the choices we make ourselves. The choices and decisions are nevertheless ours.

Forget 'if only', we chose to walk our own paths......

Farcebook

Photo courtesy of faridfoto

I bumped into my friend, JD last weekend at a nearby Starbucks. I have not seen him for a while. He was reading a magazine and sipping a cup of latte. He was alone.

As I was there with some friends that were not common to JD, I said a short 'hi' to him, offered him to join my friends and I to chat. He politely declined and continued to read his magazine and sipped his coffee alone.

About an hour and half later, as we stood to leave, JD stood up to leave too. We shooked hands. JD said he was going back home to log onto his Facebook and socialise......

I don't have a Facebook account. My idea of networking and socialising is having a good cup of cappucino face to face with friends anywhere and anytime I can.

That way, they will actually feel it when I poke them.......

Two churros and a large soda, please......

Photo courtesy of faridfoto

During my student days, to supplement the meagre government scholarship, I worked at a local fast food joint, manning the counter, taking customers' orders. I wore a funny hat and a nametag.

Everytime a customer calls my name (referring to my nametag) when ordering, I am filled with a sense of personality and pride. Silly as it may sounds, I felt as if the customer knows me, respects me as a person and acknowledges my service. Consequently, I would reciprocate with good service, a smile on my face and a thank you.

To this day, whenever possible, I will call a person that serves me by name, regardless if the service is provided by a waiter in a restaurant, a valet at a carpark, a receptionist at an office or a guard ensuring security at a condo.

Invariably, I am ensured of good service, a courteous smile and a thank you.

Pissed

Photo courtesy of faridfoto

Sometimes, 'friends' can say the most hurtful and damnest things.

Whether it is said unintentionally or with full intent and malice, the impact is the same. What's worse is that the impact is lasting. What's even worse is that, it may very well bite you right back when you least expect it.

So, if you have nothing good to say about anything or anyone, just shut the @#%$ up!!

My Investment

Photo courtesy of faridfoto

I believe in investing in people. They may be good employees, good friends, good acquaintances and good colleagues.

Above all, I believe in investing in family. I don't need to spend a million dollars. I, however, need to offer a listening ear, a shoulder to lean on and perhaps a quiet word of support and affirmation.

Like all good investments, I know, it will yield me good returns.

Green?

Photo courtesy of YPL

After a spell of one misfortune after another, I am now convinced that the grass is NOT green, this side, the other side or anywhere.

The grass is just NOT green.

If you want it green, plant your own and nurture it well.

Choices

Photo courtesy of faridfoto

We often have to make choices in life. Some are difficult and painful. Others, obvious and easy. Some choices affect lives of others.

Whatever choice we make, we must stand by it, take accountability and responsibility.

Careful in making your choice. Very often, you are only allowed one chance. You may live to rue the one that you made....or didn't make.

I know you did. But it's all a little bit too late.....I'm sorry.

WantMalaysia

Photo courtesy of faridfoto

I've been blessed to have been able to travel and see different cultures and races in different lands. I've lived in a foreign country for a few years too.

Never once have I ever thought about migrating and calling another place home, though.

You see, despite all our differences, despite all the political shenanigans, despite the apparent public-money wastage, despite the natural and unnatural disasters, despite the uncouth racial and religious extremists, despite the increasing crime rate, I am still able to walk in the streets without fear at any time of the day. I am able to make a decent living. I enjoy being able to have buka puasa and loh-sang with my friends of various creed and religion. I cherish the respite of a variety of religious and cultural holidays. I am free and independent.

I thank God for level heads and restraint prejudices. I thank God for the counter-balancing opposing viewpoints. I thank God for the land that I live on.

After all, aren't we all here as transient guests of God in His guesthouse? Shouldn't we be on our best behaviours and make our stays as welcomed and as pleasant as possible while we are guests in His guesthouse?

Forget catchy slogans. I just want Malaysia.

My Burn

Photo courtesy of faridfoto

In our lives, we continue to wander for that someone or something that 'burns' our spirit and soul, our love and passion, our strength and commitment.

I wonder now, for me, if that ship has sailed.....

Wouldn't that be an absolute tragedy......?

Lost in Space

Photo courtesy of faridfoto

Sitting with some friends watching the sun set over the Cote d'Azur, I found myself quietly whistling to my favourite song by Lighthouse Family.

Sometimes I get tired of this me first attitude
You are the one thing that keeps me smiling
That's why I'm always wishing hard for you
Cause your light shines so bright
I don't feel no solitude
You are my first star at night
I'd be lost in space without you

And I'll never lose my faith in you
How will I ever get to heaven, if I do

Feels just so fine
When we touch the sky me and you
This is my idea of heaven
Why can't it always be so good

But it's alright, I know you're out there
Doing what you've gotta do
You are my soul satellite
I'd be lost in space without you.....

Here's the song.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7N4JaIvGsc4

Senses working overtime

Photo courtesy of faridfoto

Gems are rare, but when found, are cherished.
Love crosses all boundaries with no discriminations.

In chaos, stress and heartbreak, I have somehow found calmness.
Sincerity exists....., rare, once found, exists wholeheartedly.

And letting go is the hardest, once achieved, liberates the soul....
 

My Stand

Photo courtesy of faridfoto

When up against a wall,

Above anyone else, I will stand tall.

My Heroes

Photo courtesy of faridfoto

• The indian barber that cajoled me, at 4 years of age, into having my first hair cut, ridding me of my first ever phobia...... myearwillgetsnippedophobia.
• The chinese trishaw man that patiently took me home on my second day of school, when dad was late in fetching me. From then on, I always believe in seeking alternative solutions.
• Wai King and Wai Mun, my primary school classmates who always relegated me to third in class. They taught me to strive to better educate myself.
• Peggy. My first crush and my first kiss. We were only 8. I'm still a hopeless romantic until today.
• The old school and my contemporaries. I learned independence, camaraderie, courage and respect.
• Fek Mawarzi. He told me to never drop the ball.
• My Irish economics professor, who had a thick accent. For the life of me, I could never understand what he was saying. It wasn't economics that I learned from him. It was how to be resourceful in getting results.
• Ms Wong. My boss who taught me that instincts are never to be ignored.
• Mike. My English boss, who believed that I had the talent to go far. He told me to believe in those talents.
• Kim(ch)i. She taught me love and despair.
• Dad. He allowed me to make my own choices in life....and that I have to be responsible for every choice I make.
• Mom. For sheltering me unconditionally.
• MMR. Love, faith, devotion, support, strength and care. My true hero for the last 19 years......

E-man-cipation

Photo courtesy of faridfoto

In the times we live today, women are truly emancipated. What men can do, women can too.

Women two-time as well as men. Most times, even better, because they get away with better 'perks' than men.

A guy I know, recently had to give in to the demands of his girlfriend of 3 years because she threatened to tell his wife about their affair. She got a condo in a posh neighbourhood and a fancy sports car. What he didn't know though, was that, in the past 3 years, she had another fling by the side.

Another guy, gave his heart, soul and worldly possessions to a much younger woman. He was on the verge of divorcing his wife to marry her when he caught her having an affair with a man her age. Her excuse - 'You can't blame me for being young and impressionable....'.

Still, another guy, had his wife of 13 years left him because she suddenly realise they were not meant to be together. Apparently, he was not her soul mate. 4 months later, she married a tycoon almost twice her age who was already into his 3rd marriage.

I'm not entirely certain, who is the foolish one in situations like these. But perhaps men, should start to consider to be equally emancipated

Coelho on Women

Photo courtesy of faridfoto

Coelho wrote an interesting piece in his blog mischievously entitled "Why women believe we love them" (http://paulocoelhoblog.com/warrioroflight/23.07.2008/why-women-believe-that-we-love-them/).

I have an indecorous urge to regurgitate it verbatim and I shall.

In this case the title of the newsletter is not right. Since in the previous Warrior of Light Online I said refused to write about the reasons why men love woman (I would be considered a male chauvinist South-American writer who despises the liberation movement of the opposite sex), a reader called Julia decided to do it for me. So now we have the feminine version of why we love women. Of course, I don’t agree with everything, but this is a (relatively) free tribune. Let’s see what Julia has to tell us:

We men love women because they still feel they are adolescents even after they grow old.

Because they smile every time they pass a child.

Because they walk down the street erect, always looking straight ahead, never turning round to say thanks or return the smile or compliment we make when they pass by.

Because they are bold in bed, not because they have a perverse nature but because they want to please us.

Because they do everything necessary for the house to be tidy and perfect, and never expect any recognition for the work they have done.

Because they don’t read pornographic magazines.

Because they don’t complain about the sacrifices they make for the sake of the ideal of beauty, facing up to waxers, Botox injections and menacing machines in gyms.

Because they prefer to eat salads.

Because they draw and paint their faces with the same concentration as Michelangelo working on the Sistine Chapel.

Because if they want to know something about their own appearance, they ask other women and don’t bother us with this type of question.

Because they have their own ways of solving problems, which we never understand, and that makes us mad.

Because they feel compassion, and say “I love you” precisely when they are beginning to love us less, to make up for what we can feel and notice.

Because sometimes they complain about things that we feel too, such as colds and rheumatic pains, and then we understand that they are people just like us.

Because they write love stories.

Because while our armies invade other countries, they remain firm in their private and inexplicable war to put an end to all the cockroaches in the world.

Because they cry their eyes out when they hear the Rolling Stones singing “Angie”.

Because they are capable of going to work dressed like men, in their delicate little suits, whereas no man would ever dare go to work wearing a skirt.

Because in the movies – and only in the movies – they never take a shower before making love with their partners.

Because they always manage to find a convincing defect when we say that another woman is pretty, making us feel insecure about our taste.

Because they really take seriously everything that is happening in the private lives of celebrities.

Because they manage to fake orgasms with the same artistic quality as the most famous and talented of movie stars.

Because they just love exotic cocktails with different colors and delicate little ornaments, while we always have the same old whiskey.

Because they don’t waste hours thinking about how they are going to approach the pretty young man who has just come on the bus.

Because we came from them, will go back to them, and until that happens, live in orbit around the feminine body and soul.

And I would add: we men love them for being women. As simple as that.

Brilliant!!

Learning

Photo courtesy of YPL

My late parents didn't speak a word of English. When I was growing up, the only newspaper available at home was in Jawi. My entire schooling was in Bahasa Melayu.

I was lucky though. When I was growing up, my sisters listened to Bee Gees, Dionne Warwick, Abba and the Rolling Stones. I remember listening intently to my favourite songs and trying to write down the lyrics. Words I couldn't understand, I'd look up in the dictionary. And I'd tried to use them at any possible chance.

I remember embarassingly singing out loud ".....it's a fire downtown....." when the actual lyrics, as everyone know were, "......it's the final countdown.....".

My friends were mostly Chinese and Indians. The language of conversation was primarily broken English (and sometimes sign language, when the correct vocabulary evades us), but it was still English.

Being impressionable, I was fascinated by the adventures of the Hardy Boys. I didn't have money to buy the books, so I borrowed books from Wai Mun and Ganesh.

These were my formative years.....and this was how I learned my English.

Oh....and I was also best student for Bahasa Malaysia when I was in Form 5.

It does not matter in what language we mediate syllabus. It's not about schools or schooling. It's about learning and the desire to learn. That's what we need to teach our children.

Rebirth

Photo courtesy of faridfoto

When a baby is born, she is free of sin, preconception and ego. Truly a white piece of cloth that needs nurturing and guidance in a journey that is fraught with misery, felicity and mystery.

After 20 years of being in one industry, I had reached the peak of my endeavour. I am about start a new career in a field I am totally alien.

I need to quickly crawl out into a walk and then canter before being able to run.

To be able to do that, I need to rid myself of preconceived egos and abandon conceit.

I am about to be reborn. I am looking forward to a new life.

Partnership

Photo courtesy of faridfoto

Blogger Que Sera Sera wrote:

(http://thepastnpresent.blogspot.com/2009/06/20th-june-2009.html )

"Anyway, I felt somewhat relieved after having a chat with a friend last night. Odd that I’ve described it as such because subconsciously, I didn’t realize I felt that “suffocated” until I had that conversation.. One thing that I thought was interesting was how she tried to comfort me by sharing that in all likelihood, many couples may not have found their ideal partner, supposedly, that one that you can talk to, pretty much just about anything from things at work to plain nothing, one that you can share your silly jokes, one who showers you with all that affection that you long for… She adds that it is indeed ok to have found these in several different individuals (as long as we know our boundaries) and still have your partner as who he or she is… As I ponder on it longer today, that may be true as after all, life is never fair, and ideal is a relative term..Does that mean I will just succumb to the situation and deal with it, or continue the search for that ideal partner at an expense?... "

I guess we will never truly find an 'ideal' partner. Being human, our insatiable craving for the ideal and perfection will inevitably lead to desperation and frustration.

The choice to live with the 'less than the ideal' or seek 'near perfection' would entirely be dependent on each individual's tolerance and fortitude.

It's a difficult choice to make. Either way, the options are indeed, at an expense......

What Harry said to Sally

Photo courtesy of faridfoto

When a man and a woman become friends, the stresses and tensions of emotional complications and physical wants get in the way, often. And too often, succumbing to such tempestuous temptations leads to estrangement and awkwardness. A great friendship is inevitably torn asunder.

Can a man and a woman, then, be great friends?

For me, I have to differ from Harry's opinion.

I will move on. I hope you will too.

Darkness

Photo courtesy of faridfoto

Close all the windows
shut the doors
switch off all the lights
and lay still

I won't let the neighbours hear my breathing.
I won't let the dog pick up my scent.
I won't pick up the mail
nor the telephone when it rings.

Don't ask, don't wonder
and don't bother.
Don't say hi
when you've bade your bye.

In the dark I will stay
since you've left and gone away....

My Rock

Photo courtesy of faridfoto

Let the clouds be restless
blowing caution to the falling leaves
as storms whistle near
your love nestles like a shining star
cradling my soul without fear

If only I can articulate my feelings
and make you believe
that you are my rock
I will forever nourish.

Happy Anniversary.

Silence

Photo courtesy of faridfoto

I wait for the sun to rise

hues glistening the ocean blue

would another day pass

without a word from you...?

Hope you are well.....

Solitaire

Photo courtesy of faridfoto

It's fun when you laugh with friends at someone else's foibles, inadequacies or idiosyncracies. It's amusing when you gossip with friends at someone else's downfalls, shortfalls and misfortunes.

It's not so funny and amusing when you suddenly become the subject of your friends' laughs and gossips because of your own foibles, inadequacies, idiosyncracies, downfall, shortfall and misfortune.

Suddenly you feel alone and withdrawn.

It's a lesson learnt. The hard way.

Imperfection

Photo courtesy of faridfoto

She snores in bed and irritatingly grinds her teeth when she's asleep.
A deep childhood scar runs down her left eyebrow.

She has funny spaghetti legs.

Everyday is a bad hair day for her.

She speaks with a slight lisp.

She squashes the toothpaste mid tube and leaves the bathroom mats soggy.

She's paranoid of little black ants.

Her smile is eerily crooked.

I love my imperfect perfection......

A Wedding

Photo courtesy of faridfoto

A friend got married recently. It was a beautiful wedding.

They had their nikah in a large mosque, attended by family and close friends.

There were exchanges of vows in a beach-side pavillion in Bali. A toast was made by the best man who was suitably suited in a tuxedo.

The bride and groom paid homage to the ancestors after the customary tea drinking ceremony at the parent's house.

The imam read a prayer for the bride and groom and the end of the bersanding, we had yam seng for their prosperity at the fancy reception in a large ballroom.

The chinese bride wore a resplendent white kebaya and the malay groom was in an exquisite silk red mandarin shirt.

I love cultural diversity and tolerance.

Birth-day

Photo courtesy of faridfoto

We normally celebrate our birthdays with cakes, sweets, drinks and friends, close and not so close. We like receiving gifts, expensive or cheap. Meaningful or not.

This year, I'll spend my birthday with mum. Just me and mum. I'll bake her a cake and buy her a gift. After all, wasn't she the one that brought me into this world? Shouldn't it be her day instead of mine?

Eclipse

Photo courtesy of faridfoto

I am the the sun that does not warm you

I am a rainbow that does not colour your life

I am the moon that does not brighten your nights

I am a star that is engulfed by the darkness

I am nothing but an eclipse in your heart

Gift

Photo courtesy of faridfoto.

Subjects in photo has no relation to this posting.

Children are God's gift to parents. They are not a privelege but a responsibility. It is an entrustment.

Sometimes no matter how much we shelter and provide, no matter how much we plan and pray, no matter how much we give and offer, no matter how much we love and nurture, we still lose and fail.

If we lose and fail, if the gift is taken away, we cannot lay blame, nor can we despair. We can only hope that God will gift us another.

A friend lost a child today. I'm sure there will be more gifts for her.

Longing

Photo courtesy of faridfoto

Too often we miss and long for people that are no longer with us. Shouldn't we also miss and long for those who are still with us and those that surrounds us?

Don't wait for them to go away.

Hiatus

Photo courtesy of faridfoto

The last five month of hiatus has been nothing but sobering. Every cent count. Every bill is a pain. Every drop of petrol is precious. Every meal is a savoury. Sleep has become a wasteful chore. Ennui is a despised enemy.

Friends have become few but precious.

Life has a strange way of imparting indelible lessons. I'm living and learning.

Serendipity

Photo courtesy of faridfoto

Sometimes we come across serendipities in our lives. It is up to us to make meaning of those serendipities. But we must be brave enough, strong enough and wilful enough to make meaningful meanings of our serendipities.

I am grateful for my serendipity that is you....

Fate (160208)

Photo courtesy of faridfoto

I accept this fate. For my past sins have caught up with me. For my own undoings and wrongs that I can never and have not made right.

I accept my fate. For all that is inadequate in me, for my lack of perseverence and understanding, for my impatience and intolerance, for all the unhappiness that I have caused.

I accept my fate. For there is no more dignity left in me. For the insufficient love that I offered.

I accept my fate. For all the love that you have given me. For allowing me into your life for a moment.

I accept my fate. I accept all that you have given me and I thank you.

I accept this fate. Albeit at a time when I'm most troubled by the situations that surrounds me. For a long time, I've never felt so lost, unwanted, unloved and unintended.

I accept my fate......I have loved and I have lost....

Huddle

Photo courtesy of faridfoto

I don't know a lot. Neither do you. Neither does anyone else.

But between us, we know a lot.

Let's huddle and share.

Pray

Photo courtesy of faridfoto

I pray for love. I pray for tolerance and respect. I pray for compassion and understanding. I pray for peace and community.

I pray for muslims, buddhists, christians, hindus, sikhs and other beliefs. I pray that they also pray for the things that I pray for.

Late smokes

Photo courtesy of faridfoto

Late at night. I smoke. Maybe too much.....

Life is too short. I light another one.