I Wish You Enough...

(Written By: Bob Perks)

I never really thought that I'd spend as much time in airports as I do. I don't know why. I always wanted to be famous and that would mean lots of travel. But I'm not famous, yet I do see more than my share of airports.

I love them and I hate them. I love them because of the people I get to watch. But they are also the same reason why I hate airports. It all comes down to "hello" and "goodbye." I must have mentioned this a few times while writing my stories for you.

I have great difficulties with saying goodbye. Even as I write this I am experiencing that pounding sensation in my heart. If I am watching such a scene in a movie I am affected so much that I need to sit up and take a few deep breaths. So when faced with a challenge in my life I have been known to go to our local airport and watch people say goodbye. I figure nothing that is happening to me at the time could be as bad as having to say goodbye.

Watching people cling to each other, crying, and holding each other in that last embrace makes me appreciate what I have even more. Seeing them finally pull apart, extending their arms until the tips of their fingers are the last to let go, is an image that stays forefront in my mind throughout the day.

On one of my recent business trips, when I arrived at the counter to check in, the woman said, "How are you today?" I replied, "I am missing my wife already and I haven't even said goodbye."

She then looked at my ticket and began to ask, "How long will you... Oh, my God. You will only be gone three days!" We all laughed. My problem was I still had to say goodbye.

But I learn from goodbye moments, too.

Recently I overheard a father and daughter in their last moments together. They had announced her departure and standing near the security gate, they hugged and he said, "I love you. I wish you enough." She in turn said, "Daddy, our life together has been more than enough. Your love is all I ever needed. I wish you enough, too, Daddy."

They kissed and she left. He walked over toward the window where I was seated. Standing there I could see he wanted and needed to cry. I tried not to intrude on his privacy, but he welcomed me in by asking, "Did you ever say goodbye to someone knowing it would be forever?"

"Yes, I have," I replied. Saying that brought back memories I had of expressing my love and appreciation for all my Dad had done for me. Recognizing that his days were limited, I took the time to tell him face to face how much he meant to me.

So I knew what this man experiencing.

"Forgive me for asking, but why is this a forever goodbye?" I asked.

"I am old and she lives much too far away. I have challenges ahead and the reality is, the next trip back would be for my funeral," he said.

"When you were saying goodbye I heard you say, "I wish you enough." May I ask what that means?"

He began to smile. "That's a wish that has been handed down from other generations. My parents used to say it to everyone." He paused for a moment and looking up as if trying to remember it in detail, he smiled even more."When we said 'I wish you enough,' we were wanting the other person to have a life filled with just enough good things to sustain them," he continued and then turning toward me he shared the following as if he were reciting it from memory:

He then began to sob and walked away.

My friends, I wish you enough!

(Taken From: http://www.bobperks.com/wish.htm)

Now Is Good

I think I've mentioned this before, about the months of March and April being the months of loss. I've always thought of them as the months that, when the weather gets warmer, the ice melts away (in a figurative meaning), leaving only those who were strong enough to have survived the winter. And I heard the first death note on Saturday...

At the end of our work day, one of the tellers chocked out in sobs. He found out that his father had passed away. Some colleagues rushed over to console him but I just sat there, unable to move. I didn't know what to do, what to say. While most would say "I'm sorry for your loss", I felt like that those words weren't enough. No words were, or ever could be enough to express a loss, especially in that moment. So, while I still wished I'd said something, I couldn't…

Later that afternoon, I was watching a DVD, "Now Is Good". Its about "a girl dying of leukaemia (who) compiles a list of things she'd like to do before passing away". I don't tend to get too emotional during movies but towards the end, it was strong enough to bring tears to my eyes. And it made me wonder, if you knew you was going to die, would you really want to "do things" or would being surrounded by your parents, your little brother, your best friends, and if you're lucky to have him, your boyfriend be enough? Just being with you, day in and day out, with so much love, until one day, you just disappear, you cease to exist...

"Our life is a series of moments. Each one a journey to the end. Let them go. Let them all go…"

After work this afternoon, I went with a group of colleagues to give our condolences. I sat in a seat I always sit in during times like these, I thought the same thoughts I think of during times like these, and I silently prayed for another lost soul I never knew but feel like I did. Because in the end we're all brothers and sisters, we're all one family with the same thoughts and feelings towards what matters most in life...

The Perks Of Being A Wallflower

A couple of months ago, actually, many months ago, a bookworm friend recommended I read "The Perks Of Being A Wallflower". She emailed me the ebook and I downloaded it to my Kindle but I never got around to finish reading it until last week. Its one of those books that sticks with you, especially with the use of some of the most interesting quotations such as:

“we accept the love we think we deserve.” 

“I am very interested and fascinated how everyone loves each other, but no one really likes each other.” 

“I would die for you. But I won't live for you.” 

And on the last page, it ends beautifully with these words:

October's 30-Day Photo Challenge

The month of October is officially over. I obviously have a special place for it in my heart, it being my birth month & the month of my star sign: Libra. I wanted to challenge myself this moth so I started a “30-Day Photo Challenge” on Facebook. I promised to post a picture every day (and as a double challenge, I promised to only post pictures that I’ve personally taken with my NK registered trademark…) Surprisingly, I followed through! Here’s a compilation of the 30 pictures I took everyday throughout the month:

Photo Challenge – Day 1: A Photo of Yourself

Here we are, in the rains of October! I’m high on this month, at least until the 11th ;-) … C’EST MOI

Photo Challenge – Day 2: A photo of what you wore today

For today’s fashion segment… I wore my crisp Bank Uniform! :-P Assorted with MK shoes and Nine West handbag which has a convenient front pocket for my Blackberry… of course topped off with a 2nd of October Smile! :-)

Photo Challenge – Day 3: A photo of your favorite place to be

Anywhere near the water, the beach, the sea, the ocean, anything water related… that’s what floats my boat! ;-) I hadn’t been to El Mina in a while and so after work this afternoon, I drove to the Cornish for a quiet few minutes of this… :-)

Photo Challenge – Day 4: A photo from a high angle

One of the reasons I love photography is because with my lens, I get to see the world from a different perspective. However, the photographer seldom gets to be in the picture. That’s why I decided to play with this idea a little bit. What if I could distance myself from me, how would I appear from afar? I set up my cam on a tripod which I likewise set up on this table… HELLO! :-)

Photo Challenge – Day 5: A photo of whatever you please

It all started a couple years ago when I was visiting a friend and I noticed she had a couple of magnets on her fridge. She told me that she liked to collect magnets from every country she's been to. The thought stuck in my head except I decided to expand it from "countries" to "cities" as well…
What I especially like about the collection on my fridge is the sense of happiness I get from looking at it, as each magnet reminds me of the country or city I've been to, and all the good memories I've had there. And if I haven't been there, the magnet would remind me of the person. And so, having a combination of all these magnets is like having a combination of all these memories in one place, that remind me on a daily basis of all the good places and people I've been blessed to go to and meet in life. And I can only hope that they all keep growing… :-)

Photo Challenge - DAY 6: A photo from a low angle
It's been a full week, full of blessings, Alhamdulillah… but before I sleep, I'll leave you with the night sky, with a little light and a little quote that I get from this little anchor I keep by my windowsill… :-)

Photo Challenge - DAY 7: A silhouette photo
First of all, I apologize for not uploading a picture yesterday but by the time I got home it was dark and I obviously needed a little light to make a silhouette… Also, I think I'm having a little too much fun using the self-timer on myself ;-)

Photo Challenge - DAY 8: A photo of something close-up
My sleeping turtles, Franklin and Angie...

Photo Challenge - DAY 9: A photo of something from a distance

Photo Challenge - DAY 10: A photo of whatever you please
I KNOW THE SUN MUST SET TO RISE...

Photo Challenge - DAY 11: A black and white photo
It rained on my birthday this morning, it cleared up during the day, and then it rained again at night. But here's the thing, I LOVE the rain! I love October rain because when I can't go to the beach, the rain brings the water to me...
This is a picture of a jeep swimming over the puddles of rain outside. Safe Travels, driver! We've got a LOT of places to go this year! AND I CAN'T WAIT! ;-)

Photo Challenge - DAY 12: A photo experimenting with bokeh
The concept of bokeh has always fascinated me. I've seen some of the most brilliant bokeh effects in pictures but I could never seem to figure out the camera settings. But since today's challenge forced me to learn it, this is my first attempt. The source with enough different coloured lights was from the city streets outside…
It's not as good as I had hoped, but I'm dying to try this out on the Christmas tree in two months time, inshallah! :-)

Photo Challenge - DAY 13: A photo edit that you like
The pigeons outside seem have taken a liking to our 9th floor balcony. And though mum hates them for eating her plants all day, for me, they make excellent shooting models! :-P This is Sam, with a little photoshop for extra drama ;-)

Photo Challenge - DAY 14: A photo focusing on eyes
Sometimes I wish my eyes were camera lenses, so I could zoom in and out and focus and capture all the beautiful bits of this world… :-)

Photo Challenge - DAY 15: A photo of whatever you please
I'll always love shooting candid street spirit the most! ;-)

Photo Challenge - DAY 16: A photo experimenting with light trails
I took a light trail of this car's headlights just as it was turning the corner of the street...
The magic you can work by just tweaking a few camera settings is incredible! Here's my camera formula for this shot: ISO100, f/5.6, 3.2s

Photo Challenge - DAY 17: A photo with street lights
How beautiful today's challenge would have been had I lived in a country where street lights shone brighter than a car's headlights… Nonetheless, I love contrast in light in this picture (100% taken by camera, no photoshop whatsoever… damn, I'm getting good at night photography! :-P)

Photo Challenge - DAY 18: A photo depicting emotion
Of all the emotions in the world, from sadness, to anger, to fear, to happiness, or love, there is nothing I want right now more than freedom…
Standing at the top of the world, all possibilities in front of you, knowing you can fly to wherever you please. That's the emotion I want to express today...

 Photo Challenge - DAY 19: A photo that involves landscapes

Photo Challenge - DAY 20: A photo of whatever you please
Aaand, we're back on track! :-D
THIS, darlings, is my waterproof lens... Tried and Tested ;-)

 Photo Challenge - DAY 21: A photo of the sunset

Well, since I've been under house arrest since Friday night (wouldn't want to accidentally get shot by a stray bullet from the crazies outside :-P), I couldn't get to the sunset today...
But since I don't want to postpone any more days of this challenge, how about I draw it on paint?

Photo Challenge - DAY 22: A photo of the person you love
O dear, how do I get myself out of this one? :-P Let me be honest, there are quite a few people that I would like to put here. But to get them all together in one place at one time doesn't seem like much of a possibility. So…
I decided to put together a couple of treasured items from treasured people. Each one of these mementos holds a special meaning and means the world to me (you all know who you are and I love you so! :-)

 Photo Challenge - DAY 23: A photo that makes you think of childhood

As a kid, my favourite movie was Disney's Aladdin. I remember the first time I saw it, which was actually one of my first times at a cinema, back in 1992. I was 5 years old, and I remember it being a rainy afternoon in Ottawa when Dad took me to see it. And that's all it took to get me hooked to Aladdin and movies…
The monkey, Abu, was my second favourite character (after Al of course ;-) I've had a whole bunch of stuffed toys, most of which I've given away over the years. But one of the few toys that I've kept with me is this adorable Abu :-)

 Photo Challenge - DAY 24: A photo that has a colour scheme

I've recently come to learn that photography is all about light and how you play with it. For today's challenge, I picked our salon as my playground. And with a little light, a little crystal, and a little chair I used to climb on to level myself to this wall chandelier, I got this picture with fifty shades of light (ISO 100, f/4.5, 1/100s - unedited ;-)

Photo Challenge - DAY 25: A photo of whatever you please
With Eid Al-Adha tomorrow, May God's Blessings be upon you all ♥

Photo Challenge - DAY 26: A photo playing with shadows
I've said it before and I'll say it again, photography is all about light and how you play with it. And you can't play with shadows without playing with light. Light is, after all, my first name! And I'm starting to get the big idea… Stay Tuned! ;-)

Photo Challenge - DAY 27: A photo using the sun as your lighting
This isn't the photo I had in mind for today's challenge. I wanted to point my camera directly at the sun and let all the colours of the light make the picture. But the unusually serene mountains and Columbus clouds outside my window stole the bright story from me, and left me with this magical reality instead...

Photo Challenge - DAY 28: A photo that incorporates motion
I spent this Sunday with my little cousin, Celine. There's always something so special about being with her, always smiling and so full of life. So for a picture that incorporates motion, I couldn't find a better subject than my energetic lil sunshine! God Bless You, CiCi! ♥

Photo Challenge - DAY 29: A photo with clouds
With the end of the daylight savings season, it's getting darker an hour sooner. In fact, by the time I got home from work today, grabbed my cam, and went out on the balcony, it was already sunset, but what a sunset it was!
I stepped out to find this breathtaking view of the colours of the sky... I swear, colour for colour this was the sky! Not a tint of photoshop was used: AMAZING! :-D

Photo Challenge - DAY 30: A photo of whatever you please
That's it folks, the "30-Day Photography Challenge" is officially over. It passed by so fast, as did my darling October. I want to thank all my friends and new followers I gained this month. Thank you for all the likes, the comments, the photo tips, the encouragement (you all know who you are! ;-)
I'm going to end it with a picture of the full moon tonight. May it always shine bright above you… THANK YOU! ♥

RIP Steve Jobs

"Here's to the crazy ones, the misfits, the rebels, the troublemakers, the round pegs in the square holes... the ones who see things differently - they're not fond of rules... You can quote them, disagree with them, glorify or vilify them, but the only thing you can't do is ignore them because they change things... they push the human race forward, and while some may see them as the crazy ones, we see genius, because the ones who are crazy enough to think that they can change the world, are the ones who do..."

- Steve Jobs, RIP (1955 - 2011)

"Stay Hungry, Stay Foolish" :-)

My Magnetic Collection!

It was Nadine who gave me the idea, a couple of years ago, to start this collection:

“Woah,” I remember saying when I looked at hers, “you’ve got a lot of magnets on your fridge!” “I know,” she proudly smiled, “I collect them, from every city in the world that I've been”. And ever since, I've thought the idea was inspired!

I've travelled a lot, but I never thought of getting myself magnets as souvenirs. I’d usually pick a desk memento or so, but ever since she told me the magnet story, I've started collecting them as well. What’s more, every time a family member or friend travels and asks me if I’d like something, I’d say yes, a magnet from the country or city!

And so, my collection began to grow… what I especially like about the collection on my fridge is the sense of happiness I get from looking at it, as each magnet reminds me of the country or city I've been to, and all the good memories I've had there. And if I haven’t been there, the magnet would remind me of the person. And so, having a combination of all these magnets is like having a combination of all these memories in one place, that remind me on a daily basis, of all the good places and people I've been blessed to go to and meet in life. And I can only hope that they all keep growing… :-)

---

"You can kiss your family and friends good-bye and put miles between you, but at the same time you carry them with you in your heart, your mind, your stomach, because you do not just live in a world but a world lives in you..."

Open Your Heart, There’s Room ... (Marvin’s Room)

I’ve had the 1996 movie “Marvin’s Room” for quite a while now, and I’ve been meaning to watch it ever since I got it… quite a while ago (that is, until tonight)! Now I’ll admit, I mainly got it because it stars my favorite actor, Leonardo DiCaprio (L). Here is the plot:

Estranged since their father's first stroke some 17 years earlier, Lee and Bessie lead separate lives in separate states. Lee's son, Hank, finds himself committed to a mental institution after setting fire to his mother's house. His younger brother, Charlie, seems unfazed by his brother's eccentricities or his mother's seeming disinterest. When Lee comes to the asylum to spring Hank for a week in Florida so that he can be tested as a possible bone marrow donor for Bessie, Hank is incredulous. "I didn't even know you had a sister," he says. "Remember, every Christmas, when I used to say 'Well, looks like Aunt Bessie didn't send us a card again this year?'" "Oh yeah," Hank says. Meanwhile, Marvin, the two women's bedridden father, has "been dying for the past twenty years." "He's doing it real slow so I don't miss anything," Bessie tells Dr. Wally. In Bessie's regular doctor's absence, it has fallen to Dr. Wally to inform Bessie that she has Leukemia and will die without a bone marrow transplant. This precipitates the two sisters’ uneasy reunion. In Marvin's room, Bessie cares for her father's every need. In Lee's eyes, the sacrifice Bessie has made is too great and realizing the old man's welfare will fall to her if Bessie dies, Lee's first instinct is to look for a nursing home. "In a few months, I'll have my cosmetology degree," she says. "My life is just coming together; I'm not going to give it all up, now!" As first Lee is tested and then the boys for the compatibility of their marrow with Bessie's, the women take stock of their lives and rediscover the meaning of "family."

All bias aside, it was quite an inspirational film. It was one of those movies that makes you think, and both laugh and cry. And the acting is brilliant, Meryl Streep, Diane Keaton, and of course Leo all pull some of their best performances in this little film…

And as in every film I love, it comes with great lines, among my favorite of which was near the end of the movie, with the two sisters:

---

Bessie: “I've been so lucky... I've been so lucky to have Dad and Ruth... I've had such love in my life... and I've had such... such love...”

Lee: “They love you very much…”

Bessie: “That's not what I mean, no, I mean that I love them… I have been so lucky to be able to love someone so much...”

---

And that’s where it got me thinking, people underestimate the power of love that comes from within, the love that we feel for other people, and how great it can be. That last line, “I have been so lucky to be able to love someone so much…” that line just warmed my heart. Because to know, to have, so much love for another person, that in itself truly is a beautiful, priceless blessing… :-)

GOOD NEWS FOR PEOPLE WHO LOVE BAD NEWS:

"You ever look at a picture of yourself and see a stranger in the background? It makes you wonder how many strangers have pictures of you. How many moments of other peoples lives have we been in. Were we a part of someone's life when their dream came true? Or were we there when their dreams died? Did we keep trying to get in? As if we were somehow destined to be there? Or did the shock take us by surprise? Just think, you could be a big part of someone else's life, and not even know it..."

- Lucas Scott, OTH

Bree's Emotional Box

This is just so funny to me, I was watching the fourth season of Desperate Housewives back in 2008 and this part in one of the episode came up, making me fall into a fist of laughter! Today, I was feeling a little like Susan was feeling at the time, and I couldn't help but remember Bree’s emotional box:

Susan: Oh I just can’t control myself like that.

Bree: Oh, sure you can. Whenever I feel my emotions getting the best of me, I simply picture an empty box and I take whatever I'm feeling and put that in the box. And then, I picture myself putting the box away in a big, empty closet and closing the door. Then, if I have time, I go back and open the box and deal with the emotion, in private, like a lady.

Only Once In Your Life...

"Only once in your life, I truly believe, you find someone who can completely turn your world around. You tell them things that you've never shared with another soul and they absorb everything you say and actually want to hear more. You share hopes for the future, dreams that will never come true, goals that were never achieved and the many disappointments life has thrown at you. When something wonderful happens, you can’t wait to tell them about it, knowing they will share in your excitement. They are not embarrassed to cry with you when you are hurting or laugh with you when you make a fool of yourself. Never do they hurt your feelings or make you feel like you are not good enough, but rather they build you up and show you the things about yourself that make you special and even beautiful. There is never any pressure, jealousy or competition but only a quiet calmness when they are around. You can be yourself and not worry about what they will think of you because they love you for who you are. The things that seem insignificant to most people such as a note, song or walk become invaluable treasures kept safe in your heart to cherish forever. Memories of your childhood come back and are so clear and vivid it’s like being young again. Colours seem brighter and more brilliant. Laughter seems part of daily life where before it was infrequent or didn't exist at all. A phone call or two during the day helps to get you through a long day’s work and always brings a smile to your face. In their presence, there’s no need for continuous conversation, but you find you’re quite content in just having them nearby. Things that never interested you before become fascinating because you know they are important to this person who is so special to you. You think of this person on every occasion and in everything you do. Simple things bring them to mind like a pale blue sky, gentle wind or even a storm cloud on the horizon. You open your heart knowing that there’s a chance it may be broken one day and in opening your heart, you experience a love and joy that you never dreamed possible. You find that being vulnerable is the only way to allow your heart to feel true pleasure that’s so real it scares you. You find strength in knowing you have a true friend and possibly a soul mate who will remain loyal to the end. Life seems completely different, exciting and worthwhile. Your only hope and security is in knowing that they are a part of your life..."

— Bob Marley

We're Always On The Same Team

I’ll never forget the countless number times lil brother and I would be watching The Disney Channel back when we were both still in school, and the movie of the night would be 1982 film TRON. We’d both groan and flip the channel…

But after I saw the preview of the 2010 sequel, TRON: LEGACY, I was pretty impressed. Add to that 3D, and Dad and I went to watch it… but to me, what make movies will always be quotes like:

“We're Always On The Same Team”

Love Is Everywhere...

"Love is everywhere, I see it.

You are all that you can be,

go on and be it.

Life is perfect, I believe it.

Come and play the game with me."

- John Denver

Leap Of Faith:

"means taking a big jump forward and not being afraid where you might land!"

- David Charvet

Into The Wild...

Last night, I watched “Into The Wild” on DVD. Its been lying around the living room ever since I rented it well over two weeks ago and after MSN Messenger crashed with me last night, I decided to turn to the TV… and I fell in love with the movie. This is the plot (without spoilers):

“Based on a true story. After graduating from Emory University, top student and athlete Christopher McCandless abandoned his possessions, gave his entire $24,000 savings account to charity and hitchhiked to Alaska to live in the wilderness. Along the way, Christopher encounters a series of characters who shape his life…”

One of the most touching characters Chris encountered was an old retired leather worker who Chris lives with for several months. This is one of the beautiful conversations that went on between them a little before Chris had to leave:

Ron Franz: I'm going to miss you when you go…

Christopher McCandless: I will miss you too, but you are wrong if you think that the joy of life comes principally from the joy of human relationships. God's place is all around us, it is in everything and in anything we can experience. People just need to change the way they look at things…

Ron Franz: Yeah. I am going to take stock of that. You know I am. I want to tell you something. From bits and pieces of what you have told me about your family, your mother and your dad... And I know you have problems with the church too... But there is some kind of bigger thing that we can all appreciate and it sounds to me you don't mind calling it God. But when you forgive, you love. And when you love, God's light shines through you…

This line got to me: “You don't need human relationships to be happy, God has placed it all around us…”

Before Chris leaves, Ron asks if he can adopt him, as his grandson…

I’m not going to spoil the rest of the movie but if you ever get a chance to watch it, by all means do! This movie has most definitely made it to my list of top ten movies of all time, and instead of returning it with the rest of the DVDs I rented several weeks ago, this one is for keeps! :-)

Success

"To laugh often and much;

To win the respect of intelligent people and the affection of children;

To earn the appreciation of honest critics and endure the betrayal of false friends;

To appreciate beauty, to find the best in others;

To leave the world a bit better, whether by a healthy child, a garden patch or a redeemed social condition;

To know even one life has breathed easier because you have lived.

This is to have succeeded"

- Ralph Waldo Emerson

“Never let the fear of striking out, keep you from playing the game.”

I, the Divine

"I had tried to write my memoir by telling an imaginary reader to listen to my story. Come learn about me, I said. I have a great story to tell you because I have led an interesting life. Come meet me. But how can I expect readers to know who I am if I do not tell them about my family, my friends, the relationships in my life? Who am I if not where I fit in the world, where I fit in the lives of the people dear to me? I have to explain how the individual participated in the larger organism, to show how I fit into this larger whole. So instead of telling the reader, come meet me, I have to say something else.

Come meet my family.

Come meet my friends.

Come here, I say.

Come meet my pride"

-Rabih Alameddine (I, the Divine)

New Moon

"Time passes. Even when it seems impossible. Even when each tick of the second hand aches like the pulse of blood behind a bruise. It passes unevenly, in strange lurches and dragging lulls, but pass it does. Even for me…"

- Stephanie Meyer (New Moon)