Wordle




BluePearl (c)
Do you like it? I made it using some words from my blog, after seeing one done by So Sweet Designs...you can create your own at Wordle.
Have fun!
Have you created one - share it on your blog and leave a link here, I would love to see your creations.

Just...

Are you a slow starter when it comes to the new year? I am very much one and it might be because I tend to mentally whine down at the end of the year and starting over again in the new year is sluggishly unwanted. Its also time for some hopes for the new beginning but  I dont make resolutions as they just don't work for me so I just live each day for itself and leave my hopes with Allah. 



Ben10 (my eldest nephew) started grade 1 today and yesterday in conversation with him, I said, "my baby, you going to look all smart in uniform, hey?", to which he replied, "I going to send you a picture but you going to get soo fwighten" *chuckles* Indeed I will because I cannot believe my baby boy who some years ago was prematurely born and soooo little, is now a big boy with great aspirations of becoming a science professor, inshallah! 







BluePearl (c) - Khalifa Stadium, Doha, Qatar
Dear Mama celebrated her birthday over the weekend - I love my moms birthday because I get to tell her something special about her and ofcourse extend my eternal gratitude for giving birth to me. Same weekend, saw the kick off to the Asian football cup here in Doha - the kick off show hosted at the Khalifa Stadium was just amazing.  Qatar's famous fireworks displayed filled the evening skies with glamour and gitz.






Thats all from me for now...hugs and love

Beauty




BluePearl (c) 2010




It seems as the holidays trod in that alot of blogs are on vacation  - while mines might be on some temporary vacation mainly out of lack of time and the inability to compose a post constructively due to scatter-brain syndrome, I did however, manage to put this post up today. Officially speaking though, it will be on vacation for the next week or so as I am on leave next week - off to South Africa if I can get on to the flight; the flights are really fully considering the Europe snow escapade. 


As far as tags, I just realised that I never tagged anyone for "weird things about me" so Deros, Rose Water, Rialive, RationalityUmmAbdulAziz, Ati, Ranii, Mrs Handbag Addict, Mustika , Diaries of Bint Mahmood and CATGIRL!! consider yourself officially tagged by me.  


The weather is just so perfect on this end of the world - its winter and yet bearable enough to enjoy the open air. I just love this weather, winter is my favourite season after all next to Autumn. In the spirit of Thursday, let me leave you with this thought:





Narrated Abu Musa Al-Ash'ari:The Prophet said, "On every Muslim there is enjoined (a compulsory) Sadaqa (alms)." They (the people) said, "If one has nothing?' He said, "He should work with his hands so that he may benefit himself and give in charity." They said, "If he cannot work or does not work?" He said, "Then he should help the oppressed unhappy person (by word or action or both)." They said, "If he does not do it?" He said, "Then he should enjoin what is good (or said what is reasonable).' They said, "If he does not do that''' He said, "Then he should refrain from doing evil, for that will be considered for Him as a Sadaqa (charity) . " [Volume 8, Book 73, Number 51]


For all my dear friends who celebrate christmas, I wish you the best of the season. Do enjoy the family time and special lunches and if any of you are travelling/vacationing have fun and travel safely. 

Qatar National day




Courtesy of Risponé. {Busy!} Flick stream
18 December is always a beautifully inspiring cultural day in Qatar with every single person, national and non national alike, celebrating the countries national day. This year it seemed the excitement was just blinding considering the recent win of the World cup 2022 bid. I love seeing the patriotic dress up of people and cars alike and whether you decide to be outdoors in on all the real excitement or share it 

behind closed doors with Qatar TV and family, it's just simply fantastic.




BluePearl (c) -Qatar Day 2010 












Definitely a day to be remembered. To read about why Qatar celebrates National day click here and to see some of the amazing activities and photos of the celebration, click here! PS:  Qatar set a new world record at the Aspire Dome (in Doha) on Sunday when it organised the largest Ardha performance featuring 417 dancers, all dressed in traditional Qatari attire. 


Hope your weekend is turning out to be a fulfilling one!

Wonderful sunday

Hope you're having a great weekend!
وَيَسْتَجِيبُ الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا وَعَمِلُوا الصَّالِحَاتِ وَيَزِيدُهُم مِّن فَضْلِهِ ۚ وَالْكَافِرُونَ لَهُمْ عَذَابٌ شَدِيدٌ ٢٦
(26) And He answers (the invocation of) those who believe (in the Oneness of Allah - Islamic Monotheism) and do righteous good deeds, and gives them increase of His Bounty. And as for the disbelievers, theirs will be a severe torment ...
[Surah 42: Ash Shura]

To tell you of something, me

1. The weekend has been kind in offering not only some relaxing time but perhaps some momentous time-capsuling moments for the Gulf ...


- It seems the gulf has had a great celebratory few days with the Queen visiting Abu Dhabi and Oman while Oman's King has been celebrating his 40 years of ruling, UAE celebrating its 39th Birthday and dear Qatar celebrates its win for the 2022 FIFA world cup. 



- For non-nationals, its an act of balancing the scales between the joy of winning the 2022 and the strengthening Riyal which will only become stronger now with all the open doors the World cup brings. Good luck to the exchange market. I saw the dollar dip :)  Have a look at this article.


So if you want to read up on more on Oman, visit either Dhofari Gucci or Oman - travels into Oman. For UAE blogs, visit Al-Emirati-A local take on the world or Somalian Arab princess. There is also Rationality and Khaleejia's blog to take note of.


I saw some really beautiful pictures of Saudi, composed by Blue Abaya which I want to share with you - I am sure you will savor them too, as I did -  have a look here. May Allah also heal the Saudi King soon, Inshallah wa Allahu A3lam. By the way, my other favourite Saudi blogger is With a Saudi accent


2. I been busy with my Fujitsu Project tasks which has been quiet exciting. If you still interested in seeing what others along with myself have been up to, visit the Lifebook4Life blog.


3. Yesterday I had a strange desire to have some pumpkin (something I miss from back home because its so much more popular there than it is here) - so I proudly cooked some lamb and pumpkin. It is also been a point for me to get back to healthy eating as I somehow succumbed to a lazy lifestyle since I been away from home, so lets see how long this lasts. 


4. I been catching up on some knowledge quests on technology and life - educating myself on odd mind boggling questions. 


5. I been silently reading your blogs and commenting here and there but I do apologize for being quiet - I am the type of person who occasionally slips away into silent thinking with myself. I am very mindful I cut off the big world but I just don't feel like talking - just sometimes I want to not talk:) I been regrouping my thoughts, my plans and trying to center myself again...its a very hard thing to do for a person like me who lives each day for each day.


6. I want you all to read this post by All my wonders - somehow maybe slightly off topic but with good intent as the post was written perfectly. A true lesson that deserves to be shared.


7. I been missing home so much recently and hoping to be back there soon again, Inshallah. I been craving Tinkies, my mommy's love & food & everyone else at home! It has also been a self-realisation that I never really introduced you all to my dear South African Blogger friends -  so here they are if any of you are interested in reading their blogs (which are great by the way): Crafty Muslimah, Girl Talk 786, Muslim Woman Exposed, The Diaries of Bint Mahmood, The Searching Slave & Cake Mama (although she is not writing right now - wish she would come back).


8. Another self-realisation is that I am not centered or patient when I don't read my salaat which has further re-iterated the importance of Allah in my life. I really love Allah and thank Him so much for standing by me in everything I do. Allah az wa jal.


9. Have a thoughtful, appreciative, super fantastic week ahead - Can you believe its December already - my gosh...Here's come 2011 in days!


Funny words

Hope your weekend is going great!

Making some noise

The good news is I managed to sort out my satellite - the frequency setting was wrong. I been catching up with your blog posts over the weekend and I have to say I found alot of great informative posts - I am just going to put down a few notes here of possibly somethings sitting in my head with referral links to associative posts of the same topic or just direct you to a blog I think you should go have a look at. It's great that we can learn so much from each other (or even support each other for that matter) in this global multi-cultural virtual village.


1. Indonesia's volcano is still erupting - It is about three weeks since eruptions began from its crater leaving ashen ruins of villages and a death toll of about 250 people as well as about 400,000 people sheltering in evacuation centres. It's really sad. Have a look at Mustika's blog for a local's point of view.


2. I am glad to announce that Deros, one of dear bloggers, has reverted to Islam. Allahu Akbar! She has performed her first prayer over the weekend. I urge you all to support her. Deros if you need any assistance, we are here to help you. May Allah keep you strong and assist you in your new life as a muslim, Ameen, Inshallah!


3. Tomorrow is the day of Arafat, some will be fasting tomorrow while others will be completing the rituals of hajj - whatever you doing, set some time aside to make dua as it is a special day. Rose water has done a good job of explaining it so go over and read her blog...Also for other hajj stories, visit With a Saudi Accent and The Strangers Diary


5.  Bosnish Muslimah is starting off her new perfume business and to kick it off, she has started a new blog - it not only promises to provide information on oud and perfume but I believe some direction for young enterpreneurs. 


6. Naz has disappeared - go over there and write her insane comments so she reappears. It seems the move to her new home has been so exciting that she forgot about us! It is just not acceptable! *pfft*...Oh and the same time, it seems that Crafty MuslimahVeiled in HayatSolo Muslimah, Mrs Handbag and TeaBreakThoughts have donet the same - I am missing your posts ladies! Im disappointed!


7.  UmmAbdulAziz has put up a nice post on sickness dua - I knew the first one but I never knew of the second one. Interesting - thanks for that darling. As for IamFarsilla - my dear darling, you are beautiful - don't stress! And have a look at this delicious cake recipe


Moving on, I wont be going to South Africa - I'll be in Doha. Our holidays start tomorrow - I am looking forward to some relaxing time before returning to work on Sunday (20th Nov), It's cute though that my Adha will be taking place in SA while I am here. May Allah accept my intentions, Inshallah! Have a great week ahead!

Sheepy Humor

I am sure you will agree with me that sheep have to be one of the cutest animals - I just adore them and possibly more because I have childhood memories with them.





 May Allah accept our Ad7a this year!



Timeout







This blog has officially declared a timeout!


Whatever you doing, stop now!
Grab the Mic and shout out your plans for Eid or anything random you feel like saying.






Truly formulated Emirates style

If you a formula 1 fan, you will understand my excitement over the upcoming grand prix race happening this coming weekend in Abu dhabi. It's the final race for the 2010 season at the Yas Marina Circuit between the 12-14 November -   Renault has taken lead so far but I am pretty sure that Mercedes is going to fight all the way to the finish.  





But perhaps something more exciting for all those inner child adults and kids alike is not so much the Grand Prix itself but that the host city, Abu Dhabi is kicking off the race week in true fashion with the opening of the Ferrari World Theme Park. The Park is nothing short of impressive boasting the fastest roller coaster in the world, "Formula Rossa" along side other rides and entertainment - one would expect nothing less from the Emirates city, only true innovation and class to the say the least.  So let me leave you with this video and link to the website so you can decide for yourself.







Impressive, right? Well then, if you in Abu Dhabi this weekend, make a pit stop at the Theme Park & Have fun!

What's your number

We all have a biological age and we have heard of body (health) age which is derived from how well you weigh up to the health survey. But...what's your real age is what I want to know and when I say real age I mean how old is your heart and the way you think.




Okay so let's give it go and have some fun! Simply tell me:

1. What's your real age?

2. 3 words that place you in that age group?

3. Why do you think you're that age.

4. Any other general thoughts on the topic?






Oh and if you not too busy, head on over to .hopeful.'s blog and vote for her...

Hope you having a fantastic weekend!




Blogger moments

If you did not have a chance to sit down at my tea party, I hope that you actually made it to Naz's Tea Party. She threw a fabulous party yesterday - today Rose water is throwing a tea party, so head on there to entertain her abit. I love the questions both muslimah's raised - it actually got me thinking and equally wonderful to learn about each other more finely. The funny of this week was NazMrs Handbag and I having a live chat over our comment box - it was great fun doing that.



You're invited to my tea party

Oddity

1. Sarcasm is the thriving thread of humor and while we are aim to be notable trend setters rather than god-forsaken followers, being a Sherlock, having a Watson around to echo the affection for humor or some smartly uncovered case work can be rather entertaining. The latter,  as if to say that logical minds should be banned does become a bit of a nuisance when you start analyzing behaviors, associatively knowing what a person is going to do. Far too many a time, Its a curse having this factuality sense of prediction - and if you care to know it starts with the possession of a very analytically inclined mind that uncovers things in set of trends and behavior. Based on a set of observations of a person over time, one can actually tell how that person will react in the future -  it leaves many witless over the derivation of that fact.





2. In a trend setter world, it is absolutely vital that you confident - while everyone is looking left and right (or forward even) hobbing space at the traffic signals, look at the sky - blissfully utterly natural and bizarre!







3. Ever so now and then, we end up in a situation that breds flaming dragons in us, it is absolutely vital to cool that fire down thereby putting a leash on gaga talk - get up, dust off the abayya, straighten the back, give a huge smile and walk of to some unknown destination...cool off behind closed doors and come back with that smile... feeling all better now and maybe no need to even say anything.  The success rate however is questionable because just maybe the other is still fuming. 







4. Odd things count - it's never about how many you need, if you ever buy more than 1, make it an odd number...its in-genius to screwing up one's psych - the next time you switch off the light and do it 3 times, you'll understand why.





5. It is essential in cultivating the best, that you read Garfield, after all he knows exactly how to get what he wants.





6. If you took the wrong turn while at the guidance of a GPS, it's best you stop at a Petrol station for directions...those things can fry your brain you know and goodness me, its great that it does have re-calculation...but what does that mean? Must you first make a U turn before proceeding?





7. In the name of oddity, have a wonderful week ahead!

Diesel says




Ya rassi

This weekend Mae introduced me to a song by Aslah Nassri - Its so beautifully sang with her deep voice. I know you will love it too. I just love arabic poetry. The meaning, the thoughts of it and the song itself lingers in your head, long after hearing it. In this song, Ya Rasi El Ta3ab, Aslah Nassri is talking about a lover who (yesterday) could not get enough of her but today he has no time for her....





Thanks Mae for this beautiful song - I love it

Thankful for Mae

There is never a dull moment with Mae and certainly not so last evening when I had the pleasure of spending a hilariously memorable time with Mae (and little brother who is visiting). We laughed so much or rather should i say I was entertained by them playing fun dress up and poses that I swear my cheeks were hurting from all the laughs.





Thanks Mae for always making me smile or laugh. I would be lost without you. You rock!

Blue Pearl Instruction Manual

Features





Comes complete with abayya, shayla, makeup, limited accessories and a job, normally sort after for her  fun personality





Blue Pearl is best known to be a free, smiling tip toer, with lip gloss and hand cream nearby, always loaded with perfume and talking excessively, she loves people, laughing, playing games or dreaming.



She is independent as she wants to be, yet sentimental and never an excessive shopper but rather the type who gets 1 handbag, uses it the same day till the day it tatters, then get a new one and start the cycle over. Her claim to contribution on earth is as follows: "I work contributing to the economy by buying lots of gifts, perfumes, chocolate and ice-creams, in my spare time I appreciate my ardent love for butterflies, flowers, ponds, rainbows, clouds, sunsets, moonlight, the internet, grassy parks, sandy beaches, a good cup of organic green tea, friends, family, children, prayer, helping others and re-cycling, as a means of giving back". She has a huge obsession with shoes but an equal dislike for greed and materialism. She is likely to say silly things from time to time but certainly not the complaining type. She can self destruct but normally a peaceful, happy thing due to her heart over mind theory.



Side effects: (Self Destruction Mode)
* Don't answer when she talks to you (sulk mode engaged)
* Plug in IPhone earphones, press play on IPOD (sweet silence humming mode)
* Take her somewhere new (silent wordless awe mode engaged)
* Introduce her to someone new, (automatic silent shy runaway smile mode)
* Give her a puzzle or game (challenger I need to figure this out mode)
Say something to upset her  (shutdown/cry mode - she wont talk cause she is holding her tongue.
Warning: Likely to explode if pushed.) To fix the situation, do not ignore her ever and say something nice.
Final Word:  Blue Pearl is unique, rare and low maintenance. Once befriended, She’ll love you  more

Falconry



[Picture: Qatar falcon hunting - The falcon is national bird of Qatar]


My morning inevitably started on a beautiful note, with Mae, telling me stories of Falcons and their fierce fighting skills - falconry the term used for the sport of falcon hunting is one of the most savored sports in the Gulf– it represents a passionate pastime and bond with predatory birds. Mae's passion and experience with the sport is captivating, making you want to be an instant Falconer however that's easier said than done - nonetheless its all so exciting hearing the stories and watching the videos of falcons clawing in on their targets at great speed, raising dust in its scoop. 




It is an art and a skill that is one of its finest to watch against the Arabian desert backdrops and let me just say, its a very well-preserved and disciplined sport! I just love it!


The Arabian Peninsula is one of the last places in the world where falconry remains an important sporting activity. The people of the Gulf have a strong personal sentiment and commitment to falconry and ensure that it is practiced in the correct manner, with the proper respect due to Islamic laws. The sport originally started with nomadic Bedouins, who used these birds to hunt down meat due to its great sight ability in dusty terrain.  


[In Dubai - a beautiful falcon pictured with his owner]


And never underestimate the importance of a Falcon – during hunting/sporting season, you will find these Falcons travelling with owners in first class on Gulf airlines, one notable airline is, Qatar Airways. Falcons don’t come cheap and neither does their care lack in anyway, enthused with daily attention and care from a Falconer who manages the Falcon’s training and needs









So next time you travelling first class, don’t be surprised if your travel companion turns out to be a Falcon