Year In Review

One year has gone and another is about to begin. The year of 2008 has brought with it moments of grief, an eminent sense of “hard times” ahead and brief glimpses at hope and achievement. Personally, this year has brought with it much more trials and I hope for brighter days in 2009.
Many crises began and are ongoing without a predictable end. It seems wars can only be started by our leaders of today; there is no sense of justification anymore. There are no visible efforts by any to promote resolution to conflicts and peace negotiations have become a tool of propaganda. No one expects anything positive to come out of these meetings as they sit on their lofty chairs discussing “world events” as they are happening. Who is ethically responsible? Who will be morally empowered enough to take responsibility? The answer is obvious in each scenario. Needless to say we are all awaiting someone to fulfill the role of the latter.
The year remembered as, “Yes WE can!”, but what we can and cannot do is not of importance in these crucial days. What WE MUST do is the challenge that everyone has chosen to overlook, well at least those of power and influence have chosen to do so.
It was just days ago the world witnessed yet another present day massacre and all the masses can do is stage protests and sign petitions that fall on deaf ears. Who is the Israeli Prime Minister to reject a proposal for a 48-hour humanitarian truce in Gaza? This man has the power to save lives yet he has publicly chosen not to.
“An eye for an eye will leave everyone blind”. The crisis continues in the Middle East…
While they remain blind, I chose to see even if this sight has an ultimate price. Who amongst us is brave enough to end resentment and revenge? Even for the cowards where will they cower to? Conflict is inescapable and crime is rampant.
“They” warn of creating dependency on “AID” but one must agree in order to build there must be a few essentials, the right to food, shelter, safety, education, in fact in most cases it goes as basic as the right to life! Until these are not met how can you expect anything other than hands outstretched for relief? The crisis continues in Africa…
The world faces yet another challenge, global financial crisis as thousands are finding it increasingly difficult to remain employed. As stock markets fall and fail miserably, deaths due to conflicts, war, disease and crime rise continuously and consistently. The cost of food has risen so sharply and abruptly it raises many questions ands doubts on the reason for this level of inflation. Is it in a bid to secure “rich” nations from losing momentum as the poor become poorer and the rich become richer?
There is still a far greater challenge ahead of us, and every single one of us has a part to play if we wish to continue the race of man on earth. We are destroying the very earth that supports our living and the global climate changes that we are witnessing are as a direct result of our own actions. This year has also seen an increase in natural disasters but what of years to come?...
One highlight of this year was the successful hosting of the Olympics in Beijing. The Caribbean region were made proud of their Jamaican son and records we smashed at the indoor pool arena where I chose to believe man began to morph into fish… lol
This is how I choose to see the world I live in. I am alot of things but one thing is for certain I am not blind. I am but a spectator with the choice to see and an opportunity to write. I thank you all for reading and I leave you now with a “World in Review" picture story…
A picture tells a thousand words or so they say :) …
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On the fifth day of the Gaza conflict, Israeli air strikes destroyed the offices of the head of Hamas in Gaza
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Senator Barack Obama began the year on the campaign trail, 12 months later he was president elect of the United States of America.
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In the Rift Valley town of Nakuru, Kenya, political and ethnic violence in the wake of a disputed presidential election left at least 10 people dead and hundreds injured.
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More than 55,000 people are known to have died in an earthquake that struck south-west China on 12 May. This woman was searching for her daughter and husband in Beichuan.
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Palestinian protesters take cover as they get caught in a barrage of tear gas canisters fired by Israeli troops during a demonstration in the West Bank village of Nilin, near Modin.
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Rising food prices made basic staples like rice, corn and cooking oil unaffordable for many people all over the world. Fears of a global food shortage saw some rioting and unrest. Here in Lahore, Pakistan, people struggle in an attempt to get bread.
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The Beijing 2008 Olympic Games saw more than 10,000 athletes compete for nearly 1,000 medals. Two names stood out, sprinter Usain Bolt who claimed three world records and swimmer Michael Phelps who won a staggering eight gold medals in the pool.
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Thousands of civilians were caught up in fighting in and around South Ossetia, which began on 7 August when Georgia tried to retake the region by force after a series of lower-level clashes with Russian-backed rebels.
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Four children died and more than 50,000 were made ill by contaminated milk powder in China. The problem was revealed when milk powder from the Sanlu Group was found to contain melamine, an industrial chemical. But the problem spread as other companies become involved.
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A global crisis in the world’s financial markets led to huge losses on stock exchanges, cuts in interest rates and massive government bailouts to keep some banks afloat.
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US Republican Senator John McCain pulls a face having turned the wrong way to leave the stage after shaking hands with Obama at the end of the final presidential debate in New York.
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An estimated 250,000 civilians in the Democratic Republic of Congo fled their homes and are living in desperate conditions following an outbreak of violence in the eastern part of the country.
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Extensive Flooding in England
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Dedicated to Palestine...

Naci En Palestina - Amel Mathlouthi

All the Best for the year 2009/ 1430 AH
Blogging with purpose,
Mariamlelue

External Links: [http://news.bbc.co.uk/
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This One's For YOU

This One’s For You

“Life without a friend is death without a witness.”[Arabic Proverb]*
[*Relevantly nice, so decided to repeat it twice :)]

As I reflect on all of my past and present buddies, acquaintances, friends, friends of friends, relationships, I realize easily how blessed I am. For all those who’ve made a lasting impression on me know that I will forever appreciate you as a person and the difference you’ve made in my life. We all start off as blank pages but somehow through life and all the challenges we find people that add color and life to it. My canvas is no different and there are colors that have gone beyond my imagination and still amaze me today and hopefully for many, many years to come.
Someone once said you can’t mix different circles of friends together lol…a precaution worth taking note off! It’s only when you realize how many different layers that make you whole, you begin to appreciate those that truly matter in your life. So here’s a little post dedicated to all the “yous” out there, yeah YOU and nobody else :)


From my creativity this one’s for YOU…

As I woke up this morning I realized I was heavily addicted to “leeannsha”. It was whilst making up my bed I noticed “salwa” was already there ready to give me a healthy dose of laughter. I had a divine moment giving thanks for life and then went off to find me some “divaliciousness”. There was “diva lady” with her bucket full of enrichment feeding my soul. In the next room there was an “LNF” party, one that went 24/7. Viva el “party” lol. To my delight “fundabody” brought me a “duckie” and we all quacked till our throats were all sore. Then “jadi” came and said we were making too much noise so we sent him for some “kebabs” haha. To the sound of kebabs “mashisha” purred loudly and if you don’t know what that means maybe you should ask “PRO” or look it up yourself in the “catzster’s” dictionary. Where’s my “smuckums” and “gawjaz”? I hope “san-san” is looking after them.

Shining brilliantly “brightening my day” was none other than “shummo”. “I’m fabulous if you’re fabulous” I sang out to her. My twin visited next, “iffo janoo” doesn’t come wrapped in a brownish-gold wrapper I’m afraid; I think its blue rofl. Time was running short and I tuned in to watch my favourite action series, “The adventures of Teddy Bearo and butterfly”. :p As I watched I enjoyed some “moony noony pie” as “smiley face” dished out more for me. During the commercials I checked "elmoro4life" to see if "A2D" had posted any new updates on OL. After enjoying the show I heard my poor “tukhie”. :( I had forgotten to listen to her singing her sweet song. We made up and I promised to be “on-time” with my visits. :) Then “suzie” called and told me about “khadina”, “stacey” and “zaana”. As soon as I hung up the phone "mehru" called to update me on "sami yusuf's" schedule. lol

Wait its not over yet, I still have much more to say please sit for a bit longer, just a bit…Today I was extra happy as I was visiting my dearest “Hallie” and her three pumpkins “Salar”, “Taimyyah” and baby “Abdul Qayyoom”. Anyone for pumpkin pie? Sweetness in abundance just makes you feel hungry! lol. From that day onwards I memorized the names of my favourite pumpkin pies. :) As I was driving home I passed by “ASJA” and reminisced the happy days there with “Chem fan #1” and the bag of us, “sher bear”, “b-lo”, “mel”, “leeshie”, “lini”, “dre”, “kreems”, “laura”, “patty”, “marzo” that must be one BIG bag :p and me of course. Suddenly I noticed “mehri jaan” waiting for a taxi and offered her a lift, that was one “happy” ride home. When “jadi” came back with the kebabs I asked him for “hamoudi” as it was scarce for a few months. “Ya Rabby stand by me”, was the message I got. Then we had “mahrach” and kebabs for dinner, as we listened to “It’s my life”. I was happy to inform “nafisa” the butchers shop was closed and she wouldn’t have to meet the “isam” look-alike. My “abla” made me smile once more and I was never “Lost” talking to “linz”. I laughed with “eman” and "zineb" as I told her how I always asked about “sohaz” family. I received some greetings from “paris” before the day was over, “mon cherie”. I sent an sms to “hadjer” and another for “serpil” telling them how much I missed them. As I brushed my teeth before going to sleep I remembered “khajo” promised to fix my teeth when she was certified. Of course "hoobie boobie" had already given me free checkups prior to this. :) At the end of the day I looked up to the sky and said for every star up there I could think of someone shining brighter in my life. To all my “forum peeps”, my “Maghreb brethren and sistren” of course, my “moros”,, my “school mates”, my “work colleagues”, my “teachers” to every single one of you, here’s a huge THANK YOU from me, thanks for being there, you just made it all a nicer world for me. :)

“I’ve learnt that people will forget what you said,
People will forget what you did,
But people will never forget how you made them feel”. [Maya Angelou]

Blogging with purpose,
Mariamlelue

No Me Quitte Pas

No Me Quitte Pas

“Life without a friend is death without a witness.” ~ [Arabic Proverb]

As yet another year passes I still feel the emptiness that once was endowed. A simple word, a shallow sleep, a vague déjà vu and the memories play out on its never ending reel. A momentary flashback and the ache is just as strong as it once was. When the preoccupations of this world fade and our subconscious becomes audible, we are reminded of our lost ones. We’ve all lost someone we held close to our heart and on that common ground we can connect on the feelings it evokes.

“Life is weaker than death, and death is weaker than love.” ~ [Khalil Gibran]

The only survivor of death and loss is love. It will last till the end is the beginning of eternity and beyond. To this I hold onto as I reminisce about the people who I’ve lost. This loss will exist only for the duration of my life and I hope for reconnection. A continuation after an insignificant pause, where mortality ceases and immortality breathes. The last embrace in our memory will finally be embraced with infinite when the yearning evaporates with the warmth of everlasting euphoria…

“Life is a perpetual drunkenness; the pleasure passes, but the headache remains.” ~ [taken from 'Moon Over Morocco']

All that I hold dear will be my burden to carry in which I graciously accept its terms and conditions for now and the rest of my mortal years. Burdensome in its test of patience and nothing more…

“Let us endeavor to live that when we come to die even the undertaker will be sorry.” ~ [Mark Twain]

Once you were here with me and once again we will be together. Your memories have remained for me to endure the wait.

“Dance as if no one's watching, sing as if no one's listening, and live everyday as if it were your last.” ~ [Irish Proverb]

Blogging with purpose,
Mariamlelue

Invasive Past

A poet's bequest,
Read and comment; my humble request,
Gratitude is what I offer to thee,
Penned by yours truly.

Invasive Past

Tears fallen have long forgotten,
Awakening emotions once forbidden,
Reminiscence cascades into active realisation,
Resolved to abstain from repetition,
Truth triumphs the sacred abandon,
Clairvoyance purifies the wanton,
Time erodes the fabric of remorse,
As the reservoir runs its elusive course,
The cup of hurt begins to ferment,
Drinking feverishly from the blood of the innocent,
A thirst that will never cease,
With every sip the scars increase,
Wrinkles of experience remain immortal,
As hope battles against the suicidal,
Sincere efforts all slashed and burnt,
The lesson that must be taught is never learnt,
A cauldron continues to keep the flame ablaze,
Fanning the embers to fuel the haze,
To guard against an essential need,
Starving emotions inevitably feed,
Salvage happiness in the eyes of a survivor,
Search for truth in the speech of a deceiver,
Seek hope in the tears of a widower,
Seize the conviction of a believer,
Enliven all that became numb,
Life awakens burying the past phantom,
A new day has come,
As life’s song continues to hum…

(02-11-2008)

Blogging with purpose,

Mariamlelue

What they Said About Him...

Thomas Carlyle, the Scottish historian said:
"They call him a prophet, you say? Why, he stood there face to face with them, here, not enshrined in any mystery, visibly clouting his own cloak, cobbling his own shoes, fighting, counseling, ordering in the midst of them. They must have seen what kind of a man he was, let him be called what ye like. No emperor with his tiaras was obeyed as this man in a cloak of his own clouting. During three and twenty years of rough, actual trial, I find something of a veritable hero necessary for that of itself. "

Reverend Professor William Montgomery Watt said:
“His readiness to undergo persecution for his beliefs, the high moral character of the men who believed in him and looked up to him as a leader, and the greatness of his ultimate achievement - all argue his fundamental integrity. To suppose Muhammad as an impostor raises more problems than it solves. Moreover, none of the great figures of history is so poorly appreciated in the West as Muhammad ... Thus, not merely must we credit Muhammad with essential honesty and integrity of purpose, if we are to understand him at all; if we are to correct the errors we have inherited from the past, we must not forget the conclusive proof is a much stricter requirement than a show of plausibility, and in a matter such as this only to be attained with difficulty.”

Reverend Bosworth Smith said:
"If ever a man ruled by a divine right, it was Muhammad, for he had all the powers without their supports. He cared not for the dressings of power. The simplicity of his private life was in keeping with his public life."

Washington Irving said:
"His military triumphs awakened no pride nor vain glory as they would have done had they been effected by selfish purposes. In the time of his greatest power he maintained the same simplicity of manner and appearance as in the days of adversity. So far from affecting regal state, he was displeased if, on entering a room, any unusual testimonial of respect was shown to him."

Wolfgang Goethe, the German Poet said:
"I looked into history for a human paradigm and found it to be in Muhammad".


George Bernard Shaw said:
“I have always held the religion of Muhammad in high estimation because of its wonderful vitality. It is the only religion which appears to possess that assimilating capability to the changing phases of existence which make itself appeal to every age - I have prophesized about the faith of Muhammad that it would be acceptable tomorrow as it is beginning to be acceptable to the Europe of today. Medieval ecclesiastics, either through ignorance or bigotry, painted Muhammadanism in the darkest colours. They were, in fact, trained to hate both the man Muhammad and his religion. To them, Muhammad was an anti-Christ. I have studied him, the wonderful man, and in my opinion, far from being an anti-Christ, he must be called the Saviour of humanity.”

Professor Keith Moore said:
“It is clear to me that these statements must have come to Muhammad from God, or Allah, because most of this knowledge was not discovered until many centuries later. This proves to me that Muhammad must have been a messenger of God, or Allah.”

Annie Besant said:
“It is impossible for anyone who studies the life and character of the great Prophet of Arabia, who knew how he taught and how he lived, to feel anything but reverence for the mighty Prophet, one of the great messengers of the Supreme. And although in what I put to you I shall say many things which may be familiar to many, yet I myself feel, whenever I reread them, a new way of admiration, a new sense of reverence for that mighty Arabian teacher.”

Dr. Gustav Weil said:
“Muhammad was a shining example to his people. His character was pure and stainless. His house, his dress, his food - they were characterized by a rare simplicity. So unpretentious was he that he would receive from his companions no special mark of reverence, nor would he accept any service from his slave which he could do for himself. He was accessible to all at all times. He visited the sick and was full of sympathy for all. Unlimited was his benevolence and generosity as also was his anxious care for the welfare of the community.”

Edmund Burke said:
“The Muhammadan law, which is binding on all from the crowned head to the meanest subject, is a law interwoven with a system of the wisest, the most learned and the most enlightened jurisprudence that ever existed in the world.”


Sami Yusuf - Al Mu'Allim

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My heart-felt Greetings for Eid-ul-Adha...

Blogging with purpose,
Mariamlelue

External Sources: [http://islam.thetruecall.com/modules.php?name=News&file=article&sid=374
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