Short Sweet Shenanigans

Children are designed to make us want to devour them like fluffy blobs of cotton candy.

But what to do when they start picking their noses on purpose? Despite telling them not to?

Dammit Janet. 

Untied Shoelaces and Leggy Blondes

It's really obvious that I've been getting into Sufism lately. Okay it isn't that obvious but I have been researching. Songs, poetry, ideologies etc.

While I was meandering through the hallowed halls of Sufism (an adjunct to Islamic faith) I stumbled into the concept of Zikr. Now this word translated - according to my meager knowledge of linguistics - mean 'to mention'. It is also a common theme running through Sufism and Islam. In regards to Muslims, Zikr is basically repeating God's name/s. Sufis however take it a step further. When they take part in this practice, they picture the word 'Allah' etched onto the flesh of their hearts in Arabic.

It's actually a funny story that this fact came up when I was just puttering about the internet (Hem Hem Wikipedia), because I once had a dream in which the word Allah was written on my chest in noorani lettering. Pretty bad ass and life altering if I do say so myself.

Disclaimer: This post is just a teensy part of Sufism and completely based on my understanding of what I've encountered so far. So yeah.

Peace out.

Holy Cheesus

Cult Name: Fotonot

Cult Characteristic: Unphotogenic

Cult Motto: Why Not?

For those of us who can't get that picture perfect picture, there is the art of photo bombing. Our weapons? Our tongues, eyes, hands, expressions etc. Basically anything that ruins that "poseur chic".

Let's face it. Those who look awkward on film stick out in a picture even when they TRY to mimic and blend in. So why not? Why not let out our inner goof? Everyone ends up with a memorable laugh.

Guess which one I am 

North of Beautiful

A book I picked up randomly by the author Justina Chen Headley. I was expecting to read another story about overcoming insecurity and usual teenage angst. What I got instead was well written prose that was thought provoking and magnetic. I was unable to put the book down until I read those last words. The characters were well described and I was able to get an overall picture rather than a snapshot of someone’s face. Their personalities were embodied by their gestures and words. The entire book wouldn’t be called depressing but poignant. The emotion was sharp and well targeted. It’s a book I would read repeatedly just to bring myself out of a wallowing funk. The issues described in the book are a bit uncommon, focusing on emotional abuse rather than anything physical – showing how words served to entrap people into unhealthy relationships. The book is all about overcoming dependency on people and their opinions and giving credence to our own self worth. It’s about exploring new avenues and smashing all the beliefs we were brought up with and reconstructing our own.

In specific regard to the book, I compliment the author on her portrayal of Jacob, who serves as a portal to the main character Terra when she seems to be stuck in a rut and unable to speak out. He extends a hand and offers her a new perspective on her life and he helps her transform into the person she was supposed to be if she and her family accepted her completely from the beginning and didn’t deign to add snarky remarks to the mix.

Another plus point for the book is that it shows the progression of other characters, especially her mother. The focus isn’t solely on Terra. A normal teenager would focus on just the downside but this author just presents the facts. The dialogue is minimal. The lack of verbosity in the book adds to the pathos and the body language speaks for itself.

The book shows how the definition of ‘jolie laide’ changes for Terra. Literally translated it means ‘pretty ugly’, but as she goes on she discovers it means something that draws the eye to itself – you can’t look away because it’s mesmerizing. Overall, a good read.

Ransom Notes Keep Falling Out Your Mouth

Do you know the best part of a song?

It's the minuscule pause right before your favorite verse. It's where you hold your breath right along with the singer - the rest of the world listening to that exact song with you experiencing the same rolling sensations as you.

And that's where you should draw back that veil and lose yourself. Not going to quote Eminem to all of you but you guys get the picture.

Fries and Burger Mayo

I keep looking for similarities between Karachi and my hometown but I am completely adrift. This city will swallow me whole.

I keep gripping my mothers hand tightly, trying to telepathically scream at her to not leave me -TAKE ME HOME DAMMIT - but I still had to endure that tearful goodbye.

I keep doing things that remind me of my friends, but it doesn't really reduce the gaping distance between us.

Things are indeed changing but my life from now on will be a mosaic of the little things - from my colorful bed spread to my first food induced stain on them.

So my prayer for tonight is:

Oh Lord, don't let me be sad and don't let anyone make fun of my neon blue bathrobe.

P.S. Take care of my mother for me.

Ums, Ahs and Awkward Silences

The title of this post sums up quite nicely what is currently going through my barely coherent mind. All I can do is maintain a semblance of normalcy. I read a book, choked down a few pieces of chicken and made use of the passwordless wifi signals wafting through the air.

These last few days have been filled with what I can only describe as a flurry - of movements, of words, of thoughts and countless emotions. More than once I likened myself to a scrabbling rat trying to gather my childhood to my chest. The singular pink wall, the mismatched furniture, even the warbling of a deluded cousin will be sorely missed.

I came to terms with the fact that I was leaving for Karachi, but it hasn't really registered with me that in a few days my safety net will truly be gone and I'll be floundering.

But for now, I'm keeping it classy. No nuclear meltdowns in sight, invisible audience! Wish me luck for AKU :)