Spilling The Beans

Song of the day - Rimsky-Korsakov: "Shéhérazade: 2nd Mvt. (Part 1) - Kurt Masur

2011-09-30T03:36:00.000+04:00

My all time favourite classical piece!

Music

2011-09-30T03:17:00.001+04:00

"A painter paints pictures on canvas. But musicians paint their pictures on silence. "

~Leopold Stokowski

Isn't this just a brilliant quote!Music truly cleanses my soul, inspires me and touches my heart in ways nothing else can. I have recently gone back to listening to classical music...there's so much magic in this kind of music. Takes my breath away!

May the music fill our days and nights!

One Year in Egypt

2011-09-21T00:08:00.002+04:00

So today marks my one year survival in Egypt! Yup...it's been a year already. Couldn't imagine that I will actually make it till September here, although I always challenegd myself and I knew I would win, but I just never could visualize it:)

A year - 365 days of happiness, excitment, anticipation, misery, depression, disappointment, laughter, pain, love, reflection, satisfaction, content, frustration, tears, relief, passion, traveling, exploring, adapting, confusion...victory!

Never did I go through aaaaall these emotions in one year. In this one year I had to adapt to so many things..not only to my new environment, but to the new me! To the changes that are takng place inside me...to the resistance that's been holding me back from doing many things...from feeling many things.

During my time here I learned a myriad of things and I believe there's much more for me to learn...this is just the beginning :)

I learned that I have very high adaptation skills.

I learned that the money come and goes for a fact! So better not to worry too much.

I learned that spontaneous plans are not too bad after all :)

I learned that my family is the biggest support in my life - no one can ever match that...nothing truly compares to them.

I learned that I am stronger and more confident than I thought.

I learned that I'm much more sensitive than I thought!

I learned that taxi drivers are some of the friendliest people I'll ever meet (I did meet a few bad ones of course).

I learned that people are always willing to help, only if you ask them to.

I learned that I should have very little expectations of those I love because it hurts so much to see them not up to what I expected them to be.

I learned that if somebody doesn't love me the way I want doesn't mean that they don't love me. It's just their own way of loving.

I learned that there are still men who do more than talk :) What a relief!

I learned that I should let go of so many things and not to hold on to the past for long. Moving on proved to be the best remedy.

I learned that I have more fans than I thought! That there are actually people who look up to and are inspired by me. The biggest and most flattering blessing ever!

I learned that the lack of music seriously deprives me of inspiration!

I learned that the most beautiful skies are those of Alexandria.

I learned that nothing compares to the pain of indecision!

I learned that I can go further than I thought.

I learned that taking a walk anywhere in Cairo late at night is a fantastic idea!

I learned that I adore no sound more than the sound of the sea :)

I learned that Egyptians have an absolutely superb wit and sense of humor - can't be beaten!

I learned that I love trains:)

I learned that there are so many young people around who are willing to give up their money and time to make the less fortunate happy - expecting nothing in return. This is very common in Egypt.

I learned that I shouldn't have any limitations about who to fall in love with.

I learned that I find real solace in photography.

I learned that I don't wanna be alone for a long time.

I learned that I should never go for photoshoots in the desert before inquiring about safety of the place!:-P

I learned that fall is the best introduction to winter. Magical time of the year!

I learned that God will give you what you need at exactly the right time.

I learned that I need to be more patient.

I learned that that I shouldn't give an advice to a person more than once. They heard it the first time. They're free to take it or leave it.

I learned that I shouldn't be way too concerned about others when some of them are not that concerned about their own selves.

I learned that my childhood friends will always have this special place in y heart. They are a part of who I am.

I learned that some people will act weird for no reason and I have t live with it! No questions.

I learned that I should be grateful for those people that come into my life to do nothing but provide me with support and lift me up when I'm about to hit rock bottom.You know exactly who you are:)

Hoping that the coming days will bring me more...
Photoshoots!
Happiness
Love
Inspiration
Patience
Festivities
Good times
Great friends
Lots of money!

:)

Please pray for Egypt!

2011-01-30T00:46:00.000+04:00

More photos on:

http://totallycoolpix.com/2011/01/the-egypt-protests/

Song of the day: Our Love by The Bee Gees

2011-01-21T00:20:00.000+04:00

Weekend Magic!

2011-01-16T21:37:00.001+04:00

What a weekend!! Friday was particularly awesome! Things turned out so well I thought I was dreaming :)
Felt so relieved..so happy..so inpsired..although a bit worried about the future.
There was a thunderstorm but I still had a good time..I love rain! The skies were magical..the sea was surprisingly calm, hardly any crowd or traffic on the streets..it was like we had the city for ourselves!
There are no words really that come to my mind with which I can describe how I feel when I'm in Alex. This city literally embraces me...never lets me down...brings out the best in me and makes me feel so at ease. Pure inspiration!

Check out more Alex pics in Picture of the day :)

Can't Wait

2011-01-14T01:15:00.000+04:00

Excited..full of anticipation..a bit nostalgic..a bit anxious
Hoping all will turn out well..
Heading to my fave city..Alex

Song of the day: Helpless When She Smiles by Backstreet Boys

2011-01-12T01:04:00.001+04:00

I'm a house of cards in a hurricane...

Backstreet Boys saved the day

2011-01-12T00:57:00.002+04:00

It seems that I woke up determined that nothing would spoil my day. On my way to work, my friend was playing some random playlist from her USB and suddenly Helpless When Smiles is playing!! The song turned me around...it felt so good to listen to my fave boy band after a looong time..maybe it also reminded me of my days in Dubai. I have to say the song set the mood for the whole day. My energy levels were consistent throughout the day...I seriously didn't want to let anything bring me down today - and I didn't! :)

I decided I wanted to give my boss his late Christmas present. Printed out a collage of his pics and those of his daughter which I clicked during one of the company events, and nicely framed it. Waited till he was in a meeting and placed the picture frame on his desk with a small note. Once he was out of the meeting and at his desk, I was waiting to find out what his reaction will be. Wow! He was THRILLED to see that! It was like the surprise of the day. Loved his facial expression and how he was smiling ear to ear for at least 5 minutes :)
He thanked me and said he can't wait to show it to his daughter.
I was so happy yo see him excited about this little thing..lately he's been down for some reason, don't know what it is but I know it's work related. I feel bad when I see him this way because he's naturally quite jolly, always smiling inspite of the enormous amount of pressure he experiences at work (I know best) and I admire him so much for being so well composed!

Oh well, I'm glad I helped him change his mood for a little while at least :)

The coming two days are gonna be quiet busy on and off duty! But hey I'm excited!

Can't wait to go to Alex to Friday...

I look & feel like shit! Need to breath..

2011-01-11T00:40:00.000+04:00

Nowadays when I look in the mirror I feel like I have grown older by 15 years! I look like shit!! Don't know why...my face is not glowing at all, my eyes are always tired, my face is getting skinny...I don't know what's wrong! Is it the sleep, the food, or my mind that never ceases to think?

Today I felt like I was suffocating. Too overwhelmed by a fear, by a longing and an anticipation of what will happen when I decide to touch upon something that's been stagnant - almost dead - for some time now. I have never been so consumed by a feeling, that my mind stopped thinking about anything else..my anxiety was growing inside me that I almost couldn't breath!
Although I know I probably shouldn't go see him again, I'm torn between the fear of what it will be like after all this time and the regret that I might feel if I never do it! It's an itch that needs to be scratched, no matter what the outcome is!
I'm just gonna go ahead with it to put myself out of my own misery - even though I might feel bigger pain, but at least I will know that this chapter is forever closed, never to be opened again.

I need to clear my head, claim back my enthusiasm and shake off this obssession that's been holding me back for a while.

Song of the day: Teenage Dream by Katy Perry

2011-01-10T02:28:00.000+04:00

This one brings back some bitter sweet memories to me...

New Phase

2011-01-10T01:58:00.000+04:00

Although I have a lot to talk about, this very moment I'm quite blank! There are no pressing issues...I'm not sure if it's the cold weather that's affecting my ability to spill my beans or am I too sleepy to say anything?

Having spent 20 years in Dubai, UAE, moving to Egypt has proved to be a huge challenge! In many ways...
The chaotic traffic, the lack of any proper system anywhere, overly polluted weather, people with ideas from the stone age that they're refusing to let go of, negativity that encompasses every thought and dream, constant whinning, bad streets, products mostly of inferior quality, sky high prices and cold cold winters (I come from a place where the min temp under any circumstance is 15C! We'd be freezing by then in Dubai).

Inspite of all of the above, I feel I'm adapting just fine :) In fact, while I acknowledge them all, I'm not bothered by half of the things I listed above for some reason. Maybe because I decided that I want to be happy wherever I go? Maybe because I'd rather adjust my attitude and focus on the full half? Maybe because I believe in the goodness that exists in everyone of us and that things will always turn out right at some point? Whatever the reason is, IT IS WORKING!

Many of my friends and relatives bet that I wouldn't stand this place for more than a month..others thought I'd find it impossible to adjust to the change..some are still amazed how come I didn't go back to Dubai till now!
I say it's not easy - AT ALL - yet I'm enjoying the ride with everything it has to offer, good and bad!

Sometimes I find it unnerving to keep listening to people's endless whinning and complaining about everything - they make it sound like there isn't a single good thing in their lives. Dammit, there must be one good thing going on for you people - appreciate it and move on! No one's leadin a perfect life, we all have our problems, issues, worries, and hardships. In the meantime, we have our countless number of blessings.

While I'm still searching for my perfect circle, like-minded individuals whom I can spend more time with, I'm meeting a lot of interesting people from all walks of life, different mentalities, learning more about people OUTSIDE Dubai! Boy am I glad I made this move to see what lies on the other end...in "normal" traditional societies.

Bottom line is, I'm learning tons of things everyday..and I'm changing in the process..to the better I hope :)
I'm having my ups and downs here, I just hope I'll be strong enough to pick myself up everytime.

I'm not so blank after all! :)

Good night!

Song of the day: Caribbean Blue by Enya

2011-01-09T03:38:00.001+04:00

Additions

2011-01-09T02:19:00.000+04:00

One of my new year's resolutions is to keep this blog updated! I'm trying to think of ways in which I can make it interesting for myself and anyone who thinks of taking a look at my blabber...

So I'm adding, for now, two new sections:

Picture of the day - will usually be something I have clicked
Quote of the day - since I'm crazy about quotes, I will add daily quotes that inspire me and hopefully will inspire another wandering soul.

Feedback and inputs are more than welcome :)

Looking Back...

2011-01-09T01:53:00.001+04:00

Happy New Year everybody!!

I'm ashamed of myself for abandoning this blog for almost 6 months!! I deserve the Lousiest Blogger award for the year...

I gotta say a lot has been going on during the past 6 months...and I mean A LOT! I'll go through some of the major changes I have gone, and still going through in later posts.

In Dec I tend, like most people, to reflect on the year that is just about to end. This time, while looking back, I decided I should list down every major and minor achievement that I made during 2010. I just wanted to know if I was actually making any progress in life, whether the year has passed me by while I was sleeping, or did I spend it simply watching the world go by!

And to my surprise, quite a lot has been happening in 2010. Going through the list I wrote down I said to myself "Gosh! I'm alive!"...Yes! I am pretty much alive, taking on whatever comes my way, open to every opportunity, learning as I go and hungry for more! I made plenty of mistakes but boy did I learn a dozen lessons every step of the way! I have yet to overcome many of my limitations, break my mental barriers, and face many of my fears..but hey, I'm already on track and I'm thrilled about it.

Here's some of what 2010 had to offer me:

Performed my first Umrah and never felt better!

Traveled to Europe with my parents and sis for the first time. Something I've been wanting to do for a while.

Started working on my Photography website which should be out soon!

Started my travel business and now having a partner. Working on our website that should be launched this month.

Bought a new lens for my cam

Made substantial progress in my photography style - or so I'm told!

Moved out to live on my own for the first time in 29 years.

Moved to live and work in Cairo, Egypt.

Found a job!

Been into depression, almost hitting rock bottom - a phase I hope I never go through again ever! Gave me a glimpse of my darker side.

Fell in love and loved every bit of it (we're not together anymore)

Had my first corporate client (photography)

Helped some friends make their first Euro trip :)

And I'm sure there's much more that I'm unable to recall now. All I know is that something has been going on for me and that the best is yet to come. I'm open to whatever comes my way in 2011. I just need to make the best of everything I have, cherish those precious moments with the ones I love, and be grateful for every blessing.

May all our days be filled with love, gratitude and laughter!

2010-08-25T13:03:00.002+04:00

Just what I needed to hear today...

“Remembering that I will be dead soon is the most important tool I have encountered to help me make the big choices in life. Because almost everything – all external expectations, all pride, all fear of embarrassment or failure – these things just fall away in the face of death, leaving only what is truly important. Remembering that you are going to die is the best way I know to avoid the trap of thinking you have something to lose. You are already bare. There is no reason not to follow your heart.”

~ Steve Jobs

Explore.Dream.Discover!

2010-08-06T09:35:00.000+04:00

This quote sets me on fire!!

Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things you didn't do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines, sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover. - Mark Twain

Song of the day - There Goes My Baby by Usher

2010-07-13T09:40:00.002+04:00

This song literally makes me high!!! I'm loving it....:)))

Cupcakes and Me:)

2010-07-09T21:00:00.001+04:00

I love cupcakes. And I love decorating them more than I love eating them:)
So what I did is I baked a dozen just to decorate and snap shots of them..hehe :-D

Song of the day - Can't Help Falling In Love by Andrea Bocelli feat. Katherine McPhee

2010-07-06T10:06:00.000+04:00

This song just made me feel happy...

I pray

2010-07-03T12:06:00.000+04:00

...for compassion
...for strength
...for focus
...for faith

Song of the day - Paroles, Paroles by Dalida feat. Alain Delon

2010-06-27T01:18:00.000+04:00

:))))))

My wish for this morning...

2010-06-22T10:02:00.001+04:00

...is to keep the faith
...learn something new
...touch a life
...keep smiling

Wishing myself and everyone a lovely day :)

Song of the day - Historia De Un Amor by Luis Miguel

2010-06-21T08:27:00.003+04:00

I love this guy!!!

Grateful

2010-06-21T06:47:00.001+04:00

Woke up for the prayer early this morning and couldn't go back to sleep after that. So I opened my mobile message inbox and started looking at messages dating back to 2008..
Going through them one by one, I realized how many people have come and gone during those two years..how many were close and now are too far..how many are still my good friends..how much things have changed!

But most importantly I realized how blessed I am! I have always been...I just didn't appreciate it as I should.
I have seen so many good days..I met some of the most wonderful people and I was truly loved. I think I still am - I just need to keep my eyes and heart open and appreciate what I have in my hand now:)

I'm so grateful...

Let the music play...

2010-06-20T17:13:00.001+04:00

More or less summarizes my taste in music...the only thing that has never let me down:)

Up and down..

2010-06-20T11:37:00.000+04:00

Up and down..up and down..up and down..

I'm almost dizzy!

Wish I can stay Up a little longer before going Down again!!

Song of the day - Waiting for a star to fall by Boy Meets Girl

2010-06-20T11:08:00.002+04:00

One of my fave 80's tunes!!

I'm waiting for my star to fall :)

Song of the day - Mad World by Adam Lambert

2010-04-24T09:32:00.003+04:00

I personally think that this version is even better than the original!

Are you photogenic??

2010-04-23T11:48:00.000+04:00

Why are some people more photogenic than others?

Funny how many people who are naturally beautiful don't see their real beauty and are extremely insecure about their physical appearnce. They even find it difficult to smile infront of the cam it drives me crazy!

Lately I've been shooting people whom we'd normally label as photogenic. They might not necessarily be pretty or handsome, but they ooze with confidence and they're so at ease infront of the camera. It's like they're at peace with how they look, comfortable in their own skin and this only reflects in their photos. And this is exactly what makes the photo come out right..

Here are a few shots of a couple of photogenic people whom I came across lately:)

Melody With No Sound

2010-04-16T12:59:00.000+04:00

My friend Heidi is entering this poetry competition with one of her best heartfelt poems. Please take the time to read and rate it..

Melody With No Sound

2010-04-14T01:51:00.002+04:00

When we least expect it, life sets us a
challenge to test our courage and willingness to change; at such a
moment, there is no point in pretending that nothing has happened or in
saying that we are not ready. The challenge will not wait. ~ Paulo Coelho

(explains exactly what I've been going through for a while now!)

Song of the day - Comfortable by John Mayer

2010-04-10T14:35:00.002+04:00

Beautiful and soothing...

Random Thoughts

2010-04-09T01:36:00.005+04:00

Michael Jackson's tunes are as timeless as the pyramids of Giza!And I can't help but be inspired everytime I listen to his songs.I guess that's what differentiates a legend from everyone else - even long after they're gone their works still inspire people!

No matter how long winter lasts, spring will always follow. Something I'm coming to believe in strongly by the day.

My circle of friends is as diverse as it can get. And I get along with all of them fairly well..which I consider to be a HUGE blessing. I get to see things from different people's eyes.

We are ever changing. I'm yet not that great at accepting change in those close to me.

Today while driving in the pretty streets of Dubai I got this fleeting thought: In my mind I visualized Dubai as a perfectly beautiful woman.A woman that has done every plastic surgery one can think off to look as flawless as possible.Looks perfect indeed, with a hollow soul.She'll tempt and seduce you with all her charm and glamour and many will fall into the trap and enjoy the luxury of her company and being in her arms.Yet, she will slowly suck the soul out of those who have fallen under her spell.Won't be long before one realizes the emptiness they're living in and decide to leave in search of something more enriching.

At this stage, I'm in the process of breaking the spell...

I'm more vulnerable and sensitive than I ever thought.The problem is I have been living in denial for so long.

I don't think I'll ever trust someone as much as I trust my family.

Photography and music are food for my soul. There's so much inspiration in both.

I realized that I don't hold any grudges..I'm just not capable of it!!

The only way for me to grow is to throw myself into the waters no matter how rough the seas are.

All I need to know and learn is right here around me.I just need to keep my eyes and heart open.

You never know what life is preparing you for.All I know is that I just need to follow my dreams and believe in God and myself.

Note: This piece is by John Mayer not Carlos Santana

Special dedication to my childhood friend who shares my love for MJ's songs,

ladyheba

Some Talent!

2010-03-07T01:42:00.002+04:00

Recently I've been hired to do a photoshoot for Middlesex University here in Dubai for their Youth Festival which was a week long. Involved lots of activities, sports, arts etc.
Today was the closing ceremony clubbed with the sing, dance and fashion competitions.
While some people were only cheered for being brave enough to go on stage, others were absolutely brilliant. Truly talented people such as this young African man. His voice and music were beautiful, he was gentle, well mannered and had such a lovely smile. One could really feel real talent and passion while watching Shane.

I felt quite privileged to have witnessed so much talent tonight and most of all I was given an amazing chance to capture these moments on my cam as much as I wanted to (and from the best spots!hehe)

Here's one of the shots I managed to get of Shane.

Song of the day - If I Didn't Know Better by Luther Vandross

2010-03-04T10:18:00.002+04:00

I guess we have all been there at one point or the other...

Adobe Lightroom - I Love You!

2010-02-26T15:34:00.000+04:00

Playing with my new toy:)

How do you FEEL about this one??

2010-02-25T02:53:00.001+04:00

Is this picture creepy or is it just me??
I get an eerie feeling looking at it. Words that come to mind: intrusion, invasion, control, possessive, envy, threat...

Snapped at Middlesex University Youth Festival

What would I be?

2010-02-22T23:46:00.003+04:00

Stole it off Barry's blog :-D

Please feel free to have your own version!

If I were a month, I’d be November.

If I were a day of the week, I’d be Thursday.

If I were a time of day, I’d be 3am.

If I were a planet, I’d be Venus.

If I were a sea animal, I’d be a White Whale .

If I were a direction, I’d be North.

If I were a piece of furniture, I’d be Pillow.

If I were a liquid, I’d be Water.

If I were a gemstone, I’d be a Diamond.

If I were a tree, I’d be a Chestnut tree.

If I were a tool, I’d be a Chisel.

If I were a flower, I’d be a Button Funray.

If I were a kind of weather, I’d be Cloudy.

If I were a musical instrument, I’d be a Grand piano.

If I were a color, I’d be Orange.

If I were an emotion, I’d be Excitment.

If I were a fruit, I’d be a Peach.

If I were a sound, I’d be a Whisper.

If I were an element, I’d be Wind.

If I were a car, I’d be a Mercedes.

If I were a food, I’d be Chocolate.

If I were a place, I’d be Rome.

If I were a material, I’d be Satin.

If I were a taste, I’d be Sweet and Sour.

If I were a scent, I’d be Sea Breeze.

If I were an object, I’d be a Camera.

If I were a body part, I’d be Fingers.

If I were a facial expression, I’d be a Smile.

If I were a song, I’d be "Keep The Faith" (Michael Jackson)

If I were a pair of shoes, I’d be Flip Flops.

Another Photoshoot

2010-02-16T23:14:00.001+04:00

Went out with an old ex-colleague and friend today to photo shoot him at one of the malls. I have to say that he's one of my favourite models, very confident and comfortable infront of the camera.

We were lucky enough to find a plain white background in one of the corners in the mall with some amazing natural lighting right there.

I think I'm happy with the results of today:)

I have another friend scheduled for another photoshoot tomorrow morning..I'm so looking forward:)

Good night folks!

Song of the day - Rang De from My Name Is Khan

2010-02-15T21:45:00.001+04:00

I watched this hindi movie last weekend, thoroughly enjoyed it inspite of all the exaggeration and dragging that characterize every hindi film:) Thank God there was no dancing this time!
One of the things that extremely impress me in Bollywood productions is their photography..they make sure that every scene is an eye candy. Enjoy the song:)

By far my best Valentine's Day!

2010-02-14T20:32:00.001+04:00

I don't have a valentine, and I haven't had anyone special in quite a while. A few years back I would've mourned the fact that I'm yet lonely on another Valentine's day. However, today I know better.
I decided that I can indeed make this day special for me and others and not necessarily have the typical "valentine".

Sending out this true heart-felt sms to all my loved ones, those I think are really special and those who have made a difference in my life, buying two of my closest friends chocolates and flowers, and giving away chocolates to absolute strangers who work in shops was all I needed to make this Valentine as special as can be. The happiness and the smiles I have seen on these faces are simply priceless! I haven't felt so content in such a long time. I mean I have done basically nothing but give out things as simple as a flower or a chocolate..but oh my God, the reaction is unmatched. We are such simple beings and we do appreciate those random acts of kindness no matter how simple they are and it doesn't matter where they're coming from, they will still touch our hearts. And I'm glad I managed to touch a few hearts, even if it was for a very brief moment that I will forever cherish.

On my way back home, bro calls me to tell me about the We Are The World 25 remake that was released today. I think this is all I needed to complete my day, a brilliant song such as this made just to help out those unfortunate souls in Haiti. This version is just brilliant..an amazing ensemble of some of the prominent artists of our day to reincarnate a masterpiece that was initiated by a legend a few years back.
Please watch it.

Happy Valentine's Day

Song of the day - I found my love in Portofino by Dalida

2010-02-12T15:21:00.000+04:00

How I want to return to Italy...

These kids have the voices of angels!

2010-02-08T23:38:00.001+04:00

Forgive to be Forgiven

2010-02-08T23:35:00.000+04:00

Here's a story I received by email which I found worth sharing..

*************************************************

A kindergarten teacher has decided to let her class play a game. The teacher told each child in the class to bring along a plastic bag containing a few potatoes. Each potato will be given a name of a person that the Child hates, so the number of potatoes that a child will put in his/her plastic bag will depend on the number of people he/she hates.

So when the day came, every child brought some potatoes with the name of the people he/she hated. Some had 2 potatoes; some 3 while some up to 5 potatoes.

The teacher then told the children to carry with them the potatoes in the plastic bag wherever they go (even to the toilet) for 1 week.

Days after days passed by, and the children started to complain due to the unpleasant smell let out by the rotten potatoes. Besides, those having 5 potatoes also had to carry heavier bags.

After 1 week , the children were relieved because the game had finally ended.

The teacher asked: "How did you feel while carrying the potatoes with you for 1 week?" The children let out their frustrations and started complaining of the trouble that they had to go through having to carry the heavy and smelly potatoes wherever they go.

Then the teacher told them the hidden meaning behind the game. The teacher said: "This is exactly the situation when you carry your hatred for somebody inside your heart. The stench of hatred will contaminate your heart and you will carry it with you wherever you go. If you cannot tolerate the smell of rotten potatoes for just 1 week, can you imagine what is it like to have the stench of hatred in your heart for your lifetime???"

Moral of the story:
Throw away any hatred for anyone from your heart so that you will not carry sins for a life time. Forgiving others is the best attitude to take!

Crossing Over..

2010-02-06T15:18:00.001+04:00

I'm on to something big...really big!Well, not big for the whole world but definitely big for me:)
I've been going through the strangest emotions and intense feelings lately..it's like I'm starting a new phase in my life. There's lots of internal resistance to whatever change I'm embracing, it's overwhelming! It scares me to death yet I'm so excited and looking forward to whatever life has to bring my way...I still wonder if I'm ready for all this...
All I know is that I want this change.

The last week has been extremely hectic and eventful. Had my two childhood friends coming over from Egypt for a short holiday. Gosh! It's amazing how we all change over time, and how different we become (or in some cases stay exactly the same), how our expectations and predictions can be totally wrong!
Spending this week with my friends has definitely had an impact on me in many ways. I felt like I was the one on holiday, not them. It was an excellent opportunity to take my mind off everything that I know and just be in the moment. It felt like I was recharging my batteries:)
It was an eye opener as well.Lots of questions were answered, pending thoughts concluded, uncertainties cleared..it felt like I was forever turning a page in my life that was open somewhere in the back of my mind for too long. I'm not even sure if I'm making any sense here...:)

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This piece represents to me every beautiful and dear moment I ever lived...

New photos

2010-01-20T21:14:00.000+04:00

Whenever I'm away for a few days I certainly miss this space...!!!

So I'm unemployed again! haha..yesssss..happening again. But this time I don't really care, in fact I'm rather relieved as I never enjoyed the job and thought a thousand times about leaving. So now I'm free to do all those things I didn't have enough time for. Like PHOTOGRAPHY! :-D muahahaha...

Speaking of which, I took my sis out yesterday for a photoshoot..it was soooooo much fun..she cracked me up many times with her wit and jokes. My sis is such a bubbly person, so different than myself..I'm glad she is!
I so wanted to have a colorful theme...so I made her dress up in the most colorful outfit...Take a look at the pics!

Song of the day - Dream a little dream of me by Doris Day

2010-01-14T11:52:00.002+04:00

Always been a favourite of mine...

Who said you can't?!

2010-01-11T15:51:00.000+04:00

Here's an excerpt from a book I'm reading now, IMPACT by Nigel Risner which I found quite inspiring.

Evelyn Glennie is a renowned as the first lady of solo percussion. She performs 120 concerts each year and has recorded nine albums. Evelyn is profoundly deaf.

She started to lose her hearing at the age of 10 and due to severe nerve damage was profoundly deaf by the time she was 12. Her goal was to become a percussion soloist and in order to perform she learned to 'hear' music differently from others. She played in stockinged feet and could tell the pitch of a note by the vibrations she felt hrough her body and her imagination.

She applied to the prestigious Royal Academy of Music in London and despite opposition to her admission by some teachers, was finally admitted and went on to graduate with the academy's highet honours.

Just because her doctor has made a diagnosis that she was profoundly deaf, it did not mean that her passion could not be realized.

"Follow your passion, follow you heart. They will lead you to the place you want to go"

Evelyn Glennie

Song of the day - La Semaine Prochaîne by Marc Lavoine

2010-01-10T11:09:00.000+04:00

Here's one song I've been addicted to since I returned from France:)

Apart from the song being beautiful, the visuals and photography blow me away...I adoooore:)

Emotional

2010-01-10T11:05:00.000+04:00

I've been very tensed the last couple of days. Very sensitive to everything. Don't know what's the matter.
I'm feeling very intolerant towards ceratin people who have been a burden for long but I never really minded it, thinking that it is my duty that I stand by them always and forever because they needed it, inspite of their negativity and victim mentality.
Today for the first time I felt that I cannot take it anymore. I really want these people out of my life!
I don't know if this is how I really feel or am I just being emotional these days.
I'm trying to get out of this mood..trying to surround myself with positive thoughts, sounds, people...
That's why I'm writing this now. To remind myself that things are alright and what I'm feeling now is not how things really are.

I'm not gonna succumb to this feeling...

I'm Back!

2010-01-07T14:31:00.001+04:00

First off - HAPPY NEW YEAR EVERYBODY!!! Better late than never:-P

I decided to spend my new year's outside Dubai, for once..so I flew to beautiful Paris along with 2 of my friends to spend 4 nights including new year's eve. As stunning as ever, Paris is a place I'm always happy to be back to (this is my third visit).

Yours Truly

It was my friends' first time in France, they were equally impressed. Only drawback was the weather - FREEZING AS HELL! I mean for someone who has been in the GCC for too long, Dec was definitely not the right time for us to visit Europe. We did have fun, we did enjoy but the weather was holding us back on many occasions. Normally when we travel we'd think, where shall we go today and what shall we do - this time we used to think WHAT SHALL WE WEAR TO FEEL WARM!

This was our main concern every morning, avoiding getting cold. Inspite of wearing as many clothes as anyone possibly could, we still felt damn cooooooooooooooold! The kind of cold where we didn't feel our faces or hands anymore, where our noses were so red and eyes felt so dry - I know this might sound funny to some who are already used to this weather but it was some unique experience, kinda painful too! haha

We spent NYE in euro Disney - lol. We just couldn't think of a better place to spend the end of the year and start the new one with a BANG:)

We had loads of fun there, I'm never tired of that place..love it! All so colourful and magical, really takes me back to the time when I was young and innocent - I feel like a kid again there and act like one!
Since I've been to it 3 times already, I was strong enough to resist every temptation to shop there although the merchandise never ceases to lure me into buying even a little souvenir (yeah I ended up buying a Planet Hollywood Paris keychain and some Winnie the Pooh biscuits). My friends' case was different. They were shopping like there was no tomorrow! One of them had a son so she obviously wanted to get everything she laid her eyes on - specifically everything related to CARS (the movie). Inspite of my prior warnings to them both that they will be spending a lot, they seem to have been lost in this fantasy land, and they didn't mind it:)
The fireworks at the castle were simply mesmerizing. Such a perfect start..

From the Sacre Coeur

The way back was unbelievable! Almost everyone in Disney was taking back the same train to return to Paris at the same time. We were spueeeeeeezed into the train, didn't have to hold on to anything we were ell supported and padded by the crowd - LOL. We couldn't stop laughing:)

And when enough people got down at different stations for my friend to just sit on the floor of the train, she fell asleep immediately. Poor thing, that night she fell sick and still is till date (her fever doesn't seem to have ever gone for some reason).

Back in Paris the weather was getting worse. The day following NYE we decided to visit the Notre Dame church - God! that was the worst day to go out in the first place. I was so annoyed and irritated the whole day for being so limited by the cold. I was furstrated at the fact that I couldn't find a way to deal with it.
Later that night we went to Chmaps Elysee for a walk and dinner, which was quite pleasant.

The last day was the best - we actually saw the sun!! And I used to complain about having too much sun here, now I know it's worth!!

The girls decided to go to Chateau de Versailles and since I've been to it before I decided to stay back in the city and wander around to see places I haven't been to. Met a friend of mine who lives nearby Paris, had tea and a walk in Jardin du Luxembourg. Beautiful! He later had to catch the train to visit his mom and I carried on by myself. I have to say that I enjoy the most when I'm on my own. I do enjoy others' company but being on my own feels very different.

When I'm alone, I take my own sweet time, I don't think about others' interests only mine, I don't worry who might be tired or who is not very happy - just me, myself and I.

I believe it was a much needed break. And I thoroughly enjoyed it. I ended up in Montmartre and went up the Sacre Coeur - Gosh, didn't want to leave that place. It was breath taking. Extremely relaxing. Really felt good up there..

Not to mention that I took countless snaps!

Posing with the Tour Eiffel as my backdrop

I'm back in Dubai, feeling as disoriented as I could possibly be, trying to get back to normal and sort out things in my life but slowly getting there. Oh, did I mention that I fell sick as soon as I arrived home? Oh well, can't be so perfect, can it?:)

The magical castle on NYE

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Sooooo..the Dubai Burj has finally be inaugurated and the name has been lamely changed to Burj Khalifa. Ok let's be fair, the guy bailed Dubai out of it's huge debt..renaming the Burj is not that big a price (although I'm sure they must've given him much more in return)

The ceremony was short but amazing! I could actually watch the fireworks from my balcony. In fact the burj can be seen from almost any point in Dubai, dammit it's the hightest building in the city, the country and the whole world!

I'm not intending to pay it a visit any time soon as people must be flocking like sheep into it everyday after the opening to marvel at this novelty. It's not going anywhere, so I'll take my time.

*********************************************************************************

I've been given the Beautiful Blogger award by none other than the wonderful Barry! Thanks a million for this..I'm so flattered:))

But it seems that there are some rules I have to abide by for receiving this award..hmmm..here goes:

1) Thank the person who nominated you for this award - Thank you again Barry:)

2) Copy the award and place it on your blog - just did!

3) Link tot he person who nominated you for this award - just did!

4) Tell us 7 interesting things about yourself - Scroll down

5) Nominate 7 bloggers - Scroll down

6) Post links to the 7 bloggers I nominate - Scroll down

7 interesting things about me:

1. A travel and snap freak

2. Big spender

3. I hate mango

4. I wish I had thicker hair

5. I never feel I'm good enough

6. I feel younger as I grow older (I actually look younger than before)

7. I'm a Taurean

I would like to nominate this award to:

1. Barry - your blog inspires me. Your words are so heartfelt and you have this talent of conveying feelings so seamlessly.

2. Ouijigirl - I enjoy reading your entries and wish you could write more. I'm in love with your sense of humor and your interesting perspective on certain things. Just shows how different we have become:)

3. H - you have inspired me time and again to do many things I never thought I will. You're truly special!

4. Michael - you satisfy my wander lust through your photos and writings. Keep those great entries coming in!

5. Wessam - your style is quite unique and your writing always gives out this positive vibe that's more like a breath of fresh air when there are so many pessimists around.

6. Imperfect Stepford Wife - you're hilarious and honest:) I so admire the relationship you have with your husband.

7. Jess - you're one very mature young lady with a real talent in writing. I truly wish you all the best:)

Much Love to you all xo

2009-12-29T10:13:00.002+04:00

Look into my eyes and hear what I'm not saying, for my eyes speak louder than my voice ever will....

Click on the image to view original size

Dalia, one of my best friends and one of my very few childhood friends who remained in Dubai after we graduated from school (rest having gone back to their home countries for higher education or marriage!)

It's amazing to see how this girl has changed over the years. From the shy, introverted little nerd to this extremely outgoing, charming and sensual lady.

As part of building my portfolio, I asked her if she was interested in participating in a photoshoot. And being the natural poser that she is, her answer was an immediate and definite YES!

What I like most about her is that she's quite creative, never short of ideas, I believe her main joy comes from giving out ideas about almost anything and everything.

So for the photoshoot we have decided that we wanted a vintage look, closer to a modern gypsy, colourful yet mysterious. I think we have come as close as we could to that, thanks to her outstanding styling abilities and her infinite enthusiasm during the photoshoot.

I have tried my best to bring out the most prominent feature of her face, her eyes. In the meantime I so badly wanted to highlight the details of what she was wearing:, head scarf, accessories, nail polish, etc. which were the main elements of this character we were trying to project.

I was overall happy with this session, most of all because I believe it has shown a different side of Dalia.

Song of the day - Silencio by David Bisbal

2009-12-27T14:40:00.000+04:00

This song's tempo boosts my mood big time!!!!

I love it..love it love it! :-D

When pictures speak..

2009-12-27T12:46:00.002+04:00

And yes..I'm just out of words...

Click on the image to view original size

Song of the day - Everything to do with Christmas!

2009-12-26T09:20:00.000+04:00

Belated merry christmas everyone! While this should've been more appropriately posted yesterday, I'd still like to share my favourite christmas songs.
So here are a few of the ones I never get tired of listening to.

What's YOUR favourite christmas song??

Sleigh Ride

White Christmas

The Christmas Song

Little Drummer Boy

I'll Be Home For Christmas

Song of the day - The Man Who Sold The World by Nirvana

2009-12-23T10:31:00.000+04:00

The lyrics remain mysterious to me and I guess that's why the song still draws me..

Foreign Signs - Hilarious!

2009-12-23T00:39:00.000+04:00

I just couldn't help but post them here..some of these had me cracking up big time!!!
Enjoy:)

In a Tokyo Hotel:
Is forbitten to steal hotel towels please. If you are not person to do such thing is please not to read notis.

In a Belgrade hotel elevator:
To move the cabin, push button for wishing floor. If the cabin should enter more persons, each one should press a number of wishing floor. Driving is then going alphabetically by national order.

In a Paris hotel elevator:
Please leave your values at the front desk.

In a hotel in Athens:
Visitors are expected to complain at the office between the hours of 9 and 11 A.M. daily.

In a Yugoslavian hotel:
The flattening of underwear with pleasure is the job of the chambermaid.

In a Japanese hotel:
You are invited to take advantage of the chambermaid.

In the lobby of a Moscow hotel across from a Russian Orthodox monastery:
You are welcome to visit the cemetery where famous Russian and Soviet composers, artists, and writers are buried daily except Thursday.

In an Austrian hotel catering to skiers:
Not to perambulate the corridors in the hours of repose in the boots of ascension.

On the menu of a Swiss restaurant:
Our wines leave you nothing to hope for.

On the menu of a Polish hotel:
Salad a firm's own make; limpid red beet soup with cheesy dumplings in the form of a finger; roasted duck let loose; beef rashers beaten up in the country people's fashion.

In a Hong Kong supermarket:
For your convenience, we recommend courageous, efficient self-service.

Outside a Hong Kong tailor shop:
Ladies may have a fit upstairs.

In a Bangkok dry cleaner's:
Drop your trousers here for best results.

Outside a Paris dress shop:
Dresses for street walking.

In a Rhodes tailor shop:
Order your summers suit. Because is big rush we will execute customers in strict rotation.

Similarly, from the Soviet Weekly:
There will be a Moscow Exhibition of Arts by 15,000 Soviet Republic painters and sculptors. These were executed over the past two years.

In an East African newspaper:
A new swimming pool is rapidly taking shape since the contractors have thrown in the bulk of their workers.

In a Vienna hotel:
In case of fire, do your utmost to alarm the hotel porter.

A sign posted in Germany's Black Forest:
It is strictly forbidden on our black forest camping site that people of different sex, for instance, men and women, live together in one tent unless they are married with each other for that purpose.

In a Zurich hotel:
Because of the impropriety of entertaining guests of the opposite sex in the bedroom, it is suggested that the lobby be used for this purpose.

In a Rome laundry:
Ladies, leave your clothes here and spend the afternoon having a good time.

In a Czechoslovakian tourist agency:
Take one of our horse-driven city tours—we guarantee no miscarriages.

Advertisement for donkey rides in Thailand:
Would you like to ride on your own ass?

On the faucet in a Finnish washroom:
To stop the drip, turn cock to right.

In the window of a Swedish furrier:
Fur coats made for ladies from their own skin.

In a Swiss mountain inn:
Special today—no ice cream.

In a Bangkok temple:
It is forbidden to enter a woman even a foreigner if dressed as a man.

In a Tokyo bar:
Special cocktails for the ladies with nuts.

In a Copenhagen airline ticket office:
We take your bags and send them in all directions.

In a Norwegian cocktail lounge:
Ladies are requested not to have children in the bar.

At a Budapest zoo:
Please do not feed the animals. If you have any suitable food, give it to the guard on duty.

In the office of a Roman doctor:
Specialist in women and other diseases.

In an Acapulco hotel:
The manager has personally passed all the water served here.

From a Japanese information booklet about using a hotel air conditioner:
Cooles and Heates: If you want just condition of warm in your room, please control yourself.

From a brochure of a car rental firm in Tokyo:
When passenger of foot heave in sight, tootle the horn. Trumpet him melodiously at first, but if he still obstacles your passage then tootle him with vigor.

Two signs from a Majorcan shop entrance:
English well talking.
Here speeching American.

Song of the day - Fire & Rain by James Taylor

2009-12-21T23:42:00.000+04:00

James Taylor's songs are timeless to me.They always have this soothing effect...

This is one of my favourites.

Just a thought

2009-12-21T10:34:00.000+04:00

I'm so grateful that I'm more enlightened than many others around me..so grateful for the fact that God is giving me so many chances..
Elhamdulelah.

Special moments...

2009-12-20T00:48:00.003+04:00

I've always loved this quote...

Laughter is the sun that drives winter from the human face.

~Victor Hugo

click on the image to view original size

So I went out with Walaa and Amna, two newly weds, for a photoshoot yesterday morning. They could hardly make it on time (we were supposed to meet at 8:30am)..obviously overslept and wouldn't have been up if it wasn't for my phone call!
We meet in the park and they're both half asleep...the first few shots were obviously crap as they were still getting into the mood and I have to admit it was very difficult to bring up their energey level..
Not until Walaa suddenly decided to carry Amna for a few second before his arms gave way and he dropped her head down..she was laughing her heart out and that's when I could capture her expression lying on the grass, her hair spread out and that broad smile on her face still unable to figure out what just happened.

I was once talking to a friend and told him photography is the only way you can capture a special moment and freeze it in time forever..that's why I'm so in love with it:)

Good night folks..

Where the hell is Matt?

2009-12-18T00:43:00.002+04:00

Whenever I miss traveling, I watch Matt's video..
It's amazing how something so simple and stupid can be so inspiring:)

Two Wolves

2009-12-17T14:39:00.002+04:00

One evening an old Cherokee told his grandson about a battle that goes on inside people.
He said, "My son, the battle is between two wolves inside us all.

"One is Evil - It is anger, envy, jealousy, sorrow, regret, greed, arrogance, self-pity, guilt, resentment, inferiority, lies, false pride, superiority, and ego.

"The other is Good - It is joy, peace, love, hope, serenity, humility, kindness, benevolence, empathy, generosity, truth, compassion and faith."

The grandson thought about it for a minute and then asked his grandfather: "Which wolf wins?"

The old Cherokee simply replied, "The one you feed."

Time for You or "He just ain't that Into You"

2009-12-17T11:57:00.000+04:00

An interesting excerpt..

She was completely infatuated with him. He was all that she could think about. Yet, every time she asked him to spend some time with her or talk with her on the phone, she received the same reply. He told her he was tired, that he was on the other line, that he would love to spend more time with her, talk to her, see more of her, but his schedule of work, travel and other commitments was just too hectic and it wasn't possible. Plus he was doing all of this for their future. And on top of all that he was just very, very tired.

In her frustration, she came to me and asked me for advice. She wanted to know how she could creatively help him with some of his responsibilities and free up some commitments so that they could spend time together. When she made this suggestion to me, I sighed deeply and bit my lip. I was searching for a tactful way to break the news to her. I have never reached tremendous success in my efforts to be tactful, so I just let her have it.

"Hey, when he tells you that he doesn't have time, what he means is that he doesn't have time for YOU. I suggest that you dress in black for a week and pretend as if he's dead because it isn't going to happen."

My words seemed to have been a kick to the gut that knocked all the air out of her lungs. After a few seconds of silence, she raised her head as she came up for air. "Thanks, —I needed to hear that" was her beaten reply to me. After our conversation, she left. I do believe that, although she didn't dress in black for a week, she did take my advice and move on. I truly hope so because any more time she would have committed to him would have been wasted. I am sure that both she and the man involved are grateful for that.

You see, I have never seen a man (or woman) who is head over heels attracted to someone, yet just can't find the time to be with that person. If the interest is there, the time will be there.

In life, you often hear the excuse "I just don't have the time" when someone wants to spend more time with family, start their own business, chase a goal, travel or volunteer. You have the time. You are simply spending it somewhere else. You are a human and will make time for what you see as a priority. The question is: Are you prioritizing the correct things?

You have the exact same amount of time in a day that Albert Einstein, Marie Curie, Copernicus and Leonardo da Vinci had. You have the exact same amount of time in a day that Michael Dell, Bill Gates and Oprah Winfrey have. The question is not, Do you have the time? The question is, How are you spending the time that you do have?

Begin to keep a journal and log the time you spend doing things every day. Do this for at least two weeks. Track the time you spend on your mobile phone, driving your car, listening to long winded chit chat, talking work politics, eating out, sleeping, watching television, in the bar, surfing the Internet or simply doing nothing. You may be surprised at the amount of time that you spend on unproductive matters. It is very often shocking the amount of time each day that we squander and will never get back. Having said that, have you priortised what is more important to you. Will what you are doing now matter in 5 years time?

Remember, you have the same amount of time in a day that Einstein, Henry Ford had and that Dato Vijay and Pathman Senathrraja has. The question is: Are you using your time as effectively as they did? You have no cause to complain for your lack of time, only your management of that time. Time plays no favorites. You make time every day for what you value. What do you value? AND MORE IMPORTANTLY, WHO DO YOU VALUE AND WHO DO YOU WANT TO SPEND YOUR TIME WITH?

Adapted from the article by—Ron White and in conjunction with the recent best selling book and movie: "He's Just Not That Into You"

2009-12-16T14:32:00.000+04:00

When people are lame, they love to blame

- Robert Kiyosaki.

Song of the day - Beyond The Sea by Robbie Williams

2009-12-16T14:24:00.000+04:00

This song was sung by sooo many I can't even trace who sang it first. But Robbie's version is my fave!
Every time I listen to it I can't help but think of myself on the road...so free..so happy...and so hopeful!

Somewhere beyond the sea...

And I'm feeling gooooood....

2009-12-16T10:09:00.000+04:00

It's been a while since I wrote anything here...I miss this space!

Lots has been going on lately..all good, thank God!! Lots of work ahead, serious stuff, future plans and many major decisions to be taken in the next few months. I'm in excitment and anticipation mode. There's a lot of fire burning inside that I know will take me a long way. I'm so looking forward to the coming days and the challenges they will bring.
I can already sense the change happening within...such a good feeling! And I know there's more, much more to come...I need to be as ready as can be...

Song of the day - Manuela by Julio Iglesias

2009-12-15T08:37:00.000+04:00

Always brings back memories of the telenovella Manuela...the carefree days...

The Divine Touch

2009-12-08T08:52:00.000+04:00

Let me start by saying that I am a big fan of talent shows! As sappy as this might sound, some performances, be it dance, singing or acting simply bring tears to my eyes! The expression of talent can sometimes be so profound that it touches our very souls.
What actually triggered me to write this are the numerous questions that come to my mind when I come across a master performance.

How can a great dancer transcend human limitations and bring us to a realm of the celestial?

Why do the voices of exceptional singers bring so much love and joy into our hearts – in my case some voices can take me to a state of euphoria!

How do photographers and painters say so much with a simple image?

Why is it that some speakers are more influential than others?
I realized that one common trait they share is sincerity – they are simply expressing their every thought and every feeling with utter sincerity.

Above all, I realized that what we call talent is nothing but God’s divine touch in each one of us. What makes an artist, dancer, lawyer or a businessman good is their ability to recreate their Maker’s creativity in their work.

So my question is, can we adapt the divine touch in everything we do? I know for a fact that I can and will.

Song of the day - J'attendrai by Dalida

2009-12-08T00:12:00.000+04:00

An artist whom I admire a lot. I find her very expressive...sometimes it feels like she's singing for herself, not to an audience! The way she moves, her facial expressions and the way she feels those words..I can't see this in any of the current singers. She was truly one of a kind.

Jim Rohn - On Communication

2009-12-07T14:43:00.002+04:00

My hero!

Goodies

2009-12-07T12:41:00.000+04:00

This shot was taken when I was sick and bored at home. Dedicated to every sweet tooth out there!

Elimination Time

2009-12-07T12:29:00.000+04:00

For the longest time I have been hanging on to people and memories that give me nothing but misery! I mean, what's the point of me making up excuses for people who will not care, as I do, in a million years! I know I deserve to be around better people, those who will take me higher not put me down.

Gosh! I never had the courage to say that in the past, nor did I have the guts to let go hoping that these individuals will one day see how lucky they have been to have me in their lives. Screw it, I don't need any of them in my life..they have been a burden more than a support, only adding more to my stress.

I realized that sometimes we have to be ruthless, and take a decision no matter how painful and tough it might feel. But I believe that I'm doing the right thing for myself. And this is all I care about.

Song of the Day - Shams El Nahar by West El Balad

2009-12-06T08:29:00.000+04:00

Good morning :)

What I like most about this band is their ability to make me feel that this is an Egyptian song inspite of the hard core western music. Their lyrics are always so simple and to the point..not to mention that I LOVE their lead singer's voice!

Have a lovely day!

Getting there..

2009-12-04T17:08:00.000+04:00

He said "It will click, if not today then tomorrow" *

And I thought "I just need to pursue it long enough..."

*Something the speaker mentioned today during a training about achieving a goal

The snap freak is Back!

2009-12-03T12:47:00.003+04:00

I've been in love with photography since I don't know when. I have started taking seriously only 5 years ago when I subscribed to Flickr. Being able to post your photos for others to see and evaluate, and being able to see the work of other photographers has taken my skills to a whole new level and has indeed soared my understanding of photography to new heights!

For the past few months I have been slow on photography..in fact the whole of this year has been bad on the photography front. So I've been feeling a bit rusty and kind of afraid of going back to find that I'm unable to take good shots anymore..my confidence almost hit rock bottom.

However, recently I decided with a couple of fellow photographers that we should work on a project and get back on track. Try anything and everything for I know that this is the only way we're gonna get it right and eventually reach the level we aspire to (lots of hard work there!)

Yesterday, a friend of mine managed to get his friend for a photoshoot. We decided we wanted to have it in the park...not the best choice really, later did we realize, because of the holiday and everyone flocking into parks to enjoy the glorious weather. Anyway, we managed to get something out of it..in fact I had loads of fun. I could finally quinch my thirst for photography after a looooong break.

It was quite casual but a good way to warm up for more!

I'm posting a few of these shots..would definitely appreciate ANY kind of feedback/critique (no I won't be able to post them on Flickr because Etisalat, our ISP, blocked the website for good - IDIOTS!)

So I was showing these to a friend of mine and he was like "they're nice but maybe you should aim for more beautiful and handsome people so you get better results" Huh??

Honestly, this was not the first time I hear such a comment, it seems that this is the popular notion, that for a photo to look good the subject has to be stunning enough. But since when are all good photographs about beautiful people only?

In my eyes, every single person has a beautiful side to them..there's no way that you can find someone who doesn't look good at all and at all times. I mean, it might be the way they smile, or the way they look at you or maybe the way they stand, it can be anything at all..you just have to know when to capture that essence of the person at the right angle. Human expressions intrigue me so much, that's why people have always been my favourite subjects!

Sheesh, I need to brush over my Photoshop skills big time..!

Happy 38th National Day, UAE!

2009-12-02T12:33:00.001+04:00

Happy happyyyy birthday UAE! You've come a long way in a very short time. I applaude the people and leaders of this country for their achievements and really hope that they will be able to get out of the crisis soon.

I've witnessed 18 years of the growth of this country and I have seen sooo many changes, so many improvements, so many milestones achieved.

God bless the UAE!

You're not a tree!

2009-12-02T12:14:00.002+04:00

I've always liked this quote! Sadly, very few of us get it..

If you don't like where you are, change it! You're not a tree.

- Jim Rohn

Song of the day - Russian Roulette by Rihanna

2009-12-01T15:48:00.001+04:00

I'm not a big fan of Rihanna's songs but I find this one really good. Couldn't post the official video because it doesn't have the embed option.

Enjoy:)

La Femme Chocolat

2009-11-30T21:54:00.000+04:00

Somebody call 911!!

This is real ART! *sigh*

I love

2009-11-30T12:44:00.001+04:00

I'm still in holiday mood..in fact the whole city seems to be in holiday mood, most of them still are! Private sector were only entitled to one day holiday besides the weekend while the government decided to club the Eid holidays with the National Day that is a week later..so these people are practically off for 10 days!!!!

I'm not so jealous though (yeah right!)..at least the traffic is lovely throughout the day!:)

I love the weather these days!! Just love it! I keep the windows down whenever I'm driving.

I love listening to the French radio station, Nostalgie, online everyday! (check out radiotime and listen to any station from anywhere around the world!)

I love the pasta that I ate at Pizza Hut yesterday, cheap yet yummy!

I love people and car watching at JBR. A completely different experience:)

I love how my bro has been very thoughtful lately that he surprised each one of us with a wonderful gift!

I love how I bond with my sis through simple stuff like walking together, fooling around in the park, eating cotton candy, or singing at the top of our voices!

I love how God sends me some life savers whenever I'm feeling lonely. I can't be grateful enough to Him or those people who appear suddenly in my life just to make me feel that things are not as bad as I thought.

I love how easy I find it to smile at strangers and how they respond back with a hearty smile!

I love my personal trainer's smile:) hehehe

I love the feeling of anticipation when I know I'm about to have a yummy dish that I've been craving the whole day!

I love Sylvester Stallone and I admire his struggle in the beginning of his acting career.

I love standing with my mom in the kitchen and having all those deep conversations while she's preparing some meal and I'm trying to learn something in the process!

I love that feeling of triumph and satisfaction I get when I help someone start doing something new or think in a different way. It's like an achievement for me!

I love those sudden bursts of energy I get during the day that make me feel I can do absolutely anything. That I'm UNSTOPPABLE!

I love the compliments I get from a friend who thinks I sound nice on the phone:)

I love it when I get new followers on my blog or see a comment on one of my posts:)

I love listening to travel podcasts every night before I got ot bed.

I love day dreaming and planning for my next holiday!

I love receiving text messages from a person I haven't heard from in a long time.

I love cloudy weather.

I love taking pictures of people. Human expressions fascinate me!

I love being able to love:)

For that inch...

2009-11-29T16:04:00.000+04:00

Amazingly inspirational speech that I stumbled upon on youtube, from the movie "Any Given Sunday". I watched this movie a few years ago and I have to say that I hated it, simply didn't understand it. I think I need to watch it again!

Song of the day - Ahlan bel 3eed by Safaa Abu Al Saud

2009-11-27T01:13:00.000+04:00

This song is timeless..a true classic:)

Eid Mubarak & Happy Thanksgiving :)

2009-11-26T14:04:00.001+04:00

Kol sana wentom tayebeeeeeeeen

A thought to ponder..

2009-11-25T13:39:00.000+04:00

"Who we are has been formed, in part, from what we have acquired in life, never forgetting however, that we are also equally shaped by what we have lost…."

- Dato Vijay Eswaran

Fresh..Fresh

2009-11-25T12:38:00.000+04:00

Feeling quite fresh today..what a contrast from how I felt right before going to sleep. Speaking of which, I had the strangest feeling last night while in bed trying so hard to fall asleep. I had an unbelievably strong urge to run on the beach...run endlessly without ever having to stop. Never did I get this sensation before..but it felt so good visualizing myself running free and the sea is nearby.

I just love how the day started and I so hope that it ends as nicely!

Ok, this is not the song of the day BUT I couldn't resist not posting it - I mean I've been trying resist putting this one up on the blog but it simply makes me feel wonderful every time I listen to it and thought it would be only fair that I share the same. This is my favourite version of the Jackson 5's "Never Can Say Goodbye". Never mind the extremely gay video, the song is really something:)

Song of the day - Besame Mucho by Andrea Bocelli

2009-11-24T11:42:00.000+04:00

I'm not gonna say anything...just listen to the song!

Made me think

2009-11-23T19:29:00.002+04:00

And he said to me "Have you ever wondered why life throws irrational demands at you? There's obviously a reason and a purpose...!"

I guess I just have to accept it for now and figure out the purpose later.

Believe

2009-11-23T14:27:00.008+04:00

"The divine guidance often comes when the horizon is the blackest"

- Mahatma Gandhi

One of the quotes I have come across while reading Thick Face,Black Heart by Chin-Ning Chu. First of all let me say that this is one best books I have ever read, a classic that will last through the times just like The Art of War, Think and Grow Rich, The Prophet etc. One can always go back to it for daily wisdom.I can not recommend it enough!

As for the quote, I couldn't agree more!! Time and again it is proven to me that nothing lasts forever, not the good nor the bad times. But we tend to whine and complain whenever we are down, whenever our lives have taken a wrong turn, whenever we feel like we're losing what we had...human nature, as simple as that!

Yet we constantly need to be reminded that inspite of all the hardships, we are bound to find the light again.

Lately I have been going through a tough time, in fact the toughest phase of my life. Being the positive and hopeful person that I am, I kept on telling myself that this is not gonna last, things will get better, I only need to hang on and eventually this too shall pass. Yes...I can tell myself anything at all, but was I actually strong enough? Or rather, was my belief strong enough? Honestly, I have to admit that my belief was shaken on more than one occasion, the test was simply too tough for me. I realized how fragile I am. I realized that I too am weak, that I'm not invincible!

I literally fought to hang on to the last bit of my beliefs, not to lose it all and have finally reached a state where I didn't recognize myself anymore. I have completely changed, I was that close to succumbing to circumstances and losing all hope. I can say that this was the darkest time of my life, like it can never get worse.

Only at that time did I see the divine guidance. Only at that time did I reclaim my belief that God will never ever give up on us even if we give up on ourselves somewhere along the way. This guidance came in many different forms: friends, family, strangers, a book, a song, a conversation that led to a revelation...you just never know what God puts in your way to get you out of your misery! He truly works in mysterious ways.

So did I learn anything at all? You bet I did! A whole lot of new lessons in there for me. I can write a book of lessons learned!! But what I cherish the most and what I'm grateful for is that this has indeed strengthened my belief once again, taught me that my most valuable asset is my faith and belief in myself and in God - if lost, then I have indeed lost it all.

Don't wanna sound too preachy or anything but I felt that I was obliged to share this quote and my experience for it helps to know that we all go through similar experiences, all woven out of the same fabric.

Song of the day - Gravity by Sara Bareilles

2009-11-23T13:15:00.000+04:00

I first came across Sara Bareilles "Love Song" while on a holiday in Florence, absolutely loved it and now whenever I listen to it I get flashbacks of my Italian holiday.
I listened to "Gravity" for the first time while watching Mia Michael's "Addicted" routine on So You Think You Can Dance. Amazing performance but I don't think it would've been the same if the song was different. "Gravity" has given a whole new depth to the entire choreography that it actually brought tears to my eyes.

I'm not sure if I should post both the routine and the song, but here's the song for a start:)

Song of the day - A Thousand Miles by Vanessa Carlton

2009-11-22T12:37:00.002+04:00

Just noticed that the color of the top I'm wearing today is exactly the same as that of my panties!!! What a revelation! tee hee:-D

This song never fails to make me feel good. Reminds me of my girlfriends and all the good times we chicks had together. So I dedicate it to all my lovely chicas..Love you darlings:)

Lovely morning

2009-11-22T10:29:00.002+04:00

Found it extremely difficult to get out of bed in time this morning. Was in a great mood nevertheless. The weather was perfectly perfect! I'm trying not to let anything at all spoil this state of euphoria I'm in..it's like treading on thin ice:)

Anyway, to complement this positive state of mind of mine, I'd like to share this message with whoever stumbles upon this post.

You are truly loved...

Click on the image to view original size

A Taste of Goodness

2009-11-21T23:34:00.002+04:00

How can the simple act of having my favourite ice cream give me so much pleasure when I don't even feel like smiling at anything - Uh, the simple pleasures of life! *sigh*

Song of the day - Fireflies by Owl City

2009-11-20T23:01:00.001+04:00

So my sis comes across this song while her bus mate is listening to her iPod. She then downloads it and makes me listen to it and for the first time I actually like her recommendation (we have an extremely different taste in music!) I youtubed the song and fell in love with it. Although I still am not sure what he's talking about exactly (some say it's about his insomnia) but the tune is as catchy as can be! The music intro somehow makes me feel I wanna be 7 again. I find the video real cute!

...Please take me away from here...

Note: the official video disabled the embed option but here's the link anyway:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aI4JLa0hbUw

Egyptian Collage

2009-11-19T23:44:00.001+04:00

Here's a collage I created, not as perfect as I would've liked it to be, for the pics taken last night at the Egypt Vs. Algeria match. The festive spirit and enthusiasm were absolutely amazing. And although the Egyptian team lost the game, we were more than proud for playing a fair and clean game.

Click on the image to view original size

Human Being

2009-11-19T14:42:00.003+04:00

They should've added "Unpredictable" :)

Click on the image to view original size

I need a break..!

2009-11-19T13:10:00.001+04:00

This morning I woke up feeling I can't take it anymore...so much negativity, so much disappointment around!

Egypt Vs Algeria macth was one big flop. What's worse is what the Algerian fans have been doing to the Egyptians in Sudan. This is one huge sick joke!!!

I have expectations of some people that I guess will never be fulfilled and honestly I don't know who to blame, them or myself. I don't know what to expect anymore...

I'm in so much need for a major change. I need to get out of this vicious circle I've been trapped in for so long now. I must take some action, drastic one! I feel I'm on the verge of rebellion - self rebellion.

I'm fighting to make this trip to Paris that I've been planning for so long. It's like my only outlet, my only chance to break free of my worries and restart my system once again. I have a strong urge to get away for some time..just me, myself and I. Wishing I could find this feeling of peace within that I seem to have lost with all that's been going on with me the past few years.

Too many internal conflicts..this year has been a rollercoaster ride for me. And the ride seems to be far from over. I'm tired of holding on so tightly. I need to let go at some point...
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
On a brighter note, I've been hooked to this version of Somewhere Over The Rainbow, by Jason Castro, for some time now. I think he's got a brilliant voice and this specific mix of the song is amazingly beautiful and soothing.

My heart was home again

2009-11-17T15:08:00.005+04:00

Stumbled upon this not-very-popular track of Josh Groban and liked it instantly!

So it goes, history shows

Deserts must expand

And camels sail like wooden ships

Like women on the strand

There's sand on Second Avenue

And the wind blows like a train

Taxis light up like a string of pearls

Around the block again

And I remembered everything

And every windowpane

Every word came back to me

The way it used to be

Then I saw your face across the street

And my heart was home again

There's a bus that leaves at eight fifteen

And another one at ten

Should I climb aboard, risk everything

And ride it to the end

Watch the hills like roller coasters

Up against the sky

And wish that you were here by me

So close that I could die

You said love wrecks everything

And none of us survive

So I got over you last night

And I am still alive

Then I saw your face across the street

And my heart was home again

And I remembered everything
And every windowpane

Every word came back to me

The way it used to be

Then I saw your face across the street

And my heart was home again.

The Gift

2009-11-17T10:22:00.001+04:00

It's funny how sometimes people think they need our help and they end up helping us instead!

He needed to talk to someone..he was seeking some kind of intimacy..maybe just someone different to listen to him. For some reason he picked me. I could feel the desperation in his voice although he never showed it nor did he make it obvious that he badly needed to talk to someone. Last week, he made that confession to me..that he was desperate, so in need to open up...his smile was like the answer I was seeking to my question..he did find relief and comfort in our conversations. Mission accomplished.

But what he doesn't realize is that the very intimacy he was seeking, I was also secretly craving and he unknowingly gifted it to me...

Mental clean-up

2009-11-13T01:28:00.001+04:00

I need time to breath. So much is happening at the same time. I'm not able to grasp it all, nor am I getting the chance to analyse what's going on around me. Things are moving too fast...I'm feeling like I'm tied to a fast car..!

I wanna slow down, enjoy the moment, give every person I meet the attention and time they deserve. I also need to stop wasting time on those who bring me nothing but confusion and disappointment. When will I learn! All I have to do is spend my time on those who are worth it. As simple as that sounds, I keep getting pulled by all sorts of minial tasks, individuals that are nothing but a big bubble, all the psychological clutter...

Time for some serious mental clean-up.