This Is Home, Truly

We have just celebrated Singapore's 51st National Day yesterday. For us at home, it was a day of complete bliss, Alhamdhulilah. A day to just chill and enjoy one another's company, on a weekday. Mum made some simple, yet comforting food for breakfast and lunch that always soothes our souls. Dad slept in till much later than on usual weekends (we all did actually).

AZ and I wanted to catch up on some movies from the Internet, but we ended up with other activities - we both felt it wasn't just a movie day. AZ with his computer games, and I with my books. 

And Brother had a good break after his shift at work too.

Sitting back in the afternoon after lunch, and while waiting for the National Day Parade to come on 'live' on the television, I had some inspiration to bake. Especially since Mum had decided to make some lovely vadai for dinner. And so I made some cranberry muffins with a newly-bought muffin pan that (finally) fits our oven.

And as we munched into our very early dinner and immersed ourselves in the spectacular performances, a first for a parade held at the new National Stadium, humming along to the classic songs related to this place we call,Home - it sure was a time for reflection for me.

Thinking of my dear Mum's cute antics on insisting I take pics of her 'work of art' as well while I was snapping shots of my muffins, brings such a huge smile right here, right now. Bless all our Mothers always, Ya Rabb. Ameen.

Watching the parade live at the Padang, Marina Bay or from home always brings on some beautiful emotions. As with recent years, it's hard not to drop a tear or two - either when reciting the pledge, mouthing the lyrics of the National Anthem or when watching with absolute awe when the Apache Helicopters salute the State Flag with such style and splendour it so deserves.

(I am sharing this link for fellow Singaporeans who may be reading this space - not that you have to agree with the author though. I did, every bit, and was beaming with pride as I was reading it. Seriously lah! ;))

Probably at this juncture, also because, I have had far too many things on mind (to complain about, and sometimes, compare with others about, Astagfirullah!) that I probably have forgotten to be thanking Allah for all that abundance I already have been blessed with. Instead, I have spent time on some weeks with some negative energy. 

AZ (May Allah bless him, Ameen) has been keeping me level-headed and reminds me to have sabr (patience), and even more than that, shukr (gratitude) every time we are tested.


Privileges are aplenty in this tiny dot that we live in and I should keep thanking Allah for everything that we have here - good homes, great neighbours, a good job, considerate and tolerant colleagues, and Bosses who appreciate flexi-work hours, and above all, a supportive family. Alhamdhulilah.

Everybody has struggles, only that they are all different.

May Allah keep us all in good Iman always, and may we all remember that in end, everything belongs to Allah. And this dunya (world is only temporary).

Ramadan Reflections 1437H/2016

I thought I should pen down my reflections that I had over the blessed month in Ramadan.

Days before Ramadan, I had opened up my duas’ list from last year. I realised that some ‘major’ duas are still in HIS hands, while there were others which HE had so graciously fulfilled for me, and my family.

While reading through the yet-to-be answered ones as a lil upsetting with some onset of tears too, I took solace in what AZ always tells me about. That Allah (S.W.T) probably has much bigger rewards in the Hereafter if HE doesn’t answer my duas now. SubhanAllah.

When thoughts on my unanswered pleas come to mind, sometimes, every single day in a week, I tell myself that they are only unanswered, and not ‘unheard’. Of course, our Creator is aware.

I was also very moved when one of the duas closest to my hearts was answered on the first evening of Ramadan. Alhamdhulilah is all I can say.

I planned to perform Tahajjud prayers; I didn’t make it till the last few nights and treasured those few hours dearly.

Let’s dua that all of us have another chance with Ramadan next year, In-Shaa-Allah, and upkeep the Imaan we have so tirelessly built up in Ramadan for the rest of our lives.

Blessings In Syawal... And Our Eid Moments

Hope Syawal's been beautiful for everyone.

It's chilly here with excellent weather (my kinda weather...) so far. Alhamdhulilah.

And yes, Eid Mubarak.

Yes, it's been a while since I wrote something here.

Syawal's been keeping me busy with lots of hosting and some visiting and hosting again, Alhamdhulilah.

Oh yes, and lots of feasting, which has brought with it a new awareness about my health and weight watch too.

Among all these, I am so glad that this Eid has opened up new opportunities to renew bonds with old friends and forge new ones.

As with every new year, this Eid has brought about some changed sentiments and emotions, maybe a little more than the previous years.

And of course, Ramadan has also set me reflecting on a number of aspects that have been on my mind, and at times, troubling me too.

I have found new solutions through prayer for these issues and I am totally aware that more consistent duas and more Tahajjud prayers are definitely needed. 

And by the way, here's sharing some of our Eid moments through these pics.

And I learnt some new dishes too - tried and tested by now.

Will share them soon, In-Shaa-Allah.

We bought Eid cards, after eons, at the Ramadan Fair/Bazaar, for a certain purpose. AZ and I ended up sending them to our loved ones. We plan and HE plans! SubhanAllah.

This was in preparation for a second round of hosting at our place. The pretty blue and green glasses are this year's Eid gifts from a new-found Aunt and the green crockery set are from IKEA - last year's Eid gifts from Mum's friends too. They all probably knew we (especially 1) love receiving these things as gifts!

Eid Cookies! And another cookie container which came as gift from another beloved Aunt.

Our 'new' Eid Cookie Packs Table.  Every year on Eid, I would tire myself by packing these gift bags for our guests and neighbours  - basically, I never planned how many bags and what went into them, adnd so, had to do so before a set of guests were leaving. This year, with better planning and with AZ's help on even of Eid, we made this pretty table happen. This shot was taken before the frenzy began (Alhandhuliah for guests and to be blessed as hosts). Towards later in the day, the table was more colourful, with chocolates and presents from our dear guests and also with some colourful laddus from the Masjid that Dad had brought home from Eid prayers. (Just that I was too tired by the end of the day to do anything but focus on cleaning up the kitchen and living room.) Alhamdulillah, for everything.

Our 'new' Eid Cookie Packs Table.  Every year on Eid, I would tire myself by packing these gift bags for our guests and neighbours  - basically, I never planned how many bags and what went into them, adnd so, had to do so before a set of guests were leaving.

This year, with better planning and with AZ's help on even of Eid, we made this pretty table happen. This shot was taken before the frenzy began (Alhandhuliah for guests and to be blessed as hosts). Towards later in the day, the table was more colourful, with chocolates and presents from our dear guests and also with some colourful laddus from the Masjid that Dad had brought home from Eid prayers.

(Just that I was too tired by the end of the day to do anything but focus on cleaning up the kitchen and living room.)

Alhamdulillah, for everything.