tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28576051459181065792024-03-08T21:22:10.199+02:00RuBe’s Closet - Modest Fashion and LifestyleLIFE...FASHION and everything else....RuBe's Closethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12544216581097985023noreply@blogger.comBlogger372125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2857605145918106579.post-76378444805056080502022-06-16T00:00:00.001+02:002022-06-16T00:00:00.183+02:00Our rock turns 50!!!<p style="text-align: center;">This space has been neglected for a long time, but it remains my place of memories, of inspiration and more importantly honouring my loved ones.</p><p style="text-align: center;"> Today I honour my biggest support and rock...</p><p style="text-align: center;">He's made 50 trips around the sun, a half a century of memories and 27 of them with me at his side. I am eternally grateful to my Creator for placing such a kind, considerate and loving person on my path. </p><p style="text-align: center;">Happy birthday Mr Awesum!!</p><p style="text-align: center;">Officially, we have spent more than half your life together, building a life, which later included our three most precious additions. We have built businesses, experienced pain, failures, successes, adventured, learnt and grown together. We're both no longer the same persons we were back then; we have fought internal battles, external struggles, and picked each other up when the other has fallen down.</p><p style="text-align: center;">On this golden anniversary of your birth, we celebrate your life, the highs, the achievements, the laughs, the special moments and every single triumph of your existence. You've played such a huge role in my own growth, you have inspired me and shown me how to embrace and focus on the lighter side of life .</p><p style="text-align: center;">We have made the most treasured memories, and nurtured cherished traditions within our little family unit. I pray that we will be blessed with many more, and that the years ahead are as joyful and filled with love and respect. You have a wonderful sense of humour, are instantly liked by many, while also quietly sheltering your sensitive and empathetic side. You are a precious gift we have been blessed with 💕Algamdulilah 💕 </p><p style="text-align: center;">Mr B, as you are affectionately known...</p><p style="text-align: center;">You are my beam of light on the dark roads</p><p style="text-align: center;">I sometimes find myself traversing, </p><p style="text-align: center;">You bring your whole heart, ready to serve,</p><p style="text-align: center;">Ready to sacrifice and celebrate others. </p><p style="text-align: center;">Your place on this earth has been Divinely Ordained </p><p style="text-align: center;">Beside me, </p><p style="text-align: center;">Brilliantly guiding our unit,</p><p style="text-align: center;">Through stormy seas, and navigating us</p><p style="text-align: center;">onto calmer, lighter waters. </p><p style="text-align: center;">I am in awe of your intrinsic instinct</p><p style="text-align: center;">To always put others first, </p><p style="text-align: center;">To always want to do good in this world.</p><p style="text-align: center;">You are a refreshing cool presence in a world</p><p style="text-align: center;">Thats burning with injustice, </p><p style="text-align: center;">Thats being engulfed by flames of ambition. </p><p style="text-align: center;">And yet, you remain the humble, unassuming,</p><p style="text-align: center;">Gentle leader steering our young crew members through </p><p style="text-align: center;">along on their missions placed on their voyages.</p><p style="text-align: center;">I am honoured to be your First Mate</p><p style="text-align: center;">on this expedition called LIFE.</p><p style="text-align: center;">May your path be lit with as much delight which you bring to ours.</p><p style="text-align: center;">We love you unconditionally, "to infinity and beyond"</p><p style="text-align: center;">Happy birthday, my love.</p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigsBVSi5SR5E822gCqANanUP0RvFsCmAsR4qhYEmy27eDJWlGQqNUe_B8Za-OPGYImrpnFXcU5CE3f3VbxPMaWUJhm8lSaSozKXC03meQX6hSS2TxXeOhu0Zj26pJ4NeEpUCG57nQ5dG-Ipe9pQrk8fo5DW4wjNOrQWbo8gJhb0BcusLxdK5FBe4Ax/s1920/1CCD45D9-4382-490B-ADD1-DF013E76BF30.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="1920" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigsBVSi5SR5E822gCqANanUP0RvFsCmAsR4qhYEmy27eDJWlGQqNUe_B8Za-OPGYImrpnFXcU5CE3f3VbxPMaWUJhm8lSaSozKXC03meQX6hSS2TxXeOhu0Zj26pJ4NeEpUCG57nQ5dG-Ipe9pQrk8fo5DW4wjNOrQWbo8gJhb0BcusLxdK5FBe4Ax/w640-h426/1CCD45D9-4382-490B-ADD1-DF013E76BF30.JPG" title="27 years of togtherness" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">27 years of togetherness</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXF_5YabNp_uHRMriuoitpW_WY5EYpmp8tgU8ghOAL8lg0lDWIgFdNc_4DIqZEaGV4j884Sw2xcWDHjBITHqJexqDQcq3gYGBrL464f-fP5o6WghU0SYnIW_NIzRtGNw4sqvT5MGeAqJQajCEWaEp1rlpmH-fYuwEW7ApEFbjWqA0-2eCc9fCH6SS0/s1197/078255bf-da6f-49c9-9c20-95ca02f7baf1.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1197" data-original-width="960" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXF_5YabNp_uHRMriuoitpW_WY5EYpmp8tgU8ghOAL8lg0lDWIgFdNc_4DIqZEaGV4j884Sw2xcWDHjBITHqJexqDQcq3gYGBrL464f-fP5o6WghU0SYnIW_NIzRtGNw4sqvT5MGeAqJQajCEWaEp1rlpmH-fYuwEW7ApEFbjWqA0-2eCc9fCH6SS0/w514-h640/078255bf-da6f-49c9-9c20-95ca02f7baf1.jpeg" width="514" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Birthday Boy!!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfIoPcWSVSPDLFhUDHZXUdpNhSk3qWk13sPTBwnQyfpJejT3bzeBEA_Lk23rz6FSxQwCnsYjp89xsUdDW8BImh5BJNu1VA9dg12Z1jFj1jnkMyyWWGz1AFpwmRmjl9oQ7CMc7CCz5PUDlkDMmHR3nM6QFdxuPMd_YAkp6fKU9V0cKVAqbBj-n3SaHK/s4528/IMG_0720.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4528" height="488" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfIoPcWSVSPDLFhUDHZXUdpNhSk3qWk13sPTBwnQyfpJejT3bzeBEA_Lk23rz6FSxQwCnsYjp89xsUdDW8BImh5BJNu1VA9dg12Z1jFj1jnkMyyWWGz1AFpwmRmjl9oQ7CMc7CCz5PUDlkDMmHR3nM6QFdxuPMd_YAkp6fKU9V0cKVAqbBj-n3SaHK/w640-h488/IMG_0720.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguqhgfaX3yAWQOU2MrWZHP0G10iz6sIbZPxcQDdynpat1WelFyxXyx7VrCvc75i0PGq7UYh66GIyalXHatN13Etj3NWi1tXL0qoKzfEKiW6PW2uu6KSoNB_gpuVy53VK293jvIbf_3DI7ZaqX9gjrQ6uHzDudlBWR3zIOQ9-dJxcUj6rQmdX1SF5Xm/s1280/IMG_0829.1.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="853" data-original-width="1280" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguqhgfaX3yAWQOU2MrWZHP0G10iz6sIbZPxcQDdynpat1WelFyxXyx7VrCvc75i0PGq7UYh66GIyalXHatN13Etj3NWi1tXL0qoKzfEKiW6PW2uu6KSoNB_gpuVy53VK293jvIbf_3DI7ZaqX9gjrQ6uHzDudlBWR3zIOQ9-dJxcUj6rQmdX1SF5Xm/w640-h426/IMG_0829.1.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; 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margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="853" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIdO_iO9B2lRya65RzH-lQzddPnYUrKIcNR_wUIdtvMLMRjmp8eVLPGYUV8iZLyDbguVCVTUAvxh9KUR0XPuVVFBZb01Jb4EmqiDkcWO5fpRmTgsim_yIYNUJDGUh-EFbsmI65GWdLk94EG6I0QWXekvb8OOl0ozxnQiRT0LmAsl-es-htOhXuomFQ/w426-h640/IMG_5920.jpeg" width="426" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjh1K9LzcbenQAFAZNobTbpMgi3nFzPrW7H_FWYH6oouepZVAgNW3OC9uwboFSw8GYPlKUW7fmQIs01agH4vIRmkr_AAsHD8h8ARQIoTepv_YT130Icq6wm91k9niRFPUlCiHyvq6xZY8zehf8HuHLP_HAC1RAqJ7Zlz7aKFI8PGulT2bTSTysCssj-/s1280/IMG_6059%203.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="853" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjh1K9LzcbenQAFAZNobTbpMgi3nFzPrW7H_FWYH6oouepZVAgNW3OC9uwboFSw8GYPlKUW7fmQIs01agH4vIRmkr_AAsHD8h8ARQIoTepv_YT130Icq6wm91k9niRFPUlCiHyvq6xZY8zehf8HuHLP_HAC1RAqJ7Zlz7aKFI8PGulT2bTSTysCssj-/w426-h640/IMG_6059%203.jpeg" width="426" /></a></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgulUcOa0igtL5JyDpaOvnXvlwIXWaFXZkPPoBTorYpRYMagXNa7eyvIU-qGnSwuIHPNYgcrLAtdmfsjMLwv73JT2Xzk6MFqstFqhoPtZVofj1Q0ItHl_E0QrNg7l93sAUWq9iiICpNTuvW8MKYINJHsZUqmosAZ1PHTfuj3k1P5EJSrjrL8XIMz_Sl/s3152/IMG_8794.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2284" data-original-width="3152" height="464" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgulUcOa0igtL5JyDpaOvnXvlwIXWaFXZkPPoBTorYpRYMagXNa7eyvIU-qGnSwuIHPNYgcrLAtdmfsjMLwv73JT2Xzk6MFqstFqhoPtZVofj1Q0ItHl_E0QrNg7l93sAUWq9iiICpNTuvW8MKYINJHsZUqmosAZ1PHTfuj3k1P5EJSrjrL8XIMz_Sl/w640-h464/IMG_8794.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Always present for every event with our young men<br /><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_yMNzsGdnRcoDbDBO9nBR7YDwqdfZI6Wb3WqKyrr4R2S7Rli4O-Z34BA7_d1n7f4PiDu0Ukea-O1NCNw5-TzbcqExR0h_MeASPo0RMQmCTW3M2CBgdStuoQ1HbOXfqzLOo9QNb8Q-tW90bLxHOWyHFh6C-GYAY9iKEkzHfqKhBqfQNFMYWJcq0r4f/s1778/Scan%202.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1778" data-original-width="1175" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_yMNzsGdnRcoDbDBO9nBR7YDwqdfZI6Wb3WqKyrr4R2S7Rli4O-Z34BA7_d1n7f4PiDu0Ukea-O1NCNw5-TzbcqExR0h_MeASPo0RMQmCTW3M2CBgdStuoQ1HbOXfqzLOo9QNb8Q-tW90bLxHOWyHFh6C-GYAY9iKEkzHfqKhBqfQNFMYWJcq0r4f/w422-h640/Scan%202.jpeg" width="422" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bonding time with the boys started at an early age<br /><br />Caio for now,<br />RuBe xoxo</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p>RuBe's Closethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12544216581097985023noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2857605145918106579.post-51684060290553541712022-03-27T00:00:00.001+02:002022-03-27T00:00:00.180+02:00Ihsaan turns 18... Where has the time gone?<p style="text-align: center;"> Hey lovelies!</p><p style="text-align: center;">For those of you who have been following my page for years, you would remember my youngest, Ihsaan, as a little boy. Well this little boy, turns 18 today, a WHOLE EIGHTEEN YEARS! </p><p style="text-align: center;">From the little person who baked with me, the one who learnt to use a digital camera and was my blog photographer for the longest time, to a remarkable young man who has a bustling social life. I have to catch myself each time he goes out, to curb the impulse to draw him close and hold him tight. Whilst he'll always be my baby, he's growing into a young man on his own path. A young man venturing into the world on a path only determined by Divine Guidance ✨</p><p style="text-align: center;">My youngest, who entered our lives and filled it with his own joy and light. As the youngest of 3 boys, he needed to establish his space early on, carving out the role of mediator for his two older brothers. He also filled in as goalkeeper for them for most of his toddlerhood, being too little to play soccer 'properly'. </p><p style="text-align: center;">He grew up on the soccer field every single weekend, aged only a few months, he would be bundled up against the elements to watch his older brothers. Naturally his love of sport grew, being a little kid who could not sit still, who never walked anywhere and would sprint instead. It follows that we spent a good deal of his childhood at emergency rooms with broken bones, sprains and assorted injuries through the years. His range of interests so aptly mirrors his enquiring mind, his love of cooking, baking, travelling, engaging with people from different cultures, reading and his deep well of random facts. When he was young we would jokingly refer to him as the 'auditor' as he needed everything to have order, to be neat and tidy, and his room and wardrobe would reflect it. And yet, he's been a considerate, easy going, relaxed teenager through the most turbulent adolescent years.</p><p style="text-align: center;">I marvel at how his mind works, how intuitive he is, his kindness and compassion a constant in all his engagements. This young man has made us so proud, in so many ways; one of the most remarkable is how he treats others and how loved he is by so many. We raise our kids and guide them, so that they may go into world as generous, considerate and strong individuals, without being arrogant. I know, without a shadow of a doubt, that this young man is respectful, charming, engaging, caring and an all round sweety pie (and yes I guess I may be heavily biased) 💕💕💕💕</p><p style="text-align: center;">I dedicate this to my youngest, who has now stepped over threshold into adulthood...</p><p style="text-align: center;">My darling Ihsaan, </p><p style="text-align: center;">Dubbed our 'ou mannejtie' from the earliest age, </p><p style="text-align: center;">Your old soul spoke to me in so many ways, </p><p style="text-align: center;">Conscious of an unspoken bond,</p><p style="text-align: center;">Not only of mother and son, </p><p style="text-align: center;">But also of fellow spirits who recognise themselves in the other,</p><p style="text-align: center;">Who can communicate and feel without words. </p><p style="text-align: center;">It boggles the mind that you're teetering on the brink</p><p style="text-align: center;">Of adulthood, entering the world to make your way. </p><p style="text-align: center;">I know you'll be an asset, a leader, a light;</p><p style="text-align: center;">Embraced into the bosom of society, </p><p style="text-align: center;">With your unique wit and uncanny sense of humour,</p><p style="text-align: center;">Which brightens any space you join. </p><p style="text-align: center;">You so charmingly carve your way into the hearts</p><p style="text-align: center;">Of all who encounter you;</p><p style="text-align: center;">Your radiant smile illuminating the darkest corners. </p><p style="text-align: center;">My son, my last-born, my shadow;</p><p style="text-align: center;">You are powerfully paving a path, </p><p style="text-align: center;">So Extraordinary, so Distinctive, </p><p style="text-align: center;">Your dreams are unafraid,</p><p style="text-align: center;">And unapologetic.</p><p style="text-align: center;">I pray that you remain protected as you journey</p><p style="text-align: center;">On this often jarring trail, </p><p style="text-align: center;">That you heed and draw Divine guidance close,</p><p style="text-align: center;">That you fill your conscious moments</p><p style="text-align: center;">With Gratitude,</p><p style="text-align: center;">Your spare time with Benevolence,</p><p style="text-align: center;">And your heart and life with </p><p style="text-align: center;">❤ LOVE ❤</p><p style="text-align: center;">My wish for you is that you remain steadfast, in your quest and hunger for knowledge and growth, in all spheres of your life.</p><p style="text-align: center;"><b>Happy 18th Birthday!</b></p><p style="text-align: center;">With lots and lots of love,</p><p style="text-align: center;">Mum xoxo</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZzdQFho6hANCEXMuKE2D_ZB1FQ6_JczqQSQQSlkXPf-ncN8tf1rOe2qC_eM1bg6t6aQdUyNbKcAhkTgoIO-t00oJAwbWeahSyzYfdUY8TBikTQelx6nM_wEistx2nxTfrgQ454oxAnPn2JG2RrP7xNoQJsjgWLgLnb_aDVNyL5LVhb9Pg58VOvcj_/s2020/Screenshot%202022-03-26%20at%2022.12.39.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1448" data-original-width="2020" height="458" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZzdQFho6hANCEXMuKE2D_ZB1FQ6_JczqQSQQSlkXPf-ncN8tf1rOe2qC_eM1bg6t6aQdUyNbKcAhkTgoIO-t00oJAwbWeahSyzYfdUY8TBikTQelx6nM_wEistx2nxTfrgQ454oxAnPn2JG2RrP7xNoQJsjgWLgLnb_aDVNyL5LVhb9Pg58VOvcj_/w640-h458/Screenshot%202022-03-26%20at%2022.12.39.png" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">You've certainly taken our family into a new direction</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeK9-dErn20pm6WNfwemiumRdofh0ikjAQPASo4KzYzEqpDQ4GHZTscUm35DHr3XpC9SdZvhfv4pGCkpM_W3508mUOBZnaCrXuvD7OQJTYd_tF4Uxu3yOAwFl3yMSwsxyr4VaPkxcKl_BZ7XLFqZQ-zUqT_x24urXqRBG_RYDOAo3kbhLl24vPclR6/s1402/Screenshot%202022-03-26%20at%2022.14.20.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1402" data-original-width="900" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeK9-dErn20pm6WNfwemiumRdofh0ikjAQPASo4KzYzEqpDQ4GHZTscUm35DHr3XpC9SdZvhfv4pGCkpM_W3508mUOBZnaCrXuvD7OQJTYd_tF4Uxu3yOAwFl3yMSwsxyr4VaPkxcKl_BZ7XLFqZQ-zUqT_x24urXqRBG_RYDOAo3kbhLl24vPclR6/w410-h640/Screenshot%202022-03-26%20at%2022.14.20.png" width="410" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Your first birthday<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7Dd2TU2Xf4kELQlB7fBUy6st2F6RDcBXz-O5K61L4tTA8pK60pbTdQ0zlS_49jDa_pWYNqf7y92Pl-WpfiAiRDluSYCoZ-Ntawlcp0aBc2qm3Y2xDirJCd7hy2dkJ0hRN1w9xElZ4_1XpXl-ZK8q1WiT02Zylq5hb8HfmXFHfR5xTSUieOC6QaAbu/s2100/IMG_1251.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2100" data-original-width="1500" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7Dd2TU2Xf4kELQlB7fBUy6st2F6RDcBXz-O5K61L4tTA8pK60pbTdQ0zlS_49jDa_pWYNqf7y92Pl-WpfiAiRDluSYCoZ-Ntawlcp0aBc2qm3Y2xDirJCd7hy2dkJ0hRN1w9xElZ4_1XpXl-ZK8q1WiT02Zylq5hb8HfmXFHfR5xTSUieOC6QaAbu/w458-h640/IMG_1251.jpg" width="458" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Always smiling</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPv3GBfCW4qGV4Ednb57y2v9pvKNnDq6ntknL00uExvv_oH64m7E37AugNejFWT_6G6CEv5feVXjVEgEPGo-DmhNiAv54FoXixiU2GIEuyRXuG7EGG11T95ZLusWGzlvscT2CIL8H1mZnzyP3_1wN57deH7uiPxdNL0kT9X5camMU_-NFhf5dpdgIV/s3264/IMG_2737.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3264" data-original-width="2448" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPv3GBfCW4qGV4Ednb57y2v9pvKNnDq6ntknL00uExvv_oH64m7E37AugNejFWT_6G6CEv5feVXjVEgEPGo-DmhNiAv54FoXixiU2GIEuyRXuG7EGG11T95ZLusWGzlvscT2CIL8H1mZnzyP3_1wN57deH7uiPxdNL0kT9X5camMU_-NFhf5dpdgIV/w480-h640/IMG_2737.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">You love the little cousins</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9zpvv6lNlDBBuuEGVWA32C8g_zTBc8CqqVOa4jq0f3QFyWe8kUk8J3KVsacf3tW4r2lKBPybXim_akoZz9L5R0Lqz-O05q7NYuuylRDrbHapQKvDZrAT2mAYiIBJSkQPFX4HfLRuuvfkMELGmsXaLm4PKq0SGHDFl7ojpo1fY16wU-iKvPAFiPWno/s1920/IMG_4001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="1920" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9zpvv6lNlDBBuuEGVWA32C8g_zTBc8CqqVOa4jq0f3QFyWe8kUk8J3KVsacf3tW4r2lKBPybXim_akoZz9L5R0Lqz-O05q7NYuuylRDrbHapQKvDZrAT2mAYiIBJSkQPFX4HfLRuuvfkMELGmsXaLm4PKq0SGHDFl7ojpo1fY16wU-iKvPAFiPWno/w640-h426/IMG_4001.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Smiling again...</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7Px62Tc1o0qqOrKGQjmtRQRXY6lkiW8KDwBWpF165kNBQvRk8Ss9A8uq_KA7Jc3S86oZnAEYSTqXeTBf-ofWiHZVqaZM2cY0hg8a9lSJL9xoRBQRMIEuGIfvzISE_Fnv-M5QLqu6DVXNzqPGYVE7rs-kleVM_4naLUzsDXyKdpq4TXnrnOi0HC1mm/s2048/IMG_6457.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7Px62Tc1o0qqOrKGQjmtRQRXY6lkiW8KDwBWpF165kNBQvRk8Ss9A8uq_KA7Jc3S86oZnAEYSTqXeTBf-ofWiHZVqaZM2cY0hg8a9lSJL9xoRBQRMIEuGIfvzISE_Fnv-M5QLqu6DVXNzqPGYVE7rs-kleVM_4naLUzsDXyKdpq4TXnrnOi0HC1mm/w640-h480/IMG_6457.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Always searching for your older brothers</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMfyMsG7Hfmt1UViuip7Uv10XF7q9JBhyJUVF204PJ57T0CrN2fG0i2LMa4yIUZJ1jElTysg4KYPBljmLKWNQYeE0EeAvrultszNYIMB7_JZ_JtPC5YwPVeP1-GluIP1OUyRKUMfkxwJi_uQtCxGVoEON7__RVug2FWr7Yy5omOXFADdu_XXqorVl8/s2048/IMG_6458.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMfyMsG7Hfmt1UViuip7Uv10XF7q9JBhyJUVF204PJ57T0CrN2fG0i2LMa4yIUZJ1jElTysg4KYPBljmLKWNQYeE0EeAvrultszNYIMB7_JZ_JtPC5YwPVeP1-GluIP1OUyRKUMfkxwJi_uQtCxGVoEON7__RVug2FWr7Yy5omOXFADdu_XXqorVl8/w640-h480/IMG_6458.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Out little 'ou mannetjie'</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIJ1NCPLkOKfSOnNVn1gojz03JU_0-w8p85NK9JRblislRV8rgh3Y80cSPlX26Nlh0Nz8X38iCRHYt_bZNA8Fi0ahPyK8z54WocDkj63O0N5ZZdDjVvebNxSiPa_ZAWeeeKJWUzxYYOjVTgYByVrBG5t5AoZz8mNRcLk2acEhcI5LUjv09I2-E_g1T/s2048/IMG_6462.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIJ1NCPLkOKfSOnNVn1gojz03JU_0-w8p85NK9JRblislRV8rgh3Y80cSPlX26Nlh0Nz8X38iCRHYt_bZNA8Fi0ahPyK8z54WocDkj63O0N5ZZdDjVvebNxSiPa_ZAWeeeKJWUzxYYOjVTgYByVrBG5t5AoZz8mNRcLk2acEhcI5LUjv09I2-E_g1T/w640-h480/IMG_6462.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Your absolute favorite vacation spot since you were little</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3AMJCPpU9qtXVSONrdrORv0y14k1sGdEMoIMdyYodKWcaE4kI8C10DP02Z-g0Kx8Fg4wxTqQXZUY2Ngjhwv2TzmauvL7X53QTF--fXERqN0hlzQc_CNQ1SYV953Vz1sbsKMsf8Dhsj5qXREzEOoeW3XhyPvp7rrL8rbokEkL5vZu1gdQSRAkcvELV/s5184/IMG_7703.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="5184" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3AMJCPpU9qtXVSONrdrORv0y14k1sGdEMoIMdyYodKWcaE4kI8C10DP02Z-g0Kx8Fg4wxTqQXZUY2Ngjhwv2TzmauvL7X53QTF--fXERqN0hlzQc_CNQ1SYV953Vz1sbsKMsf8Dhsj5qXREzEOoeW3XhyPvp7rrL8rbokEkL5vZu1gdQSRAkcvELV/w640-h426/IMG_7703.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Your two role models</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNN7BOA2LslA4Mxwy9_mzZlRneEDnO8tBus6BYI5nMBi-Vexo_u3andd9fpDquIVuE8T0pLXaEHEY7e0TzXKROGLUqc-dfq96Nn-bET9S1WpWG_Ls5W6z2SHu9U0rlm5I6OeROVblLCvrpW1hUXOOb4dHkeThJClfFg4qiWxXw_YMka2aK-fyGWscr/s2592/IMG_8865.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1728" data-original-width="2592" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNN7BOA2LslA4Mxwy9_mzZlRneEDnO8tBus6BYI5nMBi-Vexo_u3andd9fpDquIVuE8T0pLXaEHEY7e0TzXKROGLUqc-dfq96Nn-bET9S1WpWG_Ls5W6z2SHu9U0rlm5I6OeROVblLCvrpW1hUXOOb4dHkeThJClfFg4qiWxXw_YMka2aK-fyGWscr/w640-h426/IMG_8865.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A young man in the making</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjE1sxGLQ-VqCKsLE12Ozy2-fCc69g0yABV9bN4Od2gGxodCqVmctWVDef-Hpz1r3LCWjr2gkWmCsNoBuFN-GMVHfXspbPfLh9JF45i4nZ2d6IxzBLgX8o2AWs5WbjqkDd_06sq_lXroVKB3IcjML5YshBISwknuNVp5q8LT1iPbVa2iiqcRafsKs5g/s7016/Mom%20&%20I%20Dubai%20Aquarium%20Dec%202013.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4961" data-original-width="7016" height="452" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjE1sxGLQ-VqCKsLE12Ozy2-fCc69g0yABV9bN4Od2gGxodCqVmctWVDef-Hpz1r3LCWjr2gkWmCsNoBuFN-GMVHfXspbPfLh9JF45i4nZ2d6IxzBLgX8o2AWs5WbjqkDd_06sq_lXroVKB3IcjML5YshBISwknuNVp5q8LT1iPbVa2iiqcRafsKs5g/w640-h452/Mom%20&%20I%20Dubai%20Aquarium%20Dec%202013.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">You're a child of the world, travel runs through your veins</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPIglnRTpjp7KVSvx-kmvroawNmw-HRMvNMBJEHE4Vk9KNyVQitPc6NdFT5BIU-lBU22rdrBWtZ1GEwPESPoDmHm68LBpvyh8G_KXh_K74GwgttDYj3V0qsnT_qveffW880ddBNtDWDoMzTk_6mxCUJNAB05ElmNLz6X1STOr25hpJuX2zfP4vXcUb/s7016/MSC-%20Ishaan%20270316.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="7016" data-original-width="4961" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPIglnRTpjp7KVSvx-kmvroawNmw-HRMvNMBJEHE4Vk9KNyVQitPc6NdFT5BIU-lBU22rdrBWtZ1GEwPESPoDmHm68LBpvyh8G_KXh_K74GwgttDYj3V0qsnT_qveffW880ddBNtDWDoMzTk_6mxCUJNAB05ElmNLz6X1STOr25hpJuX2zfP4vXcUb/w452-h640/MSC-%20Ishaan%20270316.jpeg" width="452" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Another favourite travel adventure </td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p style="text-align: center;">Ciao for now,</p><p style="text-align: center;">Rubexoxo</p>RuBe's Closethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12544216581097985023noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2857605145918106579.post-41009552497117654792022-03-01T21:11:00.005+02:002022-03-01T21:11:48.202+02:00Transformational March 2022<p style="text-align: center;"> Hey there lovelies! </p><p style="text-align: center;">It feels really good to be penning down my thoughts on this space of mine. I have had so many musings whirling around my head since December, but no opportunity (<i>read inspiration</i>) to return to my blog. My inspiration is slowly returning, after a spending the first two months of 2022 on getting my head into the right space, and gathering my strength again after being extremely burnt out. </p><p style="text-align: center;">The effects of this pandemic reaches beyond the physical health, or financial impact; it has affected every single person in so many ways, which is not clearly seen or understood. These effects are long lasting, and so subtle, it can slip by unnoticed. As a social person who was always out and about pre-Covid, I initially felt that the isolation as a good thing, that spending time on my own was the best opportunity to connect with my inner self. However, at some point the insulation from the world seemed too safe, while the outside world was in the throes of uncertainty, being torn apart by an unknown virus. The unpredictability of life was a constant, it was impossible to plan for <i>anything</i>, and the fear of the loss of loved ones remains a constant. The seclusion was therefore a 'protective bubble' which became all too comfortable, making it so easy to retreat from the world.</p><p style="text-align: center;">It gradually dawned on me that the human connection outside of my home is something I needed and thrive on. Engaging with like-minded individuals, or just sitting in a restaurant on my own (surrounded by people) is a form of healing for me. Further to this, the state of quarantine was not a healthy one for my mindset, I missed seeing the mountains, oceans and scenery outside of the home. I missed going out to a movie, I missed the impromptu lunches and date nights. These are now things which I hold dear, for which I am grateful and appreciate with all of my being. The positive effect of the pandemic has been that I am immensely grateful for all the blessings I am fortunate to experience each and every day. The little things which may have gone unnoticed before, are now starkly recognised as the Divine gifts that they are.</p><p style="text-align: center;">I feel as if 2022 brought with it an emergence from almost two years of limbo, where nothing was certain and everything felt strange. It's no wonder anxiety was at an all time high and mental health very tenuous. I spent so much of my time being worried and concerned, for my family, my parents, elders and vulnerable members, that I may somehow transmit this virus unknowingly. That I might be the cause of illness for the vulnerable, it felt heavy and I struggled to shift it for a long time. There were many hours of distress for mu business, and livelihoods of those close to me. At the same time, I was fully aware of the importance of taking care of my own mental health; and my self-care routines and rest became non-negotiable and my most important coping mechanisms to help navigate this new uncertain 'normal'. I revived my healthy habits which the pre-COVID rat race dictated as unnecessary, and they are now a key part of every day.</p><p style="text-align: center;">So March officially feels like a blossoming, a fresh start in this new world we're voyaging into. There are still many unknowns, and possibly many more valleys to shuffle through, but my <b style="font-style: italic;">FAITH </b>has been significantly fortified by the trials and lessons of the past two years Algamdulilah.</p><p style="text-align: center;">It is therefore appropriate to mark this transformation with a photo shoot, it's a new dawn, a new day and I'm feeling on top of the world. Whatever lessons may come across my path, I feel stronger, equipped and supported by the Divine 💖</p><p style="text-align: center;">Photos by the incredible Pixels Photography...</p><p style="text-align: center;">Makeup by JustFadz</p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiW9q89m6NQQHrBwPUVRevU28spgZw2rp-y3IsHea7z2l9N6hO-4zJitzBcAhc2jQJ_-ILFkNycJWLQuZJQ9hxh78iG6c9kO7Wme5_f6ohJ6987E-vVd-VrNC8Pl19VgjGRM6I32cMvAymENit3-asSmOw1Y_jUZ9jjTReVjOGJYZYe4JONPfGj-tjx=s3200" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"></a><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0 0 0 40px; padding: 0px;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiW9q89m6NQQHrBwPUVRevU28spgZw2rp-y3IsHea7z2l9N6hO-4zJitzBcAhc2jQJ_-ILFkNycJWLQuZJQ9hxh78iG6c9kO7Wme5_f6ohJ6987E-vVd-VrNC8Pl19VgjGRM6I32cMvAymENit3-asSmOw1Y_jUZ9jjTReVjOGJYZYe4JONPfGj-tjx=s3200" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiW9q89m6NQQHrBwPUVRevU28spgZw2rp-y3IsHea7z2l9N6hO-4zJitzBcAhc2jQJ_-ILFkNycJWLQuZJQ9hxh78iG6c9kO7Wme5_f6ohJ6987E-vVd-VrNC8Pl19VgjGRM6I32cMvAymENit3-asSmOw1Y_jUZ9jjTReVjOGJYZYe4JONPfGj-tjx=s3200" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3200" data-original-width="3200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiW9q89m6NQQHrBwPUVRevU28spgZw2rp-y3IsHea7z2l9N6hO-4zJitzBcAhc2jQJ_-ILFkNycJWLQuZJQ9hxh78iG6c9kO7Wme5_f6ohJ6987E-vVd-VrNC8Pl19VgjGRM6I32cMvAymENit3-asSmOw1Y_jUZ9jjTReVjOGJYZYe4JONPfGj-tjx=w640-h640" width="640" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiW9q89m6NQQHrBwPUVRevU28spgZw2rp-y3IsHea7z2l9N6hO-4zJitzBcAhc2jQJ_-ILFkNycJWLQuZJQ9hxh78iG6c9kO7Wme5_f6ohJ6987E-vVd-VrNC8Pl19VgjGRM6I32cMvAymENit3-asSmOw1Y_jUZ9jjTReVjOGJYZYe4JONPfGj-tjx=s3200" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><p style="display: inline !important;"> </p></a></blockquote><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhLanGkRpQg9GwRBuCvihFhqdIf2WlOx96vHJzBc1S4ffTEWStWsg4OoUcS6fsepIuwVyjYeAheKK8fWUWu5JhWT2AMoEzJy-5y-CORB2Is61O5sVmaEzwP7-ExSrO5aeNpVGSiOvkFaQMTJWLfovVMwIXHVkzBhOgOVg33DOFDQwErbgt2JwV_efxZ=s5184" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; 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text-align: center;">Outfit details: </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">H & M Shirt </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Asos T-shirt</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Zara Pants</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Nike Sneakers</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Scarf old</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><p>Ciao for now,</p><p>RuBe xoxo</p></div><br /><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p>RuBe's Closethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12544216581097985023noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2857605145918106579.post-58343005802015957232021-12-10T00:00:00.034+02:002021-12-10T00:00:00.196+02:00A Quarter Century plus One <p style="text-align: center;"> Hi lovelies, </p><p style="text-align: center;">It's been ages since I even ventured to this page and 'penned' my thoughts, this space, which is usually where I go to to express my thoughts. However, I have been re-reading my older posts, and re-visiting some of my insights and revelations which I have experienced along my journey. </p><p style="text-align: center;">But this week, my upcoming anniversary felt like the right time to return. This month is always a reflective one, where I look back at the year that has passed, and years before that. I use this time to see how much I have grown, how my family has flourished; and to give gratitude for every single blessing Algamdulilah. This is a period of reset for me, and despite the current challenges faced in my industry, I take stock of my intentions and plans (usually set during the month of Ramadaan) and continue to look ahead. </p><p style="text-align: center;">Today marks my 26th anniversary, our celebratory vacation last year was cancelled, this year we had planned it for early in 2022 and I remain hopeful that we will get to travel soon again InshaAllah. As I sat and contemplated this past year (in fact the past two), I am humbled at the blessings and favours that have been bestowed upon me through this time. There were times where I broke down, tears streaming down my face as I prayed for guidance and strength. There were occasions when husby had to pick me up, console me, talk me through the trials I faced, and just be there for me at my lowest moments. And through these lows, I have persevered, <b><i>WE</i></b> have persevered, and grown in mutual understanding. Our family unit has bonded and become closer, taking care to continue</p><p style="text-align: center;">So today's post is one of humble gratitude, for the trials we have weathered together, and more importantly, the deepening friendship and love that has accompanied us on this journey over the past two years. When lockdown hit, we were placed in each other's space 24/7, and since we haven't returned to office, we've continued working from home, <i>together</i>. If we can make it through almost two years of being around each other for 2 years... we can make it through <i>anything </i>♥</p><p style="text-align: center;">I therefore dedicate this post to my long-time partner, my soul mate, best friend, cheerleader and sounding board. For all the patience, dedication and commitment you have towards us and our family. </p><p style="text-align: center;">My love,</p><p style="text-align: center;">As the sands of time pass by, </p><p style="text-align: center;">We become more entwined, more in sync;</p><p style="text-align: center;">Our thoughts mirrored in the other, </p><p style="text-align: center;">Comforted by understanding of the road the other has travelled.</p><p style="text-align: center;">These months have tested our resolve, </p><p style="text-align: center;">It has shown us the beauty of Divine Love and Blessing, </p><p style="text-align: center;">These months have taught us the essence of faith and humility. </p><p style="text-align: center;">And through it</p><p style="text-align: center;">We have grown, as individuals, as a partnership, as a family unit;</p><p style="text-align: center;">We have grown as parents and our charges have shown us the light. </p><p style="text-align: center;">Our days have been uncertain, still is; </p><p style="text-align: center;">But what is certain is that I'll be in your corner, </p><p style="text-align: center;">And you in mine, </p><p style="text-align: center;">Quietly supporting and loudly applauding.</p><p style="text-align: center;">I remain in awe of the blessing you have brought to my life,</p><p style="text-align: center;">Constantly aware of how my my Creator loves me, </p><p style="text-align: center;">To have placed you on my path. </p><p style="text-align: center;">I remain honoured to be by your side, </p><p style="text-align: center;">Through thick and thin, </p><p style="text-align: center;">As you fight for us and our family...</p><p style="text-align: center;">As you love us unconditionally, </p><p style="text-align: center;">Keep us safe and as you serve us with your entire being.</p><p style="text-align: center;">I love you, </p><p style="text-align: center;">Always,</p><p style="text-align: center;">I love you, </p><p style="text-align: center;">to Infinity</p><p style="text-align: center;">Happy Anniversary my Rock </p><p style="text-align: center;">♥️<br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; 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text-align: center;"><br /></div>Caio for now,<p></p><p style="text-align: center;">RuBe xoxo</p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><br /></div><br /><p></p>RuBe's Closethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12544216581097985023noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2857605145918106579.post-12695816545525443982021-05-03T13:16:00.002+02:002021-05-03T13:16:20.251+02:00A few tweaks is all that is needed<p style="text-align: center;">Hi lovely readers!</p><p style="text-align: center;">I've been immersed in Ramadaan and when I reared my head, I realised that we had entered the last 10 days/nights<span style="text-align: left;"> </span><span style="text-align: left;">🤲🏼. </span>As usual this month has been filled with so many blessings, I can tangibly feel the mercy of my Rabb and the sacredness of my time.</p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Last year we were catapulted into a very restricted way of observing Ramadaan, and yet the solitude and isolation turned out to be an amazing gift of a beautiful time. It allowed us the space to introspect, perform taraweeh in our homes, create new family bonding moments and to practice gratitude for our homes, food and health. This year, as we have emerged a from most of the restrictions, for many, Ramadaan has reverted back to the norm. I have not fully emerged from the solitude, I am finding comfort in isolation as it has allowed me the ability to contemplate more deeply, to strip away illusions more effectively without unnecessary noise. My prayer and reflection time is intensely heartfelt as I engage in supplication, reflection and examine my own engagement in the world; and how I serve and fulfil my purpose. </p><p style="text-align: center;">This past year has forced us to focus even more on the transient nature of life, as many of us are missing loved ones as we stare at empty seats at our dinner tables. It has taught us the power of prayer and faith, as everything we believed we could control, suddenly shifted beyond our reach and power. The reality of the Divine Plan has never been more strongly felt, and the potential of surrender never more promising than right now. I am certain that every single person has been affected in a myriad of ways by this pandemic; from losing loved ones, being infected and struggling to recover, loss of income, heightened abuse and mental health challenges, to mention a few. I am therefore so thankful for the energy and spirituality of this month; through contemplation and introspection, I can see how everything that has transpired has happened FOR me, not TO me; I am able to embrace the strength that I have dug deep down to find bu the Grace of my Creator. HE has brought me through so many traumas before this, and HE will bring me through this too Subgaanallah.</p><p style="text-align: center;">One of the most liberating effects of lockdown is that my duty to serve, and fortify myself in my purpose, has become my sole focus. Working at being the best version of me, without outside noise this past year, has been nothing short of life-changing. I start every day with gratitude for being alive, for my health, for my strength, my mind, my heart - all of which I will continue to honour- as these gifts equip me for whatever has been decreed along my path Algamdulilah.</p><p style="text-align: center;">These last 10 days is to be spent, as far as possible, in supplication for refuge and bringing us closer to the Divine. I pray that you are able to find the spaces to engage in deep dialogue with our Creator. May this last few days bring you peace, fill your soul and surround you with blessings InshaAllah.</p><p style="text-align: center;">In the spirit of the end of Ramadaan, I have decided to include my usual repurposing Eid styling inspo for those who are keen to upcycle outifts. I have been doing this for the past few years, and by merely changing up a few elements, it transforms the entire outfit to one that has never been worn before! For this lookpost, I chose a simple Milk Flared white Abayah with pockets from iera designs and glammed it up with accessories, most importantly- a feather jacket☺This look shows how you can take any piece and make it Eid ready! The jacket, scarf, shoes and bag are all existing pieces in my closet, which, when paired together results in a pretty Eid-worthy outfit.</p><p style="text-align: center;">Let me know what your thoughts are on re-purposing, I have already received resounding agreement to upcycling for Eid.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigUhoaNNpmGwUreFB1cJKv_iOxPncKJONWUMxEHdUde8MQu6qEyMiYVumV3OoAv1ovUnREUfY6_LxXPo17tafgdPzyW0-lpsrd4xnq26kIkVY40bxb95wh8Y6XINdMsui8JvvF1cWrVy4/s2048/IMG_8706.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigUhoaNNpmGwUreFB1cJKv_iOxPncKJONWUMxEHdUde8MQu6qEyMiYVumV3OoAv1ovUnREUfY6_LxXPo17tafgdPzyW0-lpsrd4xnq26kIkVY40bxb95wh8Y6XINdMsui8JvvF1cWrVy4/w640-h426/IMG_8706.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; 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text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Milk Abayah from iera designs</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Feather Jacket - London purchase</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Suede heels- old</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Forever New bag</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Rose Gold Scarf from Rif Wrapped</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Sunglasses - old</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Ciao for now,</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">RuBe xoxo</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><p></p>RuBe's Closethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12544216581097985023noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2857605145918106579.post-70430673188898996242021-02-25T00:00:00.001+02:002021-02-25T00:00:13.062+02:00Another milestone Ameer, turns 21!<p style="text-align: center;"> Welcome lovelies, </p><p style="text-align: center;">As I sit down to honour my second born on his 21st birthday, I am overwhelmed with emotion: for the huge milestone of having another young adult in my home and for the absolutely demanding year and all that we have weathered in our little home. Lockdown hit my second born the hardest, he is the most outgoing and social; he loves his campus life, went to gym on a daily basis and used to spend at least 2 nights a week playing soccer. When we entered level 5 of lockdown, all his activities came to an abrupt halt, and life went into hibernation mode. He's always been a busy young man, evidenced by his early impatience to become easily mobile, as a result he was already sauntering about way before his 1st birthday.</p><p style="text-align: center;">Throughout his life, he has striven for excellence, mastering every single task he undertook with unwavering focus. Every single challenge was embraced and dealt with ease, ensuring that he navigated his first 21 years with many opportunities to learn and expand his horizons. We have indeed been Divinely gifted with this young man placed upon our path, he has brought enlightenment, immense growth and personal development. He is testimony to the beauty and suitability of The Divine Plan.♥️</p><p style="text-align: center;">Being a parent to another 21 year old young man is a massive responsibility, a sacred duty which I take seriously. Parenting has resulted in an expanding of my own horizons; it has meant being faced with my shortcomings and learning to navigate with this knowledge. I am more aware now of what being a parent is all about; as I look back fondly at the simpler times, where it was all important to complete a collection of Pokemon tokens, or scoring goals in his club soccer match. Parenting young adults is fraught with different trials and new lessons, it distinctly highlights how much you have grown, from when idealistically set out on this journey. While being a young adult means they're stepping into the world of adulthood, my heart still holds them close as my 'babies' and I can vividly remember our bonding moments where they could fit snugly in my lap. My most precious memories being of feeding time, where the world stood still as my body nourished these little humans. This alone was one of the wonderful parenting duties I am most grateful to have been able to perform. Or reading before bedtime... or bath time or the very first day at school. These moments are countless, and keep me warm and fuzzy through those times when I start to feel the inevitable separation. </p><p style="text-align: center;">Ameer, as you stand on the cusp of adulthood, I take this moment to honour your presence in my (and our) life:</p><p style="text-align: center;"> </p><p style="text-align: center;">My adventurous, fearless and bold young soul, </p><p style="text-align: center;">You have ensured that our home is lively</p><p style="text-align: center;">With your busy energy and abundant bustle.</p><p style="text-align: center;">The thirst for knowledge driving you to search for answers,</p><p style="text-align: center;">To questions most don't even contemplate.</p><p style="text-align: center;">The wonders of the world has always captured your imagination,</p><p style="text-align: center;">Enthralling you, enveloping you.</p><p style="text-align: center;">Your engaging presence draws many to your side, </p><p style="text-align: center;">And some of your friendships have lasted longer than your school years.</p><p style="text-align: center;">Fiercely loyal, with a caring nature, </p><p style="text-align: center;">And a fun-loving character, </p><p style="text-align: center;">You bring sunshine and cheer to the dark. </p><p style="text-align: center;">Your name means leader,</p><p style="text-align: center;">A role you adopt with ease,</p><p style="text-align: center;">As you traverse your way on the path of life. </p><p style="text-align: center;">My prayer for you, is to always be true to yourself,</p><p style="text-align: center;">Be kind and be happy.</p><p style="text-align: center;">May your days be filled, living your purpose, </p><p style="text-align: center;">May they be filled with moments which makes your soul smile,</p><p style="text-align: center;">And your Heart soar 💗</p><p style="text-align: center;">Above all, </p><p style="text-align: center;">Celebrate your identity of a proud Muslim young man, </p><p style="text-align: center;">Creating your own path under Divine Guidance. </p><p style="text-align: center;">With this in your armoury</p><p style="text-align: center;">You'll conquer those mountains as you ascend the mountains and hills before you.</p><p style="text-align: center;">We love and honour you, </p><p style="text-align: center;">Always,</p><p style="text-align: center;">Our Ameer </p><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQV4LnQ4SCXHQvNu5mWLTclYgfG_0kG05khW5k_ig1cDjPON0n0SzMuxhCS3Won5Wu8wTagNr0D39kbvjd1X8P9cGt4pwmCRcfItRH-jOgXRltW6jY47LJfrfvo77KTjAKGpKyM3oS_Pg/s1920/IMG_8446.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="1920" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQV4LnQ4SCXHQvNu5mWLTclYgfG_0kG05khW5k_ig1cDjPON0n0SzMuxhCS3Won5Wu8wTagNr0D39kbvjd1X8P9cGt4pwmCRcfItRH-jOgXRltW6jY47LJfrfvo77KTjAKGpKyM3oS_Pg/w640-h426/IMG_8446.JPG" width="640" /></a></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkm9G-6VlwHYhMS4dWJW_GhN_5qw9HloNhgtGmokHm8-HAPbMDbvXjw0ZXoDGIl0TLuFSGiUJFtY4VvI-UmMxaRxT53RAvx7D4tVI7oVLeuxRrLcoxU-lSme3gf67uiVZdZu9O5dhycu4/s2048/IMG_6828.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1368" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkm9G-6VlwHYhMS4dWJW_GhN_5qw9HloNhgtGmokHm8-HAPbMDbvXjw0ZXoDGIl0TLuFSGiUJFtY4VvI-UmMxaRxT53RAvx7D4tVI7oVLeuxRrLcoxU-lSme3gf67uiVZdZu9O5dhycu4/w428-h640/IMG_6828.JPG" title="At 6 months old you were already a whopping 10kg" width="428" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">At 6 months old and already a whopping 10kg</td></tr></tbody></table><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1S9vJpJ00WyiUU1q5OilOijPtv0X78Dmjd8tD4tEyfXXdeTXI_bmjxWRJ3tTzIAAtNawYacQpXHvl8eiBPpN4jM5AlogaAxbt59ZPzUb0_XeHp-MrRHXxjDy2Fq4gFRDbs5ArK1xz6gs/s2048/IMG_6827.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1317" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1S9vJpJ00WyiUU1q5OilOijPtv0X78Dmjd8tD4tEyfXXdeTXI_bmjxWRJ3tTzIAAtNawYacQpXHvl8eiBPpN4jM5AlogaAxbt59ZPzUb0_XeHp-MrRHXxjDy2Fq4gFRDbs5ArK1xz6gs/w412-h640/IMG_6827.JPG" width="412" /></a></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmpNEKPdZmd89LXn7utE0K6y_Ni53MYvpx-YAn-7vlKyPts2YvTe1ZPF5Hh-aZVdh7ptzuJCPEUUFXjrMn3SjNbLCFFfZJ0I8oMNu7C3FmzDC3qzw2qbe6zz3j4hne2N2amge6wd_XH1o/s2048/IMG_6825.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1451" data-original-width="2048" height="454" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmpNEKPdZmd89LXn7utE0K6y_Ni53MYvpx-YAn-7vlKyPts2YvTe1ZPF5Hh-aZVdh7ptzuJCPEUUFXjrMn3SjNbLCFFfZJ0I8oMNu7C3FmzDC3qzw2qbe6zz3j4hne2N2amge6wd_XH1o/w640-h454/IMG_6825.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">You were a bookworm and enjoyed reading ... </td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3IDDzhB4UH1P7fiwRlYE-eqYf_tACn5aKC5byvwj_Y2QwtlP75W8VkG0tgf3kdZ-O68r2WJ1GzAM3hUoHMWSDxCDIkUN3RkQsdgNT28lBYa0FjHlNwrHcnwWVPMvRGE-s0g2iEVnvnek/s2048/IMG_6826.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1191" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3IDDzhB4UH1P7fiwRlYE-eqYf_tACn5aKC5byvwj_Y2QwtlP75W8VkG0tgf3kdZ-O68r2WJ1GzAM3hUoHMWSDxCDIkUN3RkQsdgNT28lBYa0FjHlNwrHcnwWVPMvRGE-s0g2iEVnvnek/w372-h640/IMG_6826.jpeg" width="372" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUxYUzYzU5dhVAy-sWkruZOOqumMQM3nMAY9uwezq5PVrBjQH1I4jB8J4PTyE1gsUhB0f_gaI1NaKicb84XrpTiY-2E9zmpXWDx4yh_g1L5oqCEG5VAmv8sPfaA88p1sNn1itTJ1v9Ep0/s2048/IMG_6829.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1402" data-original-width="2048" height="438" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUxYUzYzU5dhVAy-sWkruZOOqumMQM3nMAY9uwezq5PVrBjQH1I4jB8J4PTyE1gsUhB0f_gaI1NaKicb84XrpTiY-2E9zmpXWDx4yh_g1L5oqCEG5VAmv8sPfaA88p1sNn1itTJ1v9Ep0/w640-h438/IMG_6829.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pine Lake adventures date back 20 years</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDOTwItoMCVwUl8I5dAT24fTolRdHWrUAqYzKGiJ1PBBuEK5EsNc4H4V0wEwwdvA3AbDk_o_kpXbi6VRbtJ1O_PL7RT2mWD13IT0W-CgpGfVMjmZla1QchXBD5Wmb2lzQq-24bFCWtAXM/s2048/IMG_6831.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1372" data-original-width="2048" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDOTwItoMCVwUl8I5dAT24fTolRdHWrUAqYzKGiJ1PBBuEK5EsNc4H4V0wEwwdvA3AbDk_o_kpXbi6VRbtJ1O_PL7RT2mWD13IT0W-CgpGfVMjmZla1QchXBD5Wmb2lzQq-24bFCWtAXM/w640-h428/IMG_6831.jpeg" width="640" /></a><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBIQ2Lq6_SKVx0nxTh2UGXiTSSQBNqcfm6OtASva-CFQxCw6KFoYcx0qvrdQCPY0NY5W3Bp9ELzcY9A_BGtSgN-UszW0hhn9EW6ON_iTI3y4c_m_bPxgjmcpGNhZoQ5H_WT-Z8WKip9f4/s2048/25102008211.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBIQ2Lq6_SKVx0nxTh2UGXiTSSQBNqcfm6OtASva-CFQxCw6KFoYcx0qvrdQCPY0NY5W3Bp9ELzcY9A_BGtSgN-UszW0hhn9EW6ON_iTI3y4c_m_bPxgjmcpGNhZoQ5H_WT-Z8WKip9f4/w640-h480/25102008211.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Always climbing and clambering<br /><br /></td></tr></tbody></table></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5f3-v2aY3gOncaqfH2OI9h6XmwM_v9QSjCF6ulSxe9_HlF9MWxoIPJFKMj1MvseEPgTfMZwvUc7m2Oor7W7dq67Kdz3loX-AEvfOwVeE9jO2EyotxEUBqYPr3OUG8Y5vlAF13LhKKxfk/s1024/IMG_1119.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5f3-v2aY3gOncaqfH2OI9h6XmwM_v9QSjCF6ulSxe9_HlF9MWxoIPJFKMj1MvseEPgTfMZwvUc7m2Oor7W7dq67Kdz3loX-AEvfOwVeE9jO2EyotxEUBqYPr3OUG8Y5vlAF13LhKKxfk/w640-h480/IMG_1119.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A die-hard Barca fan </td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_OrJOh7P6CYek-BPHC-bF87uHOo4p3NlhoebHnIM0HXFnFMIvQkVFV2M-iRoZIAKdNbfiAoMYZ87RJnx95re5jxpbVnw1jCjgowoJF79xiB9MUFWzZIDO7tG6EniBPW3qx6G9NrrD8xk/s1024/IMG_7684.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="768" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_OrJOh7P6CYek-BPHC-bF87uHOo4p3NlhoebHnIM0HXFnFMIvQkVFV2M-iRoZIAKdNbfiAoMYZ87RJnx95re5jxpbVnw1jCjgowoJF79xiB9MUFWzZIDO7tG6EniBPW3qx6G9NrrD8xk/w480-h640/IMG_7684.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjicJlLw3dwnkN3K8tEuyY9Pu19oo29DhqI-npsnfDSQtlGE2Czz9fVXfQBqXzIYuYaj3H8YeCzIMMwipq1deaklHp1ZdJs4SK6F3sbpMljv28MV0fjtHNlz6pj1i4HTnBRXagBKtv_OHQ/s960/IMG_8398.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="640" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjicJlLw3dwnkN3K8tEuyY9Pu19oo29DhqI-npsnfDSQtlGE2Czz9fVXfQBqXzIYuYaj3H8YeCzIMMwipq1deaklHp1ZdJs4SK6F3sbpMljv28MV0fjtHNlz6pj1i4HTnBRXagBKtv_OHQ/w426-h640/IMG_8398.jpg" width="426" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Still living for soccer as a 21 year old!</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiShZyz_QgwBbd2o4umWKdzR-ktoSZSNkYbiNJT79d4BMh1BQL4BOXFJg8AR5eU03FTuuxeSMmvm_lMYx1pBxlei89af84UDQcAqCc1uoCFD7_XxomVl3b1QY2vCNw4nSNbDY-2EpQzTQ/s2048/20161228_134047.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiShZyz_QgwBbd2o4umWKdzR-ktoSZSNkYbiNJT79d4BMh1BQL4BOXFJg8AR5eU03FTuuxeSMmvm_lMYx1pBxlei89af84UDQcAqCc1uoCFD7_XxomVl3b1QY2vCNw4nSNbDY-2EpQzTQ/w480-h640/20161228_134047.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGIH7XZZ02TwT61Zx1VYq6bQ4rqpRuK3NtFPms2pTizhGBB7ChyphenhyphennJT6inZhW_PZi4WS8cPgXFjMwLzs3Zda0_m-RAyA1cEB2MQU7ene2pNEOpI9sk47a3IJHY73UW-JpvTfHzxrWruYM8/s2048/IMG_0406.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGIH7XZZ02TwT61Zx1VYq6bQ4rqpRuK3NtFPms2pTizhGBB7ChyphenhyphennJT6inZhW_PZi4WS8cPgXFjMwLzs3Zda0_m-RAyA1cEB2MQU7ene2pNEOpI9sk47a3IJHY73UW-JpvTfHzxrWruYM8/w480-h640/IMG_0406.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">You observe the world through your own unique lens</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjz_9AVS5Q2CBwH9kfQ3su7FHsQPhOXieu_sqkIEQFAeKBsaqbk1Hd8vFbwIifU6RvGbDsb91kDtqjWJKqnwfS8-801q-Tn4gu7dfo3Ez8MX73xXEphQw5RzOKzJBKicj1pC1uLYOBbp30/s2048/IMG_0576.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjz_9AVS5Q2CBwH9kfQ3su7FHsQPhOXieu_sqkIEQFAeKBsaqbk1Hd8vFbwIifU6RvGbDsb91kDtqjWJKqnwfS8-801q-Tn4gu7dfo3Ez8MX73xXEphQw5RzOKzJBKicj1pC1uLYOBbp30/w480-h640/IMG_0576.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">And the tallest guy in our home, towering over us all</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzXsuKJqR7ytqzjY-EtcUFryUYmM6hiaTWPs9NZTekngg3g-HJOYnShYoDZP5zc1l5g4m9pFhYUxAkixBs8NBvLlTOisKzA-cfLZ5fxzZiQZLZ5TOZIVS1dYYwwMsBJhL6vVbl_aC1Ot8/s2048/IMG_0673.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1916" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzXsuKJqR7ytqzjY-EtcUFryUYmM6hiaTWPs9NZTekngg3g-HJOYnShYoDZP5zc1l5g4m9pFhYUxAkixBs8NBvLlTOisKzA-cfLZ5fxzZiQZLZ5TOZIVS1dYYwwMsBJhL6vVbl_aC1Ot8/w598-h640/IMG_0673.jpg" width="598" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">18 months ago at your older brothers 21st, when gatherings were still allowed</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitgKcMRUiFp5dBF7B0EtIsu2tgRdmq9lJ0llnwayO_PgbXcRJiFpyvvnJiHg1pqH0EfLfxFtZwQrhT3JHox46ytAB_dFPmHylxLqktz8yFnM_e1jhyphenhyphenuZU68UIAcbdS8cS7RXeLBAJw52U/s2048/IMG_0725.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitgKcMRUiFp5dBF7B0EtIsu2tgRdmq9lJ0llnwayO_PgbXcRJiFpyvvnJiHg1pqH0EfLfxFtZwQrhT3JHox46ytAB_dFPmHylxLqktz8yFnM_e1jhyphenhyphenuZU68UIAcbdS8cS7RXeLBAJw52U/w640-h426/IMG_0725.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Working on your speech as a tribute to big brother</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFSsKZz1krX4CwYqSgtLoMNPOYX7agLMpEnPGN2EdZeVFIGrXGyvBhkaEbRpAS-n4zipauFVIrbc2_g_oaHvJpFRmHpEfSYMXJ4b7GlM4jS2B_X1Zd1at_6ERj0-79iYeWLtkXwuvVaF8/s1920/IMG_2264.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1920" data-original-width="1280" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFSsKZz1krX4CwYqSgtLoMNPOYX7agLMpEnPGN2EdZeVFIGrXGyvBhkaEbRpAS-n4zipauFVIrbc2_g_oaHvJpFRmHpEfSYMXJ4b7GlM4jS2B_X1Zd1at_6ERj0-79iYeWLtkXwuvVaF8/w426-h640/IMG_2264.jpg" width="426" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The 'Ameer Pose'</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div style="text-align: center;">Caio for now, </div><div><div style="text-align: center;">RuBe xoxo</div><br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /></div>RuBe's Closethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12544216581097985023noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2857605145918106579.post-55258496672921941842021-02-05T09:00:00.030+02:002021-02-05T10:48:13.195+02:002021 Lessons, Contemplation & Parenting<p style="text-align: center;"> <span style="text-align: center;">Hi lovelies!! 💖</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: center;">Welcome to my first post of 2021, I had taken some time to reflect on the learnings of 2020, the growth, lessons learnt, and try as best as possible to chart a course for 2021. Charting my course by no means indicates that I am able to look into a crystal ball and be able to formulate a concrete way forward. Instead, what has become increasingly crucial is the personal care, being present with my loved ones and creating moments filled with joy. At a time like this we access the memory bank and relive joyful moments to restore hope and satisfy the yearning.</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: center;">January was indeed a turbulent month on many fronts, work has been this way for almost a year and it seems as if January has become the time for my rite of passage into a new parenting phase. Parenting teaches us so much, it humbles and at the same time makes my heart soar; and it also has moments of distress and moments when gentle support is required. As a parent, I am finely tuned into the energies of my kids, I can tell when they are happy or sad, anxious or heartbroken. And yet, I have to be respectful enough to ask if they need support or comfort, and if not, to be comfortable to leave them at that moment. It takes every ounce of self restraint to create the space for them to deal with an issue and know that I'll be ready to step in when they are ready to talk. </span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: center;">These past two weeks have tested all my relationships, the most notable being the relationship with myself. It is learned a behaviour to be harsh on myself and to set exceptionally high standards. I am my own worst critic and I have to consciously remain mindful to practice kindness on myself first. Among all the roles I fulfil: entrepreneur, wife, mother, daughter, sister, friend and confidant I lose myself in the giving and nurturing of others. It takes some serious introspection (and time out from all these roles) to realise when I have expended too much energy, whether in the holding of safe spaces for others or when sacrificing my me-time. </span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: center;">However, during this pandemic, it has become easier to maintain my self care routines, and catch the old patterns from resurfacing. It will always be something to be aware of as I navigate my roles, and it seems that this past year has really intensified all the feels and needs. It required a stepping up and vigilance, which meant that depleting my energy happens so subtly, it is only when I'm weary that the reality hits home. The inability to tell from day to day what may/may not transpire has also added anxiety which has never been there before, the reality that life is not guaranteed <i>to anyone</i>. The transient nature of life has been starkly highlighted with all the deaths we have suffered, and being unable to visit or attend the funeral causes further heartache. Not being able to say a final farewell makes it all seem so unreal, as if we are living in an alternate universe. The grieving process looks so different, the act of consoling loved ones now an awkward, socially distanced sharing of comforting words and prayers. I have now added attending a virtual funeral via Zoom to the list of firsts experienced during this pandemic. The constant barrage of death notices, prayer requests spurs you to call your loved ones, just to hear their voices if you cannot see them. </span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: center;">All of this surrounds me and merges with all the roles I play, resulting in the need for continuous self reflection. To understand the impact of all this on my consciousness, to grasp the gravity of the situation and to accept that I cannot change anything except my own reaction and survival mechanisms. Added to this is the parenting of 1 young teenager and 2 young adults who all have their own experiences and challenges as they journey through these uncertain times. I can only model behaviour to ensure that they see conscious healing in practice, that they understand that whatever they may need is <i>within</i> them, just waiting to be activated. It is also important for them to know that it is ok not to have all the answers, or to make mistakes; it emulates our humanness so eloquently. </span></p><p style="text-align: center;">The key learning from last year is to embrace my humanness, to accept my flaws and let go of the burden of the <i>want</i> to control each and every outcome; and to understand that this is how my Creator intended for it be. January was the month of integrating these learnings even deeper than before. I have understood and experienced grief in varying forms, and have had to access the strength deep within, to be able to unapologetically stand in my truth and authenticity. My young human charges need me to be kind to myself and show up for myself more than they require anything else; in that I am able to engage the energy to be of service. Awaking each morning with immense gratitude, and being especially kind to my body, taking care of this most magnificent Divine gift.</p><p style="text-align: center;">This lookpost features a dress from iera Designs which I recently wore to the launch of her hijab studio in Rylands. I have paired it with a belt and a pair of wedge sandals to dress it up a bit. The launch of a studio in these trying times, is indeed a promising sign of eternal hope and highlights the resilient nature of an entrepreneur. It is a spark to ignite a fire which will hopefully warm those souls feeling the constant drum of despair.</p><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXuvd9MPlakb6DN17otHXF8l0JGR7qa77vufvzS8Fjw7q-5aXQ14y6eOLraQjEu4Oxr4sN28pWksghFDvgsdE1YSTkuNLZOrCj1OfoqhFwCn38tHIcX7yUhHjSPyMHo0qBjuzgzGNTRCo/s1920/IMG_8492.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="1920" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXuvd9MPlakb6DN17otHXF8l0JGR7qa77vufvzS8Fjw7q-5aXQ14y6eOLraQjEu4Oxr4sN28pWksghFDvgsdE1YSTkuNLZOrCj1OfoqhFwCn38tHIcX7yUhHjSPyMHo0qBjuzgzGNTRCo/w640-h426/IMG_8492.jpeg" width="640" /></a></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtkaWwRbbd6jVjxWmewTX92POhPGOGTBRfa4ES724zWkxBmsX2ZF9n0DExusur7n0kM9sksqPaRSMRE9nWbRbl9-qOQBCykdIHn7HsXjF97TxOBwE6vOqdtRnfnGHDcJllLGqGspUptVk/s1920/IMG_8494.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; 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text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Dress by iera Designs</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">ZARA sandals</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Kate Spade handbag</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Chanel sunglasses</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Poetry scarf</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Witchery leather belt</div><br /><p></p>RuBe's Closethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12544216581097985023noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2857605145918106579.post-36533279609030340712020-12-10T03:00:00.017+02:002020-12-10T03:00:10.111+02:00Celebrating a Quarter Century<p style="text-align: center;"> Welcome back readers!</p><p style="text-align: center;">Today's post is in honour of my 25th Wedding Anniversary... Jeez, when I say it out loud or see it on paper, it seems like a lifetime, or the age of adult (which it is). And yet, in reality I feel as if the years have gone by in a flash. I can remember the emotions of my wedding, what transpired on the day and even the howling gale force South Easter whipping around me. The dreams I had when we started out are still fresh in my mind, ever present as a reminder of where we started out. I love weddings, they are so nostalgic with a heady energy of new beginnings like a heavy fog in the air.</p><p style="text-align: center;">25 YEARS! 😲</p><p style="text-align: center;">It's been 25 years of friendship, being housemates, co-parenting, travel buddies, shopping buddies and, most importantly: holding a safe space for each other. Without this it would have been near impossible to navigate rocky marital waters. Without our safe haven, we may have foundered and found ourselves stranded, in very different parts of our lives. This safe space allows us to be ourselves authentically, to state our truths without reprimand or fear of persecution. We married young, and grew into adults alongside each other, bearing witness to the trials that this comes with; we've each had a front row seat to the harsh rites of passage of becoming the best version of self. And will be working at it constantly... </p><p style="text-align: center;">There's a saying: ' A <strike>perfect</strike> marriage is just two imperfect people who refuse to give up on each other." - Unknown</p><p style="text-align: center;">I've struck out the 'perfect' as no marriage is perfect, <b><i>it is just right for those in the partnership</i></b>. There will always be ups and downs, as a marriage embodies two individuals coming together to share one life. Values may be different, ideals may be different and personalities, for sure, are different. Finding a way of living together, knowing that this is challenge; and acknowledging that as individuals we are all imperfect, is the starting line. Words like communication, honesty, compromise, understanding and honour should be standards on which the union is based and not just words bandied about. For me these standards emanate from the heart; and with empathy and love, sets the tone for a flourishing relationship.</p><p style="text-align: center;">2020 has surely tested every relationship on earth, and we have weathered this time with grace; and the fact that we each know the other pretty well, went a long way in fostering harmonious 24 hour co-habitation. This year has highlighted my blessings more than ever, and my co-pilot and life partner is one Godsend which I am immensely grateful for. I am humbled and thankful that the Almighty has chosen someone so perfect <i>for me</i>, there is no other way to explain his presence in my life other than as a Divine gift. And from that gifted union, I am fortunate to have 3 young men in my charge, Algamdulilah. These are my blessings, my army of angels who have been an anchor and support to me during the trials of this year.</p><p style="text-align: center;"> <i>Ghaalid, my love:</i></p><p style="text-align: center;"><i>I sit in wonder at the perfectness of Divine Design.</i></p><p style="text-align: center;"><i>Our union is a special gift, </i></p><p style="text-align: center;"><i>One which we're obligated to cherish, nurture and protect.</i></p><p style="text-align: center;"><i>There have been many crossroads along the way, </i></p><p style="text-align: center;"><i>And we may at times have found ourselves moving along different paths.</i></p><p style="text-align: center;"><i>And yet, our Divinely guided paths, as destined, cross again, </i></p><p style="text-align: center;"><i>To learn, to be humbled, to be reminded of the beauty of our partnership. </i></p><p style="text-align: center;"><i>All around us a storm may be raging, </i></p><p style="text-align: center;"><i>With the occasional gale force knocking us off course.</i></p><p style="text-align: center;"><i>We may flounder for a bit, </i></p><p style="text-align: center;"><i>We may sit in anger for a while, </i></p><p style="text-align: center;"><i>We may feel adrift without the co-ordinates of where we want to be. </i></p><p style="text-align: center;"><i>However, fated to navigate our way back on course, </i></p><p style="text-align: center;"><i>With work, understanding and truth we start charting our journey together.</i></p><p style="text-align: center;"><i>Three young crew members as our ever present audience, </i></p><p style="text-align: center;"><i>These young minds which absorb every relationship ebb and flow with vigour.</i></p><p style="text-align: center;"><i>They learn by watching, by sensing and navigate through intuition.</i></p><p style="text-align: center;"><i>I trust this will translate into their own co-ordinates for their future paths. </i></p><p style="text-align: center;"><i>I am in wonder of Divine Guidance, </i></p><p style="text-align: center;"><i>I am in awe of Divine Providence,</i></p><p style="text-align: center;"><i>I am in gratitude of this Divine Gift,</i></p><p style="text-align: center;"><i>I marvel at the Divine miracles around me each and every day.</i></p><p style="text-align: center;"><i>One of which is this marriage of 25 years</i></p><p style="text-align: center;"><i>Algamdulilah <span style="text-align: left;">♥️</span></i></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;">May we be blessed with many more InshaAllah, Happy Silver Anniversary!!!</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;"><br /></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;">PS: This has been a year of very few photos ... Definitely due for a family shoot.</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiemC2kQ3ihudMp1AYjgvBCMoandyq_Vye9AVZBPSe-il12eS0A9mb2VUsPbdqsFRKalmwsSve6Xx3RZ4ZG_Kvhe62Uh6a5Ak20qM82uFM8w-1kyQ6wgTVw0sQ5hhL6gIasTmIwwXC9b_I/s2048/IMG_6052+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiemC2kQ3ihudMp1AYjgvBCMoandyq_Vye9AVZBPSe-il12eS0A9mb2VUsPbdqsFRKalmwsSve6Xx3RZ4ZG_Kvhe62Uh6a5Ak20qM82uFM8w-1kyQ6wgTVw0sQ5hhL6gIasTmIwwXC9b_I/w640-h426/IMG_6052+copy.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><span style="text-align: left;"><br /></span><p></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;"><br /></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhD9leRhBLwlxwRhD_dynqlxEYjjrpMDrEm-tSGl1fF_YUpqu7pnepRJUaKYx4DbI3OlE88JWKJG4xKk0vwZ5UgCFMGGqSL2SnSWxOl4qnt6d4Wm3oaD6blxo0sB4-58ek1z8WJm-IYz4c/s1280/301b79fd-adb7-4164-8667-d1d1aaa9a68f.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; 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text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDmUh8zNtUfAUhPvIm6kY65olQg3w-Uhyphenhyphen9zNra0yErnktKjj40REiqzYQNQgCqjPC5OIabjdnBZenVjq6MMPLKFHz8A_pN9YU70a62-s02a-DWvgsT4RS1F0IADLnYor2TIAm5m6tB0EI/s2048/IMG_6232.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDmUh8zNtUfAUhPvIm6kY65olQg3w-Uhyphenhyphen9zNra0yErnktKjj40REiqzYQNQgCqjPC5OIabjdnBZenVjq6MMPLKFHz8A_pN9YU70a62-s02a-DWvgsT4RS1F0IADLnYor2TIAm5m6tB0EI/w640-h426/IMG_6232.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOxxqOK20iFHSJyMTnzfthhWsLVGeMlBZKSMdhsT5UYf6gEp7Qf7Qgv_J3rlZOVDGcop-I1YMu3QOsTXjjVyty4PTC87z1825qhyphenhyphenAozM75VbrBZQaUKkl9MDKDHIjeQDhk4abBDSgHImo/s2048/IMG_9920.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1539" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOxxqOK20iFHSJyMTnzfthhWsLVGeMlBZKSMdhsT5UYf6gEp7Qf7Qgv_J3rlZOVDGcop-I1YMu3QOsTXjjVyty4PTC87z1825qhyphenhyphenAozM75VbrBZQaUKkl9MDKDHIjeQDhk4abBDSgHImo/w640-h480/IMG_9920.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Ciao for now,</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">RuBe xoxo</div><br /><span style="text-align: left;"><br /></span><p></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;"><br /></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;"><br /></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;"><br /></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"> </p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p>RuBe's Closethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12544216581097985023noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2857605145918106579.post-42316694513977524412020-12-01T17:44:00.001+02:002020-12-01T17:44:30.654+02:00Welcoming 2020 December<p style="text-align: center;">Hi readers, </p><p style="text-align: center;">It is with great disbelief that I welcome December. I feel as if 2020 had been placed on pause somewhere around the beginning of March. I returned from my last trip abroad on 28 February, straight into planning for my next trip in mid-March. However, as I travelled through Mauritius during that last week of February, I watched the international news in horror. At that point, Italy was starting its steep trajectory, an entire hotel in the UK had been locked down and quarantined, and as travelers, we were subjected to several health checks at the airport. Looking back, it became clear that those incidences were just a precursor to something I could never have imagined possible, a total lockdown for the entire globe. It heralded the start of something straight out of a sci-fi or apocalyptic movie: empty streets, empty airports, grounded planes and isolated, shut off continents and islands. </p><p style="text-align: center;">People retreated into their homes, some glued to the grim news reports on television; others just trying to make sense of a warped reality. And even while it was happening, I had the slightest belief that we would recover and that within 6 months or so, we would start emerging from this horror. Well here we are, 9 months later and in the midst of a resurgence, praying that we do not fall victim to the second wave which has the majority of the northern hemisphere in a deathlike vice grip. There are moments when a semblance of normalcy rears its head, like a visit with family members or dinner with friends. And swiftly, I am reminded of our current circumstances, as I instinctively feel the need to sanitise, or need to pull the mask back up after eating. I have never before minded crowds, now I try and avoid it like the plague, as I am constantly mindful of being a 'carrier' when engaging when older and more vulnerable members of our community. Prior to the pandemic, I always had sanitising hand wipes in my bag, waterless sanitiser and I would not just touch surfaces as a general rule. I am therefore no stranger to sanitisation, in fact its a norm (for my own protection), however the possibility of contracting the virus and being asymptomatic, and then infecting others, is my biggest fear. </p><p style="text-align: center;">We are now approaching the end of what can only described as an unspeakable year, and I have never been as happy to see the end of exams as this year. I feel as if this is a major achievement for this year, as schooling has really been one of the most affected areas. Being able to complete the school year and write exams (in whatever shape or form) is an accomplishment indeed. My youngest has missed the social engagements and he has mourned the loss of his soccer training and matches; especially since he suffered a bone break at the beginning of the year and was still recovering when lockdown hit. During lockdown we spent 24 hours a day with our families, confined to the four walls of our homes; trying to remain positive and <i>sane</i>. My young adult sons weathered online university like troopers; the eldest completing his final postgrad and my middle pushing through second year. I cannot imagine the isolation they must have felt; attending campus is more than just an educational experience for them; it is also the place to engage with friends, develop long lasting friendships and provide and find peer support. More than anything, having lost their social engagements with peers affected them way more than having to continue their learning online. Now friendships were being reduced to video calls, birthday wishes being sent via voice notes and milestones celebrated virtually (even a graduation ceremonies). </p><p style="text-align: center;">This year has taught me what is truly important, how critical it is to live my purpose and to trust in Divine guidance. Everything I had planned for this year went out the window, and at first it totally threw me off course. By nature I am a solutionist, I am best at strategising and finding new ways forward; and for a while, I operated in survival mode. There was no solution, no alternative, no strategy that would work for our current situation, and I had to dig deep to arrive at a place where that was ok. I had to do some heavy inner work, introspect and find the place that would allow me to surrender even further to the Divine. I am strong in my faith, and yet this pandemic has unearthed another layer. It has brought about a humility coupled with immense gratitude for the privilege of just being me, each and every day. I have uncovered a depth of strength within, which has been highlighted by the trials faced during this time. It wasn't pretty, and I am thankful to my family for rallying during what seems like a nightmarish year. We have been supportive with each other, with the usual disagreements; but each member of the family has had to practise compromise, kindness, patience and tolerance toward the others. This applied to sibling relationships, parent-child relationships and marital relationships; with the understanding that this situation is not a walk in the park, for any one of us. And whilst we are not out of lockdown yet, we have emerged from the past 9 months in good shape and with a renewed mutual respect. </p><p style="text-align: center;">It is therefore understandable that as lockdown regulations were relaxed, people rushed to find some normalcy. I really missed my nearest and dearest, but even as lockdown relaxed, I am not yet engaging and visiting as often as I would like. It is still crucial to maintain our safety measures, and follow COVID protocols, as nothing has really changed. The virus is still transmitted in the same way, people are still dying and we still need to adhere to protocols. In fact, other parts of the world are still living in 'military states' with curfews and stringent lockdown laws in place. It is therefore incumbent upon each of us to remain responsible, to monitor ourselves and in need refrain from social engagements, <b><i>to protect others</i></b> more than just ourselves.</p><p style="text-align: center;">I have not shopped much recently, but in the hope of spreading the love wanted share the pieces sent to me by <a href="https://www.instagram.com/ieradesigns/" target="_blank">iera Designs</a>, (Islamic Era Designs), a new modest clothing line. The ladies behind the business are passionate about hijab, beautiful pieces, quality and would like to make it accessible to all. My favourite piece is this beautiful marble print dress, which can be dressed up or down. It's lightweight and the fabric drapes beautifully, creating a modest silhouette. I felt comfortable, elegant and completely at ease while wearing this stunning piece. I have paired it with a light silkblend scarf from <a href="https://www.instagram.com/rana_scarves/" target="_blank">Rana Scarves</a> which is perfect for those sweltering Summer days.</p><p></p><div style="text-align: center;"> </div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjU2Lp8ijm5i1hvv0gnlnc1DZiYNUkdoI13gbbSbBb-CDuACq7muFExAzOc0qUlynkeHDFdCQ_bmKrZ6Hw_p8oc4sHBbLghhZNdbF3jd8BhdXAItSzkO01betNv842FDH_ABKuJY7bNE3Y/s1853/IMG_8340.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1235" data-original-width="1853" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjU2Lp8ijm5i1hvv0gnlnc1DZiYNUkdoI13gbbSbBb-CDuACq7muFExAzOc0qUlynkeHDFdCQ_bmKrZ6Hw_p8oc4sHBbLghhZNdbF3jd8BhdXAItSzkO01betNv842FDH_ABKuJY7bNE3Y/w640-h426/IMG_8340.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhCNxCOFe5QlqsELRQ5lvnqUPoUaFiV4k9jrqFqt6ayc2tgaC4NbyXk6m6FUSNjH5HPv1l45ule1lqaFYnqFmQAxrW0orbCGlG9MwF-uJvsWYS4SHU7JkEboTgVkNE9Q_pOOkvSoQNp9c/s1920/IMG_8344.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="1920" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhCNxCOFe5QlqsELRQ5lvnqUPoUaFiV4k9jrqFqt6ayc2tgaC4NbyXk6m6FUSNjH5HPv1l45ule1lqaFYnqFmQAxrW0orbCGlG9MwF-uJvsWYS4SHU7JkEboTgVkNE9Q_pOOkvSoQNp9c/w640-h426/IMG_8344.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgidPyYFIaj7Sq7KSijhUtlHjXTwJHxsV10ZJN__wfghcQrS4yeYx4pU6kqERttMhidpCcyVa_k-jVgJF0QzkgbnVln4tGLPXj_YqpmljTk4ZDBcz5cypSyE1eA04OBclTrjTgAwZ8feRM/s1823/IMG_8360.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1215" data-original-width="1823" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgidPyYFIaj7Sq7KSijhUtlHjXTwJHxsV10ZJN__wfghcQrS4yeYx4pU6kqERttMhidpCcyVa_k-jVgJF0QzkgbnVln4tGLPXj_YqpmljTk4ZDBcz5cypSyE1eA04OBclTrjTgAwZ8feRM/w640-h426/IMG_8360.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjudfbfp1Vu6XidTQRVgye-7M14SfBrEp-NhRfpHJev4Axs0P3NSAkNM6BoTD2l4XlkCYInV_FPxaUatKScByE2OqdxvDeGX-K4gzX_h-jGDRAbBRElh9XuptTFaSUtkecWdbbWtz_5wqM/s1721/IMG_8353.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1721" data-original-width="1226" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjudfbfp1Vu6XidTQRVgye-7M14SfBrEp-NhRfpHJev4Axs0P3NSAkNM6BoTD2l4XlkCYInV_FPxaUatKScByE2OqdxvDeGX-K4gzX_h-jGDRAbBRElh9XuptTFaSUtkecWdbbWtz_5wqM/w456-h640/IMG_8353.jpeg" width="456" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1Zl3Ake2EtHZpHo3rwCF6-r-GT4mDlqpNB8xWCb0SiPuDIPs50oVfemLp4BUCEpYG75W3R_daPLwoXbe5Z4GZmVRvKLlldmom2jyul0RlXoVxGkHQffh0Yfg9n9AFh0w1oDs8h8sHVLo/s1920/IMG_8373.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="1920" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1Zl3Ake2EtHZpHo3rwCF6-r-GT4mDlqpNB8xWCb0SiPuDIPs50oVfemLp4BUCEpYG75W3R_daPLwoXbe5Z4GZmVRvKLlldmom2jyul0RlXoVxGkHQffh0Yfg9n9AFh0w1oDs8h8sHVLo/w640-h426/IMG_8373.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; 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text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Outfit Details:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">iera Designs dress</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Rana Scarves silkblend scarf</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Mimco Crochet bag</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Forever New Heels</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Caio for now,</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">RuBe xoxo</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><p></p>RuBe's Closethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12544216581097985023noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2857605145918106579.post-74441671161310621062020-10-18T17:43:00.002+02:002020-10-18T17:43:20.991+02:00Emerging from Lockdown <p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Hey lovelies!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">It's sure been a while since I last 'put pen to paper' to share some thoughts. To be honest, during lockdown my inspiration felt low, there really wasn't much that I wanted to say. I took a break from social media and found that it helped to cut down on some platforms which felt overwhelmingly toxic. It felt as if the emotions, uncertainty and confusion were all over the social media platforms, running amok in posts, comments and subtexts. These past few months have really required me to go inward, and take the time to examine what this pandemic has meant to me. And while I was immensely grateful and mindful for all of my blessings, there were some dark moments, some tearful moments, some Aha! moments and some deep thought provoking moments. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">For me, it was a time to evaluate and assess what I wanted to expend my energy on and who I wanted to share my energy with. During this time, it became increasingly clear what I needed to do for myself, for my family and for business. I have undergone several fundamental shifts in my mindset, prompted by the enforced solitude and deep introspection. I awoke every day, with an abundance of gratitude, to my Creator for granting me another day to serve HIM. While around me I heard of new infections every day, close family members and friends losing the fight against the pandemic with loved ones in mourning; I was more aware than ever that every day was a gift. It became crystal clear how we take our health for granted; and how this crazy time has highlighted the importance of our well-being. The impact that all the sudden fatalities had on me was that I realised how blessed I am to be loved, to have loved ones around and to be able to spend time with them. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">All the other stuff, although still important, was secondary. Even as our business ground to a sudden halt, with a very slow recovery envisioned, what is evident was that as mere mortals we are in control of nothing. In this realisation, there is no other alternative but to turn to our faith and rely on Divine Guidance, which the noise of the world drowns out. This time of quiet, where the entire world was forced into isolation for an extended period of time, showed us more than anything, that complete submission to the Divine was the only way to overcome this. Without warning, the global village found itself fighting the same invisible enemy, with no cure in the immediate future. Economies stood still, airlines were grounded and food and shelter became the most important commodities. We found ourselves longing for the simple things, which lockdown restricted. Being able to experience the sea air, take a walk in nature, take the kids to the park and visiting our loved became luxuries we hoped for . </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Life was in limbo and governments dictated our movements, national curfews implemented forced the youth to spend evenings at home with their families. Kids started yearning to be back at school, to have a conversation with a friend, to complete their school work outside of the home environment; and people appreciated their jobs as others found themselves out of work. For every person, the perspective on life has been altered forever. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">As we emerge from a full national lockdown, into a 'new normal', we turn to the small things to bring back a sense of balance. For me the first thing I wanted to do was inhale the sea air and just sit back and watch the waves. I take pleasure in observing the wonders and beauty of nature, which had been denied to me for months. Being able to go out for a meal (not cooked by me) is a treat, and catching up with a friend/family member in person is a cherished moment. The person who went into lockdown is not the same person who emerged from the cocoon to Level 1. Priorities have been re-organised, my daily gratitude practices have been integrated, I understand my value and will walk on my path keeping this knowledge close. I am mindful of the greatest gift I have been bestowed and that is the blessing of being uniquely ME. There is no other version of me in the entire universe, and nobody can be me, nor do what I what I am predestined to do. My Divine purpose is to embrace the entirety of my being, and as I emerge from lockdown, this will remain my biggest priority.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">These are my post-lockdown images. During lockdown, I made a conscious decision not to purchase any clothing, accessories or shoes, as I wanted to experiment with what was in my closet. I have to admit that it barely affected me. While everyone was purchasing loungewear, I was unearthing my sweats and keeping some outfits on rotation for Zoom sessions and the occasional trip to the store. Therefore my lookpost below features some oldies from the closet and a pair of sneakers thrifted from my son, which he outgrew. I have combined sweats with a dressy skirt for a bit of a change from the lockdown uniform of full on sweats. I am hopeful to carry this minimal shopping ideology forward into my 'new normal'. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">PS: I have also reactivated my online pre-loved store, go on and have a look <a href="https://www.rubescloset.com/p/shop.html" target="_blank">here</a>. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">What are your greatest epiphanies unearthed during this past few months?</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4ttdKjgpBKDlnqasq1TRIn5d0EIQ31ORtFPE4HqvZXRjSuTX7EUq6uXF936OZvEYrvLduVcddpr5uW98RsxtmFfApJMTRs3-SBDZbGf2UzrBj644H9CHMDw9wiJYie-jY6jgZ-Mhe5n0/s1425/IMG_8180.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1059" data-original-width="1425" height="475" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4ttdKjgpBKDlnqasq1TRIn5d0EIQ31ORtFPE4HqvZXRjSuTX7EUq6uXF936OZvEYrvLduVcddpr5uW98RsxtmFfApJMTRs3-SBDZbGf2UzrBj644H9CHMDw9wiJYie-jY6jgZ-Mhe5n0/w640-h475/IMG_8180.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjanp9t4pHY3BZtyWwvXPoKhCY7x5XyauPPIFZnX7IUpZJfENO2zRnZxUU_DFSs_pirp_RPYtFID_MHcbACkTjFGtbMCbylQ88r6_a642hyphenhyphenQHZs-oFxGmCaZk1PLP-nc_sOHGuRbkWAKyQ/s1588/IMG_8182.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1058" data-original-width="1588" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjanp9t4pHY3BZtyWwvXPoKhCY7x5XyauPPIFZnX7IUpZJfENO2zRnZxUU_DFSs_pirp_RPYtFID_MHcbACkTjFGtbMCbylQ88r6_a642hyphenhyphenQHZs-oFxGmCaZk1PLP-nc_sOHGuRbkWAKyQ/w640-h426/IMG_8182.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; 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text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Outfit Details:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Mango Sweat top</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Human Image skirt</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Chimpel leather bag</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Giorgio Armani sunglasses</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Vans sneakers (thrifted)</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Ciao for now, </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">RuBe xoxo</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /> <p></p>RuBe's Closethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12544216581097985023noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2857605145918106579.post-53251730127672675052020-06-16T08:00:00.000+02:002020-06-16T08:00:04.057+02:00Birthday celebrations & 24/7 lockdown relationship<div style="text-align: center;">Welcome readers!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">We are halfway through 2020, and boy what a year it has been thus far! One that could not be foreseen, predicted or ever conceived of before.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Today is day 93 of lockdown for our family and we celebrate the birthday of the head of our household.</div><div style="text-align: center;">It's so far removed from last year where he spent his birthday travelling Spain with our tour group, and this year he spends it in lockdown with the family. </div><div style="text-align: center;">Happy birthday to my hubby and dad to our young men! We usually make a special effort to spend the time together as a family, as it's a public holiday; and would need to ensure that the young adults are free. This year we have already spent 93 days together without driving each other insane. What an achievement!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">We have an unspoken system in the home, which means each one has their own tasks set out for the day. Whether it is set out by the school, university or just by yourself, everyone starts the day fulfilling these and we then come together as a family at mealtimes or prayer times. Games nights have not resumed after Ramadaan as the older ones prepare for university exams and assignments. </div><div style="text-align: center;">I've read the shocking statistics on the increase in divorce cases during this time and how some couples really struggle being confined to home with their spouse, even after years of living together. Living together and being confined under lockdown conditions are two very different things; and whilst there is no magic formula to navigate this territory, it is really up to each individual to know themselves well enough. I am fully aware that I may not be the easiest person to live with, and that I have issues which may trigger me. Combine this with being in lockdown for over 90 days, and it could very well be a recipe for a turbulent home environment with disagreements, petty fights and sulking. In fact, the heightened cases of femicide and gender based violence which have been reported these past two weeks have been testimony to this; and have signalled disaster for many families. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">As I reflect on our time together as a couple (which is well over 25 years now), I know that each of us have had to do the hard work in getting to know what makes us tick, what ticks us off and understanding how to maintain a relationship with these factors in play all the time. This kind of inner work is not for sissies, as you have to be open to see the dark parts of yourself as much as you are open to accepting that you're valued, loved and amazing just as you are. You have to be, afterall, our Creator thought the world needed one of YOU! It is also not just enough to know yourself at this level, it is also crucial to know how to manage all of this in the midst of anger, sadness, grief, pressure and uncertain times as we're experiencing now. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">We have a philosophy in our home of tolerance, and acceptance of each other, warts and all. We have to each acknowledge those 'warts', and the rest of the family will make space for it, and call you out if necessary. There has to be a space for this to allow each member to feel seen and heard, and a space for truth, regardless of who it may be (at times even the parents need a good dose of honesty), however, delivered with respect to each and every member of our household. There may be tears, tantrums, sulking (which we allow the space for); and we trust that out of it will be borne a mutual understanding, and where appropriate a discussion and apology. It's not always easy; living in truth sometimes isn't; but it models behaviour for our kids to take forward into their own families one day.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">At the end of this year we will celebrate 25 years of marriage, of partnership, growth and at times bags full of patience. However, we have found the space to accept the other for we are, we celebrate each other in entirety, without wanting the other to change. There is nothing more fatal to a relationship than wanting to change your partner; instead take a look inward and consider your own faults and appreciate that another person loves you <i><b>in spite of these</b></i>. <b><i>And even loves you because of them ♥️</i></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Getting through 93 days of being in lockdown has therefore not been a death sentence for our relationship, we are conscious of needing to create space for each other, we can sense when there's a need to talk or vent. We haven't opened the office in 3 months, and that means that we work together at home, spend recreational time together, pray together and so much more. But when the need for alone time is needed, it is given without question, without reprimand or emotional pressure. It is just done ...</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">There will still be disagreements, fights, tantrums as life goes; and then there will be understanding.</div><div style="text-align: center;">So if you're 'stuck' in lockdown with your other half, I hope some of what I have shared will strike a chord. The most important message being... check yourself first.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">So here's to wishing my other half a happy happy lockdown birthday, I know these past 93 days have had challenges. Every birthday for the past 3 years has opened new horizons for us, and this year it is no different. I pray that we will have many more filled with love, understanding, adventure and happiness InshaAllah.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Know beyond a shadow of a doubt that you are loved, valued, treasured and adored by these 4 people who have been your constant companions during lockdown. We will probably never have the opportunity to bond and spend this much time in each other's space again... so I am immensely grateful to for these unusual times we find ourselves in.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">With our numbers on the rise, stay safe and stay home. And if you're in danger in your own home please do reach out.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmkDIn45ahvNylSAETgEj7S0JHq5euwOpl-MEMBeznOEuZRmeD9cSFuFt2MNPh-51mGgFYspVqBPeDCgalNYccVn6xyBfYfSq99R_-68vKAiHdYSgSoy3_G-9F0nwweZWAO-touw3U4BM/s864/IMG_5499.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="864" data-original-width="864" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmkDIn45ahvNylSAETgEj7S0JHq5euwOpl-MEMBeznOEuZRmeD9cSFuFt2MNPh-51mGgFYspVqBPeDCgalNYccVn6xyBfYfSq99R_-68vKAiHdYSgSoy3_G-9F0nwweZWAO-touw3U4BM/w640-h640/IMG_5499.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hajj, THE most profound experience of my life spent with you by my side</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEichH3EHtEQ2kJaAuZ8YMiKFkhxN_8DQvzGSsLRZnW8K67A6h4Mdl1SC_sDLZ-ditf1yUme1IHki3ysvHXhzvvYY0Gs8Ml6GWUDCwhxPyfKt8_mmkOfrzlKuq1wjk5pUeyGVjyfs-XHX7o/s1280/333a0ee9-2234-48a6-aaef-06d4e6ad3112.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEichH3EHtEQ2kJaAuZ8YMiKFkhxN_8DQvzGSsLRZnW8K67A6h4Mdl1SC_sDLZ-ditf1yUme1IHki3ysvHXhzvvYY0Gs8Ml6GWUDCwhxPyfKt8_mmkOfrzlKuq1wjk5pUeyGVjyfs-XHX7o/w640-h480/333a0ee9-2234-48a6-aaef-06d4e6ad3112.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="640" /></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sending you off on tour last year, a day before your bday</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEichH3EHtEQ2kJaAuZ8YMiKFkhxN_8DQvzGSsLRZnW8K67A6h4Mdl1SC_sDLZ-ditf1yUme1IHki3ysvHXhzvvYY0Gs8Ml6GWUDCwhxPyfKt8_mmkOfrzlKuq1wjk5pUeyGVjyfs-XHX7o/s1280/333a0ee9-2234-48a6-aaef-06d4e6ad3112.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">And we tend to laugh a lot in this family!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6MYcsMSxRUobirt9SiAtdJMAw2r0KyI9qY1moV1QtMZCF1EyGPtLveVR2-uQTFPt-pP494tozJ1u6kwBmEhovKXCyjg9Kgvw8A2xU9m9v1s9fzmky_1feOU0J8KJkoItpcHJs0hpwMsg/s2100/IMG_1205.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="2100" height="458" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6MYcsMSxRUobirt9SiAtdJMAw2r0KyI9qY1moV1QtMZCF1EyGPtLveVR2-uQTFPt-pP494tozJ1u6kwBmEhovKXCyjg9Kgvw8A2xU9m9v1s9fzmky_1feOU0J8KJkoItpcHJs0hpwMsg/w640-h458/IMG_1205.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkioVEa4H0CDfbswE_6CBY2VHp-hf65u_7wzjPO2-bqUsDBFWatJ-XeAuTQu8HuNstiAMCMJ6Yz-segYdB2SANF7CNCyTlVx3efNpnFJw_ruJei_jf1ijmlj5pMYiZNnWxEDTwJT1WhBg/s3000/YourPhoto_0002.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2400" data-original-width="3000" height="512" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkioVEa4H0CDfbswE_6CBY2VHp-hf65u_7wzjPO2-bqUsDBFWatJ-XeAuTQu8HuNstiAMCMJ6Yz-segYdB2SANF7CNCyTlVx3efNpnFJw_ruJei_jf1ijmlj5pMYiZNnWxEDTwJT1WhBg/w640-h512/YourPhoto_0002.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhefvPv7fA02kWVegHURes74JUSCoRQ3ieshOHyBLJa22ZvBwhyjD8Bq102Ww1wIkAAHlSyKgPQ_mPjr8iqvrnwmgAwbRirkLBBZe4GyPqclZV8KOfI55rsAVIqYNV7EoC1hMMEKVDribo/s4032/20161229_132532.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhefvPv7fA02kWVegHURes74JUSCoRQ3ieshOHyBLJa22ZvBwhyjD8Bq102Ww1wIkAAHlSyKgPQ_mPjr8iqvrnwmgAwbRirkLBBZe4GyPqclZV8KOfI55rsAVIqYNV7EoC1hMMEKVDribo/w640-h480/20161229_132532.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh12e8OnwGOVG18IRn8RD1gMHbW5F915YMBTn1OEeIPUu-nSb77ODxU_FHx5aLdobhZJKdog7I1EwR9kPKoYlFhI-NdH-2AZneuwntIhAlP2kC_4L5eahb3qaMkLII2uuLIZ6op_as-Wv8/s4646/IMG_6121.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3097" data-original-width="4646" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh12e8OnwGOVG18IRn8RD1gMHbW5F915YMBTn1OEeIPUu-nSb77ODxU_FHx5aLdobhZJKdog7I1EwR9kPKoYlFhI-NdH-2AZneuwntIhAlP2kC_4L5eahb3qaMkLII2uuLIZ6op_as-Wv8/w640-h426/IMG_6121.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Ciao for now, </div><div style="text-align: center;">RuBe xoxo</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div>RuBe's Closethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12544216581097985023noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2857605145918106579.post-19384540026673205372020-05-13T15:48:00.001+02:002020-05-13T15:48:32.803+02:00Dealing with the unspoken<div style="text-align: center;">Welcome back lovely readers!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">We have passed the halfway mark of Ramadaan and heading towards the last ten days, and as always this month seems to be passing us by in a whirlwind. It is a bit of a contradiction since life has certainly slowed down in many other ways, lockdown has meant no work, no school, no sport, no socialising and no coffee or dinner dates. The very concept that the world has 'shut down' is incomprehensible, and yet we are living through it. I have heard and seen the words 'unprecedented' and 'unchartered waters' so many times in a day that its meaning has subtly somehow worn off. The solitude we find ourselves in can be comforting for some, welcomed even, while it may be a nightmare for others. And it could be both, depending on how we're feeling on a particular day. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">It has definitely been a blessing to experience a Ramadaan without the outside noise, to be encouraged to stay home and restrict social engagements. There could be no better way to spend this month, the only thing missing is the nightly congregational taraweeh prayers, which have now been replaced by our own family 'congregational' prayers, with each son taking turns to lead. This has been the first year we've done this and it will certainly remain a memorable and special Ramadaan for this very reason. We have spent so much time together as a family, even with the demands of tertiary online learning in the evenings. </div><div style="text-align: center;">On the other hand, everyone misses the social engagement, misses talking face to face with a friend or laughing with family. I have my days where things feel like they're never going to settle into a 'new normal' and I struggle in frustration to comprehend what that will be like. In the same way my kids will be anxious about things related to lockdown. Remote learning is definitely not for everyone, and becomes extremely challenging when the workload is already pretty heavy. Since I have older kids, I can see the amount of time required for them to catch up with missed work, and at the same time maintain a current work schedule. A crucial part of attending campus or school is the intermittent breaks with your peers, bringing fun into the day. These breaks offer relaxation, the opportunity to laugh, play sport, chat and eat; easing the anxiety and pressure of enormous workloads and complicated concepts. With lockdown, the only relief available is to video call a friend/s, play online games, read or watch series. This is a very isolated existence for social beings like my kids. One of the biggest losses for them during this time has been the inability to play team sport, and to make it even worse, all soccer leagues were suspended. Pre-COVID much of their lives revolved around soccer, whether playing it or watching it and debating stats with friends. They would host FIFA tournaments at home, play fives every weekend, enjoy game nights and watch soccer matches together. They've missed birthdays, 21st celebrations and even graduations 😳</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">All their socialising came to an abrupt end 59 days ago when our home when into lockdown, and their only social engagements was with their siblings and parents. It has actually been great, and upon second thought, I realise that from my perspective it has been great. The element of loss for our kids and uncertainty would add to anxiety and stress. In addition, seeing the large numbers of infected cases around the world and at home, as well as the growing numbers in the Western Cape further exacerbates feelings of fear. All of this has an impact on them, and as parents we seldom consider what seeing parents leave to do essential shopping wearing masks, and upon return disinfecting every single item purchase before packing it away (as I do) may do to them. We've resorted to FaceTime calls to share birthday wishes, a virtual 'party' for Ihsaan, and even though they fully understand the state we're in, it doesn't make it easier for them. My younger nephews want to know when things will be 'finished' - a clear message that they're done doing lockdown. Some households have major financial implications, struggling to make ends meet, and this adds more stress to an already untenable situation in the home. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Despite doing our daily gratitude exercises, we talk about what this lockdown has meant for the kids, and how they feel about it. Feelings vacillate, one moment they are happy that the country has taken this seriously enough to enforce a lockdown, on the other hand they are frustrated, stressed, anxious and worried. There is no solution to quickly end lockdown, and this means that these feelings will remain, so the only thing I can do as a parent is to allow them the space and offer support, this looks differently for each child. I can only be there for them, provide a shoulder to cry on for when they're feeling down, and be understanding when they're feeling frustrated, angry or stressed. As we experience our good days and bad days, so do they, and they may not necessarily have all the tools in their toolbox to manage these feelings and emotions. If they won't speak to you as the parent, explore alternative options to help them, I am sure there are many counsellors or psychologists offering services during this time. I am grateful that we are not 'stuck' in an abusive home, however it does not mean that our kids aren't in need of support. It is essential that we are tuned in to what our kids may need from us (or an external provider), so we can attempt to keep them mentally healthy, capable of working remotely and getting through this hard period of isolation. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">I've seen some concerning posts on suicide and depression, and lockdown has certainly triggered a surge. As a parent, please be vigilant to your kids' state of mind; and if you're the one feeling like this, please reach out for help or just a chat.♥️</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><h3 style="text-align: center;">"The only thing more exhausting than being depressed is pretending that you're not." —<font color="#000000"><a href="https://twitter.com/anthemofhope/status/784464028248735744">Anonymous</a></font></h3><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Some lockdown images...</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi40COnZeBoJLEULNduGkzV5Psx7W4h4BgzxHBfRGjiWukWsZTxYwMTz5XtGtLNHsivh7tfaxSXlsXFzdc6IG62feB7eBEPyjy9FervzLF4wcVHEU3fhTelyGRgTbVz6NxRjustyfbqZQ8/" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2846" data-original-width="2846" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi40COnZeBoJLEULNduGkzV5Psx7W4h4BgzxHBfRGjiWukWsZTxYwMTz5XtGtLNHsivh7tfaxSXlsXFzdc6IG62feB7eBEPyjy9FervzLF4wcVHEU3fhTelyGRgTbVz6NxRjustyfbqZQ8/w640-h640/IMG_2958.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This Ramadaan, I have decided to recite and read the transliteration with notes and commentary</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjr51dUI-S7WzCXjqy95_hqLioTihb7hnunhQB61LUPDp3J_7WK-1m_MtS1nha1PqUVqRJo92xJQGpmOsvXN4MBpOnVGXKuirQYU8N-9Hpd0vrK3TJoq1nYqime5JAUzyn35mPDKfa5Fq0/" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjr51dUI-S7WzCXjqy95_hqLioTihb7hnunhQB61LUPDp3J_7WK-1m_MtS1nha1PqUVqRJo92xJQGpmOsvXN4MBpOnVGXKuirQYU8N-9Hpd0vrK3TJoq1nYqime5JAUzyn35mPDKfa5Fq0/w480-h640/IMG_3096.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="480" /></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lockdown baking and cooking happens on the daily</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjr51dUI-S7WzCXjqy95_hqLioTihb7hnunhQB61LUPDp3J_7WK-1m_MtS1nha1PqUVqRJo92xJQGpmOsvXN4MBpOnVGXKuirQYU8N-9Hpd0vrK3TJoq1nYqime5JAUzyn35mPDKfa5Fq0/" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0xCIXkp8Fmdztlmv9gEYDngpPh6SxExoNQ9hVwpWMWWNcgURjTZz1VXXgRvhAe4dxJl97PH4vO9rtZ1T_3DM3NzknGur3a4hbM-x4tOttoYwrk0PrnSayRVGRQ55E4koxcaIzIyWzO8s/" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0xCIXkp8Fmdztlmv9gEYDngpPh6SxExoNQ9hVwpWMWWNcgURjTZz1VXXgRvhAe4dxJl97PH4vO9rtZ1T_3DM3NzknGur3a4hbM-x4tOttoYwrk0PrnSayRVGRQ55E4koxcaIzIyWzO8s/w480-h640/IMG_3069.jpeg" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">As part of the FLC team, we created a photo collage message</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhydxyGrFTOrVar_yh___wFl4VMMrLGu0DS0D5uVPs7hBSPx-JBhQ8Q283lur3uDfLxTcezTDQgHt8pR4MuYPBj3-Kd84wCMSfMgZ651hZAmNCHehBl9aN6KYzVRpvorMqGvwGwaYRFMA/" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhydxyGrFTOrVar_yh___wFl4VMMrLGu0DS0D5uVPs7hBSPx-JBhQ8Q283lur3uDfLxTcezTDQgHt8pR4MuYPBj3-Kd84wCMSfMgZ651hZAmNCHehBl9aN6KYzVRpvorMqGvwGwaYRFMA/w480-h640/IMG_3057.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="480" /></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My garden is really my happy place </td></tr></tbody></table><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhydxyGrFTOrVar_yh___wFl4VMMrLGu0DS0D5uVPs7hBSPx-JBhQ8Q283lur3uDfLxTcezTDQgHt8pR4MuYPBj3-Kd84wCMSfMgZ651hZAmNCHehBl9aN6KYzVRpvorMqGvwGwaYRFMA/" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmPL5dfF2tfG5T_1sDoGuGKsMbzRGg96EI300-4zVJ1g0zDUXMY7HADhcqXF6Im1UubC9ys-ELLJCcI4qDusiVYw1ZV3OvSuPX1NtorRqS1KMkOnvQOp1kFl8wdYMx2omsvPQpP5lpYN8/" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmPL5dfF2tfG5T_1sDoGuGKsMbzRGg96EI300-4zVJ1g0zDUXMY7HADhcqXF6Im1UubC9ys-ELLJCcI4qDusiVYw1ZV3OvSuPX1NtorRqS1KMkOnvQOp1kFl8wdYMx2omsvPQpP5lpYN8/w480-h640/IMG_0746.jpeg" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our family games nights have been replaced by family taraweeh prayers</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;">Please STAY HOME, STAY SAFE and STAY HEALTHY. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Caio for now, </div><div style="text-align: center;">RuBe xoxo</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div>RuBe's Closethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12544216581097985023noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2857605145918106579.post-48481054247040025152020-04-20T15:29:00.002+02:002020-04-20T15:29:30.168+02:0010 Lockdown tips which keep me sane<blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: center;">Hi lovelies,</blockquote><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">I am unofficially on lockdown for a month and officially on the mandated lockdown for 3 weeks. It certainly isn't easy, and I know that anxiety, overwhelm and fear is high. Communities are in chaos as they try to comprehend the implications of this lockdown, as the end of the month draws closer with no possibility of income. Infection numbers are reported everyday and our senses are constantly assaulted with images from countries abroad, struggling to cope with their fast growing ICU cases, with the number of deaths escalating daily. All of this while being on lockdown can really be a recipe for alarm and panic, with many other socio economic factors adding fuel to the fire.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">I have been taking lockdown in my stride, I am content, despite having my business and income ground to a total halt; and instead I prefer to keep focusing on how fortunate I am. I am trying to use what I DO have, what I have control over and plan for when we do resume trading again InshaAllah. I have found that placing my faith in the Almighty, that He will get me (and the world) through this, and managing what I am able to do to help those less fortunate, has been really therapeutic for me.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;">These are some of my tips for managing the kids and staying contained and safe during lockdown:</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><ol><li style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;">I maintain my routine, as mentioned in my previous post. I wake up at the same time each day, shower and get dressed as if I were going into the office. My weekdays are distinctly different to my weekends. I have still had to work (following up on cancellations and postponed trips), fulfilling financial and marketing functions; and Zoom meetings which keep my days full and 'normal'. I schedule any home school assistance in between and we set the times each morning.</span></li><li style="text-align: left;">I do the same with the family routine, we continue with our family dinners each evening around the same time as before, Ihsaan is awakened early on 'school days' and starts with work as if he was at school. His weekends and public holidays are days off as would have been the case outside of lockdown. His bedtime is also maintained on school nights, of course relative to what is appropriate for a 16 year old. </li><li style="text-align: left;">On school days no Playstation games allowed; when he's done with school work, he has a break and we have some constructive time, where he will read for leisure, we'll play a game of chess or cook/bake.</li><li style="text-align: left;">It has been an adjustment getting into the swing of homeschooling, however one of the home schooling families from our school community shared some great tips when lockdown started. We read it in conjunction with Ihsaan, who told me what he can handle, what he feels comfortable with and what he would need assistance with. His schedule was then formulated together.</li><li style="text-align: left;">What has helped is having a resident math and physics tutor in the form of his older brother, I assist with English and Afrikaans (especially literature) and Ihsaan manages his other subjects independently.</li><li style="text-align: left;">Since the boys were little our home has been one of routine and as a result, even the two young adults in the home instinctively fall into a routine. They have each implemented their own routine, which suits their individual workload and much needed downtime.</li><li style="text-align: left;">Since we find ourselves in unprecedented times, and there is really no right or wrong way to manage the impact of this lockdown, I am also fully aware of how my own reactions, behaviour, anxiety and fears affect every one in my home. I therefore need to be very clear in how I manage myself; and whilst I do have my down days, we will discuss it as a family, how we're feeling about the situation and what we see in the news each day.</li><li style="text-align: left;">I understand that each of my kids are very different and therefore deal with their emotions and anxiety in their own way. So being aware of this, I try not to cloud the home atmosphere with my own stuff. I merely assure my family that I'm feeling a particular way (whether its worried, anxious or just low) and that they don't feel confused or the need to cheer me up. I can manage my own self.</li><li style="text-align: left;">I am thankful that even though we have been cooped up at home for more than a month, that the sibling fighting has been minimal; and we have decided to focus on what we can do from the comfort of our homes to assist the underprivileged. My boys have decided to donate cash from their allowance towards charity organisations, was a way of making a contribution. </li><li style="text-align: left;">Since mosques are closed, we have our own Friday prayer ceremony. Every Friday we shower, prepare for 'Jumuah', get dressed and by 12:30 we're seated on our prayer mats together. We listen to the lecture on the radio before performing midday salaah, followed by our usual Jumuah lunch, which is a norm outside of lockdown as well.</li></ol><div style="text-align: center;">The above tips work for me and my family, and routine has always been respected, no questions asked from a very young age. In fact, I do believe that it has provided an element of safety and stability for the boys as they grew up. So through modeling I have maintained my own routine in this difficult time. They know that my mornings in the garden is my quiet time and that it recharges my soul to be around nature and hear the chirping birds over the unusual silence of the neighbourhood. In the same way, I know what each individual member of my home needs to get through this; the rule in our home is to make allowance for that space. Our ethos is to be tolerant with each other, even though it may be difficult at times; the fundamental thing is to know that we each have our own behaviours which requires tolerance from the rest of the home. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">If things feel as if it is spiralling out of control at home, take a step back and consider what you may be feeling which could be contributing to this situation. Examine whether you are enabling this and affecting everyone else in the home, as children take their cue from us as the adults and role models. Know that they see, hear and feel everything; even if it is not spoken about. It is also ok to let them know if you do not know how to deal with a situation, or that you're struggling with lockdown; you're human and allowed to err. They will then feel less pressured when they see your behaviours, and understand that as the adult you too are trying to make sense of our new reality.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Wishing you all good health and a relatively easy remaining two weeks of lockdown. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Some of my lockdown images... </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3cS0_2y21XpyUHRpg4l-P9Gy-xX6zA_jfYliDtf7mm-im4UEcZu4usYDOxeVA8u0hDoIYsSzBEaICoLCc1XnN7mEZ64yRU4OwtPWjfo07CbbdgsItY7WFxIlVQWk3pPCK_2uhDClZJNc/" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="3024" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3cS0_2y21XpyUHRpg4l-P9Gy-xX6zA_jfYliDtf7mm-im4UEcZu4usYDOxeVA8u0hDoIYsSzBEaICoLCc1XnN7mEZ64yRU4OwtPWjfo07CbbdgsItY7WFxIlVQWk3pPCK_2uhDClZJNc/w480-h480/IMG_2810+%25281%2529.jpeg" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ihsaan's choc chip cookies</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdlFW8k2m-5Cays75QTQUWzPSKW_Z0v4qC3XWo15b_TLerNYyBkTZsL-n2Fx6lGtbO0ZQLa9WO6-nq5CtBVpPYSezkOxDTdTWf3vesPCwAfw8-azv50Is5l6S_gqp5U3qg1HrBWNih74I/" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3088" data-original-width="2316" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdlFW8k2m-5Cays75QTQUWzPSKW_Z0v4qC3XWo15b_TLerNYyBkTZsL-n2Fx6lGtbO0ZQLa9WO6-nq5CtBVpPYSezkOxDTdTWf3vesPCwAfw8-azv50Is5l6S_gqp5U3qg1HrBWNih74I/w360-h480/BFB3E264-5602-4E8F-A12C-49F6D651DDC3.JPEG" width="360" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">All dressed up and with make up in the home office for a Zoom meeting</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0zWCJGBocCVuuhTLp0vgTFnOoQs0LIzf8yZXAV_Q5-IbEp6__6P4Wj0JuOzRP77yucl1NqXZKWrgJc63qq6DnVEXV3hvHiD5NJhyphenhyphenCjBoDH4oEqrniJy0dLfGycGJMOwMHs1-KyFuvxWY/" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0zWCJGBocCVuuhTLp0vgTFnOoQs0LIzf8yZXAV_Q5-IbEp6__6P4Wj0JuOzRP77yucl1NqXZKWrgJc63qq6DnVEXV3hvHiD5NJhyphenhyphenCjBoDH4oEqrniJy0dLfGycGJMOwMHs1-KyFuvxWY/w360-h480/IMG_2869.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="360" /></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Doing a Macbeth lesson</td></tr></tbody></table><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0zWCJGBocCVuuhTLp0vgTFnOoQs0LIzf8yZXAV_Q5-IbEp6__6P4Wj0JuOzRP77yucl1NqXZKWrgJc63qq6DnVEXV3hvHiD5NJhyphenhyphenCjBoDH4oEqrniJy0dLfGycGJMOwMHs1-KyFuvxWY/" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjygqU3iJLKMPnRtdypcpmRTM0SA9tJbL6Hw3LLqHclOc3VhUZ-HDU9rm4Lz-tNEG94mUORMgvNSqdIZTyfOsdkAezzNmlL3f-IHE6XvdDSoVNXBlXXBiKXYyALKk-nN9_qIhIe0_y95t8/" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjygqU3iJLKMPnRtdypcpmRTM0SA9tJbL6Hw3LLqHclOc3VhUZ-HDU9rm4Lz-tNEG94mUORMgvNSqdIZTyfOsdkAezzNmlL3f-IHE6XvdDSoVNXBlXXBiKXYyALKk-nN9_qIhIe0_y95t8/w360-h480/IMG_2851.jpeg" width="360" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I enjoy my garden and the time I am able to spend in it </td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqlzmjmA0NGOH7lB5amqEQhZM2L7O9_tMbvjU8aTzGyWigXenycWaXD0KnUxV6nHxiNGb3Z3ZyjJi8lUMuk-OwLpL6LW85wM-JXtWEznNBzaY6e5IomaZEUwUBeD3kCUhQMCar2dHikuA/" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqlzmjmA0NGOH7lB5amqEQhZM2L7O9_tMbvjU8aTzGyWigXenycWaXD0KnUxV6nHxiNGb3Z3ZyjJi8lUMuk-OwLpL6LW85wM-JXtWEznNBzaY6e5IomaZEUwUBeD3kCUhQMCar2dHikuA/w360-h480/IMG_2824.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="360" /></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Easter Egg Hunt preparation</td></tr></tbody></table><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqlzmjmA0NGOH7lB5amqEQhZM2L7O9_tMbvjU8aTzGyWigXenycWaXD0KnUxV6nHxiNGb3Z3ZyjJi8lUMuk-OwLpL6LW85wM-JXtWEznNBzaY6e5IomaZEUwUBeD3kCUhQMCar2dHikuA/" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgomSSWSoc-8FRaGkNNLtkcQcqbTfhvqyHbDynFmxBlo1CNgFgbIdUNX1Z9XC3PCcVeeJXnJF_tiFSKdAVN8HgbSAEXeJR_83dptEd5PBFt5U-6Avceaybpvn11BAcCZ9R_FhgrIjfISTc/" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1542" data-original-width="1542" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgomSSWSoc-8FRaGkNNLtkcQcqbTfhvqyHbDynFmxBlo1CNgFgbIdUNX1Z9XC3PCcVeeJXnJF_tiFSKdAVN8HgbSAEXeJR_83dptEd5PBFt5U-6Avceaybpvn11BAcCZ9R_FhgrIjfISTc/w480-h480/Screenshot+2020-04-20+at+15.16.52.png" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Games night has been one of our favourite family activites</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /><div style="text-align: center;">Please STAY HOME, STAY SAFE and STAY HEALTHY. </div><div><br /></div></div><div style="text-align: center;">Caio for now, </div><div style="text-align: center;">RuBe xoxo</div></div>RuBe's Closethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12544216581097985023noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2857605145918106579.post-67835262127711784582020-03-29T20:07:00.000+02:002020-03-29T20:07:27.402+02:00Lockdown diaries<div style="text-align: center;">
Hi lovely readers,</div>
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As I pen my thoughts from my quiet and tranquil garden, I am starkly reminded of my privilege during this extremely trying time we find ourselves in as a global community. There have been so many reports of how people and countries have been responding to lockdown, and yet, it is a harsh reality that our country is not as equipped as most first world countries, to efficiently and seamlessly facilitate a lockdown of this magnitude. <b><i>For this, w</i></b><i><b>e need each and every citizen to play their part</b></i>. And that literally means to stay at home, and do the most you can from behind your four walls of safety. My family and I have been on lockdown since 16 March, we maintained social distancing to the point that the boys did not engage with anyone outside the home. Hubby and I just went to the office and home for that week, preparing for the inevitable and engaging with no one. During that first week, it became clear that not everyone understood the concept of social distancing nor the fact that even simple get togethers at home, joining your walking or running group, having a meal or coffee at a restaurant (despite hygiene methods or physical proximity measures) or small workshops pose a huge risk to the outbreak, and actually defied the concept of social distancing. It was therefore essential to implement the lockdown since our citizens didn't necessarily grasp the concept initially.</div>
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The other side of the coin is just as distressing, and that is the reality that the majority of our population is unable to go into lockdown as their basic living conditions are not conducive to social distancing. Apart from the fact that many of the impoverished have now lost their income, along with an escape from their daily grim realities, they are now forced into a tiny space inhabited by many bodies. Their very communities built in such close proximity, without sanitation and running water to be able to exercise the required hygiene controls. Imagine sharing a tap with over 300 <i>households</i>, imagine spending 21 days holed up in a one roomed home with an abusive and violent family member, who has now lost their job. Imagine that going to work or school every day was a respite from a life to which their was no way out... Imagine seeing images of queues of people preparing to stockpile while you're still waiting to get paid and praying that there would be something left on the shelves so that you can feed your family during lockdown... The bleak realisation that if our township and rural communities become infected is that our health infrastructure will be heavily overburdened. </div>
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This is the reality of lockdown in South Africa, and the importance of why we need to isolate ourselves; to protect those who do not have access to the best medical facilities. To protect our communities which are overrun with TB and HIV affected individuals; in order to give those a fighting chance. Just by doing our bit and staying home we're giving our country a fighting chance, we're aiding in #flatteningthecurve and limiting the spread of the virus. Our country is not configured like Europe or the UK, countries who are crippled by the rapid spread of the virus. As a country we've taken early action to better prepare ourselves, as we do not have endless coffers from which to sustain a rapidly declining economy, or a furious spread of a virus which requires extensive medical infrastructures. It is also important to channel our charitable efforts via approved channels, we cannot have well meaning individuals distributing alms while placing our poorer communities at risk. Please, please, please support those charities which have been endorsed and have measures in place to assist our communities <i>safely</i>!<br />
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The world finds itself in unprecedented times, with governments scrambling to find solutions to keep their communities safe and healthy. Never before have airlines been grounded, businesses shut down, public parks been closed and citizens urged to stay home. Amongst the uncertainty, panic and fear, I am hopeful, I am determined to use this time to realign myself to whatever new reality will surface once this is over. And nobody can predict what that will look like, it therefor forces us to rely on our faith, our trust in the Divine and practise gratitude for those things which we take for granted. I have drastically reduced my time on social media and my engagement on watsapp, in an attempt to appreciate and make the most of the silence into which the world has been plunged. Our collective prayers for <b><i><u>one outcome</u></i></b> so eloquently highlights that we are all ONE human race, regardless of nationality, religion, race or culture.<br />
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I cannot presume to know what the world will be like post COVID-19, so I am taking this pause to focus on each day, do the inner work required to embrace where I find myself and how I show up in these trying times. I can only manage myself and my own contribution to this global pandemic, and I can only hope that those around me do the same too.<br />
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21 days is really not a long time, so take this opportunity to do those things you never get around to.<br />
Some of my tips for lockdown:<br />
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<li style="text-align: left;">Maintain a routine, schedule work time, leisure time and family time, after all this time is a gift we will never get back.</li>
<li style="text-align: left;">If like our travel business, or many other business, your work has ground to a halt... strategise on when you do re-launch and go back to work. Most entrepreneurs work many hours IN the business, now you have some time to work ON the business.</li>
<li style="text-align: left;">Do not let the fear and constant barrage of fake news overwhelm you, instead keep updated with news at adhoc times during the day, or visit www.sacoronavirus.co.za to ensure you're informed on actual updates.</li>
<li style="text-align: left;">I have older kids at home so I don't really need to entertain them, and thankfully the two older ones have universities which have kept them busy. However with younger kids, it's important to keep them occupied with constructive activities. Some suggestions:</li>
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<li style="text-align: left;">Plan a daily schedule which includes school work, reading, TV time, game time, outdoor activity (if you have the space) such as a scavenger hunt, helping in the garden or enjoy a picnic.</li>
<li style="text-align: left;">Teach them a new skill: perhaps to make something in the kitchen, how to play chess or to sew or knit.</li>
<li style="text-align: left;">Play some boardgames, cards or build a puzzle.</li>
<li style="text-align: left;">Let them help plan the menu for the week, and if possible assist with preparation.</li>
<li style="text-align: left;">Allow them to plan their schedule for one day of the week (with some guidelines).</li>
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<li style="text-align: left;">Read that book, have conversations with your family, pray together, enjoy the sunshine and fresh air.</li>
<li style="text-align: left;">Learn a new skill or start that project you've been planning. </li>
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Before you know it, the 21 days would have flown by, and we really have no idea what will happen then, so let's draw on our faith and stay strong. Concentrate on what we CAN do instead of what we cannot, and above all know that our responsibility is to stay safe and healthy. </div>
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Remember: </div>
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"Where focus goes energy flows"<br />Tony Robbins</h3>
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I just couldn't bring myself to do an outfit post during this time, I don't have the inclination to plan a photoshoot, so this post doesn't include any fashion pics, just a few lockdown images 😊</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGRS4b2MTu01Cu3Aw8BbWCRJgG2l2u3VQF9OFpj_NdP8_cSH4mSqjWFLiiN1eIFGqK41sIORo6vCxapt1JGZ-g_LK6gtp9C2sio-ODvqPI4dZTD238vqmicBf36mCJvk_C4O1yhSuTrC0/s1600/victor-hugo-55003.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="360" data-original-width="700" height="205" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGRS4b2MTu01Cu3Aw8BbWCRJgG2l2u3VQF9OFpj_NdP8_cSH4mSqjWFLiiN1eIFGqK41sIORo6vCxapt1JGZ-g_LK6gtp9C2sio-ODvqPI4dZTD238vqmicBf36mCJvk_C4O1yhSuTrC0/s400/victor-hugo-55003.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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This is what my lockdown looks like:</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWQLK2sy4n9kRbsD92OeLQmXO3d9JiX6UAow_URl096W0NnIqirpml9Aasd_93rwMrJhc49krHJuEu1lFDoQVc2e-7_RGkE7l6y7cIu7VqACiNC6olzQiyebM_GUq3P_sIZdZve1XsCK8/s1600/IMG_2689.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWQLK2sy4n9kRbsD92OeLQmXO3d9JiX6UAow_URl096W0NnIqirpml9Aasd_93rwMrJhc49krHJuEu1lFDoQVc2e-7_RGkE7l6y7cIu7VqACiNC6olzQiyebM_GUq3P_sIZdZve1XsCK8/s640/IMG_2689.HEIC" width="480" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijJGs5F2P9KOeWiY7psj5spgC8vRBBSrtLO1e8cuR4J9sSvJjxT0ij50lD8piZz8Qu82nZrXBApV3bS4rccKGJxqTOrByT3egH9GRzgoOnxfK0Jj-QsbcD4lo7ZIehxgj6hBj8YSNvIRw/s1600/IMG_2690.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijJGs5F2P9KOeWiY7psj5spgC8vRBBSrtLO1e8cuR4J9sSvJjxT0ij50lD8piZz8Qu82nZrXBApV3bS4rccKGJxqTOrByT3egH9GRzgoOnxfK0Jj-QsbcD4lo7ZIehxgj6hBj8YSNvIRw/s640/IMG_2690.HEIC" width="480" /></a></div>
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STAY HOME. STAY HEALTHY.</div>
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Caio for now,</div>
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RuBe xoxo</div>
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RuBe's Closethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12544216581097985023noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2857605145918106579.post-27310810063231316122020-02-12T09:46:00.000+02:002020-02-12T16:51:26.137+02:00Managing the Mommy Guilt<div style="text-align: center;">
Hi beautiful readers!</div>
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As I sat down to pour some of my thoughts into my blog space I realised that this will be my first post of 2020 (or 20PLENTY as it's been dubbed). And it's taken me more than a week to finalise just this one post!</div>
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Indeed this year is just over a month old and it already feels like I have had several months of 2020 ☺️</div>
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Upon my return from our annual break, I was back in office the very next day (6 January) and it's literally been only a month and here I am, already feeling the need for another break. This past month I have been really busy with work and getting my Women's Tour sorted for next month. I was so focused that I completely forgot that my youngest still needed supplies for school. I found myself in a comfort zone, where my older sons still had an entire month before they started Uni. Until it hit me that Ihsaan needed school shoes, stationery (and because I travelled the last few weeks of school, I didn't organise it last year) and some uniform items. I was then one of those braving the shops on the last minute, two days before school getting things together.</div>
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I'm usually very organised and manage the home, work and kids relatively well; so you can imagine the self-berating that took place to find myself in this position. I had to accept the fact that sometimes things fall through the cracks and that it's actually ok, and whilst I've made huge strides in managing mommy guilt, it still creeps up occasionally. This was one of those times it snuck up on me; and because I've been so busy with work since our return from holiday, it was just amplified. To make it worse, two weeks into the school term, and still battling to get his textbooks sorted, Ihsaan met with an accident and suffered a really bad injury 😢Pile on the mommy guilt. And it just increased with other occurrences with my other two young men. More mommy guilt...</div>
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I eventually reached the point where I had to pull myself back, reflect and be realistic. And the reality of the 12 months, which involved extensive traveling, long workdays and work weeks that lasted months, hit me full force. My default mode is to power through, take care of everyone and the home, as if my work load had not quadrupled, with ease and a smile. I know this about myself, I usually know how to manage when I go into default mode... and somehow I missed the moment when automated mode kicked in this time around. It usually means that at some point I crash, my body sends me signals and I burn out... I managed to heed the warning signs along the way, and would take some time to nurture myself, but soon after I'd just fall back into default mode. </div>
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Only this past week did it dawn on me that I was in my usual cycle, with mommy guilt as my fuel. I had to critically look at how I prioritise time, and make a conscious decision to get back on track on a sustainable basis. ie not only nurture when things get too much, but try and maintain it on a regular basis to avoid the signs of burnout. I realise my trigger is the mommy guilt, or the guilt when I'm too tired to cook, or when I cannot muster up the energy to have a conversation with my boys. I realised this when I finally found the presence of mind to excuse myself for a few hours from the busyness of my life; and reset myself at the beach... Alone ... Listening to my music and watching the crashing waves... I sat there and consciously disconnected from work, from the kids, from all the responsibilities and duties and just immersed myself in nature. Those few hours were sorely needed, and as I drove home, I felt lighter and more centred. </div>
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I don't think I've found the magic formula for managing the mommy guilt, nor have I figured out how to avoid it; but I do know how to identify when I've gone way off track. This mommy guilt is a self induced punishment brought upon by my own impossibly high standards and expectations I have <i>for myself ... </i>ie<i> I am very aware that these expectations have been set up by ME</i>. I've also been reminded that when I decide to take a time out, the world goes on and the 'kids' manage themselves. And hubby understands, no explanations necessary. So in this year of plenty, I intend to make plenty of time for check outs. I used to schedule these in my diary, and see now that in my busyness this practice got lost along the way... So here's to taking charge of the mommy guilt and the diary!</div>
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How do you manage the mommy guilt?</div>
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This look is a typical mommy on check out, I was actually having a really hectic work day (on a weekend) when we shot this. I then decided to shelf the work, go for some coffee and then snap some pics... All pieces are old favourites, as I haven't even had the time to shop either.</div>
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I guess classics will have to do 😊</div>
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PS: the bag is the only new purchase from one of my trips last year.</div>
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Outfit Details:</div>
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Old Sequin Parka (Coast & Koi)</div>
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Old tired top</div>
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A Sense of Style Skirt</div>
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Adidas Stan Smith Sneakers</div>
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Kate Spade slingbag</div>
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Black Pearl Earrings from Pleasures </div>
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Caio for now,</div>
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RuBe xoxo</div>
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RuBe's Closethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12544216581097985023noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2857605145918106579.post-67647170266747167402019-12-28T12:41:00.000+02:002019-12-28T12:41:37.069+02:00Wrapping up this Decade<div style="text-align: center;">
Hi beauties!</div>
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As this decade draws to a close, I find myself not only reflecting on this year and what has transpired, but also on what this past decade has brought. And boy, it has been an eventful one, filled with so much unexpected blessings and achievements, most of them not really planned in the traditional sense.</div>
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There have been so many areas of growth, expansion, change, and loads and loads of learning. At the start of the last century, my life was on a different course, I was still working feverishly in finance. I was mom to 3 young boys, juggling the crazy extra curricular driving with work, and being a home maker. I barely slept, I was constantly ON, studying part time and just about making time for my gym sessions. Whilst I was not really unhappy, I do remember my health taking a downward turn, my only kidney taking strain, as well as other major health issues popping up. It was clear that something needed to change; and yet it still took me a long time to come to terms with this and take the step toward the change.</div>
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During this last decade I started my blog journey (2012), left the corporate space (2013/2014), embarked on the entrepreneur path (2014), to mention a few of the life changing events. My professional journey has evolved so much in the past 10 years, which has transformed many times; into variations based on where I was at the time, what I've learnt and where my path has led me. At the close of the decade, I now find myself the office daily, working more than I did 10 years ago; however, with a distinct change ... I am now focused on growing our own businesses, engaging my passion for serving my fellow human, coaching, mentoring businesses and my continuous search for knowledge and seeing the world; and sharing this with others.</div>
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When I look at my 3 boys, who were all under the age of 11 at the start of the decade, I acknowledge that this has been one of the most rewarding area of growth and learning for me. I have had to learn to parent impressionable teens, nurturing them into young adults, being mindful of their individual personalities and characters. These young men have brought me such profound learnings, they have shown me how to look at myself critically and taught me what modelled behaviour should look like. They have guided me on how to engage with them from a place of compassion, understanding and empathy while at the same time maintaining my parental responsibilities. This balance was the hardest thing to learn!</div>
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My personal path during these past 10 years has been nothing short of phenomenal, I have engaged and dealt with my childhood trauma with courage and grace. My past hurts are no longer regarded as millstones around my neck, and instead I am thankful for those tough times as they have shaped me into the individual I am today. There were scary moments of facing things which had been buried for years, but bringing them to light was so liberating and healing. All my inner work has enabled me to parent with awareness of my own weaknesses and when they creep into situations, I have learned how to manage my triggers and deal with my demons in my own way. </div>
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We were immensely blessed to have received our invitation for pilgrimage (almost 3 years ago), a truly life changing event which literally fast tracked my own inner work. It put my entire life into perspective and shed light on my purpose on this earth. It taught me that my faith and the Divine is all I need to navigate my path. </div>
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I have grown so much as an individual, my circle has diminished as I focused more and more on my own internal work and I have grown to understand human nature holistically. The biggest learning during these past 10 years has been to understand that forgiveness sets me free as much as it does the forgiven. That I am not qualified to determine who should or should not be forgiven, I am completely clear that my only focus should be on being the best I can be. It does not matter what anyone else says, does, or thinks as I cannot influence or change anyone else, I can only manage myself and my own actions; afterall I am accountable only for myself and those whom I have been tasked with the responsibility of nurturing and teaching.</div>
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This year hubby and I celebrated our 24th anniversary, and even the very foundation of our mariage has shifted during this last decade. Whilst we were both on our individual paths, focusing respectively on our own inner work; it has fostered appreciation, understanding and a stronger bond has been forged through our shared trials and tribulations. During my times of grappling with hurt, I found solace in my soul mate, and when faced with impossible situations, he supported me unconditionally. 🙏🏼</div>
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I am therefore heading into the next decade fully equipped to live to the best of my ability, to continue to seek knowledge, to be fully aware of my impact on the world and others, and to take responsibility for myself and my actions as I walk along my Decreed path. There have been so many firsts in this past 10 years, too many to list, and I remain eternally thankful to my Creator for all that I have been blessed with, for all that I have seen and experienced and for all the lessons which have strengthened me in so many ways, Algamdulilah. ♥️</div>
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Pics below are from my very first international birthday trip, as we usually only travel in December so that we can take the kids with us. This year we decided to break tradition and do a trip mid year, without the boys. And even though we had some work commitments, there was obviously time for holidaying as well!</div>
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Due to the heat in Dubai, I mostly wore silk dresses (like this one), light skirts and linen fabrics...</div>
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Wishing all of you a wonderful and prosperous 2020!</div>
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Outfit details:</div>
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Boldtique dress</div>
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Old Scarf</div>
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Birkenstocks Sandals</div>
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Desigual Backpack</div>
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Old Earrings</div>
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Caio for now, </div>
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RuBe xoxo</div>
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RuBe's Closethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12544216581097985023noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2857605145918106579.post-85167840176949315352019-11-02T13:27:00.000+02:002019-11-02T13:27:56.674+02:00Coming to terms with the entirety of myself...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Hey lovelies!</div>
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I found my way back and it feels good to be back after a while away! This post has literally been in drafts for over 2 weeks 🤦🏻♀️</div>
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I've been saying for a while that 2019 has really been challenging on many fronts and my time availability has really been limited. However, it was also filled with most amazing milestones, moments of joy and blessings Algamdulilah.</div>
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This year has presented many instances where I needed to do introspection, I had to learn how to manage myself in a range of trying situations, from work to family and social engagements. There are many things I have learnt about myself, some good and some hard to swallow, but at the crux of it, I have had to come to terms with the <b><i>entirety</i></b> of myself. And accept that my make up is that I have been Divinely created in a specific way for a particular purpose.</div>
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Through the course my life I have weathered a pretty tumultuous and difficult childhood, one I do not talk about often; because on the whole I have made peace with the fact that my life has been decreed this way. As tough as it may have been, it has ultimately shaped me into the person that I am today. I have sat with those who have caused me anguish during my childhood years, given pardon and made a conscious decision that my traumas will not trip me up. The impact that this approach has had on my life has been expansive to say the least, there is very little which I carry in my heart and I am aware of what triggers old wounds and behaviour patterns. I am constantly vigilant of living up to my best potential in my mission to serve my Creator. </div>
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Hubby said to me the other day, that my life is very much a reflection of who I am; and that I am capable of moving from one rollercoaster (literally and figuratively) to the next without batting an eyelash. And if I just consider my life from as early on as I can remember, it has most certainly been one rollercoaster after the other, and over 30 years later it has not changed much. However, what has changed significantly is the way I deal with struggles, the way I place my Creator first which then activates the intention to take care of myself. I am clear that this has been my decreed path and lamenting my fate every time I am faced with an obstacle is not an option. So while there have been many instances of life kicking me in the teeth, I have always dusted myself off, wiped the blood off and barged straight ahead. I take my learnings, integrate what I need to, and gracefully thank the Almighty for the opportunity to move forward (again). </div>
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So while it may look like I always have it all together, know that I too have had some serious life knocks, in fact I still have them, but I pull myself together and supplicate to my Creator for guidance. This methodology helps me maintain my equilibrium when life gets hectic, and gives me the stamina to forge ahead.</div>
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So when you feel like the odds are always stacked against you, know that you cannot change others, or the situation. You can only change your approach and the way you deal with these hurdles, if you reflect on your own part in things, you will experience a fundamental shift in your inner peace.</div>
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This dress was one I've been wanting to share with you for a while, it was such a lovely bespoke dress, which <a href="https://www.instagram.com/asenseofstylesa/" target="_blank">A Sense of Style</a> put together for me in a matter of days. Aaliah is one of those beacons of light who makes me smile and laugh out loud just by being in her company. Get in touch with her to order your bespoke dress, or follow her <a href="https://www.instagram.com/asenseofstylesa/" target="_blank">Instagram</a> account to see what her current range looks like. </div>
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“Be melting snow.</div>
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Wash yourself of yourself.”</div>
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Rumi</div>
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Outfit details:</div>
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Dress by A Sense of Style</div>
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Scarf by RifWrapped</div>
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Ted Baker Heels</div>
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Forever New embellished bag</div>
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Earrings gifted</div>
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Caio for now, </div>
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RuBe XoXo</div>
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<br />RuBe's Closethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12544216581097985023noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2857605145918106579.post-31073128782008608342019-09-14T13:05:00.001+02:002019-09-14T13:05:24.537+02:00My first-born turns 21<div style="text-align: center;">
Hi lovelies, </div>
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My regular readers would know that I've been swamped and hence my posts have been few and far between this year. It's unbelievable the pace at which things have been going this year, and everything I have been involved in has meant very little time for my blog. </div>
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But, there is no other time like the 21st birthday of my first-born to force me to sit down, and take a moment to pay tribute to this milestone, for both him and us as parents.</div>
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It's really not a walk in the park, parenting in today's society, and yet it is most rewarding and fulfilling. It is one of the most important gifts and responsibilities which has been Divinely bestowed upon me. And with these past two weeks being fraught with emotion, critique and hate speech around gender based violence, I feel the responsibility weigh even heavier on my shoulders. To ensure that these young men, will model behaviour seen in the home, integrate it into who they are and take it into the world and their lives going forward. I pray each day that they are able to withstand the challenges that life throws at them with Grace, and with the consciousness of being respectful of ALL individuals at ALL times. And living the best version of themselves always ❤️</div>
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I became a parent at the tender age of 21, so my 42nd birthday was an extra special one, as Ziyaad wished me, he said "Happy 2nd 21st birthday Mom". It was an emotional time, where I was extremely nostalgic and as I reflected upon all the trials we weathered together as parents. I looked at our nuclear family and felt an immense sense of achievement; as any parent knows, having young adults in the home is extremely challenging and yet it has also enabled the greatest growth for me as an individual. Provided I am open to learning from these young men, open to listening to their viewpoints and acknowledging that the world has changed from what I know. </div>
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When we discussed celebrating this young man, we debated so many options for his birthday, and we settled on no big bash and just a trip with mom (since our birthdays are literally 3 days apart). And as the time drew near for our trip, his campus schedule was so full, he was unable to get away, so it then quickly turned into a last minute dash to put together a birthday celebration. And from there, all my attention was focused on planning his party with very little time for his tribute. </div>
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So Ziyaad, this is for you:</div>
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As you enter the next phase of your life, </div>
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May you always remain steadfast</div>
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In your unwavering quest to be yourself.</div>
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I pray that your life is filled with more moments</div>
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to treasure than those which create angst.</div>
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You are an example to all of being fearlessly authentic,</div>
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Walking your path in your way, </div>
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Regardless of the pressures of society. </div>
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Hold your head high as you traverse this world, </div>
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Always confident and crystal in your vision.</div>
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You are about to enter the world as an adult, </div>
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Please remember to keep the fire of that young kid alive, </div>
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Never allow the trials of life to dictate your orientation,</div>
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And,</div>
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Stay the course as you find your way, follow your passion,</div>
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And live your purpose. </div>
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You have shown me what courage means, </div>
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you have taught me the strength of LOVE, </div>
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And above all,</div>
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You have shared your heart, your gentleness and joy with us,</div>
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For this we are eternally grateful,</div>
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Keep shining my son.</div>
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And we'll always be here to recharge those batteries ♥️</div>
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Some pics of our celebration of this young man:</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Baby brother saying a few words</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Younger brother paying his tribute</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dad representing me as well (I was wayyy to emotional to talk)</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">24 years married and boy we've weathered a lot!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Putting the finishing touches to his speech</td></tr>
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RuBe's Closethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12544216581097985023noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2857605145918106579.post-50667249317031362019-07-26T21:32:00.000+02:002019-07-26T21:43:07.534+02:00Hajj Lessons unpacked<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Aslm and hello lovely readers!</div>
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I know it's been a while since I've popped in over here, but I am slowly getting back on my feet after the past few insanely busy months. I was reflecting on how the first part of this year has literally sped by in a flash, and how much has actually happened! And before I knew it, Hajj season (yes it really feels like a season nowadays) was upon us and my heart and soul was catapulted into another reality. </div>
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I always feel highly charged and emotional when people start departing for Hajj, and the overwhelming need to engage and share with them sets in. It's as if I would like to impart all the wonder from my own Hajj, I want to 'prepare' them for this most incredible journey they are about to embark on. And at the same time I am fully aware that no matter what I say (or write) about my absolutely magnificent pilgrimage, each individual will have their own unique experience. I am clear too that each person will have their own challenges as well as the most extraordinary blessings (both tailored just for them). Above all, I know that the experience is dependant on what the individual chooses to make of their Hajj; the concept of just embracing whatever you're presented with sets the tone for a spiritually fulfilled hajj.</div>
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This week marked the two year anniversary of our departure for Hajj, it was an emotional time for me as the day flashed in all its clarity through my mind. I felt as if I was reliving it all over again! I never really understood what previous Hujaaj was talking about when they said that Hajj is unlike any other travel, until I too was honoured to perform my pilgrimage. Having said that, even though the physical Hajj occurred two years ago, the impact, the lessons and insights continue every day and unfold in the conscious act of trying my utmost to live my Hajj. </div>
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As more time passes, I understand this concept more clearly, as the lessons learnt during Hajj imbed themselves in my DNA. </div>
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Some of the lessons I learnt during my journey of a lifetime, which is now becoming an instrinsic part of how I navigate the world and serve my Creator:</div>
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<li style="text-align: left;">Accepting the Grace, Mercy and Love of my Creator. This has to be the one lesson which was reinforced every single day during my Hajj. I could tangibly feel my connection and relationship with the Divine being strengthened with every moment I spent in supplication. Being cognisant of the fact that I was an esteemed guest in His place of worship, meant that I was chosen out of hundreds of thousands to be there during Hajj1438. And even being one of the masses, I still felt singled out and immensely blessed to be able to walk the streets of Madinah, to gain easy access to the Raudah and to enjoy close proximity to the Holy Ka'bah. I consciously aim to maintain the sincerity of those engagements and supplications with my Creator, it is a daily practice which I cannot function without.</li>
<li style="text-align: left;">Understanding that we are all One. Every single pilgrim was on their own journey of a lifetime, each one from a corner of the globe, with very different circumstances; and yet standing on the same planes of Arafah, and performing the very same tawaaf and sa-ee. </li>
<li style="text-align: left;">Being tolerant of others. Since there are people from different countries, with different cultures and ways of doing things, one has to observe tolerance and understanding. Some travellers come from remote rural villages, others may be bedouins who live in the desert and you'll even find pilgrims who have entered the Kingdom on foot without any form of pre-planned accommodation (which we're so lucky to enjoy). In the same way back home, it is essential to drop judgements (and to be aware of it as an impulsive reaction) and find the place of understanding that someone else's behaviour is purely from their own orientation in the world. This creates a platform for authentic connection with others.</li>
<li style="text-align: left;">When you're on Hajj and in the state of ihraam, everyone is equal, there is no class distinction, no overt display of wealth nor focus on worldly things. It becomes very clear that we're all equal as humans in the eyes of our Lord, Subgaanallah.</li>
<li style="text-align: left;">Practice patience. For me this was something I had to train myself to exercise before leaving. I had no clue what I'd be faced with in Saudi, and had to learn to practice patience in every single aspect of my journey. From waiting on the bus, to walking at someone else's pace in soaring temperatures; from being ignored to being locked out of our hotel room, and then not being understood as we tried to remedy a situation. </li>
<li style="text-align: left;">Forgiveness. This was the biggest lesson learnt, and started with forgiveness of, and being gentle with myself first. Forgiveness is something we pray and yearn for from our Creator, and yet in our daily lives we feel entitled to withhold forgiveness based on how badly we feel we've been wronged. I have come to realise that forgiving means being sincere from the heart, making a pledge with the self to no longer hold onto the hurt and actual occurence, and to always be mindful of how I would like to be forgiven. And then to model that behaviour towards others.</li>
<li style="text-align: left;">Surrender to Faith. Another important element of my Hajj; while I was able to plan certain things, the realisation that I do not control anything was never more evident than on my pilgrimage. My decision to have the best experience meant that I would need to surrender and allow faith to carry me through, even when it was difficult. And when I engaged this mode, it literally transformed my entire perception, and the difficulties turned into valuable insights for myself.</li>
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<span style="text-align: left;"><b><i>Be an ambassador for Hajj. </i></b></span><br />
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<span style="text-align: left;">Whilst this may not be a lesson, it was an intention I made when I completed my pilgrimage. I made a heartfelt undertaking to inspire others and to advocate the impact that Hajj has made in my life. There have been many trying times since my journey of a lifetime, and the way I deal with these trials and embrace what life presents has been a learned mechanism activated through my Hajj. My inclination now, is to first look at a situation from the perspective of truth, and what would please my Allah (SWT), and then navigate my way to a solution from there. It is not always easy nor the popular way of dealing with things, but it is more important for me to know my heart is clean, my intention only to please the Divine, then I know i'm on the right path.</span></div>
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I have been pensive and introspective, and have had many aha moments since my Hajj, it has contributed to my own personal and spiritual growth and keeps bringing me back to path of serving the Almighty and my fellow human ♥️</div>
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Since it's been freezing, I have been layering to keep warm. This look is typical officewear, with a trench thrown over for those days I need to brave the cold walking to meetings.</div>
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All pieces are existing pieces from my wardrobe, and the trench is around 8 years old, when Trenery was still a new label.</div>
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Outfit details:</div>
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Trenery Trench Coat</div>
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Zara embellished knit</div>
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Soviet coated denim jeans</div>
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Scarfstop scarf</div>
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Aldo boots</div>
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Michael Kors Bag</div>
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<br />RuBe's Closethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12544216581097985023noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2857605145918106579.post-18341569791223001282019-07-04T16:05:00.000+02:002019-07-04T16:09:38.532+02:00Superbalist Winter favourites<div style="text-align: center;">
Hi lovelies!</div>
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I've been offline for a while, it was a necessary time out from the blog while hubby travelled and I managed work and held down the fort at home. I am slowly starting to get back to normal, and finding my groove, and with it the realisation that perhaps my wardrobe needs a little injection for winter. So whilst I still don't have the luxury of time to wander through the malls, I turn to my trusty online shopping sites.</div>
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I usually have a good idea of the pieces I need to inject some life into my wardrobe, sometimes it's a trendy print piece, a good classic pair of boots, some updated knitwear items, in different textures and fabrics or some contemporary accessories. My go-to online store for some <a href="https://superbalist.com/browse/women?sort_by=newest" target="_blank">clothing</a> pieces to introduce some trendiness into my closet is always <a href="http://www.superbalist.com/" target="_blank">Superbalist</a>. Their range varies from well priced items to more classic pieces, and I adore their leather boots which are always competitively priced. They also run amazing specials quite frequently, so I know I'll be able to snatch up some cool bargains!</div>
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So here's my wishlist of some clothing items from the <a href="http://www.superbalist.com/" target="_blank">Superbalist</a> site to update my wardrobe:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgg5z4xmp1jkR3m0ms7k8JRw1kLc6oldGBpZxl9EDBz3iWM6_XPC4TBmmnNsqquRaTsHwN6w-jJ0UxpsOft1-Vx-va9PXIboK9BKItqjMGLt-IucccLrynJUULa-1Y029rtvVGqdVK3hsk/s1600/original-10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="377" data-original-width="498" height="484" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgg5z4xmp1jkR3m0ms7k8JRw1kLc6oldGBpZxl9EDBz3iWM6_XPC4TBmmnNsqquRaTsHwN6w-jJ0UxpsOft1-Vx-va9PXIboK9BKItqjMGLt-IucccLrynJUULa-1Y029rtvVGqdVK3hsk/s640/original-10.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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A pearl studded beret for a change up to the usual hijab look.</div>
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Pants with some sparkle is right up my alley, perfect for those winter evenings, paired with some faux fur.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIqqknASiII1gxFxRum2FX3ChghsQRrUuMrdAtCw2dmHau6BED_xlSnE6rIUAsSz5HNHZ5OSt0a02Fo5yKA4SV843QrGT31Kbh_LxxCATleitlIAokTAril9kL_5mhE0cPginYPOkK5Fs/s1600/original-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="500" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIqqknASiII1gxFxRum2FX3ChghsQRrUuMrdAtCw2dmHau6BED_xlSnE6rIUAsSz5HNHZ5OSt0a02Fo5yKA4SV843QrGT31Kbh_LxxCATleitlIAokTAril9kL_5mhE0cPginYPOkK5Fs/s640/original-2.jpg" width="444" /></a></div>
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A more casual take with these super trendy loose plaid trouser, dressed up or down would be a versatile piece in my closet,</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHSwAZNinkCBsOguRCxPVBj_1kCT96DqeK7wGVfmxdz1gcNXczOXO9slzi9X1rbrOcTfucLEUjkE6U_HMJYUhUtrdhB1cTDSDYDW2UuiwxUV8UoKn734PMGg6kInlwRS0A7W4k1R2KrmA/s1600/original-3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="500" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHSwAZNinkCBsOguRCxPVBj_1kCT96DqeK7wGVfmxdz1gcNXczOXO9slzi9X1rbrOcTfucLEUjkE6U_HMJYUhUtrdhB1cTDSDYDW2UuiwxUV8UoKn734PMGg6kInlwRS0A7W4k1R2KrmA/s640/original-3.jpg" width="444" /></a></div>
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A romantic flowy top is always a good idea ♥️</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_RhyphenhyphenA9Z9MjUDRS3v7tSPGsa4Z0RBUQ46rwpbes5LnJ46xfCNwsDYbp476K23RgbsjHydH1s4AVcIFqZSFRgszVcKmBgQmuaIRSM5Q9llpOIHiMc5l9p8pD9A-df3SdZvHdmgTJKi62Lk/s1600/original-4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="500" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_RhyphenhyphenA9Z9MjUDRS3v7tSPGsa4Z0RBUQ46rwpbes5LnJ46xfCNwsDYbp476K23RgbsjHydH1s4AVcIFqZSFRgszVcKmBgQmuaIRSM5Q9llpOIHiMc5l9p8pD9A-df3SdZvHdmgTJKi62Lk/s640/original-4.jpg" width="444" /></a></div>
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A leather skirt is a wonderful addition and will perfectly complement any look work look, evening look or casual ensemble.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGbeDUaE6PKk5gI36B09aV9Bb6Jzg_R0HUFnvLGT5VzlhQISJIoOHFFtnzW9qSBQ0rGN5_ZYzrGs9a1kZP6xuVVOCmN83VYeRbnBVc1i81fF1yqFCvH_NdoIH8EwWwoXH1SxzQgYi-8lE/s1600/original-5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="500" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGbeDUaE6PKk5gI36B09aV9Bb6Jzg_R0HUFnvLGT5VzlhQISJIoOHFFtnzW9qSBQ0rGN5_ZYzrGs9a1kZP6xuVVOCmN83VYeRbnBVc1i81fF1yqFCvH_NdoIH8EwWwoXH1SxzQgYi-8lE/s640/original-5.jpg" width="444" /></a></div>
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The pleated skirt is still a big seller, and can be adapted to suit any look you're going for. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicgAQtGBm5cRvdWY3V1PTDUOpf-CJQtw99WDzY8XERrEbGQka0TGFgEyae9a7gyaZ1xyLWMSGBpNCmTOdHABScy6zHmjNwYmM8cXYbayKWuxsXavIXmnk4aT-zXNrxhdI1y-614Q6cl5M/s1600/original-6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="500" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicgAQtGBm5cRvdWY3V1PTDUOpf-CJQtw99WDzY8XERrEbGQka0TGFgEyae9a7gyaZ1xyLWMSGBpNCmTOdHABScy6zHmjNwYmM8cXYbayKWuxsXavIXmnk4aT-zXNrxhdI1y-614Q6cl5M/s640/original-6.jpg" width="444" /></a></div>
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A good basic knit is the perfect winter accompaniment, whether to layer up or just as is.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8xYOqHg0WTfaojRhSdm4H4erpOqlz5oFQP6SdvaRWmhlmb2W2UEfgeWOvn_4ezN5bKwzl5WYc5mq1UlDoHqCS6qGV5j2DgUwLqkGgZGZGOpPjL_whwAaqEP2pYn_h_zfyqUI76sroRrM/s1600/original-7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="500" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8xYOqHg0WTfaojRhSdm4H4erpOqlz5oFQP6SdvaRWmhlmb2W2UEfgeWOvn_4ezN5bKwzl5WYc5mq1UlDoHqCS6qGV5j2DgUwLqkGgZGZGOpPjL_whwAaqEP2pYn_h_zfyqUI76sroRrM/s640/original-7.jpg" width="444" /></a></div>
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Embellishments and sparkles is always a winner!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNiDcpa50AJgLPX30KqdUtQU8RuGiVuwfDrscG4XQW_FoR8DWoHum1s6LL57Rz4MeFuWdOUee9SGF0Yxhf-c5D9W6ftpBNFV6QwUyepwOfOyzLIJmt8HRFaoarOctqCX6vowKX8b4d8TA/s1600/original-8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="500" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNiDcpa50AJgLPX30KqdUtQU8RuGiVuwfDrscG4XQW_FoR8DWoHum1s6LL57Rz4MeFuWdOUee9SGF0Yxhf-c5D9W6ftpBNFV6QwUyepwOfOyzLIJmt8HRFaoarOctqCX6vowKX8b4d8TA/s640/original-8.jpg" width="444" /></a></div>
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It's no secret that I love a good classic leather boot which will transcend a few seasons.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggLo8PZbo2K2tGXXs4BXx8UO9iR4ghpVoMbHv2tONSYphU7v_mSJu2kNUPrm-cY3slO9aNVTWQFoYDvaipWP7V64BF6vox0eCvN7DoMzEVwwK-alcEJmUaS4LiwH3LsoxZfssSkYnEbwg/s1600/original-9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="500" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggLo8PZbo2K2tGXXs4BXx8UO9iR4ghpVoMbHv2tONSYphU7v_mSJu2kNUPrm-cY3slO9aNVTWQFoYDvaipWP7V64BF6vox0eCvN7DoMzEVwwK-alcEJmUaS4LiwH3LsoxZfssSkYnEbwg/s640/original-9.jpg" width="444" /></a></div>
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Introduce the python trend into your closet with these pretty boots!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxz-RnmyXmxvCXBKSiDSGlsyGs1_ZY88NpBV-0b-U2aSl-tU9qPZMx4wR5gnkBPzDqZ7LByM0MeQ-55_cRKuoIlFbVWRVhbtSZS7LxtE_OVR9jnFALSVAiSSiFQKUC_y_qPKsTGxGmTOU/s1600/original.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="500" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxz-RnmyXmxvCXBKSiDSGlsyGs1_ZY88NpBV-0b-U2aSl-tU9qPZMx4wR5gnkBPzDqZ7LByM0MeQ-55_cRKuoIlFbVWRVhbtSZS7LxtE_OVR9jnFALSVAiSSiFQKUC_y_qPKsTGxGmTOU/s640/original.jpg" width="444" /></a></div>
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A velour sweatpants is not limited to those on retirement, it can be a valuable addition to create a trendy athleisure look.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCBkrdLPr4QZEaNVOxIH4MlyvZ3K-hZ34ROsg2uMvZ4xMJIwxAA0zczqGdZC4TiOg2lfMBt-01ZR3fYdDDrNZjT0OYQs3SMU25Pwsd1of0HWHymDlZE7J2si6Lj2NMElHxYT4g3m1UsE4/s1600/spree2018july10picslgas0079.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="500" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCBkrdLPr4QZEaNVOxIH4MlyvZ3K-hZ34ROsg2uMvZ4xMJIwxAA0zczqGdZC4TiOg2lfMBt-01ZR3fYdDDrNZjT0OYQs3SMU25Pwsd1of0HWHymDlZE7J2si6Lj2NMElHxYT4g3m1UsE4/s640/spree2018july10picslgas0079.jpg" width="444" /></a></div>
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I'm a big fan of skirts and sneakers, and this skirt ticks all the boxes for a cool and casual look.</div>
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Pop over to <a href="http://www.superbalist.com/" target="_blank">Superbalist</a> and grab some of your essentials at reasonable prices!<span id="goog_1075373261"></span></div>
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Ciao for now, </div>
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RuBe xoxo</div>
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RuBe's Closethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12544216581097985023noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2857605145918106579.post-46396624944720487282019-06-01T16:36:00.000+02:002019-06-01T16:36:07.340+02:00An Eid Look Reinvented<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Hello Lovely Readers, </div>
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It's been a minute and this post has been in draft for a while... </div>
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Ramadaan has flown by, and as always it has been a profound month for me. This year has been very different to recent years (although in some ways much the same), yet I am very clear that it just means I continue to grow with all the challenges presented along my path. This past month has been a fruitful one, it has been a spiritually rewarding one, where I have focused on my Divine connection whilst working at being the best version of me.</div>
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Ramadaan is a time of spiritual rejuvenation, where my soul feels renewed and my faith strengthened for whatever lie ahead. And with all of these amazing experiences this month, I have literally been snowed under with work. I have found myself working toward tight deadlines, having to manage many roles and still be centred enough to find my quiet and solitude I yearn for in the fast. And with all the extra demands on my time, I chose to cut back on cooking time to allow for this, which meant that we had relatively simple iftaar meals. I'd cook soup in bulk and freeze, prepare batter for fritters or pancakes for two days, and cook enough supper so my family can have it for suhoor as well. I have repurposed left overs, oven-cooked and airfried to ease the burden. </div>
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I was conscious of not making it difficult for myself, especially since I spent longer days at our office than I had anticipated. The wonderful thing is that my family just rolled with it, without grumble, and stepped in to assist where they could. My boys already have fixed chores during the fast, and assisted over and above when they were able. There were days where I'd be running extremely late, and would rush into the kitchen in a huff, only to find bodies drawn to the kitchen earlier than normal to pitch in. I am thankful for this support, and know that it is hugely due to the fact that I have not had 1 day off from working this Ramadaan. I have been working non-stop as a result of taking my introspection time in between the crazy deadlines. After all, the reward of this month comes around only once a year, so my priorities had to be re-organised so I'd be able to spend time in supplication. Having said that, I am really looking forward to some rest time (or at the very least, weekend time) after the fast when our dinner times are not cast in stone. </div>
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This brings me to the aim of today's post... </div>
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I have clearly not been able to shop, and merely popped into the Islamia market to stock up on my collagen. Other than that, I have had zero time to shop, and zero inclination to even consider what to wear this Eid. Although, I must admit I have dear designer friends who usually help me out, so I may just be sorted! If you've also been too busy to even consider an Eid outfit, perhaps reinventing a previous Eid look would be the way to go? I didn't blog last Eid's look (due to the babies I was care-taking at the time), and realised that it would work perfectly for another Eid. A timeless classic printed silk dress, with various textures to add to the autumn feel, makes for a simple and easy Eid look. </div>
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I'd wear this again, and possibly change it up by losing the fur, adding a bulkier neckpiece and dainty earrings. I'd even wear this dress casually with sneakers, of course, but that's not the point of today's Eid look.😛 This printed silk will transcend seasons, the faux fur will remain a constant and the velvet is still a key texture this season. The heels have been in my wardrobe for years, and the gold fishnet stockings adds some glitz and pulls the look together seamlessly.</div>
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PS: the velvet scarf is in stock again with RifWrapped if you're keen to grab one for yourself, even as the only piece you'd purchase for Eid.</div>
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Last year I repurposed an Eid look, and thought I'd carry on the tradition, since the idea was so well received. What are your thoughts on reinventing previous Eid looks?</div>
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Outfit Details:</div>
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A Sense of Style Silk Dress</div>
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Faux Fur stole from Huemine Image</div>
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Velvet Scarf from Rifwrapped</div>
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Heels (old)</div>
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Clutch (Old)</div>
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Earrings & Pearls (Old)</div>
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Gold Fishnet Stockings from H & M (last year)</div>
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Ciao for now, </div>
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RuBe xoxo</div>
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<br />RuBe's Closethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12544216581097985023noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2857605145918106579.post-81512235921119404012019-05-07T10:10:00.001+02:002019-05-18T10:13:57.006+02:00Are we blind to abuse?<div style="text-align: center;">
Asalaamu Alaykum & Welcome Readers,</div>
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It's been a while since I popped in here and shared my thoughts, and with the start of Ramadaan I felt I really wanted and needed to share my musings. Firstly, things have been really crazy with the launch of our travel agency, <a href="https://www.facebook.com/thetravelconnexion/">The Travel Connexion</a> as you may have seen on social media, and of course life continues in between. This meant that we have literally been working 24/7 to get things off the ground, and at the same time I am trying to balance that, my own work, home and family life. So unfortunately the blog took a back seat, but with the start of the fast, which is my time for reflection and introspection, I wanted to drop you a few lines.</div>
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My topic may seem a bit heavy for the start of Ramadaan, but this has been something that has been sitting with me for a while. And this post has actually been in draft since January. Abuse comes in many forms, and I have seen it and experienced it in every sphere of my life. What is disturbing is how blind we are to it, and how normalised it has become in our interactions with each other. Rather than talk about the more common versions which we all know without a doubt is abuse, such as domestic abuse, child abuse, emotional abuse and so on, I would like to highlight the more subtle versions which are carried out every day without anyone batting an eyelid. </div>
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My belief, and I have said this many times, is that every single person needs to be treated with respect as a human being first. Therefore any violation of an individual's basic human rights is a form of abuse, this refers to malice, disregard for a person's humanity and feelings and emotional warfare. I refer to emotional warfare, which is actually launching a full on personal attack without having the decency of having a discussion first. I have been at the end of vindictiveness without even knowing the rhyme or reason, and while I am very clear that this says more about the other person than it does about me, I find it totally unnecessary. </div>
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The not so subtle digs in the virtual realm is another form of abuse, where the person dishing it out cannot say or do it in person, and hides behind a screen. Furthermore, slander or gossip (or fitnah which is a serious sin in Islam) is another form of abuse, and strips the dignity of the one perpetrating it, Subgaanallah. Cyberbullying and feeling entitled to the right to tell someone off in a public space causes more harm than good, and has resulted in really dire situations for our youth. Spreading fake news and rallying sensationalism and anger are further ways of violating someone else's dignity, it is even worse if the information has not been verified nor addressed with the individual in question. </div>
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Basically, abuse is perpetrated when one uses power and influence in an underhand way, when one intentionally sets out to harm another in a malicious and venomous manner. I cannot condone this behaviour, and truth is the only panacea for this kind of violation. I am raising young men, future generations of leaders, and to show them that it is OK to stand by an accept abuse would be to fail in my Divine duty to my Creator. It is also not OK to allow abuse to be perpetrated when it is within your power to say or do something, this too is a <b><i>Divine order</i></b>. </div>
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As the month of Ramadaan approached, I found myself in the space of wrestling with this concept. And my guidance came when I supplicated and performed Tahajjud salaah (prayer performed in the last third of night and before dawn) : "Speaking the truth may not be the easy thing to do, but it is the only thing to do to end abuse." And furthermore, I needed to accept that whichever way my Lord has decreed it should happen, I will accept with Grace. I have also had to sit with what my role in any form of abuse is and has been, and to rectify this as best I can. It is not enough to point fingers and say that others are meant to rectify something when I am not prepared to step in and do the same. Accountability starts with me and it is the only way to open the heart to forgiveness. Afterall, I cannot ask my Creator for Mercy or for Forgiveness if I am not prepared to sincerely make room for this in my own heart. </div>
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So as I enter this month, with a clear heart and conscience I will continue to reflect and introspect, and ensure that I engage in the world from a place of truth and authenticity. Knowing full well that whatever I expect on this earth is something I am willing to do myself. </div>
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My motto: "Check myself first."</div>
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One of my favourite Hadiths:</div>
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<b>On the authority of Abu Sa’eed al-Khudree (may Allah be pleased with him) who said: I heard the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) say, “Whosoever of you sees an evil, let him change it with his hand; and if he is not able to do so, then [let him change it] with his tongue; and if he is not able to do so, then with his heart — and that is the weakest of faith.” [Muslim]</b></div>
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This look was clearly from two weeks ago, and I'm sharing it as it's a piece from the Huemine Image label, owned by my dear soul sister Aysha. This yellow python print piece jumped out at me when I popped into her studio. We've had this conversation around abuse many times, so I felt a little piece of her in this post is appropriate.💛</div>
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Outfit Details:</div>
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Lasercut Leather top (Old)</div>
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Huemine Image skirt</div>
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Shoes & Bag (Old)</div>
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Ralph Lauren sunglasses</div>
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Earring (Old)</div>
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Raw Silk Scarf (Old)</div>
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Caio for now, </div>
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RuBe xoxo</div>
RuBe's Closethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12544216581097985023noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2857605145918106579.post-21695748441783460922019-04-05T11:47:00.000+02:002019-04-05T11:47:01.142+02:00Lessons Learnt from my 15 year old<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Welcome lovelies!</div>
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I know that every week has been a hectic one this year, and I fully understand that it is just life actually. Being present with everything that happens, addressing what bothers me and always making time to introspect, requires energy to navigate every day. It means that there's no space for pretence, harbouring grudges or being concerned with what others are doing. </div>
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This last two weeks of school holidays turned out to be another big learning curve for me as a parent. My youngest approached me with a rumour of a classmate being murdered, and their group of friends who play online games with him had tried to get a hold of him upon hearing this. This young man was unreachable via watsapp and didn't engage in any online gaming for more than a week, so the group of young men became worried that the rumour may be true. About a week later, the rumour was confirmed and a few days before starting school we sat down and had a conversation with our youngest. </div>
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As an adult, I have dealt with many deaths, very few close to me, but I would think I have the capacity to process it. A murder is entirely another story, it highlights the dark side of human nature, and the close proximity it shows up in our lives. I had to first work through my own shock and my own sadness so that I could listen and be present for my son. Because, despite how I felt about it, he was having to deal with it from a young mind and an innocent heart, which was ultimately my concern. How does one explain to a 15 year old, that sometimes these events are decreed, and will set everyone on a path in their own lives. How do I explain that trauma is also a Divine decree, whether as a test, strengthening your faith and that is what we mean when we say "May Allah/ God place sabr/patience and contentment in the hearts of the family"? It's a shock yes, it's heartbreaking to hear, and at the same time I know that everyone experiences some kind of trauma in their lives, it's a given in life. However, it became obvious that I was unnecessarily worried, he understood it as I said it, without any further qualification, he got it!</div>
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The other side of the coin was how does my young son deal with a sudden and brutal loss of a classmate? I have been through this before with my firstborn, when a classmate committed suicide in matric. Having had a similar experience doesn't make this one easier as I'm dealing with a different child. Yesterday my son told me that they had decided to leave his deceased classmate's desk empty for a while in remembrance of the space he occupied in the class. They have been undergoing counselling to come to terms with the loss and the manner in which it occurred, and as I sat and spoke to him, it dawned on me that this young gentleman knows exactly how to deal with his own shock and grief. It became very clear, that while he was extremely sad, he was OK and managing the honouring of his classmate very well.</div>
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This led me to a realisation that sometimes as parents we have a need to place our own drama, shock, grief or whatever other emotion into the space. When all our kids really need is a space to be able to work through the trauma in their own way, on their own terms and time line. So his decision not to have a party for his birthday last week, was not out of context, merely making a choice of what was best for him. </div>
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The biggest thing I take from this experience is that our kids know exactly what they need, and as a parent, I need to acknowledge and support this. I cannot burden him with my own reactions to <i>his</i> trauma, I cannot expect him to deal with it in a way that I would. As young as he may be, he knows himself well enough to tell me he's fine in handling it. That should be enough for me.</div>
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And I know, without a doubt that if he finds himself floundering, he'll know where to look for support knowing that he won't need to take on any of my baggage as well. I have witnessed the grace with which these young kids expressed their grief, without focusing on the perpetrator. Their sole focus being on honouring their classmate and supporting each other through a shocking and traumatic experience. I have learnt an important lesson from my young man, and with it a new respect for the quiet strength he's able to tap into without engendering drama or making it all about himself. </div>
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“There can be no keener revelation of a society’s soul than the way in which it treats its children.” — Nelson Mandela</h3>
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This outfit is a fun twist on the pleated tulle skirt, one I have had in my wardrobe since I started blogging about 6 years ago. I really didn't think that tulle skirts would still be a thing! Paired with a denim shirt and red velvet sneakers purchased on one of our travels. </div>
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Outfit details:</div>
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Levis denim Shirt</div>
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Old Tulle skirt</div>
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Adidas red sneakers</div>
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Chimpel leather bag</div>
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Scarfstop scarf</div>
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Hse of Bespoke tassel earrings</div>
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Dolce & Gabbana sunglasses</div>
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Caio for now, </div>
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RuBe xoxo</div>
<br />RuBe's Closethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12544216581097985023noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2857605145918106579.post-88708949814703793242019-03-22T20:39:00.001+02:002019-03-22T20:39:32.053+02:00Al Aqsa Part III - Taking in History<div style="text-align: center;">
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<br class="Apple-interchange-newline" />Hi beautiful readers, </div>
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It's been rather frustrating trying to work and get things done, especially with our load shedding schedule now on stage 4! I now have to plan my work, meetings, Skype, printing and cooking around three load shedding incidences in a day (and I only have so much data on my mobile router 😩).</div>
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Anyways, I now try to do my work offline, and then upload when we're back up again. So now I'm able to bring you the next instalment, and I believe, the one many want to see, in my Aqsa journey. Because my trip to Palestine was a highly anticipated one, I am very happy to have been able to see as much as I could in the short time I was there. At the time of writing this, my mom had just performed her first Jumuah in the Dome of the Rock, her entire journey is taking me all the way back to December...</div>
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My last post just captured our first sights of Al Aqsa and Dome of the Rock mosques and our first Fajr experience. After we had dried off in the hotel, had breakfast, we prepared for our full day guided tour by one of the local guides. It was unfortunately raining profusely so my views from the shuttle was all fogged up, and when we got out at the some spots we got soaked. Nonetheless, I was not going to let a little rain dishearten me.</div>
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Our first stop was Jabal Muqabir, which according to legend, is the mount from which Caliphate Umar (RA) entered Jerusalem and loudly proclaimed Allahu Akbar. His entry precipitated the surrender of the keys of the City of Jerusalem into the hands of the Muslims by the Patriarch Sophronius fourteen centuries ago. From this vantage point one has a clear panoramic view of the Old City with the gold dome gleaming in the distance. We boarded the shuttle again and drove for 40 minutess towards Hebron, where Masjid Ibrahim is located. This mosque is built over a maqbara (cemetery) which is believed to house the tombs of Nabi Ibrahim (AS), his wife Sara (AS), Nabi Ishaq (AS) and his wife Rifqa (AS). Some say Nabi Yaqoob (AS) and Nabi Yusuf (AS) are also buried in the cave (also known as the Cave of the Patriarchs) below the mosque. Inside the mosque there is a domed cupola or furnace which allows one to peek down to the cemetery cave below. The heady smell of oud mixed with warm air came wafting up from the cave as we leaned over the rail. It was such an incredible experience for me to just be in this mosque, whether the actual bodies of our prophets and their wives are physically present or not. There is still a feeling of intense spiritual energy in the air, while at the same time feeling calm and sanctified. Hebron, the largest city in the West Bank, forms part of occupied territory, so there is a strong military presence and a checkpoint to pass through to enter the mosque. This city has been a contentious one throughout history, torn by centuries (and even in recent decades) of unrest and conflict. We spent about 45 minutes at this masjid before heading off to our next stop.</div>
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After performing Thuhr at the Mosque of Nabi Yunus (where His tomb is located), also in occupied West Bank (located on Mount Nabi Yunus) we headed off to Bethlehem. An hour and a half later we arrived in Bethlehem, parked off and had a quick lunch stop in a shopping centre. We then took a short walk to the Church of Nativity, situated in Manger Square. It was really amazing to walk through this little town, all Christmassy and covered in tinsel, teeming with tourists from all faiths. This is still part of the West Bank, so movements are carefully controlled by military police in certain areas. This is the oldest major church in Jerusalem, originally commissioned in 327 by Constantine the Great. It houses a very significant site for those of the Christian faith, a grotto in the basement of the church believed to be the birthplace of Jesus, which has earned its place as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.</div>
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As we headed for our next stop, the Maqam of Nabi Musa (AS) the sun was already low, at around 4:30pm dusk was almost upon us. This Maqam which is situated just outside Jericho, is not confirmed to house the body of our Nabi Musa (AS) as it is generally believed that the location of his remains are unclear. However, tradition holds that Salahuddin Ayyubi once had a dream where he was shown this spot and he subsequently ordered this mosque to be built at this site. After completing Asr and Magrieb we departed for the town of Jericho. Walking through these sacred sites stirs an indescribable feeling and filled me with a sense of humility, gratitude and immense reverence. History literally envelopes you as you reflect back on the lives of our prophets ♥️.<br />
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Shortly after we were back on the shuttle headed to Jericho, the oldest city in the world. We disembarked at the Mount of Temptation, significant for the Christians as the place where Jesus was tempted by the devil. By the time we arrived it was already dark (even though it was just after 7pm), so it was difficult to see anything. We could just glance at the lights of the Greek monastery situated against the steep cliff of the mountain. After some refreshments and Esha salaah we started back towards East Jerusalem.<br />
Along the way we stopped off at the Mount of Olives, which boasts a stunning panoramic view of the Old City. It also houses the Jewish cemetery since biblical times until present day.<br />
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Our last stop for the evening was the Maqam of Salman al Farsi (Salman, the Persian) who was a companion of the Prophet ﷺ and the first Persian to embrace Islam. Salman first met the Prophet ﷺ in Yathrib (Madinah) and is notable for being the one who suggested the digging of the trench around Madinah during the Battle of the Trench, which resulted in a victory for the Muslims. We ended off an exhaustingly full, but enriching day at this masjid located on the Mount of Olives.<br />
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This amazingly detailed tour fostered a new respect for Jerusalem and the Land of our Ambiyah, it has elevated Palestine in my heart and filled me with such appreciation and love. If I haven't said it before, it is imperative to add Palestine to the bucket list and experience the heightened spirituality of a place where every single messenger of Allah (SWT) has dwelled. More importantly, it is the land the Prophet ﷺ travelled to within a short span of the night, Subhaanallah!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">On Mount Muqabir, the weather obscures the view of the Old City in the background </td></tr>
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<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhw42zPZ75PXGJ0-jowwivNJQ8LFSdxzxET21Ykp1idNW90yNiZ3qiP4H6JhMuQHI7Bs_g6HBO5Bu2IFS5H3YmUnhDkOmlatiYhULz4KvIbMR2XNU9YjaLCW0O-7Z5th4WQa0aLDJo_wHM/s1600/PHOTO-2019-03-19-19-45-54+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="622" data-original-width="1280" height="310" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhw42zPZ75PXGJ0-jowwivNJQ8LFSdxzxET21Ykp1idNW90yNiZ3qiP4H6JhMuQHI7Bs_g6HBO5Bu2IFS5H3YmUnhDkOmlatiYhULz4KvIbMR2XNU9YjaLCW0O-7Z5th4WQa0aLDJo_wHM/s640/PHOTO-2019-03-19-19-45-54+2.jpg" width="640" /></a><br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-kmjFPm0bC5IgpwgkGmBKCi9hU6rDfbz5kHia-_fK6ptvrfQtBqRB7cra36h4wrv3zSrWg1Sp8KJYjK2jfSQmib-BCs7GDmfhaNVMXMyb-x9KuXtS2sz_jnCSQD4YOBsxG7fpmwbTwxo/s1600/IMG_0989.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-kmjFPm0bC5IgpwgkGmBKCi9hU6rDfbz5kHia-_fK6ptvrfQtBqRB7cra36h4wrv3zSrWg1Sp8KJYjK2jfSQmib-BCs7GDmfhaNVMXMyb-x9KuXtS2sz_jnCSQD4YOBsxG7fpmwbTwxo/s640/IMG_0989.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">Walking up to Masjid Ibrahim, Hebron</td></tr>
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<tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsB3bDswDbGhy3tRnwICsR7tTAV5aRac9unIsjeEhNJYvhVQDAvXRxWzYHRShWMe2WbgA2ePmsB62ZSxZbX9zvezuzYn9DL0Ss0h_E_c9JSpV8qKccWE3t5FxCO39G2kqsHe6VBhxBvts/s1600/PHOTO-2019-03-19-19-45-57.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="622" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsB3bDswDbGhy3tRnwICsR7tTAV5aRac9unIsjeEhNJYvhVQDAvXRxWzYHRShWMe2WbgA2ePmsB62ZSxZbX9zvezuzYn9DL0Ss0h_E_c9JSpV8qKccWE3t5FxCO39G2kqsHe6VBhxBvts/s640/PHOTO-2019-03-19-19-45-57.jpeg" width="310" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">Tomb of Nabi Ibrahim (AS)<br /></td></tr>
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<tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNy4GDHRSCgyxZ-QF4vG7ULy-lpEDOm2ap-yDJpjijPukLaaqppGWnoU4VQ5WhyphenhyphenD5kKCuuqCvicLIn7aKbHZmKvWYXOoU9rfCu65N81vdR6YeRRSg6cay_uii0AFGuwBI_e4xs9ozh2do/s1600/PHOTO-2019-03-19-19-45-59+2.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="622" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNy4GDHRSCgyxZ-QF4vG7ULy-lpEDOm2ap-yDJpjijPukLaaqppGWnoU4VQ5WhyphenhyphenD5kKCuuqCvicLIn7aKbHZmKvWYXOoU9rfCu65N81vdR6YeRRSg6cay_uii0AFGuwBI_e4xs9ozh2do/s640/PHOTO-2019-03-19-19-45-59+2.jpeg" width="310" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">Tomb of Nabi Yunus (AS)</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">Manger Square, Bethlehem</td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiD8osyCkeCujWMWJDCkaGux84VyZG66Cr5OxXUk5mjOXZ_meHl-7vF0P2DJifgzKp38VmqoHydCqvjdvBRWpUfm1zjVFLez0Q78Xp4PMPtAcRGtudInqBlD2izdiy8gzJ8oP47EfBL9SQ/s1600/PHOTO-2019-03-19-19-47-33+2.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="622" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiD8osyCkeCujWMWJDCkaGux84VyZG66Cr5OxXUk5mjOXZ_meHl-7vF0P2DJifgzKp38VmqoHydCqvjdvBRWpUfm1zjVFLez0Q78Xp4PMPtAcRGtudInqBlD2izdiy8gzJ8oP47EfBL9SQ/s640/PHOTO-2019-03-19-19-47-33+2.jpeg" width="310" /></a></div>
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<tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirQgl1KILqghAU_ylVoz7VEW2KCqwlD12rdROI_eYFy4E0VndrhfN62dlPHzU4FGtf18qTCgtZr59Ed5NYAVpJi6dzY1LWDWfkE5qMeolCDKVLr3BSh_kwzy9iJoktF56KdnBnZe1VCTs/s1600/PHOTO-2019-03-19-19-46-02+2.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="583" data-original-width="1202" height="310" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirQgl1KILqghAU_ylVoz7VEW2KCqwlD12rdROI_eYFy4E0VndrhfN62dlPHzU4FGtf18qTCgtZr59Ed5NYAVpJi6dzY1LWDWfkE5qMeolCDKVLr3BSh_kwzy9iJoktF56KdnBnZe1VCTs/s640/PHOTO-2019-03-19-19-46-02+2.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">Church of Nativity, Bethlehem</td></tr>
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<tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUcm2i937kO0u5lAbbyNqVlOc5w-YuAnTZlwouKR92hwB07TwsdSqddVhPrCraDKIoUNwIJwDUqjH88m87v4-1rs5Bi-D970yFn_kzEYg59_2uB5ubPSFZdaviZklAenhyphenhyphenw2PPbKTtzTw/s1600/PHOTO-2019-03-19-19-47-34+2.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1260" data-original-width="611" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUcm2i937kO0u5lAbbyNqVlOc5w-YuAnTZlwouKR92hwB07TwsdSqddVhPrCraDKIoUNwIJwDUqjH88m87v4-1rs5Bi-D970yFn_kzEYg59_2uB5ubPSFZdaviZklAenhyphenhyphenw2PPbKTtzTw/s640/PHOTO-2019-03-19-19-47-34+2.jpeg" width="310" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifautfFuIgxupqCyFCDMpX4B1k5k3aq9OHsBFETS4qOzAPHta4hGpc6_IUihTk6lxc3fqpHiJuY9oL4R8eC3L8-ewAWvUlBsw29eyBdUvBH-1F51QYgznE4UdidDALq5J7K-MR-PSc2Cw/s1600/PHOTO-2019-03-19-19-46-03.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="font-size: medium; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="622" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifautfFuIgxupqCyFCDMpX4B1k5k3aq9OHsBFETS4qOzAPHta4hGpc6_IUihTk6lxc3fqpHiJuY9oL4R8eC3L8-ewAWvUlBsw29eyBdUvBH-1F51QYgznE4UdidDALq5J7K-MR-PSc2Cw/s640/PHOTO-2019-03-19-19-46-03.jpeg" width="310" /></a></td></tr>
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<tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjv2jc2cwDMNg-yti8XkgdAUR7TzOjLhrLYAaH_AFTel6hvY7o0Gm4ftaReYRl79KyVv8QIAJ1gQYpd9ohXub_ESSC8rhXiPRh-oUqWo788w6lXwfUdu3RyjKHgNwQEBlICiSTQ5QeOHzQ/s1600/IMG_1042.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjv2jc2cwDMNg-yti8XkgdAUR7TzOjLhrLYAaH_AFTel6hvY7o0Gm4ftaReYRl79KyVv8QIAJ1gQYpd9ohXub_ESSC8rhXiPRh-oUqWo788w6lXwfUdu3RyjKHgNwQEBlICiSTQ5QeOHzQ/s640/IMG_1042.jpeg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">The Grotto in the basement at the Church of Nativity, Bethlehem </td></tr>
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<tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEia-gSkvQDnmnlOSUV6YOeR6CRygcuJurutBNmaaEzu6Tp3Q-oZ0YURbvPirDqQvdp2DDFM6sx2UZCax3M5rVZmlwGKIB0sNmeK8a2Rv_1CaYHkShSACbW2-cFELaediVEjFgG5vKBPAbQ/s1600/IMG_1061.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEia-gSkvQDnmnlOSUV6YOeR6CRygcuJurutBNmaaEzu6Tp3Q-oZ0YURbvPirDqQvdp2DDFM6sx2UZCax3M5rVZmlwGKIB0sNmeK8a2Rv_1CaYHkShSACbW2-cFELaediVEjFgG5vKBPAbQ/s640/IMG_1061.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">We arrived at Masjid of Nabi Musa as dusk was falling</td></tr>
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<tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuopCxJFF2yPVL6TuAna1ogveZZuQ0wLl1JuvM1wfRFFUfIvHUnp4ZRFHeUB_IFVFzW_pEMXCAToHpoSdyMM-cp0Fz9fNdAYTyCuBmWpbluIOMmaFas60fIn3TWkuuZxoVIrgrfeiqH-4/s1600/IMG_1070.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="478" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuopCxJFF2yPVL6TuAna1ogveZZuQ0wLl1JuvM1wfRFFUfIvHUnp4ZRFHeUB_IFVFzW_pEMXCAToHpoSdyMM-cp0Fz9fNdAYTyCuBmWpbluIOMmaFas60fIn3TWkuuZxoVIrgrfeiqH-4/s640/IMG_1070.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">The tomb of Nabi Musa (AS)</td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGBJClSIZzmDbZqUWPWObSu3vHWOYfPXTPsjz3JSKEa4hZTirvArM3m11d5n3Vca9Zr-lwScIjzzZRZI15cq7Edgc57zSp3oimvGgnGeY3X3qxoJBpKbEsCZYnbYCmtWGUFYpJgyEItFs/s1600/PHOTO-2019-03-19-19-47-39+2.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="622" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGBJClSIZzmDbZqUWPWObSu3vHWOYfPXTPsjz3JSKEa4hZTirvArM3m11d5n3Vca9Zr-lwScIjzzZRZI15cq7Edgc57zSp3oimvGgnGeY3X3qxoJBpKbEsCZYnbYCmtWGUFYpJgyEItFs/s640/PHOTO-2019-03-19-19-47-39+2.jpeg" width="310" /></a><br /><br />
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<tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFua0SDZVv7gBrm6ZnoKOxumgxpnVhhlDNXxAarBX7XKRD7mq2ka_Q6NwUh35rpEx5X58mfopjOIsGhr51tzBcO080ENcNPu2ZUVWsTV5sUNCb7REjiiQNB2evKDmGq6XpbighNh_j_HQ/s1600/IMG_1073.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFua0SDZVv7gBrm6ZnoKOxumgxpnVhhlDNXxAarBX7XKRD7mq2ka_Q6NwUh35rpEx5X58mfopjOIsGhr51tzBcO080ENcNPu2ZUVWsTV5sUNCb7REjiiQNB2evKDmGq6XpbighNh_j_HQ/s640/IMG_1073.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">Driving through the City of Jericho</td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1OCoGwnNlWh_DD1kyuV89hAvNxPIegnD_5USouRSdObfaq9SuarfEithvV3tPsOw-OEjwtPtE6_S8AXO0unLdrYGwS_UMrl1HFtwlsafY83A-tZqz3Fh1oPYJ3IUBRAwip2HnxQ_106s/s1600/PHOTO-2019-03-19-19-47-41+2.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="889" data-original-width="1185" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1OCoGwnNlWh_DD1kyuV89hAvNxPIegnD_5USouRSdObfaq9SuarfEithvV3tPsOw-OEjwtPtE6_S8AXO0unLdrYGwS_UMrl1HFtwlsafY83A-tZqz3Fh1oPYJ3IUBRAwip2HnxQ_106s/s640/PHOTO-2019-03-19-19-47-41+2.jpeg" width="640" /></a><br />
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<tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYk6kflpWCqpYWmfs5sPydeBMalCu0SPc_6Me9nEaG9aFPb7CveHZ-CXO6cVrUurjzvKDz7BWIYQWq9W843SGQMv1-unYApD1u79WhX4a7rNkxHgR-y6D6E25XRXh_WzEatipRgJ_beEE/s1600/PHOTO-2019-03-19-19-47-40.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="622" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYk6kflpWCqpYWmfs5sPydeBMalCu0SPc_6Me9nEaG9aFPb7CveHZ-CXO6cVrUurjzvKDz7BWIYQWq9W843SGQMv1-unYApD1u79WhX4a7rNkxHgR-y6D6E25XRXh_WzEatipRgJ_beEE/s640/PHOTO-2019-03-19-19-47-40.jpeg" width="310" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">It was too dark to see much from the Mount of Temptaion, but one can see the<br />lights of the Greek Monastery</td></tr>
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<tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg020Y9RVft7O0gxDj2v_R6DnOcUcCRZ7q-3q_al8tixu-BXe2nouy4-Jxw8j1ZbuccHS4fHDhqFSnrgqoXJivxAKh-FuOJgV1p2dgZf8ZZIuR6_TdaHNmj1ahhY9aZg9MfSWK9BpKuPyE/s1600/PHOTO-2019-03-19-19-47-44+3.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="622" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg020Y9RVft7O0gxDj2v_R6DnOcUcCRZ7q-3q_al8tixu-BXe2nouy4-Jxw8j1ZbuccHS4fHDhqFSnrgqoXJivxAKh-FuOJgV1p2dgZf8ZZIuR6_TdaHNmj1ahhY9aZg9MfSWK9BpKuPyE/s640/PHOTO-2019-03-19-19-47-44+3.jpeg" width="310" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;"><br /></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzqLFFijmB8-bjf29QGryVaapL-y0-dmxjIHLvqIKKAMEzxDsIkEuZMqjgRun6eSJOqUrrXdAiCWMmw1tvHbslqjWUW6Q0qa8uF-tlpEK0D7gTjcpfkgBX0x8fSU5KVWVh029PqBo3WHg/s1600/IMG_1085.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzqLFFijmB8-bjf29QGryVaapL-y0-dmxjIHLvqIKKAMEzxDsIkEuZMqjgRun6eSJOqUrrXdAiCWMmw1tvHbslqjWUW6Q0qa8uF-tlpEK0D7gTjcpfkgBX0x8fSU5KVWVh029PqBo3WHg/s640/IMG_1085.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px; text-align: center;">Tomb of Salman Al Farsi </td></tr>
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<tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOfClWzXqkhJ2trsn6yElBP4C9NimuvbqbR8p-68wcKuFyo7UtLzGha88YC8b6Eg0oXLAGcVS6EJCtipbkcP_YvRiTzZ-t8SnQRvMCvze5GaM7GXrT-lWZ7hasPsNJ0z4BXTGVAsBEkXQ/s1600/PHOTO-2019-03-19-19-47-42+2.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="622" data-original-width="1280" height="310" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOfClWzXqkhJ2trsn6yElBP4C9NimuvbqbR8p-68wcKuFyo7UtLzGha88YC8b6Eg0oXLAGcVS6EJCtipbkcP_YvRiTzZ-t8SnQRvMCvze5GaM7GXrT-lWZ7hasPsNJ0z4BXTGVAsBEkXQ/s640/PHOTO-2019-03-19-19-47-42+2.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">View from the Mount of Olives (with the Dome clearly visible)</td></tr>
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<tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6uOImowtu0TGad9Wl9rJ6MbqyoPD9Aq8sKbGMymQud7pA_BLhoTMmdUZqFdm6wyn4-5cJc5xXf_vjc7mV-TzBeX3vKkd069SW3xy6x09eTEuZTK3P8JT1cp1NExXdKhtFVUe18qAFbUU/s1600/PHOTO-2019-03-19-19-47-43+2.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="622" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6uOImowtu0TGad9Wl9rJ6MbqyoPD9Aq8sKbGMymQud7pA_BLhoTMmdUZqFdm6wyn4-5cJc5xXf_vjc7mV-TzBeX3vKkd069SW3xy6x09eTEuZTK3P8JT1cp1NExXdKhtFVUe18qAFbUU/s640/PHOTO-2019-03-19-19-47-43+2.jpeg" width="310" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">Ending off a full day and so ready for bed!</td></tr>
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Caio for now,<br />
RuBe xoxo<br />
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RuBe's Closethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12544216581097985023noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2857605145918106579.post-62557102901800811702019-03-08T11:58:00.000+02:002019-03-08T11:58:20.883+02:00Parenting One Day at a Time<div style="text-align: center;">
Welcome readers,<br />
<br />
The biggest role I fulfil is that of being a mother, I feel the significance of the Divine responsibility of being blessed with raising tiny humans upon me. Parenting is a responsibility that I do not take lightly and work at everyday. It means being the best I can be in my own world and being mindful of my Creator; setting an example for my boys, of how to manage themselves in the world; and through difficult situations.<br />
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Parenting is an ongoing journey, whether they're infants, toddlers, teenagers or adults. They will always be an extension of me walking around on this earth, like little pieces of my heart in different places. This means that as much as I have a responsibility to take care of myself, I have a responsibility to take care of those external parts of my heart. I am clear however, that they're young adults on the cusp of their own independent lives, and I therefore need to respect them enough to work at our relationship so that they would <i>want</i> me as a part of their lives. Right now everything is managed on their busy schedules, giving me a small glimpse of what life will be like when they've moved into their own spaces.<br />
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For now, managing young adults in the home is a continuous learning arena, each day brings new lessons, new perceptions and new ways of doing things. The moment I feel like I'm on the right path, I get a figurative kick in the head, reminding me that I'm not in control of this journey. Just like with life really, things don't always go as planned. And the only way I know to cope with any unforeseen hurdles, is to appeal and pray to my Creator for guidance. I am very aware that I do not have all the answers, and do not want to take on the burden of walking through life pretending I have all the answers. Frank discussions with my kids (i.e. my young men) where I am open about my shortcomings is key, and sharing my confusion or uncertainty around the next step in a solution. Often when I find myself at a loss for answers, I ask them for advice, a solution or way forward, and even what their recommended course of action would be. Sometimes they amaze me with their wisdom, and other times we just take it one day at a time.<br />
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Maintaining trust and living truthfully is a big concept in our home, and we understand that it has to go both ways. I cannot expect anything from them if I am not prepared to give it in return. After all, any relationship is a two way street, and means taking ownership on both sides of the relationship. Trust is a crucial component of any relationship; and when one looks at the parent-child engagement as a <i><b>relationship</b></i>, with the same building blocks, it brings trust and respect into the space. No feeling of kinship can be forced by some conditioned doctrine, it needs to be built on the fundamentals of a healthy relationship, regardless of the obligatory familial tie. I do not believe that I am <i><b>entitled</b></i> to be a part of their adult lives by virtue of the fact of who I am. On the contrary, I know full well that I need to firstly honour them, in order for them to honour me as a parent, trust them with truth so that they do the same; and at the core, treat them with dignity as human beings. For me this is what raising children is about, treating these parts of me as I would want to be treated, and being mindful that they are humans, with their own respective orientation in this world. It means being safe enough for them to own all the parts (the 'good' and 'not so good' parts) of themselves around me, without fear of judgement or fear of being admonished.<br />
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Furthermore, I have had to become accustomed to the fact that as adults, I am not privy to every single thing happening in their lives. I have to trust that they live their lives based on the principles I have instilled, taught and model. They are accountable for themselves, and fully understand consequences of their actions and behaviours. This is one of the hardest things to embrace, that these not-so-little young men do not need me to do much anymore. I miss those days where Mum was pivotal in their lives without it being an option, now Mum is a choice they make. My tendency towards separation anxiety kicks in when I think of it, and I know it's something <b><i>I</i></b> need to manage, and not burden them with.<br />
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There are many aspects to parenting adults which I am still grappling and coming to terms with. One of the biggest is that they need to make their own life decisions, and that it is not my place to protect them from whatever I may perceive will be hurtful. Their paths have been decreed, and my role is to support them from the sidelines, provide a safe haven when they need it or a healing balm to soothe their souls. It is essential that they always know that I will be around, arms wide open, for as long as they need me to be. Letting go of the apron strings and cutting the proverbial 'umbilical cord' is essential to empower them to live their lives without me placing any burdens or expectations on them. The only thing I hold onto is the premise that our relationship is built on a solid foundation, and will be able to withstand the inevitable storms which life will present.<br />
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I am currently in the training phase of weathering these storms in a parent-child relationship with young adults.<br />
Learning as I go along...<br />
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A thought for fellow parents to ponder:<br />
<h3>
“You can choose to disrespect me but I will not give you permission to hurt my spirit.”<br /><br />― Lailah Gifty Akita </h3>
My outfit today features a raw silk coat from Opulence, which I've styled before in a more formal way. Today I've styled it casually, paired with denims and one of my favourite classic heels.<br />
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Opulence Silk Coat</div>
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Woolworths jeans</div>
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Opulence silk scarf</div>
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Hse of Bespoke tassel earrings</div>
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Vogue sunglasses (Old)</div>
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RuBe xoxo</div>
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RuBe's Closethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12544216581097985023noreply@blogger.com2