In the name of Allah, most Gracious, most Merciful.
Running hot water! Julia my queen, how dearly are you attached to running hot water? There's a water heater in my shower which I never use. It's electric. There doesn't seem to be a reservoir, so I assume the water is heated in real time. All the showers I take are cold. Well, I use a hose. Force of habit. Spartan, not barbaric. I don't like using running hot water here in Malaysia because I'm sensitive to fungus. The option to an electric water heater is of course, a gas powered boiler. Propane again! Assuming we can get propane-powered appliances, that will be at least 4 active tanks at any given time: boiler, stove top, oven, and clothes dryer. At least a boiler doesn't need a vent. I examined the pipe for the faucet in my toilet, and it seems to be running inside the wall through solid brick. Whether or not it is solid brick or a cavity, it seems that we can run pipes inside the walls. Pipes here in Malaysia are either steel or copper. I haven't seen much plastic being used here for water or waste. We would need a separate pipe system for hot and cold water. Plus a pump or two to get the water up to the second level and reservoir of Casa de Julia. Do you really want or need running hot water, Julia? There won't be running hot water here in my little house. No room for a boiler. Well, you can have the electric water heater. InshaAllah.
It's time for you to get your own Qur'an, Erin my queen. This is a serious matter, so please be serious about this, for every soul delivers itself to ruin by its own acts. Shop for a bilingual Qur'an at an Islamic bookstore, so you can browse among many publishers for one that's easy for you to digest. Buy your Qur'an from Muslims only! Hard copy, not digital! Make sure it has the original Arabic text as well as the English translation, so you can naturally learn Arabic, Mrs. Global. Let's start by doing a simple daily reading. Offer a prayer first thing in the morning, say "I seek refuge with Allah from Satan the rejected", say "In the name of Allah, most Gracious, most Merciful", and say "Ya Allah, increase me in knowledge". Then close your eyes and choose a random verse. If you have a question to ask God, then formulate your question silently before you choose a verse. Then compare what you read with what happens to you and what you observe during the day. Only ONE verse, ONCE a day for now. Take it slow! Don't be in a rush!
Ya Allah, please protect and guide my Julia and Erin.
Wednesday, October 30, 2013
Qur'an 20131031
In the name of Allah, most Gracious, most Merciful.
70. Leave alone those who take their religion to be mere play and amusement, and are deceived by the life of this world. But proclaim this: that every soul delivers itself to ruin by its own acts. It will find for itself no protector or intercessor except Allah. If it offered every ransom, none will be accepted. Such is those who deliver themselves to ruin by their acts. They will have to drink boiling water, and for punishment, one more grievous; for that they persisted in rejecting Allah.
71. Say, "Shall we indeed call on others besides Allah, things that can do us neither good nor harm, and turn on our heels after receiving guidance from Allah? Like one whom the evil ones have made into a fool, wandering bewildered through the earth, his friends calling, "Come to us", guiding him to the path?" Say, "Allah's Guidance is the Guidance, and we have been directed to submit ourselves to the Lord of the worlds."
The Cattle 6:70-71
----------------------------------------------------------
Shall we indeed call on others besides Allah, things that can do us neither good nor harm, and turn on our heels after receiving guidance from Allah? Like one whom the evil ones have made into a fool, wandering bewildered through the earth, his friends calling, "Come to us", guiding him to the path?
Allah's Guidance is the Guidance, and we have been directed to submit ourselves to the Lord of the worlds.
70. Leave alone those who take their religion to be mere play and amusement, and are deceived by the life of this world. But proclaim this: that every soul delivers itself to ruin by its own acts. It will find for itself no protector or intercessor except Allah. If it offered every ransom, none will be accepted. Such is those who deliver themselves to ruin by their acts. They will have to drink boiling water, and for punishment, one more grievous; for that they persisted in rejecting Allah.
71. Say, "Shall we indeed call on others besides Allah, things that can do us neither good nor harm, and turn on our heels after receiving guidance from Allah? Like one whom the evil ones have made into a fool, wandering bewildered through the earth, his friends calling, "Come to us", guiding him to the path?" Say, "Allah's Guidance is the Guidance, and we have been directed to submit ourselves to the Lord of the worlds."
The Cattle 6:70-71
----------------------------------------------------------
Shall we indeed call on others besides Allah, things that can do us neither good nor harm, and turn on our heels after receiving guidance from Allah? Like one whom the evil ones have made into a fool, wandering bewildered through the earth, his friends calling, "Come to us", guiding him to the path?
Allah's Guidance is the Guidance, and we have been directed to submit ourselves to the Lord of the worlds.
Tuesday, October 29, 2013
Letter to Julia 20131030
In the name of Allah, most Gracious, most Merciful.
There is another issue connected to your clothes dryer Julia my beloved, namely ventilation. Clothes dryers emit hot exhaust, which in the West is generally channeled through aluminum tubing. Of course, we can punch a hole in the wall (with the proper contractors and material), but I think it would be wiser and more economical to have a system of ventilation for the entire house. The kitchen would need a vent for the stove top and oven, which could be connected to the clothes dryer vent. In Malaysia, rooms are generally divided by brick, not dry wall panels with frames. I don't know why, but every house here is like that, except for the houses that are made of wood. So, any ventilation tubing will have to punch through brick, so I think you should plan your kitchen and laundry room side-by-side for minimal construction issues. We can probably experiment with a kitchen and dryer vent system in this little house, but once installed it cannot be removed, so we would have to install a separate system for Casa de Julia. InshaAllah. Perhaps you might want to add a fireplace for cold nights and indoor BBQs. No BBQs when you're pregnant! Burning animal fat is a mutagen!
Erin my dearest, the Qur'an is more powerful than any book of magic. This is because it is not magic, but the Word of God. Allah is the Reality, just as much as there be people who believe in Allah is reality, as much as there be people who reject Allah is reality. I find it funny that humans would rather believe in sorcery over God. Allah has Power over all. Glory to Allah. Both of you please do not socialize with people who babble ignorantly about Islam unless they turn to a different topic.
There is another issue connected to your clothes dryer Julia my beloved, namely ventilation. Clothes dryers emit hot exhaust, which in the West is generally channeled through aluminum tubing. Of course, we can punch a hole in the wall (with the proper contractors and material), but I think it would be wiser and more economical to have a system of ventilation for the entire house. The kitchen would need a vent for the stove top and oven, which could be connected to the clothes dryer vent. In Malaysia, rooms are generally divided by brick, not dry wall panels with frames. I don't know why, but every house here is like that, except for the houses that are made of wood. So, any ventilation tubing will have to punch through brick, so I think you should plan your kitchen and laundry room side-by-side for minimal construction issues. We can probably experiment with a kitchen and dryer vent system in this little house, but once installed it cannot be removed, so we would have to install a separate system for Casa de Julia. InshaAllah. Perhaps you might want to add a fireplace for cold nights and indoor BBQs. No BBQs when you're pregnant! Burning animal fat is a mutagen!
Erin my dearest, the Qur'an is more powerful than any book of magic. This is because it is not magic, but the Word of God. Allah is the Reality, just as much as there be people who believe in Allah is reality, as much as there be people who reject Allah is reality. I find it funny that humans would rather believe in sorcery over God. Allah has Power over all. Glory to Allah. Both of you please do not socialize with people who babble ignorantly about Islam unless they turn to a different topic.
Qur'an 20131030
In the name of Allah, most Gracious, most Merciful.
63. Say, "Who is it that delivers you from the dark recesses of the land and sea, when you call upon God in humility, and in silent terror; 'If God only delivers us from these, we shall truly show our gratitude.'?"
64. Say, "It is Allah that delivers you from these, and all distresses, yet you worship false gods."
65. Say, "God has power to send calamities on you, from above and below, or to cover you in party strife, giving you a taste of mutual vengeance, each from the other." See how We explain the Signs in various ways, that they may understand.
66. But your people reject this, though it is the Truth. Say, "Not mine is the responsibility for arranging your affairs."
The Cattle 6:63-66
----------------------------------------------------------
Who is it that delivers you from the dark recesses of the land and sea, when you call upon God in humility, and in silent terror; 'If God only delivers us from these, we shall truly show our gratitude.'?
It is Allah that delivers you from these, and all distresses, yet you worship false gods.
God has power to send calamities on you, from above and below, or to cover you in party strife, giving you a taste of mutual vengeance, each from the other.
Not mine is the responsibility for arranging your affairs.
63. Say, "Who is it that delivers you from the dark recesses of the land and sea, when you call upon God in humility, and in silent terror; 'If God only delivers us from these, we shall truly show our gratitude.'?"
64. Say, "It is Allah that delivers you from these, and all distresses, yet you worship false gods."
65. Say, "God has power to send calamities on you, from above and below, or to cover you in party strife, giving you a taste of mutual vengeance, each from the other." See how We explain the Signs in various ways, that they may understand.
66. But your people reject this, though it is the Truth. Say, "Not mine is the responsibility for arranging your affairs."
The Cattle 6:63-66
----------------------------------------------------------
Who is it that delivers you from the dark recesses of the land and sea, when you call upon God in humility, and in silent terror; 'If God only delivers us from these, we shall truly show our gratitude.'?
It is Allah that delivers you from these, and all distresses, yet you worship false gods.
God has power to send calamities on you, from above and below, or to cover you in party strife, giving you a taste of mutual vengeance, each from the other.
Not mine is the responsibility for arranging your affairs.
Monday, October 28, 2013
Letter to Julia 20131029
In the name of Allah, most Gracious, most Merciful.
This matter of how you maintain your clothes is actually a very serious one, Julia dearest. It needs to be resolved. The reason for this is because you are Boss Model, living a married life in the public eye. I want you to age beautifully, and you shouldn't have to dry your expensive lingerie outside on a line. Worst comes to worst, we'll string up a line inside the house. But I have seen ads in the paper for electric clothes dryers, but they are not that many. The other option is to help create a market in Asia for propane powered clothes dryers. Propane tanks here are very common: every house has at least one, and they are at least twice the size of propane tanks in the USA and Europe. They supply propane to gas-powered stove tops via a regulator, which creates an even flow of gas. Now if I were to buy a gas dryer in the USA and get a plumber to hook it up to a propane tank, he would refuse. But if I were to negotiate with Maytag or Whirlpool and/or the like to design and build a dryer that runs on propane tanks to be marketed in Asia, that would be more realistic, especially if I have money and influence. I don't think it's too far fetched. What do you think? While they're at it, they might as well make a propane-powered oven. Could be a billion dollar business! I just want you to do your laundry in convenience.
Ah, did you enjoy those TV shows I asked you to watch, Erin dearest? I have a feeling that we have similar tastes in TV programming. When you join this family inshaAllah, we will be watching a lot of sports, but I think we can have 2 TVs going at the same time. Multi-tasking couch potatoes! Now check out the Discovery Channel's "Unsolved History: the death of Marilyn Monroe". My theory is that Marilyn made a disgusting mess when she killed herself, and the people who loved her moved her body around in order to clean her up, so the body would be found in a more dignified state. What do you think?
This matter of how you maintain your clothes is actually a very serious one, Julia dearest. It needs to be resolved. The reason for this is because you are Boss Model, living a married life in the public eye. I want you to age beautifully, and you shouldn't have to dry your expensive lingerie outside on a line. Worst comes to worst, we'll string up a line inside the house. But I have seen ads in the paper for electric clothes dryers, but they are not that many. The other option is to help create a market in Asia for propane powered clothes dryers. Propane tanks here are very common: every house has at least one, and they are at least twice the size of propane tanks in the USA and Europe. They supply propane to gas-powered stove tops via a regulator, which creates an even flow of gas. Now if I were to buy a gas dryer in the USA and get a plumber to hook it up to a propane tank, he would refuse. But if I were to negotiate with Maytag or Whirlpool and/or the like to design and build a dryer that runs on propane tanks to be marketed in Asia, that would be more realistic, especially if I have money and influence. I don't think it's too far fetched. What do you think? While they're at it, they might as well make a propane-powered oven. Could be a billion dollar business! I just want you to do your laundry in convenience.
Ah, did you enjoy those TV shows I asked you to watch, Erin dearest? I have a feeling that we have similar tastes in TV programming. When you join this family inshaAllah, we will be watching a lot of sports, but I think we can have 2 TVs going at the same time. Multi-tasking couch potatoes! Now check out the Discovery Channel's "Unsolved History: the death of Marilyn Monroe". My theory is that Marilyn made a disgusting mess when she killed herself, and the people who loved her moved her body around in order to clean her up, so the body would be found in a more dignified state. What do you think?
Qur'an 20131029
In the name of Allah, most Gracious, most Merciful.
56. Say, "I am forbidden to worship those, other than Allah, whom you call upon." Say, "I will not follow your vain desires. If I did, I would stray from the path, and be not of the company of those who receive Guidance."
57. Say, "For me, I'm on a clear Sign from my Lord. But you reject God. What you would see hastened, is not in my power. The Command rests with none but Allah. God declares the Truth, and God is the Best of Judges."
58. Say, "If what you would see hastened were in my power, the matter would be settled at once between you and me. But Allah knows best those who do wrong."
The Cattle 6:56-58
----------------------------------------------------------
I am forbidden to worship those, other than Allah, whom you call upon.
I will not follow your vain desires. If I did, I would stray from the path, and be not of the company of those who receive Guidance.
For me, I'm on a clear Sign from my Lord. But you reject God. What you would see hastened, is not in my power. The Command rests with none but Allah. God declares the Truth, and God is the Best of Judges.
If what you would see hastened were in my power, the matter would be settled at once between you and me. But Allah knows best those who do wrong.
56. Say, "I am forbidden to worship those, other than Allah, whom you call upon." Say, "I will not follow your vain desires. If I did, I would stray from the path, and be not of the company of those who receive Guidance."
57. Say, "For me, I'm on a clear Sign from my Lord. But you reject God. What you would see hastened, is not in my power. The Command rests with none but Allah. God declares the Truth, and God is the Best of Judges."
58. Say, "If what you would see hastened were in my power, the matter would be settled at once between you and me. But Allah knows best those who do wrong."
The Cattle 6:56-58
----------------------------------------------------------
I am forbidden to worship those, other than Allah, whom you call upon.
I will not follow your vain desires. If I did, I would stray from the path, and be not of the company of those who receive Guidance.
For me, I'm on a clear Sign from my Lord. But you reject God. What you would see hastened, is not in my power. The Command rests with none but Allah. God declares the Truth, and God is the Best of Judges.
If what you would see hastened were in my power, the matter would be settled at once between you and me. But Allah knows best those who do wrong.
Sunday, October 27, 2013
Letter to Julia 20131028
In the name of Allah, most Gracious, most Merciful.
Ach! I have to do ironing. I hate ironing! I hate doing laundry! But I can do my own laundry, Julia. You don't have to do it for me, but if you want me to always look immaculate, after all I will be married to high fashion, then you'd better have the maid do it. Since I don't pass anymore, I don't really care much about my clothes as long as I don't have to go around naked. After all, it's OK for a man to be butt ugly. I was thinking about washers and dryers, and your laundry. Malaysia doesn't have natural gas supplied to homes via pipe lines. So there is no heat in a typical house, because there is no gas supply. Which is generally not a big deal in a tropical country, because it hardly ever gets cold. I actually like it slightly cold, because I don't sweat as much and therefore don't have to shower as much, but most women hate the cold. I think it's easier to heat up than to cool down. Anyway, heaters, ovens, hot showers, and clothes dryers in Malaysia are electric. I dry my clothes indoors on a short line and on the window frames, but in your case, you would probably want a clothes dryer. I can't envision your displaying your expensive clothes outside on a clothes line. But be warned, my love! It may be difficult to find and expensive to maintain an electric clothes dryer. Gas here in Malaysia is propane, packaged in tanks sized for home or industry. Perhaps heating elements that use gas can be modified to input cooking gas tanks. Where there's a will, there's a way. InshaAllah. But we can't store all those gas tanks outside, because somebody might pinch them. I love you, Julia!
Erin my dearest, I need to discuss with you about the public eye. You are very brave, and Julia is also very brave. But courage alone is not enough, and life is a trial for every human being, that's why we need the protection of God. I hope you are aware by now that the crowd is not your friend. The public eye is unforgiving, and I feel that you should study it. After all, what use is intelligence without data? When we are married inshaAllah, I can help protect you and distract them away from you inshaAllah, but I must marry Julia first. So please study the public eye. I don't want to post any depressing videos here because I want you to stay positive, but I also want you to know how to be cautious. So please go into YouTube and study the lives of Andy Gibb and Sharon Tate. I do however have something positive to post, and this is for you. I love you, Erin.
Ach! I have to do ironing. I hate ironing! I hate doing laundry! But I can do my own laundry, Julia. You don't have to do it for me, but if you want me to always look immaculate, after all I will be married to high fashion, then you'd better have the maid do it. Since I don't pass anymore, I don't really care much about my clothes as long as I don't have to go around naked. After all, it's OK for a man to be butt ugly. I was thinking about washers and dryers, and your laundry. Malaysia doesn't have natural gas supplied to homes via pipe lines. So there is no heat in a typical house, because there is no gas supply. Which is generally not a big deal in a tropical country, because it hardly ever gets cold. I actually like it slightly cold, because I don't sweat as much and therefore don't have to shower as much, but most women hate the cold. I think it's easier to heat up than to cool down. Anyway, heaters, ovens, hot showers, and clothes dryers in Malaysia are electric. I dry my clothes indoors on a short line and on the window frames, but in your case, you would probably want a clothes dryer. I can't envision your displaying your expensive clothes outside on a clothes line. But be warned, my love! It may be difficult to find and expensive to maintain an electric clothes dryer. Gas here in Malaysia is propane, packaged in tanks sized for home or industry. Perhaps heating elements that use gas can be modified to input cooking gas tanks. Where there's a will, there's a way. InshaAllah. But we can't store all those gas tanks outside, because somebody might pinch them. I love you, Julia!
Erin my dearest, I need to discuss with you about the public eye. You are very brave, and Julia is also very brave. But courage alone is not enough, and life is a trial for every human being, that's why we need the protection of God. I hope you are aware by now that the crowd is not your friend. The public eye is unforgiving, and I feel that you should study it. After all, what use is intelligence without data? When we are married inshaAllah, I can help protect you and distract them away from you inshaAllah, but I must marry Julia first. So please study the public eye. I don't want to post any depressing videos here because I want you to stay positive, but I also want you to know how to be cautious. So please go into YouTube and study the lives of Andy Gibb and Sharon Tate. I do however have something positive to post, and this is for you. I love you, Erin.
Qur'an 20131028
In the name of Allah, most Gracious, most Merciful.
50. Say, "I tell you not that with me are the Treasures of Allah, nor do I know what is hidden, nor do I tell you I am an angel. I but follow what is revealed to me." Say, "Can the blind be held equal to the seeing?" Will you then consider not?
51. Give this warning to those in who is the fear that they will be brought before their Lord: except for God, they will have no protector nor intercessor, that they may guard.
The Cattle 6:50-51
----------------------------------------------------------
Peace be on you, those who believe in the Signs of God.
I tell you not that with me are the Treasures of Allah, nor do I know what is hidden, nor do I tell you I am an angel. I but follow what is revealed to me.
Can the blind be held equal to the seeing?
50. Say, "I tell you not that with me are the Treasures of Allah, nor do I know what is hidden, nor do I tell you I am an angel. I but follow what is revealed to me." Say, "Can the blind be held equal to the seeing?" Will you then consider not?
51. Give this warning to those in who is the fear that they will be brought before their Lord: except for God, they will have no protector nor intercessor, that they may guard.
The Cattle 6:50-51
----------------------------------------------------------
Peace be on you, those who believe in the Signs of God.
I tell you not that with me are the Treasures of Allah, nor do I know what is hidden, nor do I tell you I am an angel. I but follow what is revealed to me.
Can the blind be held equal to the seeing?
Qur'an 20131027
In the name of Allah, most Gracious, most Merciful.
39. Those who reject Our Signs are deaf and dumb, in the midst of darkness profound. Whom Allah wills, God leaves to wander, Whom God wills, God places on the Way that is straight.
40. Say, "Do you think, if there comes upon you the Wrath of Allah, or the Hour, would you call upon other than Allah? If you are truthful!"
41. No, on God would you call, and if it be God's Will, God would remove what occasioned your call upon God, and you would forget those you join with God!
42. Before you, We sent to many nations, and We afflicted those nations with suffering and adversity, that they might learn humility.
43. When the suffering reached them from Us, why then did they not learn humility? On the contrary, their hearts became hard, and Satan made their acts seem alluring to them.
44. When they forgot the warning they had received, We opened to them the gates of all things, until, in the midst of their enjoyment of Our gifts, of a sudden, We called them to account, when lo! They were plunged into despair!
45. Of the wrongdoers the last remnant was cut off. Praise be to Allah, the Cherisher of the Worlds.
46. Say, "Do you think, if Allah took away your hearing and your sight, and sealed up your hearts, who, a god other than Allah, could restore them to you?" See how We explain the Signs in various ways. Yet they turn aside.
47. Say, "Do you think, if the Punishment of Allah comes to you, whether suddenly or openly, will any be destroyed except those who do wrong?"
The Cattle 6:39-47
---------------------------------------------------------
Do you think, if there comes upon you the Wrath of Allah, or the Hour, would you call upon other than Allah? If you are truthful!
Do you think, if Allah took away your hearing and your sight, and sealed up your hearts, who, a god other than Allah, could restore them to you?
Do you think, if the Punishment of Allah comes to you, whether suddenly or openly, will any be destroyed except those who do wrong?
39. Those who reject Our Signs are deaf and dumb, in the midst of darkness profound. Whom Allah wills, God leaves to wander, Whom God wills, God places on the Way that is straight.
40. Say, "Do you think, if there comes upon you the Wrath of Allah, or the Hour, would you call upon other than Allah? If you are truthful!"
41. No, on God would you call, and if it be God's Will, God would remove what occasioned your call upon God, and you would forget those you join with God!
42. Before you, We sent to many nations, and We afflicted those nations with suffering and adversity, that they might learn humility.
43. When the suffering reached them from Us, why then did they not learn humility? On the contrary, their hearts became hard, and Satan made their acts seem alluring to them.
44. When they forgot the warning they had received, We opened to them the gates of all things, until, in the midst of their enjoyment of Our gifts, of a sudden, We called them to account, when lo! They were plunged into despair!
45. Of the wrongdoers the last remnant was cut off. Praise be to Allah, the Cherisher of the Worlds.
46. Say, "Do you think, if Allah took away your hearing and your sight, and sealed up your hearts, who, a god other than Allah, could restore them to you?" See how We explain the Signs in various ways. Yet they turn aside.
47. Say, "Do you think, if the Punishment of Allah comes to you, whether suddenly or openly, will any be destroyed except those who do wrong?"
The Cattle 6:39-47
---------------------------------------------------------
Do you think, if there comes upon you the Wrath of Allah, or the Hour, would you call upon other than Allah? If you are truthful!
Do you think, if Allah took away your hearing and your sight, and sealed up your hearts, who, a god other than Allah, could restore them to you?
Do you think, if the Punishment of Allah comes to you, whether suddenly or openly, will any be destroyed except those who do wrong?
Friday, October 25, 2013
Letter to Julia 20131025
In the name of Allah, most Gracious, most Merciful.
Hi Julia, my dearest heart! How are you feeling today, boss? It's been raining everyday lately, and I've caught a bit of a sniffle. But I'm not out of action, alhamdulillah. I need to remind you to maintain a list of doctors and other labor that you trust, and never to lose those connections. I don't know any doctors that I trust for some reason. Being dirt poor is part of it, so I've had to rely on interns, because they're cheap. Otherwise it's self-diagnoses and treatment, and Allah has been kind to me health-wise so far. I do know a private dentist that I trust, but I haven't seen him in nearly 30 years, because again, I'm dirt poor. When Allah grants me the wealth I need to be married inshaAllah, we could refer to more private medical services, but money doesn't buy trust. Therefore, please maintain your medical connections, because we may have to import labor in that respect. I could become fanatically aggressive towards those who mistreat or misdiagnose you. Better yet, please maintain your good health, and pray.
Of course I haven't forgotten you Erin. My dearest heart. Julia is the boss in this case because she's been playing this global romance game with me much longer than you. That's why the house is Casa de Julia. How is your Islam coming along, by the way? Have you learned how to pray yet? Just take it slow and easy. Keep it simple, sincere, and just do the best you can with the situation that Allah had given you. You too should also keep a network of doctors you trust. With all due respect, healers not cosmeticians. You and Julia are already more beautiful than most people. Didn't you know that? MashaAllah.
Hi Julia, my dearest heart! How are you feeling today, boss? It's been raining everyday lately, and I've caught a bit of a sniffle. But I'm not out of action, alhamdulillah. I need to remind you to maintain a list of doctors and other labor that you trust, and never to lose those connections. I don't know any doctors that I trust for some reason. Being dirt poor is part of it, so I've had to rely on interns, because they're cheap. Otherwise it's self-diagnoses and treatment, and Allah has been kind to me health-wise so far. I do know a private dentist that I trust, but I haven't seen him in nearly 30 years, because again, I'm dirt poor. When Allah grants me the wealth I need to be married inshaAllah, we could refer to more private medical services, but money doesn't buy trust. Therefore, please maintain your medical connections, because we may have to import labor in that respect. I could become fanatically aggressive towards those who mistreat or misdiagnose you. Better yet, please maintain your good health, and pray.
Of course I haven't forgotten you Erin. My dearest heart. Julia is the boss in this case because she's been playing this global romance game with me much longer than you. That's why the house is Casa de Julia. How is your Islam coming along, by the way? Have you learned how to pray yet? Just take it slow and easy. Keep it simple, sincere, and just do the best you can with the situation that Allah had given you. You too should also keep a network of doctors you trust. With all due respect, healers not cosmeticians. You and Julia are already more beautiful than most people. Didn't you know that? MashaAllah.
Qur'an 20131025
In the name of Allah, most Gracious, most Merciful.
35. If their spurning is hard on your mind, yet if you were able to seek a tunnel in the ground, or a ladder to the skies, and bring them a Sign... If it were Allah's Will, God could gather them together unto true guidance. So be not you amongst those who are swayed by ignorance!
36. Those who listen, be sure, will accept. As to the dead, Allah will raise them up: then will they be returned unto God.
37. They say, "Why is not a Sign sent down to him from his Lord?" Say, "Allah has certainly Power to send down a Sign but most of them understand not."
38. There is not an animal on the earth, nor a bird on its wings, but communes like you. Nothing have We omitted from the Book, and they shall be gathered to their Lord in the end.
The Cattle 6:35-38
----------------------------------------------------------
Allah has certainly Power to send down a Sign but most of them understand not.
35. If their spurning is hard on your mind, yet if you were able to seek a tunnel in the ground, or a ladder to the skies, and bring them a Sign... If it were Allah's Will, God could gather them together unto true guidance. So be not you amongst those who are swayed by ignorance!
36. Those who listen, be sure, will accept. As to the dead, Allah will raise them up: then will they be returned unto God.
37. They say, "Why is not a Sign sent down to him from his Lord?" Say, "Allah has certainly Power to send down a Sign but most of them understand not."
38. There is not an animal on the earth, nor a bird on its wings, but communes like you. Nothing have We omitted from the Book, and they shall be gathered to their Lord in the end.
The Cattle 6:35-38
----------------------------------------------------------
Allah has certainly Power to send down a Sign but most of them understand not.
Tuesday, October 22, 2013
Letter to Julia 20131023
In the name of Allah, most Gracious, most Merciful.
Hello there, my precious darlings. It's getting late here at the kampung, I mean I'm starting this letter later than I usually do. I normally write right before or right after the sunset prayer. I do everything everyday in sync with the prayer times, that's one thing you need to get used to. For example, if you want to go to the mall in Alor Setar, we would have to leave immediately after the dawn prayer, do our shopping, and be back home by the midday prayer. The kids here stay active all night long, though. Not us. I have to lock up you valuable people with me at night, for our protection. Just don't ever forget, that Allah is the Best to protect.
I don't want to be talking about heavy stuff all the time. I think it's unromantic. The mundane is much more romantic. Like planning our meals and shopping. Like brushing your hair, and examining your bodies regularly to make sure you are staying healthy. Like sitting on the futon and watching TV together. So I might take a break from blogging Thursday, and I don't usually blog on Fridays. Then again, I might come in anyway, because I love you. I want you to take good care of yourselves in my absence, stay fit, eat properly, get sufficient rest, pray and be positive.
Hello there, my precious darlings. It's getting late here at the kampung, I mean I'm starting this letter later than I usually do. I normally write right before or right after the sunset prayer. I do everything everyday in sync with the prayer times, that's one thing you need to get used to. For example, if you want to go to the mall in Alor Setar, we would have to leave immediately after the dawn prayer, do our shopping, and be back home by the midday prayer. The kids here stay active all night long, though. Not us. I have to lock up you valuable people with me at night, for our protection. Just don't ever forget, that Allah is the Best to protect.
I don't want to be talking about heavy stuff all the time. I think it's unromantic. The mundane is much more romantic. Like planning our meals and shopping. Like brushing your hair, and examining your bodies regularly to make sure you are staying healthy. Like sitting on the futon and watching TV together. So I might take a break from blogging Thursday, and I don't usually blog on Fridays. Then again, I might come in anyway, because I love you. I want you to take good care of yourselves in my absence, stay fit, eat properly, get sufficient rest, pray and be positive.
Qur'an 20131023
In the name of Allah, most Gracious, most Merciful.
15. Say, "I would, if I disobeyed my Lord, indeed have the fear of the Penalty of a Mighty Day."
16. On that day, if the Penalty is averted from any, it is due to Allah's Mercy, and that would be the obvious fulfillment of all desire.
17. If Allah touches you with affliction, none can remove it but God. If God touches you with happiness, God has power over all things.
18. God is the Irresistible, from above over God's worshippers, and God is the Wise, Acquainted with all things.
19. Say, "What thing is most weighty in evidence?" Say, "Allah is witness between me and you. This Qur'an has been revealed to me by inspiration, that I may warn you, and all that it reaches. Can you possibly bear witness that besides Allah, there is another god?" Say, "But in truth, God is the One God, and I am innocent of joining others with God."
20. Those to whom We have given the Book know this as they know their own sons. Those who have lost their own souls refuse therefore to believe.
The Cattle 6:15-20
----------------------------------------------------------
I would, if I disobeyed my Lord, indeed have the fear of the Penalty of a Mighty Day.
What thing is most weighty in evidence?
Allah is witness between me and you. This Qur'an has been revealed to me by inspiration, that I may warn you, and all that it reaches. Can you possibly bear witness that besides Allah, there is another god?
But in truth, God is the One God, and I am innocent of joining others with God.
15. Say, "I would, if I disobeyed my Lord, indeed have the fear of the Penalty of a Mighty Day."
16. On that day, if the Penalty is averted from any, it is due to Allah's Mercy, and that would be the obvious fulfillment of all desire.
17. If Allah touches you with affliction, none can remove it but God. If God touches you with happiness, God has power over all things.
18. God is the Irresistible, from above over God's worshippers, and God is the Wise, Acquainted with all things.
19. Say, "What thing is most weighty in evidence?" Say, "Allah is witness between me and you. This Qur'an has been revealed to me by inspiration, that I may warn you, and all that it reaches. Can you possibly bear witness that besides Allah, there is another god?" Say, "But in truth, God is the One God, and I am innocent of joining others with God."
20. Those to whom We have given the Book know this as they know their own sons. Those who have lost their own souls refuse therefore to believe.
The Cattle 6:15-20
----------------------------------------------------------
I would, if I disobeyed my Lord, indeed have the fear of the Penalty of a Mighty Day.
What thing is most weighty in evidence?
Allah is witness between me and you. This Qur'an has been revealed to me by inspiration, that I may warn you, and all that it reaches. Can you possibly bear witness that besides Allah, there is another god?
But in truth, God is the One God, and I am innocent of joining others with God.
Monday, October 21, 2013
Letter to Julia 20131022
In the name of Allah, most Gracious, most Merciful.
Ah, my precious soulmates! How are you feeling? How are those raging emotions today? Are you a hurricane or a whirlpool? Are you a spring dripping from a desert rock, or are you a suffocating, humid day? Are you a passionate and super-sexy Julia, or a sensitive and super-feminine Erin? As for me, my heart is a nuclear bomb that has been converted into an energy source, and my faith being the control rod. Do I need your love? Yes, with all my heart. My heart is a nuclear bomb.
I just bought half a kilo of cuttlefish at the night market. I've never handled cuttlefish before, so this is the first time. But I know that pretty much every other creature in the sea eats cuttlefish, so it can't be too bad to eat. It's like a chewier squid, with a backbone. It took me a while to get a system going in prepping my cuttlefish. I can't seem to get any rings because the backbone is in the way, so it's going to have to be strips. Looks like it's fried calamari on the menu for tomorrow night. Or maybe even for a midnight snack tonight. I have some excellent hot sauce. How about it, ladies? Wanna come over for some munchies? Suddenly I got hungry, so I'm not waiting for you this time. Mmmm mmm. Very tender. Not chewy at all.
Oh Julia, how's your Mom, by the way? Please give her my regards. Please say hi for me to your parents, Erin. Tell them I'm going to marry you, if God Wills. On second thought, keep it a secret for now (if you can). Wait until I can afford to get you a nice ring. Both of you, please pray.
Ah, my precious soulmates! How are you feeling? How are those raging emotions today? Are you a hurricane or a whirlpool? Are you a spring dripping from a desert rock, or are you a suffocating, humid day? Are you a passionate and super-sexy Julia, or a sensitive and super-feminine Erin? As for me, my heart is a nuclear bomb that has been converted into an energy source, and my faith being the control rod. Do I need your love? Yes, with all my heart. My heart is a nuclear bomb.
I just bought half a kilo of cuttlefish at the night market. I've never handled cuttlefish before, so this is the first time. But I know that pretty much every other creature in the sea eats cuttlefish, so it can't be too bad to eat. It's like a chewier squid, with a backbone. It took me a while to get a system going in prepping my cuttlefish. I can't seem to get any rings because the backbone is in the way, so it's going to have to be strips. Looks like it's fried calamari on the menu for tomorrow night. Or maybe even for a midnight snack tonight. I have some excellent hot sauce. How about it, ladies? Wanna come over for some munchies? Suddenly I got hungry, so I'm not waiting for you this time. Mmmm mmm. Very tender. Not chewy at all.
Oh Julia, how's your Mom, by the way? Please give her my regards. Please say hi for me to your parents, Erin. Tell them I'm going to marry you, if God Wills. On second thought, keep it a secret for now (if you can). Wait until I can afford to get you a nice ring. Both of you, please pray.
Qur'an 20131022
In the name of Allah, most Gracious, most Merciful.
8. They say, "Why is not an angel sent down to him?" If We did send down an angel, the matter would be settled at once, and no respite would be granted them.
9. If We had made it an angel, We should have sent him as a man, and We should certainly have caused them confusion, in a matter which they have already covered with confusion.
10. Mocked were messengers before you, but their scoffers were hemmed in by the thing that they mocked.
11. Say, "Travel through the earth, and see what was the end of those who rejected Truth."
12. Say, "To whom belongs all that is in the heavens and on earth?" Say, "To Allah." God has inscribed for Godself Mercy. That God will gather you together for the Day of Judgment, there is no doubt whatever. It is they who have lost their own souls, that will not believe.
13. To God belongs all that that dwells in the night and in the day. For God is the One who Hears, and Knows all things.
14. Say, "Shall I take for my protector any other than Allah, the Maker of the heavens and the earth? And God it is that feeds, but is not fed." Say, "But I am commanded to be the first of those who bow to Allah." And be not you of the company of those who join gods with Allah."
The Cattle 6:8-14
---------------------------------------------------------
Travel through the earth, and see what was the end of those who rejected Truth.
To whom belongs all that is in the heavens and on earth?
To Allah.
Shall I take for my protector any other than Allah, the Maker of the heavens and the earth? And God it is that feeds, but is not fed.
But I am commanded to be the first of those who bow to Allah.
8. They say, "Why is not an angel sent down to him?" If We did send down an angel, the matter would be settled at once, and no respite would be granted them.
9. If We had made it an angel, We should have sent him as a man, and We should certainly have caused them confusion, in a matter which they have already covered with confusion.
10. Mocked were messengers before you, but their scoffers were hemmed in by the thing that they mocked.
11. Say, "Travel through the earth, and see what was the end of those who rejected Truth."
12. Say, "To whom belongs all that is in the heavens and on earth?" Say, "To Allah." God has inscribed for Godself Mercy. That God will gather you together for the Day of Judgment, there is no doubt whatever. It is they who have lost their own souls, that will not believe.
13. To God belongs all that that dwells in the night and in the day. For God is the One who Hears, and Knows all things.
14. Say, "Shall I take for my protector any other than Allah, the Maker of the heavens and the earth? And God it is that feeds, but is not fed." Say, "But I am commanded to be the first of those who bow to Allah." And be not you of the company of those who join gods with Allah."
The Cattle 6:8-14
---------------------------------------------------------
Travel through the earth, and see what was the end of those who rejected Truth.
To whom belongs all that is in the heavens and on earth?
To Allah.
Shall I take for my protector any other than Allah, the Maker of the heavens and the earth? And God it is that feeds, but is not fed.
But I am commanded to be the first of those who bow to Allah.
Sunday, October 20, 2013
Letter to Julia 20131021
Hi there again, my beloved beautiful ones! How are you handling those emotions today? Would you like to make some babies with me? Oh no, don't get me wrong: I'm not asking strictly out of lust. You see, I'm old, and I have no children. (Consciously or unconsciously) I never had any children, and I focused on nurturing the music that Allah gave me. It's been a wild life and I'm still alive alhamdulillah, and now I want to make some babies with you. Sound good? I have no heirs or partners, and the music will dissipate when I die. So for more reasons than this, my business now revolves around my home and family. You.
It's a global party, and Islam takes the relationship between husband and wife very seriously, so much so that a marriage is legally not valid if it is not consummated. Sure your position as mothers to my children is heavy, but inshaAllah you are ready, and may Allah subdue those who give you grief about it. But I am old, and I have probably a third of the libido I had 20 years ago. But there's no point in wishing I had met you then, because you would have been 9 and 5 years old. I suppose it's physical, but not physical strength, because I still seem to have a little bit of that. We all know some dirty old men who grow old and do nothing but follow their lusts. I can't do that. I'm in it strictly to love you and to take care of you and our children. My pleasure is in the love, inshaAllah. But I am old, and I will need to be on drugs just to keep up with one of you, let alone both of you. Sex, Viagra, and Rock and Roll!!
I'm not worried about Julia. She's so brave and sure of herself. I love that about her. Erin, you seem a little shy. Perhaps you are sometimes indecisive. I'm like that too sometimes. Yesterday, my Mom asked me, "Do you want some rice?", and I replied, "I don't know what I want," and I got screamed at. I love you, Mom! But this isn't about dinner. Please be ready to be a mother. I assure you and Julia, with Allah as my witness, that my intentions are purely honorable. I will love you, and raise a family with you. InshaAllah.
It's a global party, and Islam takes the relationship between husband and wife very seriously, so much so that a marriage is legally not valid if it is not consummated. Sure your position as mothers to my children is heavy, but inshaAllah you are ready, and may Allah subdue those who give you grief about it. But I am old, and I have probably a third of the libido I had 20 years ago. But there's no point in wishing I had met you then, because you would have been 9 and 5 years old. I suppose it's physical, but not physical strength, because I still seem to have a little bit of that. We all know some dirty old men who grow old and do nothing but follow their lusts. I can't do that. I'm in it strictly to love you and to take care of you and our children. My pleasure is in the love, inshaAllah. But I am old, and I will need to be on drugs just to keep up with one of you, let alone both of you. Sex, Viagra, and Rock and Roll!!
I'm not worried about Julia. She's so brave and sure of herself. I love that about her. Erin, you seem a little shy. Perhaps you are sometimes indecisive. I'm like that too sometimes. Yesterday, my Mom asked me, "Do you want some rice?", and I replied, "I don't know what I want," and I got screamed at. I love you, Mom! But this isn't about dinner. Please be ready to be a mother. I assure you and Julia, with Allah as my witness, that my intentions are purely honorable. I will love you, and raise a family with you. InshaAllah.
Friday, October 18, 2013
Letter to Julia 20131019
In the name of Allah, most Gracious, most Merciful.
Hello there, my beautiful young soulmates! How are the most beautiful girls in the world? Yes, you are more desirable than any other girl, because you're MY girls! Please remember my dearest wives, the goal of our marriage is to stay put, and raise a family. Perhaps Allah will grant us happiness in this life as well as the hereafter, so please pray. Anyway, please expect the mundane, as opposed to the modeling business routine that has been your lives so far. Well, it's not as mundane as most people apparently. We will be living in the public eye. InshaAllah, I will distract them away from you, so please make sure you both stick very close to me. Then there's the supernatural. Today for example, was major spiritual drama. Weather distortion, and human drama to match. It's like a "mongoose versus cobra" battle going on behind my back. But we will work and pray for happiness, safety, and stability for us and our family. If Allah wills, this humble kampung could be made the center of the planet. I need to remind you, that I live in the supernatural as much as the material. I have no choice but to live a genuine spiritual path, and so will my you when you marry me, inshaAllah. And the glory goes to Allah.
Hello there, my beautiful young soulmates! How are the most beautiful girls in the world? Yes, you are more desirable than any other girl, because you're MY girls! Please remember my dearest wives, the goal of our marriage is to stay put, and raise a family. Perhaps Allah will grant us happiness in this life as well as the hereafter, so please pray. Anyway, please expect the mundane, as opposed to the modeling business routine that has been your lives so far. Well, it's not as mundane as most people apparently. We will be living in the public eye. InshaAllah, I will distract them away from you, so please make sure you both stick very close to me. Then there's the supernatural. Today for example, was major spiritual drama. Weather distortion, and human drama to match. It's like a "mongoose versus cobra" battle going on behind my back. But we will work and pray for happiness, safety, and stability for us and our family. If Allah wills, this humble kampung could be made the center of the planet. I need to remind you, that I live in the supernatural as much as the material. I have no choice but to live a genuine spiritual path, and so will my you when you marry me, inshaAllah. And the glory goes to Allah.
Wednesday, October 16, 2013
Letter to Julia 20131017
In the name of Allah, most Gracious, most Merciful.
Hi there, my darling Julia. Are you feeling well today, my dearest heart? You are my princess, and I love you so much. I'm a little off-sync today, I overslept for my afternoon nap, and I forgot how to cook. Small and silly problems. Senile, perhaps. I feel a little bit embarrassed, but my gut feels worse than my ego, because I had to finish that slop that I made so it wouldn't go to waste. Do you want to do the cooking today? I'll be your sous chef. I'll peel the onions and potatoes. I'll even eat a salad today. Urgh. I just wanna sit on the couch and snuggle with you. You look delicious. How about some fresh fruit? I would like some apples and Chinese pears. Or perhaps some canned lychees, or lychee flavored nata de coco, swimming in ice. Come here, sweetie. Let me brush your hair. I love beautiful, blond hair. I love you, Julia.
I haven't forgotten you Erin, my dearest heart. I can never forget you, or Julia. You know Erin, there is no such thing as "the perfect feeling" here in this life. Sometimes Allah allows me a glimpse of pure happiness, but otherwise "the perfect feeling" is a reward of the hereafter, when God rewards the righteous, and wipes out any lurking sense of injury in their hearts. In this life, the best feeling is patience, and the control of emotions. It never feels good to let your anger or depression spiral out of control, there is no satisfaction there, nor is there any neutralizing drug. "I can't help it, it's just the way I feel," is the worst excuse in the world. Julia has a more professional temperament than you and me, but patience is the best feeling we can get, until the next glimpse of happiness. The good news is that you can pour your love out to God, and in the next life God will reward your love tenfold. And for right now, you can pour your love out to me, and I will return it to you, and do my best to protect you and Julia, and to give you a good married life. InshaAllah. I'm not perfect like God, but I promise you that I will try my best. Come to my arms Erin my love, and let me love you.
Hi there, my darling Julia. Are you feeling well today, my dearest heart? You are my princess, and I love you so much. I'm a little off-sync today, I overslept for my afternoon nap, and I forgot how to cook. Small and silly problems. Senile, perhaps. I feel a little bit embarrassed, but my gut feels worse than my ego, because I had to finish that slop that I made so it wouldn't go to waste. Do you want to do the cooking today? I'll be your sous chef. I'll peel the onions and potatoes. I'll even eat a salad today. Urgh. I just wanna sit on the couch and snuggle with you. You look delicious. How about some fresh fruit? I would like some apples and Chinese pears. Or perhaps some canned lychees, or lychee flavored nata de coco, swimming in ice. Come here, sweetie. Let me brush your hair. I love beautiful, blond hair. I love you, Julia.
I haven't forgotten you Erin, my dearest heart. I can never forget you, or Julia. You know Erin, there is no such thing as "the perfect feeling" here in this life. Sometimes Allah allows me a glimpse of pure happiness, but otherwise "the perfect feeling" is a reward of the hereafter, when God rewards the righteous, and wipes out any lurking sense of injury in their hearts. In this life, the best feeling is patience, and the control of emotions. It never feels good to let your anger or depression spiral out of control, there is no satisfaction there, nor is there any neutralizing drug. "I can't help it, it's just the way I feel," is the worst excuse in the world. Julia has a more professional temperament than you and me, but patience is the best feeling we can get, until the next glimpse of happiness. The good news is that you can pour your love out to God, and in the next life God will reward your love tenfold. And for right now, you can pour your love out to me, and I will return it to you, and do my best to protect you and Julia, and to give you a good married life. InshaAllah. I'm not perfect like God, but I promise you that I will try my best. Come to my arms Erin my love, and let me love you.
Tuesday, October 15, 2013
Letter to Julia 20131016
In the name of Allah, most Gracious, most Merciful.
Hey there, my Rock and Roll babes! And how are you feeling today? How are those EMOTIONS doing? I so much very care about your feelings, for I am your king of emotions. There now, come into my embrace, I will envelope and help protect you, inshaAllah. I love you with all my heart.
The Eid started off with a prayer, and some rain. I begged Allah for the wealth to be able to marry you and give you a good and secure married life, plus a place in heaven together. Actually, I beg Allah for that 5 times a day plus many a then some. You girls please maintain your prayers. Then I went next door to my parents' house and ate until I nearly got sick. There was grilled beef, beef curry, rice and glutinous rice, and plenty of hot sauce. Julia you know, and Erin did you know, that beef intestine is considered a delicacy here in Perlis? I actually do like it, although the thought might put some people off. My favorite beef is BBQ beef ribs. I remember all-you-can-eat beef ribs! I bet they don't have that anymore. Oh, I'm full. But now I want some BBQ beef ribs. And you.
Again, I need to remind you both not to go around asking questions about Islam, so that the answers if made plain to you, would make your life difficult. Just do the best you can with the situation that Allah has given you. If you ask questions about the Qur'an as it is being revealed to you, then Allah will forgive that. Guard your own souls. The goal of us all is to Allah, and God it is Who will show us the truth of everything we do.
Hey there, my Rock and Roll babes! And how are you feeling today? How are those EMOTIONS doing? I so much very care about your feelings, for I am your king of emotions. There now, come into my embrace, I will envelope and help protect you, inshaAllah. I love you with all my heart.
The Eid started off with a prayer, and some rain. I begged Allah for the wealth to be able to marry you and give you a good and secure married life, plus a place in heaven together. Actually, I beg Allah for that 5 times a day plus many a then some. You girls please maintain your prayers. Then I went next door to my parents' house and ate until I nearly got sick. There was grilled beef, beef curry, rice and glutinous rice, and plenty of hot sauce. Julia you know, and Erin did you know, that beef intestine is considered a delicacy here in Perlis? I actually do like it, although the thought might put some people off. My favorite beef is BBQ beef ribs. I remember all-you-can-eat beef ribs! I bet they don't have that anymore. Oh, I'm full. But now I want some BBQ beef ribs. And you.
Again, I need to remind you both not to go around asking questions about Islam, so that the answers if made plain to you, would make your life difficult. Just do the best you can with the situation that Allah has given you. If you ask questions about the Qur'an as it is being revealed to you, then Allah will forgive that. Guard your own souls. The goal of us all is to Allah, and God it is Who will show us the truth of everything we do.
Qur'an 20131015
In the name of Allah, most Gracious, most Merciful.
100. Say, "Not equal are things that are bad and things that are good, even though the abundance of the bad may dazzle you. So fear Allah, o you that understand, that you may prosper."
The Repast 5:100
----------------------------------------------------------
100. Say, "Not equal are things that are bad and things that are good, even though the abundance of the bad may dazzle you. So fear Allah, o you that understand, that you may prosper."
The Repast 5:100
----------------------------------------------------------
Sunday, October 13, 2013
Letter to Julia 20131014
In the name of Allah, most Gracious, most Merciful.
Hello there, my beloved beautiful young soulmates. How are you both feeling today? How are those emotions? I love you with all my heart. I want to marry you, and take good, wonderful care of you, inshaAllah. Julia first, so you both please be patient and pray. And while I am unable as yet to take good care of you, please take good care of yourselves. Please eat properly of the good and delicious things that God has provided for you, so that you stay fit and healthy, inshaAllah.
I'm fasting today. Why? Because it's fun! Wheeeeee!! Tomorrow is the Eid. I'm sure Julia knows what's going on, but for Erin's benefit, if she doesn't already know, there are 2 major days of celebration in Islam. The first is the Eid al-Fitr, the celebration of the completion of the 30 days of Ramadan and fasting, and Eid al-Adha, the celebration of the completion of the Hajj pilgrimage ritual. It's sort of like having like 2 Christmases. Tomorrow is Eid al-Adha. I don't really celebrate holidays, probably because I have to work everyday. What I wish for is for you to be here with me. Then everyday will truly be a celebration for me, inshaAllah.
I'm re-programming Shadowplay TV right now. I'm adding a whole bunch of hair and makeup tutorials, and episodes of "This Old House". InshaAllah in the future, there will be hired help to do house cleaning and gardening, and I will have plenty of time for my new hobby: hair and makeup! My dream is to keep you both looking glamorous, elegant, and distinguished, and keep a photo journal of how gracefully you age, from marriage to the day I die, inshaAllah. OK! So, who's my first volunteer?
Hello there, my beloved beautiful young soulmates. How are you both feeling today? How are those emotions? I love you with all my heart. I want to marry you, and take good, wonderful care of you, inshaAllah. Julia first, so you both please be patient and pray. And while I am unable as yet to take good care of you, please take good care of yourselves. Please eat properly of the good and delicious things that God has provided for you, so that you stay fit and healthy, inshaAllah.
I'm fasting today. Why? Because it's fun! Wheeeeee!! Tomorrow is the Eid. I'm sure Julia knows what's going on, but for Erin's benefit, if she doesn't already know, there are 2 major days of celebration in Islam. The first is the Eid al-Fitr, the celebration of the completion of the 30 days of Ramadan and fasting, and Eid al-Adha, the celebration of the completion of the Hajj pilgrimage ritual. It's sort of like having like 2 Christmases. Tomorrow is Eid al-Adha. I don't really celebrate holidays, probably because I have to work everyday. What I wish for is for you to be here with me. Then everyday will truly be a celebration for me, inshaAllah.
I'm re-programming Shadowplay TV right now. I'm adding a whole bunch of hair and makeup tutorials, and episodes of "This Old House". InshaAllah in the future, there will be hired help to do house cleaning and gardening, and I will have plenty of time for my new hobby: hair and makeup! My dream is to keep you both looking glamorous, elegant, and distinguished, and keep a photo journal of how gracefully you age, from marriage to the day I die, inshaAllah. OK! So, who's my first volunteer?
Friday, October 11, 2013
Letter to Julia 20131012
In the name of Allah, most Gracious, most Merciful.
Hi there, beautiful girl! Julia, you are so gorgeous, I could spend hours at a time just kissing you. I love you so much! Sometime in the future inshaAllah, let's take a couple days off to go to the beach at Langkawi. My Dad says that we can put a car on the boat nowadays, and take it to the island and drive around. Let's book a night at a nice hotel, then look around for a nice stretch of sand, and have a picnic. Aw, you wanna go swimming? Well, Langkawi is geared for westerners, but you Mrs. Global can't just wear your skimpy bikini anymore: you're just going to have to create or endorse some kind of Islamic swimwear. I mean, I would love to see you in your skimpy bikini, but it's all those other people that can't. Damned Public Eye. I suppose I could follow you around and hide you from the telescopic lenses with a giant towel, but I'm not a strong swimmer. Bad feet. I'm going to need a submersible. But what if you go surfing? It's been about 30 years since I've been to Langkawi, but from what I remember, I loved it. Tropical paradise. I hope they kept it clean. I think you're going to love it too. Don't forget the sunblock.
Hi there, beautiful girl! Of course you're coming with us, Erin. InshaAllah. Come here precious thing, let me hug and caress you, you ravishing little sweetheart. Mwah! Oh, I'm going to have to hold you down, huh? I want to talk to you about learning how to hide your beauty. I told Julia this before, and I'm telling you now, that the crowd is not your friend. The crowd wants to run you into the ground as quickly and miserably as possible. Don't let them! I know you are contracted to work, but you don't have to work 24/7, right? You don't have to wear only lingerie when you're off duty, right? So don't wear sexy clothes when you're not being paid to do so. Save your light. Don't be like a cell phone with the screen that's on all the time: the battery's going to die. Hide your beauty. Hide, little fish, hide. You're so beautiful, I love you, and I want to protect you. How about a nice sweater and a loose pair of jeans with tall boots? From now on whenever you look into the mirror, look for the shine in your eyes. You know, like cat's eyes. Please pray.
Hi there, beautiful girl! Julia, you are so gorgeous, I could spend hours at a time just kissing you. I love you so much! Sometime in the future inshaAllah, let's take a couple days off to go to the beach at Langkawi. My Dad says that we can put a car on the boat nowadays, and take it to the island and drive around. Let's book a night at a nice hotel, then look around for a nice stretch of sand, and have a picnic. Aw, you wanna go swimming? Well, Langkawi is geared for westerners, but you Mrs. Global can't just wear your skimpy bikini anymore: you're just going to have to create or endorse some kind of Islamic swimwear. I mean, I would love to see you in your skimpy bikini, but it's all those other people that can't. Damned Public Eye. I suppose I could follow you around and hide you from the telescopic lenses with a giant towel, but I'm not a strong swimmer. Bad feet. I'm going to need a submersible. But what if you go surfing? It's been about 30 years since I've been to Langkawi, but from what I remember, I loved it. Tropical paradise. I hope they kept it clean. I think you're going to love it too. Don't forget the sunblock.
Hi there, beautiful girl! Of course you're coming with us, Erin. InshaAllah. Come here precious thing, let me hug and caress you, you ravishing little sweetheart. Mwah! Oh, I'm going to have to hold you down, huh? I want to talk to you about learning how to hide your beauty. I told Julia this before, and I'm telling you now, that the crowd is not your friend. The crowd wants to run you into the ground as quickly and miserably as possible. Don't let them! I know you are contracted to work, but you don't have to work 24/7, right? You don't have to wear only lingerie when you're off duty, right? So don't wear sexy clothes when you're not being paid to do so. Save your light. Don't be like a cell phone with the screen that's on all the time: the battery's going to die. Hide your beauty. Hide, little fish, hide. You're so beautiful, I love you, and I want to protect you. How about a nice sweater and a loose pair of jeans with tall boots? From now on whenever you look into the mirror, look for the shine in your eyes. You know, like cat's eyes. Please pray.
Qur'an 20131012
In the name of Allah, most Gracious, most Merciful.
74. Why turn they not to Allah, and seek God's forgiveness? For Allah is Oft-Forgiving, most Merciful.
75. Christ, the son of Mary, was no more than a messenger. Many were the messengers that passed away before him. His mother was a woman of truth. They both had to eat their food. See how Allah does make God's Signs clear to them. Yet see in what ways they are deluded away from the truth!
76. Say, "Will you worship, besides Allah, something which has no power either to harm or benefit you? But Allah: God it is that Hears and Knows all things."
77. Say, "O people of the Book! Exceed not in your religion the bounds trespassing beyond the truth, nor follow the vain desires of people who went wrong in times gone by, who misled many, and strayed from the Even Way."
The Repast 5:74-77
----------------------------------------------------------
Will you worship, besides Allah, something which has no power either to harm or benefit you? But Allah: God it is that Hears and Knows all things.
O people of the Book! Exceed not in your religion the bounds trespassing beyond the truth, nor follow the vain desires of people who went wrong in times gone by, who misled many, and strayed from the Even Way.
74. Why turn they not to Allah, and seek God's forgiveness? For Allah is Oft-Forgiving, most Merciful.
75. Christ, the son of Mary, was no more than a messenger. Many were the messengers that passed away before him. His mother was a woman of truth. They both had to eat their food. See how Allah does make God's Signs clear to them. Yet see in what ways they are deluded away from the truth!
76. Say, "Will you worship, besides Allah, something which has no power either to harm or benefit you? But Allah: God it is that Hears and Knows all things."
77. Say, "O people of the Book! Exceed not in your religion the bounds trespassing beyond the truth, nor follow the vain desires of people who went wrong in times gone by, who misled many, and strayed from the Even Way."
The Repast 5:74-77
----------------------------------------------------------
Will you worship, besides Allah, something which has no power either to harm or benefit you? But Allah: God it is that Hears and Knows all things.
O people of the Book! Exceed not in your religion the bounds trespassing beyond the truth, nor follow the vain desires of people who went wrong in times gone by, who misled many, and strayed from the Even Way.
Wednesday, October 9, 2013
Letter to Julia 20131010
In the name of Allah, most Gracious, most Merciful.
Hello there, my precious beauties. The rain finally stopped, so I got a chance to cut the grass around Casa de Julia inshaAllah. I have my own gasoline powered weed whacker, and cutting grass is quite a physica labor. But I have to admit that I enjoy it somewhat. I get to think and plan about the house that I will build for my sweeties inshaAllah. I prefer using a metal blade because it saves on gasoline, and I have better control, but the plastic blades is easier to use around rocks, even though it spits rock and other stuff all over the place, and at my face. I used the plastic blades today. Of course there are occasional cat poo traps around the yard, and I have to be careful there. I don't want cat poo splattered over my face. Lately, there has been a lot of clover growing around Casa de Julia inshaAllah. I like clover. It doesn't grow tall, and it blocks the growth of weeds. But the clumps of clover were gigantic today. Would there happen to be someone of Irish blood in the family, perhaps?
Dinner was quick and easy: chicken and bamboo shoot stew. While I was still dripping with sweat from cutting the grass, I heated the pot with grease, then threw in my chicken, garlic, onions, bamboo shoots, then added water to a boil then squeezed in a couple of limes, and a block of chicken stock. I had a bit of Siamese hot sauce with basil that my Dad gave me, so I put a forkful of that in. Its wasn't necessary, but since I had it, I used it. Go with the flow, you know. I let that simmer while I took a shower and prayed the sunset prayer, then my delicious and nutritious dinner was ready to eat. Want some? Oh, I ate it all! Next time you girls please show up for dinner.
I plan to do a lot of cooking with and for you, my loved ones. InshaAllah. And inshaAllah, there should be hired help to do the house cleaning and gardening. I don't intend to ever, ever leave you on your own. I'm even afraid to leave you to throw out the garbage. That's the way it's going to be, my loves. This is my mission, to please Allah with music. From this little corner of the world, we'll build a world of our own, where the music will reach all over the world, and the people will turn to Allah, inshaAllah. This is my and our isolation. All we'll have is each other, and we'll be with each other all the time, and do everything together. Everything, inshaAllah. I'll wait for you and watch you while watching Shadowplay TV on my laptop at the hair salon. We'll shop for makeup and toiletries together. Whatever. We are family. Ya Allah, please protect us and grant us happiness together, in this life as well as the hereafter.
Hello there, my precious beauties. The rain finally stopped, so I got a chance to cut the grass around Casa de Julia inshaAllah. I have my own gasoline powered weed whacker, and cutting grass is quite a physica labor. But I have to admit that I enjoy it somewhat. I get to think and plan about the house that I will build for my sweeties inshaAllah. I prefer using a metal blade because it saves on gasoline, and I have better control, but the plastic blades is easier to use around rocks, even though it spits rock and other stuff all over the place, and at my face. I used the plastic blades today. Of course there are occasional cat poo traps around the yard, and I have to be careful there. I don't want cat poo splattered over my face. Lately, there has been a lot of clover growing around Casa de Julia inshaAllah. I like clover. It doesn't grow tall, and it blocks the growth of weeds. But the clumps of clover were gigantic today. Would there happen to be someone of Irish blood in the family, perhaps?
Dinner was quick and easy: chicken and bamboo shoot stew. While I was still dripping with sweat from cutting the grass, I heated the pot with grease, then threw in my chicken, garlic, onions, bamboo shoots, then added water to a boil then squeezed in a couple of limes, and a block of chicken stock. I had a bit of Siamese hot sauce with basil that my Dad gave me, so I put a forkful of that in. Its wasn't necessary, but since I had it, I used it. Go with the flow, you know. I let that simmer while I took a shower and prayed the sunset prayer, then my delicious and nutritious dinner was ready to eat. Want some? Oh, I ate it all! Next time you girls please show up for dinner.
I plan to do a lot of cooking with and for you, my loved ones. InshaAllah. And inshaAllah, there should be hired help to do the house cleaning and gardening. I don't intend to ever, ever leave you on your own. I'm even afraid to leave you to throw out the garbage. That's the way it's going to be, my loves. This is my mission, to please Allah with music. From this little corner of the world, we'll build a world of our own, where the music will reach all over the world, and the people will turn to Allah, inshaAllah. This is my and our isolation. All we'll have is each other, and we'll be with each other all the time, and do everything together. Everything, inshaAllah. I'll wait for you and watch you while watching Shadowplay TV on my laptop at the hair salon. We'll shop for makeup and toiletries together. Whatever. We are family. Ya Allah, please protect us and grant us happiness together, in this life as well as the hereafter.
Qur'an 20131010
In the name of Allah, most Gracious, most Merciful.
68. Say, "O people of the Book! You have no ground to stand upon unless you stand fast by the Law, the Gospel, and all the revelation that has come to you from your Lord." It is the revelation that comes to you from your Lord, that increases in most of them their obstinate rebellion and blasphemy. But sorrow you not over people without faith.
69. Those who believe, those who follow the Jewish, and the Sabians, and the Christians: any who believe in Allah, and the Last Day, and work righteousness- on them shall be no fear, nor shall they grieve.
The Repast 5:68-69
---------------------------------------------------------
O people of the Book! You have no ground to stand upon unless you stand fast by the Law, the Gospel, and all the revelation that has come to you from your Lord.
68. Say, "O people of the Book! You have no ground to stand upon unless you stand fast by the Law, the Gospel, and all the revelation that has come to you from your Lord." It is the revelation that comes to you from your Lord, that increases in most of them their obstinate rebellion and blasphemy. But sorrow you not over people without faith.
69. Those who believe, those who follow the Jewish, and the Sabians, and the Christians: any who believe in Allah, and the Last Day, and work righteousness- on them shall be no fear, nor shall they grieve.
The Repast 5:68-69
---------------------------------------------------------
O people of the Book! You have no ground to stand upon unless you stand fast by the Law, the Gospel, and all the revelation that has come to you from your Lord.
Monday, October 7, 2013
Letter to Julia 20131008
In the name of Allah, most Gracious, most Merciful.
YOOOOOOLIIIIIEEEE!!!!
Of course I can sense how you feel all the way over here in my loneliness. And it's not just soulmate bonding, it's also plain and simple logic. If you feel unhappy, then I also feel unhappy, and angry at what makes you unhappy. Don't you believe that I truly love you? Can't you sense how deeply I care for you? I admit that I can be obtuse sometimes, but not right now. I love you, Julia. Of course our circumstance is serious, and we have to be cautious, but you also have to be optimistic and faithful. If you are in despair, that means you have no faith. So put your trust in Allah, maintain your prayers, and always look for the positive. You are MY girl, and I will marry you. InshaAllah.
The same goes for you, Erin. Did you think I couldn't sense that you were heartbroken? But I have to think of both of you, and I was already promised to Julia, which effectively makes her the boss of this situation. I'm sure you understand that. But I do love you, and I want to hold you in my arms and comfort you, and I will marry you. InshaAllah. So you be positive too. Don't go looking for just the bad things. Be cautious, but be positive. Put your trust in Allah, and pray.
And both of you, do not make friends with those who make fun and jokes of Islam, whether they be atheists, pagans, or otherwise. Turn away from them.
Ouch. I'm getting severe eye strain from looking at both of you. My left eye is tearing up badly, so I have to pull my glasses so close to my face with hair ties, that my eyeballs touch the glass. But I am so happy and grateful, you both are so beautiful, and I love you both with all my heart. I probably won't be writing tomorrow. I can't explain why in this blog, otherwise I'll get crowded out. And I usually don't blog on Fridays and Sundays. Please forgive me.
YOOOOOOLIIIIIEEEE!!!!
Of course I can sense how you feel all the way over here in my loneliness. And it's not just soulmate bonding, it's also plain and simple logic. If you feel unhappy, then I also feel unhappy, and angry at what makes you unhappy. Don't you believe that I truly love you? Can't you sense how deeply I care for you? I admit that I can be obtuse sometimes, but not right now. I love you, Julia. Of course our circumstance is serious, and we have to be cautious, but you also have to be optimistic and faithful. If you are in despair, that means you have no faith. So put your trust in Allah, maintain your prayers, and always look for the positive. You are MY girl, and I will marry you. InshaAllah.
The same goes for you, Erin. Did you think I couldn't sense that you were heartbroken? But I have to think of both of you, and I was already promised to Julia, which effectively makes her the boss of this situation. I'm sure you understand that. But I do love you, and I want to hold you in my arms and comfort you, and I will marry you. InshaAllah. So you be positive too. Don't go looking for just the bad things. Be cautious, but be positive. Put your trust in Allah, and pray.
And both of you, do not make friends with those who make fun and jokes of Islam, whether they be atheists, pagans, or otherwise. Turn away from them.
Ouch. I'm getting severe eye strain from looking at both of you. My left eye is tearing up badly, so I have to pull my glasses so close to my face with hair ties, that my eyeballs touch the glass. But I am so happy and grateful, you both are so beautiful, and I love you both with all my heart. I probably won't be writing tomorrow. I can't explain why in this blog, otherwise I'll get crowded out. And I usually don't blog on Fridays and Sundays. Please forgive me.
Qur'an 20131008
In the name of Allah, most Gracious, most Merciful.
59. Say, "O people of the Book! Do you disapprove of us for no other reason than that we believe in Allah, and the revelation that has come to us, and that which came before, and that most of you are rebellious and disobedient?"
60. Say, "Shall I point out to you something much worse than this, by the treatment it received from Allah? Those who incurred the curse of Allah and God's wrath, those of whom God transformed into apes and swine, those who worshiped evil: these are worse in rank, and far more astray from the even Path!"
The Repast 5:59-60
--------------------------------------------------------
"People of the Book": the Qur'an is the Book too, right? I assume this includes people who call themselves "Muslim".
59. Say, "O people of the Book! Do you disapprove of us for no other reason than that we believe in Allah, and the revelation that has come to us, and that which came before, and that most of you are rebellious and disobedient?"
60. Say, "Shall I point out to you something much worse than this, by the treatment it received from Allah? Those who incurred the curse of Allah and God's wrath, those of whom God transformed into apes and swine, those who worshiped evil: these are worse in rank, and far more astray from the even Path!"
The Repast 5:59-60
--------------------------------------------------------
"People of the Book": the Qur'an is the Book too, right? I assume this includes people who call themselves "Muslim".
Sunday, October 6, 2013
Letter to Julia 20131007
In the name of Allah, most Gracious, most Merciful.
YOOOOOOOLIIIIIIEEEEEE!!!!
Should I tell her what the password means, Julia? Or should I let her figure it out for herself? After all, she is a very intelligent girl. Perhaps you can explain to her what the password means. If you want. Or I will.... eventually.
It's been raining consistently since last Thursday. I got thoroughly drenched the last time I blogged. Now, don't be so serious, Julia. Smile for me, please! Would you like to play chess with me? I'm not that good, so I'll most likely lose. How about watching TV? I'm not that fond of sports, but I'll sit with you. I'm not distracting you, am I? I love you, Julia. Let's bake some cookies together.
You didn't like it when I referred to you as "sweet and innocent", did you Erin? Well face it girl, that's what makes you sexually attractive. You will never be able to match Julia's intensity and sophistication, and even if you tried, it would be your sweetness and innocence that makes you sexy. So you know what? You should guard that innocence. Build a psychic wall NOW around your innocence. Don't wait until your innocence is destroyed before you build your psychic wall. Truly blessed is the person who lives to an old age and dies with his/her innocence intact. Here, I'll help. Come sit with me on the couch and hold me tight. I will protect you and Julia, inshaAllah. But don't ever forget that Allah is the Best to protect. I love you, Erin.
YOOOOOOOLIIIIIIEEEEEE!!!!
Should I tell her what the password means, Julia? Or should I let her figure it out for herself? After all, she is a very intelligent girl. Perhaps you can explain to her what the password means. If you want. Or I will.... eventually.
It's been raining consistently since last Thursday. I got thoroughly drenched the last time I blogged. Now, don't be so serious, Julia. Smile for me, please! Would you like to play chess with me? I'm not that good, so I'll most likely lose. How about watching TV? I'm not that fond of sports, but I'll sit with you. I'm not distracting you, am I? I love you, Julia. Let's bake some cookies together.
You didn't like it when I referred to you as "sweet and innocent", did you Erin? Well face it girl, that's what makes you sexually attractive. You will never be able to match Julia's intensity and sophistication, and even if you tried, it would be your sweetness and innocence that makes you sexy. So you know what? You should guard that innocence. Build a psychic wall NOW around your innocence. Don't wait until your innocence is destroyed before you build your psychic wall. Truly blessed is the person who lives to an old age and dies with his/her innocence intact. Here, I'll help. Come sit with me on the couch and hold me tight. I will protect you and Julia, inshaAllah. But don't ever forget that Allah is the Best to protect. I love you, Erin.
Friday, October 4, 2013
Letter to Julia 20131005
Hi there, my beloved Julia. While I was organizing my last letter, I came across the e-mail I wrote to Louisa Models requesting your attention to a marriage proposal. This was a text file. Thus I found out, and thereof remember, the exact date when I proposed to you: July 22, 2009. It's been almost 4 years and 3 months! I love you, Julia.
Oh Erin my sweet sunshine, I'm sorry I didn't post the song I offered as dowry with my last letter. Google rejected my .mp3, and wanted a video file instead. And I don't even have a camera. It's not as if I would want to post my mug on a video. I'm not pretty like you and Julia. But here it is today, inshaAllah. I love you, Erin.
I'm not just saying that either. How could I not love both of you? That would be illogical. You both know I have a terrible weakness for pretty blondes. You both should know how I feel right now for both of you, but I will tell you anyway. Intense and sophisticated Julia, a German girl. Sweet and innocent Erin, an American girl. I am so very grateful to Allah, and to you both, for your love. Only Allah could have made you love me.
I have a request for both of you. It's just my own selfish, weak desire. Could you both please stay fit, not get any tans, and stay as blonde as possible all the time? Thank you.
Oh Erin my sweet sunshine, I'm sorry I didn't post the song I offered as dowry with my last letter. Google rejected my .mp3, and wanted a video file instead. And I don't even have a camera. It's not as if I would want to post my mug on a video. I'm not pretty like you and Julia. But here it is today, inshaAllah. I love you, Erin.
I'm not just saying that either. How could I not love both of you? That would be illogical. You both know I have a terrible weakness for pretty blondes. You both should know how I feel right now for both of you, but I will tell you anyway. Intense and sophisticated Julia, a German girl. Sweet and innocent Erin, an American girl. I am so very grateful to Allah, and to you both, for your love. Only Allah could have made you love me.
I have a request for both of you. It's just my own selfish, weak desire. Could you both please stay fit, not get any tans, and stay as blonde as possible all the time? Thank you.
Wednesday, October 2, 2013
Letter to Julia 20131003
So with your permission, I would like to take a second wife from one of your friends, specifically the girl that Victoria's Secret has chosen for me: Erin.
Of course, nothing can happen while I am still too broke to marry, so here's the plan: when Allah does grant me the wealth I need to marry inshaAllah, I will immediately proceed to buy the land for the little house I live in now, plus the land to build Casa de Julia. I will renovate this little house by adding a master bedroom, a walk-in wardrobe and separate bathroom, plus other little things like making the doorways taller, etc. Then I will marry Julia, and we will both live in this little house while we supervise the building of Casa de Julia.
I want us all to live in the same house because it would be easier for me to help protect you, but Allah is the Best to protect. So please be so kind as to make accommodations in your house plans to fit Erin and our children in your house. Please remember the goal is to slow down, stay put, and raise a family,
Meanwhile, I will talk to Erin as I talk to you, through these letters. When Julia and I are officially married inshaAllah, I will re-title these letters as "Letter to Erin". Next is the issue of dowry. Until I am able to give you both rings, I will offer Erin the same kind of dowry I offered you: a song. This song titled "Yearning", I wrote and recorded in 1994 (I wrote "Flowers in the Nude" in 1988 and recorded it in 2006), and is inspired by the novel "Steppenwolf" by Hermann Hesse. Nowadays, I read only the Qur'an. It is only music, but then what is a model without music? Nowadays when I voice train, I sing the song one octave up from the baritone I recorded it with, so please don't expect to hear the baritone ever again.
Erin, please marry me. If you accept, then please prepare yourself for marriage. I cannot be married to a non-Muslim, but you will have plenty of time to get ready. Please take that time to quit alcohol, cigarettes, pork, and recreational drugs if any, and I will take the same time to observe your Islam. What I desire is your chastity, purity, and integrity. Please take your position seriously. People are fanatical in general, and we have Islam added to that mix. So both of you please prepare for mayhem. You don't have to be extreme with your Islam, just do the best you can with the situation that Allah has given you. It begins with saying out loud, "I bear witness that the only deity worthy of worship is Allah, and I bear witness that Muhammad is the messenger of Allah."
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)