In the name of Allah, most Gracious, most Merciful.
Hello Precious! Hi Pumpkin! I'm writing this letter kind of late today. I just got done putting doen vocal tracks. Yeah, three days in a row, singing the same phrase over and over again. Singing is not easy. I mean singing WELL is not easy, I mean anybody can bark into a microphone, and besides, I hate my own voice. It's never perfect. And it's so hard to get comfortable, so that my discomfort doesn't reflect in my voice. Plus it's not the same as singing live, where I can ride the acoustics and hide behind feedback. So I do it over and over again, until I get a take that I can tolerate listening to. Since it's so important, since it means so much to me.
I wish I could give you a trinket or something, it would be much simpler. Don't you agree? I can give you a pizza, if you like. I've been making great pizza lately, praise be to Allah. Even though I can only afford sliced cheese. Anyway, I hope you are looking after yourself and not overworking. Sometimes it's hard to kick old habits, and we drag them around like carrying two large garbage bags with us wherever we go. Just chuck them in the dumpster Sweetie, and start again. You will find it's not so difficult to do. I think of you always. I love you and I need you.
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Monday, February 15, 2016
Qur'an 20160216
In the name of Allah, most Gracious, most Merciful.
215. They ask you what you should spend. Say, "Whatever you spend that is good is for parents and kindred and orphans and those in need and wayfarers, and whatever you do that is good, Allah knows it well."
216. Fighting is prescribed unto you and you dislike it. But it is possible that you dislike a thing which is good for you. And you love a thing which is bad for you. But Allah knows, and you know not.
217. They ask you concerning fighting in the Prohibited Month. Say, "Fighting therein is an offense. But graver it is in the sight of Allah to prevent access to the path of Allah, to deny God, to prevent access to the Sacred Mosque and drive out its members. Tumult and oppression are worse than slaughter." Nor will they cease fighting you until they turn you back from your faith if they can. And if any of you turn back from their faith and die in unbelief, their works will bear no fruit in this life and in the hereafter. They will be companions of the fire, and will abide therein.
(The Heifer 2:215-217)
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Whatever you spend that is good is for parents and kindred and orphans and those in need and wayfarers, and whatever you do that is good, Allah knows it well.
Fighting therein is an offense. But graver it is in the sight of Allah to prevent access to the path of Allah, to deny God, to prevent access to the Sacred Mosque and drive out its members. Tumult and oppression are worse than slaughter.
215. They ask you what you should spend. Say, "Whatever you spend that is good is for parents and kindred and orphans and those in need and wayfarers, and whatever you do that is good, Allah knows it well."
216. Fighting is prescribed unto you and you dislike it. But it is possible that you dislike a thing which is good for you. And you love a thing which is bad for you. But Allah knows, and you know not.
217. They ask you concerning fighting in the Prohibited Month. Say, "Fighting therein is an offense. But graver it is in the sight of Allah to prevent access to the path of Allah, to deny God, to prevent access to the Sacred Mosque and drive out its members. Tumult and oppression are worse than slaughter." Nor will they cease fighting you until they turn you back from your faith if they can. And if any of you turn back from their faith and die in unbelief, their works will bear no fruit in this life and in the hereafter. They will be companions of the fire, and will abide therein.
(The Heifer 2:215-217)
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Whatever you spend that is good is for parents and kindred and orphans and those in need and wayfarers, and whatever you do that is good, Allah knows it well.
Fighting therein is an offense. But graver it is in the sight of Allah to prevent access to the path of Allah, to deny God, to prevent access to the Sacred Mosque and drive out its members. Tumult and oppression are worse than slaughter.
Sunday, February 14, 2016
Letter to Erin 20160215
In the name of Allah, most Gracious, most Merciful.
Hi Princess! Hi Angel! How's my love doing today? You are so beautiful, I wish I were as beautiful as you. I just finished my dinner- it's pizza night again! I wish you had been here to share it with me. I've been eating a lot of pizza lately, and it looks like I'm going to eat more tomorrow. But that avocado I bought is due to ripen finally, so I'm thinking chicken and avocado in mole sauce with fresh tortillas. Wanna come over and join me? I don't know why I've been eating so much pizza lately. But it's so yummy! Ach! I want another pizza!
No, I can't eat another pizza. After this, I have to set up for recording vocals again. I'm singing a song for somebody's birthday. I'm very fussy about recording vocals, especially about how I feel. The worst part is trying to get comfortable, which can take hours, or even days. I hate singers! I wish I could give her a diamond ring, but I hope she'll be OK with a song for now. I love her dearly. And I need her.
Hi Princess! Hi Angel! How's my love doing today? You are so beautiful, I wish I were as beautiful as you. I just finished my dinner- it's pizza night again! I wish you had been here to share it with me. I've been eating a lot of pizza lately, and it looks like I'm going to eat more tomorrow. But that avocado I bought is due to ripen finally, so I'm thinking chicken and avocado in mole sauce with fresh tortillas. Wanna come over and join me? I don't know why I've been eating so much pizza lately. But it's so yummy! Ach! I want another pizza!
No, I can't eat another pizza. After this, I have to set up for recording vocals again. I'm singing a song for somebody's birthday. I'm very fussy about recording vocals, especially about how I feel. The worst part is trying to get comfortable, which can take hours, or even days. I hate singers! I wish I could give her a diamond ring, but I hope she'll be OK with a song for now. I love her dearly. And I need her.
Saturday, February 13, 2016
Letter to Erin 20160214
In the name of Allah, most Gracious, most Merciful.
Hello Beloved. Hi Sweetie! Are you having a great day? I'm just kicking back right now, watching TV. It's an episode of "Daria": "The Lost Girls". I'd share it with you, but MTV won't let me embed it. It was their exclusive cartoon, back when they had music videos. But I gave up on MTV back in 1986.
I'm in the process of setting up vocals for recording. One year ago, I didn't even have a pair of headphones, but this time I should do much better. You probably haven't come across Shadowplay material on the Internet, but I'll give you a hint: CD Baby. Keep in mind that they haven't given me a penny. I have been working on a new cd/album. I actually started it in 2007, then I lost my home and stuff like that. But I was able to save the music, the most important being the last drum tracks I did. The album is called "Woo Hoo". When I was younger, I would put all my time into finishing albums. I'm sure I would eventually get back to that attitude, but right now I'm taking my time. "Woo Hoo" is a dark album anyway, and if you connect with the concept of music being the soul of the composer (like in the movie "Amadeus") then you would understand that I'm really cautious about the music manifesting into reality. It's inspired by the Qur'an. It's a story based on the curse of Allah on those who impose interest and slavery. It's actually one song away from being done: I just need to do the last song, all the vocals, plus I promised an old friend to put down piano tracks. Hey, anything to slow it down, huh? I don't think I will ever trust a record company with the music again. I'm just going to set up a stall by the side of the road, and sell cds like a fruit seller or burger vendor. I'll probably make more money that way, and reach more people. I should probably get my ass in gear and start putting down all this music in my head on cd, but I don't have all the equipment I need. Ya Allah, please grant me all the computer and musical equipment I desire.
There are other important items on my agenda, of course. Like marrying you. Oh, how involved that is, huh? But I do love you. I sincerely love you. And I need you.
Hello Beloved. Hi Sweetie! Are you having a great day? I'm just kicking back right now, watching TV. It's an episode of "Daria": "The Lost Girls". I'd share it with you, but MTV won't let me embed it. It was their exclusive cartoon, back when they had music videos. But I gave up on MTV back in 1986.
I'm in the process of setting up vocals for recording. One year ago, I didn't even have a pair of headphones, but this time I should do much better. You probably haven't come across Shadowplay material on the Internet, but I'll give you a hint: CD Baby. Keep in mind that they haven't given me a penny. I have been working on a new cd/album. I actually started it in 2007, then I lost my home and stuff like that. But I was able to save the music, the most important being the last drum tracks I did. The album is called "Woo Hoo". When I was younger, I would put all my time into finishing albums. I'm sure I would eventually get back to that attitude, but right now I'm taking my time. "Woo Hoo" is a dark album anyway, and if you connect with the concept of music being the soul of the composer (like in the movie "Amadeus") then you would understand that I'm really cautious about the music manifesting into reality. It's inspired by the Qur'an. It's a story based on the curse of Allah on those who impose interest and slavery. It's actually one song away from being done: I just need to do the last song, all the vocals, plus I promised an old friend to put down piano tracks. Hey, anything to slow it down, huh? I don't think I will ever trust a record company with the music again. I'm just going to set up a stall by the side of the road, and sell cds like a fruit seller or burger vendor. I'll probably make more money that way, and reach more people. I should probably get my ass in gear and start putting down all this music in my head on cd, but I don't have all the equipment I need. Ya Allah, please grant me all the computer and musical equipment I desire.
There are other important items on my agenda, of course. Like marrying you. Oh, how involved that is, huh? But I do love you. I sincerely love you. And I need you.
Friday, February 12, 2016
Letter to Erin 20160213
In the name of Allah, most Gracious, most Merciful.
Is something wrong, Erin? Something is wrong, isn't it? Now look at me, and let me hold you. I want you to know that I love you deeply, and I will marry you inshaAllah. I want to kiss you, Erin. You are my girl. I love you, and I need you.
Tomorrow is Valentine's Day. I remember we once had an argument about it, that I told you I don't celebrate Valentine's Day. You didn't seem to accept my spiritual reason why I don't celebrate Valentine's Day. So let me explain in a business way: as I am a servant of Allah, it is in conflict of interest to my mission to please Allah with music for me to endorse Valentine's Day. That said, I repeat that I don't need one day a year to love you. I love you every day.
Is something wrong, Erin? Something is wrong, isn't it? Now look at me, and let me hold you. I want you to know that I love you deeply, and I will marry you inshaAllah. I want to kiss you, Erin. You are my girl. I love you, and I need you.
Tomorrow is Valentine's Day. I remember we once had an argument about it, that I told you I don't celebrate Valentine's Day. You didn't seem to accept my spiritual reason why I don't celebrate Valentine's Day. So let me explain in a business way: as I am a servant of Allah, it is in conflict of interest to my mission to please Allah with music for me to endorse Valentine's Day. That said, I repeat that I don't need one day a year to love you. I love you every day.
Thursday, February 11, 2016
Letter to Erin 20160212
In the name of Allah, most Gracious, most Merciful.
Hello Peaches! Hi Strawberries! Are you hungry for sweets? I'm sorry, I don't have any desserts right now. I've been eating leftovers all day, and I just had some leftover curry puffs for dinner. Hey, can't let them go to waste, right? Maybe I'll go out for ice cream later, and you can share it with me. OK? I love you, and I need you.
There was recently a new opening of a supermarket around these here parts. Perlis is still technically rural, so the opening of a large supermarket is big news with the locals. It's nothing like the malls you and I are familiar with, but the building does house the supermarket plus a food court, some kiosks, and some extra shops. I was there this morning, and it was crowded. There was a traffic jam going into the place. and the place has been open for a week already. The locals sure are thrilled about it. As for me, I did find some items I usually can't get locally. So I bought a ceramic omelet pan, an avocado, and a bag of Nacho Cheese Doritos. The Doritos were made in Saudi Arabia.
Ach! I just got back from an ice cream run, and they were out of the big tubs of vanilla ice cream! All the big tubs were gone. Everything that's left is chocolate, chocolate, chocolate. I know you like chocolate, but I prefer vanilla. But there wasn't anything vanilla left. In the end, I bought a pomegranate ice cream bar.
Hello Peaches! Hi Strawberries! Are you hungry for sweets? I'm sorry, I don't have any desserts right now. I've been eating leftovers all day, and I just had some leftover curry puffs for dinner. Hey, can't let them go to waste, right? Maybe I'll go out for ice cream later, and you can share it with me. OK? I love you, and I need you.
There was recently a new opening of a supermarket around these here parts. Perlis is still technically rural, so the opening of a large supermarket is big news with the locals. It's nothing like the malls you and I are familiar with, but the building does house the supermarket plus a food court, some kiosks, and some extra shops. I was there this morning, and it was crowded. There was a traffic jam going into the place. and the place has been open for a week already. The locals sure are thrilled about it. As for me, I did find some items I usually can't get locally. So I bought a ceramic omelet pan, an avocado, and a bag of Nacho Cheese Doritos. The Doritos were made in Saudi Arabia.
Ach! I just got back from an ice cream run, and they were out of the big tubs of vanilla ice cream! All the big tubs were gone. Everything that's left is chocolate, chocolate, chocolate. I know you like chocolate, but I prefer vanilla. But there wasn't anything vanilla left. In the end, I bought a pomegranate ice cream bar.
Wednesday, February 10, 2016
Letter to Erin 20160211
In the name of Allah, most Gracious, most Merciful.
Hi Precious! Hello Cutie! How are we today? Is everything running smoothly for you, and fun? Well, please take good care of your health and get lots of rest. Please maintain your prayers. Of course I want the best for you, and for you to be happy and happy with me. Because I love you and I need you.
Oh, not much happening here today. I mostly did a lot of taking care of my plants today. I went to get a deterrent for those pesky little white moths, which by now have gained so much confidence in my yard that I can see their cocoons underneath the leaves of my eggplant. I also sprayed some pesticide over my mother's jasmine.
I wasn't too pleased with my fried flat noodles with cockles. It's the boiled cockles I bought: all the flavor had been cooked out. Which is a good thing, because it's sanitary for public consumption. I don't want to be blunt about this, because fried flat noodles with cockles is such a local delicacy. Let's just say that the cockles carry most of the flavor. So the trick with pre-cooked cockles is to put the flavor back. I marinaded it in a broth of anchovy bouillon, fermented anchovies and "belacan" (fermented shrimp cake), which tasted passable by itself, but not within the context of the dish. I guess I'm getting fussy in my old age. Fried flat noodles with cockles is the only dish I make with anything close to a formula. I still have half of those cockles left in my cooler. I'll try again in a week or so.
Hi Precious! Hello Cutie! How are we today? Is everything running smoothly for you, and fun? Well, please take good care of your health and get lots of rest. Please maintain your prayers. Of course I want the best for you, and for you to be happy and happy with me. Because I love you and I need you.
Oh, not much happening here today. I mostly did a lot of taking care of my plants today. I went to get a deterrent for those pesky little white moths, which by now have gained so much confidence in my yard that I can see their cocoons underneath the leaves of my eggplant. I also sprayed some pesticide over my mother's jasmine.
I wasn't too pleased with my fried flat noodles with cockles. It's the boiled cockles I bought: all the flavor had been cooked out. Which is a good thing, because it's sanitary for public consumption. I don't want to be blunt about this, because fried flat noodles with cockles is such a local delicacy. Let's just say that the cockles carry most of the flavor. So the trick with pre-cooked cockles is to put the flavor back. I marinaded it in a broth of anchovy bouillon, fermented anchovies and "belacan" (fermented shrimp cake), which tasted passable by itself, but not within the context of the dish. I guess I'm getting fussy in my old age. Fried flat noodles with cockles is the only dish I make with anything close to a formula. I still have half of those cockles left in my cooler. I'll try again in a week or so.
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