patience and gratitude ... and lots of excitement!

Delayed gratification was something that I had been contemplating before my family and I moved to Algeria. It seemed as though too much in our lives was about consumerism and acquiring material possessions and our ability to have what we want, when we want, in other words, NOW! I was aware of the fact that life here, for us anyway, wasn’t going to be like that and I was ready to embrace that … or so I thought. Well, when the electricity or water cuts off, I can’t say I’m excited about delayed gratification! But these experiences allow us to appreciate all the things we take for granted, such as, continuous electricity and running water. 

But everyone has their ups and downs. I was going to post about how a lack of decent internet has bothered me and my need for social interaction with like-minded people. I was going to post about how I signed up for an Expat Yarn Swap* in March and although my package reached it’s recipient, the package that was meant for me arrived in Algiers (according to the postal tracker) but never arrived at my door step.

But up until now, we've somehow managed to connect to the internet. Skype calls were always dropped, kept breaking up or had delays and we got a little frustrated at times. And now you know partly why I wasn't blogging. Then not so long ago, more than 3 years after arriving here, we got hooked up to a very normal ADSL line and it does feel strange to say the least. It’s nice but sometimes I forget that I don’t have to wait for the early morning lull in cyber traffic to load something. It’s strange how we can get so accustomed to not having certain things that we took for granted before. 

Two days ago, I received a note from the post office, telling me there was post for me that hadn't been delivered. It was pouring down with rain. And I was playing it cool, but there was this little buzz of excitement deep down that made me get baby to sleep, wrap up, grab an umbrella and brave the deep deep puddles. I picked up my package and it was clearly from my Expat Yarn Swap partner, V. I got home with shoes and socks (hand-knit socks, I might add) soaked through. But it was worth it! As I walked back I thanked God for these little joys that make our days that much better. And I thought if this isn’t delayed gratification, what is? I know it’s not self-imposed, but it’s like that here. Things are delayed, and you don’t let it bug you if you want to keep your sanity in place. You get on with all the wonderful things around you and when those other things work out or turn up, it’s all the more special. Well, that's the way I choose to look at it. 

And when this treat turned up, I was so humbled by my swap partner’s generosity. She'd wrapped everything up carefully and ensured that there was something for everyone in this package! Allahi barik (God bless). The yarn is locally (from Minnesota, USA) hand-dyed.

But that project bag ... it blew me away! She made it especially for ME! How truly heart-warming! AND she got the style and colours just right!

There was a notions pouch, gorgeous mini skeins and stitch-markers and beautiful handmade soaps! I'm trying to get V to open an Etsy shop selling her soaps and bags!

So, there you go. I just had to share this little piece of my life. I think we have to get through those troughs to get to the peaks in life and to savour them that bit more. Wishing you all much longer peaks than troughs! :)

Wednesday (top) and Thursday (bottom)!

* The Expat Yarn Swap was hosted by Mina Phillip of the Knitting Expat Podcast in March 2016 

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11. someone else's creative space

She loves mixing and matching colours.

She loves "thinking outside the box".

She loves, sketching and drawing and painting.

She loves creating powerpoint presentations of quizzes and games and has made one for me to teach my students too!

She loves creating movies with our phones, with her gifted camcorder and movie editing software.

She loves creating. Full stop.

She's chatty, affectionate, forgiving, witty and maternal. 

She's my special second-born who turned 11 on 11/11.

Allah yahfadhuha. May Allah protect and preserve her.

I must find all of her other stuff!

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just noticing ...

little things

that while I teach my kids, they teach me [I love knowing them better, Allah yahfadhuhum]

that children are capable of a lot more than we think

that technology means that I might see my parents more now! 

that milky coffee (or tea) and crochet make me feel good [No, I definitely noticed that a while ago!]

that rays of sunlight can go unnoticed, so I should notice them more!

that teamed with instagram they can make our boring doors look not so boring

that it's getting late and I need to lesson plan!

What are you noticing these days?

* I'm trying to blog everyday for the rest of this month for Blogtoberfest. Can I do it? 

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my creative space - struggling

With Ramadan nearly over, there is a bit of Eid preparation going on with the kids. 

There are house guests to entertain.

There is crochet happening.

And with the daily mundane events that take over our lives, there is a shock to bring us out of the slumber of life. Yesterday, I found out that a second cousin of mine was in a serious motorbike accident. He's a 21 year old university student. After three operations, he can now sit up but he has no movement in his legs. He's neck and spine are badly damaged and he has been told that he will not be able to walk! It's very shocking and I can't imagine what his parents are going through. But it makes me think about the things I take for granted and how none of the big things in life are in my control. Not at all.

Please remember him in your du'aas (prayers). 

More creative spaces!

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lessons in crochet

Sometimes I think you don't know me. 

You don't understand me. 

We're so different. 

You'll never really "get" me. 

But when you go traipsing around town, 

searching high and low, 

just so I can finish this 

no matter how crazy it might seem to you,

 I know you care about how I feel 

and 

I know 

you know me. 

Allah yahfadhak.

I tweaked a shrug pattern. And you can too! I used a different yarn, hence completely different sized hook and kept trying it on until I had it how I wanted it. 

This is the pattern I used, but there are lots on Ravelry.

Following the pattern, I worked up a rectangle.

As you can see, I used a chainless foundation because ... it's brilliant!

I continued with the pattern but making sure that I had the right multiple of stitches along the side.

I had an inkling that I wouldn't have enough of the cotton-viscose mix I was using and "decided" that I didn't want long sleeves. You could always add increases and have your sleeves flare out a bit.

For the collar, back and front, I carried on with the pattern. I didn't stick to the number of rounds given in the pattern that I used. I kept trying on the shrug to check!

Lessons learnt:

• Don't be afraid to do it your way.
• You might find the yarn you need (in the teeny tiny stationery shops of Jeddah) where you don't expect to.
• If it's old stock, check that they have enough BEFORE you start working on your project, because they're not likely to order more in from France or Turkey or wherever they got it from!
• If you're making a garment for a particular event, start well in advance so you don't have to deal with last minute, panic-inducing hitches!
• ALWAYS appreciate the special people around you!  

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Your house

We visited Your House. They tell us not to. "There are too many guests". But how could we not? It was hot. Our lips were dry and throats parched. We could not drink your cool, sweet water. Not until the sun, Your sun, had set. We walked in circles and thought, and asked and begged for so many things from You. A uniformed guard sprayed water from a bottle to those nearby in the hopes that it would bring them some relief. A lady could not walk, so she crawled in submission to You. Servants gather from all over the world and beseech You in various languages. It is amazing. People handed out dates and coffee to passers by. We sat on the floor as our thirsts were quenched and our veins were moistened and the call to prayer resonated around us. The rituals were complete and we, the children of Adam, saw to a basic need, of food and water, that for so many of us, is a luxury. Later, we were called to stand once again. The lines formed and flooded out of Your House spilling on the streets and surrounding areas. We stood beneath the cooler, night sky. Tired. Happy. Eager. Ashamed. In hope of Your Mercy.      

photo source

And Allah is the All-Knowing.

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