Skip Counting by 5

LOOK BEYOND. August 2019, Paris, France

5-10-15
Who knew that I could hate
counting by 5s?

5-10-15
Math was my least favorite.
How I hated it!

5-10-15
And now I hate it more!
I wish there was no way to skip count by 5...

5-10-15
I wish there was a way to skip...

That day,
That date.

5-10-15
T’was the day that
I lost you.

Fruits and Blooms

FRUITS AND BLOOMS. April 2019, The Frame Dubai

The fruits and blooms that surround me remind me of the bountiful blessings that I have been receiving in recent years. I especially thank God for giving me a stable career that is highly-cherished, admired, and respected, and can make me earn several times more than I could be getting in my home country.
“I may not have everything I want, but I have everything I need.” And maybe much more than that because of the things and opportunities that have been making my life a bit more lavish and convenient, compared to my contemporaries. I thank God for my Son who has been constantly making me proud, despite my very minimal presence and guidance. He is a consistent honor and a model student; I am far from being a model Mom. I thank God for my life-long partner. My husband may not be perfect, but he is perfect for me. He has saved me from loneliness and has always been my strength and motivator. I was orphaned quite early and that thought makes me feel sad periodically, but the presence of my husband and the solid support of my family members in my home country and across the globe fill whatever void and longing I have inside my heart for my Mom and Dad.

I certainly get upset and wronged too, you know, as I have some goals I feel I have to achieve, but my hands are tied; I feel rushed to strike when the iron is hot, but the sand in the hourglass is getting dissipated at such a fast rate--I am afraid I cannot keep up with it. And when things do not go my way, I just look at the fruits and blooms, and I smile with a grateful heart.

Yo Summer, You Aren't Welcome!!

As light as cotton puffs.

The transition from winter to summer brought about erratic weather condition from the part of UAE where I reside.  

It’s already the fourth week of the month of March, but there are still days that I feel the iciness of the water originating from the faucet.  

A school of fish just above a school  for children. 

                                                                                                                                                                                 

The variety of cloud patterns, picturesque clear and sometimes indistinctive sky left me at awe, and at the same time reminded me of the effect of the dreaded climate change.

 

The beauty of the abstract sky.

Despite the photo collection of the every morning scenery that unfolded before me, despite the jovial spirit, and the plans for the long-stretching summer season, for any desert dweller like me who have to tolerate 52°C of heat, forgive me if I have to say this but… “Yo, Summer! You aren’t welcome!!”

Second of the several , random rounds of foggy days.  Almost zero visibility.

The contrail-like cloud formations serve as a backdrop to the flying bird and UAE flag.  Symbolic, isn't it?

Vibrant, clear and promising.  Powder blue against olive green.

As light as floating feathers.

Fourth random foggy day.  Loving the sepia/ghost's town natural effect.

Swordfish's head-like formation.

Can be likened to Drake's brow, but sends the message that God watches us from afar.

The morning after the once in a blue moon rain.  Rainfall is something that Arabs get ecstatic about.

ALL PHOTOGRAPHS ARE AUTHOR'S OWN SNAPS 

(Taken on the days between the months of February and March, within the vicinity of her home and work.)