Instagram: While We were in Terengganu

Geng gurau, geng gocoh. 

Geng macam-macam.

Tuan rumah, di dapur kedua.
(Gambar oleh Khalish)

Nasi air nikmat, juga di dapur kedua.

Akhirnya, masa keluarga.

As Barney Stinson would say, "challenge accepted!"

Photo: My Instagram

For all her sons' weddings, my mother was the one who decorated the gift trays meant for her daughters-in-law. Except for Helmi's. To ease my mother's burden this time, I volunteered to take that responsibility despite my non-existence of skill. Yes, I have always loved art, but, crafts were not my forte. 

Surprise, surprise!

All seven gift trays appeared as presentable as I visualised them to be! 

Imperfections were inevitable for a total amateur, of course. I closed an eye though, and I congratulated myself for the beauty that the other eye saw. Ewah. As Barney Stinson would say, "challenge completed!"

Helmi & Ain

Another reason for the hiatus here: my younger brother's wedding. 

Alhamdulillah, all the events, namely Majlis Nikah, Majlis Kesyukuran, and Majlis Menyambut Menantu, went smoothly. There were pre-wedding panics, surely, but let they remain family jokes told during gatherings. Heh.

Both Majlis Nikah and Majlis Kesyukuran were held in Merchang, Terengganu, where the bride hails from, on February 15 and February 16 respectively. A week later, Majlis Menyambut Menantu took place in Rembau, Negeri Sembilan. 

For now, here are the photos of Majlis Nikah and Majlis Kesyukuran.
(Khalish was a handful throughout our stay in Terengganu, thus the lack of photos with my camera.)

To the new sister-in-law's family, thank you for your hospitality.

To Helmi & Ain, may your marriage be blessed with beautiful moments, always.

Instagram: While We were in Kelantan

☙

❤

 

The recovery.

(Photos: My Instagram)

These were the main reasons for the hiatus here.

January 14, 2013. Yet another Monday to Kamal, Khalish, and I until we received a news from Kelantan. Ayoh was critically ill. After Isya', Kamal and I took turns to drive to the East Coast. All the while, my father, who tagged along, requested Khalish to pray for his paternal grandfather's recovery. My mother, who was under the weather then, prayed for the best from Rembau.

The next day, seeing ayoh in the Coronary Care Unit evoked mixed emotions within me. When I held his hand, I sensed his spirit. There lay a man whom I will always remember as the one with firm faith, the one with wise words, the one with pure charisma. With each solo visit, I silently recited zikr. For his soul, as well as mine. I longed for his wisdom still.

Alhamdulillah, ayoh has been blessed with a circle of family and friends who physically and spiritually stayed by his side throughout the chronic stage. With the will of God, the prayers for his well-being were granted on Friday although the doctor advised everybody to prepare for the worst on Thursday. Oh, how he smiled through the oxygen mask upon being greeted by the loved ones. A contrast to the stillness four days ago. 

Kamal, Khalish, and I left Kelantan that January 19 with a vow to return. Meanwhile, Kamal's sisters and their respective family members there kept us informed about ayoh from time to time. Our indescribable gratitude for their thoughts. It was a relief to know that he was well cared for.

From January 24 to February 12, we have returned to Kelantan twice. Also with us were Lisa and Joey, Khalish's half siblings. The last time we met ayoh, he was his energetic-self again. That man, he inspires!

Kamal and I want our parents to know that we love them, unconditionally.

Our parents, last Aidilfitri.

Life oh Life

Hiatus in Chech: Eccentric, hectic in reality. 

Alhamdulillah, although Kamal, Khalish, and I lived our lives out of suitcases throughout January and February, we did remember to stop awhile and smell the roses. 

Life is beautiful, always. 

Siem Reap: Sneak Peek

Photos: Instagram, Camus' and mine.

Change

Photos: My Instagram

From the darkest hours to vibrant colours, the day transforms. Gradually, gracefully. 

And, life begins.

Escapism III

(Photo: My Instagram, made with Phonto)

Escapism II

Once upon a weekend II.
(Photo: My Instagram)

Escapism

I ended 2012 with a family vacation. How I long to write about the trip to Siem Reap, but, my time is occupied with domestic affairs. So much so, I wish to have another escapade, just the way Kamal arranged one fine July. Entering The Club at The Saujana, I was in awe with the existence of such a place in the hectic Klang Valley. 

The service was superb, yes. Nevertheless, I was more amazed with the tranquility. A quality that I welcomed for my birthday then. Thank you, Kamal, for the lovely surprise. If I were nowhere to be found the next 24 hours, you know where to search for me.