Behind closed doors in the Middle East.

Howdy, ya'll. My first post after returning to the states ages ago was funny to me. If you have any thoughts, let me know. It was certainly an eye-opening experience, and I'm happy to report that I made it out alive! and with my kids. A sarcastic joke. When one of my friends or family asks what kind of life I lived in United Arab Emirates, I say a good one. But, they're really asking, what goes on behind closed doors in a Muslim/Arab/cultured family. I immediately say, I never wore a wear my scarf inside, I lived a normal life, I didn't live in a tent. I was treated good: I acted silly, I talked on the phone to my best girl friends, danced in the kitchen while cooking, sang in the shower, watched tv, had a lot of dinner parties, went to my friends' homes, shopped until my little feet couldn't stand anymore, went out to eat with my girl friends and. ready for this? I even drove my very own SUV. I didn't ride on a camel. I did all that. I wasn't beaten or talked to badly and my in laws didn't just pop up when they wanted. We had our own villa. Everyone respected everyone there. So, yeah none of that bad stuff y'all think happened, happened. Or that y'all see on TV. I was a lot more social there than I am here in the states. Meaning, we always had to be somewhere or had guest. Be it, weddings all the time or at family events. The family life here in the States is a lot different than over there. Weekends here in the States are more quiet than the weekends there. I think everything in general is more quiet here and not such a fast pace. Having been back in the States for a while now, I've gotten over the culture shock. But I still get a jolt of surprise when I hear people say "y'all" and "fixin' to"! I hadn't seen my childhood best friends' older sister in so many years until they came over last night. In response, she laughed and asked, "How'd it go?" I answered her and we discussed the differences. I find it amazing how people assume that just because you're married to an Arab, you'll be treated poorly. Compared to the Middle East, I've witnessed more men treating women badly here. I'm talking about my friends' husbands and how they treat them.

There's a famous quote they have from the UAE. The saying goes, "Arrive in Dubai a woman. Leave there a princess." Did I leave there a princess? Yes, I did. Due to the fact that I have made it this far without the help of a man, I feel more like a queen now.

It was an amazing experience living there. The people I met came from all over the world and then some. A lot of people I know would never be able to do what I did. The most important thing for me is that I have learned a lot about life. Respect came before love for me. Love cannot exist without respect. Those are the things that happen behind closed doors in the Middle East, my friends. At least that was my experience. You've probably heard many scary stories. My world, however, was spared by it. After all, life isn't a textbook, but my experience in the Middle East taught me to respect the people around me and to live in a fear-free environment.

My Final Whisper: But my world did not escape the endless supply of falafel and hummus! And let's not forget shawarma! I guess Middle Eastern life is delicious!

Here I am.

I wish you all the happiness in the world, sweet souls reading my blog. On manifesting new beginnings: People want to know more about me (we'll cover that, too), but I know you're also interested in how my experiences can benefit you. I'm sure I can help you. There is no doubt in my mind that I can do it.

Whenever I write, I try to express what I feel from the heart. It would be great if you could listen to what I am saying. That's exactly how I write. Even though it's not the best, I try to get my point across as clearly as possible. What made writing this post so difficult? I haven't written on my blog for seven years. These writings will be different than they were seven years ago, for the simple reason that I have changed a lot. I just want to thank all those who have messaged me on Facebook and are excited to see my first post. So, here it is, but I also have my second post in the works as I type this. I'm as excited as you are. As of now, I'm fifty-three years old, and when I started writing, I was thirty-six years old and still living in Europe. I then moved to the UAE. Buckle up and read. This is a small synopsis It's great to be back!

The promise of God Whenever you ask for something, you will receive it. The affirmations my Auntie gives me are always so encouraging. There is nothing I love more than her. The woman is always right and so wise. She has such a beautiful soul.

My Final Whisper: The journey from wealth to minimalism has been incredible. I am sharing my real life with you here No matter what happens in my life, I am always optimistic. Love, muchly

Off to adult.

It’s about that time. It’s about that time that our washer and dryer won’t make your clothes sparkle. Our home won’t hear you yelling at me in the early mornings to turn the music lower. Dinner times will be two plates set on the table, not three. Twenty two years since you’ve filled our home with laughter, tears, and happiness. Now you’re going out to adult in this big, wide world. Leaving where you always felt safe. 

Let me give you a bit of advice. 

Always smile, laugh and know that happiness is a choice. Be happy, never sad, life is too short to be sad. Do what’s in your heart and be real about it. Always give. Remember that giving is a lot better than receiving. Don’t ever expect gratitude from anyone; do whatever you’re doing with your soul and heart. Don’t own a lot of materialistic stuff in this world , be content living a simple, beautiful life. Know that I’m just a call away and anytime you wanna talk, I’ll be here for you. Always give thanks to God with whatever He puts in your life. Know that there’s ease after hardship and know that our home will always be just that. The door will always be open to you. God bless you and just be. Live in the moment and always have gratitude. 

Final Whisper: I write because you exist.

Just be.

People often tell us to be strong in situations , but I'm here to tell you to embrace feeling, weak, sad, and confused ! We need to 'just be!' and feel these feelings, without these feelings, we wouldn't know how it would feel to feel happy, excited, or at peace. 

Live in the moment and embrace the love you have for anything you love. Embrace it hard. Think of something that gives you that exceptional high. At the end of the day, we are all souls striving for happiness, contentment, love, and peace. 

Final Whisper: With all my heart I love you baby. - Anita Baker

#DancingInMyKitchen #AnitaBaker #SweetLove

She'll always be beautiful in my eyes.

As I looked outside my window this morning, I remembered her, her contagious laugh and her peaceful smile. I dedicate this to my beloved mother, whom I miss dearly! Even though I last saw her face almost 20 years ago, I feel like it has been forever since I last saw her. My heart misses her smile,  The embrace of her. The sound of her voice. Her wisdom. In addition to her loving touch, I could relate to nothing else but her. I now have my mother's strength, my mother's smile, and she is the center of my universe. My identity is shaped by her. I learned how to be free, beautiful, and happy thanks to you. Your absence is felt by me. Final Whisper: Her love never ceases to amaze me. 

I've missed y'all.

It's been over 2 years since I've even written on my escape from the world. I missed y'all. I'm still living in Texas and living day by day. I hope everyone in the blog world is doing great. Here's a little piece I wrote. I hope y'all like it. 

If you feel that you're very down. Just close your eyes and say, "This is my journey. He puts me here. It's HIS plan. So, I have to carry on and trust HIM." Thank YOU God.

- Kristina Di Lodovico Simoni 

My love

mood: missing my son

craving: to hold him

Salam alykom and hello to all my faithful followers. It's a beautiful Sunday today and Im out in my garden soaking up the sun, watching my son play. I hope everyones been well. On to my entry.

I'm missing you today and everyday. As the wind blows through my hair and sun gleams on my face, I think of how you would be at this age. I think of what your voice would sound like, your walk and just your presence. I know this was for the best, yet I long to hold you close and make you feel safe in my arms like I make your siblings feel. We love you without knowing you. I long to feel your little arms wrapped around my waist and can't wait to feel that in the Hereafter. A mother's love is the strongest love below God's. We thank God for all and accept His destiny. Mubarak, until I see your face, I'll long for you. I love you. 

Love,

Your mother

Final whisper: missing you everyday.