As I wrote the heading, the word radiator came to mind: pump up the fire within and spread it as a heatwave of love wherever you go.
Well, it was my birthday in July. Having celebrated it daily in the past decade, it only meant another year of jubilation began as one of the most inspiring times of my life.
We will see what the future has in store.
Celebrations began with my Boy...
We checked out a few instead 'posh' restaurants and happily ended up at a Pizza chain, Made in Italy. Despite our differences in the past, as of any parent and child, to me, this was indeed The best time we ever spent together, where the Michelin stars were attached to the joy he brought me during our precious time that evening. Hadn't entirely realised how much I had missed a pizza either!
On Friday, all I cared to do, was have a handful of buddies join me at Hurlingham Club in Notting Hill, dancing to the fine Deep House tunes of a dear friend, Stan. Earlier in the evening, Charlotte came to my place and over a glass of champagne (or two), we got so entangled in deep conversation on the universe, God, Love, Forgiveness and The Power of Positive thinking that the clock struck ten and it was time, or even passed the time for us to head to the club.
Charlotte and I entered the basement disco, settled on the leather sofa in the empty space, and tried blowing on two heart balloons. Still, it was challenging work, so I quickly gave up and noticed Stan walking in and going straight for the DJ booth, followed by friends appearing, their sunny faces to brighten up the dark, dingy club. The only feeling felt was one of love and the sound of laughter which rose above the music. Stan pumped up the sound of his tunes, everyone was mingling famously, and every corner I looked at, people were smiling.
Even recall the manager approaching and asking:
"Haldita, when shall we bring the cake?"
I questioned: "The cake?"
Then, upon recollection, I remembered the Humming Bird cupcakes I had delivered earlier and continued:
"Oh! Fuck the birthday cake! Who needs a cake? Everyone's having too much fun."
All I had mentioned to the few I thought might want to join and party that evening was... 'In celebration of Life, Love and Friendship'.
This is another memory to reminisce about for the rest of my life.
Why do I love having so many friends around? Because I learn from each and every one of them. Lessons are lessons, good or bad; they have to be discovered.
Bedtime was at 4:00am, only to be woken up at 9:00am by the ring of the doorbell, the postman. Uuurgh! Really?!? On a Saturday?
After a quick re-makeover, it was time to get dressed. Donna was picking me up, accompanied by Shada (whom I have known for years) and Vanessa, her young and talented friend. I was looking forward to seeing Angelique Kidjo again, in person and performance. The lady is a dynamite of love and vibrancy, noticing every detail and giving the appropriate importance to everyone who reaches her, which provides me with joy to watch and learn from.
At Pleasure Gardens in Docklands, on stage, Angelique Kidjo once again performed her magnificence in voice and energy, which got the crowd singing while she danced her African beat with such vibrance. Standing backstage, one of the girls with a microphone sticking out of her back trouser pocket took my hand, amongst others, and the next thing I knew, we were dancing on stage behind Mrs Kidjo, facing the masses. The first day of my new age and I was on stage! Can it get any better than this? And what is 'better' when everything is already just great?
Feeling so at ease in front of a crowd was another revelation. I recalled the day I stood up at Landmark Forum in front of a microphone, talking to some three hundred attendees about what I meant to achieve from being present at the self-development seminar: freedom from all expectations and how my heart was pumping, as I looked around at the gazes all on me. Then came the outbreak of the coach's firm response as he said:
"If you were thaaaaat miserable, why didn't you leave?"
Followed by: "You were comfortable victimising yourself, feeling sorry for yourself."
I had to agree and leave that platform, thinking, 'I will never victimise myself, feel sorry for myself, nor will I allow anyone to do so.'... And that was that!
I was now on stage feeling free and happy. 'Sorry' was nowhere to be seen or felt.
An End... And now... A New Beginning.
That evening, I managed to get to Aisha's colourful dinner party at 22:00. It was like attending a festival of glamour! Apart from being a tower of strength in her friendship, Aisha has put so many people in touch and opened her house lovingly to what I can only call making the world a better, less judgemental place to live in. Another evening of fun, laughter, making new friends, dancing and enjoyment filled the night to the early morning hours.
The five-hour sleep was enough as I was invited to lunch at the Michelin Star W8 Kitchen by Robby and Dylan, two old friends whom I have had the pleasure of knowing since my days of being married. They teased the cheese out of me! We had all been through life's rollercoaster many times and came out with a better understanding of true friendship.
Me: "It's been such an inspirational weekend of feeling all the love around me."
Dylan: "Ah, pet, sorry I missed your party. You've been keeping busy!"
Me: "Yap. It was so unexpected, and so many turned up! Then, I had all the Facebook messages to answer, each with a paragraph about my memory of them."
Robby: "I see now. I'm too busy to answer my text on your birthday, and it's Sunday now! Too busy for your old friends now, hey?!"
Me: "Haha." I could not stop laughing at my friend teasing me that way.
As Robby texted me the next day... 'We've known each other so long, Haldita, well enough to take the mickey out of each other. And I responded: 'Babes, you can take the mickey out of me any time. It's the Spice!'
It was Robby who first suggested I write a blog. How Amazing are my friends?
What was almost unbelievable was bumping into my Ex as the three jolly fellows were leaving just outside the restaurant.
When I told of the incident to my brother Soltan on the phone later that day, my exact words were:
"Soltan, you know what I realised? Whenever I see a familiar face, I jump joyfully and say hello without thinking!"
Soltan laughed and replied: "Sis, you're just like a puppy!"
A puppy, a dolphin, a bird, even a tiger, to some! Haha...
Did I go home on that Sunday afternoon? No way, finally the sun in London has shown its face, and you know what they say... It's not over till it's over!
Meeting Donna at 7:00pm at Somerset House, with the delightful Angelique Kidjo and her husband, was another couple of hours to be cherished. What came to mind was again my first introduction to Angelique on a DVD of her performance at an event, shown at Lola's and my response in saying how I wished to meet this remarkable lady and there I was, in person, sitting next to her on the balcony of Somerset House, by the river Thames, at sundown and expressing myself openly:
"Angelique, you're such an inspiration to watch, on or off stage. I've learned so much just being around you, and I thank my Darling Donna, who has shown more love to me than I could possibly wish for and to be the cause of our meeting. The world needs more of you, women who can stand up for their rights and the rights of others everywhere."
We both agreed that it's not easy being strong women, especially from the parts of the world we come from. In other parts, women have gained their rights through time.
I also recall going to the newsagent with Donna and Angelique's dear life partner the day before and watching him pick up the newspaper to see the right-up photo of his lady, displayed mainly on the centre page.
I looked in and, by seeing the youthful beauty of Angelique, helplessly uttered:
"Wow, Stunning!"
The man responded with that 'je ne sais quoi' smile: "Yes she is. And she is my Wife."
That evening, we parted again until the next time. As I was driving on Waterloo Bridge next to Somerset House, the sunset on that summer's day in London drew me into parking my car on the bridge and taking a shot of the scenery.
Did my Sunday evening end there? Nope again!
A text from Aisha drew me back to her place for another soiree of fun and frolic.
Why have I been away for so long? Away from my blog and my passion for writing?
Everything is timing, but perhaps, at times, the time stops. It gets diverted to a new dimension, new lessons, or maybe I am simply going through writer's block!
Well, it was my birthday in July. Having celebrated it daily in the past decade, it only meant another year of jubilation began as one of the most inspiring times of my life.
We will see what the future has in store.
Celebrations began with my Boy...
We checked out a few instead 'posh' restaurants and happily ended up at a Pizza chain, Made in Italy. Despite our differences in the past, as of any parent and child, to me, this was indeed The best time we ever spent together, where the Michelin stars were attached to the joy he brought me during our precious time that evening. Hadn't entirely realised how much I had missed a pizza either!
On Friday, all I cared to do, was have a handful of buddies join me at Hurlingham Club in Notting Hill, dancing to the fine Deep House tunes of a dear friend, Stan. Earlier in the evening, Charlotte came to my place and over a glass of champagne (or two), we got so entangled in deep conversation on the universe, God, Love, Forgiveness and The Power of Positive thinking that the clock struck ten and it was time, or even passed the time for us to head to the club.
Charlotte and I entered the basement disco, settled on the leather sofa in the empty space, and tried blowing on two heart balloons. Still, it was challenging work, so I quickly gave up and noticed Stan walking in and going straight for the DJ booth, followed by friends appearing, their sunny faces to brighten up the dark, dingy club. The only feeling felt was one of love and the sound of laughter which rose above the music. Stan pumped up the sound of his tunes, everyone was mingling famously, and every corner I looked at, people were smiling.
Even recall the manager approaching and asking:
"Haldita, when shall we bring the cake?"
I questioned: "The cake?"
Then, upon recollection, I remembered the Humming Bird cupcakes I had delivered earlier and continued:
"Oh! Fuck the birthday cake! Who needs a cake? Everyone's having too much fun."
All I had mentioned to the few I thought might want to join and party that evening was... 'In celebration of Life, Love and Friendship'.
This is another memory to reminisce about for the rest of my life.
Why do I love having so many friends around? Because I learn from each and every one of them. Lessons are lessons, good or bad; they have to be discovered.
Bedtime was at 4:00am, only to be woken up at 9:00am by the ring of the doorbell, the postman. Uuurgh! Really?!? On a Saturday?
After a quick re-makeover, it was time to get dressed. Donna was picking me up, accompanied by Shada (whom I have known for years) and Vanessa, her young and talented friend. I was looking forward to seeing Angelique Kidjo again, in person and performance. The lady is a dynamite of love and vibrancy, noticing every detail and giving the appropriate importance to everyone who reaches her, which provides me with joy to watch and learn from.
At Pleasure Gardens in Docklands, on stage, Angelique Kidjo once again performed her magnificence in voice and energy, which got the crowd singing while she danced her African beat with such vibrance. Standing backstage, one of the girls with a microphone sticking out of her back trouser pocket took my hand, amongst others, and the next thing I knew, we were dancing on stage behind Mrs Kidjo, facing the masses. The first day of my new age and I was on stage! Can it get any better than this? And what is 'better' when everything is already just great?
Feeling so at ease in front of a crowd was another revelation. I recalled the day I stood up at Landmark Forum in front of a microphone, talking to some three hundred attendees about what I meant to achieve from being present at the self-development seminar: freedom from all expectations and how my heart was pumping, as I looked around at the gazes all on me. Then came the outbreak of the coach's firm response as he said:
"If you were thaaaaat miserable, why didn't you leave?"
Followed by: "You were comfortable victimising yourself, feeling sorry for yourself."
I had to agree and leave that platform, thinking, 'I will never victimise myself, feel sorry for myself, nor will I allow anyone to do so.'... And that was that!
I was now on stage feeling free and happy. 'Sorry' was nowhere to be seen or felt.
An End... And now... A New Beginning.
That evening, I managed to get to Aisha's colourful dinner party at 22:00. It was like attending a festival of glamour! Apart from being a tower of strength in her friendship, Aisha has put so many people in touch and opened her house lovingly to what I can only call making the world a better, less judgemental place to live in. Another evening of fun, laughter, making new friends, dancing and enjoyment filled the night to the early morning hours.
The five-hour sleep was enough as I was invited to lunch at the Michelin Star W8 Kitchen by Robby and Dylan, two old friends whom I have had the pleasure of knowing since my days of being married. They teased the cheese out of me! We had all been through life's rollercoaster many times and came out with a better understanding of true friendship.
Me: "It's been such an inspirational weekend of feeling all the love around me."
Dylan: "Ah, pet, sorry I missed your party. You've been keeping busy!"
Me: "Yap. It was so unexpected, and so many turned up! Then, I had all the Facebook messages to answer, each with a paragraph about my memory of them."
Robby: "I see now. I'm too busy to answer my text on your birthday, and it's Sunday now! Too busy for your old friends now, hey?!"
Me: "Haha." I could not stop laughing at my friend teasing me that way.
As Robby texted me the next day... 'We've known each other so long, Haldita, well enough to take the mickey out of each other. And I responded: 'Babes, you can take the mickey out of me any time. It's the Spice!'
It was Robby who first suggested I write a blog. How Amazing are my friends?
What was almost unbelievable was bumping into my Ex as the three jolly fellows were leaving just outside the restaurant.
When I told of the incident to my brother Soltan on the phone later that day, my exact words were:
"Soltan, you know what I realised? Whenever I see a familiar face, I jump joyfully and say hello without thinking!"
Soltan laughed and replied: "Sis, you're just like a puppy!"
A puppy, a dolphin, a bird, even a tiger, to some! Haha...
Did I go home on that Sunday afternoon? No way, finally the sun in London has shown its face, and you know what they say... It's not over till it's over!
Meeting Donna at 7:00pm at Somerset House, with the delightful Angelique Kidjo and her husband, was another couple of hours to be cherished. What came to mind was again my first introduction to Angelique on a DVD of her performance at an event, shown at Lola's and my response in saying how I wished to meet this remarkable lady and there I was, in person, sitting next to her on the balcony of Somerset House, by the river Thames, at sundown and expressing myself openly:
"Angelique, you're such an inspiration to watch, on or off stage. I've learned so much just being around you, and I thank my Darling Donna, who has shown more love to me than I could possibly wish for and to be the cause of our meeting. The world needs more of you, women who can stand up for their rights and the rights of others everywhere."
We both agreed that it's not easy being strong women, especially from the parts of the world we come from. In other parts, women have gained their rights through time.
I also recall going to the newsagent with Donna and Angelique's dear life partner the day before and watching him pick up the newspaper to see the right-up photo of his lady, displayed mainly on the centre page.
I looked in and, by seeing the youthful beauty of Angelique, helplessly uttered:
"Wow, Stunning!"
The man responded with that 'je ne sais quoi' smile: "Yes she is. And she is my Wife."
That evening, we parted again until the next time. As I was driving on Waterloo Bridge next to Somerset House, the sunset on that summer's day in London drew me into parking my car on the bridge and taking a shot of the scenery.
Did my Sunday evening end there? Nope again!
A text from Aisha drew me back to her place for another soiree of fun and frolic.
Why have I been away for so long? Away from my blog and my passion for writing?
Everything is timing, but perhaps, at times, the time stops. It gets diverted to a new dimension, new lessons, or maybe I am simply going through writer's block!
No comments:
Post a Comment