Oh how I love Paris in the Snow!

Romance in Paris has always been merely an image, taken probably from old movies. Until this time, that 'image' became a reality—an experience I will cherish until the end of my life.

What is love and falling in love?
I admit I have questioned myself on that subject many times. Upon returning from my trip, I received a text from Aisha inquiring about my romantic weekend in Paris.  
My friend simply texted: 'So...'
And I answered: 'Sooooo... I'm wearing a wedding band (with a laughing smiley attached).'
Aisha, back: 'Seriously ??!!'
Me again: 'No Darling.' 
Falling in love belongs to the young-minded. As I get older and gain experience, my interest lies more in someone who makes me happy and vice versa. We are free souls, each with lives complicated enough that love can only be felt freely through mutual understanding, humour, and enjoying special times in great company—a connection of two minds.

On a Saturday morning, I was booked on the 7:30am Eurostar train to Paris; despite the heavy snowfall in London and at the destination, the train left on time! The journey through the landscape, which was green on my last visit only recently, had been covered with a white sheet of snow all around. The fields with branches abandoned of any sign of leaves amidst the snowfall reminded me of the movie Dr Zhivago'. They did announce a few times on the speakers our train journey would be delayed by one hour due to the weather conditions and that when leaving the tunnel on the 'French' side of the border, with a specific tone of mockery, the broadcaster announced in his proper English accent.

Who was waiting for me at the Gare du Nord, but Stan, who has been a wonderful friend and had DJayed at my birthday party. Over a coffee in a dingy café opposite the station, he explained his sudden move to Paris and getting involved in a holistic project in the city he was born in. Stan sounded grounded and, somehow, on the right track, it seemed. Are we finally realising 'history is not just the evolution of technology; but the evolution of thoughts'? Our 'Modern Age'.
A life less concentrated on money/materials but more in-depth with the joy of inner self-fulfilment. It is as though a new movement, a shift of energy, is entering some of our lives, with no guarantee for the future; however, exhilarating... The mystery of the unknown. A new light is being born... A Light of hope and nurturing. Mmm...

Bidding farewell to Stan as I hailed for a cab left me in the best of moods for the rest of my adventure in a city visited trillions of times before, just never in this particular mood. Now... Who was waiting to meet me at the hotel but Ibou, with the brightest of shines seen in any man's eyes and the warmest feeling a hug could bring. Being mostly hotel-bound, watching snowflakes dance with the music of joy was Bliss in Pariiiiisss!

Through that childlike, great feeling of joy
The youth took over, not fun, as playing with a toy
In a city of beauty made for lovers
We were wrapped up warm under the covers
The icy flakes of snow were falling in the air
Who wants to be anywhere else? Does one even care?
The darkness outside, the greyness deep in the sky
No shopping in the world would make me wanna fly
Away from a loving nest of cuddles, smiles and love
Swept away, entangled in the journey, free as a dove
All the previous sleepless nights of partying and having fun
Had left me exhausted and tired; I was done!

Finally, after a day of rest and a good night's sleep
It was time to re-emerge and face the snow in deep
The streets were all white, the mind filled with childhood memories
It was a bank of thoughts as precious as treasuries
Did it even matter that my Swede boots were being destroyed?
Or my hair ruined in the wet. Should I be annoyed?
When there is fulfilment, joy is at hand
Feel the freedom around, never to be banned
To go where others do not dare, out of the comfort zone
Hang on to great memories, as a dog to a bone
Life is what you make it out to be; it is the inner voice
And remember, my friends, you DO have a choice.

Must admit, I had not watched as much news as I did in the two days in Paris in many years, but stories of Mali were all over the French broadcast and a half-hour program on Iran's economic constraints due to the sanctions momentarily put me in touch with what was going on in the world outside our hotel suite. On Sunday, Ibou had visitors coming to see him. After a short introduction, minutes later, I decided to leave the men in deep political conversation and take a stroll in the snow. I spotted a flashing green light of a pharmacy in the Montparnasse station, so I headed out into the open air.

Walking on the vast, almost deserted pavement, by some miraculous act, a little spliff showed up from the silver antique box in my bag, and a few puffs later, I was on a higher level than cloud nine could offer. Never imagined a winter's night could bring such magical warmth! 
Away from the snow and a sky darkening to the night, I walked into the hustle and bustle of Montparnasse station and found the flashing green sign of the pharmacy facing me. Walked in and looked around every shelf and purchased every kind of French homeopathic medicine from Oscillococcinum cold prevention doses (totally recommend it), to digestive solubles till there was nothing else to buy, when I noticed the shop girl standing, looking bored, by the side of the condoms. So... The naughty side of me awakened as I approached her and asked in French whether she could help me choose something exciting, directing at the condom section! The girl tried hard not to giggle but be as helpful as possible, while her look at first was more like... 'Lady, this ain't a sex shop, you know?!' she was more than willing to help. 
We had a good laugh together as the girl from Ghana gave me a unique bag to hold my own collection of pharmaceutical goods, including the largest packet of all sorts of condoms the shelves offered! 

Once back at the hotel, Ibou, concerned about the two hours I had gone missing, inquired about what one could buy in a pharmacy in two hours. My cheeky smile must have given my hand away! As he rummaged through the layers of shopping bags mixed in one, he came across the large box of sixteen Durex, packaged in a Smarties design cover, a packet of all sorts! We both burst out into laughter as he questioned my intentions. We were so relaxed in each other's company that I went straight to bed and fell asleep trying to watch more news! More useless shopping. Haha
The things a girl does for a bit of fun!

Monday morning was the time to visit the interior design exhibition of Maison et Objet at Villepinte. I used to see these inspiring shows twice a year when working, but this time, it was purely for pleasure that I attended all the eight halls of décor.

After a good few hours of wandering in all the eight halls displaying anything and everything to do with interior design, I decided to head back to the hotel. The evening was drawing close, and it was time to say ciao to Ibou until the next time. Don't you just hate goodbyes? Gare du Nord was in a chaotic state as trains were delayed (in France, don't forget), and as I settled in my newly instructed seat, it felt like being on a train in a war zone, as everyone rushed to get into the last full coaches back to London. I passed out throughout the journey and only woke when the train pulled at St Pancreas station.  
It was a fantastic time in Paris, under a duvet of snow!  

Here at home, Sis Hala was arriving on the following day. Lots more to look forward to...
We drove back to the airport, chatting non-stop throughout the M4. There were a few family nights at home until last Thursday when I had booked to take Sis to the amazing Fuerza Bruta show in Camden's Roundhouse. A dinner accompanied by Shane, followed by Aisha and Serina at the trendy 'Chicken Shop' was a treat, followed by the show, where I managed to lose the ladies right at the start, watching jaw-dropping performances going on above our heads, standing up amongst all the other spectators. Only to find the girls again right at the show's end! That was a lonely experience, but still great.

And did the weekend go so fast? Nope. There were the exercise classes, lunches, Portobello market on the Saturday with Kim; consuming a cappuccino and a hot chocolate, the evening was another meeting with Shane at the Sidings Warehouse in South East London. Hala's first rave here for a while since she had broken her ankle the year before.
Last came a sit-down dinner at Lola's, where many subjects were discussed over a palatable dinner. From politics (not one of my favourite subjects), travels, the joy of rekindling with close family to the dispute over women having gained more power than ever before in history and, as a result, how difficult it has become for men to challenge the idea alone. Hence, the conclusion drew down to... 'Interesting men do not mostly end up with interesting women'. Then again, it is a matter of opinion.

There is one last thing that has been boggling my mind recently. Why do we judge our friends for their unique ways of behaviour? If we have had the good fortune of bonding or connecting in any way, let's either accept one another for the way we are or simply let go. At this point in my life, I realise that being open and frank, without taking in any judgment of others, is difficult for some to accept. But I am who I am and have learned to let go of what people think of me. I know my heart is in a good place, and I will strive to be happy and make others smile if they allow me to.

Simply let go when happiness strikes and go with its flow. It's magic!
Anyone else's opinion is merely their opinion.

Quel Party! And the 'Route' to Acceptance ...

Let us make spirituality our new religion and kindness our virtue.

London has been snowing all day, and the city is magically covered in white fluff. Shame I was too busy having fun, no time to take photos. 
The image of a white carpet covering the roofs and gardens of London, pavements and branches everywhere, gives winter a sense of purity and abundance. This is not about colour, but mainly black and white, as a black pencil drawing on a white sheet of paper. A particular youthful joy is attached to this wholesome scenery, watching the passers-by on the pavement as I sat in the back seat of Aisha's car. Is it the joy in my heart? Feeling a volcanic outburst of love all around me and being content? Or is this a mutual feeling amongst the people all around? I have an idea of the answer to that question. All I know is that it felt good.

Now, let's begin with the most glamorous party of the year, held by none but the fabulous Aisha and Pepe. Woooe! What a way to go. Some hundred and fifty people turned up to help celebrate four birthdays in one big bang! We like bangs. Haha. My black velvet dress with the buttons running from an open V-neck at the back by J P Gautier was screaming at me from the wardrobe. 'Pick me, pick me!'  Accompanied by the leopard ankle, Jimmy Choos, a semi-curly, thirties style hairdo by Dez and finally, a long string of black, white and pale pink pearls hanging on my bare back, was effortless to put together.  
Since it had begun snowing, driving was not an option, and Kristel accompanied me to Aisha's. Upon entrance to the hallway, the place was already buzzing with an international crowd of elegance and glamour. From the vibrant Valentino red velvet suit, Marcel accomplished his classic good looks, and then he was introduced to his partner Jean-Paul, who looked equally dashing in his fading tan. Aisha had one of the shapely, elongating, black numbers on from the latest LA designer (do I remember the name of? Ah ah), with a lace tattoo on her face. The new bride arrived, whose magical wedding in Puglia will forever live in memory, carrying a hat topped by a felt-type black gun and a hippie-type flower hanging from its mouth, not to forget mentioning those 'to-die-for' platform ankle boots with silver spikes, elegantly threatening at the back. I could go on and on with this description, but then, with all the familiar faces carrying smiles to lighten up any dark night, my evening became filled with pure joy. Everyone seemed happy, making new friends, sometimes in doubt of where or when we had last met, but hey, with all the people we each interact with regularly, who can keep track? Dancing on the large wooden coffee table was a theme to be noticed, as in each party here!

Dave introduced me to a friend of his, the delightful Angie, who had recently moved to our wonderful city, and we did share a dance together later at that table. Seeing Raquel, who happened to be my roommate in Kerala, on our Indian adventure at an ayurvedic resort with Aisha and Aida, it was like being thrown back in time to our special moments spent together. She had been touring around, and we had lost contact for a while, but here we were again, as though no time had whisked between us.  
As a matter of sharing, I  have felt so special for some time now. In what way is it unique? It is as though trust in God and the fact that 'everything is gonna be alright' is taking shape as a form of acceptance. A realisation has arisen that life is as I genuinely make of it, and I want to make it 'Happy' and 'Meaningful'.  

What has been most remarkable in the past few days/weeks is being in close contact, either by text or especially making time to re-connect with so many of my new and especially old friends, mostly women, each of their inspirational life stories/journeys has given me new hope in the fact that we are all on the road to 'recovery'. Recovery from what? From pushing behind a world of hardship and suffering, then, as a matter of 'choice', choosing to live a more fulfilled, kind, and loving life. 

I began seeing Maygol again for more positive doses of her 'five-element acupuncture' after we realised it had been a year since my last visit. She worked her magic, and I left on a high note.  
A night of fun and laughter with Charlotte at the Hollywood Arms, where a big bowl of celeriac soup made us so complete that the large portion of sole could not be in any way digested after. And that was just the food; when it came to the loud music, which scratched the inner panel of any ear as a nail on a blackboard would, I asked the friendly waitress, comically:
"Any chance we could get rid of this hip hop shit music? Pleaaase."
The adorable girl with a ponytail smiled and said, ' Unfortunately, there was no way of changing the music, as it was on some sort of 'cannot change' mode!' Oh well, I tried.

Instead of saying we are creatures of habit and keep doing the same old thing, why not think we can make significant changes! Ah. Genius! Haha...  
Charlotte and I left the pub immediately after we ate and entered Brinkley's bar next door to recover in a pleasant atmosphere with good music! Aaaah. A blessing to the hearing.
There, we interacted with the following table gentlemen, one dressed in casual, dark attire and the other suited in a pinstripe with a bright yellow Hermés tie and pochette and an old, tasteful Cartier watch, both of whose heads would turn at the sight of every woman who passed by outside the glass façade of the bar or entered and passed by their table, as watching a ping pong ball move in all directions. It did not take a genius to figure out where they were from! The more subtle one was enquiring about a club to take his client, who spoke no English but clearly wanted to party. We tried to give suggestions but left soon after our glass of champagne.

A day visit to Brighton to meet up with my great-old friend Shiba was a smooth drive, and I got to Lewes station on time to pick her up and visit. I can't even find the word on Google! A shirman/Sherman? That is what I heard my friend call this man. Some kind of guru, let's say. Since none of us are too cynical or inquisitive on a mission to make life easier and more fulfilling, we end up doing all kinds of alternative therapy that is thrown our way. So, we were parked in the open parking space, where 'the' man himself resided, waiting for him to appear from the housing compound facing us.
The bearded face of a tall, thin man came into view, so we left the car behind and joined him as he walked us to his open-plan living room to talk about his kind of 'therapy'. He spoke of a particular 'wood' taken by those attending for three days and how this helped open new doors into one's life. This is, at best, I can put it. If the accommodations were better, Shiba and I discussed this in mutual agreement; we would be much more keen to try it out later in the year. But then again, isn't it part of the progress of being more adaptable to one's surroundings? Acceptance?
Well, you will know my answer closer to the time.

Before heading to Carmelita's, a welcome with the warmest hospitable hug awaited; once again, I was shaken and inspired to see how well Carmelita had adjusted to her new life in her new home, away from home. Coming from such a rock chick state to which she had adopted herself, living the high life, into a whirlwind of experiences which had now taken her on a new journey so far-fetched those many years ago, the mind would have never imagined. Yet, faith in God and developing a power of learning to make changes when necessary with no doubt but acceptance had made her a happier being with a positive attitude in every way. I told her how I admired her courage, gratitude, and acknowledgement of being in the now. Things are just how they are, so what will we do about them to change?  
We change our ways.

As Shiba and I spent our last couple of hours chatting at Brighton's Hotel du Vin trendy bar, I mentioned a specific present purchased for the coming birthday of a... a lovely man in my life. My friend almost shouted at me for my 'ongoing' extravagance (as she put it), then called the slender waiter with the most pleasant African smile and asked him the following:
"Now, listen. If a woman meets a man and spends two days with him, should she buy him a lavish gift when they next meet?"
"Shiba," I butted in before she went on. "Three days, not two."
"Wha'ever," My friend continued, oblivious to my giggle of no belief that she would, in no time, make this into a live debate amongst the rest of the customers there, too. She then questioned:  "Wouldn't you think, what's she after?"
The waiter listened with full attention, went to serve the next customer and came back with an answer!  
He sincerely replied: "Frankly, yes. I wouldn't take anything for him if I were you. You're going there, and that's plenty."
Although Shiba made her point, this matter of gift-giving is only relevant to the individual. It's like a relationship; it's only between two people involved: a couple, a mother and child, any two people. Only those involved are aware of what goes on behind those eyes, in each cell of our body and in that beat a heart possesses. So, as to what I will do with the present, give it or not, the main thing I know, apart from the fact that he's worth more than any material present, is that 'I am worth it'.

Today, Friday, was the weekend, arriving early! After the marvellous party on Thursday, Kristel and I were invited for lunch with Serge and Sergio, who had come down, especially for Aisha's big night. Getting to lunch in the cab and watching the snow settling down gently on the streets of our city was like being on Disney Channel. Kristel and I arrived on time at our friends' lavish hotel for a mouth-watering lunch under the open space above, presented by a glass conservatory overlooking the snowy sky. Aisha joined us for coffee and petit four. The boys went for a rest after lunch, while we, the three girls, proceeded to Portobello market to check out a fur/crocodile shop and then lounge back at Aisha's, with Pepe and a handful of others with a magnificent glass of red wine, in front of the fireplace.

I dropped Kristel by cab before heading home to pack and write my blog...
Where am I going tomorrow early morning? Paris... Pareeee. A 'romantic' weekend could be one way of putting it, and 'deliciously naughty', another. Call it what you like; I am smiling BIG time. Gosh! Is it 3:00am... Again?!?  
Na Night mes amis.

PS  This was meant to be my 'short' blog. Can only do something half-measure!
Alright, alright... I'm OFF.

Leave nothing but your footprints...

Always keep a beautiful imagination and exquisite humour about you because life would be so dull without them. 

Ok. It's midnight now, and I begin writing as Cinderella prepares for bed!
A new year has begun with bonding with good old friends and being contacted on Facebook by some great buddies from the past. Good old FB, which some abuse in writing their daily moves, others use to inspire, and some find it a way of connecting to the rest of the world. Each to his own.
In fact, I was recently tempted to write:
"Dear Facebook: I farted!!!"
But decided it may actually offend some. However, did have a good laugh at the thought.
Last week, a visit to the trendy Indian restaurant Amaya with Sinalda for lunch was a laugh and a half. It is incredible how many stories go around when you mix with such a charismatic group of people. Have I mentioned before how blessed I feel? I have... millions of times before.
But generally, most have started the year with a positive attitude and good vibes. As Lucas also noted, at our drink meeting in Beaufort House, he introduced me to his lovely girlfriend, Amy. May it continue.

Another night, I played a game of cards after dinner at Lady Saba's with a couple of her confidants. The greatest thing about meeting up with the older generation is the tales they tell you of their varied lives of the past. They are constantly amusing and entertaining, sometimes with valuable lessons to be learnt. 
I started the year by keeping fit with my favourite boxing exercise and pilates reformer.  
After another beautiful trip to see her family, Donna was also back, so we had dinner at the Tendido Cero tapas restaurant. And what was awaiting me when I got home after supper? A significant surprise visit from Christofer! Cooooool.

The weekend was most civil. I visited the Brasserie in Chelsea with Bardo, which is always a delight. Sitting by the window, I kept waving at familiar faces passing the eatery.  
Having felt claustrophobic for some time with the piles of clothes in every cupboard of my apartment, the decision to eBay some of those designer outfits became necessary, and the lovely Kristel came by to help me with the process. Needed to make space for my closets to breathe a little.
Tito had contacted me for an invite to dinner at the Graucho's Argentinian restaurant on Sunday. He so gentlemanly picked me up in a cab, and we spent a good few hours talking since we had last met two and a half years ago. It was such a joy to see my words' excellent impact on the difficult path he had been through, dealing with workmates worldwide. There is no ego or self-importance attached to this. Nothing could make me happier than seeing people around me make good choices, learn from their experiences, and move positively. Life is not worth any hassle if it can be helped. Believe me... In most instances, it can be about one's attitude and not being headstrong or stuck.

The Mayan apocalypse was mistranslated, and it is the dawn of the Golden Age. My realisation has been that I am too hasty at times. I wanted things, and I wanted them yesterday! Although life has taught me otherwise, it is challenging to keep waiting for things to happen at the right time. But the lessons are coming my way, and it is with acceptance and gratitude that I continue my existence, and boy, does it pay off.

Talking to Charlotte, as of her advice before Christmas, I had purchased a large carrier bag of tinned food in case the world was to end, so I texted her earlier:
"Darling, I'm glad your New Year has begun well, and the world hasn't ended. What am I to do with all that tinned food? Never mind, the candles!"
She wrote in answer:
"Haldita, I'm glad you had a great start to the year. And let's organise a tin food party with candles!! What can I say? I'm the worst person in prophecies but a good cook!!" True.
Hence, the idea is rolling in my mind: A party is in store, especially since Hala, my sis, will be over soon. Brilliant! We will see about the processed food. 

The sushi early dinner at Westfield with Salar was fun. Although he is experiencing a visit from a somewhat burdensome buddy, he is keeping his chin up, and we caught up with each other's news, as great friends do. We always have a good laugh; the place we meet is irrelevant; the company counts. He took the mickey when I expressed my New Year resolution... Which was?!?
I already gave up smoking in March, a healthy diet, exercise, travel, party in moderation (well, my kind of moderation anyway), and meaningful friendships: brotherly, sisterly, or sexual. Sometimes, learning to say 'no'.
Soon after we departed, I had to send him a message:
'Too many exciting things are happening. So much for my New Year resooooooolution!'

In this Golden Age, I want to believe there is good in everyone. These issues can be solved with the proper communication. But what if the other person must prepare to listen to any reasoning? We can all get stubborn in our set ways and believe we are right. But what is right? Never mind wrong. A Skype with my dear friend Aida confirmed how family feuds can begin and never end. In fact, something extraordinary happened... As we started our first Skype, she told me how some guy accidentally connected with her just before we chatted and began writing to me, as in Haldita! He had mentioned being tired of the war and looking forward to meeting someone like me to go and live with him in some place in the US! We could not stop laughing as I did not know about such a person! How strange. Anyway, I am thrilled here and not planning such moves with anyone. Then again, they say never, say. But really, to that... Never. Haha

It was ecstasy, reconnecting with a great old boarding school chum, Rosalia, with whom we had kept in touch long after, even visiting her in NYC all those years ago when she had moved there, which was the last time we met. It was like she appeared from nowhere, whereas I honestly did not think we would ever find each other again! Life can be so unbelievably amazing. Whoever I think deeply of re-appears in my life. It all has to do with timing. Indeed, it's no coincidence. 
During the past two days, I managed to buy tickets for the next two trips, which will come soon. My new camera has broken again! How many cameras have I been through in the past ten years? Plenty. Tried two of most makes and kept somehow demolishing them.  
There are also a few great parties ahead. Life is good, and I am happy. Happiness is being free to think well.

May happiness rub off on all of you reading this, and may your year be Awesome.
Leave any negative thoughts behind and start afresh. Look for positive signs that make you glad to be alive. Avoid anything that carries sadness, and have faith. God works in mysterious ways; sometimes, it is not what you expect. Kristel sent me this note, which read:
'What screws us up most in life is the picture in our head of how it is supposed to be.'  
In other words... Expectation! Dump it.  

Leave the kind of footprints that will make people smile looking at them.

Laugh like a child. BE HAPPY...

We are in Charge... We are the Change!

The new 'luxury' is 'quality'.  
Let your new year begin with these words in mind:
Power. Truth. Transformation.
The sentence to keep reminding yourself of:
'I can do it, and I will'. 

Before going on, a Big 'thank you' to ALL of you reading my blog, the ones who have been with me from the start and others who have joined along the way. May 2013 begins a tide of love, happiness, and bright futures.
May all your endeavours succeed, and may you begin the year with a smile of gratitude.

As for how did I end my year and begin the new one...
Another year is yet again beginning with new hopes, always on a positive note. What have I learnt? Truly... Love is the answer.  
Since the world is still going on, did you take time to wonder how you would spend your last moments on Earth? It is time to act on what makes you happy, not what you feel is expected. A life is only fulfilled if lived to the full.  

What I recall from my last week of the year passed is Beethoven's Ninth and most thrilling Symphony and his piano concerto no 5, conducted by Christopher Warren-Green, accompanied by the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra and the largest choir I had ever seen live or in a movie! The piano concerto was played elegantly by the statuesque Danny Driver, who placed his tail on the outside of his seat and made watching his performance as exhilarating as listening to the music. Juliette had texted me the day before 28th December to ask whether I would like to join her and Amy, as her sister could not make it and she had a spare ticket to the 'sold out' event.  
"Gladly," I answered. 
As Amy noted at the interval after the concerto no 5 had been played: 
"If I was to imagine a piano player performing this concerto to perfection, he would be exactly like the man we just saw play."
Indeed, Danny Driver played thrillingly, a vivid handling of the Steinway grand piano with such magical warmth and finesse. What a delightful concert that was. I completely let go of any thoughts and dived into the sound of Beethoven in an empty rêverie.
Afterwards, we drove to Nam Long for a bite to eat, as most places were closed for Christmas. This was followed by a visit to a dingy piano bar, only half full again due to the holiday season, where a completely different contrast of music was being played live. Quite a musical soirée, I would say!

Christmas Day was a family affair with my kids at the ex-in-law's, as we had always got together to celebrate the festivities, and it had been a few years since I had last attended. It was precisely what Christmas should be: a vast amount of food (which I kept myself from indulging too far), plenty of catching up and the opening of presents. We were so engaged in deep conversation that the Queen's speech was gone. An enjoyable day was spent in a great, familiar company.

After a day's rest on Boxing Day, a big night was ahead. Alex cancelled joining me at the rave party of Peculiar in Hoxton Docks on the day due to family engagements, so I decided to drive there alone, knowing familiar faces would occupy the entire dance floor. I courageously dumped my car on the pavement next to a double yellow line close to the entrance of the warehouse-like club (it was after midnight on a misty cold Boxing Day, hoped the traffic wardens would be well away) and proceeded to the short queue to get into the rave. Nyla was the first person I ran into, accompanied by her boyfriend, whom I recalled having attended his parents' wedding some decades ago! It's a small world, and you never know who you run into next. Amazing. We danced to the cool tunes of DJ Ibellini, and before long, I was saying hello right, left and centre. Gina's face was a delight as we spent the rest of the night (or early morning) dancing and chatting, occasionally visiting the smoking outdoor corridor and generally mingling with most of the crowd. There were so many new names that I would not recall. The party finished at 6am, and we stayed behind for a small gathering, enough to make an after-party going. The drive back home, along with Gina, listening to the Renaissance series of their latest CD purchased in Tehran, was absolutely fantastic. There was traffic in the City, and I wondered who would be out at this un-Godly hour until I checked the time on my car screen, which indicated 07:30am! Que?!? Well, the sky was still pitch black in the darkness of the night, apart from the time which demonstrated otherwise, it felt more like 4:30am.

I went for a spot of sale shopping at Harrods with Kim, or perhaps it was a large stain on it! Although we met midday, lunch at Kateh's delicious Persian restaurant happened at 5:00pm. A girl's got to do what a girl's got to do. We followed on to Troy's pub to discuss tomorrow's New Year's Eve party at his place. His humour had been missed as he engaged in telling us of his latest escapade with a beauty filled with warmth and grace at the start, who turned out into a beast with a roar before a week had ended. 

Goodness! The morning of New Year's Eve arrived, I realised the road tax on my car had ended that day. A rush to the Post Office to get that fixed, followed by a fast sushi with Salar at Westfield's modern mall, filled with Christmas sale shoppers and a one-to-one at the Apple store for me. I then rushed home through the traffic to prepare for the special eve... New Year's Eve.
Just after 9:00pm, Robby and Kim arrived at my doorstep as we drove to Troy's pub just after 10:00pm while he had told me the kitchen closes precisely that time. But he still managed to feed us, thankfully. The place was packed as we stumbled through a crowd to join Dylan and Kerry at a corner table, where we happily engaged in conversation through the music played aloud.
A bottle of champagne was only traditional to drink as a toast for the year ahead, which I can only think of as 'Awesome'. No expectations are attached, but it is always reasonable to be positive.

It was great being amongst some of my oldest friends with whom we have history and memories to go back to. Supporting each other under any circumstance, with a few mishaps along the way, is natural as that proves unconditional love and understanding while we each have had our ups and downs. Friendship is being kind and loyal to one another through thick and thin. It does not attach a signature to it, nor anyone to be a witness, but a mutual understanding of one another. Our chosen family in this life.

At 3:00am, the party was over, and Kim joined me to drive to my favourite club, Fabric, or my second home most Saturdays in London. The welcome there is next to none. The people I have met in this underground brick space have each played a large part in my newly single life, only not so new anymore. My journey in the past ten and a half years has been a fairytale, a dream come true beyond my imagination. It has proven that God is alive and has been listening all along. The power I feel within, freedom of being, could have never been experienced and achieved if it were not for the hard times. Feeling so low that the only way to find answers became questioning every matter in depth and seeing the reality of why we have to suffer, why pain is sometimes necessary for us to realise how blessed we actually are. And how we must live free of anyone's judgement or harsh words or actions. If anyone is angry, let them solve their own issues; do not get in their way, or they will drown you with their sorrows and harm you with their pain. Instead, rest assured that once you begin to see the positive side of life, the universe puts its hands together to help you achieve happiness. Work at it all the time. Be patient and wait and see. This is my daily practice, plus meditation. More importantly, do not be harsh on yourself but more forgiving.

Well, Fabric was everything it promised to be and more... In fact, quite a bit more! Oh oh!
Kim and I moved from room to room, DJ booth to another, and I got to see old mates as Cassandra; Kalina was there with Ryan to hold me tight in her warmest embrace ever and so many more familiar faces. Jude's big smile and open arms for another hug and her remark as she seemed startled by my short tale of an encounter with a hot guy I had met downstairs on the dance floor earlier were hysterical. She almost shouted across the blaring sound:
"What? What? You just did what? Haldita. Only last week did you tell me about someone in Africa and how you were in love! You're something else, Girl."
A little flirting is always good for the soul, especially when I do not get the attention I like. I think demand is too harsh a word. Besides, two people on two different continents is not my idea of a relationship; it is best to keep things friendly, and who knows what the future has in store? Right? Of course, right.

My kids think I am too modest when saying, "I'm wise."  
Wisdom is simply looking at matters in a natural way. Things and people are the way they are. Don't try to change them, or you will begin to change yourself. If you don't like what you see or hear, move on. Life is filled with precious moments; don't spoil it.
As Paulo Coelho remarks: 'A life spent resisting temptations is a wasted life.'

May your New Year be Awesome!