Love Actually

I closed my eyes and skimmed through the array of movies I have watched. Reminiscing delightful Love Quotes, which weren’t cheesy but on the contrary added a subtle flair to the movie and virtually summarized to a certain extent the substance within the movie. Here are a few.. I have highlighted the once i really like..

“I would rather have had one breath of her hair, one kiss from her mouth, one touch of her hand, than eternity without it. One.” City of Angels

"When they ask me what I liked best, I'll tell them it was you." City Of Angels

"I would rather be a ghost, drifting by your side, as a condemned soul, than enter heaven without you. Because of your love, I will never be a lonely spirit." Crouching Tiger Hidden Dragon

“You are what I never knew I always wanted.” Fools Rush In

“A heart can be broken; but it keeps beating just the same.” Fried Green Tomatoes

“I wonder how many people never get the one they want, but end up with the one they're supposed to have.” Fried Green Tomatoes

"Everything I do, I do it for you. Anything that might be special in me… is you." Great Expectations

"I am what you have made me to be." Great Expectations

"Sometimes I wish I had never met you. Because then I could go to sleep at night not knowing there was someone like you out there.” Good Will Hunting

“You had me at hello.” Jerry Mcguire

"I know that to love you is a treason against France. But not to love you is a treason against my heart." Man In The Iron Mask

"Take love, multiply it by infinity and take it to the depths of forever… and you still have only a glimpse of how I feel for you." Meet Joe Black

“If you love someone you say it, you say it right then, out loud. Otherwise the moment just... passes you by...” My Best Friend's Wedding

“You know, that moment when you kiss someone and everything around you becomes hazy. And the only thing in focus is you and that person. And you realize that that person is the only person that you're supposed to kiss for the rest of your life. And for one moment you get this gift. And you want to laugh and you want to cry because you feel so lucky that you found it and so scared that it will go away all at the same time.” Never Been Kissed

“Don't forget. I'm just a girl standing in front of a boy...asking him to love her." Notting Hill

“Will you love me for the rest of my life?”
“No, I'll love you for the rest of mine.” Phenomenon

“Look, I guarantee there'll be tough times. I guarantee that at some time, one or both of us is gonna want to get out of this thing. But I also guarantee that if I don't ask you to be mine, I'll regret it for the rest of my life, because I know, in my heart, you're the only one for me.” Runaway Bride

“I hate the way you talk to me, and the way you cut your hair. I hate the way you drive my car. I hate it when you stare. I hate your big dumb combat boots, and the way you read my mind. I hate you so much it makes me sick; it even makes me rhyme. I hate it, I hate the way you're always right. I hate it when you lie. I hate it when you make me laugh, even worse when you make me cry. I hate it that you're not around, and the fact that you didn't call. But mostly I hate the way I don't hate you. Not even close, not even a little bit, not even at all.” 10 Things I Hate About You

“Don’t say we aren't right for each other, the way I see it is… We aren't right for anyone else.” The Cutting Edge

“You'll always know when the right person walks into your life.” The Butcher's Wife

“Samantha: I have to ask you a question. It's a good one so think about it. If two people love each other, but they just can't seem to get it together, when do you get to that point of enough is enough” “Jerry: Never.” The Mexican

“All our young lives we search for someone to love, someone to make us complete. We choose partners and change partners. We dance to a song of heartbreak and hope, all the while wondering if somewhere, somehow, someone perfect is searching for us.” The Wonder Years

"I love that you get cold when it is 71 degrees out. I love that it takes you an hour and a half to order a sandwich. I love that you get a little crinkle in your nose when you're looking at me like I'm nuts. I love that after I spend day with you, I can still smell your perfume on my clothes. And I love that you are the last person I want to talk to before I go to sleep at night. And it's not because I'm lonely, and it's not because it's New Year's Eve. I came here tonight because when you realize you want to spend the rest of your life with somebody, you want the rest of your life to start as soon as possible.” When Harry Met Sally

So What did I miss out?

A Year Older..

I am a Year old today..
Still these words resonate within the empty corridors of my soul..

Each life converges to some centre
Expressed or still;
Exists in every human nature
A goal,

Admitted scarcely to itself, it may be,
Too fair
For credibility’s temerity
To dare.

Adored with caution, as a brittle heaven,
To reach
Were hopeless as the rainbow’s raiment
To touch,

Yet persevered toward, surer for the distance;
How high
Unto the saints’ slow diligence
The sky!

Ungained, it may be, by a life’s low venture,
But then,
Eternity enables the endeavoring
Again.

I am a Year old today.. maybe i have grown wiser too..

Angel

Sarah posted a lovely song over at her blog; it made me think about this beauty from the Soundtrack of the movie "City of Angels". The Song if you haven't guessed is "Angel" and its sung by Sarah Mclachlan.

Spend all your time waiting
for that second chance
for a break that would make it okay
there's always one reason
to feel not good enough
and it's hard at the end of the day
I need some distraction
oh beautiful release
memory seeps from my veins
let me be empty
and weightless and maybe
I'll find some peace tonight

in the arms of an angel
fly away from here
from this dark cold hotel room
and the endlessness that you fear
you are pulled from the wreckage
of your silent reverie
you're in the arms of the angel
may you find some comfort there

so tired of the straight line
and everywhere you turn
there's vultures and thieves at your back
and the storm keeps on twisting
you keep on building the lie
that you make up for all that you lack
it don't make no difference
escaping one last time
it's easier to believe in this sweet madness oh
this glorious sadness that brings me to my knees

in the arms of an angel
fly away from here
from this dark cold hotel room
and the endlessness that you fear
you are pulled from the wreckage
of your silent reverie
you're in the arms of the angel
may you find some comfort there
you're in the arms of the angel
may you find some comfort here

Show me the money!!

I have dim memories of being seven but I do remember my amorous affection for Chocolate. “What an absolutely brilliant Eiddi (small amount of money or gifts elder family members give to children) for my two nieces on Eid!! I bet they would be ecstatic.” I thought to myself. Following is the conversation that ensued after I bestowed their gifts upon them and the rude awakening I was rewarded with.

“What’s this!!” the younger one inquired.

“CHOCOLATE!!” I exclaimed “Don’t you like it?” I added further.

“Yeah we do but where is the Eiddi?” answered the elder one looking dejected.

“This is the Eiddi..” I replied, unable to understand how bemused they appeared when sweet lovable chocolate appeared right before them.

“Are you trying to fool us? Where is the money?” the younger one quipped, “Everyone gave money. We want money!” uttered the elder brazenly as she sprang to aid her sister.

“Money but I got you chocolate, that’s something you love.” I responded.

“Thanks for the chocolate but seriously where is the money? Why are you being such a Cheapo!!” remarked the younger one. “Cheapo!!” A 4 yr old just belittled me. “Where in the world did she pick up that word?” I kept thinking to myself.

Embarrassed I opened my wallet and handed each of them the smallest bank note (5 Dirhams)

“5 Dirhams!! ONLY” the elder shouted, “You are really a cheapo, Batoul Bajji (my sister) gave us 10 Dirhams and she is still studying” “What a cheapo!!” she added.

The word was starting to irritate & infuriate me. To Avoid further persecution I handed each of them 10 Dirhams..

“Wonderful 15 Dirhams!!” moaned the younger one.

My mom overheard the pleasant heart-to-heart and came in. The Elder one turned to her and said, “You sure have a Cheapo son” “Look this is all he gave us for Eiddi” she added as she lifted her hands the thrust the 15 dirhams into my mom’s face.

“How much do you want dear?” my mom amiably inquired.

“100 Dirhams!!” they both shouted in monotone.

“100 Dirhams!!” “That’s extortion, day light robbery, its absurd, completely preposterous & ludicrous” I gasped. Unlike fathers who normally take the vocal route in such situations, mothers have this glance which paints a definitive picture of their mood, it beautifully depicts how annoyed they are and how evidently you are the source of the problem.

Naturally, 100 Dirhams flew out of my wallet and into their awaiting hands. In a flash, they put on their little angel faces and politely said thank you and were ready to gleefully run away.

I wasn’t going to walk out of this empty handed “Hey!! What about my chocolate? Arent you giving that back?” I asked.

“Give Back!! What for?” remarked the younger one.

“Didn’t you say it was Eiddi?” the elder one concluded as they sped off to their next innocent victim.

Let Go..

My 17yr old cousin got HIS ears pierced; my dad smiled and said nothing.

If I had done that when I was 17: such a rebellious and vulgar misdemeanor would unquestionably depict my mutinous intent against the endearing Captain of Our House.

It’s Extraordinary how women have these innate maternal instincts but for men fatherhood is a learning experience. Confounding Enigma to every father is how to direct his authoritarian stance and let it be known that he is the BOSS. MOST Men as fathers follow a leaner learning curve; there is the initial pragmatic dictatorship where their utterance is law, followed by the partial democracy where the offsprings are allowed limited speech and finally over the years the obstinacy recedes..

Growing up there are moments when difference of opinions compel you to sit infuriated & enraged in dark solitude constantly reminding yourself that no matter what happens you are going to be a more IDEAL father to your children; you will try to develop a more broader, understanding relationship. We all have been there? We all have hated our Fathers? Personally, in that spur of the moment I have had harsh thoughts, foul utterances and maybe sometimes I had gotten a bit carried away..

But when I look back at those moments now I smile at my foolishness, certain things have dawned on me as maturity gently placed its hands on my shoulders. His Actions scornful as they might have appeared to me were in reality expressive of his harmonious, caring nature. What I alleged to be incarceration was in fact his shield protecting me against the perils that encircled me. My Father, like all our fathers, wasn’t God Gifted, he was simply doing his best to shelter & lift me; like me he was learning too..

Learning to someday eventually let go..

Table Tennis Anyone?

The fact that I hadn’t held a racket for almost 5yrs did deter me from taking part in the annual Ramadan Table Tennis Tournament but all the words of encouragement from my friends convinced me otherwise. I had to dig up my old paddle but I must confess it felt great to be playing again. According to buddies who had observed me at my acme, I had a pretty easy draw. There was just the matter of reviving my OLD strokes.

It’s funny how you desperately struggle to stay focus when you face an opponent who probably took his first steps right about the time you were winning your first trophy. It’s not an exuberating experience realizing that you have AGED physically, the spring & vigor of your youth has faded away.

When you are fifteen you are the “King of the World”, the uncrushable feeling “WILL” resonates from within you. It doesn’t bother you that your adversary is a more seasoned player; there is absolutely no sign of respect. In short, I was expecting an EFFORTLESS win but somebody forgot to enlighten the Kid. He gave me hell of a match and made it pretty evident that I am rusty, old and in serious need of game practice.

I was facing First round elimination and an early embarrassing exit at the hands of someone who I could beat with my eyes closed in my hay days. It’s funny how you never realize but in such dire times “EXPERIENCE” always jumps to your rescue. I don’t remember how but I somehow managed to connive through the imminent First Round Disaster.

The Matches that followed weren’t as difficult and with every match I got better. It was 3 Day Tournament. After the First day my body ached all over but after the second day my game had improved immensely to generate a stir amongst remaining competitors. Being the Dark horse places you at great ease, you are never expected to succeed but as you do you are showered with sycophantic accolades & applause.

Normalcy is when you confine yourself to a corner and chant mantras to motivate youself for the next match. The Inner Psyche is motivated to don the image of a fearsome warrior. Sadly, Over-Confidence follows when your next opponent requests you to “take it easy”. An attitude develops within; blinding your concentration and generating a sense of bogus absolute dominance. You have a mile left in the race and you start thinking of your victory speech. A Fall Humiliating fall ensues and the entire fake persona is shattered.I would like to take this moment to blame my Semi-final loss on the intrinsic overconfident rush that consumed me. I still find it hard to contemplate how I stood on 5 Match points and still walked out the loser.

There are no hard feelings, I did lose the Tournament but I succeeded in creating the social rapport that I forever sought. It humbled me when I was asked to coach the junior team. I delightfully accepted and plan to begin first week of November.

Weird Ole Me..

My last two posts would bring into question my spiritual integrity & credo. In one post, I speak about virtue and never succumbing to worldly desires and steadfast affirmation of our beliefs in the divinity. Whereas in another, I don the cloak of the antagonist and question the very same beliefs I admirably highlighted.

I wish I were a tree with roots deep within the quintessence of faith and branches sprouting wide and immense, rigid against the wind that blows about. Resolute through whatever trials & tribulation those follow.

Alas! I am but a weak sapling with roots frantically trying to clinch & absorb within the embodiment of faith. I waver as the wind rages. I struggle, I endeavor and every day I grow stronger.

I am not perfect, I am far from it..

But someday I hope to be that tree.. till then bear with me..

Ohh Dear Blasphemy..

I have hidden every failure, disappointment and letdowns into a dark abyss. I have felt the essence of vulnerability as time raptures my aspirations, my dreams & my ambitions. But I have never forsaken my faith. My steadfast belief accepts these as mere trials & I eternally linger for my glory days. But…

I pour my angst, drop by drop; into a Jar I call patience,
But I fear, the Jar is small, soon the anger tips over..

Here is a scenario to excruciate and confound a pious zealot or what that matter anybody with a shred of Faith residing within him: How do you squash the effervescence urge to ire upon the happenings effecting you with the defined and resolute question

“WHY ME”?

I have stood at the edge of Blasphemy and stared brazenly onto the other side. Sometimes none of it makes sense. How many times have I been advised to never question the occurrences rather repent?

REPENT!! FOR WHAT?

Where are the sins for which I am being persecuted?

Where are the deeds for which I am being blazed?

Have I not concealed myself within the barrows of faith?

Have I not immersed myself into the sea of belief?

Maybe.. He is not listening?
Maybe.. He does not want to listen?
Maybe.. I am not worth listening to?

No matter how much I flutter at edge of sacrilege, I hold steadfast to your rope..

Awaiting A Sign.. still asking “WHY”

Shortcuts..

Despite much deterrence you arrive at a juncture in life where stalemate looms and monotony governs your lifestyle. Crisis ensues, desperation follows and your panic ridden self scampers to unfamiliar territories to find refuge. Primal Wisdom dictates that "There are NO shortcuts in life" but ironically every time we happen to chance upon one, we hesitantly stop and ponder our options. Sometimes I wonder whether the malice that overwhelms our societies is vigorously fashioned by this perpetual, foolish & abysmal pursuit of the highly elusive “Shortcut”.

Hard work scares everyone.

Wouldn’t you rather mint money in the luxury of your pleasure dorm than toil under the blazing sun?

Wouldn’t you rather amass the swift riches than wait ages for your just dues?

Wouldn’t you rather swindle the poor soul than labor under a tyrant boss?

Wouldn't you rather live the Good life than gawk at it on the telly?

It takes a minute to kill your conscience, your faith, your morals and your principles..

It takes a minute to become the eternal hypocrite..

It takes a minute to destroy your fortress of fortitude & perseverance..

It takes a minute to fall into the evil world that you forver abhorred..

Every time I find myself inclining towards one of these “Shortcuts”..

I take a minute to remember that no matter whoever I swindle I can never deceive HIM

I take a minute to reiterate to myself that whatever we do we cannot conceal ourselves from GOD

Not even for a single minute..

Waltz away..

Stars shining bright above you
Night breezes seem to whisper "I love you"
Birds singin' in the sycamore trees
Dream a little dream of me

Say nighty-night and kiss me
Just hold me tight and tell me you'll miss me
While I'm alone and blue as can be
Dream a little dream of me

Stars fading but I linger on dear
Still craving your kiss
I'm longin' to linger till dawn dear
Just saying this

Sweet dreams till sunbeams find you
Sweet dreams that leave all worries behind you
But in your dreams whatever they be
Dream a little dream of me

Yes, dream a little dream of me

Broken..

Rummaging through my memories; I came across a few forgotten treasures..

The person I loved left.
She took with her something.
She took my soul,
trust,
feelings,
love
and mainly my heart.
And Right then and there,
She broke it in front of me too.

The Piano..

Tastefully painful.. Something that reminds us that Life is Indeed Beautiful...Flashing before our eyes, we should have the time to be thankful to every one we love, and make them feel that you are grateful just by knowing them..

Breathe..

Maybe its all a figment of your imagination..

You are not as timid as you think
You are not as fragile as you pretend
You are definitely not as hopeless as you deem yourself to be.

Don’t we all linger on to determine our purpose in life?

I have been known to complicate very simple issues. There will always be hindrances to effect your decisions, learn to look beyond them and trust yourself.

If you can’t trust yourself, you have lost and there is indeed NO purpose..

If you have come to realize that you are solely to blame for your current state of being
Don’t shun yourself
Look deep within for the dying flame called hope; fan it, shelter it and make it surge through your body breaking the shackles that hold you back.

Breathe..
Inhale the world..
Exhale your worries..