Dubai A.

May Peace Be Upon Him

2012-02-04T08:33:00.000-08:00

Human kind was trapped in a corridor of darkness, a corridor that extended far beyond one’s sight. There was no hope in this corridor, you see, until that one day came. You know how you suddenly have the urge to shoot yourself in the head when everything goes wrong? Have you noticed how this act happens more outside the Muslim world rather than in it? How we, and I’m mot generalizing, have a voice in the back of our heads that permits us from falling into the trap of evil? We owe that to Allah, Islam, and one man.

This day, 1441 years ago, marks the birth of the greatest man alive. Everyday, we follow in his footsteps, because we know he’s leading us to the road of righteousness and goodness. He is our prophet Muhammed, Peace Be Upon His Soul.

A week ago I was sitting with my friends and we were wondering whether or not our school’s going to give us a day off on Saturday, since it marks the birth of our prophet. As we moaned and mumbled after realizing we won’t have a day off, I suddenly felt guilty. First of all, this is a day that’s worth of recognition, and not a break from school. I looked forward to Saturday, knowing that I’ll even more proud that I’m a Muslim. I always will be proud so long that I’m breathing and still am alive, but I was looking forward to this day to show the world just how amazing our Prophet is. On Thursday, our school had a simple celebration and tribute to our prophet, and I was sitting next to my best friend who is not a muslim. We exchanged information about both our religions, and our conversation was simply beautiful. I told her about how Muhammad PBUH was kind to women and children, how he was respectful to others. For a few seconds, I felt the world come in peace. She told me how she felt goose bumps when she heard a girl reciting a tribute to our prophet, and I just wished the world would adapt our beautiful understanding on a bigger scale.

So Saturday came, and I felt joyous as everyone on BBM, Blackberry, and even Facebook showed their gratitude and appreciation towards our Prophet.
Muhammed, PBUH, has saved us. He has taken us to a whole new level, and I for one am very blessed to walk this Earth knowing that I am a Muslim.

Why is it that we live in a judgmental world? When you judge someone, all you’re seeing is the exterior of this person. What gives us the right to predict a person’s end? What gives us the right to know whether or not our religion is frowning upon the acts of another person? When you judge a person and express hate, what is it that you’re gaining? In 5 minutes, will this person that you’ve judged have any significance in your life? There’s a thin line between fighting what is wrong and expressing a loud and unnecessary opinion. Don’t talk for the sake of being heard, and don’t speak when your words are empty. Don’t rain on someone’s parade and don’t put out any spark. Have pure intentions, look for who you really are as a person, and walk a mile in someone else’s shoes. We're respecting Christians and acknowledging their holidays, and you label us as non-believers. We celebrate our own selves, and we're still bad. With all the hate you're showing, you're doing the EXACT opposite of what our prophet would expect of us. Ironic isn't it?

Our lives aren’t perfect, but our religion is. We are not perfect, but our prophet is.
Islam is a lighted corridor, so don't be the person responsible for blowing out the candles.

Death To Our Brain Cells

2011-12-07T23:04:00.000-08:00

We sit for our exams, as a whole week passes
Thinking, did we even take this in our classes?

We solve the first page, a piece of cake
When will this end, for Heaven's sake

After the fourth unsolved question, we can't seem to find our way
So we flicker through the pages, see what points we'll take today

We start to forget the attitude we tried to grow
That, 'I'm ready for the exam, come at me bro!'

How will all this help me, I seriously need an explanation
My future wouldn't have the likes of Volume or Acceleration

How are Newton's Laws supposed to do me any good?
Much rather focus on my ambitions, I will and I should

How about Maths, I most definitely won't enter a store
And ask for an item that costs 'two squared minus four'

And with Trigonometry, I can never finish studying on time
With it's names like Pythagorean, Tan, Theta, or Sine

Oh an Arabic, don't even get me started with the grammar
Makes me want to hit my own head with a hammer

'Your grades will determine your future', I fail to agree
Stop pressuring us with our 'future', just let us be

We nervously wait for the school's bells
So it's official; It's death to our brain cells

The Notebook.

2011-09-14T07:03:00.000-07:00

Here are a few quotes from the New York Times Best Selling author, 'The Notebook' :

'Time, unfortunately, doesn't make it easy to stay on course. The path is straight as ever, but now it is strewn with the rocks and gravel that accumulate over a lifetime.'

'They are friends and we talk often, but I am sure they wonder about me and the things I go through everyday.'

'I have always been a firm believer in God and the power of prayer, though to be honest, my faith has made for a list of questions I definitely want answered after I'm gone.'

"And I learned what is obvious to a child. That life is simply a collection of little lives, each lived one day at a time. That each day should be spent finding beauty in flowers and poetry and talking to animals. That a day spent with dreaming and sunsets and refreshing breezes cannot be bettered. But most of all, I learned that life is about sitting on benches next to ancient creeks with my hand on her knee."

"You can't live your life for other people. You've got to do what's right for you, even if it hurts some people you love."

'It's the possibility that keeps me going, not the guarantee, a sort of wager on my part. And though you may call me a dreamer or a fool or any other thing, I believe anything is possible.'

'I realize the odds, and science, are against me. But science is not the total answer; this I know, this i've learned in my lifetime. And that leaves me with the belief that miracles, not matter how inexplicable or unbelievable, are real and can occur without regard to the natural order of things.'

'Dusk, I realized then, is just an illusion, because the sun is either above the horizon or below it. and that means that day and night are linked in a way that few things are; there cannot be one without the other, yet they cannot exist at the same time. How would it feel, I remember wondering, to be always together, yet forever apart?

The Singapore Diaries.

2011-09-10T03:10:00.000-07:00

Hello Readers!

I've just gotten back from our trip to Singapore, and i've got to say, it's been one heck of cultural experience! A part from the must-visit tourist attractions, not to mention hanging on nothing but a rope and flying from the very top of a mountain, it's been a very art-productive trip. I've worked on 3 different artworks, one of which I created as I went along, which i'll be posting more information on in the coming weeks. What I wanted to share in this blog post was our trip to one of the temple's in China Town, Singapore. I've always been interested in seeing and learning about other people's beliefs, so the visit to the Temple was an eye opening experience. I didn't exactly get to know what or who the people where worshipping, but I saw sincerity and humanity in their eyes. Of course, I felt BLESSED knowing that I'm a Muslim, with all due respect to other religions, and that I worship the one and only Allah. Going there, I visualized being Liz from Eat Pray Love, who I've previously blogged about previously. Different colors, incense in the air, and a very packed Temple, here are my best shots!

This is the water that's been used to bathe one of the statues. To them, it's supposed to bring luck and good fortune.

Till then readers,

- Dubai.

A Cinic's Optimism.

2011-09-04T22:42:00.000-07:00

Sometimes Skylar came out as selfish, other times as indicesive. She felt bad about herself most of the time, and an only clear interpretation of that would be because she saw herself through others' eyes. And others' eyes only. Skylar was convinced with this image given to her, yet she knew others might be wrong for one reason. Her eyes always seemed to tear whenever she saw the poor condition of the children of Africa on the news. Something's got to be wrong. Skylar always seemed to hide who she really was, until that one day she saw a homeless man on the street. That day she was with her friends,heading to the outdoor flee market. Her tall yet thin figure squeezed between the common folk, all arguing for different bargains. 'I'll take that for no more than 2 Dirhams!' Declared a lady from underneath her burqaa. In this buzy place,'a bag of bones' of an old man sat on the corner of a wooden kiosk. She ignored her surroundings and quickly dropped 10 dirhams in the clean can of beans infront of him. In return, the stranger offered the only thing he can offer; a smile. Days later, Skylar didn't obey her mother's demand of going to her aunt's house. She also purposely didn't remove her sister's cupcakes from the oven because she just quarreled with her. That's it right there. Being selfish is ok. That feeling you get in your throat when you're about to cry is ok. All those negative things make you human. Anyone who says otherwise is either TOO selfish that they don't want to admit it, or they've been hit hard by a rock when they were just born. This isn't one of those posts that say 'be yourself'or that kind of thing, that's way to cliche for my liking. But seriously, at the end of the day, you're the one who's either going to feel bad or good about yourself. People will be people, you just have to choose who's words are worth listening to.

Harry Potter.

2011-08-10T18:21:00.000-07:00

We defended the Stone, we found the Chamber, we freed the Prisoner, we were choosen by the Goblet, we fought with the Order, we learned from the Prince, and we dominated the Deathly Hallows. Harry Potter didn't come to an end, but to a start of an eternal legend. We are the Potter generation.

It's a boat ride.

2011-06-25T12:44:00.001-07:00

It's a boat ride, you see. You first set sail with high hopes and a wide grin. With the wind on your back, and the courage of the world resting within you. Feeling invincible, you feel strong enough to face whatever is waiting for you. 'Come on, show me what'cha got' you say, with your nose up high in the air as you pass by tiny waves. An hour passes, you're still smiling, but you decide to rest. The sun sets, you yawn. You then start to shiver as the wind's no longer on your back, but facing you and pushing against your face. The once tiny waves grow larger and darker, as the the sky blurs. It starts with the crack of lightning, then roars with the strength of a thousand men, violently pouring with rain. Your boat cracks and starts to leak, you scream in panic realizing there's nothing you can do. You look at your feet and recognize it being dimmed as the shadow of the giant wave behind you steals away every ounce of light left. You hold your breath and twirl as the water attacks every inch of your being. The salty water violently mingling with your nose and two eyes, and you panic for real this time. You then open your eyes and realize that you're not actually dead.

That's how it goes, if you haven't noticed. They tell you to hold on to your passion, and you do, and give up as soon as you get crushed by a wave. The wave is then tamed if you hold on to your patience. If you fight hard and long enough, the storm calms down. No matter how dark the night is, the sun rises eventually. Life is, after all, just a boat ride.

La Rue.

2011-06-21T05:24:00.000-07:00

Shadows roaming down La Rue
Beggars, strangers, and vagrants too

Hiding, looking for sanctuary
Guilty souls with reasons that vary

Dark, the road was dimmed
Plane faces, smiles were trimmed

The sky roared, the eyes grew wide
Seems like everyone has something to hide

Go back, whispered a voice
I walked, I had no choice

Frightened, i'll stick to the status quo
Where i'm heading, i'll never know

Cringed, I looked to my right
Broken smiles, consciences left to fight

The road turned, gathering those
Who gave in, whose hearts froze

What are we but beginners?
Since all the saints were once sinners.

Endlessness

2011-06-17T02:59:00.000-07:00

Lost hopes and endless goals
Empty beliefs and wandering souls

Let the vagrants roam the alleys
Echoing voices, deserted abbeys

Gave it my all, though remained unrequited
Blocked paths and alibis were cited

So I roam among the lost
A beating heart, coated with frost

In a world of arrangement who are we supposed to be?
Clouded thoughts and the demons would never flee

Fought for a way out, I tried my best
Temptation whispered, join the ranks of all the rest

Blinded view, I looked for a new start
A strong light, my senses drifted apart

Stuck on Red

2011-06-17T02:49:00.000-07:00

The traffic light was stuck on red
Fate was defying what we've said

Red is to stop, and stuck is to uncertain
Is it over, time to roll down the curtains?

One by one, cars began to fall in line
Desperately waiting for the green light to shine

As loud as horns went, the red was still there
And the endless waiting was too much to bare

The people realized something, a certainty
You can never, ever control destiny

Inside Out Project

2011-06-16T05:46:00.000-07:00

"TEDxDubai is participating in TED Prize winner J.R. InsideOut global art project."

Hello readers!

I've been meaning to talk about TedxDubai's participation in J.R's 'Inside Project' and now's my chance.

"TEDxDubai is participating in TED Prize winner J.R. InsideOut global art project."
The project basically combines art and effort along with community work to send out a message that might potentially change the world.

An idea that I propose for the project is the following:

Each person willing to participate would submit a black and white version of themselves when they were
children (ages 5-8); studio portraits. The moral behind this is to recapture innocence and rekindle one's childhood, and for those who grew up in Dubai, to reawaken the free spirits that used to roam around the streets playing and enjoying being children. People grew up, and will continue on growing, and watching defiant yet innocent faces, who haven't been exposed to the realities of life, would provide the pure base of inspiration needed to 'change the world'.

Lost Faith

2011-05-19T09:08:00.000-07:00

Cinderella: There's nothing left to believe in. Nothing.
Fairy Godmother: Nothing, my dear? Oh, now you don't really mean that.
Cinderella: Oh, but I do!
Fairy Godmother: Nonsense, child! If you'd lost all your faith, I couldn't be here, and here I am! Oh, come now. Dry those tears. You can't go to the ball looking like that.

All it takes is faith.

Lost at Sea

2011-04-26T20:27:00.000-07:00

In this wide world, who are we supposed to be?
A rhetorical question, a message to thee

Crossing oceans, dreaming of the shore
Is the end really worth fighting for?

Took a breath, headed for the seams
Crashing waves and naïve dreams

Lit up, I was almost there
The horizon backed off, pain too hard to bear

The smiles faded, looked up at those accompanying me
Abandoned spirits and much left to see

I asked, if I continue, where would we all be?
In unison they wailed, lost at sea, lost at sea

Water For Elephants

2011-04-01T03:57:00.000-07:00

"So you missed the exams. Big deal."
"It is a big deal."
"No it isn't. It's just a piece of paper, and nobody here gives a damn about that."

I started reading 'Water For Elephants' last night, and couldn't put it down since! I'm halfway through it, and can't wait to write a review about it. The previous quote is a fascinating one I came past as I read. Amazing how a few lines can degrade something that once seemed so important. It turns out books really are made out of magic.

Bonnie and Clyde

2011-03-31T06:40:00.000-07:00

"Some day they'll go down together;
They'll bury them side by side;
To few it'll be grief--
To the law a relief--
But it's death for Bonnie and Clyde." - Clyde Barrow (March 24, 1909 – May 23, 1934)

Death Of Wings

2011-03-26T10:13:00.000-07:00

Patience is what they teach
We keep believing, though our goals are out of reach

Be patient, they say
And so we wait, day by day

We wait, but when is it too long?
Until our last breaths perhaps, or right after the bird has sung its song

We wait, though the butterflies in our stomachs are far from dead
A miraculous task it would be, counting all the tears we've shed

If you've noticed, I replaced I with we
For I know others walked my path, and the demons would never flee

Patience is the key, they said
But what happens when the bird and the butterflies are dead?

The nest have been deserted, and we've but one lesson to learn
What's been gone is gone, and time is but one thing we can never turn

Masqueraded Movements

2011-03-22T08:02:00.000-07:00

The smell of petroleum inflamed my very nostrils as I depended on my eyesight to acknowledge my surroundings. I realized nothing was ahead of me but the darkness. I sniffed twice, and felt the cloth surrounding my eyes move upwards. I couldn't free my tied hands. I was trapped. To survive, I had to depend on my two senses; hearing and smelling. I was fine with the first, but the latter scared me as I smelled the smoking flames almost ahead. I patted my head twice on the floor and realized I was sitting on sand. I pushed my also tied feet forwards. Suddenly, a figure came behind me and pulled me upwards. I screeched subconsciously.

'Don't make a sound.' a deep velvety voice whispered in my ear. Being my loud, defiant self, I screamed once more.
'You blew it!' The veil covering my eyes lifted, and I reunited with my senses. I looked up and saw a man drenched in black with only his eyes not covered. Before I managed to spit a word, four cloaked figures approached from the darkness. The only source of light was the moonlight's reflection from the stranger's sword. The figures approached closer and muttered in an unidentified language. I heard the dangling of weapons, and automatically closed my eyes. Swords now ascended from the darkness. The stranger pulled me against the floor. The vulgar duel began as I slowly lost conscious on the floor.

Art Dubai

2011-03-19T03:51:00.000-07:00

Salam everyone!

Been a while since I last blogged. So I visited Art Dubai this weekend, and was so inspired that I went back again this morning. It was such an inspiring place for both artists and visitors, and the people working there are indeed very friendly and cooperative. I, on the other hand, came back with a busy head. I was fascinated by the amount of creativity being held under the same roof. Creativity overload much? If you haven't visited Art Dubai yet, then make it your mission in life to do so before 5 PM today since it's the last day of the exhibition. Trust me, you won't regret it!

Eat Pray Love

2011-01-21T05:42:00.000-08:00

How often do we find ourselves stuck in a our own little world, happy with our own thoughts. But as time passes, we start breathing harder and harder, slowly suffocating. We think we know how to get out, but end up running in circles at the end. Thoughts clouded my head right before I started watching 'Eat Pray Love' starring Julia Roberts. With Liz Gilbert, I visited Italy and relished in the mouthwatering pasta she ate, I prayed in India, and learned what love means in Bali, INdonesia. Liz Gilbert's story is one of inspiration and devotion. I was really inspired by Liz's courage to leave everything supposedly 'right' behind her in a journey to discover herself. It wasn't an easy journey, but she was a new person. A live and 'living' person. It really got me thinking, are we doing what really makes us happy? Or are we going along with very step there is in the guidebook? A guidebook might come in handy sometimes, but the wheel is in your hands. We are the authors of our own lives, we write the chapters and scenarios and all, but the ink has not yet dried. There is so much waiting for us outside our bubble, and being too careful would blind you. A flower wilts when you water it too much. For those who watched the movie 'Eat Pray Love' or read the book, would understand where I'm coming from with all this.

"A friend took me to the most amazing place the other day. It's called the Augusteum. Octavian Augustus built it to house his remains. When the barbarians came they trashed it a long with everything else. The great Augustus, Rome's first true great emperor. How could he have imagined that Rome, the whole world as far as he was concerned, would be in ruins. It's one of the quietest, loneliest places in Rome. The city has grown up around it over the centuries. It feels like a precious wound, a heartbreak you won't let go of because it hurts too good. We all want things to stay the same. Settle for living in misery because we're afraid of change, of things crumbling to ruins. Then I looked at around to this place, at the chaos it has endured - the way it has been adapted, burned, pillaged and found a way to build itself back up again. And I was reassured, maybe my life hasn't been so chaotic, it's just the world that is, and the real trap is getting attached to any of it. Ruin is a gift. Ruin is the road to transformation." Liz Gilbert.

-Dubai

Elixir

2011-01-08T03:54:00.000-08:00

Hey all!
Been a while since I posted a book review, i've been busy with school work and I finally have time to kill. (Has anyone realized that we use the phrase 'killing time', even though time ends up 'killing' us?). I've read Elixir by Hilary Duff, and it exceeded my expectations! Growing up, I loved Hilary's show on Disney Channel Lizzie McGuire, and as I started reading the novel I really expected a cheesy story that revolves around a socialite in NY (isn't that the outline of EVERY book written by a celebrity?) but I've definitely got to give the story some credit. I was seriously addicted to finishing this novel! My eyes were glued as I passed almost five chapters consecutively. Elixir binds magic, fantasy, and a bit of reality in almost 400 pages, and it'll get you hooked! That's a guarantee. 'Elixir' talks about young Clea, born into a family of wealth, and her search to find out the mystery behind her father's disappearance. What also got me excited to read this novel is that it also revolves around the thousand year old myth the 'Elixir Of Life'. It was really interesting seeing this myth being discussed in the novel. It is said that 'The Elixir Of Life' is an elixir that grants one immortality and eternal youth. Bet you it'd be sold out in the first 5 minutes if they sold it at a drug store. All in all, I definitely recommend this novel for anyone who dares enter the magical world of Clea, and dares to relish in what the human mind might hardly comprehend. It's one gem of a book.

-Dubai

The Candelabra

2010-11-14T10:35:00.000-08:00

Cloaked figures filled the air, spreading evil as they streched their wings. They roamed like vultures, coveting every ounce of happiness left as they went along. It was a time when laughter was not only forgotten, but was nothing more than a bittersweet melody echoing within the graves of the dead. Laughter was hidden among the dead. The emaciated figures underneath the sands weren't jubilated, for they uttered melodies of worry; worried laughters. They feared what good was left for their grandchildren, if there was hardly any good left. It was a time when injustice was the average, seen as a daily event that often occurs. Angels once roamed this earth, my mother once said when I was five. I knew that the opposite was the truth; the bittersweet truth. That was propably a fact we all desired to be true, and continued using it as a tool to hold on to our tomorrows; if we had any. It all started out the day the masqueraded spirits took over our village, getting their cloaks on all that was in sight. Squeels of the once melodious angels errupted in chaos, as destruction was spread all around. Painful images painted in goar and blood, highlited with the fearful expressions everywhere. All I rememeber was my mother carrying me on her back, looking for my aunt who was swallowed by the wrath of the demons. It was a long corridor, the corridor of life that is. But she remained strong, clutching a candelabra in her right hand, searching for my aunt. We hinted her figure at the very end of the corridor, but as soon as the candelabra's light was reflected in her fearful eyes, she dissappeared into thin air, leaving nothing but golden brown smoke all over. That's how it works; you have to
reach the very end, the very end. You have to. You just have to. Time raced away, and I held my mother's candelabra, high in the air, to remain a symbol of justice, forever more.

The Bus Ride

2010-11-05T13:10:00.000-07:00

Do you remember going on field trips with your school, and you just can't wait to get to where you were supposed to go? Yet, you then realize that the bus ride was the best part of the entire trip? That's what we go through everyday; that's life at its best. We plan, we work, we put our all into it, and when we have achieved our goals, we realize that getting there is the most significant part.The bus ride is our achievement. Next time you feel like quitting, hold your head up high, and know that such moments are the ones you'll remember most. Remember the bus ride, always.

- Dubai

Priceless

2010-10-17T07:54:00.000-07:00

So a few months back, I've heard that one of my favorite authors, Nicole Richie, is releasing a new novel! I was obviously overjoyed, and just last week, I received a copy of Ms.Richie's 'Priceless'. To be honest, I couldn't put it down! I finished it over the weekend, I expected it'll linger a while longer with me, and Richie has done it again. Her second novel after 'The Truth About Diamonds', in 'Priceless' Nicole tells a story of 20 year old Charlotte who has gone from riches to rags after her father was caught by the SEC for a recent financial fraud. It is quiet a trip to go on as we watch Charlotte step out of her Upper East side scene and move on to New Orleans to lead a completely normal life. Her journey teaches us to appreciate the simple things in life, and to know the value of each and every gift we have been granted. Charlotte has taught me that you don't need a 1973 vintage Galliano dress to be glamorous, a confident smile would do the trick. It's incredible to see how a person, though he/she may be fictional, can go on an adventure to find out who they really are and to discover what there is within. The thing I loved about the novel, is that you are forced to put yourself in the main character's shoes, and to experience whatever Charlotte is going through. I was amazed by how this novel captivated my emotions, as the sadness of Charlotte brought me grief and her jubilation made me smile. A gem of a lesson I learned from Charlotte's story, is that a twist on the road of life might turn your life around and seem like it's a bad thing at first, but with a little patience, you'd learn that it was the best thing that could ever happen to you. The glamour of New York's Elite combined with the pure essence of the Jazz-filled New Orleans gives you a a wild mixture of joy, sadness, jubilation, and so much more. All the right components of a great book and an even greater adventure; it's priceless.

"The Power"

2010-09-10T14:36:00.000-07:00

Salam All!
Hope you had a blessed Ramadan and a joyful Eid. It's been a while since I last updated my blog, though i've been writing a lot recently. Anyway, I'm here to tell you about Rhonda Byrne's sequel to "The Secret", "The Power". For those who aren't familiar with "The Secret", it's a movie/book that claims we have the power to live the life of our dreams by 'attracting' what it is we think about most. Insane yes, but never underestimate this theory. When I first picked up "The Secret", I thought it was plane nonsense, until I actually realized that I was 'attracting' all that I was thinking about at the time. This so called 'Secret' works miracles, I tell you. It really does.
So, being completely blown away by the information provided in "The Secret" I couldn't help but pick up the new sequel to the self-help book, "The Power". Here's the book trailer, sit back and get ready to feel inspired!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8sbKVdHhz6U

The Right Decision

2010-08-10T20:41:00.000-07:00

A wise man once said, 'Whatever you do in life will be insignificant, but it's very important that you do it.'
What if we could change the world? Rearrange, reorganize, and rebuild? If I had that kind of power, i wouldn't put an end to violence and wars, I wouldn't end world hunger, and I sure thing wouldn't spread peace around the globe. If I had one thing to do, I'd reprogram the human mind. Because you see, all the chaotic disasters I mentioned are the result of the human mind. Sure, there are certain things that that are out of hand, such as natural disasters, but I'm talking on a logical level here. A fight wouldn't 'just happen' without the human mind entering into it.. A car accident wouldn't happen if two 'minds' didnt collide. You see, it all goes down to what are 'thinking' rather than what we are 'doing'; 'doing' in this case would be the product of our 'thinking'.
There's still hope for us, the human race, if we each reprogram our thinking and settle on a neutral state of mind.
Who am I exactly? I'm Dubai. I'm Dubai, and I want to change the world. I'm tired on waiting for somebody else to do it, so I'm taking a stand. I don't know how I'll do it, a way will appear; all it takes is faith. Faith and a goal worth living for. No, I'm not crazy. Insane? Definitely. But never crazy. Though, let us not my dear readers forget, that those who are crazy enough to change the world, are the ones who do.

Turn It Into Reality

2010-08-06T08:18:00.000-07:00

‎'Dreams feel real while we`re in them. It`s only when we wake up that we realize something was actually strange.' - Cobb, Inception.
I've watched 'Inception' when it first came out, and I must say, it's a memorable movie. Other than the fact that it was way too complicated for my sassy state of being at the time, I give it an 8.5. This quote up there lingered in my head since then. I've always been, and still am, a fan of dreaming; both types. Dreaming-whilst-sleeping, and the 'creating ambitions' kind of dreaming. The quote clearly refers to the state of awakening after the dream, and we get this sense of 'strangeness'. Sure, that might be human nature, but i've got a different perspective on the matter. We feel strange only because we 'think' this isn't real, on because we 'think' that we don't have the potential of turning this dream into reality. Because we humans, are well, cowards. We really are so don't bother yourself negotiating that fact. We tend to build this great empire of dreams in our heads, what we want and what we wish for, but as we awaken from our fantasies, reality, or in this case what we 'think' reality is, hits us. Why is that when your sleeping, or just imagining, you release yourself and not bother knowing 'how' you'll do something, you just feel joyous that's it 'is' happening, there in your head? But once somebody calls out your name, your out of your very own version of Utopia, bummed that your life isn't perfect. You know why? it's because you underestimate yourself way too much, and way too often. YOU have enough potential to 'think' it and 'dream' it, so why in the world can't you 'DO' it in reality? Because of 'Him' ? and 'Her'? Pointing fingers at others wouldn't do you any good, so stop complaining and break a sweat. Move, run, scream, do whatever it takes to pursue what it is you were dreaming. Turn it into reality.
So the next time you wake up from a good dream, resist that feeling of feeling strange, and say ' I just got a preview of what'll happen to me today'. Trust me, you'll go a long way.

-Dubai

The Adorably Annoying Ones.

2010-07-15T21:37:00.000-07:00

Connected souls. Side by side. Memories that never fade. Hearts that beat as one. Ones that know your every flaw, and still love you all the same. Ones that stuck by your side no matter what, never letting go of your shivering fingers. Ones that always have a warm hug to spare when life blows in gusts of chilling wind. Reassuring smiles, forgiving hearts, and comforting embraces; our siblings fall right into this description. They are the only ones who we personally allow to tease us, and to shred us to pieces with their rude comments; gotta love 'em.
I'm writing this for you readers to take a moment to appreciate those adorably annoying souls. Sure, we may constantly want to seal their mouths shut when their criticism reaches the max, but we can never really hold a grudge on them. Never.
Now the next time you get into a fight with one of the adorably annoying ones, always remember that they're the ones who'll always be there for you no matter what. You gotta love 'em, you're stuck with them anyway, so you might as well make good use of that.
Love you siblings.

Just Like A Supermarket

2010-06-13T04:48:00.000-07:00

You know what, life is just like a supermarket. You have all those ingredients just standing there right in front of you, and your future depends on how you turn those ingredients into recipes. You can use butter to add a texture on a piece of toast, or you can use it to bake a cake. Though, as humans, we tend to walk around the aisles so empty minded, ignoring all the significant yet highly valuable ingriedients.

You don't have to be a chef to cook a delicious meal, or maybe you have to. But either way be careful to no burn the toast.

A Pat On The Back.

2010-06-07T12:11:00.000-07:00

'Don't tell me the sky is the limit when there are footprints on the moon'.

Catchy quote, I must say.
Aside from the fact that this quote makes obvious sense, it also makes me think.
What is success? Is it happiness? Is it fame? Is it fortune? Is it having a happily ever after?
hmm.
I've got a simple question, how can one word, success, mean so much? How can one word mean so many things to so many people?
Then again I ask myself, why am I bothering myself with such questions and doubts. It's troublesome to have a brain that never seems to shut up. It's a blessing too. But that's not the point. What I'm trying to get is how do you know that you're successful? When do you know you're experiencing 'Success'? Do you, just like movies, hear bells?

I'll tell you what's success. Success is waking up every morning knowing that you're surrounded by the people who love and care for you. Success is going through your day, smiling with the confidence that you're safe in the hands of the one above. Success is going to bed at night knowing you did your best. Success is.. it's living everyday like there's no tomorrow. Yes, this sounds cliche, but mark my words, they're true.

Just live your life.
Yours Truly,
Dubai.

SUMMER '10

2010-06-04T13:30:00.000-07:00

Hey Readers!
it's finally Summer! My favorite time of the year! (Or was that 'The Oscars'?)
Anyway thought i'd write a random post for a change, this blog needs a fresh touch aside of it's usual mind-twisting self.
hmm, I officially started my Summer vacation yesterday, and the exams were pretty easy. Hope I ace them all!
Just wanted to say that this year passed by SO fast! It literally flew right before my very eyes! Mashallah..
This is it for the updates really. Oh just one more thing, I'd be blogging more often nowadays since i've got loads of time to spare!

Take care you guys,

Dubai.

A Plunge Into The Land Of Wishes

2010-05-11T05:48:00.000-07:00

It amazes me, the human race. We go on living each and every day, sometimes planned sometimes not, with worrying about our tomorrows and what'll happen in the coming future. It intrigues me, how we worry about things that have not yet come into our lives. I would absolutely love to know the upcoming chapters of my life. I'd love to see how life would tend to unfold before me.
I've always been a one to live and be in the moment, but i've always 'tried' to plan and perfect my upcoming tomorrows. Though when my tomorrows come, I start to realize that they were very different from what I wanted them to be; they're better of course.
Does anyone of you understand the situation I'm in? Don't get me wrong, I actually find the fact of not knowing what's yet to come kind of, fun. And peculiar. What if we had a concoction made of a super long magnifying lens that stretched to the future, showing us the many adventures that are yet to come? Or what if stars were really Wishing Rocks? Every night, I'd hang a wish on every star I could lay my eyes on. Oh oh, and if the stars disappear, that means our wishes are in the process coming true. If the wishes would take a little while to come true, a magic flying carpet would escort us to the Land Of Wishes to make us believe that our wishes would come true. That'll also help us keep our faith and to truly believe.
Such a life exists, take my word. It exists in our heads. And if we close our eyes hard enough and feel the magic in our hearts, If we could taste the happiness and hear the soothing melody of faith, we'd be transported there in no time. And as Barney once taught us ' If we use our imagination... We could be anywhere we'd like to be'.

-Dubai.

Success Challenge Update!

2010-05-07T05:48:00.000-07:00

Hey you guys!

Just thought gonna update you about 'The Success Challenge'. So far, 'Step #1' in my goal has been accomplished. I'm crossing my fingers for Step # 2 !

So how far have you accomplished with the goal you've set for yourselves?
To know more about the Success Challenge, check out my previous post!

The Success Challenge

2010-04-24T02:19:00.000-07:00

Isn't it funny, how we tend to work and work and work to get something, yet at the end, life seems to pause, and the once opening door is suddenly frozen in it's place? Isn't it funny when you don't necessarily fail, but instead don't know where you exactly stand? Such thoughts have been lurking in my mind for the past two days or so, and I personally don't know where I stand. From my point of view, I do see the answers that I want, but I don't necessarily have what It takes to take the chances. I've always claimed to be brave and willing to take chances, but not today.
From now on, I'm willing to change my type of thinking. I'm gonna get a grip and finish what I started, and I'm not gonna rest until I finished it. (Dramatic, don't you think?)
No but seriously, I'm gonna call this the 'Success Challenge', a challenge that requires me to finish the dream and goal I have in mind before the beginning of June. I don't know how, but I will do it.

How about you my fellow readers? Is there a goal you've always had in the back of your mind that you've always wanted to accomplish, yet you've always felt, somehow, lazy? Well then, start this 'Success Challenge' with me, and accomplish whatever it is you want to accomplish before the beginning of June. You can keep me and others posted about your process though my blog or through Twitter with this Hashtag #SuccessChUAE

Start working, and remember to have fun with it!

-Dubai

Artist Feature (1)

2010-04-09T04:55:00.000-07:00

I've been an active user in DeviantArt for the past three years or so, and I've met truly talented artists along the way.
One of which is an Emirati girl who goes under the name of '7shimt_Elro7'. I must say, I truly admire her work, for she's definitely one of the most talented and creative Emirati artists in DA.

A Preview of her work:

You can view her DA page and gallery through the following link:
http://7shimt-elro7.deviantart.com/

Love Always,
Dubai.

The Book Of Tomorrow (Review)

2010-03-26T12:34:00.000-07:00

Let me just say this loud and clear: 'The Book Of Tomorrow' is SUCH a good novel! About a few weeks ago I picked up this completely enchanting novel by Cecelia Ahern, not really expecting much of it. I needed something to read, so I reckoned it wouldn't be that bad. I read the first chapter, was satisfied, and definitely asked for more. I read on, until I was completely attached to the thing. One thing's for sure, this novel is addictive. It's the sort of story that builds you up and guides you to a certain conclusion until you find out what you've been assuming all along was completely false. It's a very typical story that rapidly builds up to be a suspenseful and an unexpected venture. It starts out with sixteen year old Tamara Goodwin who has to deal with the suicidal death of her father. Born and raised into a family of wealth, both Tamara and her mother find themselves in a sea of endless debts, as they are forced out of their mansion and end up living with two relatives they barely know. Yes, it might sound a typical story of a rich and bratty sixteen year old having a reality check and finally figuring out that life isn't always perfect, but that's exactly what the author wants us to think before surprising us with mind twisting turns and totally unexpected plots. Tamara then finds her way into endless troubles as she moves in to her new sanctuary, and finds something else too; a diary. This diary you see, is filled with entries meant for her upcoming tomorrows; written by herself. She first finds out when she read an entry that first read 'Monday..', when the actual day was Sunday. You see, now she has the ability to fix the mistakes she could have done tomorrow. Yes, this might sound too fictional for the most, but this story actual has a moral story behind it. After finishing the novel I have realized that every action, no matter how small or big, we commit today, can immensely affect our tomorrow; and whatever comes after that. I have learned that even though you just might know what'll happen next, even though it might be bad, you shouldn't always stop it from happening. Life just tends to unfold before us in the most twisted ways, and we just have to walk through it no matter what happens. I have also learned that every action has its consequences, and the main problem in our struggles is not having the courage to face those consequences. So enough of the life lessons and back to the story. The perk in this novel is that you don't get to truly enjoy the novel and actually understand where it's going until the very middle of it. But I guess, that's why most novels are long, right?
All in all, I absolutely loved this novel and do recommend it to you all.
It's funny how quirky Tamara leaves her fingerprints lying on my heart, always reminding me how my today, my every second of living, can change my tomorrow. Thank you Tamara.

Love always,
Dubai.

The September Issue

2010-03-15T00:22:00.000-07:00

So I came across the trailer of the movie 'The September Issue' about a week ago, and since then, i've been itching to watch it!
Basically, 'The September Issue' is documentary about Anna Wintour and her work at Vogue, as the editor in chief. Anna's reign in the fashion world began about two decades ago, growing and growing as she grows along. Her personal life as a fashion queen has been kept a secret all along, as she constantly gave us this icy impression of herself. None the less, she remained a respectful figure. Or a humorous inspiration for a few movies. (Remember Edna from the incredibles? Or The 'Devil' from the Devil Wears Prada? Or Willy Wonka?)
Edna:
I'm not a fan of documentaries, but I just had to watch this! The trailer really attracts you to watching the full length version, but don't let it deceive you. The first twenty minutes were enjoyable I must say, but the rest was just an epic fail. Don't get me wrong, I did enjoy watching it, but it didn't fulfill my expectations. One important factor, guys will NOT enjoy this. As for you ladies, it's a guilty must. It really took me into this glamorous life of what's within Vogue, and portrayed what it takes to work for fashion magazine. It's kind off 'Mode' from Ugly Betty, but a more realistic and 'british' version of which.

Dreams Do Come True

2010-03-05T14:13:00.001-08:00

There’s a place, a place where I long to visit. A place where the sky is not the limit but is just the starting line. A place where we can deny the facts and create a new truth, a new reality. A place where it didn’t really matter who you are or where you come from. Instead, we would be judged upon how far our imagination stretched. A place where sinners would be punished shrewdly, and not just for the sake of ‘violence’ or ‘torture’. For instance, if I ruled this place, I’d make burglars count grains of sand, and thieves bloat themselves on piles of chocolate cake. Not necessarily brutal, but clever at that. I’d ban vehicles, and only allow iridescent horses as rides and escorts. Lying would be an option at desperate times, for I’d know how a person would feel when being caught in the act. I would also ban executions. I, as a person, cannot end a life that I don’t own. Nobody really owns any other human being’s life, so who am I to end a life of another? In this place, earwax cupcakes would be known as the official meal of the royals, and cat blood would be the official drink. No alcohol is prohibited of course, but I assume my fellow subjects and people would crave a liquid that’ll drug their senses, so I figured out an alternative; melted chocolate. Based on my experiences, chocolate has never failed to put me in a happy place, and I assume it has done a rather good job with most of you.

‘Wake up Dubai, it’s time for school!’ a loud voice went hammering into my very ears, as I opened my eyes to find myself in my rather normal room, in my normal life. Who knew that the place I longed for was within my dreams. On the other hand, and as they all say, dreams do come true.

Art Knows No Language

2010-02-22T09:25:00.000-08:00

Sure, leave it to a foreign film to teach me this lesson.
I've previously written about the Bollywood movie 'Saawariya', that I only recently saw. Yeah, the vibe is still here, I still can't seem to get this movie out of my head. Some think I'm paranoid, but yeah, you gotta be a little cracked to secure your place in the Art world. I have a passion for musicals, a strong strong passion at that. Even though I couldn't fully understand the words of Saawariya's music (Yes, there were subtitles provided), but I was truly moved. This taught me that art truly doesn't understand no language, it's a got a language on it's own; a language only artists can comprehend. A language that doesn't use words, but uses tunes; soft melodious tunes. Tunes that perch in the soul, staying there for a long long time. No, I'm not trying to be metaphoric, its just that I can't find the words to describe the feeling I have when I watch musicals, or in this case, watched Saawariya and learned a valuable lesson. Even though the movie wasn't in English, my second language, nor Arabic, my first, my Artistic senses didn't seem to mind that fact. That's the thing with art, we all communicate through it and comprehend each other, despite our background, language, or race. Music, oh the power of music, where shall I start? My soul feels trapped by my very body when I hear a great piece of music, mostly from musicals, it feels like a cage. I really have no idea whether It's just me, or some of you out there understand what I mean, but one thing's for sure, I so wish my life was a musical.

I Hear My Calling..!

2010-02-19T12:03:00.000-08:00

I know, I know, the title is too dramatic. The thing is, I HAVE found my true calling; Bollywood Musicals. Don't judge me yet, read further. So yeah, I was sitting the other day in our living room, and I saw a Zain Commercial on TV, with a bollywood theme. That commercial truly made my day <3 It not only made me tap my feet unfeelingly, but also made my heart and soul sing. Musicals have always been my guilty pleasure; not necessarily guilty, but a pleasure indeed. Musicals simply shift my emotions to the better, gives me a certain vibe, and also make my heart beat; no lies. So anyway, that commercial was stuck in my head for the past week or so, and since then i've been parading around town singing 'Jhoom Le' (That's the tag line to the Bollywood-Musically themed Commercial). I've also got my friends into the tune of the commercial and we've been singing it non-stop in the past few days. You'd think that's a pretty picture, but with our voices, it really isn't. So yeah anyway, 3 years after its released, I have finally watched the Bollywood movie 'Sawaariya'. Enough said. It simple took my breath away <3. I've watched it for the second time today, and it just keeps getting better and better. The Art in the movie is unbelievable! The Music is Soul Moving! And The chemistry between the two leads is just indescribable <3 So yeah, you get that I'm totally fanatic about this movie, though I am almost three years late. Excuse me while I go indulge in a few behind the scenes videos of 'Saawariya'...

Happy Birthday :*

2010-02-03T10:54:00.000-08:00

Tomorrow, Feb. 4th, is indeed a very special day.

It is the birthday of the most kind, generous, and kind hearted woman that has ever walked the lands we live on; Ms. Hessa Ahmed.

For the those of you who don't know, Hessah has changed my life in many ways; to the better that is. She is the sort of person that understands me. She shares my dreams and goals, and takes them as her own. She is the type of person to get me hyped when I'm in the worst of moods, and puts me back to the ground when I'm too hyped. No words can describe how she truly is a great friend.

Happy Birthday Hessah, Age is just a number ;)

And The Oscar Goes Too..

2010-02-02T09:04:00.000-08:00

I know, I know, The actual Academy Awards Ceremony isn't until March, but I needed a catchy title. I can't believe it's this time of year! The Oscars. To me, The excitement that comes along with the Academy Awards is equivalent to the excitement Muslims get when it's Eid, when it's Honika for the Jewish, and when it's Christmas for the Christians. Al right fine, that's a little exaggerated, but you do get my point. As i've mentioned in my previous posts, I desperately want to be the first Arab to win an Academy Award, or even get nominated. A little less of my life story, and a bit more on the main point. As I was saying, this time of year is when I feel at my best. Watching the countless stars walk on the Academy Awards red carpet, receive Statues, and give out their speeches; it just sends butterflies right into my stomach. I wonder what it's like to actually get nominated and win. Must be a good feeling. Heck, it should be the greatest feeling in the world! Words cannot describe the joy I feel when I'm actually rehearsing my Oscar speech in front of my stuffed animals; yes, Cuppy is a great listener. Oh Oscars, you complete me you little golden statues. The way I know you are locked up in storage rooms for the entire year until it's time for the actual ceremony where you're handed out to your owners, kills me. It kills me inside. It kills me to not know whether or not their taking good care of you. Do they feed you? Dress you? teach you? Do you bring them joy the way I imagine you do? will you bring me joy when you finally rest in my warm hands? The hands that have been itching for you for countless days and nights? huh Oscars? Will you?

Wow I'm paranoid. Dubai, go back to your senses! No no, if dreaming of an OScar means I'm insane, then let it be!

Back to reality. So yeah, I think you have come to a conclusion that I can't wait for an Oscar. Yes, you're right. March 7th, here I come!

Just Like A Ferris Wheel

2010-01-29T03:06:00.000-08:00

A Ferris Wheel, what a great example it is. We enter the cabins, starting from the ground, and slowly ascending. As soon as we almost reach the very top, the cabin stops as we start to moan and complain. A few curses later, we ascend once more, finally satisfied. We then reach the very top, happy and jubilated, admiring the awesome view and the fresh air that made it's way through our now racing hearts. We feel power, freedom; infinite freedom. Just when we feel at our very best, we start to descend with frowns plastered to our very faces. We reach the very ground, then go back up again; a massive shift in emotions. That, my fellow readers, is life. We must start from the very ground, to reach the very top. The ironic thing in it, is that at some point we must go down again, and little do we know, we're back up again!

One must remember, that the ferris wheel doesn't move according to our desires, but to the man controlling it from the control room. In life, it's controlled by the one above, and we must trust that he'll guide us through it all. I mean, the view would be worth the wait, don't you think?

~Paved With Good Intentions~

2010-01-19T07:32:00.000-08:00

I've set my right foot on the fertilized soil, noticing the long road that's yet to come,

A road filled with thorns and poison Ivy, how has this all become?

I raised my head up high in the air, trusting that faith would guide me through it all,

Walking with the guidance of the one above, I know i'll never fall.

It's about time people realized the good that's left in the world, if they only open their eyes and see

All The happiness they can own, and be.

Oh why do we still hold on to the traitorous memories of the past?

Surely they didn't last,

For we can finally live in abundance at last.

As I reached the end of the road, I ignored the sharp thorns and sat down,

I wondered what is the use of wearing a frown?

I smiled, and suddenly a force forced me to pose,

noticing that the sun suddenly rose.

The sun brought along with it trust,

turning the poisonous leaves into jubilant and carefree dust.

-Dubai Abulhoul.

My talk At Tedx Dubai!

2009-12-31T09:45:00.000-08:00

Hey All!

Here's a link to my Tedx Dubai Talk. Tedx Dubai is a conference I participated in back in October. It was definitely a life changing experience that i'll never forget!

Here's the link guys >> http://vimeo.com/8440070

Private and Random Thoughts. {1}

2009-12-26T10:29:00.000-08:00

Well, here's a little fun fact about myself, I like to write when I'm upset.

I have no idea whether what I'll write now has anything to do with any of you, my readers, but I just need space and, in this case, words, to express my inner self. I know that tomorrow i'd be looking at this post and laughing at myself, but deep down I'll know and probably understand what I was going through.

So here goes:

The feeling of being 'Sad'.

hmm, Sadness. Such an awful awful feeling to go through. Unfortunately, that's what I'm going through right now. No idea why though. All I know is I hate every second of it. And by 'it', I'm referring to me being 'Sad'. Yes, I'm a very random person. Just by writing the previous sentence I'm being random. I'm afraid I have come to a point in which I don't make sense at all. I don't even know what to write next. Here's a thought, let me write of what feeling I want to be in right now. (If that's a way to put it.)

I want to be 'Happy' , and jubilant. I want to spend each and every second of my life with a huge smile printed on my face. For those who know me would think that's what I am most of the time; Happy. I am, I'm too happy to be frank. To the extent that the slightest of things could shift my mood upside down. My mind is too twisted to realize whether that's a good or bad thing.

I'm indeed very thankful for everything I currently have and posses. I love my life, and I have everything I need and more. I feel guilty for being oh so ungrateful. As I said, i'd look at this post tomorrow and laugh, or probably slap, myself.

I'm really looking forward for 2010. I have a strong feeling that it'll hold changes, big changes, and good ones at that. And until then, I'll just stick to my plastered smile that'll hopefully stay in place.

-Masquerade.

A Message To The Older Generation.

2009-12-21T06:19:00.000-08:00

As an Arab, I speak for all arabs:

Our Generation is interested in other languages, and abandons it's very own; Arabic.Our Generation nowadays is affected by other countries. Our Generation seems reckless and hopeless. Oh, if only the youth of today were like our great grandparents and fathers. If only a grain of potential was left in the young, to build the future. Oh my, how we dread for out nation's future.
Personally, I'm just sick and tired of all the negativity that's been poured on us, the new generation. It always seems that maybe, just maybe, we are merely the reason for an abandoned future that we, still, haven't come across. Yes, as Arabs and youth, we do tend to mix both the languages English and Arabic, but that's certainly not our fault. Each and every day, we come across technologies far more deep into English, than Arabic. Moreover, this so called "technology" , is actually the future everybody's been panicking about. Oh please give it a rest. What you, the older generation, are really doing, is punishing us for our actions that you, unknowingly, forced us into doing. That certainly is not fair. I'm not saying that we're necessarily on the right track of living up to our traditions and means, but the road we're taking is paved with good and innocent intentions. Nowadays, it's either you're in or you're out. Haven't your minds come across the fact that why we've been named as the '3rd world'? It's because you latch on what you believe in too tightly, not willing to let go and actually understand what's going around you. And by that, I mean you should look outside your bubble. Outside that halo of holding on too tightly, and refusing to change. Times WILL change, and that's a fact whether we like it or not. Nothing's left to do except for you to swallow all doubts you have in us, and actually open your eyes for a split second. Realize that we hold change, for the better of course. Sure, we might be interested in the latest trends or mobiles, and for a while that might seem like our only interest in life. Let us be. We will one day grow up, but we'll have to do that gradually and with complete ease. Besides, despite the complaints, we're here no matter what, and you might as well trust us.

And as an anonymous once said, "Those who criticize our generation forgot who raised it."-Dubai Abulhoul.

City Of Life- A Movie My Ali F. Mostafa.

2009-12-10T00:02:00.000-08:00

Who knew we'd come this far?

That's the thought that has been lurking in my head since I saw a trailer of a movie called "City Of Life". City Of Life, is Dubai's first ever international feature by the director Ali F. Mostafa. I've heard about this feature a few months back. I thought it'd turn out to be "a longer version of a series" sort of movie , but boy was I wrong. I saw the trailer, and not yet the movie, but it certainly blew my mind. When I was eight years old , i've always wanted to be a filmmaker, and I sort of achieved that dream in a very low scale. Yet at the time, i've looked up to filmmakers of the likes of Steven Spielberg and Tim Burton. But now, I finally get to say that i just might be inspired by a local and Arab talent. It brings me great joy to know that finally being a filmmaker is NOT impossible, for it's happening right before my eyes. I'm 13, and I believe that age is just a number. When I watched "The City Of Life" Trailer, i finally believed truly that i can, in fact, be an Oscar winning director in the future.

I hope I get a chance to see the film in cinemas soon, and till then,

Dubai Abulhoul.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D3m3I7iMnvw

Final Result : Galagalent.

2009-12-05T04:41:00.000-08:00

So , here's the final result of my sculpture , Galagalent.

I'm VERY happy with the way it turned out. Yeah , he looks peculiar. He's a Galagolian Creature. Half dead , Half resurrected.

Feedbacks Please :)

Further Explanation...

2009-11-04T10:02:00.000-08:00

" A Masqueraded Soul".

That's the title I chose for my blog , for many reasons that is.

The words "Masqueraded Soul" fit really well with my character. Just a few selected people know who I am deep inside , as for the rest , the real me is hidden behind this imaginary mask I created.

I'm not the sort of person to express what I feel or want directly , I instead I write or draw it.

I express my true identity through my art and writing. That's the only way I can truly express myself without worrying or caring about what others might think. I rarely show people how sad I am , I always appear smiling with my so called "Signature Grin". Don't get me wrong , I really am a happy person. It's just that , I don't quite like to show people anything other than that image.

If you look up the dictionary , you'd notice that the word "Masquerade" means :

"• the wearing of disguise : dressing up, role-playing."

So yeah , my identity is basically "Masqueraded".

In my upcoming entries i'd post my writings and poems , art and drawings , to show people the Other Side Of Me. ~

-Dubai

Trapped By Your Pain

2009-11-04T05:09:00.000-08:00

Here's a poem i wrote a while back. It explains itself , so here goes :

Trapped By Your Pain

Can’t See Your Way Through The Rain

A Voice Calls But The Sound Is So Faint

As Soon As You Almost Figured It Out

The roaring Thunder Freaks You Out

Where Do You Go When Everyone Decided

To Single You Out ?

Where Is The Road That Leads You To Victory?

What I See In Front Of Me Is Nothing But A Mystery

What Lies Ahead is Unknown

Where Is The Light Of Hope That Once Have Shown?

Don’t Look Back, But Look Ahead

They Don’t Deserve Your Regret

Just Believe, Just Believe. ( Just Believe ).

The Empty Road Stretches As The Wind Whispers In Your Ear

You Eyes Look Ahead Filled With Fear

Walking Slowly You Reach A Dead End

But With Hope And Faith It Starts To Bend, Starts To Bend.

One Day justice would be served

And everyone would get what they deserved

That dream in your heart would one day grow

Blossom, Flourish , It’s Light Would Show

When Your dreams turn into reality

They’d be shocked as you walk ahead with dignity,

Dignity .

Where Is The Road That Leads You To Victory?

What I See In Front Of Me Is Nothing But A Mystery

What Lies Ahead is Unknown

Where Is The Light Of Hope That Once Have Shown?

Don’t Look Back, But Look Ahead

They Don’t Deserve Your Regret

Just Believe, Just Believe. ( Just Believe ).

Galagolia

2009-10-27T06:06:00.001-07:00

Hmm , no idea how to start.
Let's rewind about 2 years back, propably around early 2008. One random night, and right after I watched a few HP movies, it just hit me. I saw a skeletal, green skinned man right in the middle of a light blue and sphere like room. That's what I saw, and nothing else. I've always wanted to be a filmmaker, so i reckoned this idea would be my first major movie in the future, so I kept in writing my ideas. Two months later, I realized that I had an 80 page document full of ideas, and that's when I thought that I might actually have a novel between my hands. I continued writing, and currently Galagolia is a 400 page novel /document.
I'd be posting summaries about Galagolia in my future entries and propably a few preview chapters. Here I'll keep you updated on what's new with the publishers I contacted ,and basically everything that happens to Galagolia from now and till it's hopefully on book shelves in Bookstores one day.

Thanks for passing by,
Dubai.

:)

Sculpting :D

2009-09-03T06:47:00.001-07:00

Hey everyone ,

I've always had a thing for sculpting , and I'm currently working on my biggest sculpture yet , my character Galagalent :D

The Picture above is just the head , once I'm done with it , i'll upload pics ! :D

A FREEJ mini Sculpture.

2009-08-28T09:38:00.000-07:00

2009-08-20T16:33:00.000-07:00

Some Sketches From My Upcoming Debut Novel "Galagolia" Which i HOPE will be published :)