When you focus on the good The good gets better!

🌈 1242 – Saturday, 02 November 2024 20:12

London

1242 is a number with meaning attached to it or a story of someone measuring something, which is a common belief of collectives.

I’m waiting for my brother to call; we said we’d chat soon. While I was eating, I texted him, “Just having dinner—give me a ring in a few minutes if you’re still awake.” He replied, “Bismillahi Wala Barkatillaha, yes, I’ll call you shortly.”

Now I’ve finished eating and am just sitting at my desk, ready for his call!

Since I have time now, so it’s Poem time, for today’s experience,

“You feel all right, but the evening’s turned blue,

as twilight worn and tender hue.

The tandrams, tandrams—endless tandrams of life,

pull you through cycles of clinging and strife.

Is there no escape from the clutch of desire,

no refuge from the world’s unyielding choir?

Why does it chase you, this path worn and long,

when all that you seek is a place to belong?

You need no teachers, no sorrow’s embrace,

just stillness, just solitude, a gentler grace.

So if love is true, then let me drift-free,

let it enfold, in this silence I plea.

For we know there are dreams yet to fulfill,

mountains to climb, and a world to be still.

Hold firm, don’t waver, be strong, but be wise,

we’ll endure to the last, then peacefully rise!”

Today, Saturday passed like a blissful breeze. I woke up early, well-rested, and after breakfast, went with a friend to view a place he’s considering buying near Kentish Town. The viewing went smoothly, and I send all my best wishes and blessings to secure the home my dear friend hopes.

I also needed to get my bike repaired, and luckily we found a shop open early Saturday morning. The brake cable had snapped, and the back tyre felt a bit off. It started raining lightly as we rode from Piccadilly to Kentish Town. When we arrived at the shop, three guys were already at work—one greeted us as we walked in, and another at the desk asked how he could help. I let my friend handle the conversation, and we decided to just get the brakes fixed while we went to view the place.

At the property, we met the agent showing us around. By then, I’d had a total of five human encounters—my friend, the three bike shop guys, and the agent. Ha!

We checked out the place, then wandered around the area a bit, since it’s close to Chalk Farm, Camden, and Primrose Hill. I hadn’t been to that part of town since before COVID, so it was nice to explore. We strolled through a park, watching life go by—two guys walked past, and then a girl in black shorts and a sleeveless top ran by. At around 9:30 AM, we saw three guys practising boxing. As we left the park, a tall man in a suit jacket with casual trousers was heading toward the tube station.

We made our way up to Primrose Hill, where a small Saturday market was buzzing. we grabbed an empanada from one stall and two almond croissants from another. Across from us, a dad was pushing his toddler in a stroller, giving him a little tour of the market. We left the market and climbed the hill to take in the view. On the way down, something came over me, and I let my inner child out—I started monkey-walking, much to the surprise of my friend, who laughed and asked, “Why are you doing that?” I kept it up for a few minutes, then walked normally again, just as a couple holding hands passed us on their way up the hill.

On our way back, we stopped at the Camden at the Pret and had a coffee and sat at the table, while I was chatting to dear mother checking how she was doing, mate was describing the view his brother, and then we headed home, it was gentle rain for a bit but didn’t bother the slightest, and ride back home pleasant.

Home, and said goodbyes to my friend downstair, I went up and he went home to his dogs and his way.

I chilled at home for a bit, then I went to the gym, Pure Picadilly, did upper, 4 x sets of 11 reps of pull-ups, 24 Kg shoulder dumbbell presses, lateral raises, front raises, took a selfie but didn’t post, while taking this pic, this guy two benches down, says, “looking good bro”, smiled.

Got back home and made a meal of pasta with chicken and Auborgine, I texted my dear brother while I ate.. she said he’ll call back shortly..

Around the world today –

• The search for survivors continues in Valencia after the storm which has led to more than 200 deaths and left 2,000 missing. Sending love, blessings, and compassion to all the families who are waiting.

• Taiwanese warships deployed to monitor the movements of Chinese vessels, with Taiwan actively preparing to defend itself against a potential invasion. China please choose a path of peace!

• Transport for London is planning to build large solar farms to power the capital’s Tube trains. Well done TFL!

3 things I felt grateful for today

• So grateful my bike gear is fixed.

• Grateful it rained slowly when we were out but it felt mostly good.

• Grateful for my friend, sweet chap, who got my bike fixed and we hung out for half a day.

What would it take for me and for you to start day good tomorrow, get up early, have a good workout, and everything to be okay with family, friends and everyone around then have a relaxing, relaxing, relaxing yet a productive day tomorrow?

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Goodnight, goodluck!

Ash Khaleem