I miss Hawaii!

I really miss Hawaii! It was nice being in an environment so different from Seattle but not totally different or foreign! I will always remember you Hawaii.....





....your crystal blue waters



....your sandy white beaches





....your bright rainbows






....your green velveted mountains




....your unique culture

The Cave of Crystals

Picture Prompt

Muna adjusted her breathing mask. It was getting harder and harder to breathe as the exploration party climbed deeper into the cave. At first, the climb was a rather gentle slope, then, after about six miles, they came to a steep climb.
“Hurry up, Muna” her brother shouted down at her. “I don’t want you getting lost or left behind.”
Muna took a few more breaths, deep and slow and then continued the climb. She grabbed on to the rope and began hammering spikes into the rock. Each pound echoed in the dark gave.
“Muna!” he shouted.
“I heard you, I’m fine. I just needed to take a breather.”
She looked up. Her brother’s helmet light was beginning to get dimmer and dimmer. She had to keep up. She had to push on. Muna needed to prove she was capable of being a competent member of the research team. Though she was an excellent scientist and geologist, her father had forbidden her to go on the search for the legendary cave of crystals, and since it was his money funding the project, she had to abide by his request. With the help of her mother and brother, Rashid, however, she was able to convince her father that her being present would best serve the success of the project. Muna stopped thinking about her father and continued to climb, one step after the next.
“Clink, clink,” the metal to rock echoed around her. It was getting hotter in the cave. She wiped a trickle of sweat from her brow and loosened her scarf a bit. She checked her thermometer. It was reaching 53 degrees Celsius, humidity 100%. She had six more hours of air coolant and her suit still had over 75 % of its ice cubes sealed in the lining of her suit to help keep her cool. She needed to reach the site in less than 2 hours, if she was going to get accurate testing results and samples of the legendary Butah Crystals.
Just as Muna lifted her spike to hammer in another nail, she felt a slight tremor. The rope swayed a bit and a few small rocks loosened sending specks of dirt falling onto her head and arms. Moments after the tremor, she heard a low rumble. A moment later, another tremor rocked the cave. This time, one of the spikes came a loose sending Muna swinging along the face of the stone rocky cavern. She banged against the rock face a couple of times until she caught hold of a protruding rock. She clung to the rock, breathing heavily, gasping for air.
“Muna!” she heard her brother call. “Muna.”
She could not see anything and she was beginning to loose air in her suit. She could hear a low hissing sound as the air seeped out of as a result of crashing into the ragged rocks. She felt a tug on her rope. She was moving, upward. “Hurry, Rashid,” she barely whispered. Her eyes slowly closed as the air in her suit hissed. The last thing she saw was a dim light approaching her.

The Pen Writing Competition

The Pen Writing Competition is an international writing competition for ages 12-19 seeking to provide Muslim youth an avenue to express themselves creatively and to find talent within the Muslim community.

Entrants can submit up to three short stories in one of five categories. Prizes are being awarded to the winners. Winning entries will also be published in an anthology. The deadline is July 10th, 2010.

Think you got what it takes to write the winning piece? Get your creative juices flowing and head over to The Pen Writing Competition for more information on entry rules, judging criteria and entry sheet.

A budding Poet!

Here is the blog of a budding poet. Introducing Fida, her poems are very heartfelt and inspirational. Check her out at

http://thepoetrykorner.blogspot.com/

Her latest poem, "Happy Mother's Day" for all the mothers who have made us who we are today. May Allah bless them all.

Gentle reminder: Four kinds of people.

The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said:

"There are only 4 kinds of people in this world. (The first is) a slave whom Allah has blessed with wealth and knowledge, and he fears Allah with regard to them, and uses them to uphold family ties, and acknowledges the rights that Allah has over them. He has the highest status.

(The second is) a slave to whom Allah has given knowledge, but not wealth. His intention is sincere, and he says, 'If only I had wealth, I would do (good deeds) like so-and-so (the first slave).' He will be rewarded according to his intention, so their reward will be equal.

(The third is) a slave to whom Allah has given wealth, but not knowledge. He spends his money aimlessly, neither fearing Allah with regard to it nor using it to uphold family ties nor acknowledging the rights that Allah has over it. He has the lowest status.

(The fourth is) a slave to whom Allah has given neither wealth nor money. He says, 'If only I had wealth, I would do (bad deeds) like so-and-so (the third slave). He will be punished according to his intention, so their burden of sin will be equal."

(Reported by Ahmad and al-Tirmidhi,
and classed as saheeh in Al-Targheeb wa'l-Tarheeb, 1/9

Night Sounds

Sun down.
Moon bright.
Stars twinkle in the night.

Crickets chirp.
Owls hoot.
Wolves howl at the moon.

Frogs croak.
Mice squeak.
Winds whisper through the tree.

Mommies hum.
Daddies snore.
Babies drift to sleepy-time shore.

Everything in Creation Says, Ameen.

Everything in Creation Says "Ameen."

From the trees bowing in the winds, to the birds beating their wings.
Everything in creation says, Ameen.

From the humming birds hum, to the rolling thunders drum
Everything in creation says, Ameen.

From the sun shining bright, to the stars blinking lights.
Everything in creation says Ameen.

From the creepy crawlers, to the moonlight callers.
Everything in creation says, Ameen.

From the volcanoes eruptive glow, to the seas ebb and flow.
Everything in creation says, Ameen.

From the early morning whisperer, to the faithful and humble worshiper.
Everything in creation says, Ameen.

From the East to the West and the North to the South.
Everything in creation says, Ameen.

The Woman who Only Spoke Using Quranic Verses

The undermentioned incident is narrated by Hadrat Abdullah bin Mubarak radi Allahu anhu. He was a man of great learning and he lived in the era of the Abbasids.

An elderly Arab lady was sitting alone at the trunk of a tree and Abdullah bin Mubarak also happened to pass that way. Seeing this lady in distress, he spoke to her. The discussion is recorded as follows:

Abdullah bin Mubarak: Asalamu alaykum wa Rahmatullah.

The lady: The word from a merciful Lord is peace [Ya Sin 36/58]. She meant that the reply of salaam is from Allah, Most High, Himself. She said further: Those whom Allah sendeth astray, there is no guide for them. [Araaf 7/186]. She meant that she had lost her way.

Abdullah bin Mubarak: Where are you coming from?

The lady: Glorified be He who carried His servant by night from the Masjid al-Haraam (inviolable place of worship) to Masjid al-Aqsa (Far distant place of worship) [Israa 17/1].

Abdullah bin Mubarak: How long have you been in this place?

The lady: For three nights [Maryam 19/10].

Abdullah bin Mubarak: What arrangements are made for your food?

The lady: And who (Allah) feedeth me and watereth me [Shu'ara 26/79]. She meant that her food was provided to her by Allah.

Abdullah bin Mubarak: Is there any water for wudhu?

The lady: And if ye find not water, then go to high clean soil and (make tayamum) rub your faces and hands (therewith). [Nisaa 4/43]. She meant that she made tayamum because there was no water.

Abdullah bin Mubarak: Here is some food, partake of it.

The lady: Strictly observe the fast till nightfall [Baqarah 2/187]. She indicated that she was fasting.

Abdullah bin Mubarak: This is not the month of Ramadan.

The lady: And he who does good of his own accord (for him) lo! Allah is responsive, aware [Baqarah 2/158]. Meaning that she had observed an optional (nafl) fast.

Abdullah bin Mubarak: It is permitted to break the fast when on a journey.

The lady: And that ye fast is better for you, if you did but know. [Baqarah 2/184].

Abdullah bin Mubarak: Speak in the manner that I speak.

The lady: He (man) uttereth no word but there is with him an observer ready [Qaf 50/18]. She meant that since every word of a person is observed and recorded, she took precaution by speaking only in the words of the Quran.

Abdullah bin Mubarak: Which clan do you belong to?

The lady: Follow not that whereof thou hast no knowledge, lo! The hearing and the sight and heart of each of these it will be asked [Israa 17/36]. She meant that he should not inquire about that which he had no knowledge.

Abdullah bin Mubarak: Forgive me. I have certainly made a mistake.

The lady: Have no fear this day. May Allah forgive you [Yusuf 12/92].

Abdullah bin Mubarak: Would you like to travel on my camel and meet your caravan?

The lady: And whatsoever good ye do, Allah knoweth it [Baqarah 2/197]. Meaning that if he if he did this good deed, Allah would recompense him for it.

Abdullah bin Mubarak: Well, then you may mount it. Saying this he made the camel sit down on the ground.

The lady: Tell the believing men to lower their gaze. [Nur 24/30].

Ibn Mubarak understood, turned, and looked away. While she was mounting, the camel jerked, and her clothes got tangled in the saddle and she proclaimed: Whatever of misfortune striketh you, it is what your hands have earned. [Shura 42/30]. In other words, she was calling Abdullah bin Mubarak’s attention towards this mishap.

Abdullah bin Mubarak understood and he tied the legs of the camel and he straightened the straps of the saddle. She praised him for his understanding by saying: And we made Sulayman to understand [Anbiya 21/79].

When the journey was about to begin, the lady recited the ayat, which are read when undertaking a journey, Glorified be He who hath subdued these unto us, and we were not capable (of subduing them). And lo, unto our Lord we are returning. [Zukhruf 43/13].

Abdullah bin Mubarak held the bridle of the camel. He began to hum the Huddi, a famous Arabic song for travelling, and he started walking quickly alongside the camel.

The lady: Be modest in thy bearing and subdue thy voice [Luqman 31/19]. Abdullah bin Mubarak understood, so he began walking slower, and he lowered his voice.

The lady: Recite of the Quran that which is easy for you [Muzzamil 73/20]. She meant that instead of humming the Huddi, he should recite the Quran.

Abdullah bin Mubarak began reciting the Quran.The lady became very pleased and said: but none remember (accept advice) except men of understanding [Baqarah 2/269].

After reciting the Quran for a while, Abdullah bin Mubarak asked, O Aunt, have have you a husband (meaning is he alive)?

The lady: O you who believe, ask not of things, which if they were made known unto you, would trouble you [Ma'idah 5/101]. Meaning, he had most likely passed away.

At last, they caught up to the caravan.

Abdullah bin Mubarak: Do you have any son or relative in this caravan that has connection with you?

The lady: Wealth and children are an ornament of life of the world [Kahf 18/46]. She meant that her sons were with this caravan and they had provisions with them.

Abdullah bin Mubarak: What work are your sons doing for the caravan?

The lady: And landmarks, and by the star they find a way [Nahl 16/16]. She meant that her sons were guides for the caravan.

Abdullah bin Mubarak: Can you tell me their names?

The lady: Allah chose Ibrahim as a friend [Nisaa 4/125]. And Allah spoke directly unto Musa [Nisaa 4/165]. O Yahya! Hold fast the Scripture [Maryam 19/12]. By reciting these ayat, the lady had informed him that her sons were named Yahya, Ibrahim, and Musa.

Abdullah bin Mubarak called out these names in the caravan and immediately three young people came walking quickly over to them.

The lady: (addressing her children) Now send one of you with this your silver coin unto the city. And let him see what food is purest there and bring you a supply thereof [Kahf 18/19]. In other words, she instructed them to feed bin Mubarak.

When the food was brought, she told Abdullah bin Mubarak: Eat and drink at ease for that which ye sent on before you in the past days. [Haqqah 69/24], and with this ayah she recited another ayah to convey her gratefulness to him for his good conduct and courtesy. The ayah was: Is the reward of goodness anything other than goodness? [Rahman 55/60]. And their conversation ended on this ayah.

The lady’s son informed Abdullah bin Mubarak that his mother has been speaking in this manner, using only the ayat of the Quran in her speech, for the last 40 years.

Short Story

Salaam

Here is a short story I wrote about a boy name Jamaal, who learns the importance of honesty and that no matter where he is or what he does, Allah Knows and sees everything. Click here, to read the story.

Top Five! Books!

Greetings readers, writers and lovers of stories. Last year, I did something I never thought was possible, write a novel length story! While I'm in the long process of editing and revisions, what better way to improve my own understanding of what a good novel is than by reading good novels. So this year, I will do my best to read one novel a month (or two, I don't want to set myself up for failure!) Now, I love mystery novels, sci-fi novels, and historical fiction. However, my top five books I would like to read this year are:

1. Messenger of Truth, A Maisie Dobbs Novel ~ Jacqueline Winspear
2. The Gift ~ Zaipah Ibrahim
3. The Tale of the Hawthorne House ~ Susan Albert
4. Atlantis ~ David Gibbins
5. Nefertiti ~ Michelle Moran

Submission Call: Muslim American Girl magazine

As Salaamu Alaikum

Here is a wonderful writing opportunity for young muslim girls everywhere!!

Muslim American Girl magazine is seeking submissions for a unique online magazine for muslim girls growing up in America. It was created by a 14 year old muslimah, Shabnam M, to help young muslimahs feel like they are not alone, that there are other young muslimahs out there going through some of the same obstacles that young muslims go through growing up in America. MAGazine will give young muslimahs an arena to showcase their creativity and share their experiences and grow to be upstanding muslim women leaders in the future.

Website
http://www.muslimamericangirls.com/

submission categories:
http://www.muslimamericangirls.com/categories.html

submission guidelines:
http://www.muslimamericangirls.com/submissionguidelines.html

Send submissions to:
muslimag@gmail.com

I highly encourage mothers, especially those who home-school, to encourage their daughters to submit to this unique magazine. There are a wide variety of topics needed, crafts, photography/art, recipes, school, faith, health, book reviews, letter to the editor, and so much more!! Check out the website with your daughters! It is a worthwhile adventure!!

A day with my mother

A late post, but here is "A day with my mother" @ another blog of mine http://ofthoughtsanddreams-ummah.blogspot.com/2010/01/day-with-my-mother.html

HEART Women & Girls

Check out this website!

HEART Women & Girls is committed to empowering women and girls in faith-based and community settings by providing health promotion programming and services and promoting strategies teaching women and girls to connect a healthy mind, body, and soul and achieve an overall sense of well-being.

Personal Tips from a Novice Amateur

Writing is fun when your imagination is on a roll and your pen (or keyboard) is writing away. But every once in a while, a writer slams into a wall of blanks. That wall is called writer's block, a massive blockade that subdues creativity, drains imagination and tires the pen (or keyboard.) But every block is meant to be overcome. Every writer, amateur or professional, has his or her own way of creatively getting pass writer's block. Here are a few of my techniques of over coming the creative blockade.


* Find your writing zone. I like to find a comfortable place to be in before I write.
Everyday is different. Sometimes, I like to write in my room curled up on my bed
where it is quiet. Other times, I like to be in an open area where I can find
inspiration all around me.

* Try to write everyday, even if it is in a journal. Writing everyday allows you to
keep your creativity at its maximum. I write about everything, that happens at
work, things I see in my day, or sometime I even describe a pretty flower or cute
animal.

* Write about things you like or are familiar with. Writing about something you
don't like or have no knowledge about can be a chore and sometimes
unpleasant. I try to write about things I like, usually stories, poems or activities
geared towards children as I am a teacher of young children. But if you have to,
give yourself adequate time to learn as much as you can about the subject you
are writing about before you start writing.

* Read other writings for inspiration and motivation. Sometimes, I find it beneficial
and helpful to read other writings. Reading is very important to the writer. You
can't be a good writer if you are not a good reader. Read writing that is both
similar to your genre and writing that is different. I like to write children's fiction,
but I love to read fiction for adults and non-fiction. The satisfaction of reading a
good book, story, poem or article also reminds the writer why they should keep
going!

* Use writing prompts when you hit writer's block. Writer's Block is bound to
happen, so don't let it get you down. If you happen to find that you don't know
what to write about or that you just don't have anything to write about, use
writing prompts to give you a jump start. Prompts can also be a lot of fun and be
wonderful starts to other writing projects.


* Give yourself writing incentives. Writing incentives are great and fun! I love to
buy new writing pads and pencils or pens. I have also taken writing classes to
motivate me to write more and even started blogs and a website to share my
work. It is important, however, to make sure your incentives are important to you
or else you wont be motivated by them.

* Surround yourself with positive reinforcement and encouragement. Nothing is
more important that being around like minded people who support and
encourage you. Join writing groups and clubs. It is a wonderful way to meet
other writers and share writing tips and advice from both amateurs and
professionals. I belong to a few writing groups that have proven very beneficial.
Everyone gives constructive criticism and encouragement to help me
increase my writing skills.

* If all else fails, take a break from writing. There are times when no matter what,
your brain just does not want to cooperate with your creativity and imagination.
When that happens, don't force it; take a break. Relax your mind; enjoy other
activities or, one of my favorites, simply take a nap. God has given your body
rights over you, that includes your brain, where your creative processing occurs.

Happy Writing!

~!"My Masjid" Contest!~

"My Masjid" Art contest.



Do you like to draw? Art is a wonderful way to express ones creativity. If you like to draw, then this contest is just for you. Family Reads is hosting an art contest featuring local masajid around the world. Young artists, you are invited to participate in the contest by submitting hand-drawn or computer drawn illustrations of the local masjid you attend. Please include a 50-100 word description of your masjid, ie name, location, history, what makes your masjid unique or special. Winning art work will be featured on Family Reads. Please send submissions to familyreads@ymail.com and type "My Masjid art contest" in the subject line.

We look forward to seeing your creativity!
Family Reads Team
www.familyreads.weebly.com

I did it!!!!

Though my novel is not complete, I made it to the 50,000 word mark!!!! :D

Nanowrimo summary

So this month has been a learning experience for me, never thought I could write a really long story! As of today, I'm not yet at my 50,000 word goal but I'm getting there insha Allah! :) It has been fun, real fun I have to admit :D I'm attached to most of my characters, all except for one who I think is going to betray the crew of the Umati. there is also this very ominous presence following the crew, i'm not sure who it is, whether they are friend or foe, or why they are following the Umati. So i'm excited to get on with the story and see how it pans out!

Happy Writing!

Maleeka loves to Help

Copyright © 2009 SN Taylor, All Rights Reserved

Maleeka loves to help! She helps her mother wash the clothes. She helps her father clean the garage. She helps her older brother drive the lawn mower. She helps her little sister tie her shoes. She helps take care of her kitty, Mumu. Maleeka loves to help.

One day, Maleeka and her family decide to drive all the way to Atlanta, Georgia to visit her grandparents. They pile their luggage into the car. Maleeka helps her mother pack the food basket. She helps her father carry the food basket to the car. To help her brother, she lets her little sister help pack the travel pack full of books, games and activities. She even decides to bring along her kitty, Mumu, so she would not get so lonely while they were away, though she forgot to ask her parents.

Maleeka then helps her father go over their traveling check list: Luggage? Check! Food basket? Check! Pillows and snuggies? Check! Movies and activities? Check! Camera? Check! Full tank of gas? Check! Now where did I put my traveling sun glasses? Silly daddy! its on your head. Check! They are all set to go.

Along the way, they see beautiful things! But daddy can't see because he is driving. Maleeka wants him to remember everything from their trip, so, she decides to take pictures with his camera, though, she forgot to ask him. She sees a cloud that looks like a bunny. Click. She sees a tree that's shaped like an elephant. Click. Her little sister makes a funny face. Click. Maleeka sees so many things from the back seat of the station wagon. Click. Click. "Meow."

"What was that?" daddy asks. "meow, meow." Is that a cat?" her mama asks. "MEOW!" "What is that smell? her brother asks. Daddy pulls over. Mama checks the car. "It's Mumu," her little sister shouts. Mumu pokes her head out of a basket. "What?" yells daddy. "How?" asks mama. Maleeka's brother holds up his jersey, "Gross! Mumu went on my favorite jersey!!" Maleeka sits quietly, her eyes big as golf balls. Everyone looks at Maleeka. "Did you bring her?" her daddy asks. "What were you thinking?" her mother asks. "You are so going to clean this!" her brother says. "She would have been all by herself," Maleeka says meekly, "I didn't want her to be sad and all alone."

Her daddy, sighs and her mama smiles, her brother simply rolls his eyes. "You should have known better Maleeka to bring Mumu with out asking, but since she is here, lets find a box to keep her in." Maleeka helps find a box. Maleeka helps clean the car. Maleeka helps clean her brother's jersey. They are all set to go, again. "Let's take a family picture to remember this." mama suggests. "Good idea," daddy says. "Whatever," her brother growls. "Yay," her little sister claps. "Ummm, " Maleeka says. The batteries in the camera are dead, she forgot to turn off the camera. "Maleeeeekaaaa!"

Copyright © 2009 SN Taylor, All Rights Reserved

Yay!!! I'm officially CDA-ified!

Yes, that is correct! I received my certificate in the mail after one year of studies and months of waiting, which felt like FORVER! but yes, i'm officially certified child development associate. My certification is good for 3 years :) and now I feel like I can really give my students the best I can:) though, I have never done less than that! but it is nice to have a certificate. Now, I'm motivated to move on and finish my degree in early childhood education!

Cute story on youtube

this was a really cute rhyming story to listen and watch. The art was really nice!