NEW YEAR RESOLUTION

It's the first day of 2009...a new year... a new start...somehow i feel all the same. There's nothing so special about the changing year..it's just another year to pass...getting older...and it makes me thinking about years I've spent. Have I've done enough good to get a ticket to the afterlife? Or perhaps the contrary...done enough bad to get the wrong tickets...I pray that my almost 32 years of living did not pass futile...at least i pray that my existence bring a sparkle of good in others and not the other way round. What worst that to live long but only bring misery and pain to others...that's a condemned life i dont want to happen in mine.

So last night, I avoided all celebration for the new year. I've had it enough for years in the past...had been in a firecrackers party...soaring my feet just walking at the beach with thousands of people...saw a spectacular show...I said i had it enough because all those celebrations worn out and lost its attractions. Not to mention that in some other parts of this world, so many brothers and sisters have to spend each night in terrorr...fear a missile to strike and robb their beloved form their arms...to see a spectacular celebration here and to see the darkest night there was really a great contrast that sometimes brought pain. It mademe thinking that life was not fair...but it just how things were...we can not always get what we want. To live means we have to able to feel and taste any flavor in it...may it be sadness, defeat, a loss...or happiness, victory and thriumph. It makes us grow and develop to some degree...it makes us feel that we are alive.

After praying, still hard to get close my eyes...watching TV did not help at all. The mayhem and uproars of the firecrackers and the buzzing of vehicles nearby made me sleepless. I wonder why people seem never get bored with such celebration...wasting time and money in such frenziness, lol. My soft pillow did not help either...had to cover my ears for the racketing uproar as night crept by...Thanks God, finally i could sleep after way past midnight :-)

This morning, i've come to one point...I feel so grateful and thankful to Lord of all for all that I have at the moments. So many blessings, i could not count even if i had to spend years for it...thank you for giving me a great parents, husband, brothers and sisters, and wonderful friends...thank you for all the flavors I've tasted in my life.. they made me grow and alive...

And for this year of 2009...just wanna be a better person...to live a life that brings good to others...

TWILIGHT - THE NOVEL

Finally, finishing the novel after two days reading. I have to admit that some mysteries I’ve found in the Twilight movie got some answers but some remained unsolved, lol. I love the novel…could not stop reading it before finished…though mostly the novel presented dialogues of Bella and Edward…most all the time…but it never bored me…lol. I like the movie a bit better than the novel…partly because the pictures spoke more words, the music as well and there were some additional that I liked… the part that Bella and Edward climbed from trees to trees until Edward rested her on the highest tree to savor the beautiful landscape below. While on the novel Bella never opened her eyes when Edward carried her on his back…the speed and the fear was too great for her to open her eyes…I found also Bella loved to read Jane Austen's novels...lol

I found the details on how Carlisle built up his small family…how he turned Esme, Edward, Rosalie, Emmet, Jasper, except Alice into ‘a vegetarian vampires. Edward was the first to come in the family…saving him from death of a deathly fever that killed his parents in 19018…so basically, Edward was born that year…at the age of 17…died but then was saved. He got troubled in his first ten years as vampires…decided not to follow Carlisle on his diet…he hunted men…guilty men for his preys…then repented for the many leves he had taken no matter how bad those men were. He got back to his adopted father and started to drink only animals blood. Esme was next. She was desperate losing her only child at birth…jumping out of the cliff…Carlisle found her at the morgue while she was still breathing…he turned her into a vampire and she became his mate ever since. Rosalie was specifically chosen by Carlisle as Edward’s mate for he knew how it felt to be so lonely in the world in an everlasting day for them. It never worked. Their relationship developed as brother and sister…Emmet came next…he was found by Rosalie and they became inseparable. Alice was the mystery of all. Even Carlisle had no idea who had turned her into a vampire. She came into the family led by her vision of the future. She lost all her memories. Carlisle was the son of a preacher in London. His father was the leader of the church to hunt for witches and vampires alike. When his father died, he replaced him. Unlike his father, he had a great compassion for men and other creatures. He got bitten sewer vampires. He fought hard to suppress his thirst for human blood and exiled himself from men.

Until oneday, he met herd of cattles. Unable to restrain his thirst, he drank those animals blood and eversince animals’ become his diet. He traveled as far as Europe, Itally, Artics, until he found his calling a medical doctor. His calling was to save lifes…I found it ironic while his nature was to take lifes. I thought he was a noble character in this novel. It was during the srikes of contagious diseases, he found his first family, Edward. Urged by decades of loneliness, he needed a friend, a family to support his existence. He was careful in his selection. This part was not revealed in the movie so my answers on how Carlisle built his small family got the answer.

Also the novel twisted the ideas of how a vampire lived and be killed. Most films, novels and legends said vampires slept during daylight…the sun will automatically burnt them to ashes and the cross and garlic also the source of their death…piercing a stake right to their hearts will also kill them…all were turned upside down in this novel. Vampires lived day and night…they did not sleep…the sun did not kill them…on the contrary the sunlight made them beautiful and angelic…turned their skin into sparkling little glittering diamonds…like stardust. The sun did not hurt them..also the cross. Bella was surprised to find an ancient cross at Carlilsle’s home. It belonged to his father as reminiscence. And piercing a stake to their heart would not kill them. They must be torn into pieces and burnt in order to kill them…it’s more sadistic, I presume.

In movie, Bella finally knew the truth when she forced him to follow her track to the forest nearby the school. In novel, Bella knew the truth when Edward drove her from Port Angeles…It was the wood she knew how the sun worked on Edward. I think I have to give the movie a credit for smartly combined both.

In movie, there scenes when the nomadic vampires led by Laurent killed their preys. IN novel, I did not any scene their killing of people in Forks. They only appeared at three or four episodes before the ending. Perhaps, the writer wanted to avoid any violence...even it was not said clearly how James ended up in the hands of Emmet and Jasper. The movie developed this scene much to my satisfaction. I have to say I like the movie better on this one… the way it added the complication and plots.

In short, I like the movie a bit better…the scenery, the characters and the soundtracks had added the beauty of the film. In my personal opinion, it's one of most romantic novels I've ever read...almost reminded me of Pride and Prejudice...the way Edward protected Bella Swan and his sometimes unpredictable mieschiefs resembled with Darcy towards Elizabeth. And Twilight the movie was the first film that made me wanted to read the novel...I watched LOTR, Harry Potter, Stardust, etc that they did not move me to read the novels...lol

Next, I have to finish New Moon.

Mass Masacre in Palestina

Air strikes have been launched to Gaza for these last two days. Hundreds of civilians were killed and many more hundreds were wounded...this toll will likely to increase as Israeli air force are still brutally bombarding Gaza area. Many countries condemned this act of terror, but as usual Israel would not yield...and the world would be helpless to do anything ..... Let's pray for our brothers n sisters in Palestina....may Allah swt protects them n give them strenght and courage ...

NAIK UNDUR-UNDUR

Pulang kantor hari ini jam 4 sore, kirain cuma lembur sampai jam 1. Ternyata perbaikan belum selesai hingga harus nungguin tukang sampai jam 4. Untung ada Pakde dan Om Kecil yg cekatan jd ndak perlu bolak balik. Untung juga ada teman 4shared hingga bisa download soundtrack Twilight plus novelnya. Kalau ndak bisa dipastikan bete habis, lol. Akhire memutuskan pula mampir ke mangdu cari cd twilìght karna meski dah nönton di 21, kesengsem pengin lihat lagi. Setelah beberapa nyasar n kaki pegel2, akhirnya nemu tempatnya...maklum soal arah n tempat, aku paling susah ngingatnya. Eh, ternyata gambarnya blum bagus, arrrgh. Untung nemu hiburan lain Smallville season 8...sipplah...cukup bt teman liburn di rumah soale misua rencana plg ke kediri. Jam 5 45 cabut, naik angkot menuju sta. Eh, macetnya ruar biasa, kirain dah pd mudik smua. Dasar wong Indonesia, situasi apa pun, akal bulus tetap bisa jd solusi. Sontak abang supir banting setir ke jalur sbelah, kirain dia mau nentang arus...ternyata angkotnya jalan mundur...wualah kayak undur undur wae. Bisa sih lolos dr macet tp begitu terlihat sragam cokat rompi hijau, kontan undur undur jalan maju dgn panik...yach abang, makin jauh dunk, dah kita turun sini aje...srempak penumpang koor teriak. Akhirnya kita meneruskn jln ke sta on foot, lumayan pegel 150 meteran. Makin mengurut dada saat menyaksikan lautan manusia memadati sta seperti antrian para hewan n manusia berebu masuk bahtera Nabi Nuh. Alhamdulillah ada krl express bekasi jd bisa du2k tenang adem sambil update blog. 18.45 saat ini, krl sudah hampir menclok di sta manggarai. Janjian ma misua ketemu di sta bekasi... Duh cuapeknya, untung masih libur 3 hari...tapi ndak mau naik undur undur lagi ah...kapok oi!!!

TWILIGHT

Last Wednesday was my lucky day...my husband agreed to take me to Cinema to watch Twilight...I've been waiting long to see this film...an adaption of Stephenie Meyer's novel with the same title....I haven't read the novel but seeing the tagline of the movie poster had triggered my curiosity...steering my heart.... "When you can live forever, what do you live for?" ...Ehm, it's always interesting to see about vampires...a legend... a myth that may be imprinted deeply in the society, east and west. And it's most romantic film I've ever seen ...almost left deep impression like when I watched The Tale of Two Cities...about true love (not just physicall love) that goes beyond our imagination...strong and last forever...a sacrifice for the one we dearly love...now I become to mellow, lol.

Why I love this film?

1. There's a strong moral lesson in here : the battle between evil and good will always exist in our world and in our heart. We have control of what we choose whether it is evil we choose or good ...this struggle will last forever until we no longer breathe.

2. Sex before marriage is opposed by the main character... Edward Cullen, the vampire always tried to keep Bella pure because he loved her so much ...that what make the love affair of Bella and Edward (the forbidden love between a human and a vampire) is so pure and magical :-) I just love the way Edward becoming so protective over Bella...even he goes against the codes adhered strongly by his clan.

3. The amazing scenes throughout the movie:

- the one i like best was when Edward with Bella on his back climbed at speed from one tree to another (almost like flying) until he landed her at the highest tree where they both were enchanted by the landscape below...the fast amazing lake and trees...it was awesome...

- my second choice was when the Cullens invited Bella to play softball with them under the thundering roar and lightning....

The film was opened by the narration of Isabella Swan or Bella unfolding her story...her almost encounter with the death. Isabella Swan moved from Phoenix to Forks, after her mother remarried. Much to her discomfort for she had to stay in a remote small town with her long unseen father, Charlie. It's been years after she spent her time with her dad at Forks but until her mother settled with her new husband, she stucked to that small town. She later was reintroduced again wih her long childhood playmate, Jacob, an Indian and his father.

First day at school, she already gained popularity as newcomer who attracted boys to flock around her. It was the first time she met with the Cullens...appearing all in white and stood alooft from the rest of the students...

"That's Edward and Emmett Cullen, and Rosalie and jasper Hale. The one who left was Alice Cullen; they all live together with Dr. Cullen and his wife" said one of her new friends. It's the first time her eyes met Edward's and something steered both.

When Bella entered biology class, she had to sit next to Edward as her partner in the class. Bellla noiced that her presence somehow bothered him a lot as if she was so repulsive that he had to leave class for days afterwards. Feeling so uneasy with his action, Bella decided to confront him and asked him what made him so hating her but Edward did not show up for days.

Later on, when she entered the class, Edward sat still in his seat...giving her a smile and made reintroduction to her saying that he was so sorry he did not make proper introduction with her. He said he was outside town for days for personal matters. From then on, their relationship got closer but Bella still sensed he hid something from her. When Bella stood next to her car, a car lost its control and rushed at speed towards her...it was when Edward just showed on time to stopped the car with his bare hands and saved her life...the scene shocked Bella...Edward's speed and power was beyond man. Anytime she had the chance she asked him how could he do such things but he always eluded the questions...Edward got annoyed and asked Bella to stay away from him...saying that he;s too dangerous for her...

From Jacob, Bella learnt about the local myth about the Quileutes, the Cold ones, the blood drinkers who were enemies to Jacob's people who were said in legend the descendants of the werewolf. It was long time ago that his great grandfather made a truce with the pact beacuse they did not drik human blood but animal's. Jacob said the Cullens were the same with the Cold Ones. The story haunted her and she made a search in the net and library about the legend.

One day, Bella's two friends wanted her company to find dresses for prom at port los angeles...it was happened to be the place where Bella wanted to search for the book about the legend. They parted and promised to meet at a nearby restaurant...Bella bought the book about the cold ones. On her way back to meet her friends, some guys tried to bully her...she was panic and struggled from their attack. In the critical time, Edward raced in his car and saved her once again....he decided to take her home. It's in the car Bella accidentally touched his fingers that felt like ice...her suspicious got stronger.

Meantime, Forks suffered from what was supposed to be animal attacks. Two people had been attacked, one of them was Charlie's best friend. Bella was so worried about her father. He got closer to him by now...she knew already by now how much her father loved her and her love for him grew stronger.

Unable to restrain her curiosity, Bella confronted Edward about what he was. She led him to the wood and told him she knew what he was...saying that all signs matched....his changing eyes color, his strenght, his cold hands, and his retreat from sunny days...Edward could no longer conceal his identity...at speed he carried Bella up to the mountain...there,under the glistening sunrays, Edward bathed himself under the sunlight and his skin turned like glistening jewels...He confessed that he was a vampire ...all of the Cullens...but they did not hunt humans...they drank animals's blood. But when he met Bella, he could not resist her scent and blood...that's why he was absence for days after their first encounter. He said she must stay away from him as he was far too dangerous and he did not know whether he could hold his appetite near her...

Bella was not scared for she knew she fell in love with him from their first sight. She would bear the consequences and she was not afraid of him...she feared of losing him...from then on Bella was a part of the Cullens.

There were awkward moment when Edward took Bella to his home to meet the rest of his family. His families busied preparing meal for her...cooking at the kitchen ...impatient for her arrival...but when Bella came, Edward told them that she already ate. Rosalie flashed in anger ...but Alice was so sweet...Allice could read the future...she told her that oneday she would become like them.

Edward took Bella outside...rescuing her from the uneasiness...He carried her on his back and hoped from one tree to another...it's the most scene I like...Edward officially introduced himself with Charlie...asking his permission to go out with Bella...he took Bella to play softball with the Cullens. This was when disaster came... A pact of nomadic vampires, James, Victoria, and Laurent found them. Edward told Bella to stay close behind him and wore a hat to conceal her scent because James was a good hunter. It's them who killed in the Forks. When everthing seemed go fine, a gushing wind blew Bella's hair and instantly her scent was discovered by the packs. Now, Bella's life would be in a great danger for James would not stop until he got her.

The cullens arranged strategy to mislead the pact...Laurent was not a problem for he feared James and Victoria as well ...saying that their ways were too dangerous for the whole clan. Edward regreted deeply that he brought Bella to this situation...he swore he would do anything to make her safe again...the hunting began...Edward told Bella to leave her home immediately but Bella insisted that she must see Charlie before she departed...It broke her heart to having say rude words to Charlie...saying that she could no longer live with him...but she had no other option to make him let go.

Jasper and Alice escorted Bella to a safe place while Emmet, Rosalie, and Edward tried to divert James...Carlyle and Esme were to protect Bella's father...the plan failed when James knew it was a trick. He tracked down Bella's location...threathening her to come alone if she wanted to see her mother alive...Bella run away from Jasper and Alice to meet James...her life was in a great danger...James was merciless...but Bella never regreted her decision to choose Edward...to love him... What about her fate? Will she die or survive? And will she be able to live with Edward? You have to watch the film yourself...dont wanna spoil the story, lol.

I really enjoyed the film...it's so romantic. It differs from other western romantic movies which often filled with only lust and physicall love (touch). It reminds me of Sarah Teasdale's poem The Look

Strephon kissed me in the spring

Robin in the Fall
Collin only looked at me
and never kissed at all

Strephon's kiss was lost in jest
Robin's lost in play
But the kiss in Collin's eyes
Haunts me night and day

-Sara Teasdale

Btw, I've already collected the Twilight Saga. Now, in this long holliday I hope i could read them all, lol. There are four books Twilight, New Moon, Eclipse, Breaking Dawn...cant wait to know the ending

COPET!!!

Alhamdulillah...lolos dari jarahan kawanan copet yang menyatroni metro 640 sore tadi. Mulanya gak ngeh waktu gerombolan 3 lelaki naik dr sarinah. Satu di depan dua di belakang, pd berdiri padahal masih byk bangku kosong. Baru nyadar waktu sekonyöng-konyong seorang pria menghampiri salah satu sambil berucap galak 'jangan macam2 ya'. Entah dia punya ajian apa sontak tuh kawanan copet kehilangan nyali seperti kawanan tentara kalah perang langsung turun di depan hotel Nikko. Meskipun penasaran ttg sosok pria tadi yg setelah itu sibuk menjawab pertanyaan penumpang lain, terpaksa aku bergegas turun di sta sudirman. Jangan sampai ketinggalan kreta karna sore ini ada janji bezuk teman yang lagi sakit. Dan sekarang baru selesai bezuk, perjalanan segera dilanjutkan ke 21.

NO PLACE LIKE HOME

I've been away to a foreign land last week. It's my first experience overseas where muslims is a minority. The culture, language, habits, and weather are totally different with my country but I could adapt with hard efforts.

What tortures methe most is the difficulty to do my 5 prayers. In Indonesia, every floor at my office is equipped with a place to pray for women and men separetely...and to get wudhu (water for cleaning physical certain parts of the body before prayer) is easy. Here, the tolerance for other religions is good...in fact better than western countries but it's so hard to find the place for prayer. The nearest mosque located at the Turkey Embassy which was impossible for me to go there every praying time. To get wudhu, I had to go to the rest room...I could not stand being stared at or looked at this public facility...they did not make any objection but I just felt so awkward. Not to mention that I could not totally wash my feet at this room which made me feel so uneasy when praying. It's a luxury I could not get in this country :-(.

Often, I had to perform the prayer at the car and the train because my colleagues insisted that we should go at hours when prayers time was in due. It's not that difficult to pray in the car but the story was different when i was in the train. My two colleagues were males and I could not choose the seat with women...meanwhile we had to travel all day by the train...So, again I felt this awkward and odd feeling when i performed my prayer with some people sometimes stared and looked at my direction....perhaps they were curious...luckily, the pople here were mind their own business and did not have any religious prejudice...

Somehow, I felt like a stranger here when they took me out...being the only person wearing headscarft at the building...people at office were kind and good but I still felt like a total stranger in this country. Now, I could feel what it felt to be a muslim in a non muslim country. And all i could say is THERE'S NO PLACE LIKE HOME.

I am so glad yesterday, i safely arrived at home...feeling as stranger no more...and praying normally ...Alhamdulillah :-)

a new start

just read an online sister's blog last night. She wrote that when something went wrong, the more we complained, the more distressed we got. I think this is absolutely true. Bad days always come uninvited. What matters is how 2 make the best of it...complaining n blaming circumstances will be useless n only make the heart restless. So, i decided 2 start anew... To live the way i am and stop thinking what others think bout me as long as my path is on the right track. Today is cloudy n it looks like raining 2day... Still on the train...crowded as usual. Soon i have 2 get off in the next station... I wish u all have a great day my friends

MEMBISU

Jika kata tak lagi bermakna
dan kalimat tak lagi berbunyi
tak usah lagi bicara tentang arti
atau pun berteriak berirama
karna hati telah berkata
lewat sunyi yang membisu

Jika kata hanya menyakiti
dan kalimat hanya rangkaian ratusan belati
adakah yang tersisa selain sembilu?
yang tajam menusuk perih sekali
hingga pekat merah darah mengalir pasti
lewat luka yang menganga pilu

Jika kata telah terkunci
dan kalimat telah mengurung diri
adakah cara membuka pintu hati
hingga kata kembali bermakna
dan kalimat menemukan arti

UJUNG JALAN

Di penghujung jalan ini

Kutinggalkan kenangan dalam sunyi

Hingga terlelap dalam dekapan ruang hampa

Melayang dan memendar bagai senja

Yang berurai airmata saat malam memeluk sepi

Di penghujung jalan ini

Kutinggalkan amarah dalam bisu

Rapat terbalut temali jeruji besi

Hingga bara hati tak lagi berapi

Saat luka ini menganga dalam dan perih

Oleh tajam pisau berbisa yang menusuk pedih

Di penghujung jalan ini

Kuukir selarik puisi hati tentang benci, yang meracuni hingga nadi

Hingga luruh segala dendam rindu

Sebelum kaki melangkah pergi

MY EID MOMENT

6.30 AM, my husband and I went for Eid prayer at the nearby mosque. It's already full so I had to pray in the field with other neigbors.


7.00 AM, the prayer began ...continued with khutbah (preaching)... Yet, I could barely hear the preaching as the sound was far too far away and there were many other preachings from the neighboring mosques. It's really like hearing buzzing... :-(


7.30, we got home...trying to have our breakfast. Unfortunately, there was nothing to eat except mangoes, lol. I did not cook at all as last night we arrived so late at night. We decided to eat chicken porridge at the foodshop scattered around my residence.


8.00 AM, we got back to the mosque as it was previously announced that the slaughter would begin at that time, and those who had already put their sacrified cattle at the mosque should attend the moment.

We waited for almost an hour but it did not begin yet. The butcherers already got there but the steering committes were nowhere to find...so it was a little bit of chaos. Meanwhile, my handsome fair goat got many fans from the kids, lol. ..I just could not have a heart to look him in the eyes...so I just watched him from a distance...some children were feeding the cattles.


Finally, the committe members arrived. Within a few minutes, the slaughter began. There were 26 goats (and sheeps) and two cows. The name tucked at their neck was called when each was sacrified. Most of the spectators were children...it made me thinking...They watched and they were not in fear at all. I just watched the crowd from a far... a safe distance so I would not see the procession, lol.


Alhamdulillah, all run well...now they skinned the cattled and arranged the meat to be able to distributed to those who had the rights to receive it.

MY BUSY DAY

Today was a busy day. Early morning, my husband took me to visit a friend of mine. We chatted for hours that we did not realize time flying so fast. We had a long talk about our daily work and life. It's good to know each other story :-)

We left her house by noon after Ashar prayer. I still had some items to buy at the nearby supermarket...and it's so crowded. Maybe because tomorrow is Eid celebration so people were so busy shopping, lol.

We got home after Isya prayer. We still had to buy a scapegoat...lol, I mean, a goat for tomorrow's sacrifice. It's late and buying goat or cow at approaching Eid Adha like this would be much more expensive. Luckily, there were still many sudden cattle shops near our home. We made the bargain from one cattleshop to another in search of the best price and goat. We had to ask three or four shops before we settled our eyes at one big black lovely javanese goat...he was standing so proud and tall, lol. He's the last one that had not been sold...looking at him like he was saying "please buy me, I dont want to be alone in this barn..." lol. So, after a few minutes of negotiation, we got a pretty fair price for the black handsome goat...:-)

The seller delivered him to the appointed mosque where there were already many goats and two cows. We had to meet the chief in charge of the sacrificied cattles...writting down our name on a sheet of paper...then it was hung on his neck... The man in charge said that we had to attend the slaughter tomorrow after Eid prayer.

And we arrived home late at night...taking a bath...and eat for my fasting...This year I thank Allah for His so many blessings...especially on this Eid Adha, I was given a chance to fast after tow previous years, I did not fast on this ocassion.

It's a tiring day but I really enjoyed the day...I pray tomorrow everything runs well...perhaps I will take the picture of that black lovely goat before he goes to another world for the better :-(

Happy Eid to all...May the blessings of Allah pour upon us all...

Poem on Friendship

Friends are like rainbow

they make life colorful

paint the day with shade of lights

after storm of rains

Friends are like colorful flowers

grow strong and beautiful

if tended with care and love

nurtured carefully with effection

Source:

http://dianutamis.multiply.com/journal/item/65/Friends_are_Like_Rays_of_Sunshine

test from cellphone

i'm not used 2 use cellphone 4 connecting the net, checking mails,updating blog when i'm away from both home and office...the amazing of technology. Thanks 2 my husband who has sense of curiousity 4 this tec.

HADIST - TAGGED

I was tagged by sister Maryam to list three hadists I like the most.

The rules are as follows:

1. Link back to the person who tagged you and list three hadiths you’d like to see posted and why.

2. Tag some of your fellow bloggers by linking them in your post dan don’t forget to pos a comment on their blog to let them know you’ve been tagged.

Some of my fav had been already selected and posted ... I like the hadist that say "Who is a very good muslim?...one who avoids harming the muslims with his tongue and hands.." it's so true and require habitual practise.

And these are my choice:

1. Narrated Abu Huraira: Allah's Apostle said, "The strong is not the one who overcomes the people by his strength, but the strong is the one who controls himself while in anger." (Book #73, Hadith #135)

So many fights, quarells, and enmity result from anger and it's really hard to restrain our emotion and anger...so I like this one as my daily reminder... I have issues with anger controlling

Narrated Jarir: The Prophet (peace_be_upon_him) said: He who is deprived of gentleness is deprived of good.

2. Abu Huraira reported Allah's Messenger (may peace be upon him) as saying: Look at those who stand at a lower level than you but don't look at those who stand at a higher level than you, for this would make the favours (conferred upon you by Allah) insignificant (in your eyes).

I love this one too because so many blessings endowed to us but we sometimes are blinded by our lust to after more ...and think that what we have currently is not enough.

3. Narrated Jarir: The Prophet (peace_be_upon_him) said: He who is deprived of gentleness is deprived of good.

Be kind and be gentle to others is really a good deed...and it's hard to imagine a life that is absence with this characters...

THANK YOU DEAR

After several days of brooding and whining, this evening, I've got a great mobile tool from my husband...it's small and light to carry...only about 1 kg in weight...blue in color (I love blue) and easy to use. He said "with this, you dont have to get mad anytime you wait for me...it can kill your time and save your energy for getting mad at me"... You can use it at the train when you get bored or carry it easily in remote places. Its baterry can live for almost four hours before another recharging." he added enthusiatically.

For me, it's a very useful tool for me to write anything that cross in my mind...he just knew what I wanted for my pleasure...to cheer me up from the pain and sadness Now, I dont need any card reader to upload my photos from the camera. The most amazing is this gadget enable its user to chat with webcam (though i will not likely use this, lol).

Thank you my dearest for this amazing gift...it was a thoughtful of you...and again, thank you Lord for sending such a good man in my life

TEMAN SETIA

selaksa kata penuh makna
terangkai dalam sebait puisi
terikat alunan rima penuh arti
mengalun syadu sepenuh hati
mewakili ribuan rasa

Selaksa kata dalam sebait puisi
pejangga hati setiap pujangga
pengusir lara di setiap nestapa
teman setia dalam duka dan suka
seperti sebait doa seorang hamba
seperti setangkai bunga bagi sang kekasih hati

HUJAN

Hujan lagi pagi ini

Serasa cuaca bisa membaca suasana hati

Hingga menterjemahkan air mata lara

lewat derasnya air yang mendera

Penanda luka kembali menganga

Malam pun tiada cahaya

Bintang sembuyi takut penuh nestapa

Bulan membiarkan gelap merajelala

Langit bermuram durja berselimut duka

Menemani hati yang sedang gerhana

Merana sepi di tengah gulita

Hujan masih terus mendera

Bagaikan alunan lagu lama yang meraung murka

Memaksa ingatan kembali memutar masa lalu

Saat kenangan indah tersaji bagai film lama

Tiada cacat tiada cela

Dan sekejab halilintar berkelebat

Saat amarah menghancurkan benteng persahabatan

Membawanya pergi ke negeri tak tuan

Menyisakan kumpulan awan hitam pekat

Serta kilatan petir yang saling menyambung

Hingga air mata menghujan deras

SEPI YANG MEMBUNUH

Kesepian adalah racun berbisa
membunuh pelan tapi pasti
sekarat dalam kubangan duka
yang mengangga lebar tak berbatas
bagai lubang hitam
menghisap dan membinasakan
setiap jiwa yang mendekat pelan

Kesepian adalah puisi tanpa nada
mati rasa tak berjiwa
mengambang dalam kata tiada makna
mengabur pelan tanpa arti
hingga jenuh membunuh mati
saat sepi tak menemukan batas lagi

REALITY BITES SOMETIMES

Pagi ini merasa tersakiti banget... benar-benar shock dan speechless. Seharusnya sudah kebal dan already get used to it tapi entah mengapa hati ini merasa benar-benar super sakit meskipun hal seperti ini pernah terjadi berulang kali. Lagi-lagi terkena imbas dan terkena sambaran amukan kekesalan atas hal-hal yang jauh berada dalam jangkauan kuasaku... terlintas seandainya dan seandainya dan seandainya.

Lagi-lagi menanggis...karena aku bukanlah tipe orang yang bisa langsung menterjemahkan rasa kesal dan kemarahan lewat sejuta makian dan umpatan... lagi-lagi, this is me...bukan karena aku menganggap diri orang baik like a saint...tapi lebih karena I am weak...was not built strong and tough... crying is my best weapon to leash my anger and worries... Lagi-lagi my most darling harus menyeka airmataku yang bikin aku merasa more fragile... dan selalu bilang kuwi wis gawan bayi, dadi susah ilang...memang menurut cerita ibu bapak semasa kecil kalau nanggis paling keras dan paling lama.

Memang seharusnya aku mulai belajar menerima bahwa things do not always run as expected dan belajar untuk menerima kekecewaan setiap kali expect something in return... seperti setiap kali harus menerima kenyataan bahwa Tuhan belum tersentuh untuk menghadirkan tawa dan tanggis si mungil di rumah kami...bahwa alangkah naif bila berpendapat I have done the best, aku telah melakukan segalanya dengan baik dan seharusnya get a reward for this...tapi lagi-lagi belum tentu pendapatku sejalan denganNYA... bahwa He has His design dan sebagai maklug hanya bisa berusaha dan berdoa dan belajar menanggalkan segala ego yang membelanggu....

Lagi-lagi harus menelan pit pahit kenyataan bahwa bahwa terkadang pertemanan seperti sandiwara politik...kawan bisa berbalik menjadi lawan dan sebaliknya...tergantung ke mana angin berhembus. Lagi-lagi, aku tak bisa mengikuti falsafah semacam ini karena bagi aku sahabat sejati adalah sehabat dalam suka dan duka...bukan sahabat dalam suka saja...that's what make it super hard to find one real true friend... like finding a needle in a haystack...lagi-lagi bukan karena aku sok suci, tapi lebih karena i was not built like that...

A Surprising News

Why me? That's a question that keeps spinning on my head...and last night, it made me having an eerie dream...almost scarry. A surprise news that made me think the consequences...the burden to bear.

Was I happy for this? Ehm, let's see, I am either happy nor sad...worry is the exact word for this.

IO : Strike of the Great Lion

Io was woken up by the creaking sounds of the window. Its bolt was broken. The garrulous wind ambushed the room. The lantern died and the table screeched. Again, Io heard the enigmatic murmurs all around her as if they tried to lift her up in the air. Io grabbed her archery and swiftly run to the door. She saw Illario snoozed in the floor bed.

“Illario, wake up! Something is wrong! “Io shook his body but he seemed buried in deep slumber. Io darted outside to find Aiden and Hydra.

“Master Aiden? Hydra? Where are you?” Io screamed loudly. It was their first round guard but they seemed vanished without a trace. The snow was so cold. It had turned all around into huge white wide carpet. The iron lanterns outside did not provide much light for her to see. The wind blew ruthlessly and made the trees squeaking. The enigmatic murmurs wrapped her around and made her walk towards the forests. She tried hard to escape from the spell but she felt herself powerless. The force was too strong. It dragged her way down to thorny vine and scrub that instantly marred her hands that tried to shield her face and body. With some stings from nettles and pricks from thorns, she struggled out of the thicket. From a far, she heard Argo neighed noisily as if trying to wake up the others. He was kicking and thumping to get loose from the stable. Io wanted to cry his name aloud but her mouth was sealed.

After a few yards away, the murmurs faded away and she regained her self control. All around her the trees and shrubs swung fiercely. Io held her breath and tried to discern all. A deep growl broke her stillness. Coming from the dense trees and shrubs ahead was a dark shadow with glowing eyes. It walked unhurriedly towards her. After about twenty meters away, Io saw a huge lion with his huge black shadow underneath him. White foam rolled from his mouth, his eyes glistened red like fire, and he roared so fiercely that the woods and hills echoed with fearful sounds. He gazed at her with lustful hunger. Io’s body trembled almost violently as she stared before him. Her hazel green eyes were wide and filled with glistening tears. A sense of helplessness passed through her and turned to dread. The beast proceeded further, ripping out shrubs out with horrendous strength to get to his prey. Io waited for her death. Suddenly, a flash of King Orestes’ shadow passed before her as if giving her courage to defend her life. “Be not frightened because you are the daughter of Navarro”, she heard him spoke the words clearly.

Regaining her strength and courage, Io drew the shaft to her ear. She aimed her arrow through the lion’s heart. The beast proceeded further. Io strengthened her grip at the bowstring, waiting for the beast to make the leap. Then, the beast struck her with mighty force. Io rolled with her back pressed on the ground and shot him at the heart. A great stream of blood gushed out from his wound. A long shrieking moan was echoed and he fell into Io’s body.

“Io? Illario screamed and run towards her. Then, Illario rushed up and pierced the lion’s back with his dagger. The next moment Jato came to help him. They removed the death lion from Io’s body. Her body lay unconscious in a pool of blood. Her stunning red hair was drained in red and covered her face. Her clothes were torn. The horror had drained her energy. Jato examined her and found nothing serious except the minor scars over her uncovered skin from the prickly thorns. He lifted her back to the house.

“Hydra, clean up her wounds! She was lucky she’s still alive while you two were tricked with Demonthin’s sorcery. I should have known I could not trust her safety to you!” stormed Jato with anger. “Now, Skydra is no longer a safe haven. His dark army of the black riders will soon siege this place.” Jato restlessly walked to and fro.

“Demonthin’s power is getting stronger and stronger. My power is no adversary for him now. I see there will be darkness and blood in Navarro. We must send her to Cayledon fast before it’s too late. Our only hope is to find the silver dragon stone to imprison Demonthin in the Hellion dungeon.” Said Aiden.

PACKING

On Sunday...have to go to three cities in another three islands for one week...already got the tickets and the lumpsum, lol...still a little bit scared flying...not to mention within a week I have to take three different planes in this rainy season like this...

So...have to pack...and i hate packing, lol. And...will be unable to open my mails and MP for a while...a halt in my story project

Happy Weekend to all...God bles u all :-)

IO : BACK AT SKYDRA

Back at Skydra

At dusk, they arrived at a valley shaded with wild rhododendrons, close to the stream with water splashed in which doves and linnets flew among the immense pines. Not too far from the stream, lay a cave, half-hidden by the crag above and the stiff heavy leaves that clustered below. The sky turned dark as a sign that nightfall had come. Jato instructed Io to enter the cave with Argos while he left in the dark. Io shivered under the cold weather. The next moment, Jato came in with some dried branches and started to make a fire. He brought along some fish. He cooked the fish in the fire. The smell aroused the appetite.

“You must be starving walking all day long with nothing to eat. Here, taste some. It’s not as delicious as your royal meal, though.” Said Jato cynically.

Io drew closer to the fire and started to eat the fried fish. The fire and the food had made her warm. She ate greedily and thought that Jato’s cooking was not bad at all. It tasted better than her usual food at the palace. She felt that Jato eyed her while eating.

“Stop staring at me!” Io shouted. “I’m not a freak. Where are you taking me anyway? Why don’t you just let me go back?”

“A simple thank you would be just fine, my dear!” grinned Jato. “You’re just like your mother! Sorry to tell you that it’s not in power to answer your questions. Tomorrow, I promise you, everything will be answered.” Said Jato calmly. “Now, just take some rest. We still have a long way to.”

Io did not try to argue with Jato as she knew her trials would be futile. She had to remain patient for the moment. Her mind was now occupied with the thought of her parents. They must have looked and worried for her. She wished she could tell them that she was just fine with Jato. At last, fatigue took control of her. She slumbered heavily near the fire.

The next morning, Io woke up only to find that she was alone in the cave. Jato had left with Argos. Io looked around and saw nothing. She immediately got out of the cave and washed her face in the stream. It was frozen. She jittered as the frozen water touch her skin. The woods were full of sound: the stream between the rocks, the wind among the needles of the pine branches, the chitter of insects and the cries of the birdsong; and a stronger gust of wind that made one of the branches of a cedar or a fir move against another and groan like a cello. Io sat at a big rock near for awhile, trying to figure out what has happened. Her thought was interrupted by a thundering voice behind her.

“You slept like a log, dear. I did not want to disturb you. Come, we must leave now.” Jato suddenly appeared riding Argos. “Argos and I were old friends. Don’t be surprised he was as tame as a goat with me, dear.” Said Jato as if he knew what Io was thinking about.

They walked along the narrow path beside the stream. Jato gave her some fruits to eat for breakfast. The weather got colder, and along the way leaves turned color and fell off the trees. They did not chatter much. Each seemed drowned in their own thoughts. The paths lead the way up encircling the mountain ridge and left the stream. At both sides, a thick forest trees stood tall and high. Io rode on Argos’ back while Jato kept walking speedily at her side. She amazed on how good he had his stamina. He did not look tired at all. A few hours later, the path got wider and the forest trees got smaller mixed with shrubs and wild flowers. They kept moving until they arrived at what looked like an entrance of a small village.

“I know this place. We’re in Skydra, aren’t we?” Exclaimed Io. She rushed Argos forward and found the house she looked for.

“Illario, where are you? Open the door, it’s me, Iola?” Io knocked at the door excitedly. It’s been awhile her father did not take her to Skydra. Illario was her playmate in this small village. She did not realize that these last two days, she walked down heading into the village. Jato must take the shortcut she did not know. She waited but the door did not open. She began to panic as she saw the village looked empty and deserted. The weather here was so cold and misty, due to the village being high up in the Mountain Range of Great Monteverde.

“Where’s everybody?” She screamed. Panic seized her.

“Iola…is it you?” said a voice from far end of the village.

A young man the same age with Io run swiftly from the misty pine trees above the village. He had tanned skin and dark brown hair with dark gray eyes. His figure was tall and muscular as if he had done continuous labors. He carried a sword in his belt. He looked excited to see Io and he instantly gave her a warm hug. They both like brother and sister.

“Atreus told me you’d come. We’ve been expecting you.” Said Illario. “Uncle Jato, it’s good to see you again. Atreus has been waiting for you in the council hall. Come, let’s not waste the time.”

llario led Io and Jato up to the dense pine trees. After a moment, the arrived at a wooden cottage. Inside, waiting three elderly men and one woman. Io recognized Atreus as Illarios’s father, but she did not know the other three. They sat quietly as if something was troubling their mind. When the three entered, each gave a slight bow.

“Atreus, Aiden, Leon, Hydra…, nice seeing you.” Jato bowed back at them and took seat next to Atreus. “I believe Princess Iola has many questions on her curious head. And Atreus, I need your healing herb. This little princess had given me a little trouble.” Jato signaled his gaze at his left arm.

“I demand explanation. Jato had dragged me way up here. He did not want let me go back. He said all answers to my questions will be provided here. And it’s not my fault you got that wound.” Said Io firmly.

“Princess, I’m afraid you can’t return to Navarro Palace at the moment. There’s been treason against your father. Minister Eresbos had led Lords and Noblemen who disliked King Orestes to seize the throne.” Said Atreus. “Jato was sent to help Lucius evacuating the royal family to a safety. But this plan somehow was revealed to our enemies. Eresbos had made a pact with the dark sorcerer, Demonthin, for a help.”

“That’s why we had changed our plan. Instead of helping Lucius, Jato was forced to bring you out of danger.” The elder women called Hydra continued. “Eresbos and his allies will not stop until they have you all killed, my dear. Right now, we wait for Lucius to return.”

Suddenly, Io remembered the enigmatic murmur she heard that night. It was like a half dream, it’s like a spell. “Then I must return now.” Io screamed and stormed to door. Before she leaped any further, she felt her legs weaken and she dropped to the ground. She could not move her legs as if they were chained into a big solid stone. Slowly, her legs moved without her control. They moved her back into the room. Bewildered, Io looked around her and found out that the well-muscled with white hair fixed his deep gaze at her.

“Forgive me Princess for doing this to you. Patient is key to success. We have to wait for Lucius here. In the meantime, you have so much to learn about us.” Said the white hair man.

“Don’t be frightened Princess. It’s not a dark magic you have just saw. Aiden is the master of mind controlling. He could control your body movement by controlling your mind.” Said Leon, the other elder with gray hair. “Jato, I think we must tell her who we are and why we are here.”

At that moment the world changed for Io. A kind of fog rose before her eyes, and when it cleared nothing seemed real. She was overwhelmed with worries and confusion. She was alone in the farthest land from her own home than she had ever been in her life. She saw the sun disappeared behind dark clouds, and the air smelled of rain. White showers of soft snow suddenly rush to the earth… the first snow in the winter. The wind swirled and gushed as if they cried for someone whom they lost. It was as cold as Io’s heart at the moment.

Illario lent her a shoulder to cry. She broke down and sobbed. Tears rolled down at her cheek like a river from her hazel green eyes. Her face went white for the cold and sorrows. Illario wrapped her with his coat and tried anything he could do to offer her comfort. The other five elder stayed still in silence.

“Father, I think it’s best to let Io get some sleep for the night.” Said Illario.

They agreed with this idea.Io followed Illario back to the his house. It was almost dark and the lamps in iron stands shed an orange glow in the house. Illario led her into one of the room. The room was small but tidy. There was an iron lamp on the table. A modest mattress was laid on the bed.

“Try to get some rest, Io. Don’t worry, Lucius will be here soon with your parents. If you need anything, you know where to find me. Master Aiden and Aunt Hydra will take the first round guard so there will be no harms to be worried about.” Said Illario.

“Goodnight.” Illario walked to the door and closed it behind him.

IO - Part 2

Meeting an Unexpected Friend

The royal family was all fast asleep. All was wrapped in silence, and all that could be seen was the moon peacefully illuminating darkness. Io lay deeply asleep in her cosy chamber. The night passed, the moon paled as dawn came. Suddenly, the sounds of enigmatic murmur fell around her that stirred her up. She sleepily woke up and strained her ears to find where the sounds came from. She looked around but only found darkness all around her. Not a single person was in her room. The sheer creepy gusting wind coming from her open window alerted her instantly.

.“How strange, I had locked the window. Was it because of the wind? And where’re the sounds gone” Io murmured. The chilly night wind had brushed her skin and made her shivering. As she tried to lock her window, she saw a shadow flashing at the palace wall. Someone was climbing up the side of the palace wall. The shadow tried to reach King’s Orestes chamber. Step by step the figure came up the wall, cautiously and unhurried, as if the figure had confident that there was nothing could stot him.

Io’s first instinct was to yell out for the guards beneath, but cunning took over. To shout would raise the sleeping guards, but it would also alert the intruder. She reached for her archery and stepped out her windowsill until her feet found solid rock ridge below. From her distant, she cautiously aimed her target. She measured her elbow string and put an arrow on her bow. The shadow was trying to climb up the window. Io released her first arrow. It hit the intruder at the left arm that made him lost his balance. The shadow fell on the roof. The sound soon alerted the guards below.

“Intruder, set the alarm.” Shouted one of the guards.

Io run towards the door and stormed into King’s Orestes’s chamber. The King has awakened and already got ready with his sword.

“Father, are you all right?” said Io.

“What is it Io? I’ve heard someone fell from the window and the guards have just set the alarm?” asked the King.

“Someone was trying to get into your chamber. I had wounded him at his left arm.” Said Io. Before the King could stop her, Io had run to chase the intruder.

The guards had him sieged. The intruder fought back. He had wounded some patrol guards. As help were rushing in with more numbers, he made a loud whistle. A steady black mare came and he leaped up on his back. He run towards the gate that was surprisingly wide open. He managed to escape into the thick forest.

Io kept chasing the intruder alone. She rushed Argos to follow his track. The dawn has just broken. The sunlight slowly lightened up the day. Its ray had slowly pierced through the thick forest trees. The sound of the birds echoed throughout the forest. Io had lost his track. He drove Argos slowly following the riverbank. After awhile, the road began to climb steeply. Argos was neighing and panting. His head low as he picked his way up the steps. The forest deepened, still and airless. There were already signs of winter, though the sky was clear blue but the air cold and damp. The leaves were beginning to turn gold and vermillion. Some were already falling to the damp grounds. Strings of wild geese flew high above her. Io was suddenly stricken with hunger and fatigue. She had been riding for hours by now and she did not eat ever since. She did not know where she was and she got completely lost. Argos also looked miserable.

“Easy now Argos… I think we are lost. Come, we must find someplace to rest.” Io got off from his back. She held Argos’ reign. She walked through thick shrubs and braches until she found a small clearance near a small creek. She let Argos grazed. There were a lot of wild berries she could eat. Lucius had taught her to recognize which berries safe to eat. She sat under a great shady tree. Fatigue had made her sleepy. She fell into a sleep afterwards.

Io woke up by the cold iron on her neck. She opened her eyes and looked at a bearded big man pointing his sword at her neck. His clothe was so shabby and his muscular body was muddy. Yet, his eyes were as sharp as a hawk. His left arm was in a bandage. Immediately Io knew the man was whom he was chasing. Surprisingly, Io did not feel any threatening danger coming from the man. She stayed still for a moment or two.

“What do you want, coward? Attacking me while I am sleeping?” shouted Io fiercely.

The man laughed loudly but his sword still at Io’s neck. His gaze was fixed on her from head to toe.

“I can’t believe a little girl had wounded me. I thought you were a man for a moment. I like your spirit. Not bad for a young girl like you.” He grinned. “You should be very careful young lady. It’s a dangerous forest to carelessly sleep.”

“Hey, I’m not a little girl. Your wound is the prove. Let’s fight and we shall know who is the little girl.” Screamed Io angrily.

The man’s laughter echoed again. He removed his sword from Io’s neck and put it back at its sheath.

“Save your energy, princess. I don’t want to fight you. It’s no use. Why there’s fight between friends while you still have many enemies to deal with.” Said the man calmly. He made a gesture for Io to follow him.

“What? Is it a joke? Why should I trust you? And how do you know me?” Io talked loudly and had strained her bow.

“Lucius was right. You are both stubborn and courageous. You don’t want to kill a friend, do you Princess Iola?” The man reached out of his pocket. From inside, he produced a royal seal, the emblem of Navarro. “I believed you know this seal very well. Only the most trusted could obtain this seal.”

Io dropped her archery and looked at the man. She tried hard to remember the face. Yet, she never saw his. “Who are you?” asked Io curiously. “I’ve never seen you before. And why did you try to kill my father?”

“You have mistaken me, Princess Io. I wasn’t trying to murder the King. I was trying to save him. And off course you never see me. First, i am tripple your age." Smile the man. " Second, I’m not a kind of person who likes to mingle around at the court. Third, I like the jungle far better than your palace. Come, we must not waste our time. Soon, Eresbos will send his guards to find and kill you. Save your questions for later.” He said impatiently and started to walk away.

“Wait up, at least give me your name, please?” said Io at last. She led Argos to follow him. She knew with the royal seal, she had no doubt that the man was someone she could trust.

“Just call me Jato.”

Io gasped when she heard the name. She never had thought she would meet the legendary man herself. His father and Lucius often told her about the mighty dragon slayer who had saved Navarro from his terror long time ago. It was told that 20 years ago, a dragon that breathed fire attacked Navarro. Many had died to kill him. The dragon seemed immune to any weaponry. His scale was thick as iron and his face was fierce. He flew away form his lair across Navarro. He stuck any villages with his fire. Hundreds of arrows were broken as soon as they hit his scale. Swords and sabres got broken when they made contact with his scale. Many knights and citizens of Navarro died. King Orestes almost got killed when the dragon stuck the palace. King Orestes bravely fought the dragon and got wounded with his claws.

In the moment of despair, King Orestes made a contest that whoever killed the beast, he shall be crowned as King of Navarro. Many knights and warriors tried their luck. No one succeeded. All met with a miserable death either got crushed or burnt in the fire. Jato came in. A brave man at his early twenties challenged the beast. It was said that he rode at the dragon’s back and cut off his head with his sword. But when the King wanted to make Jato king, he refused. He left without a word and disappeared ever since. That’s the story Io often heard.

to be continued in Io and the Dragonian Order