Habiba, Mark & Sofia

Habiba, you have been a real blessing in my life. I am thankful for all the nights of Zikr and sharing. It is an inspiration to see how much compassion and empathy you have for those who suffer. I am also thankful that you have been blessed with a wonderful family.

May the grace of the Beloved flow freely for you and those around you in the many years to come!!

Birthday Dinner & a House Blessing

Kashan, Sean, Jamila, Carey, Muhammad Jamal, Sofia, Habiba, Mark & David.

This was yet another extra long day culminated in a fun and warm celebration of Habiba's birthday. Habiba's birth name is Libba, I know/call her by her Sufi name - Habiba, which means beloved one. She is like a sister to me and a constant companion on the spiritual path.

The night before I hung out with Taylor, who I have not spoken with since January. I only got 3 hours sleep and after a along day at work I was surprised that I still had more than enough energy for the festivities. Thank god for meditation and natural adaptogens.

After work, I went straight to Habiba and Mark's newly remodeled home off Belmont Blvd. It was my first time there. They did a wonderful job on the house. When everyone arrived, we did a short Zikr and a house blessing. Then we walked down to Mafiaoza's, which was only a couple of blocks away. We sat out on the patio and I had a big salad and my favorite pizza - garlic, mushrooms and anchovies. Surprisingly, Muhammad Jamal and Carey wanted some of this yummy stuff. The food was good, but I couldn't get the staff to sing or dance for Habiba's birthday. They didn't even have candles to put on the desert. After dinner, I had the opportunity to spend some time with Habiba, Mark, Winky (dog) and Sofia back at their house.

I ended the evening at Cafe Coco's with Jessica making plans for the weekend. I was also able to visit with Irene who was busy as a bee but still took some time to chat with me. I am looking forward to the weekend. I can't really say what is going to happen because Emily may be reading this.

Happy Birthday Emily!!!

Today, we had an impromptu celebration for Emily. At the very last minute, we were able to get Emily's mom, Nicole, Carey, Barry and Jessica to Ru Sans for a truly great time. The champagne (courtesy of Emily's mom) and food were perfect for the occasion. Not to mention the great birthday song from the restaurant staff, followed by some booty shaking action on the high chair from the birthday girl herself.

I think we all had our fill of yummy food and great conversation. Aaron called from Austin, TX just in time to say Happy Birthday. (Hey bro, we all miss you too and wish you were here.) We ended the night at Jessica and Emily's home, where Rob and a second Nicole joined the group. Jessica baked a scrumtous apricot cheesecake, Nicole (#2) brought more champagne, and Rob broke out the Jack Daniel's and the shot glasses. At this point, it was time for me to go - early day at work tomorrow.

Emily, you are an amazing friend to all of us. You are wise beyond your years and hot as hell. Now how many people can say they are that blessed? Because you are such a wonderful person, and because your friends love you so much... this is just the beginning of your birthday of celebration. (Yeah, there is more...)

Happy birthday and lots of love!!

State Fair Pictures Posted

Sorry Carey, this picture is classic and it simply must be posted.

Jeremy, great picture taking! You captured one of those priceless Carey moments.

The Tennessee State Fair pictures are finally posted on my Nashville page. Selina, has emailed me several times asking when they will be ready. So here they are!

Another Door Opens

This was a weekend filled with fun and surprises with a few new people and a bunch of old friends.

Friday night was a hoot, beginning at the Tennessee State Fair with Carey, Emily, Jessica, Jeremy, Caleb, Heather and Selina. I got a little dizzy (getting old) from a couple of carnival rides. I will post some pictures on my Nashville page in a few days. Was a little hungry afterwards, so we did a run to Kroger's for some fairly healthy junk food, then met a few people at P.M. Cafe. We ended the night by the pool at Carey's place.

The next day was one big shopping extravaganza for Heather and myself. I bought 3 leather jackets, 3 long sleeve shirts and 3 pairs of pants. I was on a quest to find shoes for work, but I didn't get any. Oh well, I will have to get those some other time. I was exhausted after walking through American Signature, Rivergate Mall and Opry Mills. Later, Heather and I met Barry out for dinner at the Mexican place down the road from my house. I was quite full after the Mexican food and the DQ banana split I ate 30 minutes earlier.

Despite being ready for bed after all the shopping and food, I kept my plans with Selina to go clubbing that night. Carey, Jeremy, Jen and Leah joined us. We were a mess on the dance floor, rowdier than everyone else as usual. I was drenched from dancing so much. I also saw a few friends out, including Kashan. We danced 'till the club closed down. I didn't have a drop to drink, but I had lots of help (to keep me energized) from a pack of Starburst and a double dose of vitamin B-12 and Royal Jelly. The night didn't exactly end the way I envisioned, but lets just say I am not going to complain. ; )

Needless to say, I didn't go with Michael and friends to Mammoth Cave the next morning. I would have only gotten 2 hours sleep and would have been half dead if I did that. Actually on Sunday, I didn't do much. I stayed in bed for half the day and it was heaven. My body was drained and I needed the rest. That evening I watched a movie with Jeff. We saw "Hide and Seek." It was ok. I would give it a 6.5 out of 10.

I use to have more slow weekends/weeks, but those seem to be few and far between these days. Life is too short and it is filled with lots of surprises and amazing people. I say live it up!!

Oh Heather, BTW, if you are reading this... you can add another point to the score board.