It was my mum’s birthday so I bought her these beautiful ravishes roses. I love the bright colours and the layered petals. Always a treat.
Ravishing Roses
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Colourful Wedding Party
It was my cousin’s wedding very recently and in true Pakistani style there was a party in the days before for the women of the family to get together to sing traditional folk songs, dance and eat great food in celebration. I wish my cousin a happy marriage, full of colour and adventure.
Edinburgh
I spent a few days in Edinburgh and it’s surrounding areas recently. The drop in temperature was a welcome reprieve from the heatwave in London and the city itself had lots to offer.
I spotted Scott Monument, visited the Princes Street Gardens and walked up Calton Hill with an unfinished National Monument in a Greek-style replica of the Parthenon.
I also did a day trip further out of Edinburgh and saw the beautiful Kelpies statues, visited Stirling castle with its blooming garden and then went to Loch Lomond’s village of Luss with it’s stunning scenery. I was even lucky enough to catch a lovely Highland cow.
I spent time in Edinburgh’s various museums, lively streets and soaked in the architecturally beautiful buildings. It was a short trip and I packed in lots and I look forward to going back again to see what else I missed.
Dahlia ‘Mystic Dreamer’
I love the symmetry of this dahlia (Mystic Dreamer). Walking past and catching it at a glance it looked almost 3D in shape, the details of the petals creating depth. I always love coming across new flowers and I think the simpler ones can be as striking as those more complex.
Eid-ul-Adha 2026/1447
Eid Mubarak. Taqabbal Allahu Minna Wa Minkum (May Allah accept it from you and us). In these blessed days may all pilgrims’ prayers and ours be accepted. May the prayers of all those facing hardships be accepted and I hope they find ease.
V&A East Museum
The Victoria and Albert Museum have opened a new museum at the London Olympic park in Stratford, East London. It was open for visitors from last week so I went to have a look. The building is an angular unique shape and has galleries exploring creativity and change. I thought that showcasing local history as well as wider influences was cool and overall enjoyed the trip.
Eid-al-Fitr 2026/1447: Eid Mubarak
This year Ramadan has been a difficult one with so many Muslims in the world in unsafe times. War, famine and occupation has been too present during the sacred month, and now we have reached Eid It will be an unsettling and sad day for many. I pray that Allah accepts our fasts and prayers and showers us with his mercy and blessings. I hope everyone is able to spend the day enjoying time with family and friends, being grateful for everything they have. May those going through hardships find peace and ease soon. Eid Mubarak everyone.
Ramadan Mubarak 2026/1447
The month of Ramadan has started today for Muslims around the world. We fast from sunrise to sunset. I pray that we can make the most of these special days and that this month is a beneficial one for us all. I especially pray that people that are in hardship find ease in these difficult times, and that we can all look after one another and be generous in giving whatever we can. Ramadan Mubarak.
Lisbon
I took a short trip to Lisbon, the capital of Portugal very recently. Lisbon has the oldest bookshop in the world and is known for being quite hilly and also near the coast. I spent several days there and whilst it was a bit rainy it was still a really nice city to visit. Here are a few snaps, but my favourorite thing was seeing all the tiles on the buildings of various colours and styles.
Goodbye 2025
Today is the last year of 2025. There’s been highs and lows and sadly still too many wars being waged in this world. I pray that next year these come to an end and that people find peace and justice. Here are my favourite photos of 2025. May 2026 be a better one for us all. Happy New Year.
