In every moment is a Whisper. Welcome to one man’s quest to listen

The scene in front of the restaurant was chaotic.  Cars, small buses, people going in and out of a hotel, residences, and the restaurant, everyone fighting for attention and priority.  Add to the mix delivery personnel with small motorcycles, and the stage was set for confusion.  In the midst of it all, the signs for takeaways were clear and well laid out.  There was no...

Knowing where one is stepping can be challenging.  Fading light, eyesight, and one’s sense of direction play into the challenge of staying safe while finding one’s destination.  There is an expression that comes into play; let’s meet on the level.  I smiled at the sign, displayed in both English and Arabic, that we meet and stand as equals in the larger story of our...

It was an oddly placed sign, if only because the message was practically redundant.  No stopping was allowed.  I do not know where one would have stopped, given we were on the side of a busy street.  I could not see a reason to stop, given the sand in every direction.  With these factors playing out, I wondered aloud if anyone noticed, or if they...

The shadows on the street danced with the wind.  In the quietness, I listened to Life’s whispers speaking to the shadows I often find myself chasing.  Great ideas, intriguing prospects, and even questionable shiny objects are all in the mix.  Looking back through the darkness, I find my view coming into focus with the benefit of hindsight.  I did see clearly in the moment.  My filters...

The wall spoke to individuals who loved to ride.  I stood silent and still as I looked at the names on the bike stop wall that went back decades.  I could feel the emotions revealed in the ways the signatures, dates, and words were written.  It was an honour to appreciate their dedication, love of the road, and willingness to put themselves out in...

I sat, captured by the delicate soft rose.  On one hand, it was vulnerable, fragile, and gentle.  I knew that this had not always been the case.  Growth had come with the need for thorns, resilience, and its purpose.  The result was a gift of beauty and inspiration. In the silence, I could sense its lessons that are shaping the day that is just beginning...

I love wandering through the aisles of fruits, vegetables, and herbs.  I consider their flavours, textures, and roles they have played in favourite meals, alone and in combination with each other.  In the Emirates, Egypt, Iran, and increasingly, the Emirates itself are sources of great products.  Each, along with food producers the world over, presents interesting variations influenced by climate, soil, and farming techniques.  At...

The edge of the sea was rough.  Water-etched sandstone, pools of water, uneven surfaces – everything one needed so that anyone could stumble, trip, and fall.  As I looked and imagined myself exploring, every scene included the possibility of the potholes winning, and I was lying on the ground in a way not of my choosing.  The reality of the potholes and water was...