As for the earth, We spread it out and placed upon it firm mountains, and caused everything to grow there in perfect balance (Quran 15:19)
— English by Dr. Mustafa Khattab, the Clear Quran
Tag: Norway
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When You Were Loved
When every dream
has turned to dust,
and your highest hopes
no longer soar.When places you
once yearned to see,
grow further away
on distant shores.When every night
you close your eyes,
and long inside
for something more.Remember this
and only this,
if nothing else
you can recall—There was a life
a girl once led,
where you were loved
the most of all.– Text from “When”, in Lullabies, by Lang Leav
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En Route to Gaustatoppen
Gaustatoppen, considered by many to be the most beautiful mountain in Norway, towers above the town of Rjukan at an altitude of 1883 meters (6178 feet). The views from the top, as well as along the route, are stunning, and on a clear day, hikers can see one sixth of Norway from the summit!
The mountain is a popular destination for Norwegians, something I got to experience a few weeks ago. There was a constant stream of people all along the route. So many that there was a queue.
Many parents had brought their children along, the youngest ones walking, only three or four years old. Many of the children were crying and begging their parents to be carried, or simply refusing to go on. Most of the parents were ignoring their cries and telling them to keep going. This is something they simply had to do, and crying or yelling would definitely not help!
So en route to the summit of Gaustatoppen, with a backdrop of majestic Norwegian mountains, I got to witness the meticulous efforts of some parents to transfer what they believe to be core Norwegian values to the next generation. It was interesting to see how parents will always choose what they think is best for their children, no matter how much the little ones oppose.
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Sad Things
Why do you write sad things? he asked. When I am here, when I love you.
Because someday, in one way or another, you will be taken from me or I you. It is inevitable. But please understand; from the moment I met you, I stopped writing for the past. I no longer write for the present. When I write sad things, I am writing for the future.
– Text from Lullabies, by Lang Leav
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Winter’s Sunset
There’s something wonderfully sad about a winter’s sunset.
It deadens the pain, the melancholy of regret.A fleeting moment of calm surrender.
And ephemeral beauty.Captured in an instant.
Forever preserved.In the vast darkness of my heart.
A tiny light deserved -
Your Hand in My Hands
When your hand is in my hands,
when my words are in your words,
we could get lost just walking like that.When your breath is in my breath,
and solitude is close to us,
I put my head on your shoulder and fall asleep.I wake up in your love,
and win by losing to you.
When you get upset, I sing to conciliate you.My breath is complete with you,
without you there is no fulfillment.
You are my love, with you the season turns to spring.
When you are here I am at peace,
and when you are not, I despair.My love, just tell me what more to say to you, what do you want to hear?
Everything could keep going on like this,
we keep meeting this way,
but this will only happen when you’re here.
When you’re here.(Original in urdu by Ali Zafar from his Album Masti)
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Days of the Past – Part 2
I remember the moments now past.
When hope was closer than despair still.A friend could be called to talk about anything and everything.
Or for no reason whatsoever.
Life was good even when it made me weep.
All those small happy moments were mine to keep.I remember before. Way before. In the past.
When the world lay at my feet still.Hard work and dedication would always count.
At home or in the office, rewarded in generous amount.
Sky was the only limit, and just like a magic spell.
Everything always turned out well. -
Happy Constitution Day, Norway!
Photo from my archives (2010). Crowd weaving their flags and cheering as the children’s parade walk by, in celebration of the Norwegian constitution day on May 17th at “slottsparken” (the Palace Park), near the Royal Palace, downtown Oslo, the capital of Norway.
Instagram @Sadphaze, http://ift.tt/1XwEJMN
