Being Me.

Salaam and Hello everyone! :)

I'm not going to begin this post by mentioning how long it's been since I've blogged. Hehe. There we go, I just did.... ANYWAY!

I was inspired to blog today on a little personal something, about being me. A lot of you follow me on Facebook via my personal profile, have heard things about me, or know me as THE Firefly Girl. I'm humbled and thank you for your kindness, your love and utmost respect. I above all, thank HIM for protecting my flaws and granting me the honor among his people, on several levels. Alhamdulillah!

I get friends messaging me how they're thankful to have met me, or how I've inspired their lives, or you to know... what they like about me. And I sit dumbfounded. Wondering, that's how most people are, no? It may be that to the world you're someone, but to someone you may be the world. It makes my heart melt when all these young girls message me saying Varah Baji you inspire me, or Varah Baji I look up to you... or Varah you're my role model, you're such a colorful person. Alhamdulillah Alhamdulillah!

I wanted to share today that I'm a lot like everyone else. I mean, I have phases of being extremely happy and excited about things that add a sparkle to my day, and I have down days. Some days are such down days, I don't know how high of the ground I am. No joke! It's learning. A lot about life. I have a family, we have our family time, we have commitments, we have tragedies and we have happiness. I guess being imperfect is a sign of being normal. I become absent minded when I'm buried in work. I do feel bummed when the project turns out wrong the first 10 times. I don't like certain foods. And I love exploring he world.

The reason I'm sharing this here today is because in the last 6 months I discovered a whole new world for myself. I uncovered the fact that I have grown as a person through my work in the last 4 years, and a lot more through my personal life in the last year and a half. I'm definitely blessed there. I've come back to K-town. And I'm enjoying it. I love being around crafty people, I love meeting creative people and I thoroughly enjoy exploring new arenas for myself. I'm within the comfort of those I love. And I wouldn't trade it for anything else!

I'm probably the world's most impatient person. *guilty* I learned a lot about sabr over the last one year. In the last 2.5 months alone at the current work place, I've learned to be more accommodating, understanding, and have finally nailed the spot where not everything is my fault. I'm a perfectionist at some level, and when things aren't on the agenda or go off, I get upset... I believe in His decree, whole heartedly. And all along the way, I know that He's teaching me more about myself than I had ever imagined.

• I'm taking better care of myself on some levels. (no one else will come do it for me)
• I am more regular with my prayers/meditation time with Him. I've become more punctual actually in regard to Salah times. And I have this weird sad feeling when I miss one or am late. I'm not pious... I'm not Holy. I'm like everyone. Struggling and being Guided.
• I take a few minutes to doodle and write every day or every other day. Even if it's a one liner on Facebook. It keeps me sane! 
• I value my family greatly... 
• I am more attentive to my friends.
• I am generally happier
• I swore to myself that despite being unkind to, I will remain kind. Despite being bitterly treated, I would not become bitter, and despite being hurt or put down, I won't do the same to another human being, ever.
• I attempt to make at least a few people smile everyday (thank goodness for 479 people talking about this)
• I buy what I like when I shop... life's too short to think about that sale later, what if your shoe size is out of stock when you go back? I've found a lot of 'joy' in retail therapy the last few months. I dress well with what I'm comfortable in.
• There is no time to sit and ask WHY. Instead, I'm on more of a Why Not kind of spree. I've basically started over from scratch... and what they say about nothing is impossible til it's done.. It's so unbelievably true! You don't know how strong you are until that's the only choice you have. :) 

There's actually a whole lot more I wish to do and feel I need to reflect and improve on, I'm getting there. A wee bit at a time. :) Just felt like sharing this with you. I'm inspired. And it's all Him. <3

He is beautiful and loves beauty... why not spread it?

Love, V

Submitting to His Master Plan

When Firefly began 4 years ago, it was a very whimsy impulse to just do something and it became my journey. Because it roots from my journal, a lot of my life's individual experiences have always... been encircled with it. When I had my thesis, all of you knew my stress with mission graduation... when I had my travels, you all shared the same excitement when I'd post random travelogues, when I have been ill or distressed, you all have sent in your prayers, when I worked for a fashion house's publications from morning til evening, you all accommodated my weekend replies and even waited for your parcels to ship from Hong Kong.

I never really thought I could manage such a set up from another country til it was the only choice I had... You all have been a part of this larger family that I have yet to meet or be introduced to. And while you all leave me encouraging words every so often, whatever I have here to show for my endeavors is by His immense Grace and further by your support. I wanted to say Thank You.

So recently, another little phase swept over my life, and I have a strong feeling it's going to make Firefly leap into some more changes. I am a textilian.. which means my life at some point is rooted to fabrics, design, texture and other pretty things. While my heart and soul is and will remain Firefly, I have committed to a chapter for my professional career. I am back to work during the week. It is exciting for me, and is definitely something I look forward to. This means that orders here will continue to run, but will need a bit of adjustments. The inflow of requests is huge, MashaAllah, and it puts me in a stump on how I can even consider managing so many orders with a full time role at an office.

Please don't ever feel I have sidelined you, or do not find it significant to accommodate you. I am one person with just too much on one plate. I really love everything about this life we live Alhamdulillah, and my strength to continue is solely the amazing people I meet through my work. My shows for crafters shall continue, I shall continue creating keepsakes and quirky gifts, and I shall continue to inspire as well inshaAllah as long as my life permits me to.

I will revamp my order forms and order catalog, and I will finally put stocking around the city in place. Just to make things easier for all of you in the process. Nothing is constant, but change. I find it kinda magical that Firefly has always led me to where I'm supposed to be... it's kept me connected to 'home' on so many levels. And the journey seems to get better and better MashaAllah.

Thank you everyone for being the most amazing fanbase and support system anybody could hope for. You all are #love

I will update our order status on the website this evening. Lots of you will receive happy mail this coming week! And all my unread messages and emails will also be addressed tonight.

Love,
The Firefly Girl

An Entrepreneur's Nightmare Part 1

I won't even begin to feel bad about being quiet on the blog for almost 7 months. Sheesh it's been long. It's also probably why my thoughts are less profound or my personality's been a little snappy. :P I've been keeping it in. Thinking more, creatively less.

I have so much to write about naturally! But I'll keep it brief, because I began this train of thought to begin a series of topics I want to bring to light and open to discussion for my Entrepreneural seminar. It's these little posts that I hope will enlighten and bring the seminar to a fruitful discussion inshaAllah! Haven't set a date yet... but stay tuned. We'll have a good time :))

I was chatting with someone the other day and I felt it important to share this with those new to the world of entrepreneurship or having a hard time coping with breaking into the market.
It's very easy to feel disheartened or to feel like you 'failed' because you paid an x amount booth fee, invested in a y amount inventory and didn't even make z sales. It could be a number of factors that affect your productivity and return at participating in events. I've been there guys. Trust me.

No sales, barely sales, happy people but lame sales, awesome feedback, sell out inventory... bits and pieces of all of it :) Alhamdulillah! ALL to learn from!

Here are a few points to ponder upon.
How long have you been operating your brand? How many people know you?

If you just started and thought an exhibition is a fab way to introduce yourself, you're right! If 10 people come to see someone else's work, they just might come and see yours, right? No! If no one recognizes your or identifies the work you do, they might pause, glance and walk by. If you have a clientele or fan base already present, there's a bigger chance you have more visitors stopping by to visit you and your fantastic work. It's a gamble.

Apart from the marketing or publicity honored by the organizer, it is VERY important to activate your OWN market, your fanbase... even if it's just your parents, siblings or close friends. get them to come out and support YOU :) it makes a big difference.

It took me 6 months before I took part in my first exhibit for Firefly. Yes, I had a little fan base, that I actually managed to hype up to come see Firefly goodies up close. It was awesome Alhamdulillah!
Then there were hi-fi events that just didn't work for me, because I was the new girl. People didn't recognize me there from previous years... and well... the market was different. :) It was an experience for sure. I walked home with a  LOT of stuff, but hey! I exhibited there, too!

Some platforms are amazing grounds for exposure and prospect clientele. Events like this are usually larger, with larger crowds, and most often with likeminded people coming in for likeminded tastes. Personally, the Crafter's Expo is one of those kind of platforms. Your visiting cards, your display, your smile, and your energy are what lure people to remember you. You have to be confident and you need to stand proud next to your work, forget selling it, you want others to stop by, look, and get to know who you are.

I don't know how many noticed, but we put up our expo photographs recently. The turnout was huge, the exposure was definitely phenomenal. For some more than others. If you observe the photographs, there are some vendors who are smiling, interacting, enjoying and putting up a happy face. Others appear worried, upset, shy, or just uninviting. Body language and facial expressions are key to energizing people. Your vibes are what draw people to you, or put them off. No one's asking you to harass someone to come and stop by your booth, no. smile, be nice. Be welcoming! If you stand frowning, heck no one's going to want to drop by ;)

These are just a few to get you thinking and reflecting. How'd you feel when you exhibited?
You don't need to be upset or afraid if you came home with left over items, it's okay. Your rizq and naseeb are pre-written. Your efforts reap fruits eventually! :) you don't give up. Think about how many more people went home knowing about you. Think about how many new people know about you and will tell others about you. Think positive! and say Alhamdulillah!

Love. (I'm going to pause it here for now)

What is life.

Recently I find myself asking this question after going through some episodes on daily basis. Wondering what are purpose becomes and of course in His Master plan. I am not hiding this, I am honestly the lease patient person in the world. I'm not joking. I become anxious. I dislike waiting. And the second I take a deep breath and go, okay.. I'll wait.. the sabr works wonders.

I've tread on a path that's very different from a lot of people around me, and especially my age. Even where I am now, I learn a bit more about my inner capabilities day by day. That it doesn't matter where you live, it's how you live it. It doesn't matter how much you earn, it's how you spend it... so on and so forth.

When I moved to Hong Kong, I was not worried about what would happen to Firefly. I was relaxed... and thought and still believe strongly that when He has given me so much, He will make arrangements for me.

So here I am, every day is a bit of a struggle. I have never had such horrible customer service in terms of speed of order deliveries/processing. I feel it more because I'm a few thousand miles away. And have to worry about the city, the printer, my mother, my customer... and over all.. the stress of having to deliver on time. All learning curves? Perhaps?

I kept sulking and sighing that out of the 60+ job applications I filled out in 2 months, I only heard back from one... and that too to tell me that they're not looking for me... -_-; I missed out a lot of what was laid out flat in front of me though. I had Firefly. The amount of work that I do for it, equals to the work load of 5 people.. not exaggerating. MashaAllah. I've had help from Mama and a friend. But things just haven't been the same.

In the stir of crazy happenings, ie delays and disappearances. Thank you MERCURY, I discovered that while my work has slowed down this month. (I put processing on hold) I have heaps of things I should probably be getting out of the way... AND we have a packed April. MashaAllah MashaAllah. Now these 'happenings' happened by fluke.. or rather by fate. Out of the blue, I made a friend, n Indian friend.. who I can't thank enough or appreciate here after moving to Hong Kong. She's been very supportive of Firefly. We've been finding new avenues to explore... and before you can say April, we have 3 weekends booked with exhibits in 3 very diverse markets.

Our first one is at Discovery Bay, with Handmade Hong Kong. It's this beautiful island resort locations with heaps of foreigners. The place itself is too amazing to skip out. Our second one will inshaAllah be at Fill in the Blank. Waiting to get approved for that. Fill in the Blank is an equivalent to Karachi's The Second Floor. It's pretty awesome. And it's in the heart of Wanchai. Near Queen's Road. I'm assuming we'll have some Indian/Pakistani people as well as localites. Lastly, we have 'At the Peak'. It's more a religious thing.. you know like Islamic awareness and such. It's exciting for me because I get to prepare the Kalima Sets and Hayati Hijabi projects. :)

Anyhow, turning direction here... I've been stumped. I have a lot of committments to my customers. And I can't help but feel helpless sometimes when things don't go as planned. In due time, almost always though.. it's like fate smiles and laughs out loud when the 'better'-'khair' written thing comes forth.

For those who believe my life is perfect or easy, it's like everyone else's.. I have some ups. I have downs. I have dreams... and I still have limitations. In between this tussle... I accept however, that this is life. My mother is my reminder to keep sabr. And she has always told me to be thankful. To say Alhamdulillah... even when the going gets tough! At the end of the day, Allah Kareem is protecting me from that which isn't good for me, allowing me to experience things I would have never imagined otherwise... and pretty much preparing me for whatever is coming up next.

It is not easy moving to a place where you don't know anyone apart from the people you live with at home. It's very different to walk into a new culture or new surrounding. And it's very different to not be around people you're closest to when you need them nearest. Another blessing in disguise? I discover more about my biggest support system right now, my husband. Who's helping me plan and sort out our upcoming projects. He doesn't have a design background or anything. But we're just wandering through Hong Kong a day at a time. Seeing new things and putting thoughts in place.

We won tickets to the Affordable Art Fair. It was funny, 'cause I've never won anything like this before :) hehe. We saw a lot of art. Contemporary stuff. Some of it was breathtaking. Even saw some textiles!

This post just got long. I apologize yall. And I thank all my fans and customers for being super tolerant while I work out the ropes here. It's not that it doesn't matter to me... it just takes a whole new level of relay and process for us at Firefly. Don't get me started on shipping... our shipment from Ranger has been at the post office since the 14th... -_-;

Anyhow. This was a little vent. Not a rant. Just a reflection journal entry to remind myself that it's not over... til it's over. It's just the beginning.

x

living life. Alhamdulillah

It's been a bit since I got to blog everyone, I'm sorry to those who stumbled across recently, and I haven't yet greeted you. At this time I'm slowly getting used to 'abusing' my wrist and working with my hands again. I had to take a little break.. trust me 5 days feels like forever when you craft perpetually.

February is here, and soon March will... and oh my gosh.. we just have so much happening. So many things have happened in the last few weeks that make me contemplate more and more about my existance as a human being and the impact I may or may not have on people around me or remotely close to me. Recently I discovered my blog actually made someone break down and cry... because the emotions I have here are exactly what she felt.. and she felt upset that she let go of her journal, her expression, her identity.


A couple of weeks ago, I came across a page that ripped off my doodles and used them for her work. IT upset me more to see things I wrote for greeting cards, she slapped onto her own. It was more shameful to know that she's a bit senior... and considers this her 'passion'. No wonder we aren't getting anywhere as a people. When someone from masses, educated masses can cheat, deceive and be such, why wouldn't others with more power or authority? May Allah Kareem guide us all. I haven't done anything about it. My Rabb will take care of things and what is true shall reveal itself somewhere down the road. InshaAllah.

My crafting supplies and tools arrived on Friday. Mum shipped the first box. So now I'm ready to go back into gear. Although I did 3 mini albums without any dies or embossing folders, OR any punches. :) so I suppose I have it in me to make do with whatever. Alhamdulillah :) Space here for us is limited. And am I grateful my husband doesn't show his discomfort or sigh over the hoard of crafting supplies tucked here and there. I've bought heaps of storage drawers and have pretty much utilized every nook and cranny to keep things organized and arranged. I'll share photos of the space this week :) Need to get it spiffied up a bit more since I have work in progress scattered out.

Here it's a little different, because things are somewhat more expensive. There are scrapbooking stores, but sheesh.. they cost heaps too. And I can understand why, as I have been in their place with Willow. Shipping and stocking gets expensive!

I'm really looking forward to my first international exhibition at the Handmade Hong Kong Backyard Bazaar at Discovery Bay. It's a blissful location. Beachside, greenery, a pier.. posh cafes and tons of foreigners... that have an eye for keepsakes and paper craft :) We went to check out their Feb bazaar yesterday. So I can have an idea of what to prepare and how to go about it. I'm nervous and excited at the same time. So make dua for me you guys :)

Firefly turns three in March inshaAllah. And we're going to celebrate it with the launch of our website. whimsical-firefly.com :) I have Ali from Infinitus putting his life into this and it makes me feel so blessed to have his help :D Allah Kareem is awesome. He sends miracles my way, and everything in my life just keeps falling into place, mysteriously. SubhanAllah.

It is the beautiful month of the beloved Prophet Sallallahu Alaihe Wasallam. I have attempted to a the 99 Praises for him. Hoping to finish those soon. It's actually hilarious how everyone wants to declare fatwas and insist on Islamic teachings and values regarding celebrating Mawlid, but no one really raises a finger or protests 'Valentine's'. I'm not a Valentine's addict nor do I care too much for the occasion, which is probably why yall haven't seen the word 'Valentine' at Firefly :) I do have gifts for loved ones, and have collaborated with Nov and ET this year. It's a 'Love' thing for me. Nothing more.

I'm slowly making my place here. I have a lot I want to accomplish.. but that'll happen gradually with time... I was thinking back the other night. How nearly two years ago. No one knew what a tag book was. People scrapbook yes, they have forever, but the concept went viral in Pakistan. And the best part, I wanted people to be aware of this craft, to appreciate it. I began the Ultimate Crafter's Workshops last year. And man.. it's amazing. How ideas take form and evolve an entire people. I'm happy to 'think' that I 'might' have contributed to this. A bit. :) Willow will be resuming soon. We're looking into Ranger products and MME! :D

A lot of people are now interested in hosting and conducting 'expos'.. at times I hate this bandwagon theory, but then snap back to positivity thinking, hey! we sparked a trend :) And it's good for those entrepreneurs starting out or waiting for the right exposure! :)) For those who are waiting for the Crafter's Expo this year. We are working on a date for December inshaAllah :) do start planning what you'd like or wish to do. We'd love to make it bigger and better this year! *throws confetti* It was a milestone to have accomplished it in September... I could never have imagined it happening but it pulled through. And Alhamdulillah, it rocked! :) So looking forward to seeing everybody again.

*note to self: we are not doing a lucky draw. our photobooth will ONLY have digital portraits*

Anyhow. I hope things keep moving forward inshaAllah. It's a bit of adjusting, waiting a month for orders... or having them ship from Hong Kong. But hey, a man's gotta do what a man's gotta do :) I ship out my first lot of handmade at the end of this month. inshaAllah :D

I'm still dreaming of a shop. Maybe I'll go for one in Hong Kong and then root my feet into Pakistan again. Just a few dreams, neh? What are we without em? And of course.. without our faith?

Thank YOU Allah Kareem, You are AWESOME.
PS:
Mr Awesome went viral. *grin*
I used that phrase for my fiance, now husband when he sent me a surprise parcel. I exclaimed ohmg that's Awesome! He replied saying, of course, 'cause you're awesome... and I couldn't hold back.. He wasn't Prince Charming. He was, is and will be Mr Awesome for life :) <3

long due.

Given you've stumbled upon here, you've probably got some curious questions, or maybe you're a silent observer, or you like stalking profiles and blogs, or you're just wondering what this blog may contain, or you're a genuine follower of Firefly and the Life as the Firefly Girl blog. Whichever reason it may, Eid Mubarak to you and your loved ones :) Wishing you heaps of happiness always, and oodles of duas for all of Allah Kareem's blessings. Ameen.

I haven't been very active over at the blog for a number of reasons. Ramadan was such a busy and beautiful month. SubhanAllah. It came and just swooshed by! I came in to town due to my visa, in between my grandmother in the hospital, my brother visiting abroad, and the 99 Project. Things have been immensely dependent of my time... and in Ramadan we just don't get out anywhere to start with. It's a different ambiance altogether. You just feel all refreshed, like it's a holiday from the world. Everyone assumes the devil is in shackles, so psychologically our efforts to contain our deeds just become more and more dependent on our 'piety'... Alhamdulillah to that! :)

While I had a great Ramadan, MashaAllah... I still sat at the end reflecting and thinking.. nothing good ever comes without some hurdles. You know? No good deed goes fulfilled without a bit of struggle, and surely.. nothing positive travels without nuisance for negativity.

This Ramadan, we took on the 99 Project. A sweet friend now, Hera had requested the 99 names of Allah Subhana u Ta'la in a whimsical way almost 6-8 months ago. I had intended to doodle each name in arabic with my craziness. It then dawned, wait a minute, flashcards! We could really use those and benefit as well! There's no turning back since then. Hera contributed to several of our initial flash cards, for which I am super duper grateful. JazakiAllah. :D Then things had to expedite, because everyone wanted these for Eid! My printer, myself, my family and SO many well wishers, worked really really hard on this.. and Alhamdulillah.. we delivered 52 sets for Eid. That's 5200 flash cards, 52 hand made boxes, 52 scored, cut and folded inserts, and of course, 100 shades of color to organize in gradation. I didn't think it would be possible.

There was so much text to research, so many points to consider...  but it happened. I had my younger brother and cousin help a lot on this. We picked one day for volunteers to come in, Sonya, Hira, Simran, and Hera! You guys were my super stars. Alhamdulilah... we picked up speed, and we began having so much fun organizing the cards in order for each stack to be delivered in time. I received texts from them out of the blue when I least expected... others couldn't make it for whatever reason. I still thank them for the thoughts :) Tahoora and Marium... Xara and Iqra. :)

At the last minute our Shaykh's son flew into town, I shifted my workspace to my grandma's... and took help from her attendants and my aunt. We had fun doing that too.

Not to mention, my Big Shot broke down after Iftar two days before envelope deliveries! I was in tears. I didn't know what to do. I didn't yell or scream, I just asked my younger brother what am I supposed to do now. See, I asked him to help me emboss... and that backfired -_-; I look at it this way, yes delays arise, but kaam nahi rukta... especially ours. Allah Kareem has granted me immense luck and blessings! We had a Firefly fan respond to an SOS post on the page, she had a Bigshot available to purchase! Can you imagine?! Ordering one would take 6 weeks, when I had to submit work in two days. SubhanAllah. A friend commented on this too, how when others need to purchase one or are looking for one, a die cutting machine isn't around. I cannot thank Samar enough for being so so kind about getting the Bigshot to me as early as the next morning. *miracle*

My printer was stunned by our luck on our 99 project too btw, we've never had our colors turn out perfect, jobs turn out so neat, and work produced in such a quantity in such a short span of time. MashaAllah MashaAllah. Mama kept repeating one thing, saying that this is a good deed, it is an act of goodness, to help others to become closer to Allah Subhana u Ta'la... He would NEVER leave us stranded or allow us to fall to harm... and it's true! Whatever I have is because of Him. Whatever I am, Whatever Firefly is... it is truly His Karam upon me.

Such a beautiful and powerful thing, Asma ul Husna, the Beautiful Names... they are so strong in good and deeds, that even Shaytaan's minions attempted to play me during Ramadan. Day 1... someone wanted to nit pick at the spelling, claiming I used the same fault and showed disrespect to Allah Subhana u Ta'la's name.. by not capitalizing the 'A'... when clearly I know how many fonts I've used, my own manuscript writing has the A written the same way. Going as far to judge I care about my post more than Allah Subhana u Ta'la's name. O_o  Day 2.. something similar. Day 3.. PayPal, I'm pretty positive I know I'm putting up PayPal as a payment option because I know it can be used through my foreign account, I have used it before... and I would obviously have my homework done before I plaster it on my page. You know we had a flat tire out of nowhere when I had to pick up the 99 sets when they got ready? O_o It was test of patience, I swear! But Alhamdulillah.. we made it. We pulled through!

This all has been learning, but brings me to something a little less sunny side up. I was really really heartbroken the 1st of Shawwal, the night when all the networks jammed. Not because someone said something to me, but because someone 'judged'... misconstrued... and further spoke of me in not so nice terms. When it was all a misunderstanding. When I never even implied anything of the sort! I have never ever implied an insult to any other page, any other artist, or any person in particular... except for one that openly copied and pasted my work sometime back, indirectly telling them they have the potential to be more creative. People ask me to share details on copycats, I never do! Because that isn't my place. But going on, taunting, mocking, or making fun of who I am, how I go about my work when it is no where near relevant to you, is a little unfair. Is it not? It was a little hilarious when I thought about it because it reflected the essence of Ramadan, the night it ended, was when these 'negative' thoughts entered the minds of others... provoked their emotions and led others to contribute. I don't wish to dwell on this further, now that Alhamdulillah, that 'situation' is sorted. But it leads me to express and share something for others who have come to know me as a person through my work, or are friends I interact with on a daily basis, in person or via Facebook.

- Firefly is my journal, if you wish to call it a brand, a company, a business.. go ahead. :)
- I do not sit there and scheme 'plans' to hurt, insult or upset people
- If you feel hurt by something I have said or done, I probably do not know of it, please talk to me before you talk about me with others
- I am not a perfect Muslim, but please do not judge me or my eman
- I don't claim I have a factory or a warehouse, so please don't tell people that that's what I say.
- I do not have an army of employees, but do have a strong team of staff at home, my family and of course my printer... that are my full support by the Grace of Allah Subhana u Ta'la
- If I were an uptight little brat, who always wanted to take credit for everything and claimed that I started this or started that in Pakistan, I'd probably not be the one giving crafting classes or sharing whatever I know with others! There are blogs across the web, and tutorials galore... those who want to know can google... but if they don't, I'm not one of those that keeps secrets... my blog is available to all of you, my crafting classes are there, too. I've been raised to share and help others! Alhamdulillah!
- If you have a beef with me, talk to me about it before ranting and raving to others in your company. That would save you the 'deeds' of gossip...
- I cannot be two faced.. Ever. If I don't like you, I'll be reserved, I won't be involved, concerned or anything related.. If I adore you, I'll give, share, and gleam with 'happy'...

Those with issues at all whatsoever with the content posted on Firefly or the blog, my friend Allah Kareem has not asked you to remain on this blog post, or keep a 'like' on our page :) It's a means of expression for me, a textile design graduate, a dreamer, a poet... a person with vision and contemplation. If my ideas or expression intimidate you.. I'm sorry :/ The forecast is whimsical with a chance of rainbows, the gray clouds aren't here yall.

This was a little pledge/reflection I had, which I'm sure a lot of others could relate to:
It's a funny story when you take a minute to reflect. Ramadan leaves us, its blessings and lessons don't... may our eman remain strong, may our deeds be rewarded, our ibadah be accepted, our sabr exalted, and our lives reformed. Think for a minute, despite the month of Shawwal dawning, are you going to let faith slip away for the next 365 days? Make a pledge, to think positive, to remember Allah Kareem at all times, to obey Him, to supplicate and call unto Him, to curb your anger, to hold back your abusive words, to give more alms, to be more kind-hearted, to be a little more respectful... perhaps a little more honest... maybe a tad bit more aware of your faith, and more a good human... working to be a better Muslim, despite the world changing and evolving astray around you. May Allah Kareem bless us all, and grant us abundance of His tidings always! 

On a positive note, our Ultimate Crafter's Workshop is baaaack for September inshaAllah :) We're working on some fun collaboration with names you might recognize. :D Stay tuned everybody! Registrations are now open. And oh yeah! I ordered a Sizzix Sidekick XD It's a mini version of the Big Shot, allows you to emboss and cut with the smaller dies and embossing folders. WHICH means, one person's going to be pretty luck in their crafting projects. InshaAllah :D

We only work to promote good Alhamdulillah. And further... Allah Kareem knows best.

Eid Mubarak. Love. Smile Sunshine! :)

PS:
I'm sending out eid gifts this weekend! :D to my Firefly fans for sharing their first day of Eid with us. Such beautiful stories. Sent out some rainbow pegs to our crafty girls last week. And received adorable charms as gifts recently. :D See? These things bring people closer together, gift giving, smiles... Alhamdulillah! <3