Puddle

  Yall... I might be permanently moving to SubStack. RIP to this beautiful blog. I love how it's more customizable here but SubStack is where all the ppl are at apparently. <3<3<3 https://substack.com/@oilpuddle 

Yall... we made it out the brain bank with this one. I got re-inspired to write this so here it is :) So I've always known that I've lived a lonely existence, I've never had many friends and even when I do I've felt like they haven't been very deep or lasting connections. I thought of writing this post because with the travel group, we had like an introductory video call where we got to know each other. We were asking questions to one another and one of the owners of the group asked "How is the Muslim community there?" and I actually had no answer. I wouldn't have an answer for any place that I've lived. I've never really had a connection to any Muslim community I've been around.  That got me thinking about how much of my life has been in isolation, away from a real community of people.  Growing up we didn't go to the mosque too frequently nor consistently — understandably so because growing up with a single mother n stuff. And with my ...

I was reading this book "The Message" by Ta-Nehisi Coates and I was surprised to find that I related to a lot of things he was saying about himself. Both in his past and things that I want to do that he has done. I was thinking that he is me but in another universe. In the second chapter he was saying how in school he would do great on tests, but his behavior didnt match. He was always asking 'why' and thought outside the box. And I agree with him that secular learning taught in schools only prepare one to be an obedient worker in the context of capitalism. But I am the prime example of this. I've always been the 'good one' in class, quiet and obedient. Never asking questions let alone asking 'why?'. I admire how he always wants to know the reason behind things, thought in ways unexpected of him, and questioned the things he was told. It's a type of intelligence that I aim to achieve. That critical thinking instead of blind obedience.  But that...