Too Much Work for a nickel....

Our new house

We just moved into our new apartment today. The girls and I really love it!!. The universe is so good, because if you just let the creator do her job she will always give you the best. So after the people tried to extort money from me I started looking for a new place to live. While I was packing up my stuff I realized that mold was growing in some of the corners behind the furniture. Look at the blessing there those peoples greediness saved my health. BLESSTATIONS!!!! The house was very cold because it was stone and marble, and it did not get much sun. There also was a crazy man who lived above us and always wanted to move things around at 11 o’clock at night. So moving was the best thing for us, funny thing though had they not tried to get all that money from me I would not have moved because moving is a a lot of work when you have children. But god knows best… So our new place has 2bedrooms….YEAH!!! I have my own room!!!! No more getting karate chopped in the neck while I’m sleeping; No more waking up chocking and swinging thinking I’m getting attacked. …lol…Nice sound sleep for me!! YEAH!! The girl’s room has twin beds so Nana is pumped, we have a fire place, and the house is warm and gets plenty of light. But here is the kicker, I asked if they could put in a washing machine and they said okay. The guy calls and says he’s down stairs with the washer, so I’m thinking two or three men will bring it up. But much to my surprise there is only one man. He sits it down and says “Here you go” I’m looking like ‘what is this’. He starts explaining how to use it, you have to pour water inside plug it up then after take the clothes out dump the water, I cut him off “ like hold up, I’m sorry but I don’t have a clue what you are talking about. I need a machine that I put the clothes in dirty and dry and my next contact with them is rung out and clean. You do realize I was only born in 1981, my grandmother would know how to use this, but I am clueless.” He starts looking and me like ‘you spoiled American’ yes America has spoiled me a bit. …lol.. Then he says “if this is too much just have your maid do it” then I said “ oh you got jokes huh??” he did not understand what that meant, so I just asked “what maid”. He said she will be her on Wednesday, have her wash the clothes, everyone in Morocco knows how to use this. Super BLESSTATION!!! My new house comes with a house keeper…. I always wanted one of those…. Yeah!!!

I could not wait until Wednesday; I needed clean clothes now, so I tackled the weird manual machine today. I push it to the sink loaded it with water, put my clothes in and soap, then let it spin for 20 min. took my wet clothes out put them into a bucket, then drained the water out of the machine. Then I put my wet clothes back in the machine with more water, let them spin for 30 min. I’m sure they need another rinse cycle but I was tired by this point and this process already took like 2hours. So then I rang each piece by hand, I think I pulled a muscle in my ringing out a pair of sweat pants..lol after that I took the heavy wet clothes to the roof and hung them up…. Wow! that was a lot of work. I am defiantly giving the housekeeper a tip because that is too much work for a nickel…literally…. I told Nana all I had gone through while they were at school, her response “Welcome to Africa!!”…..

ZUMBA DANCE PARTY ESSAOUIRA MOROCCO

DECEMBER 29TH 2012

2PM TO 4PM

JUST NEAR LA MAISON GOURMANDE!!!!

 

FOLLOW THE ZUMBA PARTY SIGNS

 

 

 

Now That's Good Living!!!

Yesterday was 12-21-2012, and believe it or not I hardly noticed it. I have mixed emotions about that. Part of me feels like I should have dedicated my whole day to praying and sitting in silence. But the other part of me feels like I have done that over the past few years, working to get me to this place. I have so much peace in my life right now. This is what I have been waiting for my whole life. Growing up I was so uncomfortable with everything; I kept searching for the meaning of life, for the others who were like me, for the reason I never satisfied, basically I spent my whole life searching for me.  Yesterday slipped by me because I was having so much fun. Is it possible to get to a point in your life where you have just arrived and there is no more to ask for, only to give thanks for all you have been given…… That’s how I feel right now; I feel like I’ve been waiting 100 life times to get to this point right here, what more is there to ask for??? Some would say “you can always have more” but isn’t that the meaning of gluttony?  I feel like if I take this time to be completely present in what the universe and I have created then as I need things they will come to me before I even knew I needed them. Now that is good living!!!!

My mom is always sending me these recordings about deeper clarity, abundance, and prosperity. So I was listening to one yesterday evening while I was getting ready to out to yet another fabulous Moroccan party. Most of the time people talk about abundance it the form of things, how to clear your energy field so you can win the lottery, how to meditate to get a new job, visualize a never ending stream of money, practice this and you will have a new car in 30days or less,..lol.. The list goes on and on. But yesterday this gentleman had a different theory that I really connected with. He said that you can only really have true abundance if you are not connected to it……Then he went on to explain. The person doing the interview later asked him “well why do some people have so much and others have so little” his response was something like “ who is judging the amount of what something is worth???” A few post ago I wrote “just cause you got it all, do mean you got it all!!! And that’s REAL!!!!. The other day I was walking down the street and I saw a homeless man sitting on his little mat reading the Quran with so much conviction and passion. I was looking for something in my pockets when I walked pass him, during my search 20DH fell out on to the ground in front of him. I did not notice, but he chased me down to give it back to me. I was so completely touch by his honesty ( here we have a man that may or may not have had any food that day, clothes tatted, dirty, and turn, very few teeth in his mouth, spends his nights laying on the hard cold ground with a stone for a pillow,  no shoes on his feet, and yet has a heart that is so connected to universal law) I wanted to cry I was so touched. I know people who are dipping with material things and not a fraction of that mans honesty. So I 100% agree with the speaker last night, who is to judge worth and value of abundance, the man with everything and still that is not enough, or the man who seems to have nothing, but in truth has it all……. I thanked him for returning the money to me, then told him I’d like for him to keep, but he kept trying to explain that I dropped it, he found it and since it was mine I should take it back.  Trying to hold back the tears, I held his hand with the money in it, looked him in his eyes and insisted that he keep it. After about fifty “shukran’s” (thank you) he finally walked away. And just like that two blessings were exchanged; for him a week worth of meals and for me the honor of being in the presence of a true light being. So I say the day after 12-21-2012 that I have waited a hundred lifetimes to be rich and full of everything that really matters, my cup runneth over!!!! And for that I am eternally grateful!!!

Prayer works

So here is some great news to welcome the winter solstice. I went to immigration and explained to them the problem and about the people trying to extort money from me. They said not to worry that they would give me 2 weeks to find another apartment and to just make sure I get the lease legalized and bring it to them and I will get another 3month extension….. So yeah! I don’t have to take a long bus, train donkey ride to Spain. All I can say is prayer works!!!!!

Anything worth having is worth fighting for!!

You know that saying if it’s worth having then it’s worth fighting for….. Well I am in that type of situation, not with a person as most would think when using that phrase, but more with myself. Those of you who know me and have followed my life know the type of person I am. “Wow that Mahatara sure can take a licking and keep on ticking…… But I often asked myself ‘why did I choose to keep on ticking’ when so many choose to give up. My children are a good part of that answer, but the real answer is, I kept ticking because I knew deep down inside that there was a reality that I owed to myself to live. There are very few successes in life without failure, and all of my “oh No’s, not again” led me to this point. I always try to follow the path of least resistance, but now I wonder what is on the other side of resistance?? Here in Morocco  I have seen myself in a way I’ve never seen me before, my heart has a joy in it that I have never known before, and for the first time in my life I finally feel at home….. My tourist visa is up and now I am faced with either leaving Morocco or renewing my visa.  Some people may wonder how can a person who comes from “the greatest country in the world”…lol… and find salvation in a 3^rd world country…. Life is funny that way, just because you got it all; don’t mean you got it all…. One man’s trash is another man’s treasure….

 So during this process to renew my visa I have to prove that I pay rent, which I have done for the past two months, but it has to be proved… So interestingly enough the person that has to provide this information to the immigration office for me, has decided at the last minute that I need to pay them $9000DH or they cannot provide this information….Meanwhile knowing that my visa will expire in 5days; talk about being caught in between a rock and a hard place. When I tried to reason with them they kept insisting that this is how things are done. I asked those people weeks ago for this document, and they said it was lost… REALLY!.. HOW CONVENIENT!!…Then they tried to hit me with the one two wammy, like you are American surly you can come up with this amount. So I’m thinking “its not a matter of rather I can come up with it or not, you are straight trying to hussel me.”( I don’t think these people have had much contact with BL Americans, they don’t know I’m from the Projects , I will get Projectish and I would have that whole office up in smoke…lol… They are lucky I know Jesus, and it’s almost 12-21-2012..lol…)  No, but on the real, I was real upset and starting crying, so I went to the ocean. While I was there watching the girls playing so freely and absorbing the beauty of our mother crashing up against the rocks along the coast line, I starting thinking about the life I had built here, the friends I had made, and the peace that I have on a regular basses, and how I am not ready to give all that up, not without a fight. So here comes another intense part of my journey. You know what grandma use to say “if you want something done right, do it yourself” so I am going to cut out the middle man and just leave the country, this way I can stay another 3 months without any problems and when I get back I’m looking for another place to live.  So I will have to pack up our house and leave it with a friend. Then take the bus 3 hours to Marrakech, from there take the train 8 hour to Tangier, then take something ( I don’t know what yet) to the borders of Ceuta Spain, and then walk across the borders.  So if you had the thought to donate anything to the Urban Mystic Gypsy Fund at the top of the page, Now would be a really good time….

Before I go on, let me stop and say my heart goes out to all the families who are trying to migrate to a different county to have another life, for whatever reason. It is not easy and I can see how some people will try to use manipulating tactics because they feel you are desperate. I often hear people talk bad about immigrants, like “why don’t they just stay in their own country?” and I think “Do you really wanna go there.” It is easy to judge someone’s situation when you have not taken time to walk in their shoes. So to all the families traveling around the world trying to give their children a different life, please hear me when I say ‘ Keep praying, keep trusting, and know that the Creator has Angels all around to help us stand tall when we feel like falling. And even though things may seem tough now, know that there is always a rainbow after the storm.  Many Blessing to all the readers……I’m going to pack L

Courting begins with a simple cup of tea......

Watching the discovery channel is one of my greatest pass times. I love to see the courting process of different species. If I died and came back as an animal I hope it would be a Peacock or a Penguin. I love how the males in the animal kingdom work to proves there worth… I know I’m not the only woman who misses being courted. In the states the courting process is pretty simple, you find someone attractive you ask for their number, go on a date or two, and then hit the sack. Courting Over!! Well to be honest it never really began. Here is Morocco the courting process begins with a simple cup of tea. The first 3 invites are usually just a kind jester, but by the time that fifth invitation comes along you can almost bet that his trying think of the perfect time to introduce you to his family. With that being said, avoid having tea to many times with someone whom you have no interest in. Because while your thinking “Dag dude, step off, I was thirsty!” his thinking “You drank my tea!”

So what happens on the other end when you are really feeling someone and you come to every tea invite. How much tea most one person drink before it is appropriate to let them know you are interested. It is important not to come off fast and in a hurry because you will get the HOE stamp very quickly. It’s all about timing. I’ve tried the subtle things like, batting my eyes and giving my best googly look, but the only thing that came from that was “Are you okay? Your eyes are doing something weird” so much for being subtle. I have to admit this whole thing is kinda fun. So I guess for now, I’ll just keep drinking tea……..P.S. I’m still adjusting to that leather jacket, jeans, and sandal look.

Moroccan Fashion Mystery

So here is a little Moroccan mystery, how do the women stay so fly?? They be stepping out in stilettos, skinny jeans, leather jackets with ruffles, and white pants.  But every time I go trying to look cute I come back home looking all tore up, like I just got out of a wind tunnel. My lips start out shiny and glossy, 3 hours later I’ll have a pile of sand stuck to my lips, my eye liner running, scarf all cocked to the side thanks to the wind. And my shoes look like I’ve been walking in them for years. My heels are breaking, my soles are wore out, they just look ran the hell over..lol and every time I take off my clothes I find myself standing in a pile of sand…. I don’t know maybe I’m walking in all the wrong places. Cause I am constantly amazed how hitten their outfits are. Maybe one day I’ll figure out this mystery, but until then no more lip gloss and I need a new pair of shoes…lol.. In the words of Nana “Welcome to Africa!!”

Me a Rock Star?? No!!

Starting up Zumba Here in Essaouira has been a beautiful experience, starting over always is.  I am very thankful to the creator for the guidance to get certified to teach. I am slowly learning French, but I still don’t know enough to have a conversation…. Today I had my first Tiny Tot class, and since the little ones don’t really speak English, my face expressions were really big.  They loved it, the mom’s loved it, so job well done. Wednesday is my busy day cause I teach 3 classes, for the most part I try to teach class when the girls are in school, but since Wednesday is a half day I teach children on this day. After my Tiny Tot class I headed to a nearby school for another class. When I arrived the children were outside shouting my name MA-HA-TA-RA!! MA-HA-TA-RA!!..... They don’t really speak English either so I’t a good thing my name is not…lol…. When we walked in they were all trying to hug and kiss me. It reminded me of when Michael Jackson went to South Africa.. Nana said “Wow mommy you’re like a rock star!!” That was an awesome feeling. I did a dance presentation, and then taught a class. They loved it, I was loving it, so job well done.  People keep asking me when I’m planning on coming back to the states??? The question I’m asking “What’s the rush?” The day I turned 30 for the second time I promised myself that I am going to live the hell out of my next 30 years……..I think I’m doing a good job living up to that promise. But look at it this way if I don’t come back, you have a home in Africa…. Maybe it’s time for a vacation………..

I've never known Love like this before!

Have you ever loved something so much that just the mere thought of being without it was overwhelming?? I have, for my family, my children, and a few of  the men I’ve dated ( what can I say, I love hard). But I have ever really known that feeling for a place or a group of random people. Until now!! I was talking to my older sister yesterday, wishing them a Happy Thanksgiving, and she asked me “when are you coming home”? I told her I don’t know, because I love this place so much..Then she asked “what do you love about it”?? There are so many things; the list can go on and on.  I hear many people say, because of the crime and brutality that’s happening; “That the Creator has forsaken us”… She hasn’t, she up moved to Morocco….lol  I have never seen a constant stream of God in people the way I see it here. We have all met those people that say they know God, and everything about them says “yeah right dude!” Now of course there may be a few people here that are not all peaches & cream, but they are far and few between. My reasons for loving this place are easy and simple but at the end of the day isn’t that what we al really want. The people I’ve met are so inlove with their country and yet they are able to love the rest of the world. People tell me “Welcome” about 50 times a day, and usually I’m just walking by. Prior to this I think the last time some said “welcome”, I was coming to their house for a party or something. Lol.. When Maheeyah falls ( which is a lot)  who ever walking by at the time will pick her up, hug and kiss her until she’s okay, they are never moving too fast to care. They have play ground attendants that watch your child so you can drink tea…lol.. I love seeing so many Fathers and Grandfathers playing with their children. I love waking up in this house. Sometimes when I’m cooking lunch I’ll look out the window and the butcher’s chickens will run away trying to avoid what next. And the children in the neighborhood will be running after them, because the ones that bring them back get a treat, and it’s usually fruit or something, but they are grateful none the less. The girls walk around the house singing Arabic and French songs.  Nana is taking to French and Maheeyah is taking to Arabic, and for me well I’m trying.  To sum it up the number one reason I love being here is because my psyche is not under spiritual attack. My mind, body, and soul are in a constant state of peace and tranquility; I have not felt anything remotely close to this in 30+years. I did not know what I was going to find when I packed up a came to Africa, but I have more then I could have ever asked for.  I’m not really sure what my future holds, but the one thing that’s definite , is I am knowing love in a way that I’ve never known it before…..

Made In Medina

I have been a professional dancer my whole life. When I wanted to teach, all I had to do is show my resume ( a very impressive one might I add) and in no time I had a job. I took a few years off to have children, and when I returned to the dance world everything had changed. They no longer asked who have “you studied with”, it was now all about, “where is your certificate”?? So I thought if you can’t beat them join them. I got certified in every style of dance I could before I left the states. What a great choice that was, because I am now here in Africa and I can teach Zumba.  This particular style of dance is fairly new here in Morocco, but I know they will love it, Zumba is so much fun!!  A woman from Made in Medina (a international tourist site) contacted me about the classes I would be teaching. This is the article below, originally was in French, but I translated it to English. Enjoy!!!

 

 www.madeinmedina.com 

 SPORTS halfway between dance and fitness, Zumba footprint both in choreography at the gym. Came from Latin America, this new discipline is emulated worldwide. Essaouira has the chance to host a teacher come from Washington officially launching its Zumba classes for children and adults this month. Meet a dancer and a sporty ultra positive!

The opportunity to talk about Zumba in Essaouira, primarily driven by the pleasure of revealing a new initiative, is also an opportunity to discover the story of a passionate traveler came dancing across the Atlantic. A meeting over tea, in English please.
Mahatara Youssef arrival of "Washington DC" this summer in Morocco. This exploratory of all dance styles danced since his childhood and traveled around the world alongside a mom singer with an international career. Bathed in an artistic and musical creativity, it carries a true inspiration, and her smile contagious.
Why Essaouira?
In search of a life experience away from the United States and possibly in Africa, Morocco Mahatara chooses to live with her two daughters, according to his intuition and the advice of an adventurer cousin. After a tour of major cities, only Essaouira combines the qualities and charm it seeks. Luckily for us, we will be able to get to Zumba.

Zumba: move, smile and muscles (in fluorescent clothing)

Created by Colombian choreographer (one of Shakira for the story), Zumba is a sequence of movements ultra varied musical styles (Latin, reggae-ton, indy, hip-hop, etc.)..
Proven over the years as a bodybuilding programs for all ages the most powerful and fun at the same time, Zumba classes are increasing in Europe and the United States. Mahatara reminds us, there is no need to be gifted to get into Zumba. There is always a movement we like to do, and we muscle despite ourselves to the rhythm of sub-bass. Finally, it is customary to wear the most colorful possible to practice Zumba, history of increasing positive energy.

Where? When? How?
For graduation coach Zumba United States Mahatara a demanding training and used her talents as a dancer with the modern-versed in jazz, classical and other traditional dances and for many years.
Today in Essaouira, it offers courses several times a week in a gym Borj neighborhood. In addition, it also offers its services to coach Zumba fitness rooms and private groups visiting friends in town. Notice to Essaouira hotels and tourists who wish to extend their range of sporting activities.
Course from 3 years, prices, practical information and address on your online guide:
Zumba Dance and Fitness Essaouira

Text Alice Joundi
Photo DR

 

Dead Man Walking

What’s worse than being stuck in a place you dream of leaving? Finally leaving that place and not being able to enjoy the new place because you stayed in that terrible place to long. I met an American man today here in Morocco, believe it or not I have met any Americans the whole time I’ve been here. I wondered where are all the Americans taking their vacations??? I was crazy excited, he was from Chicogo and he had that BL man swag that I have been missing so much.  But sadly about 5 min into the conversation he began to complain about the hardship of living in America, but we are not in the states, I thought. As a matter of fact we are in one of the most beautiful places on earth. And colonization is not a problem, because everyone I see looks just like me. Immediately I felt so sad for this man, at the same time feeling equally sad for myself that I had spent 10minunets of my beautiful vacation in such a low vibrational conversation. As soon as he came up for air I excused myself and walked away swiftly. As I left him standing behind me looking confused, I began to think about that saying “Oppression is worse than death” This poor man had lived over 60 years in pain and in chains and now that he was free, he left, but took his chains with him.

Dear Meracai

I was talking to my mother the other day and she asked my how could I marry someone like you. She does not see what I see in you. That smile that charm that charisma, and I know that your foundation is pure. I do kind of wonder though why do you look at me with such disgust. I used the bleaching cream you gave me, but it’s not working my skin is still brown, I straightened my hair just like you said, but the humidity just keeps making it bushy, I am so thankful for the contacts, but they hurt my eyes and I’m not sure if blue is my color. But I will keep trying, because I know that’s it’s me and as soon as I fix me then we will be okay. I nicked my finger when I was sewing the buttons on your shirt; I was so surprised that I bled Red White and Blue. When did this Happen? When did I become you? Was it when I stood by and watched you do things I knew were wrong, but my fear would not let me speak out. I remember that time I tried and you put your foot on my neck. You did not say anything, but the look in your eyes sent chills down my spine. Every time you leave a woman without her husband, I wanted to say something, but I still have the mark of stars on my face from the ring you were wearing when you hit me. But I know you don’t mean it, you just want what’s best for me. And I love you for that. Sometimes you make me so angry, but how can I stay mad when you come barring such wonderful gifts. That HD flat screen tv makes me feel like I’m right there in the movie, that I Phone is so nice ( you remembered that pink is my favorite color) and that Harry Winston Diamond Necklace sure makes me feel like a Queen ( I don’t even care how many children lost their limbs  for it, because I deserve the best). You tell me all the time that you are the greatest around and I will never find another like you.  I love to I hear you say United we stand it makes me feel like we are really becoming one. I found out I am pregnant today. I am so proud to be giving you my baby, I know you will treat her/him as good as you treat me. Remember those thoughts about equality I wanted to share with you, maybe we can finish that conversation later after swelling in my face goes down. Is this what you meant when you said black and blue look good on me? I remember grabbing my belly as I hit the floor; I hope the baby is okay. The nurse said I almost miscarried and I should think long and hard if I wanted to stay in a relationship like this one. What did she mean, this relationship is perfect!! Everyone I know has one just like it and they are all fine. I’ve never known anything else. I know we will get better, it has only been 500 years, and I have to give it time, right. As I laid in the bed looking at my bruised belly I wondered could life be different. I don’t know but I would like to find out before I die here at the mercy of your neurotic behavior. Meracai it breaks my heart to leave you, but please know that this is not good bye, I just need to take a break, I need to take some time to let my heart and my spirit heal. You have made it very clear that healing is not something I can do in your house. Please try to understand that I have to go, I am beginning to forget the names and faces of my ancestors. I told the nurse my name was Jill, but my mother keeps calling me Fatimah. If I don’t live now I will not remember how great I was born to be and I know that will be okay with you. I have loved you my love life, I don’t even know what it is like to love another, hell I don’t even know what it like to truly love myself. I need to know the feeling of truly being at peace.  I know you don’t understand this, but a stronger me makes a stronger you. My beloved Meracai I will see you again someday.

I wise woman once said: The heart and the spirit are fragile but the mind is strong, and we convince ourselves so many times,that if we just hang in there it will get better. But by the time we become comfortable in uncomfortable situations we have cracked our mind and completely broken our heart and spirit. And at that point we are all Dead Men Walking!!!

I have to send a HUGE THANK YOU to my family and friends!!! We have received some wonderful packages. I have never been so happy to see wash clothes in my whole life…lol.. Also thank you for remembering Maheeyah’s Birthday. And Thank you so much for remembering that Nana and Maheeyah are like twins, so sending two of the exact same things was so thoughtful and it made everything around here super peaceful.  I am beyond grateful for your love. I know Africa was the last place you ever thought you’d be sending a package... Nana is loving the fact that she can eat grits in Africa…lol.. So again thank you! Thank you!! Thank you !!!!

Blessings all around me!!

A friend of mine invited us to Marrakech to spend the weekend with her and her family. The invitation was a bit late notice but something inside me felt the need to go. We were to leave Friday morning but I did not read the email until 9pm the night before. Packing in a hurry with children is more than stressful but I was determined. My friend’s parents are from the states but she grew up in Morocco and lucky for us she and her family speak English. The children hit it off as soon as we walked in the door,  she and I headed to the kitchen (my favorite place to be). I loved her house it felt so warm and real with children’s art posted up around the walls. As I got comfortable at the table, filled up with groceries, she started showing me her species and different things she’s had to import because they are not available in Morocco, like pure vanilla and smoked paprika. We drank Earl Grey, laughed and talked about how we donated our bodies to science by having babies. In the middle of all the laughter, children running in and out of the kitchen, grabbing snake after snack from the grocery bags, I began to feel overwhelmed .I wanted to cry but more than that I wanted to hug God and give my deepest thanks. I had been missing my family so much, not just my family but the things in my life that make me who I am; things that can seem so small but mean the world to me. I had a thought the day before about changing my ticket and coming home early, just so I could sit in the kitchen with my mom, drink tea, cook, tell stories, and watch the kids run from room to room. Every time I left the country before I had my mom to make every place feel like home, but this is the first time I have left the country without her, and there is a big difference.  I prayed for strength and the Creator brought to my reality my deepest inner desires. I was beyond grateful. And just when I thought I had gotten all that my heart could handle, she leans over to me and says “What do you think about having Maheeyah’s birthday party tomorrow here at the house? We can make cupcakes, decorate the house, it will be great!” And right then I knew the feeling of being filled up with so much joy that your heart literally feels like it can’t take any more. I was crazy excited!!! Maheeyah will be turning 4 in a couple of weeks and I love throwing fabulous parties for my girls. I was a little stumped on what to do this year because we are in Africa and no place says “let’s have a party” like America. But before that super stressful day could arrive the Creator took it right out of my hands and made it easy and effortless. And before the weekend was over she made the best Curry Ginger chicken I had ever tasted. The children had a wonderful time, they played games, eat cake, ice cream, drank soda, and dressed up like Moroccan kings and queens.  Hands down it was one of the best weekends I’ve had here in Morocco and I came home with smoked paprika & nutmeg. My kitchen is on fire!!! All I can say is the universe knows best, and when you let go and let God, you will always be happily amazed.  

 

I have never thought of myself as spoiled ( others may beg to differ) until now, with the girls being in school. At first I was really sad and lonely, but now I am counting down the days until they go back. I have had a taste of the good life. I now know what it’s like to walk in silence. (I would like to meet the person that made up the game 20 questions.) Even my wardrobe is happy. Outfits look so much better when little people are not blowing their noses on them. The girls have a 12 day break from school because of the Eid Holiday, so I am doing my best to keep them busy, but Essaouira is running out of animals! That’s the part I miss about America, there constant need of over stimuli, where is Chuck E Cheese when I need it.

 

 

 I just found out that Jack’s real name is Cappuccino…lol It is not easy  getting a camel to move when you’re calling him the wrong name

 

 

I send my prayers

I am in a little town on the coast of Morocco called Essaouira. Word travels fast in all small towns, so most people who see me, by now that I am American. We have a ton of world news stations here and Huriccane Sady is the talk of th town. So already today the butcher across the street, the baker, a couple strangers, my friend from Italy, 2 taxi drivers, the guy at the bank, and a guy riding a horse have all asked with deep concern about the safety of my family back in the states. I really love the heart of the Moroccan people.  I just wanted you to know that I send my love and prayers for the safety of you and your families. I love you!!!  

Love mirage  

I reach my hand out of the fast moving train to happily ever after, for you to come along. You don’t grab it cause the life you know is better than the life you don’t. I was born to move and I have to stay free, I was hoping you could be free with me. Perhaps this journey is one of solitude. I meet many people along the way, their bodies covered with life scars. Their face aged 20 years ahead of time and they say “I wish I knew then, what I know now” and the tides of freedom wash them away.  I’ve loved you for all of my life; my heart is too big for my chest, my eyes to wide for this world. I was born with a great destiny to fill, I can help that my tears set your bed of fire (sorry), or that I can capture your thoughts and make them my own, I can’t help that on my most normal day I am still the cousin of ET. And I can help that I am the last of my kind. I walk this planet trying to grasp on to anything that would make me feel at home so I reach for you. The holy books it says “Be ye not unequally yoked” I don’t understand these words Cause the other part of me would float on clouds, turn rock into sand, jump in and out of time, and have love affairs parallel dimensions.  But I am the last of my kind and that does not ally to me, so I reach for you, the mortal that’s makes my heart skip a beat, but you are a mirage and when we embrace you pass right through me. This is a catch 22; I am so in love with me, but I can’t stop loving you. I have created you over and over because my world feels better with you in it. You are of this world and I am not so I watch to you love another, over and over again.  Your face may change but that walk down the aisle to Normal is always the same. One of these days I will stop creating you, but for now I watch my tears burn holes in my duvet, and I will try to enjoy paradise alone.

I want my Bed Back!! 

I slept so good last night. The girls are on break from school for almost two weeks; actually the whole country is on break for the Eid. Most places will be closed for about 4 days and other places for about 12days.  So, at about 9pm last night, I told the girls that since they had been on such great behavior and they don’t have school for awhile they could stay up as long as they wanted.. They were so pumped, running around the house yelling and dancing “I never have to sleep again, I can stay up and eat forever!” one hour later they were both passed out on the couch. At first I was getting ready to pick them up and put them in the bed, and then I thought, this is my golden opportunity to sleep alone. Now I was pumped, quietly jumping up and down saying “I get to sleep alone!!yeah!”. I put my pajama’s on pulled the comforter back slowly and took those crunchy African sheets for a ride around the block….lol  I woke up this morning feeling completely refreshed and ready for the day. The girls on the other were so upset they feel asleep. Now they are plotting to be on watch tonight, if one falls asleep the other will wake them up. Yeah we’ll see how long that works….lol..

Now this post is strictly for mommies with little children.  Every mommy knows the feeling of trying to get a good nights sleep and the little person next to you, is steady beating the hell out of you all night. You wake up hurting because you got kicked in your spleen like 5 times, or spitting a little toe out of your mouth all night. But the two worst things of all are being in a deep sleep and wake up chocking cause you just got karate chopped in throat and while you’re trying to catch your breath you realize that you are soaking wet; yep cause that little person just peeped in the bed, the day after your washing machine stopped working…lol… I know this feeling all to well. Now I don’t know if people with partners experience this; because when I was with the girl’s father, he would get up immediately and take them back to their room. One day I asked him, why won’t you let the girls sleep with us? He said cause he did not want to miss out on the Morning Nookie!! ….lol… So I say to all the mommy’s, we will have our beds back one day!! Until then, we do yoga…..

 

 

Mr. Pickles

After I dropped the girls off at school, I took a stroll around the neighborhood just trying to get a better idea about where we live. I was followed back home by this little guy. We named him Mr. Pickles.  He looks pretty sad and straggly, so we had not touched him. What is worse, being kicked by a donkey, a horse, or a kangaroo?? We will see if he’s still here by morning. It is a little weird to have a donkey as a stalker. Every time I turned around he would stop and look off as if he was not following me. FREAKY!!

Mr.Pickles

 

Don’t beat me into submission; help me figure out who I was born to be…..

 

 Out of all the things I know that I am, the part I love most about myself is that I am a Life Sciencetist. If I see that something in my life is not working, I am looking for what components need to be added or taking away to get the best results possible. I don’t understand the concept of living with problems. Like trying to drive a car with two wheels…. Why? Just go get two more tires or walk, but why the hassle. So with this philosophy, I decided that when I have children I will not beat them, no one could beat them. I was convinced that a human being left at their own devices would be able to make good choices and be strong observers in life. I felt that if beating really worked then you would only have to do it 1 time… Right?.... I was on the train one day with my sister in DC, and this lady walks up to us and say “listen Ima tell you some real knowledge, dem children you got there, you better beat the hell out of them before they grow up and beat the hell out of you!!” My sister and I looked at each other like OMG!! How long before the next stop?

I am a time out mom; I do a lot of talking, explaining and negotiation and even with all the time outs, talking, explaining, and negotiating I did not feel like I was getting the result I should have been. There was still an underline of whiny, moody, bratty behavior and random temper tantrums about nothing. So I figured there must be more contributing to this situation then what happens between me and them. With my science hat on, I’m back to the drawing board, what was causing this malfunction in their nervous system? Was it the food, the water, the cell phone towers, chemtrails , formaldehyde, this was too much for one mommy to take on, but I refuse to believe that a person born with free will would choose the worst behavior patterns, unless beat into submission. That seemed really off, to keep pushing the boundaries, do as much as you can get away with. Why would someone naturally act like that? Before I left the states I told my mom ‘I am really looking forward to meeting my real children’. Then I was guided to come to Africa for some time, not for weeks but for months. And now for the first time, on a regular basis I am seeing my babies for the peaceful, calm, pleasant, even tempered, free will beings that they were born to be. It did not happen overnight, but real healing never does, it takes time patience, and action. I encourage every mom that has a child that has been diagnosed with ADD/ADAHD to take your child on a long vacation, to another country where living is simple, for about 2 months, and see if your life and relationship with your child becomes the best thing you have ever experienced. Look at it this way you have nothing to lose and everything to gain…..Food for thought!

First Day of School!!

The girls started school this week. They are really excited, especially since I have home schooling for the past couple of years. Here in Morocco the children don’t learn English until the 3^rd or 4^th grade. So in order for the girls to make friends they have to learn to speak Arabic and French. The school they go to is right down the street from our house and the woman who run it are so sweet. They hug and kiss the children when they come in and when they leave.  It is a custom here that everyone goes home to eat lunch and rest before continuing on with their day. So every day at 11:30 I get the girls, they come home; we eat lunch and talk about what they are learning, then at 2:30 they go back to school for another 3 hours. Nana is in the first grade here because she has to learn to read in both French and Arabic, so when they comes home for lunch I put Maheeyah down for nap and work with Nana on her 3^rd grade work. This is the perfect introduction into public school. The first day I took them I was all emotional and the girls were just like “bye mommy”. I stood outside the School for a few moments just looking. I did not have a clue what to do. The girls and I are always together, and the first time I let them out of my sight is in Africa. So I sat on the curb across the street for about 20min, then I had to snap out of it, because I was beginning to look like a stalker…lol I can’t front, I was really sad, so I went to a nearby Passteria, I ate pastries and drank tea until it was time to pick them up. (Yeah my skin did not appreciate that much)..lol….. Well that was day one! Day 2. I was like “Come on yall, get up. Time for school!!!”When the School doors opened we are there front and center. I dropped them off, skipped back to the house, threw my clothes off, turned up the music and danced around the house naked…… Then I notice this little old Muslim man was watching me through his window across the street…I screamed, jumped on the floor, and crawled to the next room, but all the windows were open. So I had to crawl to the bathroom and get my towel, but my bathroom is up a couple stairs…. I’m almost sure he got another peek at my fanny. Yeah that was not my best moment. I was thinking “God I hope I never see him while I’m out side “but because this is real life, When I went to pick up the girls, who was sitting across the street with the butcher, yes the little old Muslim man. I wanted to fall out. He saw me and grinned, of course he was missing all of his teeth, because he was like a hundred years old. I just held my head high, put my sunglasses on and proceeded forward as if nothing had happened. J “I don’t know what he is smiling at” That’s my story and I’m sticking to it…..

  We have gotten allot of complaints about Camel Jack pooping all over the  street, and eating food off the vendors stands,( being fussed out in Arabic is a whole other kind of experience) so he has to stay at the beach with his family, and the girls and i are back to walking. Sometimes the walk is very pleasant and other times it’s pretty terrible because Maheeyah will scream and cry about wanting to be picked up. So today we needed to go to town and I wanted to walk instead of paying a taxi. The walk from my house to town is about 3-5miles, I really wanted to avoid Maheeyah’s temper tantrum, so I decided to walk to the beach (that was pretty short) then let them play in the water for 3 ½ miles. By the time we got where we were going everyone was full of sand with smiles on their faces.

A wise woman once said: Sometimes the road may be long and hard, but if you’re able to find beauty in the journey; before you know it you’ll be at the end. And there is no better way to arrive then with a smile……

So we are pretty much settled in to our place and now I am realizing all the things I need that I cannot find here in Morocco. So this is a request post to all my love ones. Can you please send us some of these things? Please email me and let me know what you can send, so I don’t end up with 20 bottles of seasoning salt. Lol…

I love black soap just as much as the next person, but what I wouldn’t give for some cucumber melon body wash..

• Hair grease (any kind)
• Wash clothes
• Small containers with tops
• pot holders
• Plastic sandwich bags
• Travel tissue packs
• Measuring cups
• Dawn dish detergent
• Sanitizer wipes
• Sanitizer
• Small bars of hand soup (travel size)
• Acouple Little plastic juice cups for the girls
• Number 4 candle for Maheeyah’s birthday cake ( it is not until November 24^th, but I have not seen one)
• Oatmeal and grits

Spices

Nutmeg, cinnamon, pure vanilla extract, baking soda, baking powder, seasoning salt, Cajun seasoning, curry powder, smoked paprika, teriyaki, maple syrup, hot sauce (Texas Pete, Tabasco, Louisiana)  and any other spice that you can think of.

I am enjoying the mint tea here but I really need some CHIA TEA!!!!!!

The good thing is most of this stuff you can get at the Dollar Tree. I sure do miss the 99.cent store.

Thank you soooooooooooooooooooo much!!! I love you
my email is:   mahatarah@gmail.com

In the previous message I said I love shopping. Okay so I only love shopping in America. Shopping overseas is a struggle in a half. Mostly because you have to bargains for a good price o every single thing, they think it's fun.... I feel like slapping somebody .... lol... Apartment shopping is no different.

So after 3 very long days of house shopping, we finally found a beautiful modern place to call home. I wish the house had more of a Moroccan look and feel, but the ones that looked like Moroccan homes we missing very important things, like a stove, refrigerators, toilets, and the list goes on.  And when I asked them where it is, they would say “oh I’ll get it for you in a couple of days” I was thinking are you kidding me…… So yes in the house I feel like I am in America but I am very quickly reminded that I am not, every time we turn on the TV and when I walk out of the front door and the butcher is standing across the street slaughtering chickens. As Nana would say “Welcome to Africa”

Kitchen

Foyer/dinning room

Family room

 

Thank you all so much for having a little fun with me and Voting! I am happy to announce that we have a Winner from Montreal Canada….. In the coming weeks I will reveal the Lucky Bachelor, so stay tuned….

                                

                            My Junior Mystic Gypsy

 

 

 

We had a wonderful time in Chefchaouene, we took a tour today of the beautiful city of blue. If you ever come to Morocco this place is a must see. It is a little far out, but it is so worth the ride. And when you come you have to stay at Residence Nouryan. They have these beautiful fully equipped apartments for the same price as a hotel room. I cooked my first dinner last night here in Morocco. It felt so good to be back in the kitchen. I could not throw down the way I’m use too, because I don’t have my spices, but never the less the girls were licking their plates. So we have been on the hunt for the perfect Morocco. We have been to Rabat, Casablanca, Marakech, Essaouira, El-Jadida, Tangier,  Chefchaouene and a few small towns in-between.. The girls and i are tired and ready to settle down, and I think we found the perfect place to call home, at least for the next couple of months. Stay tuned to see what place your Urban Mystic Gypsy will call home. Next stop apartment shopping. For those of you who don’t really know me that well, you should know I love SHOPPING!!!

So everyone has been asking about Jack. He is doing well; the girls and I miss him too. He will be back in the picture very soon….

 

 

So after 2 days of traveling by foot, train, and bus: we made it to Tangeir at the top Morocco right next to Spain, jus to find out that a last min ticket to Barcelona was like $2,000 one way, the conference was sold out, I have developed an extreme case of motion sickness, the town we got stuck in smelled like fish because it was on the port….. the list goes on. All I can say was BLOWN! BLOWN! BLOWN!.... if this was a reality show the producers would have figured something out, but because this is REALITY I have to go with the flow.. When like gives you lemons make lemon aid. So I had to find a place to gather my thoughts and lay out a new program. I was thinking about going to see a friend of a friend but they were another 6 hour bus ride up and down through the mountains, so I had to stretch that idea. Then I was thinking about going to Fez, but everyone has been talking about how beautiful Chefchaouen is, so I did heads or tails and Chefchaouen won. So after a good night’s sleep and a pretty boring breakfast we caught the bus 2hours on leveled ground into the Mountains. While I was seating on the bus I was looking at my babies; they were so calm and comfortable, trusting whatever I say and do. But I couldn’t help but wonder if I doing the right thing. Dragging my children all the way to Africa, but right in the middle of my thoughts of self pity I remembered that just this morning the girls got up and greeted each other in French, and my oldest daughter poured tea (Moroccan style) for the table. That memory brought a smile to my face and a calm came over my heart.  Yes I am doing the right thing, mostly because there are no wrong choices, but also because I know this experience will shape their lives in ways I cannot even imagine, and the choice to leave America and come to Africa feels so good inside my soul (no matter what has happened). Then my thought got interrupted by the beauty of this land. Morocco is one of the most beautiful countries I have ever seen. It has so much going on from mountains with snow caps to beautiful sandy beaches to the Sahara desert. I really love this place!!!!

I did not stay in Tangier because it is not my cup of tea. People always think that the place that has the most people and the most stores or clubs is the most popping. Not me, give me slow, quite, relaxed, and beautiful scenery and I am a happy camper. Tangier felt to me like New York and Seattle got married and had a super crowded tilted baby.  My thoughts were even moving fast when we were there…lol so were moving on………..