Mission Statement

Please take a moment to reflect on this powerful hadith:

Hadith 25:

Abu Hurairah (raa) narrated: Allah’s Messenger May peace be upon Him said :
“When a slave (a person) commits a sin (an evil deed) a black dot is dotted on his heart. Then if that person gives up that evil deed (sin), begs Allah to forgive him, and repents, then his heart is cleared (from that heart covering dot); but if he repeats the evil deed (sin), then that covering is increased till his heart is completely covered with it. And this is Ar-Ran that Allah mentioned (in the Quran),
“Nay! but on their hearts is the Ar-Ran (covering of evil deeds and sins) which they used to earn” (83:14)”
At-Tirmidhi, Vol 5 , Hadith No: 3334

As creatures endowed with intellect we can apply our reasoning and derive meaning from these words. As usual the guidance of a learned scholar is always recommended in these cases. Individuals with out a proper background in Islamic studies tend to make erroneous interpretations. I don’t claim to be an Islamic scholar however I do strive to learn from such individuals. I then internalize their teaching and seek greater understanding of my faith in the process.

It is this understanding that I wish to share with my readers. Simply because it excites me and I feel a need to voice this excitement. Can you imagine in your minds eye how your heart may look after committing a sin and the black dot is upon it? As God fearing believers this image should inspire us to seek forgiveness, repent for our sins, and pray that our lord remove that disdainful blemish from our precious hearts.

But what of the second part of the hadith? What if an individual lacks taqwah (the fear of God) his faculties would not respond in a similar manner. He may derive some morbid pleasure from the sin and seek to repeat it. As described if he continues in this manner and fails to seek guidance the covering will grow and grow until the entire heart is covered. This covering has been specifically mentioned in the Quran.

Estagfurallah May we never reach such a dismal state, may our hearts remain soft and pure, may they always be receptive to good teachings and urge us to do good deeds.

Typical durs or religious talks stop here and we go about our way, feeling spiritually recharged. Which is great. But have we done enough? Have we spread this enlightenment to others? And by others I don’t mean other Muslims. Its all to easy to preach to the choir. How about to the unbelievers? Would they be inspired with the same urge to repent? If they are spiritually inclined perhaps they will. They could appreciate the wisdom in these words.

But what of the soul whose heart is nearing Ar-Ran, how do we reach them? Imagine a deviant soul mired in sin, reveling in sin, deaf and dumb it moves about the earth with utter abandon. Heedless to the calls of good and virtue. A monster in human form, sent to deceive and wreak havoc. We dare not walk where it walks, we dare not speak what it speaks. In our silence and inaction it grows strong. With conviction the evil soul justifies heinous acts, genocide, theft and debauchery. Pain and misery falls upon the earth, humanity loses its dignity and the devils claims another soul.

Can we think of examples of such individuals from history, current events? How does this happen? How do people get like that? This is a topic that begs to be studied in depth. That’s why I love this hadith so much. It gives us a glimpse into that process. I would say that black dot could also be thought of as the Dark Seed.  A seed by which evil grows. No one is immune from it, we may be growing it in our hearts as we read these words. Its only the fear of God that can reduce it send it back to where it came from.

Isn’t this fascinating? Do you wish to learn more. Maybe even see this process in action. Enter Reapers of the Damned: Dark Seed. The sequel to my first full length novel Reapers of the Damned. I seek to chronicle a key character’s fall from grace. The series of events that led him to becoming a genocidal monster. This is by no means an original theme, Anakin Skywalker -> Dark Vader anyone? But I am giving it my own twist. My own unique brand of story telling.

Hey man, I thought you were keeping all this top secret and all cloak and daggery? You gave the project a codename and was keeping it secret from everyone. Ya well its such a good secret I don’t know much about the project either. That’s because life has gotten in the way. I never had the “time” to sit down and write. After reading  words written by a wise man, I soon came to realize what my problem was. The problem wasn’t a lack of time it was a lack of motivation. I had plenty of time for TV but no motivation to write.

Where did my motivation go? Its all too easy to say that life dealt me a swift blow and that I am too beat up to go on. To busy feeling sorry for myself to get back up. Well I got back up and I am swinging back. But still no motivation. Why is that? The wise man went on and said that you have no Mission statement. The goal you are achieving can not be communicated in a few eloquent prose. You know what he’s right. The storyline for ROTD:DS was so jumbled in my mind I couldn’t get it out. I was trying to do so much. Sure I did character sketches, plot mapping the works. But it still didn’t come together. It never seemed to work on paper.

I am sure seasoned writers have gone through this and have ways to work through this. But I am no seasoned writer. I am just an enthusiasts. It will take hard work and dedication to produce something worthwhile. But I aim to enjoy the process and grow by it. Join me on this journey. Share your thoughts in the comment thread. In the meantime God Bless and stay safe.

UPDATE:

The wise man also said no one can succeed on his own. That's why I am reaching out to you. Help me explore this topic. Share your thoughts. Let me get you started. I really like the title I came up with. I like how the main title compliments the sub-title. We all heard the phrase "reap what you sow". Well in this case they have sowed the dark seed now they will reap evil. 

email call!

It's almost the end of the month. And I haven't gotten in my three posts yet. Fresh out of ideas (don't worry it's a temporary thing) so I'll let my friends entertain you. They are always sending me cool pics in the mail. Here are some good ones that showed up in my inbox. Enjoy!

Here's the caption that came with it:

Hyper Realistic Drawings

Although they look like real photos, they are just paintings created by different artists. The illusion of reality is so high that it is difficult to believe someone could draw this.

Working this into the sequel

Writing

This whole heartache episode has done wonders for my writing. It has more emotional depth to it and the characters are much more darker. Writing like this has helped me vent my frustration which feels really good.

How did it go?

Aaah sweet relief, I am glad I am done with my finals. Blog readers may be wondering how they went. Well to answer that question we have to travel to an alternate dimension. In which the elements of the test-taking ordeal are metamorphicly represented. The test taker becomes a futuristic warrior from the future. His knowledge and skills are his weapons. The test is an arena filled with enemies (questions) that must be disposed of with extreme prejudice.

We’ll take the next slipstream to this dimension. That is if you’re willing to come along? No time to think now…slipstream opening…max dilation reached…hold on tight ‘cuz here we go…

Emilio Juarez glanced at the strobing red light. He looked away wondering when the bay doors would open. There was nothing he didn’t like more than waiting for a battle to begin. He ran another systems check to keep himself occupied. Backup ammo clips at the ready, body armor energized, neck seal in place, visor on. His gloved hands expertly hefted the TI-83 a computerized sub machine gun capable of many wonderful feats.

The sirens blared he was given the green light as the bay doors slid aside. Juarez drew his body into a tactical posture and barreled head long into the dark void of the arena. He headed for the first barrier and took up position. Most warriors liked to open fire with indiscriminant fire. His first inclination was to gain situational awareness. He tapped the side of his helmet inundating his visor with a map of the arena. From his precarious shelter he studied the lay of the land.

“Two toughies at one ‘o clock. Medium grades at my 10.” This was not good if he wasn’t careful his opponents could box him in and deny access to the chute, the only way to the next level. While he considered his options he caught sight of something scampering in the darkness. He made a mental note to be on alert and find a new position soon. No sooner had he thought this than a furry creature dashed straight at him. In an instant he was wielding a nightstick, which quickly found its mark. It hit the creature dead center nailing it to ground.

“Freebies you gotta love ‘em” careful not to get too cocky he programmed the TI-83 with a wide dispersal firing solution.

“This should give me enough time to make a dash for the chute,” he thought as he deployed the gun’s tripod and placed it on the barrier’s ledge. His exposed hands drew some fire but he was quick to pull back.

“I am going to miss you buddy,” he said as he pushed the fire-sequencing button. It immediately recognized the programmed instructions and dispensed a torrent of bullets. A medium grade was knocked out but the toughies were quick and took defensive positions. The tripods legs adjusted to compensate sending a volley of high yield bullets in their direction.

In the ensuing commotion Emilio Juarez made a mad dash for the chute. His body armor took some hits when he was out in the open but he didn’t let that stop him. He hugged the rim of the cylindrical opening and dove in. As he fell through a loud concussion told him his trusty weapon was out of commission.

He landed with a thud. A double back roll brought him back to a fighting stance. He didn’t need his embedded map to tell him that this was not good. Laser mesh was strewn across a long hallway leading to a door in the distance. He knew he had to get to the door without getting sliced by the lasers.

He wouldn’t be able to blast his way through this one. He needed a plan. Perhaps he could neutralize the effects of the lasers somehow. He surveyed his inventory of supplies and pulled out the shimmer shield. Once activated the shield would be able to deflect the lasers. However it would draw energy from his suit, gradually depleting his armor. Emilio would have to be quick and run through the laser mesh at top speed. There was a chance that he could run out of energy midway but that was a risk he would have to take.

Once the shield was activated his body was enveloped in a shimmering dome of energy. He didn’t waste any time plunging into the laser mesh. The beams of high-powered light tried to pierce his body but were turned away, shooting off at odd angles. By the time Juarez reached the end of the obstacle his body armor was severely depleted. He switched of the shield saving what little energy he had. Lucky for him he wouldn’t need much protection at this stage; the exit to the arena was at hand.

He eagerly went for the door and tried to open it. That was when he noticed a keypad. He would have to enter the right code to unlock the door. Wall mounted guns suggested that if he didn’t he could be fired upon. With weaken body armor Juarez was not too eager to get shot at. He could very likely sustain injuries or even die.

The warrior took a deep breath and keyed in a sequence of numbers. The guns opened fire. The short burst of gunfire rendered his armor useless. He tried again. The next round of fire found their mark. His Kevlar suit bore the brunt of the bullet’s force however the stinging sensation was extremely painful. He couldn’t keep this up much longer if the bullets managed to get inside his body the game would be over and the arena would have won. He keyed in another sequence again he was reprimanded with a buzzing bullets.

“Think! What could it be?” he drew upon all his training and still could not find the answer. Just at that moment the sirens began to blare. This time they signaled the impending end of the battle. If he didn’t do something right now he would be stuck here forever. That’s when he decided to use brute force. He pulled out a bomb patch and attached it to the doorframe. He stepped back and allowed the explosive to detonate. The ensuing blast cracked open the door. However the guns were notified of the violation and put down a curtain of bullets. Stepping through that was his only chance.

Arching his body he lunged through. The bullets tore into his flesh spilling blood on polished floors. He groaned in agony but kept on going. With the last ounce of strength he battered down the door, disappearing into a flood of white light.


Tune in next week (?), for the exciting conclusion (does he make it?). We now return you to your previously inhabited dimension.

Intermission

Calling all Sophie from Shinola writers!

If you were part of Sophie from Shinola you’re gonna love what I have in store for you. As promised I started work on compiling all parts of the story into one document, tweaked it with some desktop publishing wizardry and viola! You’ve got Sophie from Shinola - the compiled edition. A must have for die hard Sophie fans everywhere!

It came out quite nicely; I am especially pleased with the front cover. You can download it using the “Free E-book” button in the sidebar (it’s a 1.16 MB pdf file). Consider this as a gift from your beloved Lord Farthum. I expect daily doses of homage in return. The e-book should also prove entertaining to non-participants as well. Enjoy!

UPDATE: Now the e-book contains all installments and four possible endings. I redid my "desktop" note and threw in an ending as well, be sure to check it out. On a more technical note the pdf is now 1.3 MBs plus anyone linking to the file does NOT have to make changes to the html. It'll work as is.

Sophie from Shinola, part 23

Here is my second contribution to the round robin challenge that I have taken part in. It's been fun, I liked how my characters were so well recieved by the other writers. The story elements that I set up carried through for quite awhile, something I didn't expect when I was writing my part. That means they like me they really like me!

Here's a link to Part 22 written by Jeri and hosted on her website. It's nice to see the internet fixed again ;)

Sophie from Shinola, part 23

Blink/Sophie’s body had been badly beaten. The failed attempt at disabling the weapons systems control had alerted the Trageth. Their security forces immediately took action and quickly apprehended the intruders. The Trageth were not known for their kindness and used harsh methods when interrogating prisoners. Sophie’s conscious had to recede and allow Blink’s to take over during the ordeal. His firm resolve enabled him to withstand the brutal beating yet not reveal any critical details of his mission.

Now left alone to lick his wounds Sophie returned. “My goodness what did they do to you…to us?” Blink did not allow Sophie to interface with the nervous system.

“Don’t worry dear it’s nothing. We should be back to our old self in no time.” He licked a deep cut with his tongue, the saliva’s natural coagulating enzymes would help to stem the flow of blood. His broken ribs would not mend so easily.

“We have to find a way off.” Sophie pleaded

“Yes I realize this.” His mind tried to come up with a plan of action. His training told him to ignore the pain and focus on the mission. But Blink knew they were near death and could not find the strength to think.

The Trageth sent in their doctor, a sadistic gnome of a man. He pried and prodded the unconscious body checking for any life signs. He felt no remorse as his hand held diagnostic device registered sharp spikes in the body’s pain receptors during the examination.

“It’s still alive.” A hidden communication device carried his words to his superiors “But I don’t think it can take another round of questioning. Might as well dispose of it in the incinerators.”

The doctor could not hear their reply. It was drowned out by the sound of seared metal. The blood caked walls of the interrogation room were lit ablaze. The eastern wall fell in a flood of molten metal. From behind the curtain of fire two projectiles screamed through and neatly embedded themselves in the doctor’s frontal lobes.

A gigantic dreadnought clambered into the room. “Agent 2375 I am SpaceForce dreadnought UCF-17 I have been dispatched for your immediate retrieval.” The mega machine’s sensor’s surveyed its surrounding “Come with me if you want to live.”

next up is Michelle K.

Sophie From Shinola, Part 7

Over on Polybloggimous Nathan, Your friendly location manager, is up to no good. He invited me and others to a round robin challenge in which we all take turns writing a scene for a story. It's called Sophie from Shinola it's about a new space force cadet. Anywho I got Nathan's email telling me my turn was up. I couldn't respond because I had class and it got really late and I went to sleep (I know I am such a whimp). Hopefully this gets to everyone before the 24 hour deadline. BTW you seem like a crazy enough bunch of kids where do I sign up for UCF membership?

Here is a link to part 6 written by jeri but posted on nathan's site due to the internet breaking down (which is something that can so not happen).

Preface:
I picked up a thread started by shawn in Part 2 of the story. He mentions the imminent arrival of a sterilization fleet. I knew right away I had to do something with that. Luckily no one beat me to it. You'll notice that I take some hints from Hitchiker's Guide to the Galaxy in this scene. Plus I leave a thread wide open for the next writer. Hopefully she'll want to take it.

Sophie From Shinola, Part 7

The sterilization fleet gracefully descended into Chenolla VI’s orbit. The pulsating signal from the decaying beryllium mine lit up the useless and hollowed planet. The Space Force had a low tolerance for unproductive planets. They were given the chance to voluntarily secede from the interplanetary alliance however the petty humans responded with only pleas for compassion and understanding. Retched creatures! Their only desire is to suck upon the resources of the alliance. This cancerous parasite must be terminated.

Tactical officer Farthum Bardabuff’s multiple appendages deftly danced over the weapon’s console. The sentient being that had taken over this primitive life from used its superior intellect to simultaneously program the brain wave scanner and ready the ionic disrupters. The scanner was programmed to detect all single brained life forms and feed coordinates into the disruptor’s targeting actuators.

After the global scan was complete Farthum was ready to commence bombardment. But there was a problem. He would have to report this to the council. From the back of his head he secreted two putrid lips. Which conveniently cupped a com phone.

“Ah supreme councilor, please excuse this interruption, but there is a problem with one of the coordinates.”

“What is it?” a harsh voice responded

“I’ve detected a dual brained life form could be one of ours”

“Farthuuuum!!! Termination protocols clearly state to teleport all space force cadets to a duly designated vessel belonging to the sterilization fleet before commencing bombardment. You already know this so why are you bothering me during my skull rub?!”

“Uh councilor so sorry to inconvenience you there is a human in close proximity I wouldn’t want to bring it on board as well. At this distance the teleporter is not…precise.”

“Very well I authorize the use of precision force. Deploy the hunter seeker droid.”

the next part can be found at Michelle K.'s blog.

Guess What ?! (Part IV)

let's wrap this up shall we?

Here's a recap of the clues revealed so far:

first post
second post
third post

Since no one guessed correctly it looks like I get to keep the prize, whatever that is. So what was that really big and entertaining place you ask? Well it's none other than Royal Caribbean's new cruise ship called Freedom of the Seas. Take a look:

No I don't work for them I just needed a gimmick for my blog. I'll have a new guessing game for you when I feel like it. Maybe next time I should have an actual prize.