So we had a crazy busy weekend and I’m just now winding down from all the preparations from this coming week’s celebration.
I took a few minutes to play with Dawn’s colors to make a birthday card for a special someone’s upcoming birthday who happens to read my blog.
Yesterday was the first day of Ramadan so the atmosphere here in Morocco is very different from the usual. It has also been over 100 for about a week and now our Muslim friends cannot eat or drink anything until after sunset. I don’t know how they do it. I get thirsty just thinking about it! I was reminded of our first f’tor (break fast) here in Morocco almost two years ago. You can see the photos here. And now I’m totally craving Shebekia. The really fun thing about Ramadan is that all the bakeries have special treats that are not available any other time of the year. Today we found delicious donuts that were gobbled down way too quickly for a photo!
There was also a different vibe in the grocery store. I, like an insensitive dummy, walked in chewing gum and felt SO guilty! Why don’t I just crack open a cold coke right in front of everyone?? I spit it out as inconspicuously as possible!
It was yet another reminder of our first f’tor. I had confessed to the hostess that I had never eaten a date before. She handed me one like she wanted me to try it and there was almost an audible gasp from all five females in the kitchen when I stuck it in my mouth… before the break fast, of course. It has taken me two years to finally admit this horrific offense. Seriously, I wanted to crawl in a hole and DIE. I just asked Jack if I had ever told him about the date and he told me that I never told him either. Confession is good for the soul…maybe. He also added that maybe that was the reason we never got invited back. Gotta love him! He knows how to make me feel good! LOL! He was kidding, but it might be true! I guess we’ll never know!
Maybe it’s wrong to feel this way, but I have never in my life been more grateful for my faith and the freedom I have.
Alright, well I’m off to chill a bit after I try to get the glitter off everything in my room, myself, and half the house from my card today! Does that happen to you all too?
Tomorrow is going to be a big day! See you all then!
{ 30 comments… read them below or add one }
Gorgeous card!!!
I love your card!!! It’s too perfect! And your story is so funny!
Your card is fabulous, and I love your story, too!
What a cute card! I love all the glitter! Is it like a fasting time for the people or just tradition? I am so thankful for my faith and freedom too!
Cute card, Tina. So glittery and fun-looking! Interesting stories, too. And, no, I don’t think it’s wrong to feel grateful for the freedom you find in your faith. Especially, since you seem to be so aware of not stepping on the toes of those who don’t know your freedom. Not perfectly, maybe, but there’s a learning curve involved in adjusting to a new culture — even in different regions of the U.S. In college I visited a friend’s family for Sunday dinner and they had chicken with noodles on the table, along with mashed potatoes, green beans, and bread. They wanted me to serve myself first, as I was the guest, and I made nice little separate piles of everything. I didn’t know that the noodles were supposed to go on top of the mashed potatoes! They all thought that was so funny — but I’d never seen so much starch on a table at one time! We didn’t eat like that on the west coast! So — now I know. (Sorry for the long story! I do love your card — and your blog!)
Oh, Tina, your story made me laugh! I thought I was the only one who did things like that (after which Chris snarks me mercilessly — sigh.) {grins} Love the card too!
Glitter everywhere….um…yes usually all over my face…now when a 50 something woman is running around with glitter on her face people don’t really know what to do some tell me and I laugh and make an attempt to wipe it off and say….it’s my sparkling personality…most people that I run into know who I am and just laugh with me those that don’t have something to go tell their families and friends…LOL
BTW I love the card…
This is super cute! Love the square cupcake designs using the color palette.
I love your card. The cupcakes and glitter are a perfect match for those colors.
i love hearing your experiences as well. I remember visiting Egypt during Ramadan and feeling guilty every time I drank water or ate food. Our tour guide must have had a difficult time as we enjoyed their cuisine. I also appreciate your feelings toward your faith. Watching the Muslims devotion was awe-inspiring. It made me so grateful for the beliefs that I have and the freedoms I enjoy!
I love reading your stories about living in Morocco and reminds me of my travels there. I made many faux pas as well, especially with dining, but luckily most of the hosts were very gracious. I am left-handed, so eating without offending was always a huge challenge for me. I also remember times when we would visit several houses in one evening, then return back to our place. At each home a huge meal would be prepared, and I was expected and encouraged to eat it all. Then when we got home another huge meal was waiting, I would be so stuffed I couldn’t possibly eat any more – but I somehow managed.
so cute. awesome job
Hi Tina! Love your yummy card. I also enjoyed hearing about your Ramadan experience…very interesting to learn about other cultures. Have a great day!
Your cupcakes are adorable! Thanks for sharing your Ramadan story…I travelled to Algeria and it definitely brought back some memories of my time there!
That card looks so delishous I could eat it!
this is great – i love your details!
OMG! This card is GORGEOUS!!
I love your cupcakey card….I also love reading about all your ventures!!!
Cute Birthday card!! Thanks for sharing your experieces
And yes when I create a card using glitter by the end of the day everyone at home has glitter. What to do the joy of cardmaking 
What a delicious looking card! Fab!
I remember ramadan while in Algeria. It was a fascinating thing for me. I too wonder how they did it. Thank you for sharing your experience! It brings it all back for me.
Your card is just perfect! I love everything about it!
this is super cute! I have this set and plan to create something similar- thanks for the inspiration!
This is really beautiful! I love it!
YUMMY! Love this fun and playful card. Way to rock this color combo challenge.
It’s a good life!
Terri E.
Being the cupcake lover that I am, I just love what you have done with the RSCC!
TFS
oh what a cute card Tina, lovely cupcakes that seriously have me now wanting one, haha (I’m on a diet so…you can imagine
) Funny, your story/experience, but I guess you can be excused a bit ya know? I mean there’s always a first time for everyone, and some times we mess up. My hubby Scott once for dinner (his first visit to Bze) took his soup bowl and slurped that soup down and man, yeah, it’s a big no-no to do that in Bze, haha, but we laughed at him afterwards, hehe 
(maybe that’s what they did afterwards, laughed at the situation 
Hugs
Clouds
Your card is so cute…is it ok to stamp cupcakes during Ramadan?…lol
I just love the cupcakes! VERY pretty card!
I love the cupcakes in your card… and I enjoyed the story too… When I use glitter I also use it as part of my clothes, hair, make up, etc…
I don’t think there is a way to use glitter without a mess. Sometimes I prefer to use Stickes instead 
TFS
Such a cute card! I love the story you told, too!