Why I Love Instagram

I have been using Instagram for almost 3 years and it is my favourite social networking site to an extent that it makes me feel like I don't need Facebook (and I did quitted Facebook last year). I don't really use Instagram to share about my personal everyday life, but it is more of like a platform to showcase how I view life in general, things that I love and to improve to way I take photos. Why I love Instagram?

 1. Friends from all over the world - I never thought that I would be friends with people who are models, writer etc. Even though we only communicate through  pictures but it's heart-warming when they do care about you, for example,my absence from Instagram for a few days. Last year, I posted lots of pictures of my Japanese trip and because of the pictures, I got myself Japanese followers and they even appreciate the way I took pics of their country.

2. It's peaceful. - This really depends on who do you follow. I choose to follow people who share photos of their beautiful country and beautiful family. Most of them are mothers. Among my favorite are @confettis from Sweden, @mimithor from France, @seasthemoment from US. I really adore the way they took photograph and how mesmerizing to be able to live in such countries as it seems as if they live in Paradise. These instagrammers have also inspired me to be a mother like they do. Some mothers that I know, tend to only focus on their kids after having them and neglecting the fact that they do need time to enjoy and pamper themselves. These mother on Instagram really take some time to do what they like. Apart from that, in Instagram, there is no debate on politics but people who keep complimenting each others' photos without any hatred or prejudice despite the different skin colours and different faith. That's what I love the most. No one is judgemental. But like I said earlier it depends on whom do you follow. It's a different story if you follow politicians.

3. It's a place to show your so-called artistic skills in photography. - I'm not saying that I'm good at taking photos but I have to admit that I've learned a great deal from Instagram on how to capture photos and edit them. Some of these famous Instagrammers are never reluctant to share knowledge on taking pics like theirs. I've also learned from Instagram editing apps that I should use and my personal favourite at the moment is VSCOCam. It's a great app that can help to make your photos more elegant.

So these are the reasons why I love Instagram and I'm not sure until how long it will remain my number one social networking site. This site proves that we're all connected despite the differences.

The Castle in The Pyreness by Jostein Gaarder

If you've read Sophie's World (a novel which also serves as a basic guide to philosophy), you might feel compelled to read this novel. It's a love story of two old lovers who parted from each other because of their different interpretations of an incident that is also the cause of their separation. The female character, Solrun is a very spiritual and religious person and the male character,Steinn is more of a rationalist and atheist. They correspond with each other through emails. The whole novel to me is more of like a lecture on SPIRITUALITY vs LOGIC. Readers who are into great plot in a novel might find this boring and I did skip a few paragraphs as it feels like reading a text book.But this novel has served its purpose for readers who read to learn more about philosophy. My favourite part of the novel is the ending. It's just truly unexpected. I must say that it's strong and captivating and it it capable of leaving such a deep impact to the readers, at least to me. It has taught me great life's lessons such as, TO BE GRATEFUL and TO LIVE FOR THE MOMENT. And of course, reading it as a muslim, I don't agree with some of the views of both character especially Steinn. Worth reading if you're into philosophy but I would recommend you to read Sophie's World first. It's the kind of book that can help you to understand Nietszche,Aristotle, Descartes etc. in brief.

Photography

I heart VSCOCam. http://farahazmi85.vsco.co

A Confession

I have a confession to make. The thing is, these days, I feel shy to write. I do regret the fact that I read less and I am no more that updated with currrent issues. Really, this shouldn't be an issue. I used to write every day. It's my passion. Even though i don't write well but writing used to be a necessity. Now, it is something that is really burdening and difficult. I used to write just to make myself satisfied and not for the reason that others will read whatever it is that I've written. And you know what? No more writing, it has definitely changed me. I think I am no more the same person I was years ago. I really need to start writing again. And I am motivated for that. Insha Allah. Why? Because I'm sick of social network and things posted there and I hope for the days when people are so into blogging and blog-hopping will return.