Blog Post Title One
“ Please be patient. Many people sharing wife”
When I first moved to Bali, the jungle hummed louder than the Internet. Back then, finding a reliable WiFi connection was bit like spotting a white heron mid ceremony- mystical, fleeting and accompanied by incense. The running joke amongst foreigners was that we were all “ sharing wife” thanks to the delightful typo you’d see posted in cafés and home stays.
It was hard not to laugh - and even harder not to imagine the collective domestic chaos this implied. “ no, no, I’m only borrowing her until 4pm” . In truth though, we were all sharing something, a communal patience, a deep inhale, and a willingness to accept technology on this island that is offered with a prayer,
When I finally decided to install WiFi at home - it felt like a declaration of intent - not just to connect to the digital world, but to surrender to whatever version of connection the gods had in mind.
The installers arrived like a scene from a surreal novella. Three men immaculately dressed in pressed pants, tucked in collared shirts and shiny lace up shoes. They approached my door with quiet reverence and classic Balinese warmth “ Selamat pagi Ibu” Yes, I was now ibu, the respectful title for the woman of the house or depending on the day, a benevolent witch or local curiosity.
They nearly removed their shoes at the door, a cultural courtesy and remembered they were here on a mission…Then suddenly the ritual changed: out came the cigarette packs. They lit up synchronised style like a sacred brotherhood of chain smoking engineers and began stringing cables with impressive flair.
There was a kind of rhythm to it -light, drill , exhale, smile.
They puffed away like incense sticks, pausing only to offer updates “ okay Ibu, maybe fast, maybe not fast” I nodded fully aware that inBali, maybe is as close to a contract as one gets.
By sundown, the installation was miraculously complete. The modem blinked with shy uncertainty, and the sweet smell of clove smoke lingered long after they left.
The Internet was slow, yes, but faithful in her own mysterious way. Somewhere in the distance a rooster crowed in celebration.
These days the WiFi is stronger, and you’re less likely to find “wife sharing” jokes in cafes. But that earlier chapter of chain smoking saints in spotless shoes is forever etched in my memory like a smile hidden in a temple carving.
Because in Bali, even connecting to the Internet is ceremony.
It all begins with an idea. Maybe you want to launch a business. Maybe you want to turn a hobby into something more. Or maybe you have a creative project to share with the world. Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.
Don’t worry about sounding professional. Sound like you. There are over 1.5 billion websites out there, but your story is what’s going to separate this one from the rest. If you read the words back and don’t hear your own voice in your head, that’s a good sign you still have more work to do.
Be clear, be confident and don’t overthink it. The beauty of your story is that it’s going to continue to evolve and your site can evolve with it. Your goal should be to make it feel right for right now. Later will take care of itself. It always does.
To my children, from the Island of Ganesha
A love letter from Bali, wrapped in banana leaves.
To my children, from the island of Ganesha.
A love letter from Bali.
My loves,
If you ever find yourselves walking the winding paths of Bali - through a temple gate, down a jungle trail, or tucked into the quite corner of a family compound - you will find him.
Ganesha.
The elephant headed god. The remover of obstacles. The keeper of wisdom. The guardian of portals and thresholds. The gentle giant with a round belly, a broken tusk, and eyes that hold the patience of a thousand lifetimes.
I didn’t know when I first arrived how much Ganesha would come to mean to me. I saw him everywhere carved into moss converted stone, sculpted in gold above doorways, or nestled between marigold offerings and banana leaves. Another beautiful part of Bali’s rich tapestry. But slowly he became something more.
He became a presence. A companion. A quiet reminder.
Ganesha is always placed at the threshold - by doors, gates and entrances. He stands guard not to keep people out, but to remind them to pause before they step forward. To breathe. To honour the crossing..
And that’s what I wish for yo7 my children: to trust the thresholds in your own lives. To know that each obstacle is not a punishment, but an invitation. to cross boldly but also wisely- with both courage and grace.
There were days when I missed you so intensely it felt like a rip tide pulling at my chest. In those moments I would light an incense by our Ganesha at home and speak softly to him. Not always with words, just a heart speak. A mother’s prayer across the oceans.
I would picture your laughter and your struggles, your becoming and I would ask him to walk with you. To guide your steps through confusion, to make you laugh when the road got strange , and to clear the path just enough for you to see the next light.
Bali has taught me that the gods are not far away.
They live in kitchens and courtyards, in the sound of the gamelan, the rhythm of the rain.
And Ganesha is the god who carries my love for you.
So if you ever find yourselves facing something hard - a loss, a decision, a dream to big to name, remember this:
Ganesha is always close. Even if you can’t see him. Maybe in the silence before a choice, or in the laughter that finds you after tears. Maybe it’s in the knowing that you are never alone.
I have loved you across the oceans and years, I have loved you through every version of myself.
I will continue to be at the gate just like Ganesha, watching, waiting and walking as you cross into who you already are.
With all my heart,
Muma.
all begins with an idea. Maybe you want to launch a business. Maybe you want to turn a hobby into something more. Or maybe you have a creative project to share with the world. Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.
Don’t worry about sounding professional. Sound like you. There are over 1.5 billion websites out there, but your story is what’s going to separate this one from the rest. If you read the words back and don’t hear your own voice in your head, that’s a good sign you still have more work to do.
Be clear, be confident and don’t overthink it. The beauty of your story is that it’s going to continue to evolve and your site can evolve with it. Your goal should be to make it feel right for right now. Later will take care of itself. It always does.
Blog Post Title Three
It all begins with an idea.
It all begins with an idea. Maybe you want to launch a business. Maybe you want to turn a hobby into something more. Or maybe you have a creative project to share with the world. Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.
Don’t worry about sounding professional. Sound like you. There are over 1.5 billion websites out there, but your story is what’s going to separate this one from the rest. If you read the words back and don’t hear your own voice in your head, that’s a good sign you still have more work to do.
Be clear, be confident and don’t overthink it. The beauty of your story is that it’s going to continue to evolve and your site can evolve with it. Your goal should be to make it feel right for right now. Later will take care of itself. It always does.
Blog Post Title Four
It all begins with an idea.
It all begins with an idea. Maybe you want to launch a business. Maybe you want to turn a hobby into something more. Or maybe you have a creative project to share with the world. Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.
Don’t worry about sounding professional. Sound like you. There are over 1.5 billion websites out there, but your story is what’s going to separate this one from the rest. If you read the words back and don’t hear your own voice in your head, that’s a good sign you still have more work to do.
Be clear, be confident and don’t overthink it. The beauty of your story is that it’s going to continue to evolve and your site can evolve with it. Your goal should be to make it feel right for right now. Later will take care of itself. It always does.