#the things i do to fund my hobbies loo

[gucci-depressione]

Am I willingly gonna travel 2 hours just to get the claptrap popcorn bucket? Yes, yes I am.

Will I go broke because of it? Oh most definitely

Will it be worth it? Hell yeah

[angelkurenai]

Imagine going hiking and Dean accidently hearing you sing to the mountains, and he's desperate to find an owner to such beautiful voice.

“If you ask me, it's rather obvious what we're dealing here with and it won't take much time. But it's always to be better safe than sorry, so I'm thinking we should head once more to-” Sam's rambling was cut short as he looked up from his small notebook only to realize his brother wasn't paying the slightest attention to him “Dean?” he asked without really expecting, or getting, a reaction.

And as if that wasn't enough, he didn't seem to be willing to hide it in the least bit, his eyes trained on his food with a deep frown set on his face as he played around with it. It was that exact fact, and the one that most of his plate was still full which was very concerning if Sam took into consideration that this was his brother that wasn't eating, besides the lack of concentration or talking from his part that prevented Sam from teasing him or even trying to act angry at his brother's clear lack of interest in the case, or anything else if he really thought about it.

“Dean?” he tried to insist once more without much result.

“Dean!” this time it got his brother to blink his eyes several times and get back to reality and Sam didn't know whether it was the tone in his voice or the fact that he had to snap his finger's in front of Dean's face. So long as it got the job done.

“Wh- huh what?” Dean frowned at his brother, voice more gruff than it should be and Sam assumed that the lack of sleep was showing on both his face and voice now.

“I-” he parted his lips but stopped himself from saying anything for a couple seconds “Are you ok, Dean? You've been a little off almost ever since last night. You got... lost in the woods and after I found you, you've been acting... weird.”

“Look-” Dean sighed a little agitated “If you wanna test me, I'm right here, do your thing. But as I told you last night and this morning, at least three times, I have not been abducted or possessed or enchanted or anything. Not in a supernatural way at least.” again another sigh as he looked away “Don't give me that look, ok? It's annoying. Besides, I told you, I got a little distracted yesterday but that's al-”

“Distracted?” Sam raised an eyebrow “You got distracted in the freaking mountains? By what? The shape of the rocks?”

“I mean-” he paused, shrugging almost childishly and definitely unconvincingly in a way he did more often than not when there was something that he was hiding Sam, something not life threatening or dangerous, and that made Sam relax a bit more “Rocks are pretty interesting dude.” and that, they both knew, was his lamest excuse that Sam found himself relaxing a lot more to the point he chuckled.

“Wow that's-” Sam blinked several times “That's too much, even for you. No, seriously, are you going to tell me what it was? Because I know real well I was the only one looking for our monster on that mountain but you had not been busy admiring rocks.”

“What are you gonna start judging my hobbies now? It's so bad, all of a sudden, that I find new interests but you can have any nerdy hobby you want in this family?” Dean fended himself weakly, apparently, because of the loo Sam gave him. That made Dean sigh and roll his eyes. “Look, it was nothing dude. It's hard to explain, yes, but I'm completely fine and I am completely me. Just drop it, alright? Get back on the case and rambling, I'll try to keep up and get back on track soon.” hard to explain didn't even begin to cover it in his mind, mostly because it wasn't all easy to explain with logic and therefore his mind wasn't the only player in this game; it was his heart too.

How could he even begin to explain to Sam that he had gotten so distracted by someone singing? How could he even begin to describe that he had really been that enchanted, that mystified, but it was really not in a supernatural way? He couldn't say that he had gotten carried away listening to the woman, it was clearly a female voice, sing so beautifully he had almost forgotten his name, not to mention the reason why he was in the mountains to begin with. He couldn't say that he had even dreamed of said voice, singing to him the same song he had heard yesterday in the mountains and could clearly remember the lyrics to even now. Maybe also because he had looked for it up, though he would never admit to it, just like he wouldn't admit that he hadn't fund any of the singers (covers or not) to be able to match up to the voice he heard.

All the shine of a thousand spotlights All the stars we steal from the nightsky Will never be enough Never be enough Towers of gold are still too little These hands could hold the world but it'll Never be enough Never be enough

It was his favorite part and he couldn't even believe he had a favorite part.

He couldn't admit that he had been trying to put a face to that voice so bad, he couldn't admit that he had been wondering and needing and aching to hear more of the singing, more of the voice, in the same and different songs. He couldn't admit that he had felt all the things he did just by hearing a song, he couldn't admit that the emotion put in the lyrics by the singer had also affected him this much. He couldn't admit that the reason he had been late and that had made Sam look for him, thinking he had been lost or worse, was because Dean had spent all that time looking for the person behind the voice. He could feel the heat of the blush down to his neck at the thought that it looked like something out of the cheesiest fairytale but it had been true, more true than he too could believe, and so were his feelings so he could defend them if need be. But he wasn't looking for an excuse for that.

Besides, he felt moody enough – and disappointed – this morning that he didn't feel up to explaining everything to his brother.

“Right now, I'm just sleepy that's all.” he mumbled, slightly as an afterthought but mostly to try to keep himself focused “Seems I-” he paused briefly, looking around the cafe and pursing his lips in a way that showed his displeasure “Haven't had my coffee yet. Or enough of it.”

Big mistake, because the moment his stopped their path around the small cafe and landed back on his brother, he saw the realization dawn on him. His eyebrows raise slightly and if it wasn't for the knowing quirk of his lips and the relaxed expression on both his body and face he might have thought for just a second that he was off the hook. Clearly, he wasn't.

“So that's what it is huh?” Sam asked before shaking his head with a laugh. He didn't know, of course, but that was no better yet. Because he didn't know the one reason out of the two to his lack of focus. “You like her that much huh?”

“What?” he said it through a mouthful that he took a little too fast to avoid looking at his brother but oh well. His brother figured one of the two reasons in 0.5 seconds so any effort would be in vain.

As long as he didn't know how saddened he was by

“You know what.” the smile on Sam's lips only got bigger “That waitress we met two days ago, the one that works here and the reason why you're here for everyday ever since. And don't try to deny it, you're terrible at it today.” he crossed his arms over his chest and looked at him despite Dean's best (read: worst) effort to avoid eye-contact and give anything away by eating as much as he could.

“I really don't get what you're trying to say, Sam. I mean-” he laughed, nervously, as he tried to swallow over his food because of the look his brother gave him “I haven't even managed to look up from my plate. How could I have noticed (Y/n)'s not here this morning even though her shift has supposedly started half an hour ago? I haven't-” but Dean paused when he noticed the surprise on Sam's face and realized his mistake.

“Honestly?” Sam tried to keep himself from laughing but as expected failed “It's really best if you eat instead of speak. Wow.” he blinked, shaking his head “Well, at least that explains it.”

Dean's lips parted as he prepared to speak back and defend at least what was left of his dignity but then all words died out in his lips when he heard the small laugh next to him that he knew all-too-well and that he would have been too embarrassed to hear in such a situation so close, especially after what had been said, but he was too relieved to care about that. Besides, he was going to make Sam pay for it by, oh let's say, ask him to stay a day or two or ten after the case was over as a favor for all this.

“Honestly if I had known I'd be this sought after I might have asked for a raise sooner.” he heard your voice and noticed you filling up his cup before he looked up to see you there and felt his smile become ten times bigger when he saw you looking at him with a soft smile of yours “Hey Dean.” he took great pleasure in the few seconds of you just focusing on him until Sam cleared his throat and you snapped out of it and smiled, albeit a little apologetically, at Sam “Hello Sam.”

“Good morning, (Y/n). Seems like you've been running a bit late today according to my brother here, everything alright?”

“Oh absolutely fine, it's just that some mornings I tend to help in the kitchen when the cook's running late you see.” you explained “I hope everything is to your liking so far?” you asked but your eyes once more trailed to Dean and with a smile on his face Sam nodded his head with a hum.

“Just great, though I think the company is not to someone's preference today. I might have to leave early, visit the library and all, you think you can keep Dean some company?” he asked so innocently, yet not to Dean who knew him, which only made the older Winchester's head snap in his direction faster than ever before; eyes wide in horror.

“Oh I'm sure I could spend my break with him, no problem, though it might be quick. We have the weekly karaoke night tonight so I might have some extra work to do. If that's alright?” you asked hopefully.

“Karaoke night? Didn't know you had that.” Dean blinked and you nodded your head.

“Yeah, the cafe obviously works at night and we make sure to organize karaokes and parties at least three times a week. This month boss is more busy so we're down to once a week but that doesn't stop me or any of the customers from taking over the stage till the early morning. You could-” you paused to glance at a couple who asked to pay at a table nearby and gave them a nod “You could always come by then too? If you're free.” you suggested softly and Dean didn't even hesitate to give a nod which made you beam at him.

“Lovely.” you said “If you'll excuse me for a second, I got work to do but I'll be right back. And if you need anything else just ask.”

“Well that went better than you could have expected or achieved on your own to be honest. So-” Sam paused to give his brother a smile “Your welcome.”

“Better? Oh really? Why didn't you tell her 'Hey (Y/n) my brother's an idiot and too much of a coward to ask you out, why don't you do it yourself?' huh? That would have been less desperate.” Dean only glared.

“Alright, I'll try that next time.” Sam simply shrugged, focusing back on his noted before Dean had the chance to say anything else. The older Winchester only rolled his eyes and with a shake of his head and feeling much more light went to actually eating an enjoying his food.

Without the distraction of his thoughts and worries about your absence he could admit it was much easier. Certainly, there was always the mystery girl in his mind and her signing that he couldn't get over much as he tried but it wasn't as if he could do anything about it anymore. Miracles didn't happen and it was already very close to that that you had agreed to spend your break with him like in a date, alright he hoped it was like that and that was maybe an even greater miracle than finding the owner of the voice. He couldn't just walk around the town looking for her nor could sit here and expect her to start singing out of nowh-

His thoughts – and he was pretty sure, breathing and entire fuctioning-like-a-human-being – came to a startling halt when he heard it. First a very low murmur but then sure some words, a tune, lyrics to a song with a voice and tone he recognized all too well... he realized like a fool from two places. The mountain and this very cafe.

Slowly but also with a sort of giddiness he couldn't explain, he turned in his seat to look behind him in the direction from which the singing was coming from and he wasn't surprised, only because he really felt in shock anymore, to realize that it was coming from your direction and even more specifically from you. You were singing and you were singing that very same song in the very same way as you were cleaning the table after the couple had left.

“Never enough”

Well, maybe miracles did happen.

[shaterallyse]

I’m 31 Now!

I haven’t been on here since 2017, when I was 29. Whew chileee!! Looking at my old pics makes me both nostalgic and a bit jealous. I’d rather be jealous of myself than of someone else though so HEEEYYYY!!

So anyway, let’s see, what’s new? I’ve gained weight (wahhhh!). About 30lbs and though I’m losing it again, still, I feel totally different in my body. 

I’m now an equinox trainer, have been for 2 years now and I am starting to get burned out. It’s a lot, they ask for a lot, you have to do a lot to make money, and there are easier, better, healthier, more lucrative ways to do this. 

I’m leaving New York this year (YYAAASSSS!!). My time here is up. I know that, I’ve been known that and I am absolutely thrilled to be here (as in getting ready to leave). I’m moving to Atlanta and MAY possibly go home to DC for a few months as a transition. We’ll see. More to come :)

I’m no longer with Eric. I broke up with him almost 2 years ago and it was and still has been one of the BEST things I’ve done here in New York. I’m very happy without him. We are still cordial, talk from time to time but other than that, he is no longer my world and I am forever grateful for that because it. was. ROUGH!

I have braces now. Have had them for for a year and 4 months now and they are set to come off sometime this fall. My smile loos so much better and though these things constantly cut the inside of my mouth, it’s temporary and my smile is part of my confidence. I’m very grateful to be able to afford them as I’ve wanted/needed them for years. 

My next big investment is Therapy as I want to start going for a bit. Some things I need to clear including self esteem, future visions, mind set and forgiving myself, certain family members and getting unstuck.

I currently live in Brooklyn, Park Slope area (near Prospect Park) and it’s aiight. I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, when in NYC, I’m a MANHATTAN GAL! But this was cool having been through what I’d been through.

I read an old entry about when I was going through bed bugs and BABY! It was bigger than I originally knew. Long story short, a guy who Josh approved to move in (I was against him) brought them with him and as I started getting bit, Josh didn’t take it serious enough so after they sprayed and they came back maybe 3 months later, I moved out without paying the rent because NO! And no one should ever have to live like that. EVER!

Needless to say that friendship is over. But everyone can’t come with you on your journey. Wish him nothing but the best!

Working out has become harder because I’m a gym all day training others that I don’t want to stay to workout. I have to force myself most days and before becoming a trainer, it was never that. This may be a case of your hobby turning job turning burden? I don’t know. I’ll figure it out because baby I’m NEVER giving up fitness and working out. Ever!

My mom and I aren’t talking. Big blow up after my cousin’s wedding in NC, she doesn’t respect me enough to change her ways when it comes to me and literally said she won’t and I’m done with that. Will always be my mother, will always love her, but I’m not tolerating it anymore and the effect it has on my mental. 

I am really excited that I only have 5 months left in NYC. Diamond is staying here for now, she doesn’t want to but it may be better for her career-wise to stay a little longer. Do I want her to come with to ATL? Of course, but what’s best for her is more important.

Moving to ATL because I feel I can use my passion of fitness to pay my bills and fund my living costs while continuing to go after my dreams of film and singing. I’m a little nervous that I may feel lonely again since, like in LA, I’ll be so far from home (ATL is about 9-10 hours driving from DC) but, I do have my godsister/cousins down there so I’m hoping it’s different. A part of me also is thinking that I should move back home to DC permanently. Again, I don’t know if it’s because of fear of feeling alone, missing out on family events (I freaking love and have so much fun with my cousins, aunts and uncles), etc. I will be closer to NC where I also have cousins and my uncle. I also considered moving to Charlotte (still kinda am) but push come to shove I’ll be able to drive on down the road to NC for some good ol’ home cookin’. I just know at this point in my life, if I’m moving somewhere far that doesn’t already have an opportunity waiting for me, I need to be with/near family.

I’m going to Chicago this year for my vacation (Aug 14-18). My cousin Harrison and his family lives there. I’ve never been, have only heard good things about it and am excited for another solo summer vacation (well kinda solo).

I have a fitness/health Youtube channel under ShateraShatera and my IG is also geared towards it. I wanna monetize off of all of this so that at the end of the day, I have a passive income so that I can fund my lifestyle while still chasing my acting/singing dreams. 

Oh! I’m learning to play the piano! One of my clients is a piano teacher and stage music writer who heard my singing Youtube channel and rode me about learning to read music, which turned into learning to play the piano with the goal of being able to write my own music/songs and play the piano. Next Alicia Keys right here?!

Ha! I’m on the come up right now as far as my attitude goes, my mental, balancing my emotions, positive mindset, yeah. It’s improving, I’m reading my bible plans again consistently, my spirit is improving I feel and I’m just glad. 

[toxic-koi]

Louie Inc

“24-year-old entrepreneur billionaire founder and CEO of Louie Inc, Llewelyn Duck reportedly found carrying a golden golf club on multiple occasions” (Click below to find out more!)

So I watched the most dangerous game...night and loved it! It was already my headcanon that he would become an entrepreneur so this episode just helped me back that up.

My headcanons surrounding him in the future:

-He goes by Llewelyn (pronounced Loo-Wil-Len which kind of sounds like Dillon) [not Loo-Ellen] his family still calls him Louie however.

-He has a room dedicated to storing the treasure statue that Scrooge gave him

-He grew out whiskers (in honor of Scrooge) but didn’t like how they disproportionately looked on his face so he paid for a really expensive hair treatment (that took place over months) to make his hair bigger, he has to get it checked every month or so

-Has read The Prince by Machiavelli once for a class and took way too much from it

-Yes he has a golf club made of gold that he sometimes carries around (more often than not) because he’s that fucking extra (golf tends to be a hobby for rich people so when he needs to talk to potential donors, clients or people of importance he goes golfing with them to break the ice and gain their trust, and/or get information also he’s really good at it)

-He is involved in a number of devious schemes

-He is a master strategist and has further developed his knack for words, excellent at persuasion and at finding out what is of importance to people and exploiting it to his advantage

-Gyro works for him and he gives him funds to do his own research

His list of enemies(historical reference ha) [not in order of importance]:

-Mark Beaks (although Louie doesn’t really take him that seriously Mark Beaks has been targeting him ever since Louie took his place as the richest bird in the country) that being said Mark Beaks is in his late thirties and is obsessed with staying relevant (he has to some extent lost his chill), Louie probably also tells him things around the lines of “who are you again?” just to piss him off.

-Beagles boys (are more of a nuisance than an actual threat but hey time is money)

-possibly some government officials/politicians

-possibly some lawyers

-possibly some people from other countries and/or organizations

-Some of the press (only a minority, he’s generally seen as an admired entrepreneur) “24-year-old entrepreneur billionaire founder and CEO of Louie inc reportedly found carrying a golden golf club on multiple occasions what message is he sending to the working class?? Click to find out more!”

-????

-etc

Allies [not in order of importance]:

-Vinny and other mafia members in Italy

-possibly some government officials/politicians

-the prime minister of Russia

-possibly some lawyers and lobbyists

-other people from organizations

-he has a bit of a following as well

-etc

Also if anyone was wondering what he is saying in the drawing its something he once said in the Only child day episode, I first heard it out of context when listening to a Louie compilation and I couldn’t help but think of how extremely devious that phrase sounded concerning people with a high amount of money and power (of course he does care about his reputation but the quote is still relevant, I will explain later)

Anyway, I have a lot of ideas for this and have sketched out some of the other characters I may even write a fanfic of sorts so stay tuned!

[wisdenindia-blog]

Despair in Ghazni to delight in Melbourne, Morteza has been through it all

Despair in Ghazni to delight in Melbourne, Morteza has been through it all

Cricket was not just Morteza Ali’s hobby; it was his escape. It was a way to get over his troubled past. © Morteza Ali

If there was a modern-day adaption of Robert Schuller’s Tough times never last, but tough people do!, there would perhaps be a chapter dedicated to Morteza Ali.

Morteza’s story is straight out of Michael Winterbottom’s In This World – a gut-wrenching but heartwarming documentary about Jamal and Enayatulla, the two Afghanistan refugees who traverse deserts, oceans, mountains and forests, battle thugs and deal with hostile immigration officers to set up a new life in England.

Morteza could well be Jamal or Enayatulla, but there is cricketing angle to his story. He undertook the same journey as Winterbottom’s protagonists in the film, and is now living a better life in Melbourne, pursuing his cricketing dream as well.

***

Cricket came to Afghanistan through refugee camps in Pakistan, where countless Afghans fled the 1979 Soviet invasion of their homeland. After learning the sport in exile, young Afghans brought cricket back with them when the Taliban fell in 2001, and the game has gone from strength to strength ever since.

For Morteza, a 31-year-old allrounder, Muhammad Hussain — his older brother and a Kabul University student who played both cricket and hockey — was the earliest influence. When Muhammad would come home during vacations, he would teach the neighbourhood kids the basics of the sport. When he headed back to the university, Morteza would follow cricket on his “rich neighbour’s television.”

“In the ‘90s, we had heard a lot about Sachin Tendulkar, but personally, I liked Adam Gilchrist a lot because of his attacking brand of cricket,” he tells Wisden India. “Back then, I didn’t even know his name. Shahid Afridi was my favourite too, I used to imitate his shots a lot.

Saqlain Mushtaq and Usman Afzaal have never short of valuable advice. © Morteza Ali

“But no sport was allowed by the Taliban; we used wooden broomsticks as bats and plastic balls.”

He was in his mid-teens when Morteza lost his entire family – father, mother, Muhammad and a younger sister – when their house in Ghazni in the south-east province of Afghanistan was hit during a Taliban mortar attack in 2001. Morteza survived as he was helping his uncle at his grocery store a few miles away. “My uncle didn’t even tell me that I’d lost my whole family, he just asked me to leave the country as the war had intensified,” he recalls.

His uncle arranged his exit with the help of a human transporter. Morteza left Kabul in June 2001, and reached England a year and five days later, in July 2002. Morteza says he walked to Oxford, but anyone who’s watched Winterbottom’s documentary would know of the torture the refugees have to endure.

Morteza and other refugees lived in sub-human conditions in Pakistan camps, battled the Kurdish mafia, braved sub-zero temperatures in Russia and Ukraine, were held hostage by the Czech underworld, and were in and out of military and police custody in Ukraine, Austria, France and Germany.

“Throughout my life, there were people who surprised me. They helped me without seeing my religion, race or background. Although life took a lot from me, it gave me some unbelievable people. It’s my time to give back in whatever little way I can.”

To escape the army and border police, they would walk and hitchhike after dark, avoiding villages, and resting in the forests and mountains during the day. Even 15 years on, as he looks at back the journey, Morteza remembers every minute, painful detail, pausing between words to retain his composure. He recalls a particularly harrowing time in Ukrainian military custody, where he spent almost five months.

“It was peak winter in Ukraine, it was snowing a lot. We were dumped in a hall without any blankets and just had a layer of clothing on us. Our survival was down to one bottle of water and a meal, if you could call it that, a day. The ‘meal’ we got was half a slice of mouldy bread. We were allowed only one loo break in a day.

“By night, we would end up eating our nails and swallowing our saliva; psychologically it helped get over the hunger. I had become so frail, just skin and bones, I couldn’t even stand.

“The hall had huge windows; when the sun came out, I would just crawl to that end of the hall, and roll back again to the other side at night.”

Having overcome near-death experiences, Morteza made it to Oxford, where the City Council social services took him under their wing. But his joy was short-lived. He got in touch with his uncle back home, who finally broke the tragic news of his family’s fate.

The pain in the aftermath of custodial torture lingered long, but not as long as the pain of realising that he had lost his parents and siblings.

***

During the camps in his clubs, Morteza Ali interacted with many former players who had brief coaching stints. © Morteza Ali

Cricket was not just Morteza’s hobby; it was his escape. It was a way to get over his troubled past; it was an answer to cope with the life in a new country, and an uncertain future. Even before he started his formal education in Oxford, Morteza started playing cricket with an Afghan youngster whom he met at an English class.

“It was the first time I’d seen a hard ball,” he recalls. “I didn’t have any gear. The English kids were really friendly, one of them let me borrow his old cricket gear and shoes. I didn’t even know how to put the pads on, the bat was a bit too heavy for me.

“I would try to hit every ball. Those kids used to laugh at me, because in 2002 there were no T20s in England. They would just ask everyone to play straight, but it took me a while to get used to those proper cricketing shots.”

Back home in Ghazni, Morteza had never been to school. He helped his father, a shepherd who also sold milk. Social services provided him accommodation and even enrolled him in the community school. The first few years were tough, Morteza found it extremely difficult to understand the curriculum, the inability to speak or understand English just compounded his woes.

“In the ‘90s, we had heard a lot about Sachin Tendulkar, but personally, I liked Adam Gilchrist a lot because of his attacking brand of cricket. Back then, I didn’t even know his name.”

It was around this time that Morteza met Roger Mitty, who ran the Cumnor Cricket Club in Oxfordshire. Roger raised Morteza as his foster son, providing extra language classes and tuitions for grammar, and early lessons in cricket. “He never made me feel like I had lost my family,” Morteza reminisces.

Easing into his new life, Morteza juggled ‘A’ levels and cricket with a lot of support from Mitty. He started his career with Mitty’s Cumnor CC and went on to represent Oxford University CC, Oxford CC and London County CC, and West Indian Cavieliers in the Nottinghamshire Premier League.

As a part of Oxford CC, Morteza, who used to bat at No. 6 (he’s an opener now) and bowled medium pace, even featured in a three-day first-class match in 2009, but never got a chance to bat or bowl in the game.

At Cavieliers, Morteza met Saqlain Mushtaq, who has been one of the biggest influences in his evolution as an allrounder. “Earlier, I would just go in to bat or bowl without any plan,” he says. “But after watching him bowl, I realised how to set up batsmen; he treated it like a game of chess. He thinks a lot, he would set up the batmen in the first three balls, he also placed me at short-leg while fielding, which was very scary.”

Steve Waugh was so moved by Morteza Ali’s story that he sent him a signed copy of his autobiography via mail. © Morteza Ali

It also helped that Usman Afzaal, the former England batsman, was never short of batting advice. During the camps in his clubs, Morteza interacted with many former players who had brief coaching stints, including Andy Flower, Gary Kirsten, Rashid Latif, Kabir Khan and Neil Burns, the former Essex and Leicestershire wicketkeeper. But it is an interaction with Steve Waugh that remains special for him.

“He was very tired after a long flight from Australia, but still made it to our camp in Nottinghamshire and gave us batting tips. It was around the same time when his autobiography had released, so he got a few signed copies along and distributed them among the players in the camp.

“By the time it was my turn, all the copies were over. Burns introduced us and told him about my past, Waugh was so moved that he took down my address and promised to send me a signed copy. I had never expected him to remember me, but a few weeks later, I was surprised to find a signed copy of Out of my comfort zone in my mail.”

Although he missed his family and home, Morteza had finally made peace with reality. Pursuing a bachelor’s degree in Business and Finance from the Oxford Brookes University and cricket kept him busy. Things were finally looking bright after many years.

And then disaster struck.

Morteza was set to be deported following a change in visa rules. Mitty published Morteza’s situation in the Cumnor CC monthly magazine, but without enough funds, there was little hope. Help came from an unlikely quarter. A retired barrister, who used to watch Morteza play at the club daily, came to their rescue. His daughter, Gaenor Bruce, a renowned immigration solicitor from Manchester, took up his case pro bono, and won.

Recession hit the United Kingdom in 2008 and Morteza couldn’t find a job after graduation. He took up odd jobs and started working as a driver. In two years, he had saved enough to visit his uncle back home. However, Afghanistan was still grappling with terrorism threats, and he was advised against the visit.

****

Morteza Ali joined the Hazara Cricket Club as a captain and coach, and since has been promoting cricket in Melbourne’s Afghan community. © Morteza Ali

A few of Morteza’s friends from Afghanistan who had migrated to Australia invited him over for a break. A huge Afghan and Indian migrant population in Melbourne fuelled the weekend community cricket clubs across the city, and Morteza immediately felt at home.

With the employment situation in England still grim, Morteza moved to Melbourne in 2012 and started working as a delivery man with Australia Post. He joined the Hazara Cricket Club as a captain and coach, and since has been promoting cricket in Melbourne’s Afghan community.

Most recently, he led the side to the final of the Melbourne Renegades Champions League – a tournament between six teams of players divided into countries of their origin. Afghanistan ended up losing to India, but Morteza is happy with their efforts.

“I had never expected him (Steve Waugh) to remember me, but a few weeks later, I was surprised to find a signed copy of Out of my comfort zone in my mail.”

“Most of my Aghani friends here are traders or painters, they are really passionate about cricket but never had any formal coaching. They would always end up losing in different competitions.

“We have come a long way from being called the Lagaanteam to being one of most respected amateur cricket clubs in Melbourne,” he gushes. “We practice on Wednesdays and Fridays in the afternoon after work, and matches are held during the weekends. We’ve won tournaments not just in Victoria, but also Shepparton, Sydney and other cities.”

Fifteen years ago, Morteza would never have imagined cricket becoming such a huge part of his life. He has a Level 2 coaching certificate from the UK and is currently in touch with Usman Khan, Hong Kong’s assistant coach, for further certifications in the role.

“It’s my time to give back in whatever little way I can. I’m trying to do my bit through Hazara CC.” © Morteza Ali

Despite what he has been through, Morteza says he’s grateful to have had such a great support system. He vows to do his part to help future dreams in cricket and beyond come true within his community.

“Throughout my life, there were people who surprised me. They helped me without seeing my religion, race or background. Although life took a lot from me, it gave me some unbelievable people like Roger Mitty, Neil Burns, Rob Wilson (a former club cricketer in Victoria), Mrs Bruce; without them, I would have been just another refugee, lost in a new country.

“It’s my time to give back in whatever little way I can. I’m trying to do my bit through Hazara CC.”

Morteza has never been to Ghazni since fleeing in 2001. He’s in touch with his extended family back home who, like his friends in Oxford and Melbourne, have coaxed him into penning his inspiring journey. “The autobiography is shaping up well,” he informs.

He could probably take a leaf out of Schuller’s bestseller and call the first chapter Tough times never last.