SIMPLICITY is...

Refreshing trip to Turkey

2010-07-13T19:24:00.000+08:00

Experiencing the eastern beat of Istanbul; hiking among archaeological sites, the caves and amazing rocks at Cappadocia; exploring the unknown underground cities; embarking the historical walks in the Ephesus ....

Looking ahead

2010-06-15T18:15:00.001+08:00

Looking ahead
Originally uploaded by fennymun

Longing for the explorations, excitements, fun, laughters, coffee, historical sites, amazing nature.... at Turkey.

Travelling with long-time girlfriends ~ just wonder what would be the chemistry among us after knowing each other for such a long time.....

bedside reading

2010-06-02T22:16:00.002+08:00

bedside reading
Originally uploaded by fennymun

time for bed;
time to read.

Though I am not classified as a bookworrm, I do enjoy reading, especially the stories of others. Just too amazing to sink into their world, looking to the past, forgetting the present...

I wish I could have more time, and I wish i could have more space for my books.

Just a wish....

Sweet dreams

2010-05-12T23:23:00.004+08:00

Good night
Originally uploaded by fennymun

A little piece of work made by the little one ~ good night and wish you have a sweet dream....

"Dream your dreams with open eyes and make them come true." ~ T. E. Lawrence

colourless

2010-05-03T22:55:00.005+08:00

colourless
Originally uploaded by fennymun

when the substance doesn't exist anymore
when what's once treasured has evaporated
when the meaning attached is gone ~
silence and colourless are the remnants....

OR I should say: black and white in itself is a colour, just the joyful, brightful, eye-catching colours are washed away...

story behind

2010-04-29T14:03:00.002+08:00

story behind
Originally uploaded by fennymun

What's the story behind the closed door?
Or it's just emptiness sunk in silence?....

Try to remember

2010-04-29T00:15:00.002+08:00

Try to remember
Originally uploaded by fennymun

Never realise how much I miss the place until I revisit it, walking in the campus, breathing in the air, looking at the plants, walking pass the doors with different names now....

What exactly do I miss? The people? The worry-free days? The building? Perhaps the freedom of being here and there without pressure from life.

Try to remember the kind of September
When life was slow and so mellow;
Try to remember the kind of September
When grass was green and grain was yellow
When you were a tender and callow fellow....

A moment

2010-04-08T13:10:00.007+08:00

slow down the pace and inhale the freshness,

feel the breeze and listen to the song of water,

just a quiet moment between past and future,

being frozen by my favourite pola...

In pairs

2010-03-20T11:50:00.005+08:00

Floral infusion from rose bud,

aroma soothing the soul;

randomly arranged for my sx70

only then i realise

subconsciously arranged in pairs ~

TWO is better than ONE?

Maybe, maybe not....

Tenderness

2010-03-17T23:30:00.005+08:00

Tenderness to linger along,

yet, it'll be gone ~

as its fragility longs

to be cared with loving hands...

Coldness

2010-02-14T10:49:00.004+08:00

From Harbin, China.....

When coldness dominates the air, one would miss the feeling of warmth...

SNOW SNOW SNOW

2010-01-13T10:43:00.005+08:00

Going to Harbin, Northern China, for ice and snow. It's -30C on average up there ~ an extreme challenge for my kids as the coldest temperature they have experienced in here is above 8C. Hope my camera will stay warm and I'll be able to shot.....

Getting excited for the snow, and nervous for my nose.... Just can't wait....

2010!

2010-01-02T00:01:00.006+08:00

How big is your heart for the new year? How many wishes you have made? Time to make a wish and a new year plan....

Time for resolution too. Giving Thanks to the Creator for the days passed under His care. Though the days could be full of tears and sorrows, there were always cheers and smiles from little angels unexpectedly.

Looking ahead to 2010, how many wishes will come true? how many are just untouchable dreams? What matters are the driving forces....

Release the passions. Revive senses of humors. Rediscover life as bestowed.

Cheers for it is DEC

2009-12-23T09:55:00.006+08:00

December is ~
a month of growth
a month of festivities
a month of counting blessings
a month of reminiscence
a month of making new wishes…

Looking back and looking ahead,
What’s critical isn’t those events happening

But how I perceive them as parts of life ...

REborn

2009-12-05T08:50:00.000+08:00

I sought help to fix my sx-70 as much as possible.

Finally got a chance to try it out on a sunny day.

Is it the camera or the expired film? The colours and tone just don't come out as I wish.

Perhaps it's true that when something's broken, it'll never be the same again.

Next visitor

2009-11-27T00:10:00.005+08:00

People come into your life,

stay for awhile,

leave footprints in your heart,

then slip away,

and leave behind emptiness and quietness.

This is always how I feel whenever I meet old friends again, recounting those days with laughters and tears... drunk in memories and move on again....

Waiting for the next visitor to turn up....

Happy Birthday?

2009-11-23T12:32:00.003+08:00

Sometimes I wonder:

Why do we have to wish someone "Happy Birthday" when, despite we genuinely are happy for his/her existance, perhaps s/he's cursing the date of his/her birth?

Why do we have to wish someone "may all your birthday wishes come true" when, perhaps, his/her only one wish is to find a way out or that all their secret thoughts will come true?

Anyway, who cares when I really do feel I want to say: "HAPPY BIRTHDAY".

Curious

2009-11-11T09:09:00.005+08:00

One of the most enjoyable things is to observe how my sons are interacting with each other (peacefully, without fightings) and how they are curious about little things found in nature and having fun exploring them. As city-boys, they certainly enjoy sitting in front of TV and computer for visual stimulations. That's what I'm trying hard to drag them away from during holidays and weekends.

Come on, boys! Let's go out to have fun in the nice season! Expand your curiosity and dance in the nature and enjoy these days before time is slipping away!

Another summer

2009-11-09T10:58:00.004+08:00

Another summer is gone, autumn is here. Good time for outdoor exploration and fun. Just wish we could have more time and more nature for them.

Time is frozen on the 23rd

2009-10-23T00:08:00.005+08:00

Clock has clicked.
Days are gone.
Time is frozen ~
Just one would care....
It's the 10th Twenty-third.

Let the birds stop singing
stars stop shining
just silence is sinking...

bleakness

2009-09-16T22:23:00.004+08:00

my camera was addicted to bleakness.....

alone but not lonely

lonely but not alone

who could distinguish the difference?

only one knows the essence

somewhere

2009-09-15T00:05:00.005+08:00

somewhere I had been before

somewhere familiar

somewhere forgotten

the bridge looks the same

the sky has has already changed

the scene remains unchanged

others have been moving

Visual Diary while wandering in places unknown to me

2009-09-11T08:55:00.009+08:00

Alone and self-contained ~ under the same sky but far away from home. Drown in bleakness somewhere, but also rest in tranquillity...

Feeling the caresses of wind in the midst of silence

Walking along accompanied by ducks around

Looking up and absorbed in thoughts

dramatic moments above and within

moment of contemplation among rocks

Unknown yet with expectation

2009-08-07T17:31:00.007+08:00

Will be visiting Wales soon ~ what would it be like? Totally an unknown place to me.

Although will be there only for few days on my own, it'll be an interesting experience meeting new people, visting new places, getting lose here and there....

My heart is already flying away.....

Soothing sunset

2009-07-23T17:27:00.006+08:00

when the sun is set,

please slow down the beats,

contemplating the steps...

why not take a rest.

Enjoy my home-alone moments

2009-07-05T16:05:00.006+08:00

It isn't bad to have quiet moments,
to have nobody around,
to muse silently

and shoot freely,

It isn't bad to be home-alone, just for today...

Time to say GOODBYE

2009-06-19T09:33:00.005+08:00

To a place where there've been so many memories piling up,

a place which has witnessed different stages of my life...

Hard to imagine that the next time when I pass by,

I'm just an onlooker...

just some everyday items

2009-05-18T22:05:00.007+08:00

Just few everyday items which are-taken-for-granted to be there.

Yet, take a closer look and they seem to be special ...

unexpected inhabitant (snail??) in the fish tank

tiny convex-and-concave shape

let there be light...

Something's missing

2009-05-08T14:09:00.005+08:00

Life is like a dream.... what's missing?

I was testing this sx70 Land camera model 2 (thank YOU for lending me one) and for the first time used expired film. It's autofocus and I actually focus on a purple flower.... yet, it was missing from the photo because of a "natural spotlight"! But the rest of the photo is a dreamy mood which I like most about sx70. Isn't that interesting ~ sounds like a life to me...

Imaginations behind drawings

2009-04-27T22:59:00.009+08:00

A story of growth by my younger one:

the flower will grow up when you add water at the bottom here,

it'll grow taller, and taller

(well, though the size of the flower pedals remain unchanged :p)

and eventually will become a tree with branches (the one on the left side above)

a simple boat:

once while I was having coffee at starbucks, I showed my younger one a leaflet

how they draw a cup of coffee by drawing simple outlines

and then fill in patches of colours.

Later, he puts it into practice by drawing outlines of boats and fill in colours.

Colourful boats, indeed... (though it looks like a submarine to me...)

A relaxing hide-away short vacation

2009-04-14T13:35:00.007+08:00

I'm yelling in my heart for such a goooooooooood hide-away place at an island ~ surprised to be embraced by fresh smell of grass and soil, warm bright sunshine, singing of birds and insects....

What a peaceful God-given Easter break!

Rules of the game

2009-04-06T21:07:00.004+08:00

The Winner takes it ALL

I don't wanna talk
About the things we've gone through
Though it's hurting me
Now it's history

I've played all my cards
And that's what you've done too
Nothing more to say
No more ace to play

The winner takes it all
The loser standing small
Beside the victory
That's her destiny

I was in your arms
Thinking I belonged there
I figured it made sense
Building me a fence
Building me a home
Thinking I'd be strong there
But I was a fool
Playing by the rules...

The winner takes it all
The loser has to fall
It's simple and it's plain
Why should I complain?..

Somewhere deep inside
You must know I miss you
But what can I say
Rules must be obeyed...

The game is on again
A lover or a friend
A big thing or a small
The winner takes it all

I don't wanna talk
Cos it makes me feel sad
And I understand
You've come to shake my hand
I apologize
If it makes you feel bad
Seeing me so tense
No self-confidence
But you see
The winner takes it all... ~ ABBA

Shots on gloomy days

2009-04-03T10:26:00.005+08:00

Weather affects mood, somehow.

Still waiting for sunshine to brighten up gloomy days. Yes, I know it's at the corner.... on the way, on the way... HURRY UP!

What to shoot on cloudy gloomy days? Just some ordinary items around. Glad that polaroids add my favourite soft tones on ordinary objects ...

Just a self-talk

2009-03-20T10:44:00.004+08:00

Smile and happy spirit is contagious.
Is it part of inborn character? Can't it be nurtured?
A positive thinking, a thankful heart, a playful spirit, a take-it-easy attitude ~ helps to discover reasons for being happy.

Playing around my keyboard to find smiling symbols....

:)

:0

>o<

;-)

^o^

*0*

~~

Feel free to add on...

Season of reborn

2009-03-14T09:24:00.003+08:00

Years after years, seasons after seasons, I still remember in those days, these flowers were nicknamed as 滕雞花, because whenever they were in full blossoms, that's a reminder for final exam preparation...

Now, with the change in global climate, they appear much earlier, proclaiming the arrival of spring ~ a season of reborn…

Another Project

2009-03-05T10:01:00.005+08:00

Here comes my other self-initiated project ~ Lomo LC-A.

Haven't used film camera for ages, I can't even insert a roll properly! Shame on me! That's why the first roll was a total failure. This is my second roll. Haven't yet able to achieve the basic effects I've expected though.

Just the beginning. Indeed, since I won't know what would it be like ultimately until the whole roll is finished, the process of waiting is combined with expectation and excitement.

Something to keep me busy looking around and shooting...

REVOLUTIONARY Road

2009-02-25T16:14:00.006+08:00

The movie, the theme, the characters, their changes, their fate....all whirling in my mind and heart. I find myself lapsed into reminiscences, somehow.

Does it make you a failure or ridicule if, to a large extent, your life somehow conform to majority of your society? that you have to absolutely distinguish yourself from the rest by making reckless decisions to do something different? Each life (combined with circumstances and character) can be unique in its own way.

One would DIE for achieving the dreams, or DIE for NOT able to achieving the dreams...

That's how I feel, after pondering over the movie.

[P.S. Yes, perhaps the key is to live with passion...]

Love will shine through

2009-02-13T12:36:00.003+08:00

Love may grow

Love may die

Love will shine through your days and life...

Wish you have a memorable V's Day tomorrow.

The song tells me all

2009-02-06T11:22:00.009+08:00

Pathetic as it is, thoughts are unveiled as the lyrics say all what/who it's about...

"Don't speak"

You and me
We used to be together
Everyday together always

I really feel that I'm losing my best friend

I can't believe this could be the end

It looks as though you're letting go

And if it's real, well I don't want to know

Don't speak

I know just what you're saying

So please stop explaining

Don't tell me cause it hurts

Don't speak

I know what you're thinking

I don't need your reasons

Don't tell me cause it hurts

Our memories …

With my head in my hands

I sit and cry …

It's all ending

I gotta stop pretending who we are...

Don't speak,oh I know what you're thinking

And I don't need your reasons

I know you're good, I know you're good,

I know you're real good …

Is that REAL?

2009-02-02T10:13:00.003+08:00

Hooray!!

Is that REALLY going to happen?

Just read the news that IMPOSSIBLE-project is going to re-open the Polaroid factory and re-print Polaroid film by 2010.

It's a good news indeed - I can continue to experiment with my sx-70, hopefully at a lower unit cost....

Finally MAKE it...

2009-01-15T14:48:00.004+08:00

Images sometimes speak more than words. They capture mood, details and even thoughts which a photographer wants to convey.

Receiving this final product somehow feels like putting a full-stop to all those hanging mood and thoughts… I'm glad I have finally made it.

The initial idea was to include only those images taken by my Polaroid sx-70 during my last Korean trip. Unfortunately, many of those images could not be used, either because they were out-focus, or did not convey what I anticipated.... Well, good to identify another goal for my next photobook project….

A FULFILLING 2009

2009-01-02T08:35:00.008+08:00

Wish YOU all have a FULFILLING 2009~

In what way(s)? Up to you to think and act ...

THINKINGS & ACTIONS ~

followed by

FEELINGS

(not the other way round...

Hope you can discover the positiveness out there.)

This X'mas is S P E C I A L

2008-12-26T12:36:00.011+08:00

Christmas

surprises

from

these

two special gifts...

Dec 18

2008-12-19T18:06:00.004+08:00

A year has gone.

Another year is here.

Need a moment of solitude

to appreciate simplicity of nature,

to contemplate the road ahead.

Festive Season

2008-12-10T15:16:00.003+08:00

GIVE more

EXPECT less

RELEASE your heart from hatred

FREE your mind from worries

LIVE simple

SMILE more ...

for this FESTIVE SEASON

Cafes in Korea

2008-11-29T10:03:00.005+08:00

What a nice surprise to find small cosy cafes in seoul, Korea ~ somewhere at the corner of a street, somewhere hidden in small alley, somewhere up there on 2nd floor....

Spacious, comfortable, unique character of its own, nicely (not extravagantly) decorated, soothing music, good coffees (though mostly black one). AND most important of all, not many customers and that each could have their own space without being disturbed. Only if the weather was warmer, I would have sat outside under sunny sky and fresh air...

Ideal for musing.

Different Korea (part 2)

2008-11-26T17:03:00.004+08:00

Hope you are not yet bored by these images of korea in autumn. Just fascinated by the mood I felt (through my pola) and the colours I saw out there.

Different Korea

2008-11-24T14:17:00.004+08:00

Originally wanted to visit Japan. Yet, made a last-minute change to Korea.

(Japanese Yen is just too expensive for me at the moment.)

I had been to Korea before but glad to escape touristic spots (for most of the time) and find another side of it ~ its nature. Glad that I am able to capture the colours of autumn in Korea. Colour of nature just quietly proclaims the aesthetic sense of God the Creator. So peaceful, so calm, as if time is frozen and there is only God and me. Yet after raining and first snow arrived, all the colours were washed away overnight. Amazing nature....

Wish you could take a minute to muse and admire His masterpiece in nature….

Visual conversations

2008-11-14T15:18:00.003+08:00

Finally they arrived.

These two lovely books contains amazing photos: A Year of Mornings and The Polaroids.

The first one is actually a collaborated work of two artists who are 3191 miles apart but communicates through photo blog. The book simply conveys ordinary daily life into extraordinary and lovely shots.

The second one is appealing to me, not only because it contains photos taken by polaroid SX70, but also the reason behind the work: in memorizing his lifelong companion, Andre Kertesz embarked on the journey of taking photos through which he was able to be transformed from waiting-to-die to passionately shooting again.

Beauty in itself

2008-11-12T17:19:00.004+08:00

I'm learning to appreciate the lovely mood created by my sx-70.

Even few of my favourite magnetics look different through its "eyes".

Shoot and shoot and shoot, until the films are exhausted and sx-70 has to R E T I R E....

ActIONs

2008-11-04T12:32:00.002+08:00

Imagination of ACTIONs taken place

1-2-3 Get set - GO!

Cheers for winner

Tears of losers

Hope for next chance...

"Afterall, tomorrow is another day." (Gone with the wind)

it's f a d i n g

2008-10-30T09:25:00.004+08:00

what's fading?

the memories, the will, the shattered heart, the life...

it'll be (has to be) back one day

OCTOBER 23

2008-10-27T10:03:00.002+08:00

THE DAY with thoughts and feelings beyond words....

The LAST Lecture

2008-10-26T15:39:00.004+08:00

I am so touched by this marvelous book, "The Last Lecture" by Randy Pausch. This is written based on the author's last lecture which could be viewed here.

I admire the author's positive attitude towards life and great sense of humor exhibited during his last days. As a child, he had harboured vivid dreams which he had pursued throughout his life. As a professor and father, he adopted as his missions to help and encourage his students and children to pursue their dreams.

What touched me most is he himself indeed has set an example of his belief and life philosophy. His persistency to overcome difficulties is impressive. Also, his specific love and observations of each of his children and his delicate love towards his wife are touching me a lot. He would have been a wonderful father and husband had he been able to remain alive...

What have I learnt from this book? How I wish I could be able to love, encourage and inspire my beloved ones and assist them fulfill their dreams and wishes.... When I'm in my last days, what would I say about my life when I look back....

Nice way to start a day

2008-10-21T15:33:00.003+08:00

Starting my day with my "morning practice" of using Polaroid sx70, and of course accompanying with a cup of cappuccino and a book which I enjoy very much recently.

Thrilling that I'm getting closer to the mood I love ~ dreamy (guess that's the beauty of out-focus polaroid!)

Have a nice day, my friends!

Time is frozen

2008-10-19T08:23:00.010+08:00

I am obsessed with the time-frozen effects exhibited in photos taken by Polaroid sx70 camera. Should have tried it out years ago when I had a chance. But wait til now I have to get my own one. Have much fun with it so far. Here are two of my favourite ones. Still need a lot of testing to achieve the effects of what I want.

It is peaceful, soft, dreamy as if time is frozen. Yes, how I wish time could be frozen....

King Solomon's secrets

2008-10-18T18:35:00.004+08:00

Have recently read this book, which may interest those of you who are Christians. This is indeed a well written and easy-to-understand book, combining with lively examples by the author.

It discloses the "secrets" of King Solomon's success as indicated in Book of Proverbs, hopefully will bring insights into every aspect of one's life. Although many points sound like common sense, they have to be persistently applied in order to achieve the results.

The personal experiences of Steven K. Scott make the book attractive as well.

How to be defeat barriers to happiness? How to be invaluable? How to achieve success? How to resolve conflicts?.... Hope you'll find the wisdoms you are looking for at this particular moment of life.

Happy reading!

New TOY

2008-10-02T19:20:00.017+08:00

Learning this brass instrument, euphonium, is a totally new experience to Glen (and me). It is part of his schooling requirements that students have to learn a musical instrument, preferably one from an orchestra. Based on an initial assessment, he was recommended to learn trombone. But ultimately, he is learning this.

It looks huge on Glen. The fingering seems simple, but the blowing part is really hard. He has a long way to build up a strong "lung". You know what I mean?

Anyway, I need some time to get used to the new sound. To visualize it: while he was practising his first song, "busy buzzing bee", it sounds more like "elephant running".

It's fun, more fun when one could add a bit of imagination here and there.

sMilE

2008-09-25T14:18:00.008+08:00

Just love this old song.

The melody (written by Charlie Chaplin) is great and the lyrics is simply comforting.

SMILE

SMILE though your heart is sinking;
SMILE even though you are breaking...
SMILE though you are feeling sorrow,
and maybe tomorrow you'll see the sun comes shining through for you...
light up your face...
There's a time you must keep on trying,
SMILE - what's the use of crying,
you'll find that life is still worthwhile -
if you just smile.

Just smile.

Have a nice sunny day with soothing breeze and floating clouds, when time seems frozen out there.... sMilE

Otium Ludens

2008-09-17T08:18:00.012+08:00

Very different from "Exhibition of Emotions", I went to another exhibition here -

"Otium ludens", meaning 'in leisurely play'.

It is an exhibition of excavations from Italy which

exhibits utilities used in Roman Empire.

It is amazing how those pottery, glass vases, fresco pieces...

are all so well-preserved

that enable one to have a glance of the livings of people in that era...

Yet, there is a tone of sadness prevailing as all is gone now,

only remnants left behind.

Anyway, I like "Exhibition of Emotions" more as the distance

between the "exhibits" and the "audience" are much closer.

liFE is BeautiFUL?

2008-09-10T13:00:00.009+08:00

Come across this quote by Mark Twain, whereas someone added the second line in Chinese (which I'm taking the liberty to translate here). I can't resist the temptation to add a footnote myself:

“Life is beautiful ...but it depends on WHERE you live.
And shouldn't it also depend on HOW you live it?”

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
footnote:
Isn't mindset the determinant factor? ~ how you consider your "blessings", your "curses", depict your encounters, your job, your interests, your dreams, basically everything in your life! ~ which in turn affects how you describe LIFE and live your LIFE.

My life had been beautiful, is XXXXXXX, will be ......

Kids' talks

2008-09-08T22:22:00.016+08:00

Kids grow up day-by-day and sometimes I forget those hilarious moments until I read again the funny things my sons had said before. Such memories help to lessen the burdens from spirit and soul and make me smile.

Recently, SEAN, my younger one, challenged his mom: "mom, look at that cross up above the church! Jesus died on THAT cross."

Mom: "really? How do you know it is THAT cross?"

Sean answered with full confidence: "I just know it. Go to read the newspaper and you'll find it's there too." What an instruction from a 3.5 year-old boy!...

GLEN, my elder one is fond of telling jokes and his brother has become his big supporter. Once he asked:

"Who wants to listen to my joke? Please raise up your hand!" Sean raised up his little hand obediently and he repeated whatever jokes his big brother was telling him.

A happy childhood will disappear when time passes by. Looking at how they have been enjoying it is interesting in itself. These are the blessings indeed and I wish I have been doing something good for them....

why STUDY?

2008-09-07T09:12:00.013+08:00

" The more I study, the more I know.

The more I know, the more I don't know.

The more I don't know, the more I forget.

Then, why study? "

.... by Anonymous

Agree or not?

Have a nice time.... in your study. :>

My random thoughts (cont'd) - His/ Her A - Z negatives

2008-09-04T15:13:00.020+08:00

Am obsessed with writing down these negative feelings/ experiences in life when I was contemplating those "positive elements". These aspects are somehow intertwined in our lives that they go hand-in-hand one after another. I am surprised by how quick I could jot down most of those negative aspects. Perhaps sadly because I have embraced them or they have been there buried in my heart and mind, just waiting to be poured out and let go.....

A = anger, anguish

B = bewilderment, bad-tempered

C = confusion

D = disappointment, depression

E = exhausted, escape

F = frustration, fight

G = gloomy, grief

H = heart-broken, hurt

I = irritability

J = jealousy

K = (can't think of any in particular)

L = loss, loneliness
M = mad, miserable

N = nasty

O = obsession, obstruction

P = pain

Q = quarrel

R = restlessness

S = sad, stress

T = turmoil, torture
U = upset, upheaval

V = vulnerability

W = withered, withdrawal

X = xxxx

Y = yell, yelp

Z = zzzzzz

Of course, being positive-oriented and optimistic would help to lessen (not remove) the negative impacts on one's life. Yet the art of staying positive (as it may not be innate) has to be mastered through constant and conscious efforts no matter what, lest one would be dragged into abyss….

Exhibition of "Emotions"

2008-09-03T20:11:00.021+08:00

Haven't been to any design exhibition for a long time. Not that HK is a CULTURAL DESERT without any aspiring design exhibitions, just that I was not aware of or not actively looking for such.

Anyway, accidentally I came across a very small scale exhibition organized by RMM at the small but nice agnes b' gallerie here. I am very pleased that I did visit it in a relaxing morning after having a nice cup of coffee nearby.

I simply like its mood and the theme “Emotion”. Out of the four artists who exhibited their works here, the one I like most is by this Japanese lady, Nakako Hayashi (have a look at the thorough interview which is interesting and thoughtful).

I admire her for her

~ soothing feminine style

~ writings full of compassion

- photo which speaks for itself

~ persistence on being independent and having her own style

as expressed in her diary-like "here and there" magazine . Somehow, reading through it calms one's mind and stimulates thoughts.

My favourite issue is "NEW LIFE ISSUE" in which she mentioned the change brought forth by the birth of her son and there are other articles around the same theme (definitely not about parenting though). Somehow, these articles provoke my thoughts that there are artists/ designers out there who harbour prolific ideas, inspirations and enthusiasm in their profession and masterpieces despite they have family and kids. What are their 'secrets' to enjoy both profession and family in this fast-changing dynamic world while not losing one's identity?...

My random thoughts - His/Her A-Z list

2008-09-02T16:20:00.022+08:00

Recently, drowned into pondering over the A-Z must-have/ want-to-have elements in life. All of these are positive attributes (though I'm also obsessed with the negative ones). Some of them are self-imposed, some can be achieved by taking actions, some are beyond-my-control, whereas some are innate:

A = aspiration, appreciation

B = buoyant, balance

C = creativity, confidence

D = dream, discovery

E = enlightenment, enthusiasm

F = freedom, flexibility

G = God's grace

H = heart, humor

I = inspiration, instinct

J = joy

K = knowledge

L = love, liveliness

M = merry, motivation

N = novelty

O = opportunities, openness

P = passion

Q = quest

R = relaxation, reflection

S = satisfaction, sensitivity

T = truth, travel

U = understanding, unconventional

V = vision, viewpoint

W = wisdom, warmth

X = xxxx

Y = young-at-heart

Z = zeal, zest

What are your A-Z list at this moment which you want to pursue? To me, some maybe indispensable targets, some may be unreachable ideals which the thoughts of itself is suffice to sustain one’s momentum in life.

Which of us could be so sure that no matter what or disregard the price/ sacrifice you have to pay/make, you would be able to attain them ALL ultimately...Anyway, I believe taking into consideration of reality, constant adjustments of the list and expectations is essential from time to time.

Destiny whispers the unpredictability of life. How I wish I could have a crystal ball to disclose the end....

Contemplating

2008-08-26T22:42:00.009+08:00

Need time to think

Need space to muse

Need strength to endure

Need courage to encounter...

Need wisdom to proceed...

Up there

2008-08-23T13:32:00.007+08:00

Take a deep breath, looking up instead of down, contemplating how life could be changed just like clouds up there.

It would be ideal if one could just have few worry-free minutes, lying down on the grass or beach, simply doing nothing, abandoning the daily pressures, just observing how everything could be changed up there - dynamics, peaceful... - all within minutes' time.

"One Day at a time"

2008-08-16T22:16:00.004+08:00

Find this song which I loved few years ago. Now my heart remembers it again:

One Day at a time

Today Lord, just for Today, I have set myself a goal, for the sake of my sanity and the good of my soul -

Today I will focus my mind only on positive things. I will not let negative thinkings clip my spiritual wings. Today I will do my best and here I need Your help...

Today I need Your strength, at least some I can borrow; if I can pull this off today, I may try again tomorrow...

I am only human, Lord help me to be just what I can be and all that I have. Show me stairway that I have to climb.

Lord for my sake, teach me to take One Day at a time...

One Day at a time sweet Jesus, that's all I'm asking of You.

Just give me the strength everyday what I have to do.

Yesterday's gone sweet Jesus, and tomorrow may never be mine.

Lord, help me today, show me the way one day at a time....

Corner for food and rest

2008-08-14T08:10:00.005+08:00

A nice place to take a few-hours' BREAK!

Hope you'll also be able to find a quiet corner for yourself, just a few peaceful moment for your soul... :>

BACK in different way

2008-08-11T15:46:00.004+08:00

Having remained silent on bloggings for a long time (longer than I have anticipated). I have probably lost all my visitors by now (though I haven't totally forgot you out there).

Just want to say that I'm BACK in a way, but not necessarily only in blog. Maybe more in photos.

Happy viewing here: http://www.flickr.com/photos/let-it-be/

Happy Mother's Day

2007-05-13T22:42:00.000+08:00

HAPPY MOTHER's DAY

to all the mothers.

mothering brings out the best and sometimes the worst from all of the mothers. But, it's worth it when you look back or look ahead.

mothering enables us to appreciate (at least to a certain extent) what our mothers had gone through.

May God strengthen us all!!

"The Little Prince"

2007-05-09T23:36:00.000+08:00

I may seem a bit late in reading this well-known children's book by Antoine de Saint-Exupery. Well, I guess it's better starting late than leaving it untouched on the book shelf for years. Thanks Rachel for reminding me about this book.

There are some notions in this book which sound ironic whereas some others are worth for adults to ponder, I think. Such as:

- 'to get drunk so as to forget the shame of drunk' (how many of us have done something silly so as to brain-wash our minds from the guilt feelings or shame on some wrong-doings we have done?);

- 'the most important things are to be seen by hearts (not eyes)';

- the 'grown-ups are odd (from a kid's point of view).

Can't such notions be applied worldwide at anytime?

"The curious incident of the dog in the night-time"

2007-05-09T23:16:00.000+08:00

Do you personally know anyone who is autistic? I do.

It is hard for me to imagine what the 'world' is really like in their eyes. This book, written by Mark Haddon, enlightens me, to a certain extent.

This is about a 15 years old boy who is determined to find out who murdered the dog. He is gifted in maths and patterns but yet emotionally isolated from others. Because of his unique 'nature', his actions and character look peculiar, and sometimes irritating, to those around them.

After reading through this thought-provoking book, one has to appreciate their ways to 'survive' in this complicated world and to 'communicate' with others in their own way. On the other hand, to be sympathetic with the parents who may have endlessly devoted their love and attention to their autistic children but without understanding and emotional rewards.

Boys are like that

2007-04-12T15:06:00.000+08:00

Sometimes it is quite entertaining observing how my boys interacting with each other.

It seems to be a daily routine that they would fight over toys which normally they won't lay their hands on if they are on their own. One would start pushing or complaining and you would hear never-ending arguments and sometimes crying for help. The next minute they may be hugging each other or laughing over something.

Brotherhood is nurtured in such way, I suppose.

Recently, Glen likes to sleep with little Sean despite the little bed will be overcrowded in a way. Then a conversation will be repeated almost every night in the last few days:

Glen kissed Sean good night and asked: "Do you like me?"

Sean answered: "Yes."

Glen: "Can I sleep with you?"

Sean replied right away: "No."

Glen was disappointed: "Oh, why not, Sean?"

Sean reiterated: "NO!"

Apparently, Sean prefers to be left alone.

"Living History" by Hilary R. Clinton

2007-04-12T13:56:00.000+08:00

This is an easy-to-follow and well-written biography of an untraditional First Lady. Though I am not an American and living thousands of miles away at the other side of the globe, I am curious about the life of Mrs Clinton and how would she describe and present the politics and people around her.

I understand that there are criticisms about the book and her suspected intention of publishing it so as to pave a way for her presidential campaign. Nevertheless, I find the book interesting and I admire her tenacity and sense of humor in the midst of tribulations in politics and personal life.

After this book, I indulge in the biography by another intelligent female, Madeleine Albright, Secretary of State in Clinton's administration. Last time, I was only able to finish half-way through and now would like to explore some of the issues happened and want to glance the insights Madam Secretary presents from her points of view.

Her written style is very different from that of Mrs Clinton. Yet, the book is a remarkable piece of work.

Conversations about Dinosaurs

2007-03-28T13:59:00.001+08:00

Don't know why my elder son is obsessed with dinosaurs these days. It's good to me - as I seldom read about it until recently.

Anyway, once we discussed this issue:

Glen: mom, why aren't there any dinosaurs left now?

Mom: ... because otherwise, we'll all become dinosaurs' meals.

Glen: God can create just the veg-eaters dinosaurs then.

(Hmm, that's true, in a certain way.)

Mom: do you know why there are no more dinosaurs nowadays? there are some explanations about the sudden change of climate, violent eruption of volcanoes etc.

Glen: there should be one more reason - the meat-eaters dinosaurs ate all the other veg-eaters.

Sometimes, I'm fascinated by his imaginations.

A short break in Japan

2007-03-14T10:25:00.000+08:00

It is my first time visiting Sapporo and Otaru in Hokkaido, Japan.

Though it was only a short trip (4 days) and my nose suffered from cold-weather-allergy whenever I was walking around outdoor, I fully enjoyed the trip. What else could I ask more - the delicious and fresh Japanese food, the creamy ice-cream, the beautiful scenes and the break-without-kids. The atmosphere, especially in Otaru, was really peaceful. Everywhere was covered with thick layers of white snow.

Despite of the hostile relationship between Chinese and Japanese during Sino-Japanese war and the World War II (especially the Nanking Massacre), I always admire the uniqueness in Japanese culture and tradition and their united spirit as a nation.

I have tidied up some of the photos. Click HERE and happy viewing!

Belated Happy Woman's Day

2007-03-09T09:00:00.000+08:00

Thanks Rachel for reminding me that March 8 is the Woman’s Day.

It isn't easy to be a woman with integrity and passion at their workplace.
It isn't easy to be a woman who has a dream and pursues it throughout her life.
It isn't easy to be a woman whose beauty radiates from inside despite of age.
It isn't easy to be a woman who remains interesting and knowledgeable throughout her lifetime.
It isn't easy to be a woman who knows when to be outspoken and when to remain contemplative.
It isn't easy to be a woman who devotes her golden years to nurture a home with warmth.
It isn't easy to be a woman who cares for the next generation with unconditional love and enormous energy against all odds.
It isn't easy to be a woman AT ALL.

Happy Woman's Day to you all!

Friendships

2007-03-05T19:25:00.000+08:00

Just return from my short but enjoyable trip to Sapparo & Otaru, Japan. Don't have time to tidy up my photos yet.

Anyway, read the following interesting message from womantodaymagazine.com and just want to share with you (some modifications are made):

Why is it we are drawn to some people more than others? What makes us want to maintain a friendship?

Friendship can be a life-line. Connecting with like minded people who genuinely care about one another is a gift...

Friends are people we feel good with. Some make us laugh, some hear us out, others support us when the going is tough and still others just hang with us when we need down time.

A true friend holds up a mirror in which we see ourselves - our strengths, weakness, good character traits... when we are down on ourselves. They remind us of past accomplishments and spur us on in our future. They build into our lives and we are richer for having spent time with them. We come away with a stronger sense of “self” because we have been together.

It's popular today to be sarcastic and even mean in our comments with one another. It's all said in the “I was only joking” way. Yet when we come away from times with friends and admit that their words cut and hurt we need to evaluate our friendships.

Be a relationship builder. Think about the reflection you hold up to those close to you. How do they feel after an interaction with you?.... Over the course of time people will seldom remember what you said but they will always remember how you made them feel.

I am blessed to have few very close friends who have gone through my ups-and-downs with me. It isn't easy to foster a friendship and I do treasure what I have, no matter what....

Happy Valentine's Day

2007-02-14T16:19:00.000+08:00

To YOU, my blog visitors;
To those of you with Valentine;
To those of you without Valentine;
To those of you who want to be loved;
To those of you who want to make this the most special day;
To those of you who are too busy to think about love;
To those of you who doesn’t care what day is today and live as it is.

Full-time vs Part-time mother

2007-01-30T13:52:00.000+08:00

Nowadays, it isn't easy to be a good mother.

Apart from taking care of the physical needs of the family, one has to be emotionally strong, knowledgeable enough to deal with ever-changing educational environment of the kids, interesting to be with as a mother, open-minded enough to encourage kids to open up their hearts, caring and sensitive to kids' feelings, creative to stimulate kids' potential..... On top of all these, it is common here for mothers to financially support the family as well. Sounds like a duty list for a Supermom.

Theoretically, I understand the importance of stay-at-home mother to the well-being and healthy development of a kid (though in reality, there are many working mothers who are capable of bringing up excellent kids). Realistically, this is my dilemma.

I am still struggling through such idea as I am not a good cook, not creative enough, not sensitive enough…. Last but not the least, I don't want to overburden my husband with the financial needs of the family. I think it is pretty difficult for a mother to find a part-time job here, especially when she has to fit in the schedules of their kids and family. Furthermore, I am overwhelmed by a hidden fear that if I stay at home, I may be de-linked from the “world” somehow, sometime.

Thus, I am still a “part-time mother” instead of a full-time stay-at-home mother, but exploring the possibility of being a “full-time mother”.

Any suggestions on how to equip myself (psychologically and practically) for such a difficult but possibly enjoyable task?

Happy New Year!

2007-01-01T18:45:00.000+08:00

What's your new year plan?

I have heard a saying that if you don't have any plan set to achieve any goal, you'll just be wandering through days and hours, wasting the precious God-given time. Maybe it's true. But there are always unknown factors kept intruding into the path...

Mine is to finish the unfinished matters from 2006. I keep filling up the bookcases with books which I think are interesting - but some of them remained unread. I wish I could catch up with my reading in 2007.

In 2006, I have started writing more on blogs and am excited to meet cyber-friends through bloggings. It's interesting indeed. Meanwhile, I'll keep on taking more photos and I do hope to continue with my clay-making. It's fun indeed.

Wish you all have a fruitful New Year!

Merry Christmas!

2006-12-21T22:46:00.000+08:00

Read two lovely posts from the blog of Mother-of-invention about Christmas. Meaningful (to me, at least). Hope you would like it too!

I hope I have the wisdom in teaching our kids the merits of sharing and giving during this season.

Wish you and your families have a very Merry Christmas!

Dec 18

2006-12-18T19:30:00.000+08:00

When I have passed the age of 20, I (pre)tend to forget how old I am after each birthday. Yet, not my birthday. Somehow, I do wish to do something different on this day or to expect the unexpected.

Today, the unexpected is that I received birthday-calls, including long-distance ones from my close friends. Time passes but friendships remain despite of thousands of miles away from each other. Their thoughtfulness speaks more forcibly than words…

Today, I have to count my blessings: I feel grateful that God places me in a family with warmth; that God, over different stages, places friends around me, a lot of them are talented and much more smarter than I am. Last of all, I feel grateful for having two special boys at home and of course, a special man-in-charge.

Funny tales

2006-12-05T10:02:00.000+08:00

While I was in school, one of my favourite readings was Reader's Digest (though only the jokes column). And I established a habit of repeating those funny tales to my classmates. As time goes by, such habit of my mine seems to have subsided. When I've recently received a list of funny tales about kids, I can't resist the temptation of posting just a few here (second one is my favourite as I have "inherited" white hairs from my parents):

1) A Sunday school teacher was discussing the Ten Commandments with her five and six year olds.

After explaining the commandment to "honor" thy Father and thy Mother, she asked, "Is there a commandment that teaches us how to treat our brothers and sisters?"

Without missing a beat one little boy answered, "Thou shall not kill."

2) One day a little girl was sitting and watching her mother do the dishes at the kitchen sink. She suddenly noticed that her mother had several strands of white hair sticking out in contrast on her brunette head.

She looked at her mother and inquisitively asked, "Why are some of your hairs white, Mom?"

Her mother replied, "Well, every time that you do something wrong and make me cry or unhappy, one of my hairs turns white."

The little girl thought about this revelation for a while and then said, "Momma, how come ALL of grandma's hairs are white?"

3) The children had all been photographed, and the teacher was trying to persuade them each to buy a copy of the group picture.

"Just think how nice it will be to look at it when you are all grown up and say, 'There's Jennifer, she's a lawyer,' or 'That's Michael, he's a doctor,' or ‘That's Samantha, she's an artist.’

A small voice at the back of the room rang out, "And there's the teacher, she's dead."

4) A teacher was giving a lesson on the circulation of the blood. Trying to make the matter clearer, she said,

"Now, class, if I stood on my head, the blood, as you know, would run into it, and I would turn red in the face." "Yes," the class said.

"Then why is it that while I am standing upright in the ordinary position the blood doesn't run into my feet?"

A little fellow shouted, "Cause your feet aren't empty ."

5) The children were lined up in the cafeteria of a Catholic elementary school for lunch. At the head of the table was a large pile of apples. The nun made a note, and posted on the apple tray:

"Take only ONE. God is watching."

Moving further along the lunch line, at the other end of the table was a large pile of chocolate chip cookies.

A child had written a note, "Take all you want. God is watching the apples.”

Hope these have made you smile, my cyberfriends.

"Whatever you think, think the opposite"

2006-11-23T13:23:00.000+08:00

What a strange suggestion?! Well, maybe.

After finished this thought-provoking book written by Paul Arden, I feel obliged to re-examine myself again. This is really amazing and enlightening.

One can finish the book within an hour, yet you are tempted to go back to it from time to time. Simply because of its witty illustrations, creative ideas, humorous points of views and unconventional opinions.

Hope you'll have a chance to enjoy reading this book.

Oxfam Trailwalker (part 2)

2006-11-12T21:40:00.000+08:00

It's finally over.

After 29 hours, the team had completed the task. There were other teams which I knew. Though they might not have talked as fast as they wished, the fact that they had accomplished the mission is incredible. At the finish point, there were participants who looked as if they had just finished some exercise; some were anxious to share their experiences; some were badly hurted; some could hardly walk, some were excited to meet their support teams at the finish line..... No matter whether or not you know the teams, one would just clap their hands and cheer for the participants who could come back safely.

Oxfam Trailwalker

2006-11-10T14:07:00.000+08:00

Blessed by fantastic weather, the 100km-trailwalker has started this morning. This is a meaningful fund-raising event in town with more than 4000 participants this year.

The walk is an ultimate challenge to one's physical fitness, will-power, tenancity and team spirit. Not everyone could smoothly finish the walk. Some could unbelievably complete it within 15 hours whereas some need more than 40 hours. Just wondering how long it would take hubby and his team to complete it this year....

No matter what, all the participants deserved a great applause....

Monday madness

2006-11-07T19:27:00.000+08:00

Though I am a bit late reading this from Jo (as today isn't Monday), I thought this seems to be interesting...

Here is the instructions: just use the letters in your name (first, last or both) to describe your life (this is from Monday madness).

Fun-loving - I do like to read funny things, be with people whom I think they are really fun to be with. I'm lucky that I have many interesting friends who have brought a lot of laughters in my life.

Eager to travel - I don't remember exactly since when I love to travel. So far I have been to many places and each of them is unique in its own way - USA, UK, France, Spain, Germany, Czechoslovakia, Hungary, Switzerland, Italy, Greece, Philippines, China, Japan, Taiwan, Australia, New Zealand, Bora Bora (in French Polynesia in the Pacific ocean), etc.

Never good at observing - this is one of my weaknesses that I am never good at observing the change of mood in others, the reasons behind certain behavior, the thoughts behind, etc. It is with God's grace that I'm still able to have friends who understand, tolerate and accept my weaknesses.

Nurture a loving family - I believe that one of my main tasks (at least at this moment) is to nurture a loving family for my young kids to grow up, a warm and comfort place where each of the family members (including myself) would love to spend time in.

Yearning for more time - somehow I always find time is short and it seems that I don't really have much time for what I really want to do (other than those routine tasks) such as reading, hiking, practising piano, learning drum kits, improving pottery-making skills, etc. Yet again, perhaps it's a matter of time management and multi-tasking skills which I wish to have time to polish...

It's a matter of management

2006-10-18T13:37:00.000+08:00

Have been very busy recently - accommodating friends/ relative in town; looking for related information regarding school-searching for my son, etc. So busy that I have to stop my pottery classes and reading for few weeks already. Only manage to upload some photos on my flickr album.

I seldom stay at home for 24-hour solely looking after my sons. Recently, I'm 'honoured' to have a chance to do so. As a working-mom who is not get used to such temporary but demanding task, you can imagine what may have happened to the sons and their mother - sons calling (and sometimes shouting) for attention, mom rushing here and there, doing the laundry, clearing-up the mess, taking the kids to the park and classes, separating the fighting sons, etc. It's really exhausting.

My husband also has a chance to be stay-at-home dad. To my surprise, everything is "under control". As he said, "it's a matter of mangement." Well, I must add "it's also a matter of 'well-established' authority." But after I returned home, I realised that "management" doesn't necessarily include cleaning and washing as those items, according to him, could wait...

FAX message from GOD

2006-10-03T14:48:00.000+08:00

Just receive this message which I believe is worth sharing. Have a nice day!

******************************
To: YOU
Date: TODAY
From: GOD
Subject: YOURSELF
Reference: LIFE

This is God. Today I will be handling all of your problems for you. I do NOT need your help. So, have a nice day. I love you.

P.S.

And, remember...If life happens to deliver a situation to you that you cannot handle, do not attempt to resolve it yourself!! Kindly put it in the SFG TD (something for God to do) box. I will get to it in MY TIME. All situations will be resolved, but in My time, not yours.

Once the matter is placed into the box, do not hold onto it by worrying about it. Instead, focus on all the wonderful things that are present in your life now.

********************************

"What every mom needs"

2006-09-27T23:44:00.000+08:00

What would be your answer to this question "what does every mom need?"

- Give me a break!
- HELP!
- A Spa or Message
- Sense of Humor
- A creative mind
- Golden moment of quietness and peace
.....

One of the reasons I like the book "What Every Mom Needs" is that it vividly describes the situation that most of the mom faces in her demanding "home-management job". It also provides good suggestion which worth to think about.

Today makes a difference for my sons' tomorrows. What and how should I do then? I like this saying that "being a mother brings out the best and worst in me". So true, indeed (yet I would add "being a wife AND a mom").

I wish I have the wisdom on how to be a mom.

Funny things

2006-08-23T13:27:00.000+08:00

As time flies, I would tend to forget things my sons had said or did before. Here are some funny things, just to remind myself, what they had said or did at their young age:

When Glen was a toddler, I asked him "who's a naughty boy today?"
Glen replied happily "Papa (his father)"

When I told Glen that he's going to have a baby brother and I asked him what should be his name, he suggested, "DVD".

Once we were having dinner, I told Glen the meat was called "lunch meat". He asked, "is it only for lunch?"

When we were teaching Glen the disadvantages of watching too much TV, he responded, "but Batman also watched TV, so that he would know where are the bad guys and he would rush to rescue the others. So, I also need to watch TV..."

My younger son Sean is still unable to utter many words but he has no difficulty in understanding our conversations, nor in "answering" our questions aptly.

I pointed at his little book and told him that's a cat. Whenever we asked Sean again what is it, he said, "meow, meow".

Once Glen said "Mom, I want to listen to Almo's song". Sean was anxious to help his big brother and rushed to take out the Sesame Street CD from the rack.

These constitute sweet memories which invite smiles and worth reminisced about.

How to strike a balance?

2006-08-03T23:32:00.000+08:00

My elder one is a talkative and cheerful person who sometimes acts like the character "Mr Nosey". I guess kids at the age of five all like to ask non-stop questions.

There were moments when I was at my ultimate limit that I had to take a deep breath so that I won't tell him to "shut-up". I keep on asking myself how to strike a balance between encouraging his "questioning-mind" and sense of curiosity, and his ability to stop at the right time? If I stop him from asking, what would be the long-lasting effects? Would he gradually refusing to open up himself as he could feel that his parents are reluctant to answer his questions or are annoyed by his behaviours? If you have experiences in raising kids, please share with me.

Life sometimes is ironic, isn't it? There are people around whom you want them to shut-up; whereas there are others whom you wish they could just speak-up so that you do not feel like being kept in darkness....

Special impacts from special persons (I)

2006-07-23T12:07:00.000+08:00

I am fortunate enough to be able to have met special persons at different stages. In some ways they have affected me, positively or negatively.

While I was a teenage attending Youth's meeting at the church, I had once asked this brother why did he study history at university. He simply answered that he found it interesting. You'll understand the present more if you discover the past. Though you may not be able to predict the future, there are similar patterns of causes-and-effects which you can identify. Furthermore, there are always something to learn from the past.

The answer somehow sounds like a spell on me that I enrolled in history. Frankly speaking, I have forgot majority of what I had studied, yet I still recall I was fascinated by how things had developed in the world history, WWII, the Pearl Harbour, the Cold War, etc. I guess my interest in reading biographies has something to do with my interests in people's past...

Book Review III - Pour Your Heart into it

2006-07-14T20:42:00.000+08:00

I have been in love with coffee ever since I started working. Though I am not particularly picky on my choices (even instant coffee is fine with me, sometimes), I do enjoy having a nice hot cup of coffee at such place like Starbucks.

This book is all about Starbucks - its history, its belief, its dreams. This is a fascinating and enlightening book. Though it did talk about ways in doing businesses at good times and bad, the most interesting part of all (at least to me) is the author (H.Schultz)'s passion towards coffee and life which made Starbucks such a legend. Whatever you do, you have to do it with passion.

I learn from H. Schultz's love towards what he do, his attitude towards his staff (whom he called partners), the unconditional support from his other half, his perseverance to pursue his dreams...

"Some men see things as they are and say 'why', I dream things that never were and say 'why not?'" - George Bernard Shaw

Dream big and wish your dreams come true.

For Lynette - Google Image Game (II)

2006-07-14T12:10:00.000+08:00

This blog entry is especially for Lynette, a gifted painter.

Thanks for commenting in my "Google Image Game" blog, I really appreciate it.

I have tried to search the name "Lynette" at Google Image but I guess you won't like the first image found to be posted here. Thus, I go for your name "Clay" and this is what I got, which I think is not bad.

I would say it is "An art in action".

Timeout on blogs

2006-07-04T09:04:00.000+08:00

How I wish I could have more time to spend on here! Anyway, on my to-do list: more letters to my little boys, one more book review, few more photos for Flickr (somehow just addicted to Flickr as I am ecstatic to find many talents there...)

HAPPY FATHER'S DAY

2006-06-17T11:43:00.000+08:00

There are much emphasis on Mother's Day but Father's Day is always not in the spotlight. Not sure how the fathers actually feel about such 'unbalanced' attention.

Well, HAPPY FATHER's DAY to all the fathers who also deserved cheers & hugs!