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Pat Metheny is one legend I've grown up with (he is the reason I go ga-ga over guys whose adept at guitarwork - 12 strings, no kidding!). My love for Jazz is attributed to this talented guy! (what can I say, I have a thing for charismatic silent type, and he's a Leo too!)

Do you know he is also the reason why kids my age back then found me 'wierd' for idolising "the guy with messy hair"; they could not understand the magic I saw in him, more so his work... Hmm, I just realised early on in my childhood, at the tender age of 5 at that, I've started displaying traits of a girl with strong views and individuality ;P

Anyway, view some clips and read more about the artist who is coming to town. Can't wait to hear all about it from Rye.

PS: Happy Birthday, aunt Sofie!

Duty With Honor

My will shall shape the future. Whether I fail or succeed shall be no man's doing but my own. I am the force; I can clear any obstacle before me or I can be lost in the maze. My choice; my responsibility; win or lose, only I hold the key to my destiny. - Elaine Maxwell

After a brief chat with close pals (thank you for your care, love & support!), I am reminded of John D Rockefeller Junior's quote - "Think of giving not as a duty but as a privilege." Indeed, no matter how busy I am, I am tireless. The joy of spending time with those I love, even if it means little time for I, ME, & MYSELF, is irreplaceable.

Yes, at times I feel vulnerable, overwhelmed, almost helpless but isn't that a natural humanly instinct in response to life ramification? Someone once told me, "Step back, take a deep breath, assess the situation and prioritise; that would keep you sane." (thanks, LG). Stay focused on the purpose of your existence, zah!

In retrospect, after reading and watching the life of the late S Rajaratnam over the weekend, my life seems ordinary, almost insignificant (he has my deepest respect and admiration!). Moral of the story is - time is precious and what you do with it for the benefit of the majority - is what matters. I end this blog with a nice quote:

A man who becomes conscious of the responsibility he bears toward a human being who affectionately waits for him, or to an unfinished work, will never be able to throw away his life. He knows the "why" for his existence, and will be able to bear almost any "how". - Victor Frankl

A Special Talent

If one advances confidently in the direction of his dreams, and endeavors to live the life he has imagined, he will meet with a success unexpected in common hours. - Henry David Thoreau

Today, I am feeling torn yet am so glad for this special talent as he is finally moving on in the direction of his passion. There's no one quite like him. No words could express how I feel so I shall stop here (as it is, the rainy weather has spoken on my behalf). Storm, I'll miss cuddly you...

With that, here's a tribute to my dear friend (you know who you are):

Le cher ami, dans si peu d'heure que je vous ai connu, une amitié plus profonde naît. Maintenant, vous serez des milles de distance. Si on avance avec confiance dans la direction de ses rêves, et d'efforts de vivre la vie où il a imaginée, il rencontrera un succès inattendu en heures communes. Par conséquent, ce n'est pas un triste au revoir, mais vous voit bientôt car je choisis de croire que nos chemins croiseront encore un certain jour. Salut et tout le meilleur. Vous serez manqué.

Nitta Sayuri

Our world is no more permanent than a wave rising on the ocean. Whatever our struggles and triumphs, however we may suffer them, all too soon they bleed into a wash, just like watery ink on paper.

After reading MOAG yet again, it revived my novice knowledge of Japanese culture during my 'study Japanese' days, which seemed decades ago.

Japan is indeed a place steep in culture; there's a ceremony for all occassion:
- when a geisha 'adopts' an apprentice geisha (tea ceremony)
- when a geisha offers her mizuage (serve ekubo to the selected men)
- when the victor of the mizuage bidding is announced (tea ceremony)
- when an apprentice geisha accepts a danna/sugar daddy (tea ceremony)

Do you know that there are many layers to a kimono? It includes koshimaki (hip wrap), undershirt (camisole), paddings, underrobe (ro during hot weather, hitoe during cold weather), silk collar sewn on to the kimono, kimono, obi (sash), tabi (socks)

Also, you can spot an apprentice geisha easily. She has a momoware hairstyle (its suggestive: split peach with red in the middle??!), a red silk collar (vs white by a geisha) with a colourful kimono, a dangling obi (sash) in darari knot at the back (vs drum knot by a geisha). A virgin apprentice geisha, after mizuage (offering virginity) changes her hairstyle by placing a red silk hairband (versus a patterned one) at the base of her bun - interesting visuals!

I did not realise that Japanese men find the neck and throat of a woman erotic, similar to westerners' view of a woman's legs (and I thought the eyes is the windows to your soul, no?)

I end this blog with an interesting quote from the book (can you believe it, I still have not seen the movie!):

I never seek to defeat the man I'm fighting; I seek to defeat his confidence. A mind troubled by doubt cannot focus on the course of victory.

Inamorata...

Precious shared this with me some time back...

Without Love, days are:
"Moanday"
"Tearsday"
"Wasteday"
"Thirstday"
"Frightday"
"Shatterday"
"Sadday"...

So, fall in love! ;P

Afterthought: Am glad most of the guys in the office shared my personal, not to mention, practical view that the current generation has lost the true essence of V Day. It is now no more than a commercial sham that attracts, well, the easily conned, ha! Don't get us wrong... this is not a vent (actually, I don't celebrate V day). Tim quoted that if everyone buys chocs/flowers on this day, how can the recipient be anyone more special than his/her next neighbour? Act of love/sacrifice should be done sincerely everyday... hmmm... lucky wife of his. And what do you know, I got a Roche flower at that! ;P

Crap vs Crab!

Argument is the worst sort of conversation. - Jonathan Swift

Crappy day to begin with but I know that I'm not easily bothered with 'flies buzzing around me'. "Fear is not the natural state of civilized people." Aptly put by Aung San Suu Kyi (this is one woman I have high regards for). And "Rudeness is a weak imitation of strength". Hmmm, that reminds me of another saying, "Rights that do not flow from duty well performed are not worth having." Very true!

Jo was wondering how come I appeared calm in the midst of a 'volcanic eruption'. For one, "there is nothing stronger in the world than gentleness". I learnt that from a dear friend. Sometimes, the most important thing in communication is to hear what isn't being said. In this case, it was the pressure to bring the dough in, not so much of a tardy work. For another, I am glad that Jo stood up for us. Hence, the need for me to say nothing coz what was said was all good. "United we stand, divided we fall, eh?"...

Lucky for me, everyone loved the cookies I made. Also, I had a housewarming party to attend to (time to de-stress!). The cheese crab was yummy (my mind was running through the list of possible ingredients that go into making the award winning crab, hmm time to experiment in the kitchen!). Besides the food, Ryan's home was cozy - a modern resort feel with simple lines; didn't have my camera with me, darn! Oh well, glad he liked the gift. End this blog with a song from U2...

I'm not afraid of anything in this world
There's nothing you can throw at me that I haven't already heard
I'm just trying to find a decent melody
A song that I can sing in my own company...

And if the night runs over
And if the day won't last
And if your way should falter
Along the stony pass
It's just a moment
This time will pass

Celebrations

Accept the things to which fate binds you and
Love the people with whom fate brings you together
But do so with all your heart. - by Marcus Aurelius

Original Sins seems to be THE PLACE for celebrations - anniversaries, birthdays, reunions, etc.

There was a moment of quiet reflection, not that it was awkward; I gazed at the table outside, reminiscing the past. Yes, memories, especially good ones, are meant to be treasured regardless if the outcome led to feelings of hurt (no regrets).

There is no point in 'escapism'; They say, "You can close your eyes to the things you do not want to see, but you cannot close your heart to the things you do not want to feel." At the end of the day, "always look at what you have left instead of what you have lost", right?

Anyway, enough about me! Its Rye's special day; was glad to be a part of it (hmm was hoping to see lil Aria and those beautiful eyes; got a gift for her as well! perhaps next time). To the birthday boy, "Here's a toast your birthday brings. A slew of happy splendid things. With added years of health and love. In richest blessings from above."

I end my blog with the following "Today in History", enjoy:

7 February 1979:
R.E.G.Y is born.
Pink Floyd premiered their live version of "The Wall" in Los Angeles.

7 February 1976:
Toronto Maple Leaf, Darryl Sittler scores NHL record 10 pts (6 goals).

7 February 1964:
The Beatles arrives in New York & Beatle Mania hits Kennedy Airport.

7 February 1855:
Cowboy celebrity Charles Siringo, one of the most famous contemporary chroniclers of the cowboy life, is born in Matagorda County, Texas.

7 February 1775:
Benjamin Franklin publishes “An Imaginary Speech” in defense of American courage.

In Touch...

Those truly linked don't need correspondence. When they meet again after years apart, their friendship is as true as ever - Deng M.D.

Today, I had the instinctive feeling to talk to Yaz and truth be told, Kin is pregnant; baby is due this July (Yaz's birthday month!). I know how much he wants one, after having two boys. Took the opportunity to ask how he and family are doing? Glad to hear all is fine.

Its been awhile since we kept in touch; what a relief to know that the feelings we have, as friends, are still intact. That is our special bond. Congratulated him on his NY award for the recent Channel News Asia program (ok its not new, it was in 2004 but better late than never, eh).

Afterthought: "Time is a companion that goes with us on a journey. It reminds us to cherish each moment, because it will never come again. What we leave behind is not as important as how we have lived. Hmm, suddenly My Best Friend's Wedding soundtrack comes to mind..."

Someday when I'm awfully low
When the world is cold
I feel a glow just thinking of you
And the way you look tonight.

Oh, but you're lovely with your smile so warm
And your cheek so soft
There is nothing for me to love you
And the way you look tonight

With each word your tenderness grows
Tearing my fear apart
And that laugh that wrinkles your nose
touches my foolish heart

Lovely, never ever change
Keep that breathless charr
Won't you please arrange it? 'Cause I love you
Just the way you look tonight...