In the scope of our personal relationships this card stands for the great love that deeply touches and flows through us.
It has little to do with "failing in love," which Erich Fromm rightly says is at most an indication of our previous loneliness.
The card can indicate a new relationship or mean that our great happiness is to be found here and now in the partnership we already have.
The important decisive character of this card makes it apparent that we can only tap this source of fulfilling experience when we voluntarily "limit" ourselves and affirm from our hearts that we will follow this path with a certain person.
Each of us would certainly be prepared to take this step if we could just meet the Dream Woman or Prince Charming.
This card challenges us to stop deceiving ourselves and recognize that such mythical figures do not present themselves in completed form to us, but rather that they could be within our partner, hoping and waiting to be discovered.
The path that leads to another person is: the decision.
~ Tarot of Dreams
Images from the Tarot of Dreams® Deck, reproduced by permission of Ciro Marchetti,
http://www.ciromarchetti.com Copyright ©2006. Further reproduction prohibited.
Saturday, December 11, 2010
Saturday, December 4, 2010
The Rose
I figure I best describe what most women want in a man, she wants from the rose.
I love flowers. I love looking at them, running through fields of them.
Receiving them and caring for them.
But roses, well roses are special.
Especially those ever-stunning deep red ones.
Anyway back to what I want in a man, wait.... in a rose. Yes.
I don't want a dozen, or half for that matter.
Just one healthy perfect, long stemmed, thorn-free Looker.
I don't want one that's too clammed up as I love the process of watching one bloom,
and I want one which have a natural openness about it.
I promise to pamper you, Rose... water you, stare at you and sing to you...
just so you'll open up for me. Spread to all your glory.
Catching a glimpse of you in my living room makes me smile.
And I often want to color your petals with the redness of my lips.
When I breeze you across my face, I want you to smell sweet.
Of meadows and spring kisses.
Yet I acknowledge the complexity of your beauty and the delicacy of your being.
You don't often find a near perfect rose but you always remember it.
And same goes for that perfect man.
I love flowers. I love looking at them, running through fields of them.
Receiving them and caring for them.
But roses, well roses are special.
Especially those ever-stunning deep red ones.
Anyway back to what I want in a man, wait.... in a rose. Yes.
I don't want a dozen, or half for that matter.
Just one healthy perfect, long stemmed, thorn-free Looker.
I don't want one that's too clammed up as I love the process of watching one bloom,
and I want one which have a natural openness about it.
I promise to pamper you, Rose... water you, stare at you and sing to you...
just so you'll open up for me. Spread to all your glory.
Catching a glimpse of you in my living room makes me smile.
And I often want to color your petals with the redness of my lips.
When I breeze you across my face, I want you to smell sweet.
Of meadows and spring kisses.
Yet I acknowledge the complexity of your beauty and the delicacy of your being.
You don't often find a near perfect rose but you always remember it.
And same goes for that perfect man.
Friday, December 3, 2010
Tis the Season
And December rolls around once more.
Another year passed. This one, faster than the last.
Some of us are either worrying about Xmas presents, what to do over the holidays or winding down from the hectic year we all claim we had.
Some of us evaluate our 'gains and losses' while others are just glad the year is over so they may start 2011 afresh.
A self-made slave to man-made time lines instead of natural cycles or listening to the body.
Personally speaking, schedule is so erratic that public holidays often mean nothing to me.
And as much as I try to listen to the rhythms of life and follow the planets energetically,
every year end... I do what almost most people do.
Find yet another reason to Celebrate.
Ti's the season... is this seasons usual mantra... :)
So let's be jolly.
I know I'll get into some kind of festive spirit.
I'll buy a mistletoe to attach to my newly painted door frame,
maybe some sparkly Xmas balls :) to hang randomly around the living room.
I'll probably cave and buy some lights too... because they are multi-purposeful and I can use them for other 0ccasions. :)
Thus being eco-concious and 'celebratory'.
It's likely I will spend most of December trying to prepare for 2011
but I must remind myself to balance the work and play.
So I hope you spend this Dec doing something exciting and uplifting to close the year nicely.
Backstage, in catwalk terms or finale shows... we say "be sure to finish strong".
Happy Holidays.
Another year passed. This one, faster than the last.
Some of us are either worrying about Xmas presents, what to do over the holidays or winding down from the hectic year we all claim we had.
Some of us evaluate our 'gains and losses' while others are just glad the year is over so they may start 2011 afresh.
A self-made slave to man-made time lines instead of natural cycles or listening to the body.
Personally speaking, schedule is so erratic that public holidays often mean nothing to me.
And as much as I try to listen to the rhythms of life and follow the planets energetically,
every year end... I do what almost most people do.
Find yet another reason to Celebrate.
Ti's the season... is this seasons usual mantra... :)
So let's be jolly.
I know I'll get into some kind of festive spirit.
I'll buy a mistletoe to attach to my newly painted door frame,
maybe some sparkly Xmas balls :) to hang randomly around the living room.
I'll probably cave and buy some lights too... because they are multi-purposeful and I can use them for other 0ccasions. :)
Thus being eco-concious and 'celebratory'.
It's likely I will spend most of December trying to prepare for 2011
but I must remind myself to balance the work and play.
So I hope you spend this Dec doing something exciting and uplifting to close the year nicely.
Backstage, in catwalk terms or finale shows... we say "be sure to finish strong".
Happy Holidays.
Sunday, November 14, 2010
Guilty?
During a recent conversation with one of my spiritual healers,
I learn that guilt has the lowest vibrations and thus attracts negativity.
We all feel guilty some time.
Whether it's that indulgent cupcake, or that lazy day at home,
we often feel we do not deserve to take a break, treat ourselves, and do nothing.
This rainy Sunday, I sit at home, running the weekend through my mind.
My mates are coming over to help me paint but I have a good mind to ditch the plan and just veg out instead.
Chat and spend some quality time with quality beings.
I step out on my balcony to find my neighbor and her husband out on theirs,
in the rain.... scrubbing it down.
Surprised.. I asked, "Hi, wow, how come you're cleaning it now, in the rain?"
Her first response was,
"Hey don't worry, I am not washing stuff (dirt, I think she meant) onto your side of the wall!"
We went about with some neighborly chit chat through a slit in our shared porch wall.
and I got back to my space.
But I couldn't help but ponder on her comment.
We feel guilt and the need to express it, even more than we catch ourselves doing it.
We apologize more times in a day then we probably should.
We seldom claim our right to celebrate or get about our business even in our own homes.
And by celebrating, I don't mean clubbing or drinking ourselves stupid or splurging cash.
I mean celebrating the fact that we have fresh water at our fingertips, and food in our fridges.
(Gosh, the fact that we even have fridges!)
Just be grateful and guilt-free for the next stroll you take in the park.
Or for that warm shower you enjoy, at the beginning and end of each day.
How precious and blessed we are, to have that so accessible to us, daily.
At your next meal, take a moment to appreciate how it was served to you.
No matter how it is delivered, release the guilt and celebrate the simplicity of consuming it.
Spend some time every day realizing the amazement of your individual life.
Then, without guilt, share some joy with the other amazing beings you hold close to you.
Let's naturally lift our vibrations so we attract more positivity n share positively.
Guilt-free.
I learn that guilt has the lowest vibrations and thus attracts negativity.
We all feel guilty some time.
Whether it's that indulgent cupcake, or that lazy day at home,
we often feel we do not deserve to take a break, treat ourselves, and do nothing.
This rainy Sunday, I sit at home, running the weekend through my mind.
My mates are coming over to help me paint but I have a good mind to ditch the plan and just veg out instead.
Chat and spend some quality time with quality beings.
I step out on my balcony to find my neighbor and her husband out on theirs,
in the rain.... scrubbing it down.
Surprised.. I asked, "Hi, wow, how come you're cleaning it now, in the rain?"
Her first response was,
"Hey don't worry, I am not washing stuff (dirt, I think she meant) onto your side of the wall!"
We went about with some neighborly chit chat through a slit in our shared porch wall.
and I got back to my space.
But I couldn't help but ponder on her comment.
We feel guilt and the need to express it, even more than we catch ourselves doing it.
We apologize more times in a day then we probably should.
We seldom claim our right to celebrate or get about our business even in our own homes.
And by celebrating, I don't mean clubbing or drinking ourselves stupid or splurging cash.
I mean celebrating the fact that we have fresh water at our fingertips, and food in our fridges.
(Gosh, the fact that we even have fridges!)
Just be grateful and guilt-free for the next stroll you take in the park.
Or for that warm shower you enjoy, at the beginning and end of each day.
How precious and blessed we are, to have that so accessible to us, daily.
At your next meal, take a moment to appreciate how it was served to you.
No matter how it is delivered, release the guilt and celebrate the simplicity of consuming it.
Spend some time every day realizing the amazement of your individual life.
Then, without guilt, share some joy with the other amazing beings you hold close to you.
Let's naturally lift our vibrations so we attract more positivity n share positively.
Guilt-free.
Thursday, June 10, 2010
www.awe50me.com
SUNDAY, MAY 16, 2010
CHARMAINE HARN - SINGAPORE
WHAT’S YOUR ATTITUDE TOWARDS THE WAY YOU CHOOSE TO LIVE?
We all have a purpose in life and that is reflected in our attitude towards work, the arts, relationships and ambition. I think the key is to make a life, not just a living.
Fulfillment plays a big part in MY purpose and is the driving force behind any project I chose to undertake. I want to master the art of doing less but achieving more. But discipline and patience is vital as well. And flow. Flowing is important. Understanding the cycles of life and knowing that challenges are opportunities for us to be creative.
SO HOW THE HELL DO YOU DO IT?
Prayer. And a lot of whisky. Jokes aside… it's all about Balance. Moderation. Doing everything as fairly and equally as you can. Some women call it yoga, others say Pilates, I say Balance. But according to your individual lifestyle.
Your life must complement itself. The people around you, the choices you make all must make you happy and help you be more aware.
TELL US ABOUT THE PEOPLE WHO INSPIRE YOU?
Well I love people. I can talk to anyone and will talk to everyone. My inspiration comes from the fact that everybody has a story. Their own story. That's why often, when I met someone of importance, I ask them a simple question - "What has been your secret to success?"
David Tang, founder of The China Club & Shanghai Tang told me, "The key is to being well read. Read. As much as you can. Build a library and always be willing to learn new things."
Maggie Q, Hollywood actress and close friend confides, "We are who we are, to inspire people and we must be proud of who we are and what we do."
Faith Roberts, my Mother and Guru says, "Always surround yourself with people who are pure and good to you and bring out the best in you."
WHAT WOULD YOU DO TO SHAKE UP YOUR GENERATION?
Add music. A lot of it. Good music. Educate through music. Inspire with sound therapy. Heal through sound vibrations.
TURN US ON TO SOMETHING?
I swear by Nature. I love holistic remedies. For many years, I have used flower essences and essential oils to stay balanced, focused and pampered. I am also fascinated with crystals and stones.
Bach Flower Remedies & Aurora Alchemy Goddess Oils
WHAT HAS BEEN MOST INFLUENTIAL TO YOU & YOUR GENERATION?
The iMAC revolution. The Imac, Iphone, Ipod. Everything is «i» this and «i» that, in more ways than just aesthestically.
HOW DID YOU GET INTO WHAT YOU'RE DOING NOW?
Wow, this question stunned me. It brought me back to the time I was 4 years old and in the Botanical Gardens with my parents. We were all seated together in a café and my Dad had left his SLR camera on the tabletop. When no one noticed, I grabbed the camera, went outside and photographed a red Carnation flower.
To this day, I still have the picture. It is probably,comparatively, the best shot I have ever taken. That same year, 1981.. I did a TV commercial for Yamaha. I was the Girl for the Portasound. The print shot was of me, seated cross-legged, hugging a portasound with a huge grin on my face. The tvc had me skip down the Yamaha corridor, clasping my portasound, straight up to the camera to say "I love PortaSound!" Those were my 1st experiences with (both in front of and behind) the camera.
TELL US ABOUT YOUR LATEST WORK?
My last hosting gig was for the 1st season of Supermodelme. A reality program where 10 wannabe models battled it out to emerge victorious and win $10gs. I hosted the program, acted as guest judge on various occasions, played 'Mentor' to the contestants and awarded the 1st SMM winner live on stage in Zouk at their finale event.
As for modeling, I only do so now by special request. Last weekend, I went to KL to walk the 'red carpet' at the Bonia event where Anita Sarawak performed and I did a 'celebrity catwalk' for Bonia's Italian designer, who was present at the event. Creatively, I love photography and writing. I am currently working on a piece for a friend's newly opened concept store called Word of Mouth in Bali. I write more about the people behind the idea, and add some playful touches of my own to it to make it relatable.
WHAT IS YOUR WEAPON OF CHOICE FOR YOUR PASSION?
Charm.
WHO IS YOUR FAVORITE PHOTOGRAPHER?
I have been following a photographer named Daniel Luxford whom I met in a skate shop in Perth. He sold us some skate wheels. His photography is raw and amazing. His 'personal' collection on his website are my favorites.
WHO IS YOUR FAVORITE FASHION DESIGNER?
Currently my favorite fashion designer is Sven for AllDressedUp.
DESCRIBE YOUR STYLE?
My personal style is about comfort and accesorizing. I love flowy materials and chunky jewelery. I think a woman should feel confident and sexy in her choice of clothes and know her own body well enough to wear flattering cuts, according to her moods. And I love jeans... I have them in all cuts, shades and lengths.
WHAT KIND OF MUSIC ARE YOU LISTENING TO NOW?
I like Funk, House and Reggae.
TELL US ABOUT THE SCENE IN YOUR CITY?
Singaporeans and everybody in Singapore are spoilt for choice when it comes to the Nightlife here. There is a scene for everyone, really. So don't expect New York styled lofty parties or hotel pent-house do's with pimped out luxuries (well you can imagine once in awhile, because it does happen occasionally). Our city scene is more intimate. The variety makes up for the lack of crowd and after hours are usually in cliques indoors.
WHAT ARE YOUR FAVORITE THINGS TO DO IN YOUR CITY?
Drive around. When you're done in the city, take the freeways to secluded parts of the island. Like Changi Coast, Labrador Park or even Punggol. Seek out the heartlands and explore. WALK my dog out to East Coast Park, The Botanical Gardens, Changi Village as well as out on the islands when we do Boat Trips.
EAT! Katong Laksa, Sin Hoi San, Whole Earth, cockles, stingray, chili crabs… slurp.
Skateboarding. The skate park in East Coast is AWESOME> really. But I like long boarding more down slopes and gradual hills. Go to Fort Canning's concerts & festivals. The atmosphere there is incomparable. Spend a day in the week at the beach on Sentosa ; or charter a boat for the weekend to have a bbq on one of the the surrounding islands.
WHAT WOULD YOU DO TO SHAKE UP THE SCENE?
Organise a music festival with the 'Greats of Music today' and educate the people. Like a Music conference, with galleries and info on artists in the day and 'music appreciation' parties for the nights.
YOUR 3 FAV PLACES TO EAT IN YOUR CITY?
15 mins cafe, LaSalle / Whole Earth, Peak Seah St / Aoki Jap restaurant, Shaw Center
YOUR 3 FAV PLACES TO DRINK IN YOUR CITY?
BluJaz, Haji Lane / White Rabbit, Tanglin Village (I love those mini-Marys!)/ Orihara Shouten sake bar, Unity St.
YOUR 3 FAV PLACES TO SHOP IN YOUR CITY?
Haji Lane, Arab Street / Mandarin Gallery / Ann Siang Hill / Chinatown
YOUR 3 FAV PLACES TO HANGOUT IN YOUR CITY?
Charlie's corner, Changi Village / The Botanical Gardens / Raffles Marina, Tuas
CONTACT ARTISTS: AWE5OME
Tuesday, May 18, 2010
वैशाख
I have been feeling down. So down. Uncontrollably down.
And I have been hard on myself. I have been so hard on myself along with the ones I love and...
It's horrible. I feel horrible.
And for almost 2 weeks now, although I have done many exciting things and been totally inspired in little ways, I still feel bleak. Empty. Drained. Depressed.
Yes. And I am cautious about using that word, because it really is such a 'depressing' word.
But today... I saw a bit of light.
Or maybe I should say... a reason.
I know myself well enough to know that all I have been feeling, all that gunk that is surfacing now is doing so for a reason. Some internal clock. Cosmic forces.
Then I remember Vesak Day. Which is approaching and all becomes clear.
It's the Moon. Ending of a cycle. Purging of negative patterns and nasty habits.
On Vesākha Day, Buddhists all over the world commemorate events of significance to Buddhists of all traditions: The birth, enlightenment and the passing away of Gautama Buddha.
http://www.buddhanet.net/vesak.htm
Paying homage to the Buddha
We are part of the cycle. Of the whole.
What we feel, and say, and do and not do... affects it all.
Prepare yourself for Vesak Day! :) 28th May 2010 Full Moon. Go outside and have a moment.
Namaste All.
And I have been hard on myself. I have been so hard on myself along with the ones I love and...
It's horrible. I feel horrible.
And for almost 2 weeks now, although I have done many exciting things and been totally inspired in little ways, I still feel bleak. Empty. Drained. Depressed.
Yes. And I am cautious about using that word, because it really is such a 'depressing' word.
But today... I saw a bit of light.
Or maybe I should say... a reason.
I know myself well enough to know that all I have been feeling, all that gunk that is surfacing now is doing so for a reason. Some internal clock. Cosmic forces.
Then I remember Vesak Day. Which is approaching and all becomes clear.
It's the Moon. Ending of a cycle. Purging of negative patterns and nasty habits.
On Vesākha Day, Buddhists all over the world commemorate events of significance to Buddhists of all traditions: The birth, enlightenment and the passing away of Gautama Buddha.
http://www.buddhanet.net/vesak.htm
Paying homage to the Buddha
Tradition ascribes to the Buddha himself instruction on how to pay him homage. Just before he died, he saw his faithful attendant Ananda, weeping. The Buddha advised him not to weep, but to understand the universal law that all compounded things (including even his own body) must disintegrate. He advised everyone not to cry over the disintegration of the physical body but to regard his teachings (The Dhamma) as their teacher from then on, because only the Dhamma truth is eternal and not subject to the law of change. He also stressed that the way to pay homage to him was not merely by offering flowers, incense, and lights, but by truly and sincerely striving to follow his teachings. This is how devotees are expected to celebrate Vesak: to use the opportunity to reiterate their determination to lead noble lives, to develop their minds, to practise loving-kindness and to bring peace and harmony to humanity.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ves%C4%81kha
We are part of the cycle. Of the whole.
What we feel, and say, and do and not do... affects it all.
Prepare yourself for Vesak Day! :) 28th May 2010 Full Moon. Go outside and have a moment.
Namaste All.
Monday, April 19, 2010
Weekends in Singapore
I have had 2 amazing weekends back to back here in Singapore.
Not to say it seldom happens, but these 2 I want to document.
Last weekend, I went on a Singapore-style road trip.
Aidan, Stewart and I drove to Kranji, past the cemeteries.. which were pleasantly peaceful toward the famous Bollywood Veggies for good old, locally grown, organic grub.
Lunch was Papaya salad, mixed vegetable stir up, scrumptious brown rice, cheese toaties (?) and a lot of dessert.
Yeah, their Chocolate Banana cake and banana bread is 'to die for'.
We had about 5 servings and they gave us a couple more. :)
The 3 of us then walked around the reserve, observed all the locally grown and even found a lake we sat by, for awhile and watched the wildlife.
I squealed like a 4 year old when a giant monitor lizard crossed my path to get to the water.
We could have stayed in the sanctuary for hours but a storm came and Ivy Singh, the owner of Bollywood Veggie signaled to us to get back in.
We grabbed more dessert to take away then drove around the farmlands, stopped by Kranji beach (yes there's a beach there which faces JB) and even went by the Goat farm.
Driving around Neo Tiew Road reminded me of my road trips around South West Australia and their wine region.
No doubt, it is a completely different experience but comforting to know that Singapore does have it's lush landscape when we seek it out.
Saturday early evening and we head over to Lakeview.
Brian and Curly got registered the week before and are legally Man & Wife now so a celebration was in order.
On the menu, popiah... DIY... the best way.
Also a signature way of 'communal eating' amongst this group of friends.
Sometimes it's Congee, other times Soup noodles.
But always presented in a way where you could have it just the way you liked it...
The Bamrah Brothers worked their music magic with Tom (Kelly, DJ Shellsuit) and we were all blessed with funky tunes and smooth grooves.
At one stage, the Mini-Marys came out and everybody had to try...
Take a cherry tomato coated with and from the dish marinated with Worcester sauce, pepper, Tabasco, salt. Dip it in your ice cold (premium) Vodka shot, eat the wee tomato and knock back the shot.
YUM!
The music started sounding better (I mean honestly, it hard to sound better than DJ Shellsuit & the Bamrah brothers) but the conversation started flowing easier and it wasn't long til the weekend really kicked in and the atmosphere meshed magically.
A few more cycles of popiah, cocktails and live jam sets and Saturday ended sweetly.
If not in deep sleep.
This weekend started with the Welcoming Home of a long lost friend Nasser.
Dinner at Oso on Friday night up in the Penthouse followed by drinks at La Maison got me much drunker than I even really realized.
When I woke up on Saturday morning, without a hangover...
Aidan lovingly reminded me of our McDonald's greed earlier that morning. WHAT??!!
I gave in to a fillet o'fish and fries. Aargh! And I asked for sauce which I wasted! OMG.
Truly bad behaviour!
Anyway before we headed out that night, Aidan and I went for a quick swim in the evening before it started pouring rain again.
Saturday night started at the Magic Bar.
Bar 84 at the Gallery Hotel.
This quaint little bar sits elegantly, as if floating amidst tall wooden beams in the darkness behind the hotel. As a group of 7-8, we were seated comfortably and our orders taken quickly.
I had the bloody mary which was delish.
After about 45 mins into conversation, we were asked to move to the main bar.
There, a little Japanese man hosted us and showed us a whole array of Magic tricks.
Telling on him, in detail would be plain mean... and I wouldn't want to spoil the experience for you anyways.
All I can say is... Go and experience it for yourself. It will blow you away.
One more thing, there is a $20 cover charge per head.
But I find it is worth every cent and shows support to magicians and artists alike.
We left Bar 84 with our jaws dragging the floor. But we were up for some dancing so we went to OverEasy in search of some disco. Has took good care of us there and we got to see Tracey Phillips which is always a treat.
On Sunday, I was craving Indian and went to Komala's but it was closed for renovation so I had dim sum and laksa instead.
Rie and I spent the afternoon making salad and a healthy rice mix for Sophie, Tiff, her brother, Fabian, Aya, Stew and Aidan who were jamming in the living room.
Guitars, cajons, keyboard harmonicas, shakers, bass guitar, more cajons all covered the hall and raw music filled the area.
There's a certain power in sound vibrations and how healing music is... even in it's rawest form.
And it was mesmerizing to see a whole group of friends grooving together happily.
We all ended up watching E.T sprawled on the floor, surrounded by cushions and it totally brought me back to my childhood.
Today I feel renewed and ever ready.
My friends are planning a camping trip on Lazarus Island soon and that is probably more a mental mission than a physical one so I am off to prepare.
Singapore is as magical as we make it.... wish me luck.
Not to say it seldom happens, but these 2 I want to document.
Last weekend, I went on a Singapore-style road trip.
Aidan, Stewart and I drove to Kranji, past the cemeteries.. which were pleasantly peaceful toward the famous Bollywood Veggies for good old, locally grown, organic grub.
Lunch was Papaya salad, mixed vegetable stir up, scrumptious brown rice, cheese toaties (?) and a lot of dessert.
Yeah, their Chocolate Banana cake and banana bread is 'to die for'.
We had about 5 servings and they gave us a couple more. :)
The 3 of us then walked around the reserve, observed all the locally grown and even found a lake we sat by, for awhile and watched the wildlife.
I squealed like a 4 year old when a giant monitor lizard crossed my path to get to the water.
We could have stayed in the sanctuary for hours but a storm came and Ivy Singh, the owner of Bollywood Veggie signaled to us to get back in.
We grabbed more dessert to take away then drove around the farmlands, stopped by Kranji beach (yes there's a beach there which faces JB) and even went by the Goat farm.
Driving around Neo Tiew Road reminded me of my road trips around South West Australia and their wine region.
No doubt, it is a completely different experience but comforting to know that Singapore does have it's lush landscape when we seek it out.
Saturday early evening and we head over to Lakeview.
Brian and Curly got registered the week before and are legally Man & Wife now so a celebration was in order.
On the menu, popiah... DIY... the best way.
Also a signature way of 'communal eating' amongst this group of friends.
Sometimes it's Congee, other times Soup noodles.
But always presented in a way where you could have it just the way you liked it...
The Bamrah Brothers worked their music magic with Tom (Kelly, DJ Shellsuit) and we were all blessed with funky tunes and smooth grooves.
At one stage, the Mini-Marys came out and everybody had to try...
Take a cherry tomato coated with and from the dish marinated with Worcester sauce, pepper, Tabasco, salt. Dip it in your ice cold (premium) Vodka shot, eat the wee tomato and knock back the shot.
YUM!
The music started sounding better (I mean honestly, it hard to sound better than DJ Shellsuit & the Bamrah brothers) but the conversation started flowing easier and it wasn't long til the weekend really kicked in and the atmosphere meshed magically.
A few more cycles of popiah, cocktails and live jam sets and Saturday ended sweetly.
If not in deep sleep.
This weekend started with the Welcoming Home of a long lost friend Nasser.
Dinner at Oso on Friday night up in the Penthouse followed by drinks at La Maison got me much drunker than I even really realized.
When I woke up on Saturday morning, without a hangover...
Aidan lovingly reminded me of our McDonald's greed earlier that morning. WHAT??!!
I gave in to a fillet o'fish and fries. Aargh! And I asked for sauce which I wasted! OMG.
Truly bad behaviour!
Anyway before we headed out that night, Aidan and I went for a quick swim in the evening before it started pouring rain again.
Saturday night started at the Magic Bar.
Bar 84 at the Gallery Hotel.
This quaint little bar sits elegantly, as if floating amidst tall wooden beams in the darkness behind the hotel. As a group of 7-8, we were seated comfortably and our orders taken quickly.
I had the bloody mary which was delish.
After about 45 mins into conversation, we were asked to move to the main bar.
There, a little Japanese man hosted us and showed us a whole array of Magic tricks.
Telling on him, in detail would be plain mean... and I wouldn't want to spoil the experience for you anyways.
All I can say is... Go and experience it for yourself. It will blow you away.
One more thing, there is a $20 cover charge per head.
But I find it is worth every cent and shows support to magicians and artists alike.
We left Bar 84 with our jaws dragging the floor. But we were up for some dancing so we went to OverEasy in search of some disco. Has took good care of us there and we got to see Tracey Phillips which is always a treat.
On Sunday, I was craving Indian and went to Komala's but it was closed for renovation so I had dim sum and laksa instead.
Rie and I spent the afternoon making salad and a healthy rice mix for Sophie, Tiff, her brother, Fabian, Aya, Stew and Aidan who were jamming in the living room.
Guitars, cajons, keyboard harmonicas, shakers, bass guitar, more cajons all covered the hall and raw music filled the area.
There's a certain power in sound vibrations and how healing music is... even in it's rawest form.
And it was mesmerizing to see a whole group of friends grooving together happily.
We all ended up watching E.T sprawled on the floor, surrounded by cushions and it totally brought me back to my childhood.
Today I feel renewed and ever ready.
My friends are planning a camping trip on Lazarus Island soon and that is probably more a mental mission than a physical one so I am off to prepare.
Singapore is as magical as we make it.... wish me luck.
Thursday, April 15, 2010
Thalassaemia
I have recently agreed to make an appearance at a charity event in Sri Lanka (Colombo) in September so I decided to do some of my own research into the rehabilitation center and see how I could possibly help them, starting now.
The disease is Thalassaemia
and the charity is for the establishment of the National Thalassaemia Center at Kurunegala.
"Thalassaemia is a genetically inherited, non curable, but easily preventable disease. It is a heterogeneous group of genetic disorder. The production of normal hemoglobin is partially or completely suppressed in this disease. Treatment for thalassaemia is costly and needs life long therapy. As the disease is inherited, the best way of preventing thalassaemia is avoiding marriages between carriers." -
(http://www.zimbio.com/Sri+Lankan+Models+And+Actress/articles/n01hcF-aDsE/Thalassemia+Rehabilitation+Fund+Sri+Lanka)
Bascially, children with the disorder have to go through dialysis up to twice a day.
It can be very painfully and demoralizing, as Jacquie Mei (my Catwalk Lao Si) tells me.
I realized that apart from sending picture/educational books to the kids, a useful contribution would be nourishment or holistic help someway.
I gathered from reading the Center's mission statements that these patients could benefit significantly from medication such as Vitamin E.
I went on to find this chart stating Palm Oil as one of the best source of Vitamin E.
http://www.tropicaltraditions.com/images/vite.jpg
Anybody have any suggestions or hook ups to help me do this>?
The disease is Thalassaemia
and the charity is for the establishment of the National Thalassaemia Center at Kurunegala.
"Thalassaemia is a genetically inherited, non curable, but easily preventable disease. It is a heterogeneous group of genetic disorder. The production of normal hemoglobin is partially or completely suppressed in this disease. Treatment for thalassaemia is costly and needs life long therapy. As the disease is inherited, the best way of preventing thalassaemia is avoiding marriages between carriers." -
(http://www.zimbio.com/Sri+Lankan+Models+And+Actress/articles/n01hcF-aDsE/Thalassemia+Rehabilitation+Fund+Sri+Lanka)
Bascially, children with the disorder have to go through dialysis up to twice a day.
It can be very painfully and demoralizing, as Jacquie Mei (my Catwalk Lao Si) tells me.
I realized that apart from sending picture/educational books to the kids, a useful contribution would be nourishment or holistic help someway.
I gathered from reading the Center's mission statements that these patients could benefit significantly from medication such as Vitamin E.
I went on to find this chart stating Palm Oil as one of the best source of Vitamin E.
http://www.tropicaltraditions.com/images/vite.jpg
Anybody have any suggestions or hook ups to help me do this>?
Wednesday, March 31, 2010
My Singtel Drama...
Before I begin this story.... I must say that I don't know why I did not blog it down sooner.
I have repeated it so many times.... I feel it is a total waste of energy.
So, I am venting it one last time... in black and white.
In January...I was blissfully unaware of the perks of a Blackberry.
I would tease my friends whenever I saw how attached to them they all were.
Crackberry, we would nickname it and they would try to convince me to swap over..
Me, cockily refusing, saying I would never be a slave to the device.
WHAM!
Aidan buys himself an Iphone and is given a $500 voucher to spend within a day...
He cannot use that voucher to buy another Iphone so he tops up some more cash and gets me a Blackberry Bold 9700. He knows that I have many friends in Hong Kong and Indonesia that use the BBM service.
At the time, I was using the Nokia e71 which I was really pleased with. I loved the picture quality, the speakers for my music, the slick feel. I wasn't looking to change but the BB seemed so tempting.
Last week of January I call Singtel, to check on my plan and what it would cost me to swap over to a BB data plan.
The lady tells me that my contract expires on the 4th of Feb so I figured it would be best I wait it out and then sign on a brand new contract. It also meant I had 2 weeks to suss out other price plans with other providers.
I checked with M1 and StarHub (even bought a Green card by mistake... another story there),
asking them of their price plans for data usage etc to compare.
After dabbling in numbers here and there, I decided to stick with Singtel...more out of convenience than anything else.
This is where the saga begins....
On the 10th of Feb, I go into Tampines mall to recontract. I was also given a $100 voucher to spend on a handset.
The lady who served me was a lady named Gladys.
I told her I wanted to use my voucher on the Samsung Colby but wanted to recontract on the Blackberry Flexi Plan $49 a month with a 15G allowance, as I am now using a Blackberry. (which I was holding in my hand)
She fiddled with her computer...got me my free phone, took my IC, I filled out some forms, she typed out some stuff then took me the cashier and it wasn't long before I was on my way.
A day or so pass and I do not receive any data service. I can still make calls and receive smses but can't surf the web or download my BBm.
I call Customer Service and they tell me my data plan has not been activated.
After about an hour conversation, re-telling the story and reconfirming the plan, the service person tells me that it should work in a day or two.
So I wait.
Chinese New Year arrives... steamboat feasts, catch-ups with Cousins, lots of yu-sheng and Open Houses.
Does my data service work? Nope.
I call Singtel on the 2nd day of CNY....speak to a guy and he pretty much tells me the same thing.
So I wait....and then.. FINALLY.... woohooo....I'm connected.
I hook up my email, my bbm, my whatnots, whatsapp & whatsups.
All my BB friends are stoked, my Nokia e71 ditched and life seems so much sweeter on crack(berry).
I now notice that once a BB friend realizes you are a BB user too... pins are swapped as well as approving nods.
They say "Welcome to the Family... You'll never look at email, messaging etc the same again."
or "It makes so much more sense and the bills are even cheaper...."
3 weeks into full addiction... I decide to check my account balance with Singtel.
Just to know, roughly, what my cost would be.
The automated voice on the phone properly pronounces, "Your account balance dated March 11 is Five hundred and seventy two dollars. Your last bill paid was Feb 28th 2010."
WTF?
I remember paying my bill the day after my data was connected, so as to better give me a gauge of data charges.
So what I am hearing now is that in 3 weeks, I rounded up a bill of $572?
Huh?
I call Singtel...
After an hour of being redirected to 3 different people and telling them all my story...
asking them how my charges have escalated so ridiculously, this lady Erma tells me that the breakdown shows I have a penalty charge of $450 for downgrading my plan.
She then proceeds to tell me that my plan did not run out, as the 1st Singtel lady told me,
and then when I went into Tampines Singtel, the lady swapped my plans instead of re-contracted me and downgraded my plan. So now I have to pay the penalty.
I ask to speak to the manager, or someone who can help me.
Erma puts me through to this worker named Marziah Mohd and
as I am explaining the situation to her..
she answers me with "yah.....so." and "ah..ok I will call u back in a few days, OKAY?"
I tell her I do not appreciate her tone and asks again to speak to the Manager.
She puts me on hold and after some time, I am directed to yet another lady.
I tell her my situation all over again and this time, she is apologetic, telling me she will waive the penalty and reset the billing charges.
She tells me Singtel is sorry and my next bill will only reflect my usage from today on my BB flexi $48 a month plan with 15g allowance.
I put down the phone relieved. I believe this is the last I will hear of this.
I go to Bali for 2 weeks. For Nyepi... for the Kiss Villas launch party...
I get back into Singapore two nights ago.
I call Singtel to check my outstanding balance.
Five hundred and seventy two dollars.
???
I have repeated it so many times.... I feel it is a total waste of energy.
So, I am venting it one last time... in black and white.
In January...I was blissfully unaware of the perks of a Blackberry.
I would tease my friends whenever I saw how attached to them they all were.
Crackberry, we would nickname it and they would try to convince me to swap over..
Me, cockily refusing, saying I would never be a slave to the device.
WHAM!
Aidan buys himself an Iphone and is given a $500 voucher to spend within a day...
He cannot use that voucher to buy another Iphone so he tops up some more cash and gets me a Blackberry Bold 9700. He knows that I have many friends in Hong Kong and Indonesia that use the BBM service.
At the time, I was using the Nokia e71 which I was really pleased with. I loved the picture quality, the speakers for my music, the slick feel. I wasn't looking to change but the BB seemed so tempting.
Last week of January I call Singtel, to check on my plan and what it would cost me to swap over to a BB data plan.
The lady tells me that my contract expires on the 4th of Feb so I figured it would be best I wait it out and then sign on a brand new contract. It also meant I had 2 weeks to suss out other price plans with other providers.
I checked with M1 and StarHub (even bought a Green card by mistake... another story there),
asking them of their price plans for data usage etc to compare.
After dabbling in numbers here and there, I decided to stick with Singtel...more out of convenience than anything else.
This is where the saga begins....
On the 10th of Feb, I go into Tampines mall to recontract. I was also given a $100 voucher to spend on a handset.
The lady who served me was a lady named Gladys.
I told her I wanted to use my voucher on the Samsung Colby but wanted to recontract on the Blackberry Flexi Plan $49 a month with a 15G allowance, as I am now using a Blackberry. (which I was holding in my hand)
She fiddled with her computer...got me my free phone, took my IC, I filled out some forms, she typed out some stuff then took me the cashier and it wasn't long before I was on my way.
A day or so pass and I do not receive any data service. I can still make calls and receive smses but can't surf the web or download my BBm.
I call Customer Service and they tell me my data plan has not been activated.
After about an hour conversation, re-telling the story and reconfirming the plan, the service person tells me that it should work in a day or two.
So I wait.
Chinese New Year arrives... steamboat feasts, catch-ups with Cousins, lots of yu-sheng and Open Houses.
Does my data service work? Nope.
I call Singtel on the 2nd day of CNY....speak to a guy and he pretty much tells me the same thing.
So I wait....and then.. FINALLY.... woohooo....I'm connected.
I hook up my email, my bbm, my whatnots, whatsapp & whatsups.
All my BB friends are stoked, my Nokia e71 ditched and life seems so much sweeter on crack(berry).
I now notice that once a BB friend realizes you are a BB user too... pins are swapped as well as approving nods.
They say "Welcome to the Family... You'll never look at email, messaging etc the same again."
or "It makes so much more sense and the bills are even cheaper...."
3 weeks into full addiction... I decide to check my account balance with Singtel.
Just to know, roughly, what my cost would be.
The automated voice on the phone properly pronounces, "Your account balance dated March 11 is Five hundred and seventy two dollars. Your last bill paid was Feb 28th 2010."
WTF?
I remember paying my bill the day after my data was connected, so as to better give me a gauge of data charges.
So what I am hearing now is that in 3 weeks, I rounded up a bill of $572?
Huh?
I call Singtel...
After an hour of being redirected to 3 different people and telling them all my story...
asking them how my charges have escalated so ridiculously, this lady Erma tells me that the breakdown shows I have a penalty charge of $450 for downgrading my plan.
She then proceeds to tell me that my plan did not run out, as the 1st Singtel lady told me,
and then when I went into Tampines Singtel, the lady swapped my plans instead of re-contracted me and downgraded my plan. So now I have to pay the penalty.
I ask to speak to the manager, or someone who can help me.
Erma puts me through to this worker named Marziah Mohd and
as I am explaining the situation to her..
she answers me with "yah.....so." and "ah..ok I will call u back in a few days, OKAY?"
I tell her I do not appreciate her tone and asks again to speak to the Manager.
She puts me on hold and after some time, I am directed to yet another lady.
I tell her my situation all over again and this time, she is apologetic, telling me she will waive the penalty and reset the billing charges.
She tells me Singtel is sorry and my next bill will only reflect my usage from today on my BB flexi $48 a month plan with 15g allowance.
I put down the phone relieved. I believe this is the last I will hear of this.
I go to Bali for 2 weeks. For Nyepi... for the Kiss Villas launch party...
I get back into Singapore two nights ago.
I call Singtel to check my outstanding balance.
Five hundred and seventy two dollars.
???
Monday, March 22, 2010
Food for thought..... on Beach Day ( Bali Sunday)
Beach day at Padang Padang is always delightful.
I remember coming here with Parta a few times before when I was living in Bali in 2007.
Last year, Padang Padang was the Bali backdrop for the movie "Eat, Pray, Love" (based on the book) filmed here, starring Julia Roberts.
During high tide, you can swim the clear blue waters and even rock climb with the locals.
The warung there serves nasi goreng, mee goreng, egg tomato and cheese toasties amongst other things. And to the right of the comfy beach, there are rock formations and hidden adventures that lurk behind the cracks.
During this time of the year, you can't watch the sunset from Padang Padang and
Dreamland has been destroyed by all the construction happening there.
So Eddie, Parta, Yulia, Aidan and I go for sun-downer Mexican just down the road.
Yulia and I have the fish tacos, which come with side salad, yellow rice and mexican beans.
Oh and yummy roasted potatoes.
Eddie, Parta and Aidan have the beef burritos which are well reputed.
The margaritas here are incredible too, but we all refrain ourselves since the drive back down to Nusa Dua and Seminyak is lengthy.
The deco is quaint with little reminder tablets, hung on the wall saying
"People in a rush, not allowed here."
There is a poster of Bob Marley, surfboards affixed on the ceilings and photographs of surfers, conquering massive waves.
Most of the pictures are of the owner himself, riding waves all over Uluwatu.
I forget to introduce myself and ask for his name but the whole 2 hrs we were there,
he watched over us with such genuineness and attentiveness.
The chefs even shared a 'recharge' moment with us by blasting Bobby McFarrin's
"Don't Worry, Be Happy" song in the midst of our meal. We all sing along loud and proud.
Earlier that day, Eddie and I had a gratifying breakfast at Gourmet cafe with some good friends.
The french toast there is exquisite and their Liver Detox juice is my ultimate favorite.
Their omelets are also delectable and you can even make your own sandwiches.
I usually have croissants with tuna and melted cheese.
For supper, I scoffed down the Nicoise salad from Soho. I love their anchovy dressing.
And indulged myself with the Vanilla milkshake. Slurp.
What a feast I was blessed with today. A healthy one too for that matter.
Stay tuned for more of my BALI FOOD ADVENTURES.
I remember coming here with Parta a few times before when I was living in Bali in 2007.
Last year, Padang Padang was the Bali backdrop for the movie "Eat, Pray, Love" (based on the book) filmed here, starring Julia Roberts.
During high tide, you can swim the clear blue waters and even rock climb with the locals.
The warung there serves nasi goreng, mee goreng, egg tomato and cheese toasties amongst other things. And to the right of the comfy beach, there are rock formations and hidden adventures that lurk behind the cracks.
During this time of the year, you can't watch the sunset from Padang Padang and
Dreamland has been destroyed by all the construction happening there.
So Eddie, Parta, Yulia, Aidan and I go for sun-downer Mexican just down the road.
Yulia and I have the fish tacos, which come with side salad, yellow rice and mexican beans.
Oh and yummy roasted potatoes.
Eddie, Parta and Aidan have the beef burritos which are well reputed.
The margaritas here are incredible too, but we all refrain ourselves since the drive back down to Nusa Dua and Seminyak is lengthy.
The deco is quaint with little reminder tablets, hung on the wall saying
"People in a rush, not allowed here."
There is a poster of Bob Marley, surfboards affixed on the ceilings and photographs of surfers, conquering massive waves.
Most of the pictures are of the owner himself, riding waves all over Uluwatu.
I forget to introduce myself and ask for his name but the whole 2 hrs we were there,
he watched over us with such genuineness and attentiveness.
The chefs even shared a 'recharge' moment with us by blasting Bobby McFarrin's
"Don't Worry, Be Happy" song in the midst of our meal. We all sing along loud and proud.
Earlier that day, Eddie and I had a gratifying breakfast at Gourmet cafe with some good friends.
The french toast there is exquisite and their Liver Detox juice is my ultimate favorite.
Their omelets are also delectable and you can even make your own sandwiches.
I usually have croissants with tuna and melted cheese.
For supper, I scoffed down the Nicoise salad from Soho. I love their anchovy dressing.
And indulged myself with the Vanilla milkshake. Slurp.
What a feast I was blessed with today. A healthy one too for that matter.
Stay tuned for more of my BALI FOOD ADVENTURES.
Saturday, March 20, 2010
Student Power – Environmental Change Starts from a Young Age
Student Power – Environmental Change Starts from a Young Age
Such a powerful piece and so enlightening.
Yes children have the power and we should start from now, to educate them truthfully.
God gave us free will, we should give our youth, the future, the same...if not more.
Teach them, give them the info and let them decide for themselves.
Namaste
P.s Am reading a book now called "Eating Animals". Highly confronting but incredibly educational.
I suggest you give it a read.
Such a powerful piece and so enlightening.
Yes children have the power and we should start from now, to educate them truthfully.
God gave us free will, we should give our youth, the future, the same...if not more.
Teach them, give them the info and let them decide for themselves.
Namaste
P.s Am reading a book now called "Eating Animals". Highly confronting but incredibly educational.
I suggest you give it a read.
Tuesday, March 2, 2010
Do u.... want more?
Last Sunday, I was accused of being selfish with my knowledge.
My photographer friend Olivier said,
"I've known you all this while and I only recently realized how spiritual you are."
He went on to tell me,
"If I knew this before, I would have seeked your cosmic advice way before."
My only defense was to reply...
"I believe spirituality is best shared through positive experiences and personalities.
If personal theories were preached and insisted upon, spirituality does not come by choice.
If by being a spiritual person, in touch with the cosmic, one is at peace with themselves, happy and joyful to be around... that is a good example of what the Universe can bring u, if u only believed.
People will then seek their own awareness and happiness since they see that THIS is what inner peace and compassion brings to me."
Well Olivier and I went on to have quite an indulgent Sunday...
with good food, groovy music, lots of drinks and great company
and through the day, we would catch each others eyes,
exchange a intuitive nod and went on bouncing through the party.
Monday morning came and I got to thinking....
He is right.
I know all these things...out of pure passion and personal achievement.
I know of angels and Goddesses and crystals and healing herbs...
and I have not shared it....enough.
I share it with my Loved ones and my best friends and strangers I encounter
but I have not seeked out another avenue to share more.
Since I was a little girl, I had been fascinated with the Mystical.
I was born Catholic but grew up reading philosophical novels, bibles and encyclopedias on ancient remedies.
Crystals were my type of 'candy', my eyes would always follow butterflies and birds,
insisting to know the name of every tree or plant and totally tamed by the sight of the Ocean.
During my early years of modeling and while I was still in school,
I use to get sarcastic remarks about the constant grin on my face or my airy fairy comments about the day and all things remarkable.
And I would read my Sybil Leek books,
hiding the covers and titles from their sights just to avoid scrutiny and judgement.
These days, as much as I look to the Angels and Goddesses for signs and guidance,
I follow Buddhism.
Which speaks of awareness, compassion and acceptance mainly.
I go to the temple whenever I can, and pray for my family and friends but more important,
I fuel my lifestyle by surrounding myself with good friends and clean fun.
Our indulgences are deserved and we hurt nobody else in the process so we give ourselves that permission to let loose. That's my type of Good Times.
The energies exchanged are genuine and clear of dishonesty and secrets and malice.
We laugh because we are happy we live.
Not out of bitchiness or jealously brought on by insecurities.
And we celebrate the Trust, within the circle and the depth of our histories together.
We share life mottos and helpful lessons to get through Life.
And we promise each other loyalty and love.
I know I am blessed. Because I have these friends, and I have this advice.
And I know of the Universe and how cycles are necessary in this world.
But I want to share it.
With you... yes You.
Just one bit at a time.
Spare me some of your brain space and see if my words resonate within you.
And if they work for you....
Or even if reading them entertains or lightens you.
Support me if I tell you my stories and my experiences.
Drink me when I am on a roll or off the beaten track.
Do u..... want more?
My photographer friend Olivier said,
"I've known you all this while and I only recently realized how spiritual you are."
He went on to tell me,
"If I knew this before, I would have seeked your cosmic advice way before."
My only defense was to reply...
"I believe spirituality is best shared through positive experiences and personalities.
If personal theories were preached and insisted upon, spirituality does not come by choice.
If by being a spiritual person, in touch with the cosmic, one is at peace with themselves, happy and joyful to be around... that is a good example of what the Universe can bring u, if u only believed.
People will then seek their own awareness and happiness since they see that THIS is what inner peace and compassion brings to me."
Well Olivier and I went on to have quite an indulgent Sunday...
with good food, groovy music, lots of drinks and great company
and through the day, we would catch each others eyes,
exchange a intuitive nod and went on bouncing through the party.
Monday morning came and I got to thinking....
He is right.
I know all these things...out of pure passion and personal achievement.
I know of angels and Goddesses and crystals and healing herbs...
and I have not shared it....enough.
I share it with my Loved ones and my best friends and strangers I encounter
but I have not seeked out another avenue to share more.
Since I was a little girl, I had been fascinated with the Mystical.
I was born Catholic but grew up reading philosophical novels, bibles and encyclopedias on ancient remedies.
Crystals were my type of 'candy', my eyes would always follow butterflies and birds,
insisting to know the name of every tree or plant and totally tamed by the sight of the Ocean.
During my early years of modeling and while I was still in school,
I use to get sarcastic remarks about the constant grin on my face or my airy fairy comments about the day and all things remarkable.
And I would read my Sybil Leek books,
hiding the covers and titles from their sights just to avoid scrutiny and judgement.
These days, as much as I look to the Angels and Goddesses for signs and guidance,
I follow Buddhism.
Which speaks of awareness, compassion and acceptance mainly.
I go to the temple whenever I can, and pray for my family and friends but more important,
I fuel my lifestyle by surrounding myself with good friends and clean fun.
Our indulgences are deserved and we hurt nobody else in the process so we give ourselves that permission to let loose. That's my type of Good Times.
The energies exchanged are genuine and clear of dishonesty and secrets and malice.
We laugh because we are happy we live.
Not out of bitchiness or jealously brought on by insecurities.
And we celebrate the Trust, within the circle and the depth of our histories together.
We share life mottos and helpful lessons to get through Life.
And we promise each other loyalty and love.
I know I am blessed. Because I have these friends, and I have this advice.
And I know of the Universe and how cycles are necessary in this world.
But I want to share it.
With you... yes You.
Just one bit at a time.
Spare me some of your brain space and see if my words resonate within you.
And if they work for you....
Or even if reading them entertains or lightens you.
Support me if I tell you my stories and my experiences.
Drink me when I am on a roll or off the beaten track.
Do u..... want more?
Wednesday, February 24, 2010
Dharma Cards
One mind
Our worlds are created in our mind
and we live as if these worlds are real.
Our thoughts and our actions
bring misery and complications
and we have no freedom.
In our mind we create the world
and we live as if this world is real.
To realize the truth
and free ourselves
we must pass through
the doors of awareness.
Six
Collecting Honey
As the bee collects nectar
without injuring the flower,
so should you move through life.
Watch your actions,
learn about yourself,
and don't compare
your ways with others.
The words of those who are unaware
are like withered flowers.
They are faded and have no scent.
The Dharma Cards
I am reminded once again of the importance of positive thought and speech.
I guess sometimes I mix it up in my head when I work.
When I put on my 'work mode', I am expected to be judgmental and curt with people.
The industry almost feeds off the snobbish aloofness shoveled around these circles.
But there again, I see this incredible emergence of highly aware people who are making good changes in their habits and lives and are setting a better example for the fashionistas of the future.
As always, as a cycle and as the way of the Universe, there is balance in all.
Namaste.
Our worlds are created in our mind
and we live as if these worlds are real.
Our thoughts and our actions
bring misery and complications
and we have no freedom.
In our mind we create the world
and we live as if this world is real.
To realize the truth
and free ourselves
we must pass through
the doors of awareness.
Six
Collecting Honey
As the bee collects nectar
without injuring the flower,
so should you move through life.
Watch your actions,
learn about yourself,
and don't compare
your ways with others.
The words of those who are unaware
are like withered flowers.
They are faded and have no scent.
The Dharma Cards
I am reminded once again of the importance of positive thought and speech.
I guess sometimes I mix it up in my head when I work.
When I put on my 'work mode', I am expected to be judgmental and curt with people.
The industry almost feeds off the snobbish aloofness shoveled around these circles.
But there again, I see this incredible emergence of highly aware people who are making good changes in their habits and lives and are setting a better example for the fashionistas of the future.
As always, as a cycle and as the way of the Universe, there is balance in all.
Namaste.
Thursday, February 4, 2010
Get well.
Stuck at home with the flu. Arrrgh.
Although I am rather happy that I actually have a reason to sleep all day.
And I know my body needs it.
I still can't help but wonder if it would socially irresponsible if I went for yoga anyhow.
YES IT IS!
Gosh, I wish more people would stay at home when their ill.
Coming out, eating at a public food court, exercising in gyms, taking public transport all require you to interact with other people, share space and yes spread germs.
That is socially irresponsible behavior.
Especially when you are the height of your sickness. The first 2 days. And you are most infectious.
Ok, so maybe I am restless at home. After washing Gizmo and his bed, cleaning out the termite remains, folding some laundry and putting in somemore, checking my facebook's Cafe World every 20 mins and giving it a whole renovation, I should either try and sleep now or lie down and rest my body. I guess I couldn't help but put it out there to all you sick people...
stay in, drink juices, sit on balconies and get better.
Don't go out and share germs so there won't be more sick people at home out there.
Get better soon.
Although I am rather happy that I actually have a reason to sleep all day.
And I know my body needs it.
I still can't help but wonder if it would socially irresponsible if I went for yoga anyhow.
YES IT IS!
Gosh, I wish more people would stay at home when their ill.
Coming out, eating at a public food court, exercising in gyms, taking public transport all require you to interact with other people, share space and yes spread germs.
That is socially irresponsible behavior.
Especially when you are the height of your sickness. The first 2 days. And you are most infectious.
Ok, so maybe I am restless at home. After washing Gizmo and his bed, cleaning out the termite remains, folding some laundry and putting in somemore, checking my facebook's Cafe World every 20 mins and giving it a whole renovation, I should either try and sleep now or lie down and rest my body. I guess I couldn't help but put it out there to all you sick people...
stay in, drink juices, sit on balconies and get better.
Don't go out and share germs so there won't be more sick people at home out there.
Get better soon.
Monday, February 1, 2010
FEAR!
Fear fools us all.
No one of us completely eludes it and the weird thing is, the more we run from it, the more it comes to challenge us.
The moment we believe we have it under control, it stings us like a painful reminder to stay awake.
It feeds off all the anger we give it, and thrives on the paranoia lurking deep within.
We try to hide our fears only to realize how obviously we wear it, during all those ugly moments.
The power we give it stuns us and the control we so desperately want, slips away.
We always give excuses for fear. We are afraid to admit it controls us. What a paradox.
We cannot understand why it always gets the best of us. We are blinded by fear.
We need to be aware that we do not have to live in fear.
That we, as sentient beings, can be awakened to a happier, higher pattern of living.
But we must first break bad habits and self-sabotaging behavior, as well as develop awareness and compassion.
Trust our instincts.
"Worship the alter of our own intuition"
- quote from the book "The Gospel according to Coco Chanel".
What an awesome message.
So, as I write here... almost to myself.
As these lessons I talk about are my thoughts in words, in relation to an event in the day.
I would lie if I said my day was peaceful and meditative and joyous.
Today, I saw fear. I watched it rip away at two beings while they nurtured it with their pride.
A mirror and it's reflection.
Thus, my message to myself is...
Don't live with Fear, and Fear will not live with you.
No one of us completely eludes it and the weird thing is, the more we run from it, the more it comes to challenge us.
The moment we believe we have it under control, it stings us like a painful reminder to stay awake.
It feeds off all the anger we give it, and thrives on the paranoia lurking deep within.
We try to hide our fears only to realize how obviously we wear it, during all those ugly moments.
The power we give it stuns us and the control we so desperately want, slips away.
We always give excuses for fear. We are afraid to admit it controls us. What a paradox.
We cannot understand why it always gets the best of us. We are blinded by fear.
We need to be aware that we do not have to live in fear.
That we, as sentient beings, can be awakened to a happier, higher pattern of living.
But we must first break bad habits and self-sabotaging behavior, as well as develop awareness and compassion.
Trust our instincts.
"Worship the alter of our own intuition"
- quote from the book "The Gospel according to Coco Chanel".
What an awesome message.
So, as I write here... almost to myself.
As these lessons I talk about are my thoughts in words, in relation to an event in the day.
I would lie if I said my day was peaceful and meditative and joyous.
Today, I saw fear. I watched it rip away at two beings while they nurtured it with their pride.
A mirror and it's reflection.
Thus, my message to myself is...
Don't live with Fear, and Fear will not live with you.
It's not me, it's YOU.
I don't think it's about me.
It ain't about making me happy or doing the things I ask.
It's about you.
Being aware of your thoughts and your actions.
It isn't about what I say or what you think I am trying to tell you.
It's about your interpretations and your perceptions and how you judge yourself.
Kels bought me Dharma cards for Xmas and it's suppose to be a meditation kit filled with the teachings of Buddha but in the introduction, there are so many messages...
I find it vital to share some with you.
Buddha's wisdom is a powerful tool for inner discovery.
You don't have to subscribe to any change or faith for his sayings to be helpful, nor do you have to alter your beliefs.
You simply need to understand that the insights Buddha offered are based on a very human desire to seek answers to questions about who and what we really are.
There are many who have awakened, but few among them who have the gift of bringing clarity to the world.
A Master is one who can transmit a teaching, who can inspire others to reach for their own awakening.
What a disciple typically wanted to hear a Master say was, "Listen to me, and learn from me. Then you can be like me."
Buddha was different. He emphasized one simple point.
"Watch yourself. Then you will learn from yourself how things are."
"Such a person's words must be listened to with an open mind.
You must judge for yourself whether or not someone speaks of the Dharma through real understanding. You must learn to recognize someone whose words are in harmony with their own inner discipline. Only if this can be established with certainty should such a person's words be recognized."
Now go and seek your own enlightenment.
Appa deepo bhava.
Become a light onto yourself.
Words of Buddha shared with us by Priya Hemenway.
Namaste.
It ain't about making me happy or doing the things I ask.
It's about you.
Being aware of your thoughts and your actions.
It isn't about what I say or what you think I am trying to tell you.
It's about your interpretations and your perceptions and how you judge yourself.
Kels bought me Dharma cards for Xmas and it's suppose to be a meditation kit filled with the teachings of Buddha but in the introduction, there are so many messages...
I find it vital to share some with you.
Buddha's wisdom is a powerful tool for inner discovery.
You don't have to subscribe to any change or faith for his sayings to be helpful, nor do you have to alter your beliefs.
You simply need to understand that the insights Buddha offered are based on a very human desire to seek answers to questions about who and what we really are.
There are many who have awakened, but few among them who have the gift of bringing clarity to the world.
A Master is one who can transmit a teaching, who can inspire others to reach for their own awakening.
What a disciple typically wanted to hear a Master say was, "Listen to me, and learn from me. Then you can be like me."
Buddha was different. He emphasized one simple point.
"Watch yourself. Then you will learn from yourself how things are."
"Such a person's words must be listened to with an open mind.
You must judge for yourself whether or not someone speaks of the Dharma through real understanding. You must learn to recognize someone whose words are in harmony with their own inner discipline. Only if this can be established with certainty should such a person's words be recognized."
Now go and seek your own enlightenment.
Appa deepo bhava.
Become a light onto yourself.
Words of Buddha shared with us by Priya Hemenway.
Namaste.
Sunday, January 31, 2010
I rise
My Friday started with prayers at the Kwan Yin temple on Waterloo St before lunching with my girls, Kels Ana and Mick. Mick, a.k.a Killer Line is known for her wits and wicked sense of humor so it was fun to catch up with her and hear all about her New Year's adventures in New Zealand.
Our dear friend, and my personal Guru Yvette, was giving a Golden Light celebration workshop there as well as awaiting the birth of her first child with Barney.
Isis joined us here on Earth on the 9th Jan 2010 and she is a miracle in herself.
Mick had stories to tell us and Kels and I enthusiastically listened and absorbed NZ and it's power.
I would love to visit Barney and Yvy real soon. The only time I've visited New Zealand was when I was 4 yrs old and what I remember is vast landscapes, clean fresh air, lots of sheep, snug winter clothes, the Abhominable Snowman (that's another story in itself) and looking forward to fresh glass jars of milk on our motel doorstep every morning. For a 4 yr old, that's heaps.
So I stumble upon a Leonard Cohen poem the other day and have not been able to stop thinking about it. About how it spoke to me and brought me back to a certain memory.
And in true form, I went in search of more poetry. To inspire me.
And this is the next one I found, written by another one of my favorite poets....
You may write me down in history
With your bitter, twisted lies,
You may trod me in the very dirt
But still, like dust, I'll rise.
Does my sassiness upset you?
Why are you beset with gloom?
'Cause I walk like I've got oil wells
Pumping in my living room.
Just like moons and like suns,
With the certainty of tides,
Just like hopes springing high,
Still I'll rise.
Did you want to see me broken?
Bowed head and lowered eyes?
Shoulders falling down like teardrops.
Weakened by my soulful cries.
Does my haughtiness offend you?
Don't you take it awful hard
'Cause I laugh like I've got gold mines
Diggin' in my own back yard.
You may shoot me with your words,
You may cut me with your eyes,
You may kill me with your hatefulness,
But still, like air, I'll rise.
Does my sexiness upset you?
Does it come as a surprise
That I dance like I've got diamonds
At the meeting of my thighs?
Out of the huts of history's shame
I rise
Up from a past that's rooted in pain
I rise
I'm a black ocean, leaping and wide,
Welling and swelling I bear in the tide.
Leaving behind nights of terror and fear
I rise
Into a daybreak that's wondrously clear
I rise
Bringing the gifts that my ancestors gave,
I am the dream and the hope of the slave.
I rise
I rise
I rise. - Maya Angelou
So be it.
Our dear friend, and my personal Guru Yvette, was giving a Golden Light celebration workshop there as well as awaiting the birth of her first child with Barney.
Isis joined us here on Earth on the 9th Jan 2010 and she is a miracle in herself.
Mick had stories to tell us and Kels and I enthusiastically listened and absorbed NZ and it's power.
I would love to visit Barney and Yvy real soon. The only time I've visited New Zealand was when I was 4 yrs old and what I remember is vast landscapes, clean fresh air, lots of sheep, snug winter clothes, the Abhominable Snowman (that's another story in itself) and looking forward to fresh glass jars of milk on our motel doorstep every morning. For a 4 yr old, that's heaps.
So I stumble upon a Leonard Cohen poem the other day and have not been able to stop thinking about it. About how it spoke to me and brought me back to a certain memory.
And in true form, I went in search of more poetry. To inspire me.
And this is the next one I found, written by another one of my favorite poets....
You may write me down in history
With your bitter, twisted lies,
You may trod me in the very dirt
But still, like dust, I'll rise.
Does my sassiness upset you?
Why are you beset with gloom?
'Cause I walk like I've got oil wells
Pumping in my living room.
Just like moons and like suns,
With the certainty of tides,
Just like hopes springing high,
Still I'll rise.
Did you want to see me broken?
Bowed head and lowered eyes?
Shoulders falling down like teardrops.
Weakened by my soulful cries.
Does my haughtiness offend you?
Don't you take it awful hard
'Cause I laugh like I've got gold mines
Diggin' in my own back yard.
You may shoot me with your words,
You may cut me with your eyes,
You may kill me with your hatefulness,
But still, like air, I'll rise.
Does my sexiness upset you?
Does it come as a surprise
That I dance like I've got diamonds
At the meeting of my thighs?
Out of the huts of history's shame
I rise
Up from a past that's rooted in pain
I rise
I'm a black ocean, leaping and wide,
Welling and swelling I bear in the tide.
Leaving behind nights of terror and fear
I rise
Into a daybreak that's wondrously clear
I rise
Bringing the gifts that my ancestors gave,
I am the dream and the hope of the slave.
I rise
I rise
I rise. - Maya Angelou
So be it.
Monday, January 25, 2010
Malaysia Boleh, Maxout
I keep putting off my blogging. I don't know why. Paul has told me time and again to jot down all my adventures...since he reckons I have so many.
Well this week, I will do so regularly. I don't want to force any resolutions on myself but I think documenting my 'exciting' life has benefits.
When I am old and grey and want to tell my grandkids stories, I will be able to read it to them even if my memory no longer serves me.
Anyways...
Last weekend, my friends at MaxOut Hydrosports and I took the speed boat over to Putri Harbour in JB for a suss out of the new neighboring marina and wakeboard the flat waters of the nearby swamps.
Firstly, let me say that although I spend a lot of time boating and most of my close friends are well into water sports, I would always watch them in awe and seldom got off my ass to try my hand (or legs) at it. In the decade I've hung out with this same group, I have only ever tried wakeboarding 4 or 5 times.
So, when we got to the strip perfect for wake skating, I just had to give it a go.
Maybe it was the vibe, or the sun shining brightly down on me and my body feeling good from all those intense classes of yoga, I went for it. And even threw in a few 180 turns. Wooohoooo. :)
After everyone of us had a session, we headed to the Seafood Kelong to feast on seafood. We had it all.... clams, crab, prawns, fish, sotong, veggie, lor mee and rice. Topped with ice cold Beer.
Slurp. I know now, that if we weren't so greedy and didn't stuff ourselves so silly, we could have easily gone back to board a 2nd set.
But sunset was approaching and we wanted to head back to Singapore Raffles Marina to stew in their lovely jacuzzi to relax our muscles.
And what a pretty sunset it was. Almost like a cherry topping on an awesome Sundae. No pun intented since it was a Saturday. :)
To check out pictures... check out MaxOut Hydrosports Pte Ltd online or join their FB page.
Pictures under the Malaysia Boleh album.
U gotta seeeeeee.....
Well this week, I will do so regularly. I don't want to force any resolutions on myself but I think documenting my 'exciting' life has benefits.
When I am old and grey and want to tell my grandkids stories, I will be able to read it to them even if my memory no longer serves me.
Anyways...
Last weekend, my friends at MaxOut Hydrosports and I took the speed boat over to Putri Harbour in JB for a suss out of the new neighboring marina and wakeboard the flat waters of the nearby swamps.
Firstly, let me say that although I spend a lot of time boating and most of my close friends are well into water sports, I would always watch them in awe and seldom got off my ass to try my hand (or legs) at it. In the decade I've hung out with this same group, I have only ever tried wakeboarding 4 or 5 times.
So, when we got to the strip perfect for wake skating, I just had to give it a go.
Maybe it was the vibe, or the sun shining brightly down on me and my body feeling good from all those intense classes of yoga, I went for it. And even threw in a few 180 turns. Wooohoooo. :)
After everyone of us had a session, we headed to the Seafood Kelong to feast on seafood. We had it all.... clams, crab, prawns, fish, sotong, veggie, lor mee and rice. Topped with ice cold Beer.
Slurp. I know now, that if we weren't so greedy and didn't stuff ourselves so silly, we could have easily gone back to board a 2nd set.
But sunset was approaching and we wanted to head back to Singapore Raffles Marina to stew in their lovely jacuzzi to relax our muscles.
And what a pretty sunset it was. Almost like a cherry topping on an awesome Sundae. No pun intented since it was a Saturday. :)
To check out pictures... check out MaxOut Hydrosports Pte Ltd online or join their FB page.
Pictures under the Malaysia Boleh album.
U gotta seeeeeee.....
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