quaint melody

Time

cc — Sat, 13 Jun 2009 10:27:50 +0000

click photo to enlarge.

It is funny, how quickly you move
Flowing through those happy moments in the blink of the eye
It is merciless how slowly you drag on
Through the dark and hollow hours

I am lost
In the waft that is time…

It is moments like this I shall persevere
Resting like a bear in hibernation
Long as I could I wait
For the idyllic days won’t be far
Longing for the psychedelic lights
Shinning upon me once again

我拼命想抓住那時間的沙流
卻怎麼只有空洞的風
陪我漫步欄柵

Time

Similar Posts:

Morning delight

cc — Tue, 07 Apr 2009 11:59:09 +0000

click photo to enlarge.

It was the perfect way to start the day. I woke up to a knock on my front door.
A box of delights was sent from afar, by an angel who’s close to my heart.
It is little delight like this that makes life beautiful.

What was the delight that made your day?

Morning delight

Similar Posts:

Touched by an angel

cc — Mon, 30 Mar 2009 09:55:10 +0000

Girl . Lake Wanaka . Summer 2009 click photo to enlarge.

I was touched by an angel
In a sunny afternoon

The innocence in her eyes
It touches my heart
So pure, so full of hope.

I wish to grasp the moment
Hold it close to my heart
Still, it starts to diminish, as time goes by

Though, I’ll never forget that beautiful encounter
The sunny rays from an angel

希冀

在妳眼中閃爍的希冀
有一種純真的感動

我想把它緊緊地抓住
放進口袋裡

但那些真摯的年歲
終究還是漸行漸遠

Touched by an angel

Similar Posts:

A complete moment

cc — Sun, 25 Jan 2009 08:45:35 +0000

click photo to enlarge.

It was a beautiful moment, all 11 and a half minutes of it.
I wished the moment would never end,
not because of the grandeur and excitement of it all,
but simply, us being together;
A family, a circle,
hearts are completed.

Happy Chinese New Year my friends, I wish you a very fabulous holiday.

A complete moment

Similar Posts:

There she goes again…

cc — Sat, 17 Jan 2009 09:06:11 +0000

Mid-air . 2009 click photo to enlarge.

Where has she gone, you wonder.
To the grandeur of an adventure or in the mist of mysterious waves;
To the depth of hidden treks or the exotic land?
Where, where has she been to?
To the grand central of the world stage or that neverland where dreams are made of?

It’s grand, it’s dense, it’s a jubilant of magnificent.
All great things are worth a little wait.
Don’t you agree?

Oh the things you’ll see when she’s back,
The great tales she’ll tell.
She promises it won’t be long, just a little while longer.
Here, she bids you good night, for the first time in this new beginning of visual explosions.
‘I’ll be back’, her voice echoes over and yet again.

There she goes again…

Similar Posts:

Dream holiday

cc — Mon, 17 Nov 2008 06:07:00 +0000

Snippets of my China trip. click photo to enlarge.

夢想的旅行，可以很近也很遠。對我來說，那是一場回歸根源的旅程。

許多人都跟我說過中國人給他們的衝擊，現在到我親身體會一下。
或許是因為自小在華文教育的背景長大，對這片華人的祖地總有一分微妙的感情。
那片我們祖先生活的土地悠遠流長，一直都是我想去的地方。它牽系著我心裡最深處。

要去看看上海的繁華，蘇東坡口中初晴后雨的西湖，見證明清興滅的紫禁城，
依紅樓夢裡的描述而打造的大觀園和被英法聯軍洗劫焚毀的圓明園遺跡。

中國於我來說，是根的所在和中華文化千年歷史的依歸。

Where’s your dream destination? For most of my friends, it’s Japan, Europe or the Pacific. For me, it is the home of my forefathers, China. It’s been said that one must always treasure his culture and heritage. Those are the key factors for one to define oneself with. This oriental land of wonder has always been my dream destination. My Chinese educational background must have something to do with it. I’ve yearned to witness the many historical heritages I had read as a child. The metropolis city that is Shanghai, the beautiful mystical West Lake, the grand Forbidden City that witnessed the prosperity and decline of the Ming and Qing dynasties.

To me, this long-awaited trip is a journey of discovery, a chance to get to know my roots.

Photos to come soon. (Gazillians of them, please give me some time to edit ok! )

Dream holiday

Similar Posts:

Where I was

cc — Tue, 04 Nov 2008 15:03:22 +0000

As I slowly strolled between the majestic red walls, trying to imagine the days that were
A quaint feeling arose out of nowhere
A mixture of sorrow and grandeur; almost a weird sense of belonging
For a minute, I lost myself in the overwhelming rushes of emotions…

Stay tuned, more to come soon!

My apologies for the lack of updates lately, I’m having a grand time traveling at the moment. Thousands of photos have been taken, but this little laptop is simply not fast enough to process them all right now. Here’s one for your viewing pleasure. Can you tell where I was?

Where I was

Similar Posts:

Little things in life

cc — Wed, 08 Oct 2008 19:09:24 +0000

Sunset under the Auckland Harbour Bridge. click photo to enlarge.

The little things in life
Ones worth savouring over
Those that seem so mundane and ordinary
Those worth a second look on many occasions

Time and again, we make choices
Decisions that mold us into the people we are today
Some righteous and some wicked
Of all we come to embrace
Of which we grow to love

Life can be an eccentric witch
Along come sorrow
But laughter is always not far away

Ain’t it grand!

note: You haven’t seen my expressive self over dropping comments because I’m busy planning an upcoming holiday, but I am reading via my reader. Stay tuned to find out where I’m heading!

Little things in life

Similar Posts:

Tenacious light

cc — Sun, 05 Oct 2008 14:06:11 +0000

click photo to enlarge.

When the glistering lights are finally quenched and darkness creeps in,
you will see the eloquent beauty of life.
Darkness can bring out the tenacity in us.

But are you afraid of the dark?

Tenacious light

Similar Posts:

Holiday greetings

cc — Tue, 30 Sep 2008 12:34:18 +0000

click photo to enlarge.

Wishing all my muslim friends a prosperous Raya and happy holidays to the rest!

Holiday greetings

Similar Posts:

Pathway

cc — Sun, 28 Sep 2008 13:45:01 +0000

Pathway. click photo to enlarge.

The path we choose to walk on
It can be a lonely one sometimes
Doubts and dispute, they creep in like a sneaky thief
Take heart, light is always not far away

I wonder between the good and evil
Trying to grasp that centre point
The delicate balance of life
It’s fragile like a bubble sphere

We live in a labyrinth, walking around the intricate maze
Taking in the scenery as I figure my way around
I see the light shining towards me
When will I reach there, I will never know
I just keep striding on
Letting out a resounding roar

When choice is a way of life, do we make them from our heart or the scrutiny of society?

Pathway

Similar Posts:

Invito

cc — Thu, 25 Sep 2008 12:20:27 +0000

Mr K had Scotch Fillet, served medium-rare on a bed of baked potatoes with red wine, cracked pepper and peppercorn sauce, while I opted for my fish of the day, grilled with lemon, served with cauliflowers and potatoes.

We went to this little Italian restaurant called Invito which is located at the Chancery in Auckland CBD last weekend. The restaurant provides both indoor and outdoor dining. Lovely place to relax and enjoy fine dining on a lazy spring afternoon. We were there late afternoon and opted for the open-air area as it was quite a sunny day, the ambiance was quiet and nice. The food was exceptional with great service. I especially love their tiramisu, it’s probably one of the best I’ve had in a while, very rich yet not too sweet. This place is definitely one of my favourite hang-out places, absolutely divine! Drool away people!

It’s happy Friday again! Have a wonderful weekend ahead!

Invito

Similar Posts:

A Jubilant of reds

cc — Tue, 23 Sep 2008 13:06:39 +0000

Explosion of reds . photo by cc. click photo to enlarge.

Happiness exploded into a jubilant of reds
I let my feelings run free
There’s no need to justify how I feel
Letting go is incredibly liberating
No matter what that might be

I hope you’ll find your sea of reds too

A Jubilant of reds

Similar Posts:

My mountain

cc — Sun, 21 Sep 2008 12:25:35 +0000

Sunset at Mt Eden. click photo to enlarge.

I always feel a strong sense of harmony when I’m atop a mountain. The winds, the view and the calm air all form into a feeling of enchantment. The pensive thoughts diminished and I’m able to find the inner-peace. Mountains have that magical spell on me. Here, I can set myself free in the oasis of serenity. The world of hustle and bustle is left behind, I can hear my innermost thoughts and hear the rhythm of my soul. No fancy frills and thrills, just magical moments with me and myself.

When I take in the serenity in the air
I hold on tight to my heart and soul
Embracing my live as it is
Rediscovering the charming moments in life
My world as I see it, can be as wonderful as I want it to be

My mountain

Similar Posts:

A quaint encounter

cc — Thu, 18 Sep 2008 12:47:38 +0000

Cow on Mt Eden. click photo to enlarge.

It was a quaint encounter
I saw you moving along slowly with your pals
Pausing every other step to savour the rich lush green
Right to the top you went
Lazing away the steps
Not a care in the word

Trailing along in the chilly winds
I walk up to the top behind you
Suddenly, you turn, looking right at me

For a moment I lost my self staring right into your enthralling eyes
I saw a soul behinds those eyes
A soul so old and battered
A strong sense of empathy rose from my innermost thought
What it really was, I couldn’t tell
I just set myself free in this captivating moment
Letting the feeling wash over me

In the complete silence between us
In this beautiful and fateful encounter
Just you and me

A quaint encounter

Similar Posts:

The night that was

cc — Wed, 17 Sep 2008 14:20:09 +0000

A scrumptious dinner at Grand Harbour and some snow-skin mooncakes I bought from local Chinese grocery,
by Maxims Hong Kong. click photos to enlarge.

Nice food, pleasant company and a few laughs over drinks.
Isn’t that how we spend most festive seasons?

The night that was

Similar Posts:

Idyllic bliss

cc — Tue, 16 Sep 2008 11:52:30 +0000

Dusk on the summit of Mt Eden click photo to enlarge.

I spent the mid-autumn festival afternoon on Mt Eden. It is always very windy up there. I started snapping photos while waiting for the moon to come out. The temperature was freezing and my fingers seemed to have taken on a life of their own after awhile, but still I kept on snapping. Funny how our passion almost always enable us to push through unfavourable conditions.

Standing atop the once volcanic mountain braving the freezing winds, my mind wondered off to those days where festive seasons spelled out fun and laughter. As a kid, I anticipated every traditional celebration. I remember walking around the suburbs back home with my colourful lanterns every mid-autumn festival, prancing around with my friends. The laughter and colours are still fresh in my mind. Those picturesque moments are permanently locked in the precious corner of my memories.

Life may throw me a curve ball ever now and then, but I soldier on the passages, continue to search for the buoyant nature in me as a kid, the simple bliss of life.

Idyllic bliss

Similar Posts:

Moonlight rendezvous

cc — Sun, 14 Sep 2008 11:58:46 +0000

The moon appeared a little over 6pm. As it became brighter and the sky darken, I immersed myself in the mesmerising and mystical air. My loved ones in that faraway land, I miss you all and wish you well.
Happy Mid-Autumn Festival . 中秋節快樂! click photo to enlarge.

The moon was beaming, stars twinkling across the universe
When I looked upon the sky, I thought of my loved ones
Though we’re miles apart, our hearts never felt so close

The rounded moon seemed to speak wonders
Illuminating scrolls of tales and dreams
Tales of love and togetherness
Songs of mellifluous melodies

I caught a spark in the dazzling light
and immersed myself in the majestic mist that is the night
I heard a quaint melody, coming from afar
From the land of mystical tales
Where dreams and emotions intertwine into a beautiful weave of symphony

明月高挂
悠悠地訴說著憂怨往事
幽思千古情恨
故人是否仍舊孤寂

當我望向青空
憶起遠方親朋
人月是否依舊

* Mid-Autumn Festival is a traditional Chinese Festival. It is celebrated on the fifteenth day of the eighth moon in lunar calendar. Read more about it here.

Moonlight rendezvous

Similar Posts:

A song for you

cc — Wed, 10 Sep 2008 15:17:42 +0000

His proposal pal, froggie.

Everyday I wake up with happy thoughts
There’s someone behind the fountain of joy
How I remember the days we’ve been together
All the secrets we shared, silly things we’ve done
It only seems like yesterday where I meet this big boy with the kindest smile
Who shook my hand and brought me to the wonderland
They are all fond memories I hold on dear to my heart

Oh my love, you’re the one
The one who holds my hand when I despair
Be by my side and assures me hope
Reminds me of dreams and love
I dedicate this to you

I love you, for being the friend you are, for being the lover you are, for simply being you.
When it all comes to an end, I’ll still hold on to you tight, for the memories will live on forever.

You make me live with no regrets.

Happy Birthday to my Mr K, the very source of my dreams and happiness.

I present you my husband, Mr K. The heart and soul of my life, the sweetest and kindest man I’ve ever met, and the very person who introduced me to photography (heh, now you know my secret! ).

A song for you

Similar Posts:

Lone star

cc — Mon, 08 Sep 2008 13:27:22 +0000

Stand alone house on the hill. click photo to enlarge.

When the buzz is over and crowd has dispersed
A lone star is left at the stale scene
In its dreary state it stands alone
Months and years it awaits
Reminiscing the old glorious days
While awaiting its future to be made

There’s a bittersweet taste lingering in the air
Is it something new or an old familiar scent?
When all is done and said
What is left to savour
What is left to behold
Hope or despair?

When we say we are the owners of our destiny,
does it include those bleak moments in life?

********

I apologise if the sense of sorrow in this writing affects you. They just poured out of me when I was standing across the street snapping this scene. I believe that sorrow shouldn’t be something we repress but rather, embrace. It’s only when we truly face up to our demons and accept the dark places in us can we achieve true happiness and be totally content with ourselves.

Lone star

Similar Posts:

A night to observe

cc — Sun, 07 Sep 2008 10:58:11 +0000

Wait for the photos to fully load then click the main photo. Move your cursor to left/right to go to the next/previous photo.

Sunday night. The Observetory. A quiet night out with my significant someone.
Delightful companion and delectable food. Life should be such blissful joy.

A night to observe

Similar Posts:

Hold

cc — Thu, 04 Sep 2008 22:21:35 +0000

Child in Huntington Park. click photo to enlarge.

Oh my child, hold on with your little hands.
One day they’ll be strong, strong enough to build a castle of your own.

It’s Friday Friday Friday! Have a wonderful weekend!

Hold

Similar Posts:

Of love and broken hearts

cc — Wed, 03 Sep 2008 22:27:52 +0000

Just before dark, Mission Bay. click photo to enlarge.

Why does the sky seems so grey
Is it because of me
There’s no one left in sight
I feel the world closing in

Of all the places I’ve been to
All the people I’ve seen
People come and go
But memories, the memories of them cast footprints in my heart

As time goes by, I learn it’s all the grand plan of life
Of all the love and broken hearts
Of all the victories and battles
We’ll rise and shine again

*I notice Akismet is recognising some regular comments as spam. Don’t be alarmed, I’m keeping an close eye on it.

Of love and broken hearts

Similar Posts:

Haste

cc — Tue, 02 Sep 2008 12:55:53 +0000

Wellesley Street, Auckland. click photo to enlarge.

I took a moment and stood there in the middle of the busy street.
People passing by, quickly in their paces.
Of tourist, students and people in their business suits, none of them seemed to have a minute
to spare.
People rushing here and there, trying to fit in as much as possible in a day.
Steps so cold, life so hasty, in the fast lane of metropolis life.
As the steps advanced, precious moments are left behind.
Is it, worth it?

Haste

Similar Posts:

At the dawn of light

cc — Mon, 01 Sep 2008 08:37:05 +0000

Dawn of light outside my bedroom window. click photo to enlarge.

Waking up just before dawn, feeling a little drowsy.
I was standing in front of the window, waiting, staring into the morning darkness.
It always seems so calm and serene this time of the day, with birds chirping and the refreshing light breezes gently blowing to my face.
Slowly, threads of light emitted from the horizon.
I looked up and there it was, the glorious rays of sunrise.
It seemed like eternity, all 10 minutes of it.
My mind was perpetually stuck in this amazing freeze frame.
The dazzling moment stayed with me for the entire day.

How can I complain, when nature has empowered me with such privilege,
To see the brilliant colours, to feel the flow of emotions;
To sense the wonders, to appreciate the beauty that is life.

At the dawn of light

Similar Posts:

Light

cc — Sat, 30 Aug 2008 17:59:49 +0000

Reflection of light on my old camera lens. click photo to enlarge.

A match of light can illuminate even the most impermeable darkness.
Where there’s light, there’s hope.

Happy Birthday my homeland, the place that always tucks my heartstrings.

Light

Similar Posts:

My guardian angel

cc — Fri, 29 Aug 2008 15:46:57 +0000

I love you mama! click photo to enlarge.

56 winters ago, an angel came to this world.
She carries such grace and love;
Fairies dodge away in shame.
She touches lives with her kindness and smiles;
Her warmth flows deep into souls like a refreshing creek.
She has touched many lives;
She bestows me the ability to love.
She’s the star, the very person I look up to;
She’s my mama, the reason I live everyday with love.
Happy Birthday mama! I love you very very much!

My guardian angel

Similar Posts:

Masquerade

cc — Thu, 28 Aug 2008 13:31:28 +0000

Psychedelic lights. click photo to enlarge.

Music is playing, people dancing around
I turn and turn, hoping to catch the tunes
I see wonders, in the smiles and laughters
I see sorrows, in the hesitations and pauses
Are they a facet or emotions from the heart
One couldn’t tell, we just take it on and dance away
I strike along, looking to grasp that pace of life
In the world of a big masquerade, going round and round…

Masquerade

Similar Posts:

The sound of silence

cc — Wed, 27 Aug 2008 14:21:10 +0000

Warm and fuzzy, like how I feel this very moment. click photo to enlarge.

Words unsaid, but we know they are there.
It’s understood like the many subtle things in life.
You blink, and I return a tender gaze.
Not a word uttered, but it’s louder than ever.

The sound of silence

Similar Posts:

What a wonderful world

cc — Tue, 26 Aug 2008 17:48:47 +0000

Wonderful colours of nature. click photo to enlarge.

I love -
Breaths of fresh air in the morning, sound of child’s laughter.
Tinkling sound of wind chimes, flows of clouds on blue skies.
Sights of dazzling colours of nature, smells of freshly brewed coffee from the cafés.
Smiles on strangers’ faces, melodious sounds playing round and round in my mind.

I love this beautiful day. I love this beautiful world.

What a wonderful world

Similar Posts:

5:52pm

cc — Sun, 24 Aug 2008 15:33:21 +0000

Sunset over Civic Theatre click photo to enlarge.

5:52pm . Sunday . Queen Street
People hurrying away home, preparing for the week’s start.
A stray of orange clouds appear in the sky, over the heritage Civic Theatre.
I stroll along the street, observing the beauty that is the city.
Sunset came and went away, so beautiful, yet so quickly.
Like many things, it’s gone before we even realised it’s there.

Carpe diem! Seize the day!

5:52pm

Similar Posts:

Flames of emotion

cc — Fri, 22 Aug 2008 17:55:44 +0000

Candlelight click photo to enlarge.

Let the emotions run wild, it’s a beautiful thing.
When things go your way, cheer away;
When things go awry, let out a roar;
When your heart is broken, cry aloud.
It’s what sets us apart, the ability to feel and express.
One of the many wonders of life.

I hope your weekend is plentiful!

Flames of emotion

Similar Posts:

Going home

cc — Thu, 21 Aug 2008 14:02:27 +0000

Home is where the heart is. click photo to enlarge.

Walking along the path like a thousand times before,
My mind is muddy and body so worn,
There’s only one place I want to be,
Take me home, take me home.

A brown roof and a tall tall tree in the horizon,
The familiar blue door in sight, quiet light shining through,
I see you standing there, through an open door,
Arms spreading, with a smile.

When I lost my heart and the road seems to be leading nowhere,
It’s good to know there’s someone there,
I’m here now, it’s good to be home.

Going home

Similar Posts:

Bookworm in da house

cc — Tue, 19 Aug 2008 16:12:40 +0000

click photo to enlarge.

ParisB tagged me on this interesting meme over a week ago (see, told you I’m a terrible procrastinator!). Somehow, the word worm sends a chill down my spine, but I am indeed one when it comes to books. Here goes.

Do you remember how you developed a love for reading?
Coming from a house of worms (so to speak, heh!), reading has played a big part in my life since, well, as long as I can remember. Books are the one thing in our house that is more populated than anything else. One of my fondest memories of childhood is my parents reading me one fairytale story after another. My father’s animated gestures that accompanied his story-telling are still vividly etched in my mind. Great times!

What are some books you read as a child?
Coming from a Chinese educated background, the books that I read in my early age are mostly in Chinese, with a few Enid Blyton’s books in between. Most of the books I read are about popular Chinese folktales. I also read a lot of China’s history and Chinese literature. Among the mountains of books are stories from the book One Thousand and One Nights as well. I guess that’s where I developed my vivid imaginations.

What is your favourite genre?
My favourite genres span across thriller, horror, Chinese literature, comedy and true crime(!!) just to name a few. From the likes of Stephen King to Sophie Kinsella. I love them all. No fantasy books though, I’m one of the rare people who doesn’t enjoy the Harry Potter series at all.

Do you have a favourite novel?
Without a doubt, The “Torrents” Trilogy《激流三部曲》from the great Chinese writer Ba Jin 巴金. the trilogy consists of ‘The Family《家》’, ‘Spring 春》’, and ‘Autumn《秋》’. I first read them back in high school as a requirement for my Chinese subject. The first volume ‘The Family’ is simply one of the best realism literature of all times. The series greatly depicted the struggles of the modern youth against the age old dominance of the incredibly feudal Confucian family system back in the 1930s. Ba Jin took over ten years to complete the three volumes. It is the early years of his life that fueled his denouncement against the ugly persecution and feudalism happening in that era. The trilogy totally blew my mind away and formed the fundamental core of my love for Chinese literature. For me, it will always be the great literature to read time and again. It is also one of the very few books that reaches deep into my heart and vibrates my world.

click photo to enlarge.

Where do you usually read?
Anywhere really. On the bus, plane, couch or in bed.

When do you usually read?
When I’m free of course, normally in the dead silence of night time or a relaxing afternoon.

Do you usually have more than one book you are reading at a time?
Sometimes, when I want a change of pace or emotion, I will stop and pick up a book of different genre. It rarely happens though, I like to finish a book in one go if possible.

Do you read nonfiction in a different way or place than you read fiction?
Not particularly. Only when I read nonfiction, I sometimes do some research online as well, to get a little more insight into the stories.

Do you buy most of the books you read, or borrow them, or check them out of the library?
I am a little germophobic, so not really into borrowing books from the library. When I love a book, I just have to own it.

Do you keep most of the books you buy? If not, what do you do with them?
If it turns out not to my liking then yes, I sell them online.

If you have children, what are some of the favorite books you have shared with them? Were they some of the same ones you read as a child?
No kids yet, but I will most definitely instill in them my love for Chinese folktales and literature. Especially those I read as a child.

click photo to enlarge.

What are you reading now?
I’m reading some of the books that I bought from my Taiwan trip back in February. I bought one whole box of them! LOL. Amongst them are series of books from 鄭華娟, the Taiwanese author cum singer/composer. She writes about her life in Germany with humour. Also re-reading Stephen King’s Carrie. This early creation of his is still my favourite.

Do you keep a TBR (to be read) list?
Not really, which book I read really depends on my mood at the time. I keep a TBB (to be bought) list though. Heh.

What’s next?
Finish reading the books I bought from the Taiwan trip, over 20 of them.

What books would you like to reread?
If I have the time, some of the Stephen King’s classic, like The Shining. If you found the movie adaption creepy, wait till you read the book!

Who are your favourite authors?
So many of them! Ba Jin 巴金, Lu Xun 魯迅, Zhu Ziqing 朱自清, 鄭華娟, Stephen King, Sophie Kinsella, just to name a few.

In conclusion (eh, am I writing a thesis?!), books are a huge and crucial part of my life. Can’t live without them! So, what do you think? Wormy or not?

Now, I’m interested to know about your reading habit,
sasha, che-cheh, zewt, gina and jeremy. Have fun!

Bookworm in da house

Similar Posts:

Ugly beautiful

cc — Mon, 18 Aug 2008 14:02:21 +0000

My photos tend to have dark undertones, or so I’ve been told. click photo to enlarge.

This photo disturbs me a little, but it’s also one of my favourites.
It seems so much like life. At times, it is like a bed of roses, but there will always be thorns lurking in the most unexpected corners;
When we thought things had hit their lowest, the lights often present itself during our most
forlorn state.
Sometimes. that little bit of imperfection is what makes it perfect.
That very shattered bits are what we need to put things back in perspective.

Disastrous yet hopeful, such is life.

Ugly beautiful

Similar Posts:

A lazy Sunday afternoon

cc — Sat, 16 Aug 2008 23:58:19 +0000

The day started with drizzles as I decided to go for a walk in the city.
I am always bedazzled by skies reflected on the many buildings. They seem so surreal.

Strolling down the busy street, I found a corner in a café and sat down leisurely watching the day goes by. It was fascinating to watch people passing by. They all seemed to have a story to tell. There’s the little girlie with her lollipop, the teenager with a frown, that middle age man with an emotionless face, and an old lady with an amiable smile. Time and again, I found myself deep in my thoughts, wondering about their life stories.

A sip of latte. A taste of the mellow cheesecake. My fair share of loot from winter sale.
Life, as of this moment, is great.

A lazy Sunday afternoon

Similar Posts:

Kiwi sensation

cc — Fri, 15 Aug 2008 16:47:41 +0000

Yummy, yummy, yummylicious! click photo to enlarge

What is that little delight that brightens up cold days like this? This of course, my little winter comfort food. Yes, it’s kiwi season again! No, not that bird! The fruit! The green sourly fruit that makes our mouth water. Winter is the best time to savour this sour sweet fruit. The season normally starts in late May, early June. (I know, I know, I was meaning to write about this in June, terrible procrastinator that I am!)

Golden fruits of heaven! click photo to enlarge.

The kiwifruit is originally named Chinese Gooseberry that is native to Shaanxi, China. New Zealand popularised and renamed it the kiwifruit after its national icon, the kiwi bird, for export marketing purposes. The green kiwi fruit is the more common one, but the gold variation is widely available too. The gold kiwifruits are sweeter and hairless, it is also my favourite, so delectable! During kiwi season, prices can go as low as 99 cents per kilo. That’s about 6-8 fruits, nice huh?!

This is how the glutton devour her kiwis. click photo to enlarge.

This is how I enjoy my kiwifruits. I use a teaspoon to scope half at a time and have a mouth full. Very satisfying and refreshing to have that sourly sweet taste in one big bite (ok, now you know I’m a glutton with a big mouth who likes to procrastinate, heh!). It’s heavenly! Now, tell me, how do you have your kiwifruits?

*****

Here are some photos taken with my good old Sony Cybershot T30 point-and-shoot when we went down to Kiwi360 way back in 2005 (See what I meant? Incurable procrastinator strikes again!). It is a kiwifruit orchard that opens for public. They operate tours that bring you around the orchard in cute karts to explain the whole production. It’s great fun and a very educational experience!

click photo to enlarge.

Kiwi360 is located at Te Puke in the Bay of Plenty. It is about 3 hours drive from Auckland. A great detour from Rotorua if you’re in the area, it’s about 35 minutes drive from there. The place is extremely easy to spot, just look for the giant 4-storey high, giant Kiwifruit slice by the roadside! We certainly had lots of fun taking silly shots with it. Other tourists around must have thought we were a bunch of crazy people who had escaped from the psycho ward. LOL. This is certainly a nice place to visit if you’re planning a trip to North Island, New Zealand. It comes with cc’s seal of approval! (but please don’t come chasing me down with a stick if it didn’t turn out to be as nice as I described. :P)

Kiwi sensation

Similar Posts:

Raindrops of yesteryear

cc — Thu, 14 Aug 2008 19:30:06 +0000

Rain falling down in stream, forming a river running deep into my heart;
Di Da Di Da, the melody plays on, of the psychedelic sound of yesteryear.

It’s been raining on and off the whole day, gloomy clouds and blue skies alternate in the space up above. Sitting by the window, the droplets of rain caught my eyes. Every single one of them seemed to be the same yet so different, forming dots that dazzled under the rays of the occasional sunshine.

As I was mesmerized by the psychedelic dots, a song started to loop in my mind. It’s not particularly special, yet seemed so fitting on such a day. The melody brought me back to those innocent years of youth, when everything was much simpler and free of worries. For a minute I lost track of time and space, I seemed to be back in those days, feeling the droplets of rain falling on me once more, round and round I twirled in the rain like I used to, into that golden year that seemed so faraway.

coming soon:

Raindrops of yesteryear

Similar Posts:

Silver lining

cc — Wed, 13 Aug 2008 19:30:58 +0000

Can you spot the rainbow? click photo to enlarge.

After what seemed to be two days of sunshine, the rain resumed. Gloomy clouds roam the skies once again. Although the greyness can turn one’s emotion to be melancholy, it certainly has done some good to my much neglected garden.

Isn’t that how life is? There’s always two sides to a story, always a silver lining in sight, although sometimes we need to really pay attention to see it. Much like the faint rainbow in the picture, it is there, just subtly, waiting for you to discover.

Sometimes, perception is everything.

UPDATE: The answer is here. Did you spot it?

Silver lining

Similar Posts:

Good things come in small ways

cc — Wed, 13 Aug 2008 01:33:29 +0000

click photo to enlarge.

It was not a particularly eventful day, just one of those days when there was so much on my mind. I just wanted to get away. So off I went for a walk around the neighborhood, randomly snapping away. Along the way, I saw a familiar red van parked by the roadside. A postie was clearing the mails. I contemplated whether to approach him. It was then our eyes met and a smile greeted me. We struck a conversation and he kindly let me take some pictures. A few clicks later, I thanked him and we parted ways. As I saw the van disappear into the horizon, a smile blossomed on my face. It’s amazing how a kind gesture from a stranger can affect us. The brief encounter certainly brighten my day.

Fresh air, friendly souls. It’s wonderful how little it takes to put things back in perspective. On the way back, I saw the most breathtaking scene. Thus the story behind my previous pictorial post ‘Shadows in the sun‘. It was also the very same day I took the picture in the post ‘Window of innocence‘.

Let’s slow down our steps to do a second take, to admire the things around us. For good things come in small ways.

Good things come in small ways

Similar Posts:

Orakei Marina, Auckland

cc — Sun, 10 Aug 2008 19:30:55 +0000

Here are some photos taken at the Orakei Marina, Auckland a few weeks ago, on a bright winter day. It was freezing cold even though it seemed warm and bright in the pictures. Orakei Marina is located on the scenic Tamaki Drive at Okahu Bay in Auckland. It is home to various luxurious large vessels. The view of Auckland city’s skyline and Hauraki Gulf from here is pretty amazing. We were fortunate enough to gain access to a part of the Marina that’s usually close to public due to a kind gesture from a friendly security guard, Lou. She even posed for me! You’ll see her cool photo below.

I’ll let the pictures do the talking here. Hope the many photos brighten up your Monday!

Wait for the photos to fully load then click the main photo. Move your cursor to left/right side of photo to go to the next or previous photo.

p/s: If you missed the Olympic opening ceremony, there are some amazing photographs here.
Special thanks to narrowband for the link!

Orakei Marina, Auckland

Similar Posts:

080808 Once in a hundred years

cc — Fri, 08 Aug 2008 12:08:31 +0000

graphic credit

For generations to come, today’s going to be remembered as the day. A great day for all Chinese around the world. The Olympic has finally arrived in China. I’ve been looking forward for this day to come. The show is starting as this post is published. My heart pounds with excitement. China, the mother land of Chinese around the world. May you shine your dazzling rays and show the world the greatest game ever!

Candlelight flickering. click photo to enlarge.

08.08.08 8:08pm

I took a minute to savour the moment. For I probably won’t be around the next time it comes around. I wonder what would the world be then. In a hundred years time, would my descendant find the day special?

Update: Just finished watching the opening ceremony. What a stunning display of pageantry! There’s simply no words to describe the amazing scene, I’m blown away.

080808 Once in a hundred years

Similar Posts:

Feeling

cc — Thu, 07 Aug 2008 12:55:47 +0000

click photo to enlarge.

“People will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.” - Maya Angelou

It is so very true. One quote that applies to all, the old and young. How many times have we let something slip at the heat of the moment that hurt another person, only to regret it later? Is it worth that moment of verbal victory, especially when it comes to those we love and care about? The same goes for good things as well. When is the last time you gave your loved ones a hug and tell them how much you love them? Don’t wait till tomorrow for it may never comes. To live in the moment is to let those around you know they’re loved. Do it now!

My affirmation for today, never go to sleep without letting those you love know that you care. I shall hold on to this as a reminder, always.

The ability to love, that’s the greatest thing of all.

讓你愛的人感覺被愛，沒有什麼比這更幸福！

coming up next:

Feeling

Similar Posts:

Land of the long white cloud

cc — Wed, 06 Aug 2008 15:50:17 +0000

Sky on a winter afternoon. click photo to enlarge.

The panoramic view outside my window, on a beautiful winter evening. click photo to enlarge.

The Maori named New Zealand Aotearoa for a reason. It means ‘The Land of the Long White Cloud’. Sky like this is a common scene all year round. With the cotton-candy-liked clouds hanging low and extending into the distance.

As you know it’s been one hell of a winter, with continuous rain and strong winds. Yesterday was surprisingly a pretty clear day.The above photos were taken then.

I marveled over the beautiful sky, looking forward to the good days to come.

當輕風吹來，當白雲飄過，我心中輕輕響起典典韻樂。

Land of the long white cloud

Similar Posts:

Light

cc — Tue, 05 Aug 2008 12:50:08 +0000

click photo to enlarge.

Let there be light,
to brighten the day; to shine away the darkness;
to chase away the shadows; to lighten up my soul.

Sitting in the middle of the room, darkness surrounding me.
The faint light coming from the lamp looks surprisingly luminous, irradiating my face.
Looking into the light, I feel mesmerized. Something so simple yet so illuminating.
The night suddenly feels so bright.

在黑夜裡尋覓絢麗的光環。期待，火花。

Light

Similar Posts:

Shadows in the sun

cc — Mon, 04 Aug 2008 16:06:01 +0000

A hauntingly beautiful view of the park in the afternoon. click photo to enlarge

The sun finally came out Monday afternoon, winds blew away the gloomy clouds.
Rays shining through tall trees towering from a distance, casting long shadows on the emerald field.
Walking along the familiar path, relaxing myself in the lush atmosphere,
I detected a mist of sweetness in the air.
The storm didn’t come, it’s a good day after all.

Share with me, my friends, your relaxing moments of the day.

當我獨自漫步，聽風的歌，看影子舞動。生活也就如此，悠然。

Shadows in the sun

Similar Posts:

Good morning, Monday

cc — Sun, 03 Aug 2008 19:57:12 +0000

click photo to enlarge

A shot of the morning sky outside my window to kick start Monday.
It instantly brightens up my day. Hope it blows away your Monday blues too!

Good morning, Monday

Similar Posts:

Let’s talk about weather

cc — Sat, 02 Aug 2008 02:04:32 +0000

View outside my bedroom window. click photo to enlarge

It’s been a very wet and gloomy winter down under, raining more than usual. The weather pattern surely has changed dramatically in the past few years. Auckland weather can be very unpredictable. With the sun shining one minute, and gloomy clouds roaming the next. Climate over here is direct opposite to those in the northern hemisphere, with summer starting from December to February, autumn March to May, winter June to Aug and spring September to November. While the weather here is generally temperate, mainly maritime, summery sun can be quite unbearable. Though the general temperature seldom hits the 30 Celsius mark, the UV levels are very high due to its closer proximity to the sun at that time of the year. It is really not advisable to expose oneself under the hot sun for a prolonged period of time, even if sunscreens are applied.

Coming from the tropics, the thing I enjoy the most about living in the temperate climate is the many colours that comes with it. While summer is too harsh, winter too gloomy and spring too garish, autumn yields the perfect season for me. It is then when everything turns colourful and breezy. The whole town seems to turn into a big dazzling picture, with coolness in the air and leaves swaying on trees in shades/hues of reds and yellows. Even the most unromantic people will feel the poetic moments in the air. A walk in the park is most pleasurably at this time of the year. I always feel a little surreal emerging amongst the breezy air and splendid colours of the season. It never fails to amaze me.

On another note, forecast said another storm is heading our way. This gloomy winter weather is killing all my fun to get out of the house for some decent photo shoots. Somehow the sun only comes out occasionally during the weekdays and rains all day long in the weekends! The sky pretty much looks like the above picture lately, albeit a little less dramatic (what to do, I’m all about drama!), but still, gloom! I’m just going to roll into bed and hibernate.

Let’s talk about weather

Similar Posts:

Living life

cc — Wed, 30 Jul 2008 19:54:17 +0000

click photo to enlarge

Life is -
Discovering the sights beyond clouds;
Hearing the voices through noise;
Embracing the raw emotions with your heart;
And most importantly seizing the day with open arms.

What is life to you? Do share with me.

開心地笑，痛快地哭，環手擁抱自己。
努力地發掘生命的色彩。
傾聽快樂的聲音，你我都可以。

Living life

Similar Posts:

Euphoria

cc — Tue, 29 Jul 2008 06:31:36 +0000

Gerberas, my favourite flowers. click photo to enlarge

Something is invigorating me.
I feel the adrenaline rushing; my mind buzzing. I hum along to the melodious tone in my mind.
Joyous waves are reverberating deep within my heart.
I wish you well too, my dear friends.

Euphoria

Similar Posts: