Jul 01
On a hot and humid day, I captured this astonishing amazing image!
Incredibly beautiful! It looks just like an ink painting.
But, can you see what it really is?
Shadows of a plant just outside the corridor of my home.
With the afternoon sun shining on the plant, it cast a shadow on the floor of the corridor.
Simply awesome isn’t it : )
Jan 18
At the end of a year or start of a new year, it is also the period when we take the chance to tidy our homes.
Especially for those who celebrate Chinese New Year (CNY), the month before the festival is the right time to do spring cleaning.
除旧布新 meaning to get rid of the old to bring in the new!
At this point in time, it is handy to learn some tips on spring cleaning.
Recently, when meeting up with a friend, we were talking about her, and later in the evening, while browsing the library e-catalogue, I chance upon this comic book (known as manga in Japanese).
From the expert – Marie Kondo, or aka KonMari, who advises that we should focus on what to keep and not what to discard when we tidy. We should only keep items that spark joy in our lives.
I especially like the following paragraphs which emphasize that we should live in the moment and cherish who we are now – the present is of the utmost importance!
Dec 25
In the West … this year is so special, with lights up in my neighbourhood : )
Jurong Canal
My friend commented that it looks like Hokkaido Otaru Canal.
I haven’t been to Hokkaido Otaru Canal, so I decided to google and see how similar they are. The canal was used by small ships to transport goods to the warehouses but is now disused. Instead of being in the ruins, it is now a famous sightseeing spots in Hokkaido.
Wow! I didn’t know that my backyard can be so beautiful. Once decorated, you can see the transformation!
There is a Chinese saying ‘佛要金装, 人要衣装’ meaning all things need decoration. This is so true!
In central …
Dec 25
Thank you to my company and boss, this year I enjoyed a Christmas Log Cake!
I was able to sit back, relax and enjoy the cake with a cup of coffee after an eventful year.
With the covid-19 situation this year, the year seemed to pass us too quickly. In Singapore during the circuit breaker, we were told to stay at home and only to go out for food, groceries and necessities. For 3.5 months, I worked at home, and only from mid-July did we return to work from office some days of the week.
It seemed that this traditional comes from the Medieval era in Europe when actual Yule logs were burned during winter period to welcome the new year. As time passed, some bakers started creating actual cakes shaped like logs to celebrate this period.
Even if you do not celebrate Christmas because of religious reason – many now enjoy this festive period spending time with family and friends, enjoying good food and sharing joy and laughter.
With this year, coming to an end, I wish everyone Merry Christmas and hope for a better year – with good health, happiness and joy!
Christmas is a season of sharing and loving, especially in such trying times, do remember to spread some joy to the less fortunate.
