Friday, 14 December 2012
Time
what is time? It is an ambiguous entity. she is not a physicist. just a layman who ponders. time is a quantity, a unit of measurement based on the rotation of earth in relation to the sun and the moon. so is there 'time' in space , in the universe? and what about space-time? bending space in the supposed theory of time-warp? what is the past, the present, the future? how do you explain vibrations from the past existing in the present? seeing fragments of things to come? genetic memory? deja vu ? sometimes she looks upon a distant star in the blackest sky. she relishes the fact that the light she is seeing travelled eons from that very star to reach her eyes that very moment. she saw a star. she reached for it. she missed. so she accepted the vast sky....
Sunday, 11 November 2012
ancient technology
each great civilisation has its golden peak. that was how the great pyramids of egypt, the stepped pyramids of the mayans and the incas, the beautiful monuments of the sumerians (the ziggurat, the hanging gardens etc), puma punku, tiahuanaco of bolivia and others like machu pichu, stonehenge etc, were built. they had the technology then. very advanced for their age.
just look at the ruins of tiahuanaco. the huge rocks were finely and perfectly chiselled. must have used a super mechanism. and technology.
much like we have ours now.
when each civilisation reached its pinnacle, it annihilated itself or was destroyed by outside forces. by our Creator actually. due to various reasons.
just look at the ruins of tiahuanaco. the huge rocks were finely and perfectly chiselled. must have used a super mechanism. and technology.
much like we have ours now.
when each civilisation reached its pinnacle, it annihilated itself or was destroyed by outside forces. by our Creator actually. due to various reasons.
kiko misses koko
it was such a sweet reunion. koko came home yesterday much to the amazement and joy of kiko.
they ran hither and thither as before. jumped on top pf their cage. played hide and seek amongst the huge dried keledang leaves. chased each other endlessly. and slept side by side like 2 fluffly balls. one grey. the other black.
they missed each other obviously.
they ran hither and thither as before. jumped on top pf their cage. played hide and seek amongst the huge dried keledang leaves. chased each other endlessly. and slept side by side like 2 fluffly balls. one grey. the other black.
they missed each other obviously.
Friday, 9 November 2012
in the garden with kiko
she did some gardening this morning. accompanied by little kiko who hopped about merrily among the ferns.
she trimmed the grass. pulled out weeds. pruned the jasmine shrubs.
the weather was great. a little breeze blew. 2 black with red and white spots butterflies hovered about the blazing heliconias. little yellow breasted birds sat on the branches of the mengkudu plant.
and little kiko had a fine time looking here there everywhere. munching the grass. sniffing familiar flower pots. having a good time.
she trimmed the grass. pulled out weeds. pruned the jasmine shrubs.
the weather was great. a little breeze blew. 2 black with red and white spots butterflies hovered about the blazing heliconias. little yellow breasted birds sat on the branches of the mengkudu plant.
and little kiko had a fine time looking here there everywhere. munching the grass. sniffing familiar flower pots. having a good time.
her love for painting
she loves painting. since she was a small quiet girl. color pencils, water color, crayons. felt pens. air brush. now oils.
portraits, landscapes, the absurd. caricatures. buildings.
there was a stage when she adored salvador dali's works.
once she did a series of detailed leaf drawings.
her schoolbooks had all sorts of drawings everywhere. people. fashion. houses. hopes.
her chemistry textbooks' margins raged with fashionable teenagers. bell bottoms. afro hairdos. her physics books filled to the brim with exotic houses. dream abodes. her castle-in-the-air. her biology books had alien creatures.
the varsity years gave much pleasure as she had to produce scores of perspectives. interiors. exteriors. bird's eye view. worm's eye view. the works. no cad in those days.
then she entered the work space. during dull unending meetings she sketched to her heart's content. tudung styles. corporate wear. stilettos. handbags. jewellery. wendy houses for her kids. tree houses.
such joy in drawing. and painting.
portraits, landscapes, the absurd. caricatures. buildings.
there was a stage when she adored salvador dali's works.
once she did a series of detailed leaf drawings.
her schoolbooks had all sorts of drawings everywhere. people. fashion. houses. hopes.
her chemistry textbooks' margins raged with fashionable teenagers. bell bottoms. afro hairdos. her physics books filled to the brim with exotic houses. dream abodes. her castle-in-the-air. her biology books had alien creatures.
the varsity years gave much pleasure as she had to produce scores of perspectives. interiors. exteriors. bird's eye view. worm's eye view. the works. no cad in those days.
then she entered the work space. during dull unending meetings she sketched to her heart's content. tudung styles. corporate wear. stilettos. handbags. jewellery. wendy houses for her kids. tree houses.
such joy in drawing. and painting.
the western sky at sunset
if only she could capture the splashes of ever changing colors on the canvas of the western skies.
each second, each moment. each different hue of the brightest scarlet fading ever so subtly into shades of magenta, fuchsia, and the palest of lilac, soft lemon ....and then to linger just an instant before vanishing into oblivion....on the threshold of night...
so ephemeral.
each second, each moment. each different hue of the brightest scarlet fading ever so subtly into shades of magenta, fuchsia, and the palest of lilac, soft lemon ....and then to linger just an instant before vanishing into oblivion....on the threshold of night...
so ephemeral.
english lessons in the park
she took 6 of her students to the park this morning. she guided them in essay writing. grammar. they had a spelling test. drawing too. the wakaf (gazebo) beside the deer enclosure provided seating.
but she realised they were not focused. the fine morning, the other people there. it was quite a task to hold their attention.
then they went to the library. the kids had a great time reading story books and even comics. the important thing is - their interest in reading.
and there is this one boy. 8 years of age. his father is a lorry driver. his mother works in a factory. he is quiet, rather shy. but very hard working. very eager to learn more. reads english books quite well for a primary two boy. he is punctual.he attends classes each week without fail. he does everything he is asked to. he tries his best. he is always coming to her with his spelling or maths. anything. and he draws very well for his age! even better than most of the other much older students! his attitude fills her heart with joy. she prays he will be an engineer. or an architect one day! a successful responsible Muslim professional!
and then he can give his parents happiness and comfort in their old age.
but she realised they were not focused. the fine morning, the other people there. it was quite a task to hold their attention.
then they went to the library. the kids had a great time reading story books and even comics. the important thing is - their interest in reading.
and there is this one boy. 8 years of age. his father is a lorry driver. his mother works in a factory. he is quiet, rather shy. but very hard working. very eager to learn more. reads english books quite well for a primary two boy. he is punctual.he attends classes each week without fail. he does everything he is asked to. he tries his best. he is always coming to her with his spelling or maths. anything. and he draws very well for his age! even better than most of the other much older students! his attitude fills her heart with joy. she prays he will be an engineer. or an architect one day! a successful responsible Muslim professional!
and then he can give his parents happiness and comfort in their old age.
Thursday, 8 November 2012
thinking of nasi ulam
when she was young, she looked forward to Ramadhan for the food especially. being a kid .
iftar would have delicious home made kuehs. tepung talam. buah melaka. kueh koci. mertabak. cucur udang and kuah kacang. curry puffs. kueh kosui. seri muka. abuk-abuk. pulut udang. each evening would have one type of really tasty kueh. made with love.
and the nasi ulam. gorgeous nasi ulam. boiled rice mixed with lots and lots of herbs (daun mata itik, daun sekentut, daun kadok, cekur etc etc) collected from the hills. kerisik. salted fish. paste of shallots and dried chillies. ginger. onions, bunga kantan.
the herbal mix was also sold by some enterprising villagers. brought around the village by children on bicycles. wrapped in banana leaves like the nasi lemak, one cost only about 20 sen then.
she also remembered ice blocks were sold by these kids too. in those days there were no fridges in the village homes. each block of ice the size of a brick cost 10 sen. but then a kati of sugar was only 30 sen !
ah, yesterday when she was young....
iftar would have delicious home made kuehs. tepung talam. buah melaka. kueh koci. mertabak. cucur udang and kuah kacang. curry puffs. kueh kosui. seri muka. abuk-abuk. pulut udang. each evening would have one type of really tasty kueh. made with love.
and the nasi ulam. gorgeous nasi ulam. boiled rice mixed with lots and lots of herbs (daun mata itik, daun sekentut, daun kadok, cekur etc etc) collected from the hills. kerisik. salted fish. paste of shallots and dried chillies. ginger. onions, bunga kantan.
the herbal mix was also sold by some enterprising villagers. brought around the village by children on bicycles. wrapped in banana leaves like the nasi lemak, one cost only about 20 sen then.
she also remembered ice blocks were sold by these kids too. in those days there were no fridges in the village homes. each block of ice the size of a brick cost 10 sen. but then a kati of sugar was only 30 sen !
ah, yesterday when she was young....
cabbage pancakes
she saw it in tv. a cabbage pancake.
made of plenty of shredded cabbage, spring onions, diced chillies, onions, carrot, coriander leaves. mix with a little flour in water (batter), a pinch of salt.
cooked with just a wee drop of oil in a non-stick pan.
heigh-ho ... a very tasty, healthy pancake!
made of plenty of shredded cabbage, spring onions, diced chillies, onions, carrot, coriander leaves. mix with a little flour in water (batter), a pinch of salt.
cooked with just a wee drop of oil in a non-stick pan.
heigh-ho ... a very tasty, healthy pancake!
kain pelikat
she was watching a documentary about the remote settlements of the amazon basin. then she realised that here was something familiar.
the male indigenous people were wearing kain pelikat. not one. not two. but all of them.
the same chequered patterns. in blues. greens. lilac. etc.
the universal sarong!
and to think that all these while she thought the sarong is synonymous only with asia, the pacific islands, the Malay archipelago, australia, new zealand.
actually the sarong is a basic piece of clothing worn by people from the hill tribes of east asia (taiwan, myanmar, thailand, laos, kemboja etc ) to the population of india, the Malay archipelago, the indigenous people (original) people of australia, new zealand, hawaii and the pacific atolls, people in central asia, south america, africa etc etc...
although the advent of 'westernised' apparel (jeans, shirts etc) has wreaked radical changes in the world's clothing style, the sarong remains.
because it is so very simple and so very versatile. and so comfortable too.
ask the hippies with their pareos!
the male indigenous people were wearing kain pelikat. not one. not two. but all of them.
the same chequered patterns. in blues. greens. lilac. etc.
the universal sarong!
and to think that all these while she thought the sarong is synonymous only with asia, the pacific islands, the Malay archipelago, australia, new zealand.
actually the sarong is a basic piece of clothing worn by people from the hill tribes of east asia (taiwan, myanmar, thailand, laos, kemboja etc ) to the population of india, the Malay archipelago, the indigenous people (original) people of australia, new zealand, hawaii and the pacific atolls, people in central asia, south america, africa etc etc...
although the advent of 'westernised' apparel (jeans, shirts etc) has wreaked radical changes in the world's clothing style, the sarong remains.
because it is so very simple and so very versatile. and so comfortable too.
ask the hippies with their pareos!
some herbal remedies
guava shoots - grind in a mortar, mix with cooled water.drink. for tummy aches. and food poisoning.
akar cerita - boil with water over low heat for about 2 hours.drink. lowers blood sugar.
soursop leaves (daun durian belanda) - mix leaves with water. bathe using this mixrure. lowers body temperature (to normal) in a fever. for headaches.
pegaga juice - for good blood circulation.
aloe vera - gel in the leaves blocks air from skin splashed with hot oil and the like, prevents blisters from forming. any type of oil works the same. the skin can also be pressed to any cold surface like ice. avoid water. the gel can also be placed on wounds. the gel also soothes sore throats.
tamarind - mix with warm water. drink to heal sore throat, coughs, to lower (high) body temperature in a fever, maintain good blood pressure,
star fruit - blend with cooled water. drink. for good healthy blood pressure.
daun lemuni - eaten as kerabu. or cook with rice. keeps a person generally healthy.
hibiscus leaves - mix with water. apply to head. for headaches. good also for the hair. keeps it black.
betel nut leaves ( daun sireh ) - mix with water. apply to head for headaches. boil with water and use as an intimate cleansing fluid.
gambir - mix with water. apply to nose to relieve blocked nose in flu/common cold.
tea - strong, preferably sugarless tea is very good for food poisoning. really works.
boiled rice fluid - drink. for dehydration. especially in infants.
seroja root - grind with a little water. apply to boils on skin.
neem (mambu) leaves - a bunch of these rubbed over the skin in chicken pox/ measles cases. the chemicals in the leaves sooth skin irritation.
serai/ lemon grass - boil with water. simmer. drink. for kidney stones cases.
cabbage - eat raw preferably in salads, as ulam, in coleslaw etc. good for the heart. always have cabbage in the fridge. eat as often as possible.
mengkudu leaves - eat as ulam, in kerabu or boil with water. blend with water. drink. good for health.
ginger - boil with water. drink. for stomach inflammation (that bloated feeling).halba can also be added.
coconut juice - drink. heals food poisoning. lowers (high) body temperature.
akar cerita - boil with water over low heat for about 2 hours.drink. lowers blood sugar.
soursop leaves (daun durian belanda) - mix leaves with water. bathe using this mixrure. lowers body temperature (to normal) in a fever. for headaches.
pegaga juice - for good blood circulation.
aloe vera - gel in the leaves blocks air from skin splashed with hot oil and the like, prevents blisters from forming. any type of oil works the same. the skin can also be pressed to any cold surface like ice. avoid water. the gel can also be placed on wounds. the gel also soothes sore throats.
tamarind - mix with warm water. drink to heal sore throat, coughs, to lower (high) body temperature in a fever, maintain good blood pressure,
star fruit - blend with cooled water. drink. for good healthy blood pressure.
daun lemuni - eaten as kerabu. or cook with rice. keeps a person generally healthy.
hibiscus leaves - mix with water. apply to head. for headaches. good also for the hair. keeps it black.
betel nut leaves ( daun sireh ) - mix with water. apply to head for headaches. boil with water and use as an intimate cleansing fluid.
gambir - mix with water. apply to nose to relieve blocked nose in flu/common cold.
tea - strong, preferably sugarless tea is very good for food poisoning. really works.
boiled rice fluid - drink. for dehydration. especially in infants.
seroja root - grind with a little water. apply to boils on skin.
neem (mambu) leaves - a bunch of these rubbed over the skin in chicken pox/ measles cases. the chemicals in the leaves sooth skin irritation.
serai/ lemon grass - boil with water. simmer. drink. for kidney stones cases.
cabbage - eat raw preferably in salads, as ulam, in coleslaw etc. good for the heart. always have cabbage in the fridge. eat as often as possible.
mengkudu leaves - eat as ulam, in kerabu or boil with water. blend with water. drink. good for health.
ginger - boil with water. drink. for stomach inflammation (that bloated feeling).halba can also be added.
coconut juice - drink. heals food poisoning. lowers (high) body temperature.
little kiko
dear little kiko is clever besides being so cute and fluffy.
she is toilet trained. although she has free run of the wet kitchen, she doesn't mess it with her poop and urine. she poops and urinates in her cage! and always in the same position, facing the door as if sitting on a wc.
she eats a little at a time. pellets, cabbage, kangkung, lettuce, galangal shoots, ferns. carrots, yam bean and dried keledang leaves. yes, dried leaves. she has a few mouthfuls of those crisp brown leaves after eating the other foodstuff.
and kiko just loves pandan leaves!
if she is full and you still offer food to her, she will refuse it by tipping the food container. or a water container.
then she grooms herself not unlike a cat. licking her fur. pawing her face etc.
she drinks water in her cage.
she will look straight into your eyes if you talk softly to her. as if she understands every word.
she loves sitting on top of her cage when it is cold, raining. and lay on the floor next to a cool tiled wall in the hot afternoons.
she rushes to the kitchen door whenever it is opened. she loves being petted, closing her eyes as if asleep.
kiko dear, you are one bright rabbit.
she is toilet trained. although she has free run of the wet kitchen, she doesn't mess it with her poop and urine. she poops and urinates in her cage! and always in the same position, facing the door as if sitting on a wc.
she eats a little at a time. pellets, cabbage, kangkung, lettuce, galangal shoots, ferns. carrots, yam bean and dried keledang leaves. yes, dried leaves. she has a few mouthfuls of those crisp brown leaves after eating the other foodstuff.
and kiko just loves pandan leaves!
if she is full and you still offer food to her, she will refuse it by tipping the food container. or a water container.
then she grooms herself not unlike a cat. licking her fur. pawing her face etc.
she drinks water in her cage.
she will look straight into your eyes if you talk softly to her. as if she understands every word.
she loves sitting on top of her cage when it is cold, raining. and lay on the floor next to a cool tiled wall in the hot afternoons.
she rushes to the kitchen door whenever it is opened. she loves being petted, closing her eyes as if asleep.
kiko dear, you are one bright rabbit.
Monday, 5 November 2012
some lovely lyrics
' like a night in the forest
like a mountain in springtime
like a walk in the rain
like a storm in a desert
like a sleepy blue ocean .... '
' time can never mend
the careless whispers of a good friend
to the heart and mind
ignorance is kind
there's no comfort in the truth
pain is all you find ...
should've known better than to cheat a friend
and waste the chance that i've been given
...... '
' starry starry night
paint your palette blue and grey
look out on a summer's day
with eyes that know the darkness in my soul
shadows on a hill
sketch the trees and the daffodils
catch the breeze and the winter chill
in colors on the snowy winterland
starry starry night
flaming flowers that brightly blazed
swirling clouds and violet haze
reflected in vincent's eyes of china blue
colors changing hue
morning fields of amber grain
weathered faces lined in pain
are soothed beneath the artist's loving hands ...
potraits hung in empty halls
frameless heads on nameless walls
with eyes that watched the world
and can't forget
like the strangers that we met
the ragged men in ragged clothes
the silver thorns of a loving rose
lie crushed and broken on the vrgin snow ... '
' memories... light the corners of my mind
misty water colored memories
of the way we were...
scattered pictures ... of the smiles we left behind
smiles we gave to one another, for the way we were...
can it be that it was all so simple then
or had time rewritten every line
if we had the chance to do it all again
tell me would we... could we...
laughter ... may be beautiful but then
what's too painful to remember
maybe we should forget ...
for the way we were....'
' no i can't forget this evening
or your face as you were leaving
but i guess that's just the way the story goes
you always smile but in your eyes
your sorrow shows.... yes it shows...
no i can;t forget tomorrow
when i think of all my sorrow
well i had you there but then i let you go
and now its only fair that i should let you know
what you should know... '
' i'm thinking of you
in my sleepless solitude tonight
if its wrong to love you
then my heart just won't let me be right... '
' i thought some time alone
was what we really needed
you said this time would hurt more than it helps
but i couldn't see that
i thought it was the end of a beautiful story
and so i left the one i love at home to be alone ... '
like a mountain in springtime
like a walk in the rain
like a storm in a desert
like a sleepy blue ocean .... '
' time can never mend
the careless whispers of a good friend
to the heart and mind
ignorance is kind
there's no comfort in the truth
pain is all you find ...
should've known better than to cheat a friend
and waste the chance that i've been given
...... '
' starry starry night
paint your palette blue and grey
look out on a summer's day
with eyes that know the darkness in my soul
shadows on a hill
sketch the trees and the daffodils
catch the breeze and the winter chill
in colors on the snowy winterland
starry starry night
flaming flowers that brightly blazed
swirling clouds and violet haze
reflected in vincent's eyes of china blue
colors changing hue
morning fields of amber grain
weathered faces lined in pain
are soothed beneath the artist's loving hands ...
potraits hung in empty halls
frameless heads on nameless walls
with eyes that watched the world
and can't forget
like the strangers that we met
the ragged men in ragged clothes
the silver thorns of a loving rose
lie crushed and broken on the vrgin snow ... '
' memories... light the corners of my mind
misty water colored memories
of the way we were...
scattered pictures ... of the smiles we left behind
smiles we gave to one another, for the way we were...
can it be that it was all so simple then
or had time rewritten every line
if we had the chance to do it all again
tell me would we... could we...
laughter ... may be beautiful but then
what's too painful to remember
maybe we should forget ...
for the way we were....'
' no i can't forget this evening
or your face as you were leaving
but i guess that's just the way the story goes
you always smile but in your eyes
your sorrow shows.... yes it shows...
no i can;t forget tomorrow
when i think of all my sorrow
well i had you there but then i let you go
and now its only fair that i should let you know
what you should know... '
' i'm thinking of you
in my sleepless solitude tonight
if its wrong to love you
then my heart just won't let me be right... '
' i thought some time alone
was what we really needed
you said this time would hurt more than it helps
but i couldn't see that
i thought it was the end of a beautiful story
and so i left the one i love at home to be alone ... '
the beauty of patience
it is healing. it is sublime. it calms. it enlightens. it makes philosophers and sages out of man.
it clears vision and leads the trail to wisdom. and greatness. and inner strength.
patience in man transcends almost all else. it purifies the soul. it enriches the faithful. it is the most beautiful of sensations.
the Hijrah. nothing is permanent but the Hijrah. patience smooths the transition. its beauty magnifies the returns. the Hijrah is a gift to mankind.
for eternity.
it clears vision and leads the trail to wisdom. and greatness. and inner strength.
patience in man transcends almost all else. it purifies the soul. it enriches the faithful. it is the most beautiful of sensations.
the Hijrah. nothing is permanent but the Hijrah. patience smooths the transition. its beauty magnifies the returns. the Hijrah is a gift to mankind.
for eternity.
of cities and parks
kuala lumpur has the lake gardens. so does seremban. and taiping. new york has central park, london - hyde park to name a few.
sungai petani has the jubilee park. tanjong has kebun bunga.
esfahan has one of the world's best gardens. Islamic concept. like those superb gardens in the Alhambra.
these are the green lungs that give cities and towns a measure of equilibrium. man made concrete forests cooled by the wonders of nature. of the role of flora and all the elements. water. grass. birds. wind. sunlight. moonlight. rain. snow. butterflies. trees and plenty of trees of course.
parks no matter how big or small add that special richness to places. softening the harshness, anonymity and unfriendliness of towering blocks of concrete, steel and glass. of unending roads. carbon monoxide. noise. heat. madness.
the greens add a touch of feeling to a city. a garden, a park. it is an oasis that attracts man and animals alike. it is a balm to the nerves and tired minds. it is an elixir.
it is paradise on earth.
sungai petani has the jubilee park. tanjong has kebun bunga.
esfahan has one of the world's best gardens. Islamic concept. like those superb gardens in the Alhambra.
these are the green lungs that give cities and towns a measure of equilibrium. man made concrete forests cooled by the wonders of nature. of the role of flora and all the elements. water. grass. birds. wind. sunlight. moonlight. rain. snow. butterflies. trees and plenty of trees of course.
parks no matter how big or small add that special richness to places. softening the harshness, anonymity and unfriendliness of towering blocks of concrete, steel and glass. of unending roads. carbon monoxide. noise. heat. madness.
the greens add a touch of feeling to a city. a garden, a park. it is an oasis that attracts man and animals alike. it is a balm to the nerves and tired minds. it is an elixir.
it is paradise on earth.
pegaga juice
a tall glass of chilled pegaga juice in the evenings is pure bliss.
she'd look for the authentic herb at the night or morning markets, pasar tani and the likes. those tiny rounded green leaves with crimped edges that covers the ground in village vegetable gardens.
then she'd blend them leaves, roots and all. the result - a deep green juice sweet on its own without adding sugar. chill it with plenty of ice cubes or leave it in the fridge for a few minutes.
ah .... it is so invigorating, so deliciously fresh and thirst quenching!
she'd look for the authentic herb at the night or morning markets, pasar tani and the likes. those tiny rounded green leaves with crimped edges that covers the ground in village vegetable gardens.
then she'd blend them leaves, roots and all. the result - a deep green juice sweet on its own without adding sugar. chill it with plenty of ice cubes or leave it in the fridge for a few minutes.
ah .... it is so invigorating, so deliciously fresh and thirst quenching!
Sunday, 4 November 2012
painting trips
it was the early 90's. they often went up bukit bendera for the weekend. her children love the misty mornings and evenings up there. wandering in the mossy gardens as if fairyland. and the cold cold nights snuggling under layers of blankets.
she gave each of the boys and girls pieces of drawing paper and boxes of color pencils. they then went round looking for vistas or buildings or flora to draw and color. she'd give prizes for the best. but usually all 5 ended up getting prizes!
some weekends when she was busy in the kitchen at home, she'd organise a painting competition at the porch. using water color her young children would paint to their heart's content. and she could cook without disturbance.
then they'd play in plastic pools on the lawn, filled to the brim with water. it was good to hear their joyous shouts and laughter. she'd prepare tons of food after that for the 5 kids!
in the living room was a rather large almost 5 ft high double storey doll house made of plywood painted white and pink with a blue roof. the boys and girls would play in the doll house with their dolls and teddies, sometimes getting stuck in the rooms!
she had a beautiful childhood. she wanted her children to have one too.
she gave each of the boys and girls pieces of drawing paper and boxes of color pencils. they then went round looking for vistas or buildings or flora to draw and color. she'd give prizes for the best. but usually all 5 ended up getting prizes!
some weekends when she was busy in the kitchen at home, she'd organise a painting competition at the porch. using water color her young children would paint to their heart's content. and she could cook without disturbance.
then they'd play in plastic pools on the lawn, filled to the brim with water. it was good to hear their joyous shouts and laughter. she'd prepare tons of food after that for the 5 kids!
in the living room was a rather large almost 5 ft high double storey doll house made of plywood painted white and pink with a blue roof. the boys and girls would play in the doll house with their dolls and teddies, sometimes getting stuck in the rooms!
she had a beautiful childhood. she wanted her children to have one too.
popeye soup
when cooking for her young children in the late 80's and early 90's, she'd use all kinds of gimmick to make eating vegetables fun.
weekdays she'd cook dinner as soon as she arrived home from the office. her kids used to quarrel over bowls of piping hot spinach and anchovies soup which she named 'popeye soup'! they'd finish the simple yet nutritious soup within seconds. remember popeye the sailorman?
then she'd make carrot flowers, cucumber fishes, egg salads with enticing fresh sparkling green lettuce, yellow egg yolks, rings of onions, cucumber and dashes of chilly sauce. colorful, attractively laid in cheerful stoneware plates.
she'd decorate dishes with chilly, spring onion flowers. (the chilly flowers turned into hearty sambal belacan the next evening). sprinkle raisins on tomato rice. made green colored drinks and sorbets. cakes, cookies, even simple fritters and puddings came in various shapes, colors, designs and sizes. there'd be fritters that looked like goats, cats, hens even dinosaurs. her girls and boys would snatch the prawn fritters as soon as they were cooked
some evenings they'd pack dinner curry and all and had a picnic by moonlight on the grassy waterfront facing the penang bridge.
weekends they'd have tea on the lawn where there was a garden set with a sunny yellow umbrella.
it was fun.
weekdays she'd cook dinner as soon as she arrived home from the office. her kids used to quarrel over bowls of piping hot spinach and anchovies soup which she named 'popeye soup'! they'd finish the simple yet nutritious soup within seconds. remember popeye the sailorman?
then she'd make carrot flowers, cucumber fishes, egg salads with enticing fresh sparkling green lettuce, yellow egg yolks, rings of onions, cucumber and dashes of chilly sauce. colorful, attractively laid in cheerful stoneware plates.
she'd decorate dishes with chilly, spring onion flowers. (the chilly flowers turned into hearty sambal belacan the next evening). sprinkle raisins on tomato rice. made green colored drinks and sorbets. cakes, cookies, even simple fritters and puddings came in various shapes, colors, designs and sizes. there'd be fritters that looked like goats, cats, hens even dinosaurs. her girls and boys would snatch the prawn fritters as soon as they were cooked
some evenings they'd pack dinner curry and all and had a picnic by moonlight on the grassy waterfront facing the penang bridge.
weekends they'd have tea on the lawn where there was a garden set with a sunny yellow umbrella.
it was fun.
Saturday, 3 November 2012
tuna loaf
for lunch today she cooked laksam, fried koay teow and savoury tuna loaf. tall tumblers of iced milo accompanied .
when young her children loved chicken loaf, prawn loaf even fish loaf. she'd mix bread crust (trimmed from sandwiches and kept in the freezer till use) soaked in water with spring onions, coriander leaves, diced onions, garlic, carrot, peas, eggs, a little butter, salt, pepper, cumin. plus any leftover chicken, fish, prawn, crab or tuna. baked for an hour and spread cheese on top. eaten with chilli sauce.
simple, wholesome food.
her telephone
did alexander graham bell ever imagine the incredible journey telephones would take through time? and the role and impact it has on society? on economy?
she has an antiquated model many would cringe to be seen with. a black mobile costing less than rm200.00. tiny. just the basics. no internet. no camera. nothing fancy at all. no berry. no apple. no sour grapes. her children nag and nag, even offer to buy her the latest gadget.
she laughs and said the telephone is just a necessity to her. not a toy. not fashion. not a trophy to flash to others. why should she keep changing models just to be 'in'? why waste good money on such unnecessary luxuries. anyway who decides what is trendy. what is style? is being stylish anything at all to do with being a slave of fashion and the market forces?
perhaps it is her dislike to go along with the crowd. perhaps it is thomas hardy's 'far from the madding crowd' effect.
she looks with amusement from afar at all the hullaballoo and hype surrounding this gadget craze.
but then, to each his own ..... it is fine for those who need sophisticated models in their line of work. or those who can very well afford it of course. those who depend on their mobiles for almost everything. they need the various facilities the phone offers. in this exciting age of technology. and convenience.
she has an antiquated model many would cringe to be seen with. a black mobile costing less than rm200.00. tiny. just the basics. no internet. no camera. nothing fancy at all. no berry. no apple. no sour grapes. her children nag and nag, even offer to buy her the latest gadget.
she laughs and said the telephone is just a necessity to her. not a toy. not fashion. not a trophy to flash to others. why should she keep changing models just to be 'in'? why waste good money on such unnecessary luxuries. anyway who decides what is trendy. what is style? is being stylish anything at all to do with being a slave of fashion and the market forces?
perhaps it is her dislike to go along with the crowd. perhaps it is thomas hardy's 'far from the madding crowd' effect.
she looks with amusement from afar at all the hullaballoo and hype surrounding this gadget craze.
but then, to each his own ..... it is fine for those who need sophisticated models in their line of work. or those who can very well afford it of course. those who depend on their mobiles for almost everything. they need the various facilities the phone offers. in this exciting age of technology. and convenience.
the ikan kembong
often bypassed in the markets. small. insignificant. never served in 5 star rsetaurants.
yet it is one fish she loves. the ikan kembong. humble. at the lower end of the fishy spectrum. cheap.
but great fried simply in turmeric. eaten piping hot with rice and sambal belacan. or with pajeri nenas. or boiled and eaten with air asam. or boiled with asam gelugor and salt then fried. or cooked into asam pedas. curry with okra. singgang. masak cuka with plenty of garlic, onion, red chillies, ginger, vinegar. masak asam northern style. masak kicap. cooked with fermented soyabean. in laksa gravy. serunding ikan. as filling in curry puffs. pulut panggang, in bergedil, in savoury loaves .....etc etc
it is often the little little things that count ......
yet it is one fish she loves. the ikan kembong. humble. at the lower end of the fishy spectrum. cheap.
but great fried simply in turmeric. eaten piping hot with rice and sambal belacan. or with pajeri nenas. or boiled and eaten with air asam. or boiled with asam gelugor and salt then fried. or cooked into asam pedas. curry with okra. singgang. masak cuka with plenty of garlic, onion, red chillies, ginger, vinegar. masak asam northern style. masak kicap. cooked with fermented soyabean. in laksa gravy. serunding ikan. as filling in curry puffs. pulut panggang, in bergedil, in savoury loaves .....etc etc
it is often the little little things that count ......
the batik sarong
it is such a versatile piece of apparel. it is worn throughout the Malay Archipelago and more. from taiwan to the pacific islands. from china to india. and all other countries in the vicinity. especially in south east asia. in various forms. by men and women.
to her the batik sarong is an epitome of design. less is so much more.
the kain batik as it is called in the Malay Peninsula comes in various cheerful hues and patterns. in comfortable cotton good for the tropics. worn night and day. anywhere.
when she was younger she did not really see its beauty.
now she is an avid collector. she has a great time purchasing them on her trips to Langkawi. and the east coast. she loves the vibrant colors, the intricate motives. the fine scented cotton so cool to the touch.
ah, what ingenuity of mind to produce such a simple yet wholesome and beautiful piece of apparel lasting through and used thousands of years and more!
to her the batik sarong is an epitome of design. less is so much more.
the kain batik as it is called in the Malay Peninsula comes in various cheerful hues and patterns. in comfortable cotton good for the tropics. worn night and day. anywhere.
when she was younger she did not really see its beauty.
now she is an avid collector. she has a great time purchasing them on her trips to Langkawi. and the east coast. she loves the vibrant colors, the intricate motives. the fine scented cotton so cool to the touch.
ah, what ingenuity of mind to produce such a simple yet wholesome and beautiful piece of apparel lasting through and used thousands of years and more!
Tuesday, 30 October 2012
island in the sun
from afar it is an island in a green sea. or lake.
it is at the extreme end of the village. surrounded by the rich green of padi plants.
as you go nearer there is a surprise. a house peeps amongst trees of all shapes and sizes.
a house weathered by the elements. a doorway without panels, covered with a sheet of rusty metal at night. furnishings practically nil. some mattresses on the floor in the living room. a solitary chair. a worn out table. mosquito nets.
a young boy plays with a little girl under mango trees with deep green leaves. several skinny hens flit by. a grandmother is cooking in a dilapidated kitchen.
it is Aidil Adha. but there will not be rendang or ketupat aplenty on the table. no rich cakes. no spread of cookies. only rice and perhaps fish. a vegetable. hot tea or plain boiled water.
trials and tribulations come in various forms.
hope, perseverance and hard work have to prevail.
there is a glimmer of better things lurking over the horizon.
it is at the extreme end of the village. surrounded by the rich green of padi plants.
as you go nearer there is a surprise. a house peeps amongst trees of all shapes and sizes.
a house weathered by the elements. a doorway without panels, covered with a sheet of rusty metal at night. furnishings practically nil. some mattresses on the floor in the living room. a solitary chair. a worn out table. mosquito nets.
a young boy plays with a little girl under mango trees with deep green leaves. several skinny hens flit by. a grandmother is cooking in a dilapidated kitchen.
it is Aidil Adha. but there will not be rendang or ketupat aplenty on the table. no rich cakes. no spread of cookies. only rice and perhaps fish. a vegetable. hot tea or plain boiled water.
trials and tribulations come in various forms.
hope, perseverance and hard work have to prevail.
there is a glimmer of better things lurking over the horizon.
Monday, 29 October 2012
an alley tale
she went second hand book hunting with her eldest girl. she was looking for more daphne du mauriers. she couldn't find any. so she settled for buchan. and some enid blytons for her students.
they bought 2 packets of ais tingkap's tantalisingly yummy 'ais campur' . then she saw him. sitting forlornly in front of his ancient cart. no fire under the old wok. the egg noodles in a huge heap untouched. no customers in front of him. while other hawkers were busy with good business.
he was terribly old, his back hunched. his movements slow. she wondered sadly whether he was alone in the world, without wife or children. otherwise why was he still trying to eke out a living while hardly able to stand?
he should be at home. he should be resting. he should have good food to eat. he should be reading the Quran. he should have children to take good care of him.
why is he still at the alley of a pulsating city, rain or shine, frying mee for a few miserable ringgits each day?
dear readers, if you happen to be at the alley beside a market selling all kinds of preserved fruit in Tanjong, across the road from the Penang Road Police Station, look out for a noodle hawker near the Ais Tingkap stall. look for the old man nearly bent double manning a mee rebus/goreng/nasi goreng cart. do buy a packet or two from him. he serves customers with a smile.
it is so beautiful to be kind.
they bought 2 packets of ais tingkap's tantalisingly yummy 'ais campur' . then she saw him. sitting forlornly in front of his ancient cart. no fire under the old wok. the egg noodles in a huge heap untouched. no customers in front of him. while other hawkers were busy with good business.
he was terribly old, his back hunched. his movements slow. she wondered sadly whether he was alone in the world, without wife or children. otherwise why was he still trying to eke out a living while hardly able to stand?
he should be at home. he should be resting. he should have good food to eat. he should be reading the Quran. he should have children to take good care of him.
why is he still at the alley of a pulsating city, rain or shine, frying mee for a few miserable ringgits each day?
dear readers, if you happen to be at the alley beside a market selling all kinds of preserved fruit in Tanjong, across the road from the Penang Road Police Station, look out for a noodle hawker near the Ais Tingkap stall. look for the old man nearly bent double manning a mee rebus/goreng/nasi goreng cart. do buy a packet or two from him. he serves customers with a smile.
it is so beautiful to be kind.
Saturday, 20 October 2012
minimalist
her home is a reflection of her self. and her career.
devoid of clutter. no huge floral decorations. no scallops and chandeliers. no elaborate furniture.
just a jar of strelitziers or bird of paradise, ginger torch and papyrus. a few pots of orchids here and there.
but there is a huge white book case. filled to the brim with her favourites and new works.
in the living room is a tiny 16 inch tv. a mix and match of a 2-seater sofa, 2 black and pine armchairs, a 2-seater wooden chair, an extremely simple black coffee table, a small red shaggy carpet, a globe, a table lamp and an oil painting. plain black and white curtains.
the dining area has a black glass table with six red chairs, indirect lighting fixtures and a rattan chest. and an exerciser. a huge world map takes centre stage on the dining room wall.
the kitchen cabinet is black. cooking utensils are red, black, white and stainless steel. crockery in cheerful stoneware, clear modernist glass, corningware. cutleries in black and stainless steel.
the study has a drawing board, tables and chairs, more bookshelves and serves as a storage area too.
the master bedroom has a simple black king sized bed with pastel mono-toned cotton bedsheets, plenty of multi colored cushions, two black side tables, table lamps, mirror, a comfy armchair, a mini fridge and a tv. a picture of The Kaabah and Masjidil Haram. and a few luminous stars on the bedroom and bathroom doors. plain pale blue and white curtains.
other rooms have white single beds and side tables. chest of drawers. bamboo blinds and pale blue curtains.
two rattan chairs and a table on the terrace.
her little garden is filled with herbs, ferns, scented flowering plants, orchids. and wildflowers. plus tiny birds and butterflies.
and dear little kiko and koko.
devoid of clutter. no huge floral decorations. no scallops and chandeliers. no elaborate furniture.
just a jar of strelitziers or bird of paradise, ginger torch and papyrus. a few pots of orchids here and there.
but there is a huge white book case. filled to the brim with her favourites and new works.
in the living room is a tiny 16 inch tv. a mix and match of a 2-seater sofa, 2 black and pine armchairs, a 2-seater wooden chair, an extremely simple black coffee table, a small red shaggy carpet, a globe, a table lamp and an oil painting. plain black and white curtains.
the dining area has a black glass table with six red chairs, indirect lighting fixtures and a rattan chest. and an exerciser. a huge world map takes centre stage on the dining room wall.
the kitchen cabinet is black. cooking utensils are red, black, white and stainless steel. crockery in cheerful stoneware, clear modernist glass, corningware. cutleries in black and stainless steel.
the study has a drawing board, tables and chairs, more bookshelves and serves as a storage area too.
the master bedroom has a simple black king sized bed with pastel mono-toned cotton bedsheets, plenty of multi colored cushions, two black side tables, table lamps, mirror, a comfy armchair, a mini fridge and a tv. a picture of The Kaabah and Masjidil Haram. and a few luminous stars on the bedroom and bathroom doors. plain pale blue and white curtains.
other rooms have white single beds and side tables. chest of drawers. bamboo blinds and pale blue curtains.
two rattan chairs and a table on the terrace.
her little garden is filled with herbs, ferns, scented flowering plants, orchids. and wildflowers. plus tiny birds and butterflies.
and dear little kiko and koko.
talent, hope
in a class in a small village.
rickety tables. even more rickety chairs. there are no white, green or black boards. but the 15 or so students are eager, enthusiastic and very polite. fresh young faces are upturned and tuned in to her every word. they range from 7 years to sixteen.
they are enraptured and captivated by knowledge. which is the best of all.
they are the sons and daughters of fishermen, lorry drivers, labourers. their mothers are either housewives or work tirelessly in some factories for the extra dime.
but these boys and girls are the promises of greater things to come for these families.
she is blessed to know them. and to offer a little guidance. to show them the road to a whole new world. where they will find material and spiritual success. and the most important factor - to utilise these successes for the benefit of all, their religion, Islam, themselves, their families, their community, their country. the world. mankind.
she teaches them new languages. english. a smattering of french. german. russian. mandarin. she tells them about the solar system, the universe. she takes them on imaginary journeys around the country, the world, even to far away galaxies. she tells them about black holes in outer space, time warp, solar flares, asteroids. she makes them quick in arithmetic. she makes them think fast. she instructs them in drawing. she explains patiently about the ecology, the environment, about why they have to be intelligent people. and have big ambitions. and be an all rounder too.
and to hunger for more knowledge. to read. read. and read.
now those boys and girls know that the capital of Iceland is Reykjavik, that Washington's DC stands for District of Columbia, that the Great Wall of China can be seen from the moon, that Pluto is no longer considered a full fledged planet, that Uranus is a "new" planet.....
and to hunger for more knowledge. to read. read. and read.
now those boys and girls know that the capital of Iceland is Reykjavik, that Washington's DC stands for District of Columbia, that the Great Wall of China can be seen from the moon, that Pluto is no longer considered a full fledged planet, that Uranus is a "new" planet.....
she even touches on personal grooming and style, color coordination in dressing, why it is important to have good public speaking ability ....
and when they grow up they have to be good Islamic engineers, doctors, architects, CEOs, businesspersons....etc. and most of all to be kind. to be good people. there is so much joy in kindness. in doing good.
she makes learning fun, even a game. she loves to see the boys and girls laugh and smile in her class. always asking for extra time after lessons.
some cool mornings she takes them on a ramble around the village. showing them the tiny wild flowers on the paths most people would miss. the lovely purple rhododendrons. the eagles soaring the heavens. the pure white herons in green green padi fields. the distant mountain ranges turning blue-green. the cloud formations. the azure tropical sky. nature at its best.
knowing all of you children is so beautiful.
some cool mornings she takes them on a ramble around the village. showing them the tiny wild flowers on the paths most people would miss. the lovely purple rhododendrons. the eagles soaring the heavens. the pure white herons in green green padi fields. the distant mountain ranges turning blue-green. the cloud formations. the azure tropical sky. nature at its best.
knowing all of you children is so beautiful.
thank you boys and girls for showing that beauty lies in the most unexpected of places....
Friday, 28 September 2012
the beauty of faith
it is too beautiful. indescribable. she is in Mekah Al Mukarramah with her 5 children. the Umrah. spiritual. pure happiness.
the blazing noon sun is never a hindrance. it doesn't feel hot doing the Tawaf amongst thousands. the white marble flooring seems cool. the Kaabah ever tranquil. love flows. peace reigns.
the Saei between Safa and Marwah.
the Hajar Aswad. the Multazam. the Hijir Ismail.Maqam Ibrahim. the golden pancor.
the unearthly sweetness of the Zam Zam.
nights and days blend. joy and tears. and love. and longing.
the blazing noon sun is never a hindrance. it doesn't feel hot doing the Tawaf amongst thousands. the white marble flooring seems cool. the Kaabah ever tranquil. love flows. peace reigns.
the Saei between Safa and Marwah.
the Hajar Aswad. the Multazam. the Hijir Ismail.Maqam Ibrahim. the golden pancor.
the unearthly sweetness of the Zam Zam.
nights and days blend. joy and tears. and love. and longing.
lempeng kelapa
this morning she suddenly thought of lempeng kelapa. coconut pancake. food for the soul. a hearty breakfast for village folks eaten piping hot on cold cold mornings.
she mixed fresh coconut with flour. added a pinch of sugar and salt. made into a thick dough with water. cooked with just a teeny bit of oil.
tasted so good. with steaming hot sugarless tea.
as the monsoon poured outside. and kiko played with the mischievous koko.
she mixed fresh coconut with flour. added a pinch of sugar and salt. made into a thick dough with water. cooked with just a teeny bit of oil.
tasted so good. with steaming hot sugarless tea.
as the monsoon poured outside. and kiko played with the mischievous koko.
food of her childhood
oftentimes she'd crave for the food of her childhood. traditional Malay kuehs and delicacies.
her grandma was a terrific cook. so was her mum. tepung talam, kueh lompang, seri muka (fragrant brown top), putu kacang, putu pulut, pulut kacau/wajik, dodol, bahulu, kueh sepit, bahulu betawi (steamed), kueh lapis, the different types of lempeng (banana, coconut, plain), lepat manis/ liat, lepat pisang, the different types of bengkang..... they never bought breakfast in those days.
early in the morning after subuh prayers her grandma would start cooking the kuehs. home made with love, the kuehs tasted divine. incomparable.
weeks before hari raya, her mum and grandma would be busy making dodol, wajik, bahulu, kueh sepit etc. they would use firewood to cook these. they'd prepare lemang, ketupat pulut to be eaten with thick beef curry. pure heaven.
then the everyday food ...her grandma's pajeri nenas, fish curry, prawn, egg sambal, beef kurma, kerabu kadok, ikan masak cuka, pais ikan, acar buah, ayam goreng jintan, turmeric squids, the different types of bubur... she loved them all. sweet sour bawal, fish head soup, butter cake, samperit cooked by her mum remained her all time favourites. even the cendol was home made! and the koay teow too. her mum also made savoury keropok ubi kayu, crunchy and yummy. her mum used to teach cooking to the villagers.
her grandma had this talent no one else had then - making or creating bunga gula or sugar flower. not the modern fondant kind. but sugar boiled and then pulled/stretched and folded while hot by hand! her grandma and mum would form petals, leaves, ducks, birds or hens from this concoction. sometimes her brother and she helped too. (hmmm... now she realised that as a family they were all artistic, talented with their hands!)
the end result was a huge lotus flower with a diameter of about 12 - 15 inches. or huge ducks. doves, hens. leaves. sometimes in pink. these were commisioned by people from as far away as the capital city for hantaran.
her grandma gained fame throughout the country through the bunga gula!
her grandma was a terrific cook. so was her mum. tepung talam, kueh lompang, seri muka (fragrant brown top), putu kacang, putu pulut, pulut kacau/wajik, dodol, bahulu, kueh sepit, bahulu betawi (steamed), kueh lapis, the different types of lempeng (banana, coconut, plain), lepat manis/ liat, lepat pisang, the different types of bengkang..... they never bought breakfast in those days.
early in the morning after subuh prayers her grandma would start cooking the kuehs. home made with love, the kuehs tasted divine. incomparable.
weeks before hari raya, her mum and grandma would be busy making dodol, wajik, bahulu, kueh sepit etc. they would use firewood to cook these. they'd prepare lemang, ketupat pulut to be eaten with thick beef curry. pure heaven.
then the everyday food ...her grandma's pajeri nenas, fish curry, prawn, egg sambal, beef kurma, kerabu kadok, ikan masak cuka, pais ikan, acar buah, ayam goreng jintan, turmeric squids, the different types of bubur... she loved them all. sweet sour bawal, fish head soup, butter cake, samperit cooked by her mum remained her all time favourites. even the cendol was home made! and the koay teow too. her mum also made savoury keropok ubi kayu, crunchy and yummy. her mum used to teach cooking to the villagers.
her grandma had this talent no one else had then - making or creating bunga gula or sugar flower. not the modern fondant kind. but sugar boiled and then pulled/stretched and folded while hot by hand! her grandma and mum would form petals, leaves, ducks, birds or hens from this concoction. sometimes her brother and she helped too. (hmmm... now she realised that as a family they were all artistic, talented with their hands!)
the end result was a huge lotus flower with a diameter of about 12 - 15 inches. or huge ducks. doves, hens. leaves. sometimes in pink. these were commisioned by people from as far away as the capital city for hantaran.
her grandma gained fame throughout the country through the bunga gula!
train journey
the 60's. sometimes she'd go to her parents during the school holidays. at the southern part of the peninsula. her younger sister still a toddler. her mum loved reading. her father would buy books for her mum. she'd read while cooking. and at night.
when the new school term was about to start, her mum and sister would travel with her back to her grandpa's house up north. they took the night train from the capital city. third class. the green seats were hard. the coaches were always packed.
the train was the main mode of transport then.
her mum would pack a large tiffin carrier of food. rice. liver fried in tumeric. hard boiled eggs. it was like a picnic.
there would be makeshift cradles out of kain pelikat hung by strings to the ceiling of the coaches. mothers crooned their babies to sleep in these. most times there would be babies crying. soldiers were everywhere in their green uniforms. laughing. happy. people chatted. exchanged stories. friendships were formed.
her mum would share the food with the young soldiers. she always brought more than enough.
the train stopped at most of the stations. hawkers would come up to the windows with food. some even got on the train. it was fun. the food sold was delicious too.
there was so much colour. so much to look at. to listen to. besides the noise of the train.
the 11 hour journey did not seem long. soon the station by the sea appeared out of the morning mist.
they then took the ferry to the island state. then took the yellow bus to the hamlet on the hillslope. back to the lovely family house in the shades of so many fruit trees.
when the new school term was about to start, her mum and sister would travel with her back to her grandpa's house up north. they took the night train from the capital city. third class. the green seats were hard. the coaches were always packed.
the train was the main mode of transport then.
her mum would pack a large tiffin carrier of food. rice. liver fried in tumeric. hard boiled eggs. it was like a picnic.
there would be makeshift cradles out of kain pelikat hung by strings to the ceiling of the coaches. mothers crooned their babies to sleep in these. most times there would be babies crying. soldiers were everywhere in their green uniforms. laughing. happy. people chatted. exchanged stories. friendships were formed.
her mum would share the food with the young soldiers. she always brought more than enough.
the train stopped at most of the stations. hawkers would come up to the windows with food. some even got on the train. it was fun. the food sold was delicious too.
there was so much colour. so much to look at. to listen to. besides the noise of the train.
the 11 hour journey did not seem long. soon the station by the sea appeared out of the morning mist.
they then took the ferry to the island state. then took the yellow bus to the hamlet on the hillslope. back to the lovely family house in the shades of so many fruit trees.
Thursday, 27 September 2012
the rhythm of the rain
how she loves
listening to the falling rain
the rhythm
the sweetness
the purity
the sigh of a wind from
the hills
rushing through the casuarinas
listening to the falling rain
the rhythm
the sweetness
the purity
the sigh of a wind from
the hills
rushing through the casuarinas
Tuesday, 25 September 2012
those sleepless nights
the nights before presentation or portfolio checking.
sleepless. sometimes without food too. however did they manage?
they did not have archi software then. they had drawing boards. t-squares. set squares. and those very expensive technical drawing pens which often broke down after extensive use.
they had their personal space in the studios where some did their work 24 hours a day, especially the boys. especially near project handing up time.
all of them would look groggy, unkempt, red-eyed. did they even bathe?
her roomates were not from her faculty. more often than not they would fail to understand the chaos she created in the room when completing her design assignments.
she smiles when thinking of those days. those wonderful days in the varsity. doing what she loves best. designing.
sleepless. sometimes without food too. however did they manage?
they did not have archi software then. they had drawing boards. t-squares. set squares. and those very expensive technical drawing pens which often broke down after extensive use.
they had their personal space in the studios where some did their work 24 hours a day, especially the boys. especially near project handing up time.
all of them would look groggy, unkempt, red-eyed. did they even bathe?
her roomates were not from her faculty. more often than not they would fail to understand the chaos she created in the room when completing her design assignments.
she smiles when thinking of those days. those wonderful days in the varsity. doing what she loves best. designing.
why lie?
in a big hall. she is the landowner. the opponent - the developer who is building hundreds of townhouses, commercial blocks, 11 storey apartments right next to her fruit orchard on the hill slope of the village 'behind the island'. yes, in penang. where hills are being flattened every other day. with a speed so astonishing you won't have time to say " ouch" !
the proposed development is higher up the slope .
outside the hall she heard the developer's reps laugh as they looked at her and her eldest girl.
"only 2?" they smirked. they laughed too soon. yes, only 2 complainants came. but these not too intelligent looking reps were to be soon humbled.
the local government council listened as she systematically listed her points. complaints. her anger. irreparable damage to her fruit orchard.
site clearing and hill cutting even before planning permission is granted?
preposterous, the chairperson was annoyed. and rightly so.
she wanted in black and white the right to compensation if anything were to happen to/in her fruit orchard as a result of the developer's works/proposal as a whole.
she wanted details of the retaining wall proposed between her land and the developer's.
she wanted details of the drainage system. the flood mitigation plans. the subterranean water management. the EIA. the pre-emptive measures for hillslope stability.
she wanted the date the developer will provide all these. no 'next week'. the exact date.
because of the illegal rampant site clearing and hill cutting by the developer, her fruit trees are dying. the river is silting and water is flooding her land. the ecology system is disrupted. the fruit trees need insects and other agents of pollination, fertilisation. now no more. the trees do not bear fruit anymore. the traditional Malay village in the vicinity is threatened. the proposed sewage treatment plant will be next to a village house. the socio-cultural system is on the balance. she referred to the numerous cases of hillslope instability as recent as a week ago on the island.
how much do you compensate for the destruction of fruit trees, durian trees, hundreds of years old?
the assembly by then realised she was not just another layman to be easily duped by the 'new' system on the island. by their greed. their ego. but actually their plain stupidity.
the developer lied about the hill cutting before permission by the local council is given.
why lie?
don't they know that they will eventually pay for their dishonesty? sooner or later. that is the rule of the world. of the order of things.
do unto others what you wish others to do unto you. it's that simple. but then again, perhaps they do not even understand this. or even heard of it.
the proposed development is higher up the slope .
outside the hall she heard the developer's reps laugh as they looked at her and her eldest girl.
"only 2?" they smirked. they laughed too soon. yes, only 2 complainants came. but these not too intelligent looking reps were to be soon humbled.
the local government council listened as she systematically listed her points. complaints. her anger. irreparable damage to her fruit orchard.
site clearing and hill cutting even before planning permission is granted?
preposterous, the chairperson was annoyed. and rightly so.
she wanted in black and white the right to compensation if anything were to happen to/in her fruit orchard as a result of the developer's works/proposal as a whole.
she wanted details of the retaining wall proposed between her land and the developer's.
she wanted details of the drainage system. the flood mitigation plans. the subterranean water management. the EIA. the pre-emptive measures for hillslope stability.
she wanted the date the developer will provide all these. no 'next week'. the exact date.
because of the illegal rampant site clearing and hill cutting by the developer, her fruit trees are dying. the river is silting and water is flooding her land. the ecology system is disrupted. the fruit trees need insects and other agents of pollination, fertilisation. now no more. the trees do not bear fruit anymore. the traditional Malay village in the vicinity is threatened. the proposed sewage treatment plant will be next to a village house. the socio-cultural system is on the balance. she referred to the numerous cases of hillslope instability as recent as a week ago on the island.
how much do you compensate for the destruction of fruit trees, durian trees, hundreds of years old?
the assembly by then realised she was not just another layman to be easily duped by the 'new' system on the island. by their greed. their ego. but actually their plain stupidity.
the developer lied about the hill cutting before permission by the local council is given.
why lie?
don't they know that they will eventually pay for their dishonesty? sooner or later. that is the rule of the world. of the order of things.
do unto others what you wish others to do unto you. it's that simple. but then again, perhaps they do not even understand this. or even heard of it.
looking for cendol
it was a humid afternoon. they were on the road again. after taking some photographs of the fruit orchard where water from the hills is threatening the durian, mangosteen, rambutan, langsat trees. the price of development? rash development. greed and blatant disregard for the environment. and the ecology. or was it plain ignorance?
her third daughter was driving.her eldest girl was co-pilot. and she was enjoying the scenic villages, the padi fields, the distant blue-green hills.
"why don't we look for the best cendol stall?" she has a penchant for the sweet dessert. and her girls knew it.
so they had cendol with shaved ice. sweet. cold. lovely.
her third daughter was driving.her eldest girl was co-pilot. and she was enjoying the scenic villages, the padi fields, the distant blue-green hills.
"why don't we look for the best cendol stall?" she has a penchant for the sweet dessert. and her girls knew it.
so they had cendol with shaved ice. sweet. cold. lovely.
baju kurung
to her, the baju kurung is simply fabulous. evergreen. ageless.
an apparel common to women throughout the Malay Archipelago for ages, it is the epitome of couture.
it is perfectly suitable for all occasions. official. casual. fit to wear to see the king. and you can don it even at the beach, its voluminous folds caressed by the breeze.
its lines flatter the body by hiding inadequacies or too much curves, it is quietly fashionable, indiscreet yet tantalises. it is in accordance with Islam's protective guidance for women.
it is so pleasant to look at. on young girls. on women. especially on older women.
the baju kurung is one of the world's best. it defies trends. it cannot be conquered.
it is an entity. for eternity.
an apparel common to women throughout the Malay Archipelago for ages, it is the epitome of couture.
it is perfectly suitable for all occasions. official. casual. fit to wear to see the king. and you can don it even at the beach, its voluminous folds caressed by the breeze.
its lines flatter the body by hiding inadequacies or too much curves, it is quietly fashionable, indiscreet yet tantalises. it is in accordance with Islam's protective guidance for women.
it is so pleasant to look at. on young girls. on women. especially on older women.
the baju kurung is one of the world's best. it defies trends. it cannot be conquered.
it is an entity. for eternity.
midnight feasts
those schoolgirl days....
she was in her teens. at the threshold of a brand new world. out of the confines of a beautiful, pampered childhood. practically on her own far far from home.
there were so many perspectives to adapt to, so many views to accommodate as well as to filter. a surprisingly wide scope of talents to discover, nurture and utilise to the fullest.
so much knowledge to acquire!
along the way, they were still kids. her friends. herself. one of their favourites- having midnight birthday parties.
sometimes in the darkened dorm. sometimes in the locker room where they kept their food. the fare was simple. chocolates, biscuits, cakes and drinks. but the fun of it all .
forbidden fruits taste best?
she was in her teens. at the threshold of a brand new world. out of the confines of a beautiful, pampered childhood. practically on her own far far from home.
there were so many perspectives to adapt to, so many views to accommodate as well as to filter. a surprisingly wide scope of talents to discover, nurture and utilise to the fullest.
so much knowledge to acquire!
along the way, they were still kids. her friends. herself. one of their favourites- having midnight birthday parties.
sometimes in the darkened dorm. sometimes in the locker room where they kept their food. the fare was simple. chocolates, biscuits, cakes and drinks. but the fun of it all .
forbidden fruits taste best?
Monday, 24 September 2012
hati, mengapa bersedih? ii
indahkan z, hari itu?
walau esoknya kita akan berpisah, aku tidak mau bersedih ketika itu. kerana terlalu banyak waktu nanti untuk bersedih bila kelak kau telah pergi.
"mengapa tangkai dan kelopak bercerai z?"
manis, kelopak jatuh supaya putik menjadi buah. pengorbanan kelopak demi kebahagiaan pohon nan rendang.
sebenarnya kelopak tidak bercerai dengan tangkai z?
tidak manis, aku akan kembali dengan kejayaan kita berdua kelak. kau inspirasiku. tanpamu aku binasa.
itulah sumpah sucimu z.
berat sekali ku lihat kau bertolak esoknya. ketika kau tidak kelihatan lagi dilarikan keretapi, tiba saja aku merasa kosong. vacuum.
seperti tiba saja sebahagian dari diriku hilang entah ke mana. dan aku tidak tahu di mana untuk mencarinya.
sejak itu mulalah suatu penantian yang tidak berhujung. hari-hari sepi datang menyapa dan berlalu.
menari-nari di depan mataku. mengusik hatiku.
suratmu adalah mentariku. jika suratmu tidak tiba, hariku gelap dan sejuk. aku jadi hamba pada perasaan.
tetapi z, mengapa tiba saja suratmu bertukar wajah?
dan kini tiada langsung? sepi. bagai setitis air terakhir yang meresap ke dalam pasir di sahara.
z, sebenarnya kau tidak pernah menumpahkan kasihmu padaku. itu yang sebenarnya.
tanyalah pada angin. tanyalah pada pucuk nyiur yang melambai-lambai.....
sebenarnya z, kasihmu hanyalah pada seorang gadis. bukan untuk diriku.
cuma kebetulan aku gadis yang berdiri di depanmu ketika itu.
bukan kerana diriku sebagai aku!
utusan msia 29.11.1979,. hakcipta terpelihara oleh tehtamgam/ dewi sutera
walau esoknya kita akan berpisah, aku tidak mau bersedih ketika itu. kerana terlalu banyak waktu nanti untuk bersedih bila kelak kau telah pergi.
"mengapa tangkai dan kelopak bercerai z?"
manis, kelopak jatuh supaya putik menjadi buah. pengorbanan kelopak demi kebahagiaan pohon nan rendang.
sebenarnya kelopak tidak bercerai dengan tangkai z?
tidak manis, aku akan kembali dengan kejayaan kita berdua kelak. kau inspirasiku. tanpamu aku binasa.
itulah sumpah sucimu z.
berat sekali ku lihat kau bertolak esoknya. ketika kau tidak kelihatan lagi dilarikan keretapi, tiba saja aku merasa kosong. vacuum.
seperti tiba saja sebahagian dari diriku hilang entah ke mana. dan aku tidak tahu di mana untuk mencarinya.
sejak itu mulalah suatu penantian yang tidak berhujung. hari-hari sepi datang menyapa dan berlalu.
menari-nari di depan mataku. mengusik hatiku.
suratmu adalah mentariku. jika suratmu tidak tiba, hariku gelap dan sejuk. aku jadi hamba pada perasaan.
tetapi z, mengapa tiba saja suratmu bertukar wajah?
dan kini tiada langsung? sepi. bagai setitis air terakhir yang meresap ke dalam pasir di sahara.
z, sebenarnya kau tidak pernah menumpahkan kasihmu padaku. itu yang sebenarnya.
tanyalah pada angin. tanyalah pada pucuk nyiur yang melambai-lambai.....
sebenarnya z, kasihmu hanyalah pada seorang gadis. bukan untuk diriku.
cuma kebetulan aku gadis yang berdiri di depanmu ketika itu.
bukan kerana diriku sebagai aku!
utusan msia 29.11.1979,. hakcipta terpelihara oleh tehtamgam/ dewi sutera
hati, mengapa bersedih?
aku membuang masa lagi petang ini. melihat anak-anak bermain di luar sana. riuh-rendah. tetapi aku tidak menumpang keriangan mereka.
hati, mengapa bersedih? perasaan, mengapa ingin melayang jauh? mengapa begitu z?
seperti saja aku terlihat kau berlari-lari bersama anak-anak itu. kau suka berlari begitu z, suka mengusik aku.
seperti suatu senja dulu di pantai. ingatkah lagi z? kau berlari meninggalkan aku. menakutkan aku.
tetapi itu cuma usikan. kau tidak meninggalkan aku. kau kembali ke sampingku.
dan ombak yang berlabuh di pasir halus merestui kita. percikan air masin yang menyentuh pipiku adalah serpihan doa dari alam yang menyintai kita!
ingatkah lagi z?
tetapi kini di manakah petang-petang mesra? mana perginya malam-malam manja? di manakah kau z?
rasanya terlalu lama kau tiada. mungkin ini kerana aku cuma setiap hari mengira lelehan waktu. dan waktu kerapkali membawa aku begitu jauh...
tetapi waktu tidak berjaya menerbangkan aku jauh dari kenangan. dari arca-arca hari-hari manis bersamamu.waktu juga tidak dapat membantuku melawan kesedihan yang kini menjadi parasit dalam diriku.
ah z betapa manisnya di sampingmu. masih jelas padaku sehari sebelum kau pergi meninggalkan aku. pergi untuk mengharung lautan bergelora, untuk kelak menuai segala kutipan ilmu. itu katamu.
utusan msia 29/11/1979. hakcipta terpelihara oleh tehtamgam/ sdewi sutera
hati, mengapa bersedih? perasaan, mengapa ingin melayang jauh? mengapa begitu z?
seperti saja aku terlihat kau berlari-lari bersama anak-anak itu. kau suka berlari begitu z, suka mengusik aku.
seperti suatu senja dulu di pantai. ingatkah lagi z? kau berlari meninggalkan aku. menakutkan aku.
tetapi itu cuma usikan. kau tidak meninggalkan aku. kau kembali ke sampingku.
dan ombak yang berlabuh di pasir halus merestui kita. percikan air masin yang menyentuh pipiku adalah serpihan doa dari alam yang menyintai kita!
ingatkah lagi z?
tetapi kini di manakah petang-petang mesra? mana perginya malam-malam manja? di manakah kau z?
rasanya terlalu lama kau tiada. mungkin ini kerana aku cuma setiap hari mengira lelehan waktu. dan waktu kerapkali membawa aku begitu jauh...
tetapi waktu tidak berjaya menerbangkan aku jauh dari kenangan. dari arca-arca hari-hari manis bersamamu.waktu juga tidak dapat membantuku melawan kesedihan yang kini menjadi parasit dalam diriku.
ah z betapa manisnya di sampingmu. masih jelas padaku sehari sebelum kau pergi meninggalkan aku. pergi untuk mengharung lautan bergelora, untuk kelak menuai segala kutipan ilmu. itu katamu.
utusan msia 29/11/1979. hakcipta terpelihara oleh tehtamgam/ sdewi sutera
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