Red

 The colour painted malls and streets of Kuala Lumpur too.

Where there are conglomerates of Chinese, red will be a symbol of everything good in Chinese homes; though not all.

In Pavilion of Kualal Lumpur, red lanterns dotted the landscape.

 Shoppers are surely mesmerized by the numerous 'tanglungs' which many a time depict celebration and festivity. Your mood is also lifted up by the sight of them. Pavilion is pretty and attractive to many tourists. 

It is also the pride of the city.

Horses too are symbolic here and they evoke much feelings.It is indeed a merry gathering of horses.

 Subang Parade has a humble working horse carting away goods; the mall serves you in gladness.

In Sungei Wang, the golden horse is symbolic of wealth and beauty.

 Outside Lot 10; the golden lanterns remind one of ancient China and palaces.

The lanterns are indeed well-crafted and exhibit style.

 Shoppers are uplifted by the display of cookies and goods for the season.

In China, I read in the papers that millions have congregated to home towns and villages for the Spring Festival. 

The exodus has begun as families gather and meet in oneness. 

Everyone returns to someone; it will be indeed sad if you have no home to return to or see no need to see family. 

Reunion is the ultimate for the Chinese during this period.

As the pillar promotes, may all have a joyous and meaningful reunion in the year of the Horse.

Chinatown

 Sara called and asked : Where are you, mama?

Mama: Chinatown?

Sara: There is a Chinatown ? I thought Singapore is like China? Still got Chinatown?

Singapore is like Malaysia; mufti-ethnicial.

I am surprised at her; so ill-informed.

My parents used to call it "gu chia chui" - I don't know why but it is the local name for the place.

Today it is deemed a heritage centre and where many flock to see and taste local cuisines and indulgences. Esther works around the place and I believe she likes it here. She gets to join in some fun after work and the feeling is just good. But it was Grace and Aaron who took us around the place last weekend. 

So, I get to mention all my children's names today.

Children are gifts from God; to love and cherish but they must also be told the need to be around their parents in their golden era. Well, that's at least what my hairdresser tells me. She says it's her constant reminder to her children the need to look after them when the need arises. I hope mine need not be told !

This shoe maker and vendor tirelessly cobbled shoes to the needs of customers and he reminded me of ours of Melaka. Oh , I forgot Singapore, Melaka and Penang are part of the Straits Settlement conglomerate and thickly under the Baba-Nyonya influence. I wanted to get a pair but gave up after seeing the queue.

Cheap and attractive; but they in Singapore dollars and after conversion may not be that cheap after all. Don't convert; I have been constantly chided by the girls but I can't help it.

Next, Chinese calligraphy and sayings of good fortune and wishes fill the streets. Everyone loves to be greeted with well-wishes and hope. Red is imminent to show good luck and everything prosperous. 

That's Aaron on the left trying his skills at calligraphy. All Chinese students here must learn the language as a second language. The parents must be thankful to the government ! When I diligently introduced to my girls when they were young; they rejected me. They had a choice; all they had to do is to show a bad attitude and I had to make a choice. To continue coaxing or throw my hard-earned money down the drain. In the end when I gave up they have everything to lose; this is confirmed by Esther when she cheekily asked: Mama why didn't you force me to learn Mandarin? That is one of the criteria to work in Shanghai her company friends told her. So, when one is defiant and disobedient, who has the last laugh? Hahahaha.

Cushions and table runners are aplenty and the choice is unending but I believe they only last a few washes. Well, a good reason to get new ones for every Lunar New Year.

Sara says this mountain of containers cause what we normally see seem nothing.

 Indeed this is the first time I see cookies packed and sold in this manner. The mood was really big !

If you go to Sungai Buluh and malls, you will see these 'fatt choy' plants on sale. Everything connected to prosperity is a sure display at this time of the year. How the Chinese need that to boost the best of hope and confidence you wonder at times.

Blossoms of all hues to liven up the home and promote merriment. 

Everyone deserves happiness and it is good to feel joyful despite heartaches that often accompany us.

Sweets of all forms and concoctions on sale. The vendors were virtually forcing us to have a taste of them; sweetness to be added to life is the call of the day for 2014.

Indeed the Horse is ready for the battle but it is only God who gives the victory.

May we taste of it in the new year.

My Protege

 Registration Day

 Today we lead the children into another level of school life as we registered them into societies; uniform-based, games and the like. It had a carnival mood as they scrambled into nooks and corners of the school to get a place in their favourite activities. They were excited and moved around; as busy as bees. Some are really keen and sporty while others joined the wagon as led.

But many a time it is during these times that the potentials are developed; it is undeniable that the leaders and followers are found here. It is good to be a leader; they guide and help others and in the process cultivate helpfulness, kindness and cooperation. It is also essential to be a follower. 

Do you believe that you must be  a good follower to be a good leader?

Many a time a keen follower will turn out to be the best leader.

 The sea of young faces and hope are reasons for schools? We need to see them through life with skills, values and teach them what is right and wrong.But how many are obedient?
How many will remember what was taught or will they be caught up the evils of the world?
Do they know how to resist temptations of the wrong?

Teachers group them and lead them to organise activities for the societies. 

Teachers are jacks of all trades and master of none?

Oh you should see how they become nurses, counselors, advisers, technicians and at times sweepers.

They do chores many will choose to avoid; no wonder no other vocation can match them.

 

The other day I met this group of Diabolo enthusiasts. In all my years of teaching, this is perhaps the first time I see this game played. It is a culmination of kinestic skills and mental strength. The students told me that the society is only 3 year old and that they are far behind many others who have developed skillful maneuvers hard to emulate. But they are determined to do their best and enter competitions. They are humble enough to seek help from other more established schools. Good for them.

Their eager faces fill me with pleasure.

But perhaps today that which make me most happy was when these children took it upon themselves to pick garbage and clean the school after the massive meetings. It is their submission and obedience that made my day. So, it is good to see them cooperate when coaxed and asked. Most of them are in form 3 and I must say I am happy today because they say they want to be remembered by me.

It is my greatest pleasure to see them behaving in this manner and I really hope they stay good for long.

The teacher and protege hope to have many more happy moments together.

The Horse

 The Majestic Horse

It was a sight to behold along China Town in Singapore.

The festive mood for the impending Lunar Year Celebrations was inspiring.

Even if you have no mood to celebrate, you get excited at the effort put in to welcome the new year.

 The horse is strong and loyal to its master. If you have watched movies on how horses serve their masters, you would be moved by their steadfastness and courage. They fight in battles and they are faithful servants in bearing the load and burden for their masters. They are beautiful, intelligent and sensitive to the needs of others. The Chinese has a long association with the animal. They associate it with strength and success; thus the saying 'Ma Tau Kong Chern'; a connotation that meant success whenever the Horse comes.

So when one says that of you it can only mean you are an attribute to the organization.

 The picturesque landscape lining the streets of China Town is surely contagious. 

Everyone feels happy and joyful.

Of course, this must accompany the horse; the golden coins of wealth. Nothing about wealth escapes the Chinese. They have been ingrained with the symbol of wealth from ancient times. Also, survival has always been the name of the game; you have to thrive and fill the stomach.

May the year of the horse bring joy and peace on earth.

Chui Kueh

It doesn't change.

Last weekend was another one which saw me in my hometown en route to Singapore.

It is hard for us to go to Singapore without stopping by Muar; where dear ones are awaiting.

Believe me it gets harder by the day not to visit my parents; strange that the strings are stronger by the day and you just want to look at them. 

Breakfast in Muar is filled with choices.

But tastes seldom change especially when your taste buds  have  been formed from young.

The same is true of me.

When I was a little girl, my Teo Chew mother who is well-known for her warmth and grace among her neighbours used to feed us siblings with the dough above. It is a simple concoction; but one which when you have acquired a love for, you will not abandon it. It is simply rice flour steamed in small moulds and when cooked is served with the secret ingredient that makes one crave for. That topping is a combination of minced salted radish and meat added with thick soy sauce and cooked over a charcoal fire.My mother says that it is the charcoal fire that enhances the fragrance of the toppings and nothing else works. I believe my mum because you may try cooking congee over a normal gas fire and compare it with one cooked over a charcoal one. You will DEFINITELY taste the difference.

Talking to the vendor of the above rice flour delicacy, I told him that I hope not to miss buying this time around as the usual queue is long and suffering.He told me that since it was a week day, I would get a chance to buy them. I reiterated that I have been consuming the dough since young and my longing never change. In fact, the longing can sometimes be so real that I can drive back for it. He laughed and must be feeling rather pleased at my confession. I used to buy the dough from his father and now he is master over the trade.

He asked for my age; I asked for his and we both burst out in laughter as we realise we are more than half way through a century. See, I told him. When you like something and you have a strong love for it, you will never forget and you go back to it no matter what it takes. 

That's why the belief that tastes never change is so true.

May I continue to have the pleasure of having the opportunity to taste them and meet the vendor who encourage me not to be afraid of life but to tread the path that all have to take; to face challenges with courage when we ponder over our present age.

We wonder at the changes of life but told each other not to be afraid; hahaha imagine us talking like this.

But the fact still remains; tastes don't change.

You go for your love till you die.

The Chinese CHUI KUEH; the name my mother will utter.

Cik gu

 That call still breaks my heart...cik gu.

Once a teacher; you forever remain one in the eyes of your protege.

You may fly and it's not strange to meet one as a hostess, steward or even the captain and you get a lot of gifts from them. You go to the hospital and you may meet one treating you. You want to renovate or build and you may find an architect who can help you. You go to the mall and you may find one serving you at Topshop and you get a member's privilege. 

You meet your protege and the great feeling that goes through you when you see them coping with life's challenges is real. Just the other day, during shopping I saw an ex student manning a stall and he was really professional about it. He used to be challenging in school but today he has proved many wrong.I am glad to see life giving him a chance.So we give chance after chance in school hoping the betterment will arise.

We give people chances because we teach that; so doing right is right.

 In the evenings when I walk, I am bound to meet this group of my ex protege playing futsal. Sometimes I pretend I did not see them. But many times I had to pause to acknowledge that call; Cik gu. It pierces through when they do that. So they would wave high and low and then say hi. Cik gu, cik gu, cik gu.

They would also do that to me. All so obliging and up to the mark. I love to ask...how is school? how is everyone? I miss them, actually.

But  I am just Cik gu. Some Cik gus have to go. I had to go. But I am still full of memories of them.

Oh well Cik gu is only being cranky and sentimental...

Cik gu.

Ebony Eyes

 The Everly Brothers

When news broke that one of the brothers had passed away, the first song that came to my memory was Ebony Eyes.

Together with dad we reminisced on our school days in the 70s and talked about all the hit songs sung by them; Wake up Little Suzie,Bird Dog, Bye bye love, All I Have To Dream...The brothers are legendary and their hits still are so enjoyable and memorable. Most of the lyrics covered by the songs are meaningful and remain in your head for a long time. Strange but true, we used to copy the lyrics into a book and that then became our reference for the latest hits. We wrote in cursive writings and decorated the pages with colour pencils; ownership was real ! The clean fun we had then would seem childish today but those activities are good for the soul. 

Oh well; I must not remain old fashioned for too long or I would lose my students in class too !

But oh... stay a little old fashioned for just a short while; listen to Ebony Eyes.

It's nostalgic and evokes feelings.

Enjoy it.

On a weekend pass I wouldn't have had time
To get home and marry that baby of mine
So I went to the chaplain and he authorized
Me to send for my ebony eyes

My ebony eyes was coming to me
From out of the skies on Flight 1203
In an hour or two I would whisper "I do"
To my beautiful ebony eyes

SPOKEN
The plane was way overdue so I went inside to the airlines desk and I said "Sir, I
Wonder why 1203 is so late?" He said "Aww, they probably took off late or they
May have run into some turbulent weather and had to alter their course." I went
Back outside and I waited at the gate and I watched the beacon light from the
Control tower as it whipped through the dark ebony skies as if it were searching for
(my ebony eyes.) And then came the announcement over the loudspeaker:
"Would those having relatives or friends on flight number 1203 please report to the
Chapel across the street at once."

Then I felt a burning break deep inside
And I knew the heavenly ebony skies
Had taken my life's most wonderful prize
My beautiful ebony eyes

If I ever get to heaven I'll bet
The first angel I'll recognize
She'll smile at me and I know she will be
My beautiful ebony eyes

Hope you like it as much as I do.

Inter Generational Joy

 Today I heard a story in church; I like stories that uplift and add meaning to life; also affirming some beliefs. 

The speaker told of a research done on the community of a local county in the States; how the locals live extra long lives and happier ones. Scientists are puzzled that their not so watchful diet and lack of exercise still allow them to have longer existence than their counterparts. What was their secret?

Yes; meaningful encounters with loved ones.

In fact, in most homes of the town, they practise extended family co-existence. It is not uncommon to find 3 generations under the same roof ; sharing dinner times and common food. There was inter personal exchanges and seeing one another through in life. Perhaps, the encouragement and hope they pour upon loved ones gave them endurance, meaning and prolong their livelihood. It was added that the locals took pains to stop and chat with one another in town; the element of care and concern is another feature to behold. 

So practise inter generational living for meaningful living.

I also notice a new feature popping up here. Nowadays it is common to see the younger generation seeking the help of the older generation for support especially if there are babies along the way and what better solution to have your own mothers looking after young babies? 

Ha...during my days it was different. We live far apart because we were all flocking to the city for jobs. We had to rush between work and home and keep our sanity in tact. 

I wonder what will it be like for my children?

Will we also practise inter generational living?

Some say absence makes the heart grow fonder; others say out of sight out of mind.

Looks like it is best not to be out of sight.

Perhaps in this time and place, it is good to consciously practise inter generational living and love one another dearly; it prolongs meaningful existence.

This is indeed inter generational. I can see 4 generations here. I love my parents because they are exemplary and just looking at them gives us meaning and gratitude. Even at their ripe old age, their love and concern for each and everyone of us be it children, grandchildren or great grandchildren is undying. They have taught us integrity, generosity and responsibility; values they practise and to be passed down to us. Though we all do not live under the same roof; the love of my parents seep through us daily.

That is inter generational joy. 

God bless our parents; we pray.

Transient

 The Garlic Vine

Overhanging the gate of the house, the vine is a sight to behold. Once in season, every garden which has the plant will be pleasantly enhanced by its presence. So it is not uncommon to see the beautiful bloom at its peak and blossoming.

 The purple hue is rich and youthful.It is so enlightening to see the blooms springing in full swing.

It brightens one's mood and outlook in the midst of challenges in life.

 See, they never fail to create that little leap in my heart; to see the beauty and nature at its most natural state.

Lovely.

However, sad but true.

Exterior beauty never lasts.
Transient.

 It only takes 3 days for the blooms to fade; and another couple 

more to reach a decadent state.

 Its sad to see the blooms at this state. Reality is cruel but it has to happen.

The garlic vine is beautiful at the onset but it really is temporal especially so for this vine; such short frame of bloom.

 Another beautiful spot.

At Kuala Selangor; a river mouth. 

The sunset was beautiful and nature is beautiful.

 Here, people come to buy fresh fish. See, I am holding a red snapper. I should believe that the fishmonger will live up to his reputation and sell the best catch in town. I trusted him because I purchased a real good catch formerly at this very outlet.Happy that I could cook a gourmet dish the next day; we went home feeling satisfied and pleased with ourselves.

But woe of all woe, it did not turn out the way we thought. It was a bad catch; this one. We had to actually stop eating after the first few mouthfuls. It was awful and definitely not fresh.We have been tricked.The vendor should have warned us; after all he is the expert.

I hate to admit but sometimes even my age does not help me in many cases when I choose to trust the obvious.Have I been idealistic? I always teach children that good things happen to people who do right things. How else do you deliver and convince right behaviour? How else do you teach values ?

Yes, I still choose to believe that right behaviour will lead to right consequences; after all there is truth in believing that you will reap what you sow.

 May the year bring you the joy of living.

May we go through it safely; covered with God's blessings.

Still believe in good things happening to good people.