The Story

                                                                      

A Malaysian Effort

Why do I find this book readable? My students will ask me. We are on a reading competition and teachers are dutifully persuading the reluctant reader to pick a book and read and respond. So, while my memory of the read is still fresh, I reckon it will be appropriate that I spill it out.

First, it is in a Malaysian setting. The places mentioned are familiar and the scenes of local eateries, cuisines and the Court of the State Secretariat of Kuala Lumpur are captured with reality.So Malaysians will be at ease. My students do not have to imagine too hard. Townships like Ipoh, Cameron Highlands are close to the hearts of many.

Second, it is related to history in particular during the Japanese Occupation period and a flashback of the then Japanese savagery so in sync with the stories my mother used to tell me. Mama said she had to crop her hair and applied charcoal powder to look like a boy so that she would not be handed over to the heartless soldiers and be raped in camps. This book related the horrors of the protagonists's sister when she was a comfort woman. So it is good to know of the atrocities of wars and the sufferings the locals had to endure; something which the modern Japanese will not want to to be associated with. The Japanese today if you visit the country is a far cry from the story portrayed.

Thirdly, set in Cameron Highlands, the story line covers the obsession of the protagonist, Teoh Yun Ling to learn the art of creating a Japanese Garden in memory of her sister who protected her when they were encamped. In her search and determination to learn, different periods of garden formation were talked about like the Edo, Murumachi, and Momoyama periods. Basically, you acquire knowledge in the story. You also learn that the placement of stones in a Japanese garden is important
This brought me back to 2015 when I visited a Japanese Garden in ignorance. If only I had read this book first; then any Japanese Garden would have evoked a keener interest.

You see? I visited a Japanese Garden without prior knowledge. No wonder even back then I kept asking why is the garden so neat and well arranged? There is an attached art and pride.

Later, in her association with her co protagonist, Aritomo San, a Japanese garden expert , we also learn of other aspects of Japanese culture and the art of tattooing. Terms such as horimono and  horoshi will add interest as you look up the dictionary for exact meanings. Another form of Japanese art and culture, most would deem the art of tattooing a taboo but to the Japanese; well at least in this story, it can record crucial and valuable events and moments of one's life. So, in everything look out for the essentials.

The language techniques used in its vocabulary, imagination and personifications not to mention others are note-worthy . There is in depth detailing though to some it may seem laborious as the author can even describe the leaves of a tree in motion. To the language lover, it is great.

Last but not least, the romance element that developed between the protagonist  and the mysterious Japanese gardener or spy or traitor or hero adds 'the chili padi brush' to the drawing and I enjoyed the read. My old eyes follow the print intently and the protagonist's mention of Aphasia reminds me that I must read, write, and be on the alert to stay good in life.

The Star sometime last month related that a movie will be made on The Garden of Evening Mists and the protagonist will be played by our Malaysian girl, Lee Se Jie . Looking forward to it , I wish to see how the director will interpret the author's writing and a pre reading will capture a better understanding of the fiction.

Read on, boys and girls.

Michelle

Her Love Affair

Into songs and recitals
Little Michelle is surely versatile
You know she is around
When rhymes are in the air

She pops into the office
The little duck she plays
Amelia knows when she is not around
When the duck in position it stays

Sweet and demure
You hardly are mad at her
For she quickly redeems her misdoings
Sorry and pardon are quick on her lips

Sometimes in a world of her own
She speaks a language so right and true
"Stop talking" to the noisy ones
"Good morning Madam Chong" every morning she greets

We feel her absence when she is not around
Even the children remark
Ms Sumathi chides everyone
But truly has the softest spot for her

So, it is with the greatest pleasure
When she sometimes occupies her time
In the office
And goes..Five little ducks
                 Went out one day
                 Over the hill and far away
                 Mother duck said
                 Quack quack quack quack
                 But only four little ducks came back...

Sweet Michelle

The Star

Yu Kai

"Where's Amelia?"

The thoughtful child inquired.

With disappointment, he had to face the fact that she was on leave.

"Why?"

Yu Kai is no ordinary child. He is loud at times but only when he is disturbed inconsiderately. Otherwise his immaculate speech and appearance makes him a lovable child. Not only is he a good listener, he is an excellent observer ; always with a question on his lips. His question to pastor Russell "Why do people celebrate Easter and not Jesus?" The pastor had a time answering him. At other moments, he will ask questions seldom others would bother. He is a learner at every moment.

He holds values different from many; even the older ones need to learn from him. He is a perfect gentleman and washes his cutlery after lunch. He doesn't want Aunt Marlene to do it for him because he thinks that is the right thing to do. So while others put their plates in the sink, he washes them himself.

When the classroom is dirty or even when some common pathways are littered, he picks the broom and sweeps the bits and pieces up. Nobody notices him but I watch him and his ways. He holds good practices. Just do not agitate him with accusations and wrong perceptions of him.

Amelia, the Admin staff is close to the children too. She makes it a point to make lovely birthday cards for every child and teacher on their birthdays. Yu Kai appreciates her for her thoughtfulness but not the rest. That is why I say he is different. He was informed of her birthday and he made it a point to prepare a note for her too.

Though on leave, Amelia is well thought of by him.

 He scurried to the office and pinned his notice on her computer. 

See, Yu Kai is different.

Yes, Happy Birthday Amelia.

Yu Kai is a star.

Young but already embracing attitudes and values that are to be emulated by others.

We pray he will grow into a fine young gentleman making his parents and Alma Mater proud.

Good job, Yu Kai.

Keep it up.

The Scorers

The Maiden Camp

Every event, effort and endeavour is a maiden exercise.

So it was with the children at Eagles last weekend.

So very often it is during an outdoor activity that you notice and capture the innate qualities of an individual.

After such a long while with educating children; accompanying them was yet another eye opener.

I had to make the trip although I could leave it to the teachers. There is this special attachment to the children that prompted me to go along. When I was younger, the climb was already a challenge and at this juncture of my life, I choose to ignore the impossible and make all things possible. I went to see little and big ones in action; to see them at their best and at their worst.

 

After a coach ride of an hour or so, we reached the designated outdoor ground.

Yes, the children ranging from 6 to 16.

All smartly attired to depict discipline and order.

i know it is fun time but it is more fun when things are under control.

 The children were all ushered into a hall for further instruction and inspiration.

The guy who is seen inspiring them is none other than my ex student Mr. Wong. Ryui Binn has always been close to his teachers in school. He touches their hearts with his obliging charisma and integrity. When you leave matters in his hands you can be assured that they will be placed in order. His reliable attitude is now made even more apparent in his involvement with school events.

 I am secretly proud of him and was glad he took over the rein and controlled the day. 

All I had to do was to follow his instructions. The role has changed.

What more can a teacher ask for? To see her protege now leading the helm. 

This is what I love to see and it brings meaning into the vocation.

So, Ryui Binn is a scorer.

The younger ones were more responsive and all too ready to participate. In a cheer shout, Yu Kai of yr 4 class, composed a good one for the group and it was the champion shout. 

For this I call him a scorer too.

 This is a scorer too?

Jia Sheng of yr8 is the happy go lucky guy who is up to it for anything except ... make the guess.

He is accomodating but sometimes he needs the push to do it right!

He is a happy boy.

The ascent begins.

We did not know what we were in for. Ryui Binn kept saying it was an easy track and that many had achieved without lifting a finger. The ascent was painless for the light footed and the tiny ones moved so sure footed like the goat. It is good to be young and slim. The jungle trekking would have been breezy. I was surprised to find out that there were some among the teens who found it challenging to climb. It should not be so.
But there were many scorers in that ascent.

Esther was always delayed because of the shoe laces but teacher Ryan is patience in the word. Gently and calmly he would fixed them back for her so that her walk would not be hindered.

 Such display of kindness; the children should emulate.

The forest is home to many species of  flora and fauna. Ryui Binn and his helpers kept reminding the children that we were not to disturb the ecosystem of the natural environment. We are only guests to their home and need to behave ourselves. The children adhered to his instruction.

 Ryui Binn stopped at many points to explain some of the species and their special functions. The cicada is found everywhere but they seemed unperturbed by our presence. A mushroom clinging to the tree for life and food. Urban children have never seen this form of support.

The bamboo grows naturally and wildly here and the use of them are aplenty. 

The children all dressed in yellow scared away insects especially mosquitoes. For many of them, it was first time and it must have been challenging. I heard a ranting " I wanna go back USJ! and another I would be glad to be home... The older ones were more accommodating but there were a few who found it truly difficult to reach the spot. While some found it hard to climb, there were others who were willing to stay behind to accompany the affected ones. I like that. They are scorers.

Little 6 year old Yea Xuen  on the left was a great delight. Small in size but big in attitude.
She took the trekking with little fuss and no complaints.
I call her the top scorer.

 Yr 7 to Yr 10 taking a rest before the descent.

Yr1 to yr 6 descending too. I could not take the risk of allowing them to be on their own. I needed to be with them. But they were such wonderful children.

Joey held Yea Xuen's hands all the way down. She deserved a pat.

Joey is another scorer.

Ryan was always silently present at the most difficult moments making sure the children were safe.

The descent was just as challenging as the ascent.

Ryan, the definite scorer.

The first sign of relief came when we saw the stream of cold water.

Ryui Binn insisted that everyone walked through the stream and not to be afraid of the water.

It was no challenge. Simple.

Clear waters so clean and cool; soothing for the tired feet.

Finishing the ascent and descent was a good feeling.

The organisers were already waiting for the report of the jungle trekking.

Awards for the most commendable traits observed during the walk.
Rewarding the scorers of the event was based on two traits; helpfulness and perserverance.

Joey and Esther were scorers for helpfulness.

Malcom on the left scored for being around to help and Vernise on the right scored in the eyes of the organisers for being perseverant and finishing the line. Her tenacity was real.

Little Yea Xuen has the highest score for being submissive, tenacious and relentless in the pursuit of her score. She is truly a joy to be with.

Hui Ying on the left is also top notch in displaying a helpful nature. Nothing beats her vibrant attitude in making things work for others. She is also a scorer. Jian Ye on the right can be moody but his genuine effort in making others comfortable earned him a score. He hovered around Venise when she needed help. He is reliable. So he earned a score too.

The little heroes trying the rope trap.

The winner is one who makes it through without touching the strings.

Nicholas John is full of fighting spirit and attempts without scare. 

Khai Theng is fearless and is a sport.

Yu Kai tried and scored. Zhia Zhen may be small but he emerged a scorer too.

See the little heroine. No fears. No fuss. Just do it. She did it. A scorer she is; little Yea Xuen.

Prishaa tried her best. A scorer too.

Look at Robin. He is street wise and his posture is a true measurement of strategic planning.

He emerged champions. His physical make up allows him to be subtle and accurate.

I watched him worm through the trap and he was judged the immaculate scorer.

.

Felicia and Satveeka hand in hand pulling each other through the rope walk.

They scored too.

Lean and lithe, Bryan is no brittle man. He is quick and precise and walked through the tyres effortlessly while others screeched. He is ready for that score and scored indeed.

Jonathon is also a quick one with his strides and sure walk. He scored.

Serene is tough material.

 She is deft, skilful and adventurous.

Quiet but a lass of action.

 She is sister to Robin; a family of scorers. 

Matthew walked the bridge with definite steps and completed the bridge walk a scorer.

Yi Ying of year 7 is sister to Yu Kai ; a sporting, unassuming participant.

She is a scorer too.

After a hard day's work, the children were given a treat.

Yes, play, swim, jump and everything.

No reprimand. You all deserve the treat for being scorers of the day.

But the true scorers were the little ones.

The second prize went to group 3; they had 7 stars.

Group 4 had 9 stars. They scored maximum. The members were a reflection of good attitude and team work, My little ones are the true scorers !

The final ride home was a bouncy one along many bumps.

They are a reminder that all good things must come to an end.

Some asked " why must we go back now?". The answer was obvious. 

Mummy is waiting for you...

A day of scorers.
Thank you boys and girls for top behaviour. and superb scores.
Next better time.