Recollecting nostalgic moments from the past at Night Festival 2012

(Note: This blog is one of my entries to the Heritage 2012 Blog Competition. 
Recollect, reflect and reconnect with heritage, start blogging and stand to win attractive prizes. Entries must be submitted online before 11.59 p.m. on 1 Oct 2012.)

 Passion and energy would aptly describe the Night Festival 2012 that had just passed. I was mesmerized by the variety of interesting programmes that the festival had offered that I attended all the four nights. My experience of it was a mix of interesting visual experiences and nostalgic moments.

The light installation Mimoid II by Stephane Beve, Milosh Luczynski and Philippe Rizzotti on the building facade of the Singapore Art Museum combined seamlessly with the music composed by Vuk Krakovic and mixed and SFX designed by Ctrol Fre@k (Jeffrey Yue) to transform one of my favourite museums in Singapore into what seemed to me was a paradise out of this world.

As I walked past the Singapore Art Museum, I was reminded of how this very building had evolved from the former St. Joseph's Institution to an art museum. I wondered how it would have been to be a student studying in a school building that was located in the heart of the city area. Out of curiosity, I started rereading a blog titled Whispers of an otherwise silent world by an award-winning blogger, Jerome Lim. As I read his account, I painted in my mind the images of school children making their way to their schools. I imagined book shops with thriving business because in those days, the students will find their way to the book shops after their school hours. If I were a student studying in St. Joseph's Institution more than three decades ago, I would have looked forward to going to school every single day since there were so many beautiful buildings in the area.

It was rather interesting to realize how attending the Night Festival could have led me to reflect on a moment in past that I had never experienced personally. Somehow, I felt connected to an unknown moment in history.

Night Festival 2012. Singapore Art Museum.

The Armenian Street was one location that has led me to recollect moments from my past. One of the highlights of the Night Festival 2012 was the spectacular aerial performance named La Argentina - Fuerzabruta presented by Ozono Producciones (Argentina). The entire Armenian Street was filled with excitement. I attempted to capture the visually spectacular aerial performance from a distance and was grateful that the lenses from my simple point-and-shoot camera had captured a glimpse of the magical moments of the athletic dancer travelling in the air.

The excited crowd at Armenian Street.

Along the stretch of Armenian Street sits the former MPH Building. Originally known as the Methodist Publishing House when it was built in 1908, the building was later renamed the Malaya Publishing House. Today, this building is now known as the Vanguard Building. While making time to catch a glimpse of the performances named Night Painting | Cast in Light by Li Cassidy-Peet and Terry Wee, I fondly recall a time in the past when I would visit the former MPH Building to browse the books, buy interesting gifts and sniff the wonderful aroma of coffee and waffles.

To add to my quest for the nostalgia, I found two food stalls during the Night Festival that reminded me of the food that my parents had treated me to when I was a young child. Food has the power to trigger memories indeed!

The Putu Piring stall along the alley between the Substation and Peranakan Museum reminded me vaguely of a time in my childhood when I savoured Putu Piring during visits to night bazaars, otherwise known as pasar malam by the locals. Interestingly, I learnt from Singapore Infopedia that Putu Piring has the same ingredients as Putu Mayam, one of which is steamed ground rice flour. The joy of eating Putu Piring comes when the gula Melaka (palm sugar) in the centre of this rice cake snack oozes out at the first bite. The experience was heavenly as the gula Melaka melts in the mouth together with the bite of the Putu Piring.

Kurnia Putu Piring stall.

Putu Piring.

The Putu Mayam stall along Stamford Green reminded me of a time in my childhood when I was occassionally treated to this interesting snack that was made from steamed rice flour that had been pressed into noodle forms and served with granted coconut and sugar. I was not too keen with the vermicelli-like rice noodles. It was the grated coconut and the sugar that had interest me when I was a child. When I was a child, the Putu Mayam that I had was served flat like pancakes. It therefore intrigued me when I saw that the Putu Mayam that I had ordered at the Night Festival was served like a roll of spring roll.

Stamford Green and the traditional food stalls.

Putu Mayam.

Putu Mayam.

Overall, the fifth installment of the Night Festival has not only delighted me with the many spectacular light installations and exciting performances, it has in its humble way touched me with a mood for nostalgia. As I reflect on my memories from the past and recollect moments in history that I had not personally experienced, I felt a little more rooted to Singapore, a place I call my hometown.

Eighth anniversary of this blog

I did not realize this until a few seconds ago. Today marks the eighth anniversary of this blog.

Eight years ago, I started experimenting with blogging. It was merely out of curiosity and in the hope to pass time. I did not quite have a plan. Then again, perhaps there was a plan up there to help me to find joy in the world of writing.

Subsequently, when I was about to find updating the blog boring, I met bloggers like mistipurple, Simple American and so forth who have made the world of blogging a friendly community to share thoughts and ideas. Writing has been therapeutic. Perhaps it is because I am more at ease with communicating my thoughts through writing.

Over the years, there have been some evolution in the topics that I write about and my writing styles. Quite some time ago, I have been writing several posts in a private blog and others in a diary. It was a decision to focus on broadcasting on this blog posts that would be more positive. My journey with its challenges and triumphs shall then be known to the meaningful few people who would make time to converse with me personally.

In the meantime, I am still exploring what would be topics that I care enough to write about. There were times when I had a feeling that I was writing for an audience who would never get to see me in person, yet will know me through my writing at least than three generations from now.

Thank you for your readership, support and encouragement. While I would have like to see more interactions and exchange of ideas on this blog, I would also like to imagine that perhaps my dear supporters of this blog are interacting with me in a non-physical space that is in tune with the frequencies of our hearts and mind.

So I am pleased to conclude this post by sharing with you that the most popular posts on this blog bears one of my favourite quotations from The Little Prince, i.e. What is essential is invisible to the eye. This seems the most beautiful way to end this post even though I have no clue yet what makes this post so popular.

Reflections

I am wondering what would be needed in a time of experience of confusion, discomfort and vulnerability. What are needed in such times that appear trying?

While I do not have a recipe at hand as yet, perhaps the ingredients could be:

Patience
Self-care
Courage
A good sense of humour
The positive company of friends
Beautiful scenery of Nature
Good music
Quiet time to learn to soothe the pain
Sleep early, before midnight
Drops of healing tears
Kindness
Trust that this situation will be temporary
Hope
Optimism

I hope I could somehow create a palatable dish with these ingredients.

20 May 2012: Attended an Interfaith service at Uniting Church

20 May 2012 (Sun):

Stephanie Dowrick has been one of the authors whose books I have enjoyed reading when I first chanced upon one of her books a few years ago. When I realized that the dates which I was available to visit Sydney allowed me to attend one of the interfaith services led by Reverend Dr Stephanie Dowrick, I decided to schedule a visit to the interfaith services. 

The interfaith services was held on 20 May 2012, on the very same day when I arrived in Sydney when I visited Sydney in May 2012. The interfaith services in Sydney are held at 264 Pitt Street, Sydney 2000, Uniting Church, on the 3rd Sunday of each month. I learnt that the Uniting Church at 264 Pitt Street is housed in a beautifully restored neo-classic building.

Before the service, there was a chance for people to sing together for an hour before the monthly sevice. This is intended to deepen participants' experience of prayer through music. I had missed the singing session because I did not realized it was taking place even though I was just nearby the church that day.

Nevertheless, when I attended the interfaith service, it turned out to be a positive experience. I felt welcomed. Reverend Dr Stephanie Dowrick spoke on the topic titled "Transforming our views". In this talkm she reminded us of "our power to contribute to a kinder, more tolerant world" One of the members of the congregation shared about personal reflection on the topic of sharing compassion. 

To listen to Reverend Dr Stephanie Dowrick speak on the topic of Transforming Our Views, please visit http://www.stephaniedowrick.com/blog/stephanie-dowrick-on-youtube-transforming-our-view/

Some of my learning points from the service were:
1) Do not dishonour the positive efforts that we make no matter how small it may seem.
2) Remember to give ourselves due credit for the good work that we do.

I also remember the Sarum Primer prayer that was recited during the service.

"God be in my head
and in my understanding
God be in my eyes
and in my looking
God be in mouth
and in my speaking
God be in my heart
and in my thinking
God be at my end
and in my departing"

One of the members of the congregation had generously and kindly baked cakes for everyone who were at the service. The cakes were shared at the end of the service. Many thanks to her kindness and generosity!

At the end of the interfaith service, I had the opportunity to speak with Stephanie Dowrick. In addition, I have managed to get a copy of her latest book, Everyday Kindness, and had it autographed. It was a wonderful delight and surprise!

Somehow this simple attendance at my first interfaith service was in some ways positively transformative. Many thanks to everyone at the service for his/her kindness and fellowship.

***
Uniting Church in Australia
Pitt Street Congregation
264 Pitt Street, Sydney, NSW 2000.

Interfaith services:
http://www.pittstreetuniting.org.au/interfaith.html
http://www.stephaniedowrick.com/featured/interfaith-services

***
Also visit: Sydney, May 2012: A time to heal and to be inspired

Eli Davidson's tips on How to stop being so hard on yourself

One of my good friends shared this article by Eli Davidson, and I have found it a good read:
How to stop being so hard on yourself.

Admittedly, I am an idealist many of the times. I recall that especially during my younger days, I can be hard on myself  at times. Thankfully, over the years. I have learnt some of the tips shared in the article even before I have read it. I have learnt to center myself through taking deep breaths. This is quite a good tip to begin with. So if you are interested, check out this article.

At year's End

We bless this year for all we learned,
For all we loved and lost
And for the quiet way it brought us
Nearer to our invisible destination.

- blessings by John O' Donohue

I came across a lovely poem by John O'Dononhue, and thought of sharing part of it here. It seems that one of the most appropriate way to end the year is to give thanks. Thank you for your care, your wishes, and for being there.

30 Jun 2011: My train journey out of and into Tanjong Pagar Railway Station

When I read about the news of the impending closure of the Tanjong Pagar Railway Station sometime last year, it struck me that I have never taking any train from the Tanjong Pagar Railway Station. Since then, the thought of taking a train from the Tanjong Pagar Railway Station had been on my mind. The thought had finally came to realization when I took one of the last few trains out of Singapore on 30 Jun 2011.

Mr Jerome Lim has written an excellent post with great photographs of the journey on the delayed 0800 Ekspres Rakyat train that departed from Tanjong Pagar Railway Station. Here is his post: A final journey: The last passage to the North. He was on the same train that I took on 30 Jun 2011, and I highly recommend that you could check out his post please.

It was a very melancholic day that morning of 30 Jun 2011. It was raining in the morning. As it was my very first time taking a KTM train, I was doing my best to get myself orientated, from getting up the train to finding my seat. Thank goodness that I have met very wonderful people on my ride who looked out for me that day.

The train ride was exciting. It was moving to see people waiting at the Bukit Timah Station just so as to wave to the train. Alright, admittedly, they were also there possibly to witness one of the last few exchanges of key-tokens at the station.

On the train, I caught glimpses of various parts of Singapore that were familiar to me. Prior to my train ride out of the Tanjong Pagar Railway Station, I had been walking nearby some parts of the railway tracks. Looking back, I was glad that I had done so, and have been mindful to practise safety measures to keep myself safe while trekking along the railway tracks (and being mindful not to bring inconvenience to the KTM staff and the passengers on the train).

Before I knew it, the train stopped at the Woodlands Checkpoint. It was at the checkpoint that I could greatly feel that the Tanjong Pagar Railway Station has a magnificent architecture. In comparison, the Woodlands Checkpoint had strikingly boring architecture and felt harshly unwelcoming. I wonder if I would ever wish to take a train from the Woodlands Checkpoint in the future?

Before I knew it, after clearing the customs, it was time to travel along the Causeway into Malaysia. My train ticket was to bring me to Segamat, which is north of the state of Johor. Over there, time was spent enjoying tea at Nan Yang Coffee Shop, savouring a durian which was said to be organic, and enjoying the seeming simpler way of life.

Soon, it was time to be back at the Segamat station to catch the last train into the Tanjong Pagar Railway Station. Being punctual was necessary so as not to miss the train. I started to feel a sense of sadness that after 30 Jun 2011, the KTM trains will no longer go beyond the Woodlands Checkpoint into the Tanjong Pagar Railway Station. Perhaps the consoling thought was that our collective memories of the railway line will continue to live on.

Most of the passengers on-board the last train into Tanjong Pagar Railway Station were keenly aware that they were part of a significant moment in history. I met a number of people on the train who had generously shared their memories of train journeys and their experiences on the KTM train. There was a strong sense of fellowship on-board the train. Strangers easily became new-found friends who shared a common journey. Perhaps this was because everyone on-board was collectively part of a party of people who would be the last passengers to arrive at Tanjong Pagar Railway Station on a KTM train. That will mark the end of the glorious days of train-travel from this beautiful railway station built in the Art Deco style and opened in 1932.

The start of the emotional highs turned out to be at the Bukit Timah Station. The Bukit Timah Station had functioned as a loop station and signalling control house for the rails between Tanjong Pagar and Woodlands. During the temporary stop of the train at the Bukit Timah Station, passengers were allowed to take a brief walk about the station.

This passenger was ringing the horn throughout the journey from the Causeway to Tanjong Pagar

After the temporary stop at the Bukit Timah Station, the train headed for the Tanjong Pagar Railway Station. Along the way, I could see people standing parallel to the railway tracks to wave at the train and its passengers. They would probably miss the train passing by? I felt rather lost for words when the train finally arrived at the Tanjong Pagar Railway Station. I suppose my feelings could be somewhat summed up by the following photograph of the empty train cabin: loss and sadness.

Even the Sultan of Johor who was on his way to drive the very last train out of Tanjong Pagar Railway Station seemed to be in the mood of sadness. I had a glimpse of the Sultan of Johor, and then before I knew it, I realised that there was a huge crowd at the Tanjong Pagar Railway Station. It felt comforting to realised that there were so many people who would miss the railway station, and would now share a similar collective memory of the station with me.

As the very last train out of Tanjong Pagar Railway Station (driven by the Sultan of Johor) departed, the sounds of the train moving along the tracks seemed to be transformed into cries that bid farewell. Bye!

The last train out of Tanjong Pagar, driven by the Sultan of Johor.

Many thanks to Jerome, Clarissa and Notabilia for initiating the Last Train into Tanjong Pagar, and lots of thanks to all fellow passengers and wonderful staff of KTM for looking out for one another.


****
Related news:
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/travel/destinations/asia/singapore/8594683/Singapore-a-final-trip-to-Tanjong-Pagar.html

22 Jan 2010

There isn't anything in particular today. It is just that I felt I should do some writing.

This evening, I borrowed Stephanie Dowrick's Creative Journal Writing. I think I am beginning to like her writings. Her writings seem to have a calming effect on me that urge me to reflect deeper on the complexities of life itself.

Somehow, reading the first few pages of the book reminded me that I could do more in terms of writing a journal. There were certain very dark periods of my life that I think journalling had helped me get in touch with some very deep emotions. Those were confusing moments filled with anguish, lots of doubts, and sadness. There were possibly glimpses of hope to find hope.

When I was doing spring cleaning about more than a year ago, I threw away two of journals in which there were very significant entries. Maybe I felt I was like the composer, Brahms, who would burn away the not-so-good works and the works that were not meant for public's eyes. I did not quite regret throwing them away. Afterall, I rarely reread those entries. It was just perhaps that only if my memory could continue to serve me well, then I would be able to access the memories of what had been written on those entries that have been thrown away. Those were the entries that bear witness to the ups-and-downs of my life, my darker sides, my failures and my triumphs.

Life is beginning to seem so complex. Yet it can be so simple if we live by certain values. What used to seem just a matter of black and white, now seems to be a gradation of greys. It's not that when we are older, that our eyes can't see well enough. It may be exactly that we are older, our evolving wisdom helps us see the finer nuances that we had not seem to see. That in the brightness of the day, there is darkness. In the times of hope, there is uncertainty underlying. In the times of confusion, there is a time to help one reflect on one's purposes.

Then here I write, with no intention to be understood. If any reader were to read this and don't understand, it is perfectly normal. Yet I hope in writing, I could lend you a glimpse of me, and how writing about journal writing got me thinking about life itself.

What to write about?

I do need an outlet for expression (and perhaps listening ears). Yet, I wonder what I could write about that would be worthwhile to share with the world. Maybe it is not for me to judge what would be worthwhile?

I have been feeling as if I am at a stage of hibernation. There seems not much growth. If this phase of my life right now is to be described using the four seasons, I would be right in the middle of winter. The leaves had shed and fallen during autumn. The animals are in hibernation. Outdoor activities are minimal. It's too cold so there is not much reason to do anything much.

On the positive side, perhaps winter provides the space to rest and to reflect. While it is over, spring will soon come again. So, I shall prepare for the spring to come.

Choosing Happiness, part 2

This post is a part of a humble blogging project that I have started off recently to pen down some of my learning points and reflections from reading Stephanie Dowrick's Choosing Happiness: Life and Soul Essentials. As mentioned, this series of post shall be dedicated to one of my friends, XS, to honour her for being the first to introduce to me the concept of choosing happiness.

Yesterday evening, I spent about an hour reading the book at the Singapore Botanic Gardens. I decided to find a spot away from the crowd to read the book. At the same time, the spot that I had chosen was close enough to the speakers from a nearby stage such that I could hear beautiful live music performed by the Singapore Symphony Orchestra while I read the book. My favourite piece of music that was performed was Mendelssohn's The Hebrides Overture (Fingal's Cave).

I realised it was nurturing to be kind to myself and to treat myself to fresh air from Nature. Somehow, the act of taking care of myself by going for an activity that would recharge me seems to coincide well with the topics that I was reading today: self-love, and soothing oneself.

Here are two strategies that I have found very useful from what I have read from the book thus far:
1) The strategy of emphasising and thinking of what had went well, what we appreciate and enjoy.

2) The strategy of telling ourselves "I can deal with this" when we recognise symptoms of panic, anxiety or fear in our body. I figured that this strategy can help us to shift the focus of the mind to something more positive, and hopefully we can look at the issue at hand more effectively.

So far, I have enjoyed reading the book. I am delighted to realise how enjoyable it can be to read a book out in the Nature. I've got to listen to the lovely sounds of Nature, breathe in fresher air and feed my mind with insights.

***
Entries in the series:

Part 1
Part 2
Part 3
Part 4

Choosing Happiness, part 1

I have just embarked on reading a new book titled Choosing Happiness: Life and Soul Essentials by Stephanie Dowrick. While writing this post, I have found out Stephanie Dowrick is the author of a number of life-changing best-selling books, and she has lived in Sydney since 1983 and is the mother of two children.

I wonder if it is by good grace and fate that I ended up choosing this book to read in the month of September 2009? To read a book on the subject of choosing happiness, by an author based in Sydney?

It is now spring in Sydney. It has been close to a year after my last trip to Australia. About a year ago, in Sydney, one of my friends, XS, shared with me a powerful insight that happiness is often a choice. That insight helped me be more mindful in my everyday choices and has helped me find the strength to face challenging situations with greater ease than I had in the distant past.

I am still practising how to choose happiness mindfully in my everyday life. Earlier this evening, I decided that I shall make an attempt to have a humble blogging project to blog about some of my reflections and learning points that I have had while reading Stephanie Dowrick's Choosing Happiness. To honour my friend who was the first to share this powerful insight with me a year ago, I shall dedicate this blogging project and all the related posts to dear XS. May she be blessed with joy and happiness every moment.

***
Entry No. 1:

For the past few days, I managed to read up to page 50 of the book. One strategy that I find helpful from what I have read so far from the book is that when faced with challenges, it can help by paying attention to the strengths needed for the situation. Stephanie Dowrick suggests that we could ask the question, "What does this situation need?".

Reflecting upon some of the past challenges that I had faced recently, I realised that when I had asked similar  questions, I was more able to face the challenges squarely and positively than to be paralysed by the challenges. I shall practise this strategy for now as I am facing the inner challenges preparing myself mentally and psychologically for the upcoming music performance exams.

I find it a useful move for the book to start its first chapter with the topic: Trust who you are. I suppose this reminds us that happiness starts from within ourselves, and the first place to start is with understanding ourselves.

So far, I think Stephanie Dowrick's writing is fairly accessible. I look forward to reading the rest of the book.

***
Other entries:

Part 2
Part 3
Part 4

Labrador Jetty

A good friend of mine told me that it would be therapeutic to be at the beach. In the hope to get some therapy from Mother Nature, I took a trip to Labrador Beach. Of all the beaches in Singapore, I decided that Labrador Beach shall be the one to visit for that day. It was a weekend on 12 Apr 2009, so I could take bus service 408 to Labrador Park.

The bus stopped me at a bus-stop that was within walking distance from the start of the aerial staircase. From the aerial staircase at Labrador Park, I could get a nice view of Labrador Jetty. I would have stood there at the aerial staircase if there had been a seat to sit on. Nevertheless, even though there was no seat, I was already offered a marvellously beautiful sight of the sea and the Labrador Jetty from the aerial staircase.

If you have a love for aerial views of the sea and beaches, Labrador Park is a good place to visit. The Labrador Jetty when seen against the sunset skies looked particularly quiet and dignified. Perhaps that was why many had visited the Labrador Jetty for the unique view that it offered.

As I was writing this post and looking at the photos, inspirations for a short poem came to my mind:

Time seems to have froze
I ask,
What do I need out of Life?
Then strangely
Many achievements in life become not as important
As a moment when one awes in the beauty of Nature.

I wonder how life would have been if it had been much simpler?

I am sorry.

Thank you for your feedback.

I am sorry,
That I haven't been sensitive enough to be mindful of your need for space.
I am sorry,
That I haven't been wise enough to manage my feelings of concern
Such that they ran out of control
Possibly making you feel stifled unintentionally.

I am sorry,
I had thought that I was doing my best possible
Yet effort and care are not sufficient
Wisdom and sensitivity are greatly needed too

I am sorry,
I have erred
And yet you have been gracious and kind with me,
And be honest with me as a friend.

I am still learning
Each and every day.
And I hope that I will learn from this mistake
To learn to be more sensitive
And more mindful
When I act.

If my flaws show up unintentionally again,
May I ask that you please remind me
Again?

Once again,
I am sorry.

Please trust me that I am doing my best to learn to be a better friend.

My New Year's Eve and New Year's Day

Sentosa in the background. Taken from Vivocity.

I have a lot to be thankful for.

I spent the last day of the year of 2008 with a meaningful meeting with a few friends-cum-ex-colleagues at The Mussel Guys Seafood and Steak Restaurant, enjoyed a Hot Chocolate Paradise with soy milk that provided instant relief to the pain from menstrual cramps, and was fortunate to receive numerous New Year greetings. I even had the good luck to meet a long-lost Primary School class-mate by chance on the MRT train.

The New Year greetings continued to flow in when the new year started. The thoughts that came with the greetings count way more than the words used in the greetings.

There were a lot of lovely things to be thankful for the day.

Goldilocks and I watched Australia in the evening. It was a touching and inspiring movie. I think I was tempted to watch it partly because I had visited Australia a few months ago. More importantly, a part of the plot speaks of the Japanese forces that bombed the city of Darwin. In case you don't know, yours truly has a fascination with learning about World War II. I don't like war. It is just that there are many important lessons that I think we can draw from the World War so as not to repeat the same mistakes again. The movie made me think quite deep about issues revolving around dreams and life-stories. How does one make one's life a meaningful story and expression of one's special gifts?

Many thanks to Goldilocks for her treasured listening ear and companionship over dinner after we had caught the movie. She gave me a lovely treat to almond drink which supposedly is nourishing for the throat. Thank you Goldilocks (JY).

Earlier the New Day's day, I was also blessed to meet people who were friendly and helpful to me. A security officer even pointed me to the eatery (Ayam Penyet Ria) that sells nice Ayam Penyet when I asked him for directions to the eatery that is well-known to sell nice Ayam Penyet. The Ayam Penyet is nice. The only issue is that nowadays, I prefer to eat vegetables and more vegetables, tofu and more tofu!

Meantime, I hope you have had a meaningful New Year's Eve and New Year's Day that you are grateful for. May joy be with you, each day!

Managing fears: I have conquered a bridge

On 20 Dec 2008, I was thankful to be able to be onboard a special trail. The trail to explore the old Jurong Line.

I had first seen a section of the old Jurong line, i.e. the bridge over River Ulu Pandan, and the bridge over Sunset Way, more than a decade ago, and had kept wondering why I did not seem to see any train running along the railway tracks. I did not even know that the railway tracks on those bridges were part of the Jurong line. During my recent tour of the old Jurong line, I learnt that the old Jurong line was officially closed in the year 1993.




More than a decade after I had first got myself acquainted with a section of the old Jurong line, I read about the old Jurong Line from the blog Good Morning Yesterday. The post on the lost railway line did not interest me until I saw photographs of the railway bridges that ran over River Ulu Pandan. On Good Morning Yesterday, Peter Chan wrote two posts about his memories of the old Jurong Line. The links to these two posts can be found here: Ulu Pandan Heritage Trail (9) – The Lost Railway Line: Part 1 (by Peter Chan) and Ulu Pandan Heritage Trail (10) – The Lost Railway Line: Part 2 (by Peter Chan).

Subsequently, another blogger, Icemoon, wrote about the old Jurong Line in two of his posts: Old Tracks, New Trail (1) - The Bridge on the River U.Pandan and Old Tracks, New Trail (2) - In Search of the River Pandan Railway Bridge. I was similarly just attracted to a particular segment of the railway trail simply because that short segment of the line was familiar to me.

It brought me great delight and pleasure when blogger, Chun See, initated a tour of the Old Jurong trail. It meant that I could explore a part of Singapore that was relatively unknown to me.

I will probably blog about my tour of the old Jurong line in another post when schedule permits. Meantime, I hope to share that I have conquered a bridge that stretched across the River Ulu Pandan. It was a railway bridge that I had often seen on my bus-trip to the university, if I had paid attention to the sceneries around me.

Please visit this post by Icemoon titled Old Tracks, New Trail (2) - In Search of the River Pandan Railway Bridge to get a glimpse how this bridge would look from a distance.




Admittedly, I was feeling afraid when I started crossing the bridge. After I had covered the first one-third of the bridge, I had to walk the next one-third of it without any railings to hold on to. I had to be careful. I do not fear death as much as I fear dying for nothing, without a good cause. The next thing was that I have a fear of heights especially when I were to be high above the ground with limited support. Yet, I realised that if I do not manage my fears well enough, they would cripple me from enjoying the walk across the bridge.




The gentlemen who were on the old Jurong line trail with me were encouraging and urged me forward. I used talking as a way to distract myself from my fear of heights. The walk across the bridge became a practice for managing fears, and being courageous to take steps forward, one at a time. Eventually, I am pleased to share that I have walked the entire length of the bridge, from one end to the other.

The next time that I would have to cross similar bridges again, I hope that I would be able to cross with greater confidence. More importantly, I hope that in future attempts, I would be able to feel at ease to enjoy every single part of the scenery along the way, than to simply focus on getting safely to the other end of the bridge.

Anyway, at the very least, I have made a first step in managing my fears. Cheers!

Passing forward a good will

I am thankful for the goodwill and kindness that others have showered on me. All these goodwill and kindness are constant reminders for me to count my blessings, and to continue to pass the goodwill forward to people around me. Perhaps one day, the world would soon be a kinder and better place?

Last month, I published two online posts related to an exhibition titled "The Legacy of Tan Kah Kee & Lee Kong Chian". The posts were:
Deeply moved by "The Legacy of Tan Kah Kee & Lee Kong Chian"
What legacy can we leave behind?

As a result of seeking permission to get photographs for my two online posts, I have got to know the Project Manager of the exhibition.

I am hereby privileged to share that she gave me a copy of Selected Manuscripts, Speeches and Letters by Lee Kong Chian, Compiled and translated by Jane Wee & Ina Zhang. Published by National Library Board Singapore. Printed in Singapore by Chung Printing.
ISBN: 978-981-08-1843-2 (pbk). There are only limited copies of this booklet, and I felt privileged to be able to have a chance to read it to get a glimpse of Lee Kong Chian's outlook on various things.

After reading this booklet, I decided that the best way to respond to the goodwill was to pass it forward so that more people could enjoy the booklet. As such, I passed the booklet through a good friend to the library of one of the non-profit organisations in Singapore. I hope somehow it would be of use to some researchers there one day.

***

By the way, The Legacy of Tan Kah Kee and Lee Kong Chian, “承前启后 继往开来：陈嘉庚与李光前” is held from 18 Jul to 31 Dec 2008, 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. (Closed on public holidays).

Exhibition website: http://www.thelegacy.nl.sg

Venue: Level 10, National Library,
100 Victoria Street
Singapore 188064

Free admission.

Do check it out soon!

Deeply thankful, and I say thanks.

I am feeling deeply thankful, and I would like to say "Thanks".

Today has been an eventful day.
I was put to challenge by events out of my daily routine.
I am thankful that I have acted with enthusiasm
Despite the trials that Life has presented to help me grow stronger and wiser.

I am thankful for a humble chance
To be of some service to a good friend of mine.
And through the experience,
I have learnt
That when life is lived with enthuasiasm,
Every moment is worth living for
No matter what the outcome may be.

I am thankful to learn that there are kind souls in this world
Who will lend kindness when it is needed.
Who dutifully serve.
My thanks to them.

My thanks to the taxi driver whose vehicle was right in front of another taxi
He stopped by, but when I told him my destination,
He told me it's too far and he refused to take me there.
For that, I missed flagging the taxi that was right behind his taxi
I thank him for pointing to me a precious learning point,
That when one is not prepared to commit to a task at hand,
One oughts to give clear indication that one is not,
And be mindful not to give mixed signals.
Mixed signals often make oneself and others lose precious time.
It was just a brief moment with this driver,
How interesting that he had somehow got me to learn something important.

I thank the taxi driver who eventually took me to my destination
He dedicated himself to drive me where I want to be
Safely and as fast as possible
He even taught me routes that would help me
Avoid most of the peak-hour jams

I thank my senior colleague
For granting me urgent half-day leave
Within such short notice
I appreciate her prompt action and kindness

I have a client to thank
For agreeing to reschedule a meeting
It may seem a simple gesture
Yet it has helped me in significant ways

I thank another colleague of mine
For helping to notify me when my phone rang
Otherwise I may have missed that important call
Every second do count

Life can be sweet
To add some simple pleasures
To bring cheers to the tired soul
After completing my task at hand,
I saw lovely works of art
That are full of inspirations, made with love and care.

I thank many people
For being so lovely to send me greetings and wishes
Via Facebook and MSN
They have made my life brighter with their thoughtful wishes.

I say "Thanks" once again.
I am humbled.
I have learnt a lot today.
Life has been gracious.

I wish you safety and happiness.
Life is gracious.

Reflections after visiting an exhibition

My visit to the exhibition, The Legacy of Tan Kah Kee and Lee Kong Chian, with one of my good friends, Mystic, prompted me to write yet another post inspired by my visit. It is now published on Yesterday.sg.

Here's the link to my second post on the exhibition: What legacy can we leave behind?

Your comments will be appreciated. Thank you in advance.

The apple with worms

As best as my imperfect auditory memory recalls, a treasured friend of mine asked "If you have to give a friend an apple, what kind of apple would you give to your friend?"

My natural response was to give the best possible to my friend even if I were to be left with a rotten one.

My treasured friend later made a statement that left a strong impression in me, and it went, "If the person is a good friend, the good friend will be willing to share the apple that's full of worms with you and help pick out the worms from the apple with you."

The verbally-reserved yours truly did not tell this treasured friend of mine that when that statement was made, my response deep within was that "You are a friend whom I'm willing to pick out the worms from the apple with. Could I?"

I wish for the wisdom and the skills to be able to be of service to this friend whenever that is needed.

At the same time, a part of me reminded me that I need to be mindful of the way I go about doing so. I've came to realised through many painful lessons of self-awareness, that when I deeply want to do something, I can do it with such great intensity, it can get overwhelming. One example is that of practising on the double bass when I deeply want to practise. I would practise even if it is weird hours of the night, e.g. close to midnight.

***
...Thank you for being a treasured friend of mine and for the many positive and very precious memories that you have given me. Please let me know if there's any way I can be a good friend, of yours.

With Tender Loving Care

7 Nov 2008

This is the birthday of one of my friends, WL. Happy Birthday WL! I thank her for her treasured company especially during my junior college years. She has taught me how to be a good friend simply from the many kind gestures of friendship she has shown.

**

My mind was giving me signals that there's room for more care in this world. Inspired by these signals, I decided to make 7 Nov 2008 a day whereby I shall take small but hopefully significant steps to shower my friends with some Tender Loving Care (TLC). While I have limited resources to physically reach out to everyone of my friends, may you sense the waves of Tender Loving Care that I have attempted to send out.

If you are touched by my showering of these positive waves of TLC on you, you are cordially invited to pass it forward.

*Tender Loving Care*