Read: The Pocket Therapist

Title: The Pocket Therapist
Author: Therese J. Borchard
Publisher: Center Street, New York (2010)

Easy reading is the best way to describe the book "The Pocket Therapist"  by Therese Borchard. This is a compact book with 144 tools and techniques to help address anxiety, fear, conflicts and difficult situations in life. Perhaps the fact tat the author had the experience of overcoming and managing depression and more helped make the book more credible.

A comforting and engaging read.

To read more of her works, please visit Beyond Blue on Beliefnet.com

Visit the ArtScience Museum before the RMS Titanic ends on 29 Apr 2012

This afternoon, I had the pleasure to visit the ArtScience Museum with one of my good friends as a prelude to her birthday. We were surprised by the long queue at the main lobby of the museum. Most of the visitors were there to catch the exhibition, Titanic: The Artifact Exhibition. This exhibition will be held at ArtScience Museum till 29 Apr 2012.

A few days ago, on 10 Apr 2012, was the 100th anniversry of the maiden voyage of RMS Titanic. At the time this post is published, it is the 100th anniversary of the sinking of RMS Titanic. Perhaps that is why many people are so keen recently to learn about RMS Titanic?

The Exhibition takes visitors through the Ship's conception, construction, sailing day, life on board, the famous iceberg, Titanic's sinking, the discovery of the wreck, while all throughout telling the incredible stories of her passengers and crew.

My favourite sections of the exhibition were those of the recreation of the First class cabin, the Grand staircase, the recreation of the Promenade and the various personal stories of the passengers onboard the fateful RMS Titanic.

Also shown at the ArtScience Museum was Andy Warhol: 15 Minutes External. Lovers of Pop Art will enjoy this exhibition greatly. I like the clarity of the colours used in many of Andy Warhol's screen painting. While I appreciate how Andy Warhol managed to create iconic masterpieces from ubiquitous objects from the popular culture, I find that his works did not impress me as much as the works of Wu Guanzhong and a number of other artists. I suppose I like works that may not look appealing at first glance but have a quality that make them look beautiful with each repeated viewing.

My favourite exhibition at the ArtScience Museum this April would obviously be Titanic: The Artifact Exhibition. If you are curious about the real stories behind RMS Titanic, do visit the ArtScience Museum by 29 Apr 2012. Please also read one of my previous posts, Experience Titanic the safe way.

In the meantime, may the passengers who were lost onboard RMS Titanic rest in peace.

ArtScience Museum, Singapore
http://www.marinabaysands.com/Singapore-Museum/Whats-On/

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.

Cheongsam and the changing roles of Singapore women

Are you interested in fashion or cheongsam? Or are you like myself, wondering if cheongsam has influenced the design of some of the clothes or uniforms that you have worn?

Here is a blog on my recent visit to the exhibition, In the Mood for Cheongsam: Modernity and Singapore Women: Cheongsam and the changing roles of Singapore women

In the Mood for Cheongsam: Modernity and Singapore Women
From 28 Mar - 27 Jun 2012, 10 a.m. - 6 p.m.
Exhibition Gallery 1, Basement
National Museum of Singapore
93 Stamford Road
Singapore 178897

Read: How to Love Yourself in 17 Ways

One of my dear friends shared with me an online article that I find a good read and reminder. This article is by Evelyn, and here's sharing it with you: How to Love Yourself in 17 Ways.

Music bless us all

I write this post with gratitude of the gifts that music and art have bestowed me. Through music and art, I have collaborated with countless creative souls and experienced the value of team-work.

The recent concert that I had played in was a success. The orchestra as a whole has scaled new heights. For myself, it was a humbling experience to continue to learning deeper and more new things from playing music. Reflecting, everyone in the orchestra has journeyed and grew a long way from the first day since the orchestra started preparing for the recent concert.

The title of the concert was Providence. Perhaps life does provide, fate does lead us like an unknown hand to where we ought to? I have no idea. Yet the entire experience to explore the theme of fate in the Fifth Symphony of Tchaikovsky was a humbling one.

Many thanks to family, friends and all well-wishers for your support and encouragement. These mean a lot to me.

Providence by NUS Symphony Orchestra

NUS Symphony Orchestra presents
Providence
24 Mar 2012 (Sat)
7.30 p.m.
School of the Arts, Concert Hall, 1 Zubir Said Drive Singapore 227968
(Nearest MRT stations: Dhoby Ghaut, and Bras Basah)

ORDER YOUR TICKETS NOW FROM http://bit.ly/wontVs

Under the baton of Maestro Lim Soon Lee, the NUS Symphony Orchestra will perform Tchaikovsky’s Symphony No. 5, a majestic work revolving around the theme of fate and providence. The Orchestra will also be joined by teenage violinist Selina Tang, winner of the 2009 National Piano & Violin Competition, on Mozart’s Violin Concerto No. 3 in G Major. The evening’s programme also includes Suppé’s Overture to Poet and Peasant, a light-hearted classic bound to thrill and enchant.

Ticket prices: $15 (circle) and $18 (stall)

For enquiries, please e-mail nusso.contact@gmail.com

Source: https://www.facebook.com/events/225770950842248/

Eastern and Oriental Express

Here is a link to a post that is overdue. It aims to share a few photographs and memories of 5 Jun 2011 when the luxury Eastern and Oriental Express train service made its final departure from the Tanjong Pagar Railway Station.

Bukit Brown Family Day 18 March 2012

Enjoy a special part of Singapore that is a treasure land if we look deeper. SOS Bukit Brown and Nature Society Singapore are co-organizing the Bukit Brown Family Day event on 18 Mar 2012.

Activities include special guided tours:

9.00 a.m. at Sikh Station - Introduction by Catherine (Second tour starts at 9.30 a.m. if there are more than 10 people and follows the same schedule as tour 1)
a) 9.15 a.m.  at group 1 – by Peter (second tour eta 9.45)
b) 9.50 a.m. at group 3 – by Raymond (second tour eta 10.20)
c).10.30 a.m. at group 2 – by Yik Han (second tour 11.00)
d) 11.10 a.m. at group 12 – by Charles, this last station will be capped by a short uphill (easy) to the jewel in crown Ong Sam Leong’s family grave site and group photo. ( the second tour eta 11.50 will be led Catherine and Peter )

For more information, please visit: http://bukitbrown.com/main/?p=2199

Stephanie Dowrick's Ten Tips to take charge and stay calm

One of my favourite writers, Stephanie Dowrick, shared ten tips on how one can take charge and stay calm.

Please find her tips here: http://www.stephaniedowrick.com/?p=2606

One of the tips that I have found useful is this:

2. Ask yourself: “What’s needed right now?” Or, “What would help right now?” When your primitive mind says, “Nothing”, persist. Keep asking: “What memory, what plan, what breathing, what comfort would help right now?” In very bad moments, write down the question and your answer. Keep writing until you have some clarity and less confusion and helplessness. It will also help just to remember that, “This too will pass.” At times when you can’t write, say your helpful phrase over and over like a mantra. This literally soothes. When stuck, imagine what you would say to the person you love best. Say that to your own self.

Read: Morrie in his own words

Title: Morrie in his own words
Author: Morrie Schwartz
Publisher: Pan Books

This book was previously published as Letting Go, Morrie in His Own Words. The author learned that he had a motor neurone disease known as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) at the age of seventy-seven. This is the second time I am re-reading the entire book.

In this book, readers will have a glimpse to how Morrie chose to embrace his illness and live as fully as possible the time that he had left.

The author gave a voice to how it was like to face chronic or terminal illness in a most gracious way. I have found the chapter "Grieving for your losses" rather cathartic. The chapter starts with a quotation that goes:

"Grieve and mourn for yourself, not once or twice, but again and again. Grieving is a great catharsis and comfort and a way of keeping yourself composed."

The author also attempts to discuss the differences between healthy grieving and despair.

The chapter titled "Being Kind to Yourself" also reminds readers to be "loving, compassionate and gentle"
towards oneself.

The following chapter "Dealing with Your Mind and Emotions" offer some practical tips on how to deal with doubts. I like the quotation that sum up the tips. It goes:

"Accept your doubts about your ability to achieve any change in your emotional state. But keep trying. You might be surprised."

This is one book with remarkable life wisdom. Morrie died peacefully at his home on 4 Nov 1995.

***
Also see:
http://www.selfgrowth.com/articles/Morrie_In_His_Own_Words_Life_Wisdom_From_a_Remarkable_Man.html
http://books.google.com.sg/books/about/Morrie.html?id=81kuaExojRYC&redir_esc=y

Sketching at Labrador Park

This afternoon, I wanted to be close to Nature and to enjoy some nice doses of sea-breezes. One of my friends who wanted to learn to sketch gladly went along with my suggestion to visit the Labrador Nature and Coastal Walk, as well as the Labrador Park.

It was relaxing simply to listen in to the sounds of the tidal waves. The weather for the day was pretty pleasant with gentle sunshine and beautiful clouds. When my friend and I found our way to one end of Labrador Park, we chose a spot facing the Reflections at Keppel Bay to practice sketching. I quite like the free-form structure of the Reflections at Keppel Bay. The challenge was to sketch in the surrounding plants, pre-war bungalows and the structures of the boardwalk to create a balanced and pleasing composition.

While I was sketching, there were several children who came near me and my friend. Maybe they were curious about our sketching adventures? One of the children, a six-year-old boy, remarked that he can sketch from memory! So thanks to my friend, she gladly offered paper and pencil to the boy, while I lent him one of my drawing pens.

Below is the sketch by the six-year-old Chinese boy. I overheard that he practices sketching this everyday. I think he would make a wonderful ambassador for the Marine Bay Sands if there is some good luck to find him, won't he?

A sketch from memory by a six-year-old boy whom my friend and I met at Labrador Park on 25 Feb 2012.

His elder brother also asked for paper to do a sketch. This elder brother is also talented in art. He drew the aerial view of Marina Bay Sands which include the famous infinity swimming pool. I would have like to share the elder brother's sketch too albeit I did not get the chance to take a photograph of his masterpiece.

One thing that left a positive impression on me was that the parents of the boys were encouraging and nurturing towards their children's interest in art. May the children continue to be encouraged to nurture their natural interests and talents.

I was reminded by a quote by the well-known late artist, Pablo Picasso,

"All children are artists. The problem is how to remain an artist once he grows up."

The six-year-old boy was keen to do more sketches! My friend generously allowed the boy to have an extra piece of drawing paper before we bid farewell to him and encourage him to sketch at a later time. These children would probably find it helpful to bring their sketchbooks and drawing materials out with them whenever they are out in Nature. Nature simply inspires.

***
For information on the Labrador Nature and Coatal Walk, please visit:
http://www.nparks.gov.sg/cms/docs/LabradorNature&CoastalWalk_Final.pdf

Places: Occupy Tiong Bahru, the OH! Open House

These two weekends, OH! Open House has arranged for the works of 15 artists to occupy six houses and a temple located in the Tiong Bahru estate.

For more information, please visit: Places: Occupy Tiong Bahru, the OH! Open House.

OH! Open House
18, 19, 25 and 26 Feb 2012
From 4 p.m. - 9 p.m.
(Last tours leave at 8 p.m.)
Tickets at $15 per adult, and at $10 per child, only available at the door
Sales start from 3.30 p.m. at Tiong Bahru CC, 67A Eu Chin Street.

Places: Sin Hoe Ping Puppet Troupe performs at ACM Green

ACM Green. Nearest MRT station: Raffles Place.

On the evening of 16 and 17 Feb 2012, the Sin Hoe Ping Puppet Troupe （新和平加礼戏班）performs authentic Heng Hua Puppetry at ACM Green, outside the Asian Civilisations Museum (Empress Place). Each of these nights, the Sin Hoe Ping will fascinate its audience with the art of puppetry, music and story-telling through puppetry. The show-times are as follow:

6 p.m.: Journey to the West （西游记）
7 p.m. Monkey's Wedding（猴子娶妻）
8 p.m. Wu Song Fights the Tiger （武松打虎）

More details can be found here: Places: Sin Hoe Ping Puppet Troupe performs at ACM Green