26 - 28 June 2015: Beautiful Nahant

Nahant, Massachusetts, is a beautiful place. Words may not do enough justice to the place. Neither would photographs. Whatever it is, please find my humble attempt to share snapshots of glimpses of my experiences at Nahant.

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How to travel to Nahant from Boston:
- Take the train via the Purple Line to Lynn station. Call a taxi (e.g. Toms Taxi) to travel from Lynn station to the desired location.

Read: I ate Tiong Bahru

Source: Goodreads.com

Title: I ate Tiong Bahru
Author: Stephen Black

This book reminded me of my occasional visits to Tiong Bahru. While it was not the usual book I would read, I was pleased by my adventurous choice of book to read.

This self-published book puts together anecdotes, historical information, personal experiences and insights related to Tiong Bahru in an expressive and lyrical way.

This palm-sized book was pretty entertaining to read such that I had finished reading it over an evening, on my way to Changi Beach and subsequently on my way home.

Reading I ate Tiong Bahru triggered my recollection of Tiong Bahru as a visitor, non-resident of the area. I was drawn to find out where Galicier that is known for selling traditional Nyonya kuehs. My memory bank did not recall anything related to Galicier while I was reading the way. It was only after I had read the entire book and sat down to do a search on this confectionery did I realized that I had been there! Galicier serves very delicious delicacies. I like its unassuming interior design. Visit Galicier at Block 55 Tiong Bahru Road.

The chapter titled I'm a Kway, You're a Kway reminded me of my personal experiences exploring Tiong Bahru during an art walkabout event known as OH! Open House, Occupy Tiong Bahru that was held in Feb 2012. I cannot quite recall if I had eaten any kways back in Feb 2012 during the art walkabout. Whatever it was, the chapter stated that guests to the walkabout were treated to kways and a lot of reflections and discussions on the key message behind I'm a Kway, You're a Kway.

It was a pleasure to read about the architectural style of several of the buildings found in Tiong Bahru area in this book. Overall, this is a book that sets me intrigued with this place named Tiong Bahru, and makes me yearn to visit it yet again. A pleasure to read this book.

26 - 28 Jun 2015: A weekend learning songwriting

26 - 28 Jun 2015: A meaningful weekend learning songwriting took place in Nahant. Nahant is beautiful and tranquil.

This is one of the meaningful learning experiences which I find no amount of words could aptly describe the experience and do it justice.  Just go for it and experience it for yourself!

If I were to share my testimonial, I would simply sum up by sharing that I wish I had attended the seminar much earlier. If I had done so, I would have an easier and more fun way to appreciate music theory and songwriting. Having said so, I am very grateful that I have attended the seminar. Many thanks to the seminar instructor, Duncan, and the course organizer.

Here's a link to the seminar's website for anyone who is keen to find out more:
http://www.understandingofmusic.com/seminars/the-understanding-of-songwriting-seminar/

Read: Glasser's Take Charge of Your Life

Image source: http://wglasserbooks.com/books.html

Title: Take Charge of Your Life: How to Get What You Need with Choice Theory Psychology
Author: William Glasser
Publisher: iUniverse, Inc., Bloomington (2011, 2013)

This book is likely to resonate with people who have read Victor Frankl's Man's Search for Meaning. In this book, Dr William Glasser explains choice theory and how practising it could guide one to take charge of one's actions. In an accessible fashion, Dr William Glasser illustrate how we can choose our attitudes in any given set of circumstances, to choose our actions.

I find the style of writing of this book more accessible than William Glasser's earlier publication Choice Theory: A New Psychology of Personal Freedom. Perhaps this could be a more accessible book to start with for anyone who is curious to know about Choice Theory.

Places: The Jubilee Walk Exclusive Tour

National Museum of Singapore.

On 30 Jan 2016, I had the pleasure to attend one of the Jubilee Walk Exclusive Tours. Find out more about my adventures here: Places: The Jubilee Walk Exclusive Tour.