Shadow

I have always wanted to write something on shadow. At uni, I had the opportunity to write an essay on it but I decided to write on some other topic. Long story, anyway, the definition of shad·ow according to Merriam-Webster Online Dictionary are:

1: partial darkness or obscurity within a part of space from which rays from a source of light are cut off by an interposed opaque body
2: a reflected image
3: shelter from danger or observation
4 a: an imperfect and faint representation b: an imitation of something : copy
5: the dark figure cast upon a surface by a body intercepting the rays from a source of light
6: phantom
7: shadows: plural - dark
8: a shaded or darker portion of a picture
9: an attenuated form or a vestigial remnant
10 a: an inseparable companion or follower b: one (as a spy or detective) that shadows
11: a small degree or portion : trace
12: a source of gloom or unhappiness
13 a: an area near an object : vicinity b: pervasive and dominant influence
14: a state of ignominy or obscurity

Pix 1. L--a & I

One of Carl Gustav Jung's (1875-1961) compelling ideas is the shadow. He considers the shadow as part of the unconscious mind consisting of repressed weaknesses, shortcomings, and instincts.

We can use the word shadow in a variety of ways (refer to the above definition). I am sure you have heard of the term shadow government. Job shadowing is a useful experience for an apprentice. What about moving shadow??...getting interesting, huh?!!. Mmmm....indisputably beyond a shadow of a doubt!!! Shadow has an eerie connotation too -- shadowy figure = evil person. In some genre, shadowy person = master/mistress of darkness. The word shadow definitely has a wide usage. Unhappiness, hostility and grief can also cast a shadow on a person or a group of people. However, shadow is not all bad press -- we can get shade from shadow....there is always a shadow of hope for all of us!! Let us all live in peace, love, purity and honour.

Ode to Best, Best Friend (BBF)

It's BBF's birthday today. I have known BBF for a very long time!! I like to think that I know her very, very well indeed and vice-versa. We have gone through so much and I am very proud that we are still friends after all these years. Maybe it's me -- I am very cool, calm and collected and I put up with all her majesty's mood swings and diva demands!!! Hahahaha...just joking!!!

BBF and I have different personalities and quirks. She's generous, extrovert, fun and very people person while I am more shy and can be very anti-social. Despite the obvious differences (me= shy and BBF = loud, har har har), we click and we connect at all levels. BBF understands me and she knows when to leave me alone -- she digs my craving for time and space. When we were abroad recently, she was a real sport -- she went to book shops with me and she even tagged along to the Museum -- not her favourite place, just to make me happy. How sweet is that!!!

BBF and I share a love for tea. She makes the best teh tarik ever. It's my favourite time when we can sit together and enjoy a very, hot cuppa. I have been racking my brain on the perfect gift for my bosom buddy on her birthday -- I want it to be special and thus, this entry is an ode to my beloved BBF. I love you BBF. Happy Birthday, God bless you and family with good health, good fortune and loads of happiness. HUGS. Mwah!!

Pix 1. Introducing BBF

Happiness is........

Happiness or 'being happy' is such an abstract term. What does it mean to you? Different people will have different take on what happy means to them. I have thought long and hard about things that make me happy. I will share 10 items that make me beam like a search light!!! Some on the lists are merely wishes, but they will definitely make me v.v.v. happy!!!

1. Having the time and space to myself

2. Enjoying a nice cup of tea with BBF (just the two of us!!!)

3. No worries, no responsibilities and no regrets

4. Be Spontaneous and having someone who's willing to drop anything at a drop of a hat and shares my impromptu madcap plans!! Sayang will know what i mean. Cinta!!

5. Reading all the good books (already published or just out)

6. Having long lunches and cosy conversations with my closest friends

7. Be with the kids especially when they are behaving like perfect angels!!! (impossible feat but a girl can wish!!!)

8. Be with my fun, chaotic, noisy, lovable family whom at times can be such busybodies (you know who you are... (har har har).

9. Be with my furry friends

10. Having the means to go on a long and extended exotic vacations -- all paid for!!!

This entry is dedicated to Rx. Thanks for the inspiration!!!

Kids at Jerudong Park

We promised the kids "a trip to Jerudong Park (JP)". It was raining heavily on the day of the trip and when we informed the kids that we might not be going if it kept raining - the looks on their faces -- sheer frustration and disappointment (poor kids!!). They have been looking forward to the JP trip for the last two weeks!! Fortunately, the rain stopped and they got their wishes after all!! The kids were so happy and excited. As can be seen from the pictures, they have had a great time!! I chose my favourite pictures which were taken by M--g-M--g.

A day at the Beach

We took the kids to the Berakas Forest Recreation Park and its beach today. As you can see from the glossies, the kids were so excited. I have seen beautiful beaches overseas and I must admit that Brunei's beach has its own charms too. Enjoy the pictures folks!!

Cloud Appreciation

I think it must run in the family. Padian loves rainbow whilst moi have always been fascinated by clouds. In some culture, the term “cloudy” is a negative. We talk about a dark cloud being over our heads. Dark, rainy days are known to be depressing. As the old adage goes, “Every cloud has its silver lining.” We can find hope in knowing that the dark clouds always pass and there’s a refreshing after the rain. There is also head in the clouds to indicate dreaminess induced by inspiration or dare I say it intoxication (hehehe) or simply 'idyllic happiness'. There are some members of the family who are currently on cloud 9. You know who you are!! Cinta!! Pebbles told me a joke about cloud yesterday. "What does cloud A say to cloud B?" Answer: Hi Cloudy!!

Enjoy the pictures folks.

Magnificent Dubai

Dubai is a city of fascinating contrasts. It's where East meets West. The Dubaian government has successfully transformed this once small fishing village into a modern, sprawling and bustling city. The built environment = feast to the eyes - there were so many kodak moments. The pictures shown below are some of my favourites. BBF and I had a really good time. We would like to convey our deepest thanks and appreciation to our friend, R--- & his family for hosting our stay in Dubai. Hugs.

Pix 1. Beautiful Dubai

Pix 2. Fine speciments at Jumeirah beach

Pix 3. Burj Al Arab

Pix 4. Ibn Battuta shopping mall

Pix 5. Shopping - can you find BBF?

Pix 6. Enjoying tea whilst BBF shops!!

Pix 7. Jumeirah Mosque

Sunny Dubai

Best, best friend (BBF) and I recently went to Dubai for a holiday. It has been ages since we went on a holiday together. As a holiday companion, she as always is great!! I want to take her somewhere exotic and more adventurous next time!! Anyway, Dubai was great. As seen in the pictures below, we went on a desert safari. It was an awesome experience. Highly recommended people! Despite the heat, the desert is very majestic and beautiful. Enjoy the pictures folks.

Picture 1. Majestic landscape of the desert

Picture 2. Moi and BBF (in jeans)


Picture 3. Grainy and fine 'saffronny' sand

Picture 4. Sunset at the desert

Picture 5. Wish you were here

Patch - the New Yummy Mummy

Our kitty - Patch became a first time yummy mummy on the 1st July 2008. She gave birth to three kittens - they are so adorable. 2 white furs and 1 black. Mummy and kittens are doing o.k. Enjoy the pictures folks.

Picture 1. Patch - the new yummy mummy

Picture 2. Patch and her kittens

Picture 3. Adorable kittens

Picture 4. Altogether now...oohhh, so cute!!!

Picture 5. Are you looking at me?

July Babies

Happy Birthday to all the July babies. Have a really wonderful day. Hugs XXX

2nd July

A--ie

Famous People

Lindsay Lohan
Ashley Tisdale


7th July

M-l-na
E-w-n

Famous People

Ringo Starr
Michelle Kwan


11 July

I--t
M-k-

Famous People

Giorgio Armani
Lisa Rinna


13 July

D-d-

Famous People

Harrison Ford
Patrick Stewart

14 July

M--l-

Famous People

Ingmar Bergman
William Hanna

23 July

BBF
I-z-n

Famous People

Daniel Radcliffe
Woody Harrelson


JULY Flower : DELPHINIUM

With its lush, dolphin-shaped flowers, the aptly named delphinium – or larkspur – symbolizes an open heart and ardent attachment. Also signifying a feeling of lightness and levity, the gentle hues and refreshing fragrance of this summer birth flower give it a refreshing and distinctive natural beauty.


JULY Birthstone: RUBY

The Ruby's rich colour speaks of love and passion. Rubies were thought to represent heat and power. It has been said that the Ruby's red glow comes from an internal flame that cannot be extinguished, making a gift of this stone symbolic of ever lasting love.