Just like a river, constantly evolving (that's my cunning plan)

Sunday

I've been traveling and/or rushing about these last few weekends - KL, mini adventures, Guangdong... But not this weekend - Ergo, it's really nice to spend a Sunday morning pottering at home - Nina Simone playing in the background. Especially as next few weeks will be hectic. First the run in Beijing (gulp), then the race in  Singapore (double gulp).

Yesterday was cool too; I spent most of the day reading (at the HD, the cafe, the spa, at home) when I wasn't complaining about my tequila induced headache. Magazines, books, whatever I've been lugging everywhere  these past days but haven't had time to read because I've been to busy going out (it was one of those naughty weeks). I finished reading "The Game" (a kind present from the HelloKitty on Monday -thanks love). I started off feeling very grumpy with the book - the author, the characters, the game, everything - but started liking it mid-way - which is when I think, the author redeems himself by becoming more human.  

* * *

I thought of drawing wings on this little fella (an old drawing) for Friday's Illio "flying" but changed my mind as concluded that would have been too easy and thus copping out. And I can't possibly do that.  

The Beijing Marathon Incentive Compensation Scheme

----- Original Message -----

To: Azura

Subject: The Beijing Marathon Incentive Compensation Scheme

I Steven P pledge to sponser Azura's Beijing run based on following incentive targets:

Sub 4:45 = HKD500

Sub 4:30 = 1,000

Sub 4:15 = 2,000

Sub 4:00 = 3,000

If over 4:45 Azura pays Steven with dinner at his favorite restaurant.

Good luck!

_____________________________

No one guaranteed anyone a long life ...

I want to send this drawing to curiously minty but  can't find the original ....arrrrrgh 

* * * *

Sigh..

Death - - - just reminded again that NOBODY is guaranteed a long life.

Nobody.

Damn it - I have to make everyday count.

Full moon in Guangdong

Getting my aura cleansed by the full moon and K's sweet grandma

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So where was I?

Yeyse, I had a wonderful weekend with one of my HK NBFs, K who grew up in Guangdong and still has family there. The weekend was reminisce of my first few visits of Espana: I chilled out with K, and communicated with her family via her as well as sign languages, a dozen smiles and lots of thank yous (tor chers).

I ate congee (minus the legs of the 'field chickens'). Also baby pigeons (but not their heads)(poor birds!). And freshly slaughtered chicken (no wonder they ran away when they saw me at K's granny's house)(poor birds!). I also consumed numerous other things, but not ant eaters, turtles, fox nor owls. K told me they were (are!) common grubs for guests up in North China but not where we were (Down south). ****! Owls? I love drawing owls. I don't think I can eat them! 

I stopped by a fortune teller on the steps leading to the temple when K and I walked about town in the the afternoon. I couldn't understand a word he said (not surprisingly) but according to K's translations and his sign language, it was all good and good. I don't think I've ever heard such a good reading - ever!

That evening - I watched K's grandmother cleanse everyone's aura- using the special full moon powers and various other Chinese looking paraphernalia. I was thinking to myself "I wish I was one of her daughters/grand daughters - I wouldn't mind having my aura cleansed...."... before I knew it - K's grandmother held my hand and brought me outside and then inside for the full moon routine. I LOVED IT. 

Yummy positive thoughts

I have to say that I am feeling pretty inspired these last few days/week.

J, one of my HK NBFs today even (1) commented today that I was looking ridiculously happy and cheerful and (2) asked me whether she had any reasons to be concerned; After all I had told her not too long ago that I was feeling a wee bit low.

Its true, I was feeling a little bit out of sorts (evident from previous postings non?).

BUT not anymore chickens! Sorry to come across all cheesy - but I think my attempt at self programming helped. I was fed up of feeling yucky: I sat down and listed all things yummy and positive. And reminded myself that everything external was "as it is" -and that I should adjust my internal thermostat. I think the greater world agreed and colluded with this mantra -because, hey, so many positive and yummy things have happened since then.

I am retaining my yummy and positive thoughts. 

Serious adventure photographer

I have much to write about celebrating the moon festival in Mainland China [pictures of which I have posted on FB]. E.g. I wimped out and didn't try the frog legs, although I consumed the accompanying congee and a separate dish of poor little dead baby pigeons. However, I think I should first be in the mood to write it all down. So - instead I'm sharing the picture below {courtesy of Helen, a fellow participant of the Mongolian Sunrise to Sunset Marathon} which I think is super cool for 2 reasons:

(1) the background is surreal and not unlike the walls of the photography studios in Malaysia in 1970-80s

(2) I'm standing on the van, looking like such a serious photographer

Separately, I signed up for this course back in Sept. I have a good feeling about it, as I do about October 2009.

Going away ---

Off to Mainland China for the weekend, Frogs,pigeons and snakes are on the menu. Wish me luck!

Kids games

Aside from "cops and thieves", I enjoyed playing three other games at primary school: jumping rope, hopscotch and throwing 5 stones. Regarding the latter - we started off throwing actual stones but progressed to rice or bean filled mini bags which someone else's mum made. The Ginster and I wanted a set of pretty mini bags to call us owners so I embarked on a crafty project using an old scrap of cloth and the thread and needle I found. For some reason (?) the authorities confiscated the needle and thread. But I was a desperate determined kid. I pinched sourced another needle and used shredded rafia rope to complete the project. I substituted the rice [too sacred for Bugis ancestors] with sand from the pots in the garden and the Ginster and I played with the magic '5 stones' till their seams split.The Ginster and I had this conversation 2-3 weeks ago. A few days later, I found these jewels in a shop while exploring Cheng Chao Island. How funny and serendipitous. One set has been safely handed to the Ginster and one set now sits on my desk.

Smelling good...

I bought this coming back from biking in the new territories. They make the flat smell so good!  

RIP - Emil

Emil, who I only saw recently (and whose pictures I posted on FB) died suddenly one morning a few weeks ago. Emil was extremely generous. Especially with his time. He was excited to share his passion for art, food and sights. He had the uncanny ability to notice everything around him. He inspired me many times, while walking around HK. He would highlight objects I passed by but didn't really take notice of. He made the mundane inspiring, transformed a blah background into art and often produced delightful suggestions and thoughtful pressies. Emil was very special in so many ways - I am sure I am not the only person he touched and inspired.    

Finally noticing the dawg (near where I live)