Where Have All The Flowers Gone?

The title of this post takes its cue from the well-known Bob Dylan song, a song which I remember singing as a hymn in church as a kid. Well, using it to described my perception of the passage of time i.e the passing of day to day.

It does feel as though time is speeding up..that the days are shorter. Darn...its going to be May in a couple of days. Where did time go? Or is this how 'time' feels like when one gradually gets older. I suppose its comes with age...like the grains of sand in an hour glass...it seems to trickle at the beginning and speeds up just just before the last grain of sands empties the top half of the hour glass. I guess...its the fear of mortality combined with the fact of aging as the plausible answer for the perception of time speeding up as one gets older. Its like seeing time slipping by. Sigh.

Well, I have been keeping a closer eye on the recent global happenings, both on natural occurrences and on geo-political developments. Besides the frequent earthquakes around the world (Taiwan and Indonesia on Monday), the recent volcano eruption in Iceland is something worth keeping tabs on. That goes for the building tension between North and South Korea (following the sinking of a South Korean navy vessel) and tension in the Middle East. (Israel/Iran with regard to the latter's nuclear program). Very interesting times ahead.

At least I did managed to get some satisfactory shots with my trusted G9 recently. I thank God for the life He has given me and pray that He will keep my family and me safe.

To None I Wish Ill But To All I Wish Peace and Love.

Missed That One

Its been quite a week with work and what not. First there was the father and son-in-law from Merlimau whose wife and daughter (high risk categories) died days apart due to health complications after contracting the Influenza A(H1N1) virus.

On the brighter side of things, managed to capture both a dawn rainbow and a glorious sunrise on the same day, same locations and minutes apart...cool. And there was the deep orange sunset prior to the 7.8 earthquake that hit Sumatra today at about 6.21am. Dang...missed that one...although Karen related it to me the minute I woke up, only moments after she experienced the building swaying slightly for several abrupt moments.

So much I can say for that..the global signs of climate and Earth changes are present and it is only a matter of time...before the shit hits the fan. God have mercy and I pray for His protection and Grace.

p/s finally got a decent hand phone Nokia e63, more apt for business use and work. Love it and trying to get it upgraded to be able to receive GPS capabilities.

To None I Wish Ill And To All I Wish Peace And Love

Holy Week

Its that time of the year again where Catholic faithful all over the world begin the Holy Week observance after some 40 days of 'fasting and sacrifices'...well...most Catholics....except me. I guess I am a sinner and just hope that Christ will have mercy on when He comes. Never claimed to be an angel nor the devil in disguise...just a regular trying to get by short wonderful yet chaotic life.

Ah..'faith'...now that's something. It can never be fixed, measured, counted or quantified...but only felt...akin to the emotions evoked by our senses. That is what faith means to me. To know that everything that happens in my life...happens for a reason...good or bad in my human perspective...knowing that God, in His divine love and knowing...is merely exacting His Will.

I thank God for life and for my family and the love that God sown in my life. I pray that He will continue to keep me and my family save in His loving arms. I make this pray through His Son Christ Jesus my Lord in union with the giver of Life...the Holy Spirit. Amen.

To None I Seek Ill But To All I Seek Peace And Love

Sharing Some Thoughts And Love Of Music

Its been quite a long week of work despite being on 'official' leave. (trying to clear off back log of leave as requested by HQ but...alas...news doesn't stop ya). Some poor 18-year-old bloke got bumped off by his 'friends' over a girl. Now that is sad and tragic. Poor chap came from a broken home, raised by his grandparents, dropped out of school and eventually got mixed up with the wrong crowd. God have mercy on his soul.

The weather has cool a bit following several days of intermittent rain following almost a month of hot dry spell. (That has put a damper on my plans t take Kyra for a swim). Promise to take her out on Monday as I am off till Tuesday.

So its Sunday night and I am going to take a break to listen to some music and pick up a few guitar tips on the Tube. God Bless.

To None I Wish Ill But To All I Wish Peace And Love.

Keep It Simple

Yup...like the title says...I would love to just keep it simple. Life...as it is...is full up and downs, rights and wrongs and do's and don't's.....and never simple to most. Really...if you think about it...life is simple if we allow it to be so.

Pray that my faith in God, in life and love....remains uncluttered, clear, true and simple. That is all I ask.

To None I Wish Ill But To All I Wish Peace and Love.

Here Comes The Sun

How amusing is the folly of men. In these days of confusion, climate change and natural disasters...there are still lots out there who bicker and fight over the most trivial of things. Life is already short...and I sense that it will get even shorter soon than most think.

There are signs that we, as a race, are headed towards the abyss of our own doing. Greed of a few had caused the collapse of economies on a global scale last year. Peace have eluded wars that trace their roots to the 1980s, 1990s and early 2000s. Then, there is the rising tension among several nations over unresolved issues.

The weather has also been freaky both on Earth and the Sun. In late December and early January, temperatures drop by almost three-degrees to a cool 26 Celsius before the blazing heat caused the mercury to hit record highs of almost 38 Celsius in February. There were also extreme blizzards and storms over most parts of Europe and China including recent flooding in France during this period. As for earthquakes...there were three big ones. Haiti was struck by a 7.0 earthquake on Jan 12 followed by a 7.0 near Ryukyu Island off Japan on Feb 26 with Chile hit by an 8.8 the following day.

Well, the same goes for the Sun which is is in its 24 Solar Cycle. The 24 cycle was initially predicted to put on a show of record sunspots and solar flares. However, the Sun remained blank and quiet for an extend period...a record not seen since 1935. Only in February did the Sun wake up and gradually showing signs that Cycle 24 is going to be a blast. (Cycle 24 and its sunspots and solar flares incidentally peaks on 2012).

So...there you go. As for me and my family....we got the air-condition serviced to make it a little more cooler at night. And I got my 'flint' for my 'end of days' rucksack...lol. Just pray that God will keep me and my family safe when the shit hits the ceiling fan.

To None I Wish Ill But To All I Wish Peace and Love.

The Year Of The Tiger

It was one long Chinese New Year and festive holiday. On the whole, it was a good holiday...spending time with family, playing tour guide to two of my cuz friends from England, drinking loads of wine and a wedding dinner-cum-family reunion. However, the weather has been really hot...not warm..but blazing hot.

Well, its back to the meat grinder and work....which is not too bad as it adds a sense of purpose to life. Just hope the Lunar New Year will bring good health, prosperity and peace for my family and loved ones.

To None I Wish Ill But To All I Wish Peace and Love.

Just Another Day In The Life

What a week...the blazing Sun with its unrelenting and unbearable heat. The air-conditioner in our room is set at 16C but the thermostat shows 29C to 30C. The only respite was on Sunday when there a shower helped cool things down a bit. But Its still bloody hot.

Hats off to the Prime Minister who was down in Malacca on Thursday....part of his visit included a 'walkabout' covering several locations and combined distance of about 1km. Poor guy was perspiring yet kept his composure and 'cool' throughout.

Had Saturday off and worked on Sunday. Had quite a pleasant time with my Aunt and her family from Australia who are down for a couple of days. Was to take today off to do some house cleaning. Alas...news doesn't stop and some poor chap and his entire family from Telok Mas perished in a horrific accident in Senawang. So my house chore therapy was naturally interrupted by calls.

So there you go...a day in the life. Thank God.

To None I Wish Ill But To All I Wish Peace and Love.

Two Weeks To The Year of The Tiger

Two weeks to go before Chinese Lunar New Year and the start of the Year of the Tiger. Its been quite hectic at work and with two new interns from UTAR. Well, hope that the two gals, Michelle and Alicia, will be able to learn something the next couple of months. (Good things I hope and some lessons in life).

Was in Johor Baru last weekend to cover the funeral of the Sultan of Johor. It was quite a scene with most of the nation's royal family and top leaders present. Alas, it was work and I decided to leave me G9 in the safety of a colleagues car..so missed out on some historic shots. It was tiring, considering being dressed in a black suit and songkok while covering the event, mostly under the the blazing sun. (Drive up at 7am and drove back home later that night)

This weekend was also quite full with the launch of the Chinese New Year Carnival at Jonker Street on Saturday nite before heading for A Famosa Resort for an early day of paint-ball. It was my first time at paint-ball and it was great. Our team got eliminated after two rounds of combat but I managed to avoid being shot and took out four guys in the process. Got my knees scrapped though owing to playing the game in my shorts and barefooted. (The paint-ball guns are kinda accurate at about 25m).

Well, so there you go..despite work, I am getting on with life and enjoying every bit of it.

To None I Wish Ill But To All I Wish Peace and Love

Coming To Terms With The Frailty Of Life

Like most, my day started off as usual and seemed like any ordinary day. Little did I know that it would be anything but ordinary. Once again, I was came into contact with the life of another that would set right my perspective of 'life' and drive home the meaning that life is short...that we should cherish every moment given to us.

A 21-year-old girl named Sandra Wong had her life abruptly cut short in a road accident on Thursday. This bubbly young lass was in her prime...full of life and enjoying every minute of it. She even had a blog entitled 'Joy Of Living'. Yet, fate denied her the chance of living her life to its fullest. It was heart wrenching as she enjoyed a special bond with her mother who now had to endured unspeakable pain, anguish and sorrow. At this moment, everything else pales in comparison and no words could ever comfort her bruised heart.

This brings home the meaning of 'life' and what really matters most. It also begs the question why did God allow such an awful thing to happen? Where is God when Wong's family needed Him most? What is faith when it is shaken to its core?

I can only offer a pray that God in His unfathomable ways...give comfort and solace to Sandra's family....and somehow allow them the consolation that she is now at peace and in a place filled with joy and beauty beyond our earthly comprehension. May the Light of Christ shine on Sandra Wong and may she enjoy everlasting life in His presence.

To those who are still blessed with the gift of life...please stop to smell the roses and appreciate the simple joys of life. Love as much as your heart can give.

To None I Wish Ill But To All I Wish Peace and Love.

A New Day

A week has passed and waking up early for 'school' seems a little refreshing start to 2010...thanks to Kyra. She is taking her new schooling experience pretty well and thank God for that.

New start for the New Year is the order of the day and that goes for work life too. Chen Pelf Yeen, a stringer with The Star in Malacca will soon be leaving to do her Master...good for her. Just hope that she had found her stint with with us here an enriching one with memories that will last a lifetime. But as news never stops.....so life must go on....and this is where two new interns from UTAR have come into the picture. The two lasses will be with the Star for the next couple of months and I hope that I will be able to guide them well.

As for the country....I pray for peace and harmony...that God will continue to bless our nation in 2010 and beyond despite its shortcomings and frailties.

"The Lord Is my Shepard and in Him shall I trust"

To None I Wish Ill But To All I Seek Peace and Love.

What To Do..what to do.

What a day...of running around getting chores done and chasing stories..then only to have a row with me Karen...much to Kyra's dismay. In the fit of anger...certain hurtful things were uttered by Karen and me. So much anger...and it can be very dangerous. (as noted in earlier post which of course is being edited after things have cool down)

Sigh...I do love Karen and Kyra tremendously and dislike it when we quarrel. Anyway, must learn not to 'bark' orders at Karen...which I do. (too much like in the army).

Pray for peace and healing and that God will continue to bless us.

To None I Wish Ill But To All I Seek Peace and Love.

One Step At A Time

It was a momentous moment for Kyra, Karen and me when Kyra began her schooling life. She started Primary One at Infant Jesus Convent or IJC, a missionary school steeped in tradition. Both my sisters went to IJC and it is still one of the best schools in the country and Malacca.

Anyway, Kyra's ear problem flared up on the 1st day of school and she had a fever...but alas...that didn't put a brake on her enthusiasm for life and new experiences. She's fine and tough as a nut. The first two days have been relatively good and Kyra seemed to have enjoyed every bit of it.

However, the early morning wake up and previous life style of late nights have had their toll. She now sleeps at 8.30pm. Well, its not her life that has changed but also ours as a family. Added responsibilities and readjustment of time....something that I too am looking forward to...a more settled phases in life.

Not expecting much and don't want to set expectations for Kyra...just encouragement and allowance to let her to develop and discover her talents at her own pace. It is after all, her first foray into the adult world....which has enough of its own expectations and pitfalls.

Just pray God will grant us peace, love and good health....and that He sends a legion of angels to look after Kyra through her schooling life. May she find joy in her quest for knowledge and God...and take one step at a time.

To None I Wish Ill But To All I Wish Peace and Love.

A Rare Blue Moon For 2010

Another year. another chapter in the wheel of life. Didn't really give much thought to any New Year 2010 resolutions. I guess being a better human being would be best to sum up the positive changes needed to be made. (just got some of my mum Irene Carvalho's new year chicken pie placed before me and thought of a resolution....watch my waist line..lol)

Well, still maintain my basic notion that life is short, so live it to the best with as little regrets. The profound meaning of this simple yet true cliche was driven home just before the New Year when a horrific road accident claimed the lives of a father and three young sons, leaving behind a grieving wife and year-old son who survived. It was heart wrenching.

So there you go....my motivation for doing some of the things I have done and will continue to do. As I mentioned to Karen my wife as I was about to go for my usual hour long guitar session at the playground...'I play because I can'. By that, I mean....I relish the life that I have and that I am able to enjoy it by simply doing something that brings joy..to the heart...music. I am grateful to God and thank Him not for the riches that I have but merely that I am alive and can give Him praise.

On a lighter note....what does Liverpool FC and astronomy have in common? Answer....you only get to enjoy them in the wee hours of the morning. Screwed up my sleep pattern over the past couple of days. The first was the year end game between Liverpool and Aston Villa (a one nil win) that ended at 5am.

Then there was the rare Blue Moon plus partial lunar eclipse that took place between 3am and 4am on Ja 1 2010. A Blue Moon is a term used to described a full moon that occurs twice in a month. What was even more rare this time was that it happened on the very 1st day of the new year coupled with a partial Lunar eclipse. Darn cool...had in fact set up my G9 and packed up the equipment at about 3.30am when cloud cover obscured the moon and had rushed to set the camera up again at about 4am when the skies partially cleared. (I took the photos because I can....but not as good as I hoped they would turned out...lol)

Lol.. another happy high light was that me and Karen went for Kyra's (I love her because I can) Standard One orientation at IJC on New Year's eve and later celebrated the countdown with Jaspal and Fiona's place in Klebang. Sigh...how fast time has passed.

So there you go....a Happy New Year experience. May God bless, guide and protect my family and me. May Jesus Christ shine His Light on us and may His Spirit fill our hearts.

To None I Wish Ill But To All I Seek Peace and Love.