New Year Resolutions

For many of us, the dawning of a New Year alerts us to reflect more seriously and deeply the path ahead by taking into consideration lessons from the past year(s) and at the same time, frame out what we need and/or could do to make the New Year "New". In other words, we can enter the New Year by reviewing our perspectives and adopting fresh outlook into our lives and the things and people around us while always being mindful not to be caught in the vicious cycle of living in regrets.

Yes, I understand that it can be rather depressing to experience failures in keeping those resolutions, year after year. But does this mean that we should abandon the practice altogether? Perhaps not. Maybe, it has to be with our unrealistic expectation. Personally, I will try to set goals that will stretch my imagination and usual capacity and yet they should not be too unrealistic to achieve. With some motivation and lots of prayers, set goals that are between 50 to 75% attainable type.

For example, in the field of photography, I have decided to set my goals for 2012. I plan to frame perspectives based on the theme "Frivolous" that covers 6 main categories: Festivals, Faces, Floral, Feasts, Facades & Flaws. They are meant to be light hearted so as to put a balance to the serious work that I am doing. At the end of the year, I hope to produce a "story" that will be an inspiration to people. Care to share your New Year's Resolutions? Blessed New Year :) Don't forget to carry your camera or camera phone. I snapped this dragon fly while I was doing some spray painting work. (Glad the paint was already dried! )

The Bird Life Cycle

It has been almost half a year since I last posted. Let me resume by sharing an interesting observation as well as a lovely encounter with a bird and its family recently. It happened when I first noticed a pretty bird flying at my home backyard. Soon, a nest was built on the branches of my curry leaf tree. It chose a perfect spot to lay its eggs. After they were laid and eventually hatched, the mother watched at a close distance, probably on a lookout for intruders. It cared for her young in accordance with the natural instinct of a mother and was prepared to defend and protect them.

It was fascinating to see how she went about feeding her young. I was especially inspired to witness the special bonding between them. While the mother continued to care for her young, I had to leave the scene for a few days for an overseas trip. The thoughts of that unique relationship remained with me while I was away.

Upon my return, I was thrilled to see the rapid and steady growth of the nestling. However, I remained puzzled on the apparent absence of the other sibling. I reached out to feel the soft feathers. It was amazing!

After a few minutes, I noticed its mother perched on a wall, next to the tree, staring at us. I thought the moment has come for me to bid goodbye to this beautiful chick that was learning to flap its wings. Though there was a sense of reluctance, I figured out that mother knows best what is good for her young. I prayed that they will continue to fly freely and not be caged up somewhere. There are precious lessons concerning the uniqueness of life associated with this encounter. I shall treasure them in my heart. I hope you are also inspired by this sharing.

After this encounter, I have occasionally looked up to the roost, wondering whether I would have the good fortune of witnessing the next season.

Resolutions for the New Year (Revised Version)

Come, gorgeous Red Dragonfly

Rest on this hand of mine.

Let me take a close shot of you
And fly, fly away, as you will.

The 1st day of the New Year unveils one of the most profound mysteries as well as the beauty of the insect world. I am thrilled that I was able to fulfill the hope of one of my friends when he requested me to take a photograph of a Red Dragonfly for his project. I tried for about a year, though I must confess that I had not deliberately ventured into the woods to look for it. Incidentally, I noticed this gorgeous Red Dragonfly hovering at my car porch area yesterday. Armed with a camera, I approached it cautiously being conscious of the rare probability of obtaining a good shot. I took some. They are just OK shots. But early this morning, I saw my "friend" again. I moved closer towards it and offered my hand for it to rest on it. I captured that moment without having to capture the insect (into captivity). Bravo! That "connecting" moment was simply amazing!

As we begin this year, many will take the opportunity to make new resolutions. What are yours? One of mine is to capture/treasure special moments with people with the understanding that true relationship sets us free to enjoy the presence of others as well as allow them to take flight, anytime too. What are your thoughts?

Passing Train, passing Time

Recently, Singapore reached a landmark agreement with the Malaysian Government on the Railway relocation. Singapore, Malaysia to relocate train station, ending dispute

Monday, 24 May 2010 © 2010 - The Edge Singapore.
A couple of days ago, my car was stopped right in front of the crossing of a train along Chua Chu Kang Road. That was a special moment. It brought me back in time ... to about 30 years ago when I first encountered it while serving my military service in that area. Strangely, though the wait was under one minutes, the historical experience simply "popped back alive" and I felt transported back in time. Instinctively, I looked at my dressing and I thought I was wearing my military uniform! haha! What are some memories that you treasure? Enjoy this short clip. Nostalgic.Memorable.Soon it will be no more...

Balance and Adrift

This view captures the general landscape of the island Singapore that attempts to maintain a delicate balance between keeping pace with modernization and the preservation of her historical heritage. Historically, it was a fishing port. On the left hand side of the picture was the landing site of Sir Stamford Raffles who founded Singapore in 1819. The skyscrapers in the background depict the spirit of constantly raising its citizens to greater heights of achievements. Situated close to the river bank is the Asian Civilisation Museum where we treasure our nostalgic past. Change is a constant feature of this relatively tiny island in South East Asia. Behind the historic landing site are two outstanding buildings. One is the modern Supreme Court that has a "space ship" architectural design. The other is the newly built Parliament House where national polices are debated and laws passed. More significantly, today thousands of people from all walks of life stream into the House to pay their respects to Dr. Goh Keng Swee. The former Deputy Prime Minister passed away on 14 May 2010 at the age of 91 years old. We pay tribute to him for his outstanding contributions in terms of the shaping of the modern Singapore, specifically in education, finance, defence and the arts. While Dr. Goh and the leadership have contributed significantly to the development of this nation to a First World status within a generation, including the transforming of this once very dirty foul smelling river to its presentable condition, we need to be mindful that there are others who may not be able to keep up with the pace of change and are, as illustrated by the floating sandal found at the right bottom corner of this photograph, drifting albeit aimlessly. The sandal neither has an outstanding color nor is large enough to attract people's attention. Notwithstanding that, compassion must be demonstrated to them and opportunity be given to share in the economic fruits. Realistically, there will always be a segment of the population who would lag behind (due to a complex variety of reasons) and there are others such as the foreigners (approximately 20% of its population) who have come from far away places, had incurred huge debts and are in search for a better world in this shore. Maintaining a delicate balance and reaching out to those who are adrift is more than just an art for a civilized nation.

Adorable Pandas

The Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding near Chengdu, Sichuan China is where pandas and other animals that are classified as endangered species are kept, protected and cared for. According to the tour guide, it is estimated that there are about 2,000 of them in the world and can usually live up to 25 to 30 years old in captivity. They feed mainly on bamboos (90% of their diet). Zoos pay about one million dollars (US) to the Chinese government in terms of loan fees . If you are interested to see the pandas, the address is 26, Panda Road, Chengdu or at your national zoo.

Easter 2010

Easter is a faith celebration based on the resurrection of Jesus Christ. In a couple of weeks' time, millions will flock to churches and sanctuaries to worship "the ONE who is no longer in the tomb, but have risen from the dead!" Christ has conquered death. And the butterfly is often used to depict the new life.

Some 2,000 years ago, the shepherds witnessed the glory of God while they were at the fields tending to their sheep. And several months before that, the angel Gabriel appeared to Joseph in a dream and said, "She (i.e. Mary) will give birth to a son and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins." (Matthew 1:21). Christians believe that it is the act of God's love that He sent His only Son to become man, live among us and die on the cross so as to redeem us from our sins. The Chinese character for the word love is 爱. Have you received the love of God in your heart? Easter 2010 can be that special day for you.

Mystery solved ???

I have been puzzled at the unusual rapid worn out rate of the string of my outdoor bamboo chicks. Was it due to the normal wear and tear/weather? One morning, I was attracted to the chirpings coming from my backyard. I went there, returned with my camera and captured several shots. The photograph explains it all! I suspect the bird (s) must have discovered that the string would serve as a useful material for its nest. If that is the case, I shall be glad to leave it that way. That's my guess. BTW, is this a Yellow Warbler (Dendroica Petechia)?

Have you had a mystery that kept you wondering??? Anyway, it's a good feeling that my (small) loss can become a (huge) gain to others. I welcome the bird family!

Underwater Life

It's an amazing sight under the water. Enjoy this home made movie using a waterproof digital camera.

Last week, my wife and I visited the Sungei Buroh Wetland Reserve. We enjoyed the peace and serenity of the natural oasis plus the fresh air that it offered. It was very different from the hustle and bustle of the Christmas festivities that had just passed. There were few people around except for several teachers leading a group of young children on an excursion.
We spotted some interesting species of birds in the swamps from a "window" that provided an excellent view without disturbing them.
As we enter the New Year, there will be "windows of opportunity" around us. Are we taking time to reflect more deeply the things around us or have we been drawn into the busyness of our routine already? I believe that what we see or perceive will invariably affect the way we act or respond to the situations/issues before us. Today, what do we see? I am reminded of the airplane window seat that provides an ariel view. Alternatively, we can venture to visit the recently completed tallest HDB Building in Singapore, the 50 Storey Pinnacle@Duxton or the 828 m tall Burj Khalifa in Dubai. The view up there must be extraordinary. However, wherever we are i.e. on land, in the air or under the sea, let's take cognizance of the views that will our shape our future. Have a Blessed and meaningful New Year!