Traditional Chinese Festival........

This year, the annual Chinese "Chang" festival falls on the 28th of May. The official name of this festival is "The Dragon Boat Festival or Duanwu Festival", which is believed to have originated in ancient China. It is a public holiday for some countries such as China, Taiwan, Hong Kong and Macau. This festival is also being celebrated in other East Asian nations.

Being a Malaysian Chinese, what we normally do (in the past......) is that our mother, grandmother and aunties are seen busy preparing the ingredients and the bamboo or pandan leaves for purpose of making glutinous rice dumplings. In the old days, the older generation will be teaching the younger ones how to fold and tie bamboo/pandan leaves to create a neat dumpling, but today, this specialties is being commercialise and on top of that most younger generation people (girls off course) are too busy for such task. So, very few family now make their own dumplings at home, instead they just buy the ready made ones for own consumption.

To be frank, I've tried many times to acquire this skill from my mum during my childhood days, but I never succeed (my little humiliating secret)....... the rice & ingredients always ended up in the pot of boiling water instead of being a cooked glutinous rice dumpling, ready to be eaten!! Oh.... what a shame!! Anyway, at least I got the opportunity to try.......

I would like to wish all Chinese people out there, "A very happy & joyous Chang Festival" and...... enjoy eating your glutinous rice dumplings. Here's one for you.........

A Poem for all mothers & non mothers

As the month of May is a special month for all mothers, I would like to share this special & meaningful poem by Francis Duggan with all the sweet mothers and non-mothers alike.........

The Women Of The World
The women of the World as people they are great
They give birth to the children and in so doing life create
In every woman ever born a a nurturing soul you'll find
The mothers and the aunties a credit to Humankind.

All mothers and non mothers we ought to celebrate
The women of the World we tend to under-rate
Get rid of Patriarchy as such we do not need
History tells us that only to war the male kind us do lead.

The women of the World their praises we should sing
They have the gift of dialogue and that's a marvellous thing
'Tis not to give his life in war a mother raises her son
You seldom hear a women sing of battles fought and won.

To the women of the World the toasting glass we'll raise
As the glue that binds humanity they are worthy of our praise
They are the unsung heroines of our World of today
The respect to them that is overdue to them we ought to pay.

Not forgetting...... I am also sending you all a beautiful red rose &

Article about Cats [Part 7]

My last sharing on the article about Cats was on October 5th 2008. Today, I've got another interesting facts on 'The Cat and the Rat', which I think most people would be interested to know more as we all know that both cats and rats are enemies, but not knowing the reason behind them. So, here's the story.........

The Cat and the Rat

The cat has always and will always be the rat's enemy.

According to Madagascan legend, the cat and the rat once live in peace until a famine struck. A migration took the cat and rat to a river and while crossing, the rat was almost drowned and begged for help from the cat who had been fooled earlier by the rat. The cat agreed to help the rat on condition that he would be allowed to eat the rat upon reaching the bank, but the cunning rat outsmarted the cat and escaped. Since then, the cat has made eternal war on the entire race of rats.

In ancient Egypt, the cat rapidly showed itself to be a very effective weapon against the scourge of mice and rats which were infesting the cornfield. The special characteristic of the cat have certainly played a great part in influencing the cat's destiny in human society and later contributed to its spiritual quality, the cat goddess, Bastet.

Rats were the causes of plague which brought deaths and miseries to mankind down the centuries. Rats, against whom, until our own era, the only weapon was the misunderstood and ill-loved cat.

The barbarian invasions brought rats in their wake and Europe's first ratting cats. From the North Sea to the Adriatic countries laws were made in favour of cats. In Central Wales in the middle of the 10th Century a legal code was introduced fixing the value of ratting cats, depending on their ratting skills. Penalties were imposed on those who endangered the animal.

Dr. Loir, son-in-law of Louis Pasteur undertook to prove that it was not a starving cat that make the best killer of rats. On the contrary, the hostility of cats to rats was instinctive, spontaneous, a matter of sport and leisure habit. The ratting cat hunts and kills purely for pleasure. The cat has everywhere been proved a better weapon than poisons or traps, as it is more discreet, patient and effective.

Since World War II, it is the biochemical industry that has led the vanguard in this war against rodents. But the cats still act as an ever vigilant army against their ancient enemy, the rats.

It's Your Day 'Turtles' & 'Tortoises'........

May 23rd is World Turtle Day, a day which was founded in 1990 by the American Tortoise Rescue.

The purpose of this day is to bring attention to, and increase knowledge of and respect for turtles and tortoises, and encourage human action to help them survive and thrive. Let us all do our part to be kind to turtles and tortoises not only on 23rd May but any other days........

"Have a great-fun day, our dearest turtle & tortoise"

'Letter Writing' an old hobby........

Since the early years, I love to write....... though I don't have the opportunity to further pursue into this field, so I just end up in 'Letter Writing'.

That's how I develop my hobby of letter writing which is popularly known as 'Pen Pal or Pen Friend'. In the old days we correspond through pen and paper via postal mail. How many remember the old newspaper "Borneo Bulletine". This newspaper have a special column to publish the names of those who intend to make friends through letter writing. Recalling those old days where letters start pouring in after the name and address being published - couldn't wait to get home from school and start opening those letters!! Those pen friends come in all ages, nationalities and cultures. Through correspondence we also exchange postcards, stamps, articles and even photos.

Today, though people still correspond, but it is much less through pen, paper and via postal mail but through a much more easier, simplified and faster means - the Internet or online.

For myself, today I am using both the writing and online methods of getting connected with people around me, be it near or far! Though there is this online method, which is much simplified but I still use the letter writing method once a while as I belief that either methods have it's advantage and disadvantage.

GRATITUDE is POWER

Reading inspiring phrases, words or articles is something which I love doing in my free time. What I like most is that it enables me to see things or situations in a better perspective, thus being able to appreciate what we have as well as adopting a positive thinking in my life. Though I might not have some of those material things which many others are having in the comfort of their home and lives, but in comparison to those who are less fortunate than myself, I' am indeed very thankful for the many things which I possess.

Here's an inspiring article which is worth sharing........

PEACE OF MIND
If you were to ask your neighbor,
"What would give you peace of mind?" he might tell you,
"A vacation in Bermuda" or
"An extra hundred grand would give me peace!", or
"A new Ferrari would make me content!"

But going to places - and getting stuff - is usually a temporary solution......
Peace of mind rarely comes from getting more stuff.
Getting more stuff usually leads to wanting even more stuff!
Peace of mind starts with being grateful for what we have right now.

GRATITUDE IS POWER
When we are thankful for what we have - for the friends we have, and for the things we've got, we attract more good people and good things!
People who always complain about what they DON'T HAVE, stay stuck......
Complainers attract more things to complain about!
It is a law of life. It's hard to explain, but you can observe it around you.
We get more of what we dwell upon.

That's why all the spiritual masters have taught the same lesson....
"Start by being thankful. Be happy with what you have now, and more will come your way".

It's practical advice.
Every time you say a silent "thank you" you become more peaceful....... and have more power.

Picturesque article for sharing

Recently I've received some beautiful scenic pictures from a friend through E-Mail....... As those pictures are really 'stunning', I just can't help deleting them after reading and re-emailing it to friends, so......... I save them. After giving it much thought, I decided to get some relevant 'online poems' which suit those beautiful pictures, and with my little knowledge of 'Adobe Photoshop' program, here's what I've come up with & to be shared with all beautiful people out there. Hope you all like it too..........

Poem - My Sunset by Kimbaline Navas

In regards to my earlier blog 'The beautiful SUNSET', here's a beautiful poem by Kimbaline Navas to share with all. The words of her poem really fits in to those beautiful pictures as well as how we feel about 'The beautiful SUNSET'.........

My Sunset

I close my eyes and I can vision my sunset laid across the water with clouds gently placed on top.

The yellow is so bright that it consumes my thoughts I fall deeper into the colors of the sun so that I could touch the orange glow, what a soft feeling, my sunset.

My sunset takes me to another place and time where there will be no problem too tall to overcome. This vision is embedded in my mind it is like a river running free a clear thought on a sunny day and it ends with my sunset and me.

My sunset frees my thoughts from confusion it leads me to believe that I am on top of the world, setting me free to score over the waters of my mind.

My sunset places me in a part of heaven where the day comes to an end with the beauty of my sunset.

The beautiful SUNSET.........

I believe that most of us love to watch the 'sunset' than 'sunrise'. Most probably the reason being: it's more romantic; more beautiful; night is falling and it's the end of another day's hectic schedules & most of all time for relaxation as compared to sunrise........ time to wake up to start another new day; and many other reasons, depending on individuals.

As most of us are living in the city, watching sunset is something which is almost impossible, especially with the existence of high-rise buildings. The most we can see from the roof-top maybe just the rays from the beautiful yellow, orange-red colours and not the real sunset!! So, here's some beautiful pictures of SUNSET to share with all my online friends........ for those who love sunset will sure to appreciate it..........

Wanna share the beautiful & colourful TULIPS!

Wanna know friends????? Today is 'Tulip Day'. With the early morning sun shinning brightly outside, guess....... it's just the right time to share with you all some beautiful & colorful tulips which I've obtain online [on loan temporary- haha!].

"Have a beautiful day - as beautiful as those TULIPS"

"Happy Mother's Day" to all........

Again, it's another "Mother's Day", a day to specially give honour to all beautiful mothers, wherever they all may be in this whole wide world. Though this day is to honour all mothers, but let us not forget that it is not only a day's affair, but each and everyday is equally important as we can never forget that 'A Mother's Love Has No End'. So, let us all give our unending love to her as well. Here's a meaningful poem by Rose Falcone to share with all on Mother's Day........

Mother's Day

Shall we give mother just a day
For all she does in every way?

Will we ever know her joy,
Her pride and love in girl and boy?

Is it thankless the work she does?
She nary complained though tired she was.

I really do not think she minds
Because from day to day she finds.

That even through the pain and tears
With her help, and over the years.

Those children grow and will become
her finest deeds for kingdom come.

A mother's love is never tired
It's true, it's safe and much admired.

So now we have a day for mother
Just a day like any other?

Mother's Day should be every day
Not just a way we feel today.

Three Things In Life.........

My dear friends......... here's some meaningful phrases which I received from a distant friend from Philippine to be shared with all. Let us use those phrase to reflect into our everyday life and if there is any area in which we need to make better, let's do it so that our life will be happier, joyful, loving and meaningful.

Three things in life that, once gone, never come back:
1. Time
2. Words
3. Opportunity

Three things in life that can destroy a person:
1. Anger
2. Pride
3. Unforgiveness

Three things in life that you should never lose:
1. Hope
2. Peace
3. Honesty

Three things in life that are most valuable:
1. Love
2. Family & Friends
3. Kindness

Three things in life that are never certain:
1. Fortune
2. Success
3. Dreams

Three things that make a person:
1. Commitment
2. Sincerity
3. Hard work

25 tips for a healthy heart

We all need a healthy heart, and here's an interesting, colourful and pictorial article by NOVARTIS to share with all on the 25 tips for a healthy heart. Hope it will be of interest to all........

To get a bigger image, click on the picture

"Don't Worry, Be Happy!"

In my working days, when work are piling up & pressures from boss are 'up-over and above' our heads, I still remember me and my group of colleagues used to say "Don't worry, be happy!" We always recall this song sung by Bobby McFerrin, as it has great meaning in it and it does help to bring our stress level down. Even in my everyday life now, whenever I am face with any worries or problems, I try to recall this song so as to cheer myself up.

As this week is 'Get Happy Week', here's to remind us all to stay happy despite whatever reason we have for unhappiness in our life so that life can be more meaningful. Let's cheer up!!

The happy Person

In a World where many have ulcers due to worry and stress
And where people are judged by material success
And since everyone answers to the reaper's call
The happy one is the most successful of all.

For the top job the happy one does not compete
And the happy one never feels sad in defeat
Not to be a hero or catch the big fish
Just to be happy in life is the happy one's wish.

The happy one can be a he or a she
But to find such a person do not look for me
Since like many others I feel weighed down by care
Though people like me they have never been rare.

The happy one everyone wishes to know
And the friends of the happy one in numbers grow
One who is not tainted by deceit or guile
And one who finds it easy to laugh and to smile.

~ Francis Duggan ~

"Let us all be happy"

Each day, we are sure to face some ups and downs in life which makes us feel unhappy, angry, upset, down and many more of those unending lists........

As May 1st to 7th is "Get Happy Week", let us all leave those problems and worries behind and be happy. Here's some wonderful poems to share with everyone on this special week, hoping that it will brings cheers to everyone, including myself off course!!

"Happiness comes and goes,
Happiness gives us a lot of relief from tension
Happiness teaches us what the life means,
Happiness makes us forget all our sorrows"
~ Pushkar Bisht ~

"Happiness is a kind smile
A loving word and a gentle kiss
Happiness is the shining sun
And the glittering stars"
~ Amee Riebsome ~

"Happiness is that which everyone longs
but so few of us actually get
Happiness is that which rights all wrongs
and leaves us without regret"
~ Luci Loughlin ~

Happy 'Labour Day' to all........

Again it's May 1st, which means 'Labour Day' or 'May Day'. It is a day where most people are having their day off from their normal daily duties. For those who need to work on this day, don't be sad and 'Don't Worry, Be Happy' but make sure that your off day is being replaced with another day! Remember....... 'This is your rights' and to all working people...... 'Never forgo your rights!' So, here's wishing all..........