a flickering spark wanting to be appreciated for her warmth



<3 SONGS!

Fields of Gold - Sting
You were meant for me - Jewel
If i ain't got you - Alicia Keys
All of me - John Legend
Home - Phillip Phillips
L-O-V-E - Nat King Cole
How long will I love you - Ellie Goulding
The Glory of Love - The Five Keys

Running always gives me time to think to myself. Some people call it 'me-time', 'self-talk', etc. Well, yesterday I thought of something. It wasn't something new to me but it has proven to be true over the years.
It all started when a few student leaders from RGS held a leadership/motivational programme for students in my school. One of them whose name, I think, was Subashini, wrote a note for me and on it, it was written "Aim for the moon. Even if you don't reach it, you will land among the stars." Being a little girl with no older sisters as role models, what she said was impressed upon me. I wanted to go RGS but didn't do exceptionally well. I did well enough to be offered SAP schools. My 2nd brother was also a role model who gave me advice on sponsorship and that grades weren't the only thing that makes one outstanding. Eventually, I attended his college as well.
It was not easy being a little fish in big ponds but I swam with the school (pun intended ;)) and did average. It was good enough to lessen the financial load and my parents were able to retire early. :)

Right now, I'm very thankful for what I've received. It is indeed God's Grace.

As I was running 10km on an early Saturday morning along the sea, I thought to myself:
It's nice to be the best and beat everyone else. It's not possible for the world to support so many 'best' people (with reference to 'winners' in economics). However, you do not need to be the best to be happy or satisfied or to live well. We all have our own personal best and that's good enough. You just have to learn from the best, work with the best, move with the best and even if you're not the best, you won't be far off.

Yes and that was my Saturday morning. No, I didn't win the top 10 prizes in the run but Yes, I finished the race and was ahead of many others. :)

Labels: 2014, happy, life, race, random thoughts, role models, running, thankful

Many things happened and yet not many things happened recently. 

Labels: 2014, choices, happiness, life

For he's a jolly good fellow,
The one I remembered from young.
The piggybacks and funny jokes,
The hugs and laughters,
The occasional scolds.

Years gone by, he's grown old,
And we have all grown apart.
Our families meet once a year,
The gathering of many for the new beginning,
The one I see him at.

He fought many battles,
Through the lines and creases, we see.
He fought hard till the end,
Through the weeks, we saw.
We prayed. We wept. We loved more.

Although you're gone from our sight,
No matter what,
No matter where,
No matter when,
In our hearts and in our minds,
You'll always be a part.

God bless your soul and all the loved ones you've left behind. Amen.

I will miss you...and especially your smile.

Labels: 2014, 21August2014, emo, family, God, life, love, memories, prose, uncle

Today I received a call from my aunt and it got me worried until mum came home. I'm grateful for everyday that my uncle is fine.

Yet, I can't help but wonder about my own life and the journey ahead. I'm not sure how much longer I can keep hope up.

Robin Williams passed away today. A friend posted an article about how the funniest or happiest person may be the most unhappy or depressed person. 
The funniest people I know always seem to be the ones surrounded by darkness. And that’s probably why they’re the funniest. The deeper the pit, the more humor you need to dig yourself out of it.

Heard this song on my way home from gym and it become my ear worm. So meaningful and kinda expresses how I feel lately.

辛曉琪 遺忘

Labels: 2014, chinese songs, comedians, depression, emo, family, friends, God, hope, life, love, memories, pray, reminiscence, robin williams, songs, thankful, time, Time magazine, Winnie Hsin

The train carriage was quiet although most of the seats were taken. There was a lady reading a magazine, a teenage boy bobbing his head to the music playing through his headphones, an old couple staring into space with their hands held on tightly together and a couple of tired workers with their eyes half-shut. I was sitting there looking around and thinking about plans for tomorrow when the carriage doors open and in ran two young children with their father behind them. He sat down quietly beside me. His two children were chasing round the poles and loud laughter and shrill shrieks were heard from time to time.I turned to look at my neighbour and he was nonchalantly staring into space. It was as if he could not hear nor see the ruckus. I looked around the carriage to see if anyone was also bothered by the scene. A few exchanged looks with me and gave a disapproving look while the rest did not stir. I closed my eyes and hoped that the children would tire soon and sit down with their father. It felt like a long wait. Finally, I turned to tap on his shoulders. 

"Excuse me sir, could you ask your children not to run and shout?"

"I'm sorry. We just returned from the hospital. Their mother just passed on. I'm not sure what to do either."

This story was adapted from a story I've heard during a workshop. It was about making assumptions. In our daily lives, we often make assumptions based on our own experiences, senses, beliefs and perspectives. Today, I sat in the bus on my way to the hospital to accompany my mother. My uncle is not well and appears to be in a critical and delicate situation. I was troubled. Yet, I was reminded of that story, of how I am troubled and how everyone on the bus might have viewed me. The least likely opinion that they would have of me is that my loved one is not well. And I looked around, wondering what is everyone's story. Do they have an amazing or unhappy childhood? Are they healthy or are they sick? Do they have financial security or instability?

Everyone has a story. I don't want his to end. God bless him. I really hope he becomes better and that he will wake up to smile to me again. Pray for him.

Labels: 2014, emo, family, God, health, kinship, love, pray, stories, uncle

Previously on Earth • Presently in Paradise

Leave a comment anywhere if you're interested in something pretty here.

Brand New Bags!

Good for weekends and work. Able to put magazines, files, notebook, ipad and a bottle of water to hydrate in this sunny weather.
Rich pebbled cowhide leather and a structured tote shape accented with 14 karat gold-plated hardware.
Contrast top-stitching with a double flat shoulder strap and a KATE SPADE NEW YORK" name plaque on the front center of the bag.
Has concealed zip-top closure that opens up to a pretty woven floral lining.
Has two open pockets trimmed in leather and a zipper pocket with leather accents and a "KATE SPADE NEW YORK" name plaque stitched into it.
ORP: US$365
Asking for $480!
Brand New With Tag. No dustbag.
20" Shoulder Straps
8" Shoulder Strap Drop
16" Width
13.5" Height
6" Depth


Longchamp Le Pliage in Rouge & Blanc


Favorite classic tote from Longchamp - Le Pliage in Blanc & Rouge
Zippered Tote
12" Long Handle - Cowhide Leather
1 Main Compartment with Zipper Opening and 1 Internal Pocket on the Front
Foldable for Easy Storage when Not In Use
Dimensions: 31x30x19cm
Made In France
Brand New!
ORP: $245
Asking for $185

History

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