Uniquity

1. The Marketplace

2. The Craft-works



3. The Pasar Malam



4. The Patriotism



5. The Food



6. The Colours



Happy Independence Day, Malaysia.

The Season is Here!

Dad came home today with a box of mooncakes; it was a green rectangular box with simple oriental designs and printed Chinese art on the cover, containing 4 different flavoured mooncakes. A gift from a friend, he said.

Durian Lotus Paste with Single Yolk
Snow Skin White Lotus Paste
Assorted Nuts "Ng Yan"
Dragon Fruit Lotus Paste

mmm..

With Mooncake Festival just around the corner, you can see most food outlets and bakeries displaying their own brand of this traditional delicacy almost everywhere you go. Honestly, it is the vibrant-coloured packagings that really catch my attention. My personal favourite would be those boxes made out of wood, almost looking like a Japanese bento box. Classic indeed.

The one I have at home today; the one that marks the beginning of the festival, is from Genting, the City of Entertainment, or so it seems.

And so, my brother and I attacked the box immediately, trying to decide which flavour to choose. Only because the Durian Lotus Paste with Single Yolk had a yolk inside, my brother insisted that we open that one first. Fine, I said. But before I could run to take my camera, the mooncake was gone, proving that my family warmly welcomes the season.

Then, dad saw the Assorted Nuts "Ng Yan" mooncake (his favourite), but mum saw the Snow Skin White Lotus Paste (the only green coloured mooncake in the box) flavoured mooncake and wanted to have a taste. Being the gentleman in the family, dad obviously gave in. This time, I had my camera with me.


The taste was very mild, and the texture was very creamy (I think that it was made out of marzipan, and it was left unrefrigerated. That's why it looks so mushy). What's fun is that you can crunch on the melon kernel seeds. To be honest, I am not a fan of mooncakes, but I guess that I just enjoy the happy atmosphere when everyone else is enjoying their share of the delicacy.

There is much history to this festival, go check it out on Google. May this rich culture live on in our community! Besides, at what other suitable occasions can you play lighted paper lanterns and coloured candles with your neighbours, friends and loved ones?

Happy celebrating!

p.s. Happy 52nd Birthday Malaysia!

Published

And so 'Of Love For Dolls & Wonder Cream' got published in The Star today.
At the Star-NiE's Stuff@school section.
However, its title got changed. To 'No Silver Lining'.
The editor did have the rights to change it.
Quite disappointing actually, I wanted the original to stay.
But I am thankful, and not to mention grateful to have it published.
And a whole page for it too! Yipee!

Didn't know that it was out until someone came up to me in school and complimented lightly on the story, saying that she saw it in the papers and that really caught me by surprise.

Did not think that they were going to pick mine.

I guess that I would consider this as a little accomplishment of the month. Whee!

Am so happy, smiling right now. Hee hee.


Working hard for Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM) Trials,
-Joyce

Of the Body & Mind

Something urged me to do this piece early this morning.
It is quite personal, really.

The protector of the Mind secures me from weak judgement,
whereas the protector of the Body is none other than me.

A dedication to those who had moments when they could see no rationality.

The Protector


Nobody said that Life is what you wish it to be
nor is it a game which is too easy to win
it is a Challenge
and perseverance is the Key
Take it easy, but do accept this world of sin

be Strong, be armed, let not these thoughts be dismayed
for clouded feelings may lead you astray
but in Truth, a fact
The sensible thoughts never betray

when all things Fail and it felt like you would
think harder, then see the Sense you should
step back, take deep breaths a few
tell me then, when you can
The beautiful clear view

material and money, it is my Priority
aid the young blind, oh wait
he is Me
hate not this man, but please make him see
I am your hope, your leader to be

this strength is mine, not yours to defeat
back off, I warn! It's best to take heed
A predator,
but a Protector I may be
now use your Wit, so be quick on the feet.

Like an effective shield. It is to me.

The Protector,
-joyce.

Fragility Factor

At the touch of love everyone becomes a poet. -Plato

Feel the rhythm, hear the beats
It is alive
It truly is
Let it not be filled with greed
This bearer of hope, wonder and bliss

Damage not this fragile heart

Of a child too young at age
For his innocence should be kept in piece

It is strong
But it is weak
May you listen, and may you please
Be kind and be gentle
For just at least

Damage not this fragile heart

Of an affectionate mother with a pretty face
For her sacrifice is a sum you cannot repay

And damage not this fragile heart

Of a devoted lover who cared for her mate
For passion, a gift, is not for play

From her heart,
-joyce.