I'm Touched!

Yesterday, I was on my usual routine of checking my blog. It came as a surprise to me upon receiving a " One Lovely Blog Award" from a very friendly and inspiring blogger, Mama Mia of the Philippines. Thanks a lot, Mama Mia, I'm so touched for the love you pass on so sincerely despite the fact that we have just got acquainted. You have chosen me so wholeheartedly to be among the lucky recipients. Wow! It's really a surprise.

Yunno, Mama Mia, the idea of receiving an award never crosses my mind. This is the first award I got from a blogger friend and I'm appreciating it so much. In so many ways, I'm grateful that others are willing to spare some of their precious moments to read my simple posts. I'm trying my best to put bits and pieces together and come up with something that might be of interest just to anyone. I blog for my passion in writing, be it ever so simple. Initially, I couldn't help wondering whether anyone would care to drop by. It isn't a big deal, it's just that the inquisitive side of my mind plays its role. As time goes by, I realise that there are quite a number of visitors and it keeps on growing. Some left comments which inspires me even more and for that I always make a point to reply all comments, giving a little bit of personal touch which I regard as my commitment towards friends to keep the friendship going.

Going through the journey of life, the unexpected happens, sometimes. As I said in one of my poems, I'm unable to foresee what lies ahead, be it good or bad. Somehow, I cross paths with so many wonderful people from some other parts of the world. Thus, making my life even more meaningful. We are all total strangers but in many ways bloggers unite us and enable us to share so much; from a simple talk to something that can boost our knowledge in different fields.

I enjoy visiting other blogs, too. There are times when it comes as another surprise on seeing my blog listed in the blog list of other bloggers. I feel honoured for the appreciations and compliments from all these great bloggers. It gives inspiration and and does make a lot of difference. I wish this unconditional friendship will live on, let's inspire each other for the common passion we share.

Please, do drop by at Mama Mia's blog http://mymommyconfessions.blogspot.com/. You'll love it.

Cheers!

They Keep Me Busy

One of my friends at bloggers was asking me how have I been doing...well, I was telling her that I've been busy since Friday.  Don't get me wrong, it isn't a complaint...being busy is just normal for  a person who juggles between workplace and home. Earlier, I read a local newspaper and there was one topic that I indulged in. It's about Well-Being and let me quote these two lines, "At work, we think of home. At home, we think of work."  It's undeniable that sometimes, it does happen to some of us and especially to a mom like me. Well, I'm just being thankful that it doesn't drag on the whole day. At certain point, I'm able to snap off my lingering thought of home when I'm at work, and likewise.

What have been keeping me busy? This is the answer!

So adorable!



A pose that's just nice!



About to doze off.


These kittens were given to me by my nephew. They were handed in to me on Friday. Since then, I've been busy taking care of them and going to the pets shop buying all their necessities. My children are cats' lovers, so the arrival of these two brings so much joys to them. We do have grown up cats at home.

I was asking my son for any suitable names for them.  All sorts of names are in his list but haven't decided yet which one to choose. Any suggestion from anyone? :)

By the way, I'd like to share this poem which I got from http://amandashome.com/catspoem.
Here it goes...

What Is A Cat ?

Gentle eyes
that see so much
paws that have
the quiet touch.

Purrs to signal
"all is well"
and show more love
than words can tell.

Graceful movements
touched with pride,
a calming presence
by our side.

A friendship
that will last and grow,
small wonder
why we love them so.

...Author Unknown




PS. Forgot to mention that one is male, another one female.

It's Monday....again!

Yeah...it's Monday. Surely, there are no Monday's blues. I think I have the blues not only on Monday but on other days, too. For instance, there are times when I don't even know what am I up to when everything seems to go wrong. Well, that's the situation when the mood swings settle in which I fail to understand, sometimes. :) I realise that the more I dwell in it, the worst it gets. Among all days, I like Friday the most cos it leads to the weekend. A much awaited time which can be spent with family members or friends, going picnicking, shopping, cooking my favourite dishes or simply relaxing at home and watching good tv programmes. I'd love to have a well-spent weekend that gives me the contentment of a fruitful day.

Actually, I spent this weekend in Kuching. Just came back on Sunday evening. It was a long journey back and forth but I really enjoyed it. Enjoyed being on the road, as well, appreaciating what nature has to offer all the way. I saw beauty in everything. In the clouds amidst the blue sky, the green leaves, trees and the hills yonder, the buildings...to name a few.  Everything's in perfection and soothed my mind. I also got the thrills being on the road when coming across some eccentric drivers. The drivers who drove as if the highway belonged to them giving no chances for others to overtake. By right, others could overtake at certain point when it's safe to do so. But not to a few drivers I met on the road, just recently, who seemed to be so selfish. I think, they also got the thrills on speeding with the turbo engine. When our car came close behind them, they increased speed which to me was a clear indication not letting us overtaking. It happened many times. By the way, we weren't in the circuit....it was just a family trip. And we didn't feel tempted to race with with them. Well, forget about them.

Here are some pictures which I took on the way to Kuching. By the way, Kuching is the state  city of Sarawak.




This gives me a peace of mind.



The cottony clouds, lush of green , the bluish hill and the highway.

No!.... that isn't a twister...take a closer look.

The "Hanging Garden" on the fly over in Kuching.

Meow....a cat at the rear of a bus.



Magnificent



The gigantic pineapple in Sarikei.

Part of Sibu town as seen from the longest bridge in Sarawak, the Rejang bridge.



The little red bridge at Bintangor.

Oh ya! Tuesday's coming up. I have two nieces who are in standard 6 and who will be sitting for their standard 6 examination starting from tomorrow until Thursday. They are both 12 years old. Good luck girls! Stay focussed! I know you could do it! *Hugs*

*By the time I finished uploading the pics, it's already Tuesday! :)

My Constraints

I tried to write something about Sarawak earlier but stopped halfway. Need to do a research on it before posting it here. There are sources to refer to and pictures to support the facts. The latter, I'm really handicapped at cos I'm really poor in photo-taking. Thus, every time I want to put relevant pictures for my topics, I have to search for free pictures online or free pictures for blogs. It's well understood that whatever I download from the internet, due acknowledgement has to be given to the sites. There are terms and conditions of usage which I have to observe with respect. Everyone has the copyright of his/her own photos and articles to curb plagiarism. Bloggers know well how time consuming it is to put thoughts in words, make it impressive to draw readers and add pictures to it which makes it even more attractive.

Along the way, I find that there are times when I have the writer's block. Running out of ideas to express what I have on mind. It just doesn't work no matter how hard I try. There are good times when ideas would flow so swiftly and makes me feel that I have to 'run' after it lest it slips off the mind! Little jottings here and there help a lot, too, the ideas could be merged later to form better sentences that portray my thoughts. Sometimes, ideas come so unexpectedly and I used to say, that's what I want for my blog. It's really true to the adage that it happens when you lest expect! And that's when I let my mind plays with ideas.

When trying to convey messages across, it's crucial to highlight a point. But sometimes, this is a barrier for me to select proper words to use, in short to express it meaningfully so others could see my point. This is of course better said than done but when the going gets tough, the tough gets going, nothing beats the immense satisfaction when it's appropriately done and when ideas generate smoothly. I don't deny the facts that there are flaws in my writing but I can learn from it and think of better ways to improve. The flaws could pave the way and tap my potential in my journey to creative writing. Anyway, I'm just another human being with flaws and strength.

*Images are from
  http://www.datpiff.com/
  http://marylaine.com/maptopo.jpg

On Cloud 9

....... am I? Pondering on these few things that cross my mind...and wonder which one really is a life fulfillment. Even if it doesn't, there's nothing to lose in imagining that everything is fine and life's a many splendoured thing.

 It would really fulfill me when I......

hear every beat of my heart

feel the rhythmic flow of my blood

fantasize life's an eternity

mesmerize in the serenity of nature

taste the sweetness of all things

and amazed

by all wonders beyond compare

I might not have the strength to ........

bear all the burden of life

resist the temptation of evil

withstand the severe torment of pressure

face obstacles without fear of the unknown

foresee what lies ahead

But I'm thankful enough to ........

be blessed, love and be loved

appreciate the bridges of friendship

put what's right over wrong

unravel the moments of truth

lend a hand to those who need it most

extend little favour and bring a big smile on another's face

It's a wonderful feeling .......

sharing life with those

who love me the way I am

who accept my flaws and strength

who unselfishly let a shoulder to cry on

and

 by my side through thick and thin

*Every single word comes from the sentimental side of me,

Balqis