Beauty..

Sometimes in the darkest hour we forget the simple things that surround us. We overlook the little details that may bring relief and joy even for a fleeting moment. Focus on the dark and be blinded or seek the specks of light that bring hope. Hope, after all is one thing that all of us have a lot of.

Currently at least two of my close friends is in the midst of preparing to go for Hajj. The annual pilgrimage has begun. Getting news of their pending departure struck a chord in me. A tinge of jealousy perhaps because its not me that is going. The Hajj, the fifth pillar of Islam. I just want to get it done yet have not. Why ? I am the type who likes to get things done and over with. Like paying the bills once it arrived - unlike my other half - well that's a contentious story by itself. So, 5 pillars, 4 done, 1 left. To appease my mind, I have been to Mecca 3 times. For Umrah, the voluntary (is this the right term for sunat ?) not mandatory visit.

Since the first Umrah I kept telling myself that I will come for the Hajj, yet god in his ways invited me back for the 2nd and 3rd Umrah. So, for now, hope and wait. Inshaallah. To those going - lambailah kami yang tinggal ni.




A parcel arrived yesterday. It contains a book, a tangible output from 2007. Details and short review here.

Colour

Garden creepers...

For Bbugs

There comes a time when all I need is a sounding board to which I can unleash all my thoughts and empty my mind. A sounding board that just absorbs with nary a fear of it being used against me. For we sometimes do and think about unthinkable and unacceptable things. A shrink, psychiatrist or therapist fits the bill but will cost money on top of the fact that they do it as a job not a buddy.

I was lucky to have such a sounding board. Only catch is that its half a world away. Separated by time, distance and now changing lifestyle. There's so much I want to tell, to offload, to air the furthest corner of my mind. Just have to hold on a bit longer I suppose. Some might say, come on; speak to your wife, best friend, mommy or daddy. Yes, most things can be discussed with those close to you but some can never, ever be revealed unless you are ready to face some unexpected consequences. I learned that the hard way which reinforces the need for the sounding board.

Maybe circumstances will enjoin us again soon. In the mean time, this is for you. A little pristine white flower in the middle of harsh bushes doing nothing yet its presence soothes the soul.

Some macros...

Some shots culled from last month.

Purple & White

Soothing purple and white. Beautiful.

Dewy Beauty

Sometimes words became unnecessary. Just stay still and absorb the beauty before the sun takes away the dew.

Tribute...

To all the ladies out there for providing comfort, solace and contrast to the male existence.

Especially to my wife as Outlook just reminded me of our coming anniversary on the 1st of May, the preferred date for communist to get married or so I was told.

A day for love.

Lets not get religious or political but February 14th is the day for lovers. Take it as that only, and here I give the beautiful creation of god to those I love, those that have loved and those that will one day find their love.

Kelana Jaya Park.

Some interesting flowers found in Kelana Jaya Park last weekend. The friendly moth I got at the swimming pool today.

Plants in motion.

Modesty protected.

The invader.

Fireworks...

Release.

I am sure Mat Salo could create a riveting story based on this series of pictures. Depends on what you brain is trained to see I suppose...

Doc, my b'day. this year errr, 105VR used one also can.

Care.

How far can we care about something ? When do we let go ? Starting is easy, because you are humane, you care and it made you feel good. Stopping is another matter altogether. Where do we stop ?

This rant is the result of a recent observation on human interaction. A person who cared too much that it became a pain to the caree (is there such a word i.e. the person being cared for). What I see is this, we care for a lot of things around us, our family, friends, neighbours etc. Often it is because we think that we have certain knowledge or experience that will contribute to better the situation of the caree. So we give, not so much to the caree but subconciously to ourselves because the act of giving signifies that we are superior in knowledge or experience thus making us feel good. In most instances, what we fail to realise is that the caree also have their own knowledge and experience. This inadvertantly results in unwanted advice which is annoying on both sides.

I have been and may continue to be guilty of this act myself. But, I am learning, learning that others have their own opinions and methods, that my advice may not work on them, most of all learning to only give solicited advice. I keep reminding myself to just shut up...

This does not mean that I do not care, on the contrary, it is because I care enough to see that sometimes it is only my presence and not my words that is required.