Foreword: The entries are not in chronological order as the dates represent when photo was uploaded on Instagram @inckitten. I used the empty description box to write how the picture inspires me with what I’ve learnt from recent experiences/observations.
14 Jan 2020
Paths are rarely straight even if one has some idea of the destination that one intends to go to. At least, in the beginning. It is meandering, halting periodically, lingering and hovering in one place seemingly before moving to the next, hurriedly or down a gentle stream. The process flows downstream sometimes double back upstream: journey, mistakes, dead end, rests, pebbles, debris, fish, discarding, sheltering, temporary abandonment, continuation, determination, choppy, still, pure, uncleansed. The process, familiarisation of which enables application to a different terrain, at improvement from the last, such that even if numerous curves are expected, the path mapped out internally is straight. Research skills, learning skills, problem solving skills are some examples.
The unofficial Diplomat, self- appointed and self- represented states what he sees as truth in a way that is least likely to offend. The truth, though un-stretched, is only a portion of an outline of the shadow of a mountain, barely noticeable but important enough to add semblance of value. But he assuages no one but himself, having taken that position as protection of himself and his interests. An uncontroversial statement and the optimism of an attempt at diffusing the tension. The Defenders of truth take offence at being compared to the Offenders in this manner: the truth is distorted and corrupted and worse, the Diplomat obscures the deplorable quality of acts committed by the Offenders. The Defenders are insulted and enraged at the lost of their message, their hard work come undone. At best, the obvious is stated: that all of them are talking about the same thing. But No good will come of that now that the truth is forced deeper into its shadows. The Diplomat whose services were found a hindrance, might as well have stayed quiet, in hindsight. Yes, that is how important lessons are sometimes learnt. In hindsight.
Reconciliation: the convergence of two ideas that seems to be at odds with each other but can be given an interpretation individually or assimilated as ideas not in opposition. Two people may not, in fact, be in disagreement though it may seem like they are when a discussion gets heated for example, thus the importance of taking a moment to absorb and reflect upon the information. Try looking for an area with clearly delineated boundaries which one may set, in which both ideas or proposition can thrive without challenging the other.
14 Jan 2020
Look at this delicious thing; one perhaps could be forgiven at an attempt at jumping into it to alleviate the harshness of cold and bitter realities; but what would happen if it is done without thought, research or careful consideration? Like jumping out of the frying pan into instant and painful death indeed. Now we are reminded of this: It makes sense to deal with some current sources of discomfort separately. Like loneliness; there is a way around it that doesn’t require a relationship with just about anyone available. That someone could be scalding hot and dangerous.
We all have some people we admire whose lifestyle, personality, character or achievements we hope for ourselves. Like a person who wants to make radical changes to their consumption habits would look at various sources for Inspiration e.g books, videos and other references to minimalism for example. This isn’t a bad thing. The person who has taken up responsibility of leading has an important role to play but anyone, even with questionable moral values can do so. What is objectionable is blindly following without applying critical thinking which will surely warrant the title of sheeple. Why are they blind to the mistreatment of others?
Writing for me is cathartic. I enjoy studying words especially passages that were written in a distant past; how they were arranged, selected and organised. They provide clues to emotions, insights and thoughts like a time capsule that can be transposed. The only thing buried is secrets.
16 Jan 2020
This is a picture of a tree made out of fairy lights taken in Tromsø, Norway. I was reminded of an article that I had read on the Economist regarding gaslighting but I am not confident I know the subject well enough to write about it let alone comment on it. It sounded dreadful like the stuff of nightmares, especially when subjected to prolonged denigration. My only wish that anyone subjected to it, will find illumination, from within themselves, and with the light, find a way out and help. To new beginnings.
Latifa Echakhch’s A chaque stensil une révolution exhibited at MACBA’s beneath the surface. The title was taken from a speech by Yasser Arafat. I remember watching a video that referred to this art installation. Carbon print paper, splashed with a sort of solvent to create this effect. The same type of paper was also used at the time to print information, propaganda or revolutionary information or directives. To me, it reminds me of the power of speech or rhetoric, even if simply presented on everyday common materials, whose power can also be eroded by common materials. Social media is one example. But it is the motives behind the speech that we are reminded to uncover.
Careful there. Malice isn’t always present yet sometimes assumed. When it should be assumed, it is overlooked. Adding confusion to the mix.
This is the sort of thing people could achieve if they didn’t need sleep and weren’t lazy. Lol😁 ok that’s an exaggeration. Who wants to make mountains, anyway? But something else perhaps, something impossible like elixir to immortality, age-reversing drug, miracle cure all illnesses pill, universe-travelling space ship, or make a whole new planet habitable for earthlings etc.
16 Jan 2020
Someone said something to me yesterday, in a trolly sort of way. I don’t usually reflect on anything said by trolls as I find it a waste of time; they are out to enjoy themselves at the expense of others afterall, with nothing better to do. This troll happened to say something I thought I ought to have been thinking about. Why do I write these things in my Instagram? I don’t know if I meant to speak to people directly. I write because it is cathartic and reading them, understanding where they came from, is comforting to me. Especially if they came from a period of difficulty then I will find strength and courage to overcome the next obstacle. At times, I write as if to scold myself. Most of the times, they serve as reminders; to take better care, relax and take a break, enjoy, avoid making the mistakes I observed others make, that I had been lucky. Also, to think about something deeply, to determine what that means to me and how I can apply it, that there is something important to research on. So many possibilities, I suppose it’s not dissimilar to the reason why people keep journals except mine is rather public. If someone else finds my words comforting, that’s a bonus, if I make them laugh, even better.
Some decisions made along the way brings us directly to our next destination. Many of them, though, to a station where we are obliged to wait to be taken there. I like to think for some quality and well-deserved rest after an eventful period of solving problems, overcoming obstacles and hard work. Sometimes, it could be preparatory for the long and arduous journey ahead. Either way, just take a breather. We don’t get what we want, we get what we need. Who said this? The Rolling Stones? Yes. We get what we need
In this picture I was trying to make sense of a drawing I couldn’t understand. While I don’t always know what I am looking at, I try my best to find something that speaks to me or I’ll just walk away, none the wiser. This time, I imagine myself immortalising it, if only a small bit, by searching for an interpretation that means something to me; something I can take with me for all time. That is why it pays to look for the good in everything, I told myself. And that was it! the lesson: To find something, you must first know what you are looking for. Otherwise, try deciding what it is going to be. Something meaningful or something good is always a safe bet.
Someone recounted to me the other day about their observations of certain types of people; people who provide a detailed but boring account of their day e.g woke up earlier than usual, cooked breakfast, did laundry, grocery shopping and bought a sack of potatoes on sale but they were to heavy for the bag which broke in the middle of the street etc which was concluded with: those are the laziest bunch of people trying to sound busy. I don’t know what to think about that. It is entirely possible that those are the bits about their day most valuable to them, as a result of choice as opposed to the more important but mandatory bits e.g work. That the details that we found boring are the bits they liked most about their day. Someone who believes themselves to be interesting enough for others to forgive the banality? Let’s take another perspective. How about a person who believes that people care about them enough to ask even if they believed themselves to be uninteresting and ordinary? In that case, ought we spend that extra couple of minutes listening if it could make their day? Yes.
This is a picture of a bee resting. It must have had a tiring day: I’ve never seen a bee resting before. Didn’t even freak out when I came with my phone to take pictures of it. It posed rather majestically for me. It’s an ESFP sort of bee, I suppose. Anyway, I posted this today because I’ve just been texting back and forth with my Postman. This is the Chinese New Year period and lots of people buy stuff online in anticipation of celebrating it. I think he was just overworked and sounded really stressed out. He had many parcels to deliver to various units in my block and he accidentally gave my parcel to someone else who signed for it. Now, he is frantically trying to remember which unit he sent it to and there are 130 units here. Will an SI dominant remember, I wonder? I texted him back to console him along the lines of ,” panicking won’t help you achieve your task better, if anything, it impedes it”. yes, this ENTJ is capable of doing such things, texting to console people that is. Mistakes tend to happen more in stressful situations so I suppose the message is this: take a damn break when you can or risk wasting more time trying to fix mistakes later. Be efficient and careful with time, another non-renewable resource, so don’t go wasting it easily. Easier said than done I know, I blame senior management for this. Moving on, that parcel was supposed to contain some underwear that I ordered online. Nothing fancy, a little lace, a little shaping where it counts , if you know what I mean. Now, as I am walking back home, I am wondering to myself, which of these idiots is wearing them right now?
by the way. I thought I’ll let the clips, arrangement, editing + music work your imagination. Maybe you will do a better Sartrian style analysis than I ever could. Share with me your ideas on the video’s comment box. I’d love to hear it!
18 Jan 2020
Me with an art installation I wish was installed somewhere in the apartment. Where? I do not know. I suppose that is why it is called ,’monument’, by Dan Flavin. Monuments are useful in transmitting messages; symbolism, if not used for a place of congregation of sorts or a conserved historical building etc. Of course, they have bigger roles to play than decorative or illuminating people’s houses. I wonder what this ‘monument’ is supposed to signify?
This was me walking around, confused and lost trying to get back to my hotel and I stumbled upon this:’Another of Gaudi’s work. But it was hot and I didn’t want to stand around under the hot sun so I took a selfie and a couple of other photos and left. Then I forgot all about it. Yup, that’s right. But ok, in my mind I knew what I came for and spent a lot of time exploring those areas so i guess, you win some, you lose some. 😫
19 Jan 2020
This is going to be my 150th entry in my journal/ig acct. It’s crazy how much yapping I am capable of doing. When I started this, I thought I would abandon this acct as swiftly as I would stale bread and the rest of my social media accts, but I’m digging the ‘write what you feel like, nobody actually cares, they might give it a like because the picture’s nice’ sort of vibe. So I think I’ll carry on , if that’s alright until I run out of things to say, which is, hopefully never. This pic is Robert Irwin’s installation at the National Gallery Singapore entitled ‘untitled’. I love it when artists put so much creativity into their work that giving it a title is just unnecessary 😁or the work speaks for itself, I don’t know. Personally if I were an artist, I’d never give a title to anything because I would find that process boring.
Ad hoc place of convergence is the title I have chosen for this post. In October, I started a YouTube channel called the Obligated Introverts, a Facebook group (which has now partially gone private though messenger chat) and an Instagram account. The idea was to reach out to other introverts like me or people who find themselves alone for whatever reason and/or struggle to rejoin society. Sometimes, a circle of friends are so well established that outsiders have little luck getting an invitation. As a person who has moved from Asia to Europe, back again but not yet grown roots, it’s hard to be part of a group of friends. But lately, I’ve been lucky to have met a number of interesting individuals from a channel discussing typology theories (talking with famous people) and others connected to them, who enjoy sharing and indulging in the exchange of Information. The chats are lively; I imagine laughter, passion and enthusiasm filling the room. We talk about everything! Best part is, they come from all over the world and I could always have them with me wherever I go. The YouTube channel was the means by which I channel my creative energy. I love writing poetry that consolidates my observation of the human conduct often sarcastically. I don’t know if it’s any good but It makes me laugh and the whole process is cathartic to me. But I’ve decided to share them with the world anyway. Why? Maybe someone out there, alone or another introvert, could find Inspiration or the courage to engage in activity, any activity. Maybe they could find happiness just by engaging in an activity that they love as I had. (1/2) Above is an art installation exhibited at the national gallery Singapore.
19 Jan 2020
The Dividing Line is not as clear cut as we would hope though we do recognise its role and importance. Externally, when two states are divided by a third vastly different from the two, then arguably it is the easier for the purpose of identification and application. But when applied to certain concepts , it’s not always clear cut. Take for example; certain moral and immoral acts or the exercise and use of cognitive functions observed externally. It gets more complicated with the identification of overarching motives when there are more than 1, where one is preferable to the other. As a result of knowing this, I do value theories with clear boundaries though at times, understandingly, flexibility is lost. But it isn’t always bad; we give up flexibility in return for certainty, and now we know how to conduct ourselves
25 Jan 2020
The hunchback of notre dame 😁 no. The point is : there is an alternative way of explaining something, many in fact. If you look for them ie alternative explanations; you can find similarities to something you have seen or remember even though they can’t be further from the truth. They could be plainly ridiculous or make for a funny joke. As regards, occam’s razor and problem solving, the simplest solution is most likely the right one. And as regards hypotheses, pick the one with the fewest assumptions.
26 Jan 2020
The Mont Blanc and its crown of glittering white snow is easily identified especially in the summer as it remains covered with snow due to its height. Standing out or blending in with the crowd is not necessarily a matter of choice, at least not for some of us; our natural physical appearance for example. Luckily we have control over some other more important qualities like integrity. A gentle reminder for me
This is part 2 of my post on ad hoc place of convergence: As regards engaging in activities that one fancies, one could be awful at it but as long as there is passion and a willingness to work on it; one will only get better, at least that’s what I believe. To me, there is a draw towards being passionate about something: selecting, planning, executing, working towards a goal and seeing the final product all new and shiny. Exercise those talents, hone those skills! I hope people will find happiness this way. I do. Happiness through the exercise of our mental faculties, abilities or talents. Some of my friends share their interests on the (obligated introverts) channel too in the hopes that they too can inspire someone else out there. I’d probably do a video and talk more about this ie the purpose of the channel some other time. For now, I’m excited to be working on a short story and sharing it with everyone on YouTube shortly. In the meantime, If you are looking to find introverts to chat with, come find us on Facebook – the Obligated Introverts or leave a comment on our channel. We would love to meet some new people, answer some of your questions and to hear about you and your interests. You don’t have to be alone and you don’t have to leave your home either 🤓. (2/2)
This was taken in museum In Rome quite a number of years ago; one of the first cities I travelled alone in. That’s a story behind how I became a solo traveller, quite by happy accident in unfortunate circumstances. I’m sad to have lost a friend (she is still alive and kicking)but in truth, I’ve always found her irritating and the feeling was mutual. We just hung out a lot as our paths crossed often and that it was convenient but once that element of convenience fell away, ie when I moved away, we were forced to grapple with the reality that is our personalities and our values. It wasn’t pretty. We were as different as night and day. She is a sensor, a defender of tradition and traditional values, resistant to change whereas I will let ‘the heavens fall’ if that could mean change for the better, long term and beneficial for the organisation, groups, society etc. Time and experience changed us, or rather me, as I was being exposed to more values, picking and carefully selecting ones to keep, reject, or let go, like a keeper of a motley of values, of which some I’ve acquired in Singapore and others, elsewhere, consistent and hopefully logical. The result is that I’ve become the person whose paths diverge from those I used to share experiences, values and laughter with that by the time we met in Italy, there was hardly anything left to salvage. That’s life I guess. 🙁 But as a result of that, I found out that solo travelling is one activity I enjoy tremendously and in the course, I made new friends.
26 Jan 2020
About 90% sure this pic was taken in Florence as it was nestled amongst pictures I took there though I am fully aware that reverse google image is a thing. I haven’t quite decided what this post shall be about but I thought it’ll be useful to remind people that reverse google is not only useful against cat-fishing and scams (if they have stolen the pic off someone’s profile – check details such as occupation, age and country of origin and story to see if it matches) but to also see if copyrights are being infringed upon e.g chunks of your blog posts etc. I use it also as an aide-mémoire because once upon a time, a long long time ago, I used to write stuff down because I always forget names and other important details such as location-city/country. I since got lazier when iPhone recorded locations of pictures I took so all I had to do was to remember takeaways that may or may not be personal. Takeaways are easiest for me to remember. That’s the end of this post – not very interesting I know because in truth, all I want to write about now is Love and I suspect that might bore you readers even more.
Isn’t that an introvert observing the chaos generated by others with a rather obvious smirk? Like he is thinking “ Humans – some are so predictably silly, it’s funny” Safe in our ironclad place of refuge that we have created for ourselves, we will take observations of human behaviour as part of study, thank you very much! Or he could be a garden variety pervert 😁, we don’t know.
1 Feb 2020
This was the opening line to my video entitled ,’Countess 1 in Singapore – pre-scheduled appointment’. It’s just string of clips taken in train stations and other public areas in Singapore amidst the threat of the coronavirus. I thought I’d add a ‘Sartrian existentialism’ twist by (attempting) peeling off layers of assumptions that we take for granted. Once the veil is off, we perceive things in the rather novel, raw but (sometimes) comical form. Well at least I tried, gave up somewhere about 1/3
6 Feb 2020
How odd is it for mankind, to deny because it is easier than to put any logical thought to it. Are men not capable of anti-social behaviour and only women are crazy? They have become so desensitised to it that they break out of the spell if and only if, they or their loved ones becomes a victim. Only then, will they cry for justice but not for the victims whose misfortunes they could have prevented if only they acted. They only cry for themselves; but ought we cry for them? May our keen sense of justice and strong moral compasses compel us. For Honour and integrity.
Yesterday, I lost a friend and made 3 enemies. Making enemies isn’t hard as many would attest; With a keen sense of justice against people too weak to recognise truth. But It is important that a clear conscience be maintained to live full and satisfied, do what is right even if it’s the more difficult choice. Let them kick us out of their silly groups of degenerates who make light of people’s misfortunes. Call out someone’s action in the hopes that they will be prevented from acting towards someone else more vulnerable or less experienced than we are. Sounds like blowing hot air but in truth, most of us do it instinctively more than we realise or give ourselves credit for. Like it’s the most natural thing to do. Thankfully, there are many of us like that but that’s not what I want to talk about. I’m grieving and angry for the lost of a friend: the lack of honour, Integrity or desire to do what’s right just to win the affections of someone who has treated others with vulgarity and disrespect. It’s horrifying: The omission to act, uncaring as to whether the truth stays buried and for what? Embolden them and they will only take another with no less confidence but even lesser self- restraint. How can anyone be cognisant of that fact, herself observant, protect a vile person and still ask from the world friendship, mercy and kindness? I wrote in a poem for someone for comfort which I will use for myself and for others grieving today: In times of trouble as the saying goes, there is to be found a silver lining. That every connection, friendship or love, goes through a semblance of filtering – death will come for all but not all will go in peace. For eternity
7 Feb 2020
Once in a while, I check with my emotions for the sake of mental health which I do in various ways including making journal entries. I write the good and the bad and with that, I feel a sense of release. Symbolically. 🤷♀️ I am not comfortable talking about feelings to another person and when I do try, it comes out odd, awkward and weird to others 🤦♀️😁. With that said, problems are of varying complexities and sometimes, seeking professional help is the best, most efficient or the only way to save someone. So if someone talks about something difficult, having a hard time letting go and advice, solutions, emotional support etc don’t work, I tell them to go to a professional just as anyone would go to any other specialised and trained professionals to treat various ailments. For example, I see a Psychiatrist for OCD and since then, my quality of life has improved tremendously. I never thought that it would ever be possible to extricate the element of distress, pain or suffering from intrusive thoughts but it is. Suffering need not be protracted. In fact, it can be cruel to subject people to it unnecessarily as one would by preventing them from seeking help just because one doesn’t believe in it or overconfidence in one’s abilities though untrained. Your beliefs are not necessarily truths. Life has so much to offer; it’s hard to enjoy them if one is miserable. How much happiness do you expect emanating from a person in pain? How likely are they to make other people around them happy?
7 Feb 2020
The unlikely heroes are normally the quiet but observant ones; with little to say but intimate the wisdom of a Time-traveler. They do not hide in the shadows but at a radius with enough space in between for social acrobatics. They weave in and out through the structure of your life, bolstering, monitoring and ready for action if they sense that your well-being is threatened.
To the one I love. Whisper them in my ears; Tell me what you want so I can get to work. Though I’ve little to brag about, ingenuity has kept many boats afloat and out of harm’s way. I’ll find something to do if that in itself is enough for a little of your attention. Perfectly fitting, masterfully tailored, all is sharp and stellar. I am your apprentice in our fort and defences. I can shatter but you can obliterate islands. They will wish they had dealt fairly with me. Now on immutable hunting grounds, I do not compete except for your heat and scent. Only rest a little while longer, I’ll soon be your second.
Redacted
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This picture is an apt pictorial representation of the subject of my journal entry today. Obscure matters by sandwiching it with other less important but competing interests as though priorities are not always taken into account. How wounded are you to wait to speak of impropriety against your own little standing which, by your own hand, is hacked away by suppressing more vital issues? What good is a testimony from your friend if it can, like other testimonies, be discredited through your own actions or inactions? Foolish.
On the subject of persuasion at which I’ve been terrible, was a task daunting and fruitless, recognised at such from the start. Not as disheartened as one would think, only a one-way ticket out from polluted to fresh air. One could accurately assert that I was railing like a lunatic this week to a group. Why? I do not know. I care for most of them as much as they cared about the rest of humankind and morality. Impudence and affront towards issues encircling the subject of dignity are not at issue if few find morality a worthy destination. Even fewer will find support for right actions amongst the corrupt save for the rare instances of image management. Dysfunctional meets the hopeless and breeds, deceives all who enters into thinking they have found refuge amongst special people from which society itself must amputate and cauterise to save its own life .
should tell people not to attempt to read my journal chronologically because they might be tempted to conclude that I’m quite insane! In fact, there is no logic to their placements. I add pictures first and then write captions later when I have time and motivations. I try to make each picture symbolic and tied to a specific event, emotion or thought. What I should have done is to upload pictures only when I want to say something but the whole editing of picture plus looking for them in my hard drive, sorting, transferring etc that by the time all that is done, I don’t feel like writing anymore.
I’m enjoying this writing bit more than I do confiding my feelings to a friend. It always comes out jumbled and confused and I don’t really have a friend with whom I could do that. But I have lots of friends to talk about anything else I fancy and that’s more than enough blessing for this silly girl from Singapore. Yes, I’m thankful for that
I’m very well, thank you. Though you still do not know, the judgement of the unrighteous are not worth listening to. You may exercise your faculty of speech, empty and devoid of anything meaningful, that obligates no one to listen. Will it comfort you to know that you have moved to the performance of one small task and glossed over an issue too important to let buried. Do you think it will go unnoticed? Keep those who count themselves as one of you and do not let them stray too far into civil society lest they infect it.
I have never regretted my decision to walk alone, but I have regretted hanging out with people. I gave up looking for people who could ‘understand’ me at age 12. How have I concluded this? Even people who have observed me day in and out get it wrong when they try to explain me or my actions, decisions, motives etc including parents, teachers, friends. Disappointing? Not really. I can’t say I could understand them even if I tried. Their decisions, judgements or conclusions are mind-boggling to me. What does ‘understanding’ entail? Surely, landing close to the correct answer or at least somewhere on the target board if one is generous. Some people are privy to worst behaviour; others best and the rest when nothing significant happens. Rules are followed, ignored, tested, bent or broken depending on the person with whom I was engaged. With experience and what is learnt from books or through observation, values, wants and goals changes as do decisions, judgements and other things that matters. Nuanced changes become significant over time inform character and choices. It will be hard to keep up with those changes even if every single one and its reasons were expressed and documented. Not that anyone has the patience for all that. Does it make more sense to look for people who could be a source of inspiration, knowledge and wisdom? Aspire to be like them or better and never get bored because there are goals with which to work towards and be occupied. I keep myself busy doing things because that is when i am happiest. Stagnation is the worst and that’s what happens when ones gets distracted by the same sort of uninspiring and destructive troublemakers people can surely do without
Some people will say anything without checking to see if it might come from a place of misunderstanding, adding fuel to the fire or distracting from what should be discussed. When prompted to correct that understanding, they then say that do not wish to interfere. To that I say: Next time, decide not to interfere from the very beginning so that something that could have been decided in a straightforward fashion can pass smoothly. No, some people just want to be clogs in the toilet. They feel special that way.
The power’s out and I have a strong suspicion that the kettle is the culprit. I’m giving it the stink eye because it should be ashamed of itself if it were sentient. Luckily, it still had some wits about it to boil me some water for tea before it ruined the power supply for everything else. All is better with tea even though my laptop is almost dead. I’ve been browsing around today looking for free academic journals to read. I’ve read all the stuff I paid for. A paper on populism and public international law caught my eye and will be my next read. Will I still be able to make sense out of it and will it go straight into the virtual bin 3 pages in? We will see. I’ve been busy with psychology/typology stuff but I can’t say that there has been noticeable improvements in terms of level of knowledge. I feel as if I’m ready to chuck all that I’ve read down the metaphysical bin. I just hope I don’t lose skills I took pains to develop. Yes, reading law journals, papers, cases, statute etc is a skill, we’ve been told at law school. It’s no wonder, people should see my face when I try reading them now. Out of practice. 🤔😬🤢🤮😟.
Pieces of puzzles put into place yesterday was beginning to form a picture; someone is looking out for me. My favourite ultra vitesse kettle went on sale yesterday just as my mum’s kettle is put out of commission. Then, there is the straw that finally broke the proverbial camel’s back leading to my exit from a community I’ve been part of these past few months. I’ve had quiet days to think about my reasons for leaving and it became clear that not one single event or person could be singled out as the root or fundamental cause. I haven’t been impressed and for far too long I’ve been wasting away like rotting wood. The final event provided the impetus for me to walk out of the door from where I had been close but into the world where so many interesting things and people await. I have not lost anything by leaving. On the contrary, I left richer, more fulfilled and self-aware
12 Feb 2020
Once meandering and unaffiliated, we have now arrived at a clear path to unification. It is unobstructed except by the arrangement of cobbled stones. Glide over airwaves, frictionless; We must no longer underestimate simplicity and take our respective places. My cosmic mate, you were guided upstream and wrestled into recognition an ideation, instinctively and without opposition. For only through predetermined gateways can love be unravelled; mirrored in our higher consciousness, exigently unyielding to space and time. Full comprehension will be at dawn, next to a final beginning.
20 Feb 2020
My eyes are drawing to a close 1 hour after daybreak. Help arrived too late and still persisting. Your consciousness is wandering in a dreamless sleep. Imagination takes me abreast to a disguised reality. No. It is not illusory commerce though it may very well be submerged by reality seeping through porous veils of materiality. What is not made of matter cannot be hindered by what is made of it. Similarly, what is not composed of it can be hindered by the same. We are aligned to the same ground, You, whose name I will take: we were never apart, were we?
What an crazy time to be alive and to be tested of common sense, reason, altruism, community spirit amongst many other things. Though we have no fear of the thing that others may or may not fear, the very same thing that kills some of us, why would we willingly bring that into the community or partake as agents to its dissemination unless we have no regard to the lives and sufferings of others? I’m trying to understand this madness.
17 Feb 2020
That was me just before live steaming on Otaku subculture etc. Some time was spent researching the topic because a dear friend loves the world of anime and I wanted to do something nice for him but also that I didn’t want to look like a blathering fool talking about something I knew little about. The whole enjoyment of the process was clearly underestimated in the beginning; from the researching, writing, planning outfit, getting dressed! It couldn’t have been attained unless an open mind and a willingness to uncover treasures were maintained. There was so much to learn just by approaching it as a study of cultures/subcultures, history and development and comparative with other subcultures including art, cinematography. My favourite bit was making sense of the gems that were made explicit at the end of the 1995 anime film, Ghost in the shell. Next live steaming will be on Atlantis as referenced in Plato’s Timaeus. My friend suggested it and as I’ve never looked into it before, i thought it be another interesting topic to look into. That one is way more trickier; the subject is more complex and I haven’t quite settled on areas of concentration so as to make the live-steam light-hearted, fun and entertaining for my friends. But above all, I don’t know if I’ll be able to do it justice and to treat it with the reverence it deserves. I suppose we all gotta start somewhere and hope that through mistakes and failures are opportunities for improvement. Sorry Plato but I’ll do my best in preserving your sentiments.😬
Feeding other cats with my food is considered cheating. You have betrayed me for the last time for which you will suffer greatly until the end of your life or mine,” miffed and gloved tuxedo cat. My ex says she embodies my spirit – ,” I’m not listening because I am going to kill you”
Only stop and smell the flowers and we could with so much time in our hands. Did anyone think that this moment will come? Nature gives us a rude awakening and we must keep our priorities in check. Pictured here, I believe, is a frangipani tree I noticed only recently though it is only 100m away from mum’s 🤦♀️. There is an old tale about the smell of frangipani flowers associated with ghostly figures; that they like to hang around this tree, alternatively, banana trees. Guess bananas are delicious and spirits need to eat too 🤔. I’m not superstitious now that I am older 🤣 but growing up, it did scare me enough to run home as fast as I could when the night breeze carried its scent away. Some Asian parents still tell stories to scare children into doing what they want them to do but the reality is this: many humans are scarier than any dead variety, no matter what form they take.
One of my many personas. It is the one with which, people will associate with lunacy. I have rarely been kind or merciful. People become emboldened with anonymity and in security of their homes and I have allowed myself the same response, I suppose. If it brings out the worse in me, then I must take it upon myself to distance myself from it until I learn to be better. It’s human to do so and civilised.
Quiz: how similar are we? In Singapore, you can purchase from hawker stalls a dish known as the fried oyster omelette – they add some extra stuff to the egg mixture to make it tastier and crisper. It comes with a special chilli sauce made especially for the dish on the side. The thing is, I hate oysters so What do I do? ,” one oyster omelette, please without oysters.” I am not alone
This post was inspired by my dear friend, who will himself embark on an adventure around the world – travelling to a country whose first language is not one with which we are familiar. There is one gem for dreamers like us; travelling with a companion forces reality upon us, the present, past and harsh. But alone, there are no limits conjured by the imagination. When people speak in a language unfamiliar, make up narratives for them, or fade them into the background to be alone – the frame is thus, set to hear the quietest of revelations. For us, by ourselves, never lonely with the richness of inner life, bustling with energy. For Angantyr – our friendship is true
like this pic + filter; it shows my mood. I found out last night that my friend’s cat left this world. He kept me company for 2 months in California, waited patiently for me to wake up each morning so I could watch him dash around the orchard terrorising squirrels. He was a lion at heart and he loved me.
1 June 2020
Out of focus – disgruntled cat due to the lack of consent to the owner’s impertinent feeding of other cats and the misappropriation of cat’s assets ie food. There can be only one cat within sight and hearing range – the ultimate rule
We are all people
Whose suffering is greater is a rather stupid competition. What good is that trophy? Have you never worked hard and achieved something? Have you never make someone’s life better?inspire someone with your stories. That they do good because of you.
11 Jan 2020
ate so well today. Too many Cornettos! But What kind of life is, ‘all vegetables and exercise + no ice-cream’, huh? Live a little. Pay for it afterwards with a smile and sweat/swear words.
This epicurean feline climbed 5 storeys so it could partake in something other than the food downstairs provided by neighbours. Yes, I am the sucker who loves to spoil cats.
Choose from a selection of sounds over the one imposed on me as people live theirs lives. Why I listened to music when I’m out in public
We don’t fit in here. Find us a place to hide, just long enough until forgotten and can no longer receive blame for things not done. An innocent needn’t be careful to deny wrongdoings in the absence of evidence establishing blame; how tiresome and energy-sucking. This is a rule rarely announced informally and so, unremembered not like ghostly figures of their design. It is much easier than introspection. Monsters live amongst us and they think they are only human; they think they see reflections, muddled as though cast upon unsettled waters. You and I, must turn into mist, unexciting and commonplace. We are safest that way. Drink up
The smell of freshly-cut grass heralds a new beginning a d the opening of doors to the public. During the circuit breaker period, when most people are expected to stay home, priorities were checked ; only the most essential of upkeep was done. Oh how easy it is to see imperfections and forget once it is perfected. What was worth the effort and time? Look around and take it all in.
9 Jul 2020
The feeling when you are just about to give up after months of searching, but then you find it.
Wild and unfettered imagination let’s us fall 10,000 times with the same person
9 Aug 2020
Singapore takes major holidays seriously that it’s hard to pick a favourite season or time of the year. National day is special not only because of the music 🤓, ubiquitous national flag but an undeniable feeling of solidarity and love for our country and one another in the air. Almost every public place has the national flag flying high, against the wind, beaming with pride. I’m also in it for the food (national day special food 😚) and freebies
Artist reordered pixel of a photograph of a painting. I think its effect is beautiful in that it brings out the beauty of the artificiality of things and the age we are already in and will shift into. It will soon become our reality, we only build the foundation now.
Hmm, should have updated this section as soon as I figured out what to write about it but then I got lazy. This is more than some light show. It shows a cycle. At least, that’s what I think it is: blooms or butterflies will follow any visitor nearest to it as they are drawn to them but dies if you touch them. When there is no one around, it floats around aimlessly but regroups in pursuit of a visitor. On the surface, it seems to me, similar to how we can thrive in nature, alongside it, as part of it, being a work of nature ourselves, yet can cause destruction by the smallest of acts whether intended it or not. That is true of what is around us whether we are conscious of it or not. It’s time that we should be made aware and take care to be more conscious of actions and implications.
Title of exhibition is, ‘ future world’. The whole point of this exercise is to emphasise our role in creating the future. We get a glimpse of this as our artwork appears alongside others, forming an urban environment including essential vehicles such as fire truck, lorry, excavator, fighter jets, helicopters and various buildings. We imagine the form they will take, create them, witness their completion and appearance. We see how they fit alongside others, our virtual future concretised
Nephew was very well behaved today, I’m happy to report. He kept telling me how he loves this place. I’m happy my nephew loves museums now! Proud Aunt moment😝 looks like he is
All the images seen here are interactive. For example the sun refuses to be caught, the clouds “rain “ when agitated, some elves appear and can be thrown about etc.
am a Singaporean who has never been to many popular tourist sites prior to lockdown. Many locals are finally taking the time to explore their own country, using their free time, once only reserved for white sand beaches, shopping in Malaysia or luxury in Europe. Now they experience all things local: history in museums or monuments, discovering new places they never knew, food from local businesses, immersing in different facets of familiar culture etc. The country is seen in a different light; the best side usually reserved for tourists. As a result, increased appreciation for their homeland and love for their fellow countrymen. There really is a silver lining in every dark cloud. Many promotion packages directed at locals. Go out and see your backyard
I am the sort of weirdo who will never wear a certain outfit in public because going to the bathroom to do biz in it will be a nightmare
13 Sep 2020
Throwback on when she was put in quarantine in Singapore for 2 weeks upon arrival. She wasn’t pleased, hissed at neighbours she could see through the glass and growled at everything, you know, irritable and grumpy – like some humans we know in lockdown. Anyway, the manager of the facility asked me which cat is mine the first time I visited the place. I told him the cat from France as her pet passport is French but we flew from Geneva, Switzerland transiting in Zurich. He looked confused by the story for a moment and then had an epiphany. He said ,”the big cat, right?” 😝
Cat has simple taste, bags are more than good enough as cushion
12 Feb 2021
Bought these earrings thinking they meant ‘ strength ‘ according to the non-Chinese reading shop lady, but was later told by some netizens that they read as “peach blossoms” which signifies, in the Chinese culture: immortality, everlasting youth, loyalty and love. I thought it is lovely for the start of the year of the ox, so close to Valentine’s Day! For me though, like many of us apart from our loved ones due to border and travel restrictions, It is a reminder that love unchanged by distance and time, is a testament to its strength, endurance and vitality. it’s the best kind, at least to me. Surety through testing, if you will. How lucky! May this year bring you all strength and that all your patience be rewarded many times over. Happy new year!
The Incorrigible Kitten 