Mediterranean

I love this pictures, reminds me about God's greatness and the scale of the coast is beyond reach. It's as far as the eyes could see. I still can stare at this pix and feel the breeze on my face. It was just lovely. The reason why it's in my blog? So that I could have the privilege of staring at it :)



NO this is not extracted from a postcard! I love the colours. The houses in the village are built really close to each other. One could literally reach out his/her hands to the neighbours across the building and touch each other rather than waving the hands. Lovers could spend time talking and teasing one another without having to use any technology. This village really enhance the simple things in life.

My Royal Family

My daddy...I will always be his little girl and princess, claims my beloved mother. The love shown by this man is sacrificial and unconditional. My dad has been the active sport man in the family. He is such a great badminton player. His trophies of victories flood the house. We are literally running out of space to keep up with him.

I think that explains why am so active in adventure sport and outdoor activities. My dad use to be my swimming companion. I remember when I was much younger (not to mention that am STILL young), our constant hang out place during weekend would definitely be the swimming pool. That's how I gain my tan too. It's just lovely to be brought up in an Island. It's very different compared to the city.

Seafood was main course for every meal - that was fantastic not to mention that it's much tastier! The salty air from the sea, the breeze is constant and blue-est sky on the west side of Malaysia. It was the Pearl of Orient (if you can ignore the ugly side of it. YES, it has an ugly side). Pollution was not an issue in the Island (hmm...I am not too sure about it now). Penang is overcrowding! I think you can already hear me protesting "LEAVE PENANG ALONE"! The council have to stop the development. It's way too much for a tiny island. It's choking! I long to step foot there again someday... soon I hope (just for a little visit). Nevertheless, it will always be home.



Thanks to this WONDERFUL lady... I am a good cook today. She has many talents that I am really bad in like sewing, baking, gardening and generally my mom is very very good with her hands, not to mention, she is a good cook also. I would have been very different without this God-send mother. I can't imagine my life without her. Always diligent without complaining. What a blessing!

To be honest, I don't really do any house chores when I am at home with my parents. I believe growing away from home years ago did some good. I have learnt much and acquire much knowledge. Life is a school, as long as you are still alive... you NEVER stop learning.

Love you both so so much ! Many Smoochies...XXX

Our collections ...

This is a bit blur, I do not mean the subject of the photo. I meant the finishing of the photo. This was a lovely evening where I went for a stroll in the park with my darling. I could just stare at the setting sun for a long time. What a day to bid farewell to the sun. I whisper a little prayer and say a BIG thank you to the Almighty
for HIS creation and that I am able to enjoy it with the one I love.


I like to tease him about his name...there is something about him. He is special and I choose to see the good of him and the potential of the man that he may become. No one is perfect, including me and that's the beauty of it. If everything is perfect then we will stop learning and stop growing eventually.

Outwardly, he seemed to be a man that's fun and jovial. Believe me, many of his girl friends think that he has alot of great qualities. Well, I do not deny that...but deep down, he is someone that finds it hard to share his feelings and I am glad that we have that barrier broken down. He is a friend that listens and stands by me when I need him to...he has a proven record.



What keeps us going ? Is it because we want the best for each other ? Is it because we know we are better because of the other person ? What is your stand ? What keeps us together ? Was it communication ? Was it transparency and honesty in the relationship ? All of these are choices we make in life, stop asking questions, just believe that great things will surface with the one you hold in your hands and in your heart.

Love is the greatest of all proclaimed the Word of God and it's unconditional. If only we will see how great that simpleness is.

By popular demand ...perhaps ?

Many commented in my previous blog that, there were not enough photos of me. So this time, I am going to be vain and post more. I think my constant phrase this past few weeks is that "I have put on so much weight!". Well it's true to a certain extend. My gym regime has been altered as I hurt my right upper back about a month back and I can't exactly carry heavy things or over do in the gym.

Before I go further, you see that red soldier there, I was so tempted to tickle him. I was so close in hugging him as well. I just wanted to know whether he actually has reaction or he is that 'serious'. I thought about it long and hard, then again I honestly don't think I need a crimical record, not in England that's for sure.


The plaque you see here is inside the Jubilee Garden within the Windsor Castle. This was built in commemorating the queen's 50th year on the throne. How's that for a gift huh...

By coming Monday, I will be back to my routine. I need to and my body feels sluggish without exercise. I also realised that my tan is still very prominent from my last holiday. Actually it was a good break for me as well, break from work and the business of things as I know that I am going to be challenged with new things now. Well, I do look forward for new things, new challenges and opportunities. I want to be part of the growth in all things.

Another thing that you might notice is my long hair, I really miss going to my favourite saloon in Bandar Utama. At one point I was so close in getting it chopped off but after a while, I thought it will be good to leave it long for a change. I might give it a trim next month or so. Long hair can be hard to manage at times. Mom wanted to do it for me but I end up giving her too many instructions and realised that it might not be a good idea afterall. : )

Royalty at Windsor

It was indeed a lovely day out with my parents. I took a day off work and just spend quality time with my folks. It was really a great day, the weather was good and windy. Windsor is just by the Thames, so it's a pleasant town. Believe me, people are alot more friendlier here in the outskirts compared to London.


With my very own Royal family. My parents have been here with me for about 1 month now. If you think I have put on alot of weight, then you will be shocked when you see me again. My parents have been feeding me so much of goodies and home cooked food showered with much love. I have not seen my parents for about 7 months now since I left the country. In short, I am WELL FED :)



For some reasons, when I mention the word 'ROYAL', I really miss the children and outdoor camping. I realised that, we used to be so busy preparing for events after events! Just amazing how the Almighty has sustained us. It was the best years of my life and each time I hear myself utter those words, things just seemed to be better than the 'best'.

Butterfly ...

For some reason I was trying to upload this photo since last Spring and finally I get to display this. It's my all time favourite. Among those pure and magnificent magnolias you get to see me. How wonderful is that ?

I need a holiday!

That's me before the holiday and look at me, I deserve a holiday because I was not fit for the camera lense (got the hide parts of my face)! Smooch !

Collioure

This is the icon shot for Collioure. That's where my darling took me. We had a great time. Got a really nice tan this time :) I really miss the beach so just needed the sun and lots of seafood. The water here is different from the tropical end. It's freezing cold but I just need a dip so so badly. Splish splash ... It was just absolutely scrumptous to have seafood everyday! I have squids for dinner at one time, the food was really yummy, but there were just too many pieces to chew and I really put my jaw to work...my face was tired after the meal. It's all too lovely...am blessed !

What a view ! Phew

Another personal favourite :) This is taken from a hill on the opposite of the coast.

Collioure at dusk

This is for real, I could stare at this for a long time...it's just so so lovely.Spending this with someone I love was even more amazing!

Because of HIM...

I am fearfully and wonderfully made... I live because HE has given me life, I love because He first loved. What Amazing Grace.

The Cross

Another favourite shot...This was just errected next to a really really small church that could only fit perhaps 15 people...

Let the wind blow...

Sailing in this part of France is inevitable. It's lovely to be in the sea. Drifting away yet with a clear direction. I love this shot... I really want to do it, someday perhaps.

Walking out of the boat...

I suspect these boats are always there for tourists to take photos of them. Walking out of the boat, how many of us are willing to take this plunge ? A dip into uncertainty. It takes courage, faith and trust...Trust in the heavenly Father. Fear does not come from the Lord. The Lord is our beacon. We should not worry about tomorrow for tomorrow will worry about itself.

Crossing over to Spain

Driving by the coastal road was just absolutely amazing. The sea view.... ohh, the wind alone was good enough to sweep one off it's feet. I almost dive into this coast in Spain. We have crossed the French border into Spain and the water looked amazing. At this point we were quite hungry and trying to look for tapas for lunch.

You will stand in awe looking at this beauty and can't help but to thank God for His lovingkindness. Just so so beautiful!

Shadows of US ?

Now you must be wondering who is 'us'? Well keep guessing...

This was up in a hill somewhere opposite the collioure beach side. In fact, it's quite a far opposite, probably on the other side of the coast. But to be honest, it's not really where, but who we are with that matters. Actually at this point we were sort of lost somewhere on a hill. But the light of the evening was just lovely and just decided to catch a glimpse of it. The wind in the evening was just chilly... I mean really really cold. But I have a bear to hug !!

VB

Hmmm ... how shall I start this? His name is VB Eduard Louis (not disclosing his full name to protect his privacy) I picked him up from the street. He was cold and homeless! OK OK...I am not good in writing a drama. He is someone really special to me. He is French. Am still learning everyday. Learning our cultural difference and sometimes that's the beauty of it or it could be frustrating...so far, it seemed to me that it's interesting. Learning culture during holiday for a week or two is fun. But learning culture knowing that you are going to live with that person is a whole new world altogether. Then again, Love knows no boundary. I believe we are so different in many ways and same in some. His passion for photography drives him to improve constantly. Two of his forte would be talks on politics and football I would say. Not forgetting he is a good cook, well at least to me he is :)

By the way this is not a match making site so am not going to post his contact details here. He (I mean Vincent) is TAKEN!

Casa Pairal

The hotel is an old Mediterranean guest house. Each room is unique in it's style and tastefully decorated with old victorian furniture. Like I said earlier, details in this hotel make it so romantic at night and serene in the morning. Every bare wall of this building is conquered by the creepy crawlies...so NICE! There is a terra cotta water fountain in the garden and the area is surrounded with pebbles and the whole setting does make one feels like home. I would go back there again ! It's called Casa Pairal... simply gorgeous!

Olive

As usual I have lots to say in my blog, just that finding time for it is the hardest thing to do. I think so far another interesting piece would be about 'OLIVE'. By now, most of you must have had some questions in your head now. "Who in the world is Olive or what is Olive to begin with?"

Olive is my ever faithful city bike that I use to commute to work when the weather is dry, sunny and clear. I bought Olive in July (soon after the bombing in London)and it's been a pleasure riding it to work. Olive had a puncture 3 weeks ago and my darling was kind enough to fix it for me. So Olive is back on it's wheels.

Olive is a city bike which is fit on flat road only. So no adventure for me on the terrain. In London, one can hardly find one to begin with. Someday, I will get a picture of me with Olive. Purchasing Olive itself was really a great fun.

Actually, I was planning to get a 2nd hand bike from the classifieds or through friends. So happened, my CEO overheard my conversation with my colleagues and he had a bright idea to sell off his dutch bike that was sitting in the garage for years now. It has lots of sentimental values and it was not easy for him to make the decision to sell it to me. But am glad he did anyway. The bike finally came and I was overjoyed to try it out. Unfortunately, I am 2 feet too short for the bike. Its a dutch bike with a basket mounted in front. It's really a very feminine bike. Cut the long story short, I had to give it up because it's really a giant bike for me and just not safe to ride on the road. Nothing to do with the bike, it's actually my height so at that point I realised that 'Short Michelle and Huge Bike' its just not a good combination on the road. Could barely touch the ground !

So my hunt continued... First it was alot of research on the Internet and shortly after, I put that into action. Went all the way to South East London and got the bike. I was pleased with the purchase. Finally paid and ready to take Olive home. Then it striked me... "OH MY GOODNESS... I can't put Olive in a plastic bag and carry it home! HOW DO I GO HOME FROM HERE ?" - This is like the other side to where I live.

I had to ask for a road map to get home and plus getting lost in the city for about 3 to 4 hours going in circle was pretty frustrating. It usually takes about 1 or 1 and a half hours to get from the east to the west. Anyway, it was just scary because I think the last time I rode a bike was 20 years ago, I think... The Malaysians are too pampered with cars equipped with air con and great car stereo.

Whatever it may be, we should always be thankful of what we have. Contentment is great gain ! Autumn is dawning and when that comes, winter is closer than I think it will be. By that time, Olive will have to go into hybernation mode. Meantime, am crusing...