A Beautiful Story With A Beautiful Moth

Something wonderful happened to me recently.... a beautiful green moth had visited my house. It was lingering near the kitchen area when I discovered her (let's assume it was a 'her'). I've never came across such a vibrant colored moth before so I thought it must be a butterfly (until I did some research on the internet).

As I stood there at the kitchen corridor observing this pretty thing, I couldn't help but recalled a story I once read on a book called, 'The Times Of Our Lives: (Extraordinary True Stories Of Synchronicity, Destiny, Meaning, And Purpose)'. During that time Dr. Wayne Dyer was writing the book, 'Inspiration: Your Ultimate Calling' and while working on this particular chapter, “The Language of the Spirit”, a butterfly had landed on his finger and stayed with him for several hours. In the chapter, Dr. Dyer wrote about how our 'Spiritual Guides' (God, Ascended Master, Angels, Fairies etc.) try to get in touch with us sometimes. Often than not, we're either too busy looking for an answer elsewhere that we fail to notice the signs when they're presented to us, or we are merely too occupy with our daily lives to slow down and connect with them. He also states that “Everything in nature is in-Spirit – it isn’t spoiled by ego, nor can it ever be. So when nature speaks to us, we should listen intently. When a wild bird touches us, for instance, or a fish brushes by when we’re swimming in the ocean or lake, I believe that it’s a direct communication from our Source of Being. Since these creations of God instinctively keep their distance, when they depart from their DNA patterns to actually contact us physically, I think we should pay attention.”

Back to my story....
I relatively surprised myself as I began to take interest in this little creature. Usually I'd keep a distance from 'intruders' like this one (worse if they're from the lizard family). Perhaps something about its color drew my attention or maybe I was just curious whether what happened to Dr. Dyer could possibly happen on me as well. Once I set my mind on starting a friendship with my visitor, I did what a good host would do when friends visit; I offered the honey water I was sipping, to her. I poured some into a small bottle cap, placed it on the floor near her and waited with anticipation. What followed thereafter left me in awe. Eager to accept my friendship, Greenie (okay, I'd named it) immediately glided onto the bottle cap! I couldn't figure whether she was drinking the honey but it didn't matter. My first attempt was a success!

Encouraged by that, I got more bold. I leaned even closer.. my face just a few inches away from hers. And she didn't flinch one bit! Wow. I knew I had to record this amazing episode down. I dashed into my room, grabbed my camera and faithfully returned to her side. The next thing that happened marked the most touching moment of our lives. I gently placed my index finger right infront of Greenie. Without a slightest bit of hesitation, she crawled onto it! And I almost wanted to cry!!! I felt an incredible sense of warm over me as Greenie stood there on my finger. It seemed like time had stood still. When I finally regained my consciousness, I lifted her up to my face to observe her closely and snapped more photos of her. Apart from the pretty vibrant wings, there were tiny little fur on them. Everything about her looked so mini.. her legs were even slimmer than the thinnest thread I've ever seen! I might not be able to see her eyes but I had a feeling she was trying to figure me out too.

Greenie seemed comfortable standing on my finger so I took her to my room, sat on my bed and continued to 'connect' with her. I knew this must be a sign from my Angel since I'd been asking for guidance about my life's direction. I also know that green is a color of healing and the symbolic meaning of a moth could mean 'psychic perception, intuition, prophecy and clarity'. I went a little crazier by helding her close to my face again and asked, ''Are you my Angel?'' I know.. you must think this Rheea was probably out of her mind. If I was insane, Greenie wasn't any better because right immediately I asked the question, she responded by flapping her wings! Now I really felt giddy. To prove I was really really out of my mind, I tried this again. And she answered with the same reaction!!! I couldn't remember how many attempts I did but I was convinced I was communicating with my Angel! Totally insane. Oh and I forgot to mention it was way past midnight. Talking to a moth at this hour? HA! Almost an hour passed.. I started to get sleepy. Greenie didn't show any sign of wanting to leave yet. I tried coaxing her to go by gently jerking my finger... no reaction. I turned my finger downward and upward, down and up and down... again no movement. I blew on her face.. still no reaction. She was adamant to stay. Finally I decided if I wanted to make her go, I had to take her out. I carefully placed her outside my window pane, making sure I left the window ajar so she could come in again if she wanted to.

When morning came, Greenie was gone. I never see her again from that day on but that precious hour we spent together will always remain in my heart. I feel really blessed to know that my Angels are always somewhere near me.. whether I see them or not. :)

The Man and the Starfish

A beautiful story as told by the remarkable Wally (Famous) Amos (FAVOURITE cookies of all time!)...

source from here and here.

One day as Wally was walking on the beach, he saw the shadow of a man picking things up from the beach and throwing them into the ocean. As he got closer, he noticed the man was saving the lives of starfish that had been washed ashore by the low tide. The man was throwing the starfish back into the sea one by one. There were hundreds of starfish surrounding Wally and the man, and looking up the coast there were infinite more starfish to save.


Wally asked the man, “What are you doing?” “Saving the starfish,” he responded. “But there are hundreds of thousands, maybe even millions of starfish that have been washed ashore along the coastline. You can’t really believe that by throwing back a few hundred starfish in the ocean, that you’re really going to make a substantial difference, do you?” The man turned to Wally and said nothing. He then picked up another starfish and hurled it into the sea as far as he could. He then looked Wally right in the eye and said, “Made a difference to that one…”

One person can make a huge difference. Never doubt your ability. :)

Today is the 3rd day of our traditional Chinese New Year. HAPPY NEW YEAR to everyone celebrating this festival! For those who may not know, the festival begins on the first day of the first month in the Chinese calendar and ends on the 15th. This means there are 15 days of celebration (sadly only two public holidays).

Stay tuned for more updates and pics in my next post! HUAT AH!!! ('prosper' in Hokkien)~~~ :D

2010 Resolutions And A Heartwarming Story

I hope your holiday was great? I've finally completed my list of resolutions for 2010 and I'm so EXCITED to get it started! Right... I haven't start on it yet. -.-

**Resolutions for 2010**

For myself

1) I will learn to be brave when making decisions (no matter big or small).

2) I will learn to be more patient with myself and others.

3) I will sleep before 2am (applies from Mon to Thurs only).

4) I will not curse under my breath when I run into inconsiderate people on the street. I will do so loudly (kidding!).

5) I will learn to be more assertive when comes to 'chasing' late payments (from some shops). Actually I hope I don't have to do this in the new year. Oh give me a break~... zzzzZZz.

6) I will continue to go for my weekly jogs and workouts.

7) I will try not to buy clothes that I'm sure I won't wear more than 3 times.

8) I will snack less... :(

9) I will commit to learning my piano well this time. Yes I WILL make it to... grade 2 this year (See I even make a blog banner to remind myself. Heh!).

10) I will.... erm.... learn to drive again... (shudders ..cold sweat.....).

11) I will touch up my nail polish more often.

12) I will shave my legs hair more often (what!? They're not as thick or long as you imagine okay!).

13) I will learn to ask for help when I need one (I don't mean shaving my legs hair).

14) I will not squeeze my pimples or blackheads even if I find them annoying.

15) I will tidy my room more often.

16) I will always be trueful to my feelings and voice out how I really feel.

17) I will not try to 'act tough' when all I want is to cry.

18) I will learn to say 'NO.' 

19) I will learn to improve on my social skills.

20) I will continue to norish my soul with great books and music. Yay~

21) I will continue to count my blessings and say my affirmations everyday! :)

Family and friends
22) I will continue to spend more time with them.

23) I will visit my grandparents more often.

24) I will cuddle Nono more more MORE.

25) I will be patient with Nono even when he pee and poo all outside the newspaper.

26) I will stop pretending that I didn't see Nono's pee or poo and leave the mess for my brother to clean up (Ssssshhhh...)

27) I will stop forcing Nono to go for a walk if he doesn't feel like it (he is getting lazy).

Work
28) I will continue to share nice stories, photos and interesting stuffs in my blog (with people who bothers to read).

29) I will continue to come out with art pieces that inspire people.

30) I will conduct art classes for children this year (already in the planning. hee. excited??!!!)

31) I will continue to do my bit for SPCA (Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals), ACRES (Animal Concerns and Research Education Society) and WorldVision. Last year I didn't manage to adopt any child.. I hope I'm able to do so this year.

Okay, I'm sure the list is long enough to last a whole year. You may ask why are some of them in pink and others in purple? Pink = I'm sure I will be able to accomplish them. Purple = I'm keeping my fingers crossed.

As I was doing this post, Nono tested out point 25. Guess what I did? I cleared it up and responded with point 24! (not 26). Heehee.

Before I go, here's a video I've been itching to share. I'd watched it the upteem times.. and it still make my eyes watery each time. This is a powerful (true) story about love and... detachment.

''In 1969, two friends, Ace Berg and John Rendall, purchased and adopted a lion. At the time, Christian was a 35 pound cub. He had been borned in a zoo. The friends raised Christian in their London home. All three became great friends.

Within a year, Christian grew too big, Rendall and Berg realized they couldn't keep him much longer. The two decided to release Chritian back ino the wild. Christian was released into a conservation system in Africa.

Almost a year later, Rendall and Berg decided to visit Christian one last time despite a friend telling them that it was too dangerous because Christian might not even remember them. The two friends flew to Kenya, anyway. When they finally arrived at the reservation, Christian showed up for a heartwarming reunion:

"He ran towards us, threw himself onto us, knocked us over and hugged us, with his paws on our shoulders.'' said John Rendall."






Full story can be found at HERE. :)

This Is Not The Life I Ordered

Did the title catch your attention? It did to me. Which is why I've read the book, love it, and thought I should share it with everyone.

''This is not the life I ordered (50 ways to keep your head above water when life keeps dragging you down)'' is written by four ordinary women, sharing with us their extraordinary life challenges. Together they have a history of six marriages, ten children, two miscarriages, failed adoption and widowhood. They have built companies and lost companies. One of them was even shot and left for dead on a tarmac in South America!



If you do not like books filled with words, you got to like this. With comics and a great deal of inspiring quotes on every few pages, you'll not have any trouble following through. I think this book is a must-read for all women and the men who love them. So, I'm giving it 4 out of 5 stars! Below are some of the quotes from this book. Visit their official website, for more juicy bits!

''Find out what you don't want to know about yourself, what you're afraid of, and then face it head on.'' -Linda Evans.

''Dreams usually don't come about in the way you first visualize them, so don't expect them to. Be open to new opportunities and ideas. Reality is too complicated, and surprise is half the fun!'' -Dr Ivan Scheier.

''When you get the blues - don't look forward; look backward. Looking backward reminds you many dreams have actually come true in your life, while looking forward only reminds you of the obstacles you face.'' -Dr Ivan Scheier.

''If you have made serious mistakes, there is always another chance for you. What we call failure is not the falling down, but the staying down.'' -Mary Pickford.

And this is my favorite, ''Well-behaved women rarely make history.'' -Anita Borg.

Love Story

Latest favorite in my Mp3! The lyrics are so sweet.. It's even sweeter when you watch the music video. I wonder if that's what happen when you meet your soul mate; just by one look and you'd know he/ she is the one? Has it happen to any of you? If you think you've found your soul mate, I would love to hear your story!



We were both young when I first saw you
I close my eyes
And the flashback starts
I'm standing there
On a balcony in summer air

See the lights
See the party, the ball gowns
I see you make your way through the crowd
And say hello, little did I know

That you were Romeo, you were throwing pebbles
And my daddy said stay away from Juliet
And I was crying on the staircase
Begging you please don't go, and I said

Romeo take me somewhere we can be alone
I'll be waiting all there's left to do is run
You'll be the prince and I'll be the princess
It's a love story baby just say yes

So I sneak out to the garden to see you
We keep quiet 'cause we're dead if they knew
So close your eyes
Escape this town for a little while

'Cause you were Romeo, I was a scarlet letter
And my daddy said stay away from Juliet
But you were everything to me
I was begging you please don't go and I said

Romeo take me somewhere we can be alone
I'll be waiting all there's left to do is run
You'll be the prince and I'll be the princess
It's a love story baby just say yes

Romeo save me, they try to tell me how to feel
This love is difficult, but it's real
Don't be afraid, we'll make it out of this mess
It's a love story baby just say yes
Oh oh

I got tired of waiting
Wondering if you were ever coming around
My faith in you is fading
When I met you on the outskirts of town, and I said

Romeo save me I've been feeling so alone
I keep waiting for you but you never come
Is this in my head? I don't know what to think
He knelt to the ground and pulled out a ring

And said, marry me Juliet
You'll never have to be alone
I love you and that's all I really know
I talked to your dad, go pick out a white dress
It's a love story baby just say yes

Oh, oh, oh, oh
'Cause we were both young when I first saw you

Count Your Blessing Everyday

Please watch this video and say a prayer for them. The next time you're going to waste any food, think again...

View this movie at cultureunplugged.com

A Joke A Day Keeps The Doctor Away‏

This is hilarious... lol.

A lady walked into a high class jewellery shop. She browsed around , spotted a beautiful bracelet and walked over to inspect it. As she bent over to look at it more closely she accidentally farted. Very embarrassed, she looked around nervously to see if anyone had noticed her little accident and prayed that a sales person didn't pop up right now.

As she turned around, her worst nightmare materialized in the form of a salesman standing right behind her...Cool as a cucumber and displaying complete professionalism, the salesman greeted the lady, "Good day, Madam. How may we help you today?"

Uncomfortably, but hoping that the salesman might just not have been there at the time of her 'little' accident, she asked, "What is price of his lovely bracelet?"

The salesman answered, " Madam, if you farted just by looking at it, you're going to shit when I tell you the price."

Can I Borrow $25?

A man came home from work late, tired and irritated, to find his 5-year old son waiting for him at the door.

SON: 'Daddy, may I ask you a question?'

DAD: 'Yeah sure, what it is?' replied the man.

SON: 'Daddy, how much do you make an hour?'

DAD: 'That's none of your business. Why do you ask such a thing?' the man said angrily.

SON: 'I just want to know. Please tell me, how much do you make an hour?'

DAD: 'If you must know, I make $50 an hour.'

SON: 'Oh,' the little boy replied, with his head down.

SON: 'Daddy, may I please borrow $25?'

The father was furious, 'If the only reason you asked that is so you can borrow some money to buy a silly toy or some other nonsense, then you march yourself straight to your room and go to bed. Think about why you are being so selfish. I don't work hard everyday for such childish frivolity.'

The little boy quietly went to his room and shut the door.

The man sat down and started to get even angrier about the little boy's questions. How dare he ask such questions only to get some money?

After about an hour or so, the man had calmed down , and started to think: Maybe there was something he really needed to buy with that $25 and he really didn't ask for money very often The man went to the door of the little boy's room and opened the door.

'Are you asleep, son?' He asked.

'No daddy, I'm awake,' replied the boy.

'I've been thinking, maybe I was too hard on you earlier' said the man. 'It's been a long day and I took out my aggravation on you. Here's the $25 you asked for.'

The little boy sat straight up, smiling. 'Oh, thank you daddy!' he yelled. Then, reaching under his pillow he pulled out some crumpled up bills.

The man saw that the boy already had money, started to get angry again.

The little boy slowly counted out his money, and then looked up at his father.

'Why do you want more money if you already have some?' the father grumbled.

'Because I didn't have enough, but now I do,' the little boy replied.

'Daddy, I have $50 now. Can I buy an hour of your time? Please come home early tomorrow. I would like to have dinner with you.'

The father was crushed. He put his arms around his little son, and he begged for his forgiveness.

This is just a short reminder to all of you working so hard in life. We should not let time slip through our fingers without having spent some time with those who really matter to us, those close to our hearts. If we die tomorrow, the company that we are working for could easily replace us in a matter of hours. But the family & friends we left behind will feel the loss for the rest of their lives.

How Can I Not Love Him?

More than 6 years ago, on a normal day just like any other day, little Nono joined our family...

He immediately found a secret hiding place.


We had a hard time trying to keep him away from this.


His favorite game was Peek-a-


Boo.


Last year, he made a new friend - Miss Seal.


And promised to take good care of her.


But that was only until he met the Mushroom twins.


Sometimes, (depending on his mood) he will pose for the camera.


Sometimes, he will stare at me while I work.


Till he falls asleep.


I'll then carry him into bed and covers him with blanket.


Other times, he will wait patiently for every familiar faces to return home from work.


Once in a while he gets totally engross in a new snack (not snickers though).


One time, brother was busy packing his luggage and Nono offered to help (how nice of him).


He can be a good actor. Don't be fooled by his expression, he hates to bathe.


Sometimes, I enjoy watching him sleep.


And wonder why his legs look so much like a deer's?


Now look at this face


and tell me how can I not love him? :)


Catch him in some of my art pieces! Hee. Have a great day!

Dreams. They Do Come True

The book I've been caught up in after the completion of my Twilight saga, is what I'm about to recommend. All thanks to my best friend who graciously loaned me this book even before she read it herself. 'Hot Chocolate for the Mystical Lover: 101 true stories of soulmates brought together by Divine Intervention' is a must-have for every romance book lovers.



For the benefit of those who are eager to browse through the book, I'd pick one of my favorite stories (summarised) to share with you.

A Dream Of Love (by Phyllis W. Curott)

There is nothing more divinely magical than a dream of love that comes true. Several years ago, I decided I was ready to have real love in my life.

I asked for the love that was right for me, that would make me happy and fulfilled. You learn quickly to be careful what you ask for, because you may well get it, and you also learn to trust the universe to bring what's best for you. I also asked the Goddess to give me a sign so I'd recognise him.

Months went by, and no one appeared. But I didn't give up hope. I decided to stop dating, to make room for the right person.

Then one night, the Goddess sent me my sign. I had a dream so vivd that I felt as if I was awake. I was standing in the middle of huge puffy white clouds filled with light. Suddenly, a man stepped out of the cloud in front of me. I couldn't see his face because he was lit from behind, but he was wearing a black leather jacket and black pants and had dark hair. He puts his hand out to me and a motorcycle appeared next to him, black and full of shining chrome. I found myself climbing onto the back of the bike and he was seated in front of me. He gunned the engines and we took off into the light, surrounded by the roar of engine and wonderful laughter.

I woke up with a start - the phone was ringing. I picked it up, still half asleep. It was my best friend, Mitchell, who immediately began urging me to go out with another friend of his - Bruce Fields.

''I was telling him all about you last night and he really wants to meet you. He's one of New York's top photographers, he's got a house on the ocean in the Hamptons, he's got three fabulous stereos...''- at which point I cut him off.

''No, Mitchell, I've sworn off men,'' I said, yawning. But Mitchell was determined. ''He's very good looking. And he rides a Harley.''

''What?'' I exclaimed, now wide awake.

''It's a motorcycle,'' he replied.

''I know it's motorcycle. What color is it?'' I asked, holding my breath.

''It's black, with a lot of chrome.''

''I'll meet him,'' I laughed.

A few nights later, I did. He was dark haired, handsome, and had a wonderful sense of humor. But best of all, he was dressed in a black T-shirt and jeans, and he tossed on a black leather jacket as we left his Soho studio to checkout some art galleries.

Our second date was on that Harley. And it was parked in the backyard of our country house when we were married a few years later.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Want to read more of such stories? Go get the book! :)

To end the topic for today, I have a VERY sweeeeeet video to share. It will sure put a big smile on your face. And remember, the next time you wish for something, pay attention.

Signs (by Publicis Mojo)

Shanghai Trip

I am back!!! You wouldn't know how glad I am to be home. I'd missed the weather here badly. It was freezing cold in Shanghai, only 6 degree celsius (it was worse on the 2nd day)! Even the locals were complaining that it shouldn't be so cold by this time of the year. The weather must have gone crazy.

This was my first visit to a cold country. I have no winter coat or any thick sweater. I wasn't well prepared at all. Can you imagine how clumsy I looked having put on ALL the clothes I had in my luggage? Yes, I meant ALL of them and it was still not enough. To make matter worse, my friend and I went around asking the locals where could we possibly find gloves and they mocked us saying they do not sell gloves in Spring! :(

Enough of my whining. Apart from the cold, I'd pretty much enjoyed the trip. Here are the pics I'd promised (There could have been more if it wasn't so cold that I refused to remove my hands from my sweater pockets).









They dry their clothes everywhere. On tree branches...



street wires... (I like this pic in particular. Interesting shadows on the wall.)



Savior on a cold day.





Perfect location for shooting horror films.



And these look even scarier.





At last, somewhere near the shopping malls.





Nanjing Road (Nan Jing Xi Lu) is known as the longest and busiest shopping street in Shanghai. I would say, there wasn't much to buy if you plan to come here to shop. Stuffs are not cheap either.









My favorite breakfast. Soya bean with fried you tiao and egg porridge.



The chair says 'bean' (soya).



Post box.





The Qi Pu Road (Qi Pu Lu). This place is a heaven for shopaholics. If you like Bangkok, you will love it here. When buying things, remember to bargain, bargain and bargain! Try to come here as early as 9am. They close at 6pm and the entire street will turn very dark with no street lights. A piece of advice, do not accept any ride from private vehicles even if you have a hard time getting a taxi. You wouldn't want to end up somewhere else. Just try to leave that place before evening and you will be safe.





I couldn't stop myself from taking this pic.



The Bund (Wai Tan) is a pedestrian promenade on the west bank of the Huang Pu river. Breathtaking views.







If you are looking for a nice place to chill out at night. Xin Tian Di is the perfect place lined with restaurants, cafes and bars. The actual place looks alot more beautiful than these pics. I should have use the flash.







Get yourself prepared if you need to take a ride in their taxi. You will be amazed at the driving skill of the cabbies. Hahaha. However I was quite surprised that most of the cabbies we came acrossed (we took over 20 taxi rides for the entire trip) were very nice and friendly unlike the negative feedbacks we usually heard about them. Even their hotel/retail staffs and waiters/waitresses were very polite and helpful. It could be because it was Shanghai and not other parts of China. All in all, I had a very pleasant trip. :)

Hope you've enjoyed my journey so far. Did you remember to take part in my giveaway (2 posts down)??? Hurry hurry, 5 more days left!