literature
He needs a clutch
I spotted a Tembusu tree in the forest walk near Alexandra Arch. This tree specie is one of the most distinctive in Singapore. It can grow up 10m high.
The tree could be distinguished with its unique perpendicular branches and it has an ability to survive in poorly drained clayey soils. Apparently, this tree in the picture shows sign of growing downward, as it it’s carrying a clutch of its own. This could be helped by the exterior support or may be this is nature’s unique way of survival!
Today is meow meow day!
Today is our rest and relax day! No blogging, so nothing to talk about…
No pole dancing as well!
Shall we go for second round?
Well well meow meow!
Cougar Song
When I was just a little boy
I asked my Kor Kor what will I be
Will I be handsome will I be rich
Here’s what he said to me
Hey Cougar Cougar
Whatever will be will be
The future’s not ours to see
Hey Cougar Cougar
What will be will be
When I grew up and fell in love
I asked my sweet heart what’s life ahead
Will we have chasing day after day
Here’s what my sweet heart said
Hey Cougar Cougar
Whatever will be will be
The future’s not ours to see
Hey Cougar Cougar
What will be will be
Now I have rugby of my own
They ask my Kor Kor what will I be
Will I be naughty will I be free
I tell them happily
Hey Cougar Cougar
Whatever will be will be
The future’s not ours to see
Hey Cougar Cougar
What will be will be
Hey Cougar Cougar
(Kor Kor literally means elder brother in local dialect, it’s referring me)
‘Shiok’ Singapore
Singapore Tourist Board made this short film to promote tourism in Singapore. The word ‘Shiok’ literally means wonderful or fantastic. It’s a broadly used local expression on something that you feel good or enjoyable about.
Example, drinking a cool, icy drink on a hot weather can be ‘shiok’.
A return from a wonderful trip is ‘shiok’.
Taking steamboat in cold season can be ‘shiok’
Having a nice cup of coffee in the morning can be ‘shiok’.
For me, walking in the rain is ‘shiok’.
So, what is your definition about ‘shiok’?
A Bucida tree will never turn you down
I got to know Bucida molineti tree since the day I shifted here some 12 years ago. At that time, it was a man with the height of his childhood. But then, he’s as tall as a four storey apartment now, and I’m sure he is holding an important role in decorates our neighborhood landscapes.
Attracted by this lovely tree, right from the sleek silhouette to the elegant exterior it portrays. The tiny arms and the leafy evergreens express himself in a refine and delicate manner.
Leafs are gently small compared to the size of the body. By saying that, he seems like standing on a moderate path, offering the blue sky to us and at the same time shading us from the cheerful bright sun.
I like walking on pavements shaded with these trees, under their widely open arms. Sometimes, the dropping leaves may accidentally got stuck on my glasses, but the kiss of it is so light and soft that I felt like it’s the teardrops of the tree.
Taking a second look at it, does it strike a chord on you? Yes, it looks like an upside down Christmas tree. So the next time you bump into one, ask him “where have all the Christmas trees gone?” I believe his answer will never turn you down.
A Tour to Toa Payoh Town Park
If you happened to ask a local, “Which particular park holds the most sweet memories in your childhood?” I bet 9 out of 10 will give the same answer: “It is Toa Payoh Town Park!” If you are too young to answer this question, ask your parents then!
Toa Payoh Town Park is sitting on the southern part of Toa Payoh Housing estate. In the 70s, this is a place famous for outdoor wedding photography. You will see dozen of visitors, couples, families enjoying themselves with photo shooting, having their picnic on the open grass field on weekends and public holidays.
Today, I return here to trace back some footage of my memories for my long faded album.
This pond-side restaurant is one of the iconic landmarks on this piece of greenery. To hold a wedding dinner, celebrate an event is not uncommon here and it’s exclusive in those days.
The brick-tiled broadway has been witnessed by many couples and happy families throughout their entire life.
The preceding willows replaced by reeds blend so naturally well with the clever thoughts of the landscape designers.
A snake-like design bridge with bolt nuts-like balustrade, give weight to recollection of certain bits and pieces of our faded memories.
The 2 curvy stone bridges are the pioneers in this green community.
The ‘Bottle Brush’ trees are the most humble and gentlemen around.
This 4-storey viewing tower is one most significant feature in this land. In the past, it was a joyful twirl walking up to the top of the floor to catch the bird-eye view of the entire garden. But in the present, we look for elevators or escalators to fulfill this task.
This park is filled with breeze and songs of bees. Last and not least, you’ll bump into a jaywalker like me!
Friend (29) – The sweet and bitterness of life
There’s this 5-piece English historical building theme coasters sticking on my kitchen wall for many years. I recalled it’s a gift from a friend some 20 years ago. This friend was a full-time architect and a part-time chorus conductor. I was then a lame singer in the choir.
We rarely talk, not because he is a discipline guy but I guess it’s my introvert personality that fails to break the communication barrier. Not long after I left the choir as I need to spend more time on personal enhancement.
Yet, I was surprised by a surprise. I received a souvenir from him through my sister who is also a choir member. I came to know that he bought me the gift during his Europe tour. As he knew I have a penchant for architectural stuff and he specially choose this theme for me.
I recalled I was stunned and moved by this friendly thoughts. On social ground I should at least give him a ring to deliver my gratitude. But I didn’t, as I wasn’t a person good at expressing myself. Yet, my way of displaying my gratitude is to hang the coasters on my kitchen wall. Everyday, the coasters remind me of this nice, gentleman I’ve met in this lifetime.
Lately, I came to know that he’s facing some upheaval in life. It’s not easy to meet up again, but I’ll like to take the opportunity of this write-up to wish him all the best and have all his good wishes come true. At least, there is also another man like him, who’s always standing behind, tasting the sweet and bitterness of life with another….Be blessed, my long lost friend!
Green Roof
When we enter the lobby of this green pavilion at Botany Centre (Singapore Botanic Gardens), you see a stretch of timber walkway covered by ripple of greens on the top of the roof. This special feature not only rejuvenate the gardens but also provides the objective of the green pitch roof.
You don’t find any special elements underside of the pitch roof. But, by enjoying the reflection of the pond on the ceiling might be a bonus to understand how nature interacts among them.
Either gets a faraway distant angle from the Green Pavilion, or another option is to reach the 2nd floor of the pavilion to get a closer look of the green roof.
With the help of lushly covered plants decrease the temperature of the room beneath, obviously also decrease the energy generated. It is no doubt, green roof are widely adopted eco concept and globally well received in the world. Then again, did we take this eco steps for granted? When you enter this blissful green land, the cooling and refreshing ambience don’t come along without the effort of green hands behind. Without them, we won’t have a chance to enjoy a green and blue combination of this horizon of landscapes. Should we thankful for that?
Sick Song
Sydney was sick for the past few days
He couldn’t get himself awake
Conquered by his body ache
Flu attack his nose
Lightning hammer his head
He walks like a zombie
Resting in the daze
He dreamt a lot
Slept a little
Weak, weak, weak
Still, his daily mission had to be conveyed
It’s on the way
Click, click and click…
Click for a day
Sydney was sick for the past few days
He couldn’t get himself rejuvenated
Concealed by outer space virus
Fire attacked his brain
Drowsiness drowning his pace
He talks like a zombie
Resting in the daze
He slept a lot
Dreamt even more
Weak, weak, weak
Still, his daily mission had to be conveyed
It’s on the way
Wait, wait and wait…
If he made any mistake
Please forgive, as he is still on his sick bay
AddGrainOnEarth 