Horoscope on 23rd Feb

Past Influences - The Magician

Briefly: Unusual magical powers that has the ability to bring you anything that your heart desires.

Full Meaning:
This is a card of unusual magical powers that has the ability to bring you anything that your heart desires. You only have to wish for something and it is right there in front of you. You may need to be highly discriminating lest you wish for the wrong thing, person or job or whatever, because once possessed, it may no longer be desired. Events seem to unfold at a rapid pace with this card and you may find some difficulty keeping up with the speed with which changes occur in your affairs and situations. Many decisions will need to be made during this time and it is up to you whether you adapt and go with the flow as many of your choices now will put you on a new path and then you will enjoy many new and different life experiences.

The Magician can do anything. The Magician can have any position he wants, the person he desires or anything his imagination can conjure up. If he wishes to be the President of a country or the Prime Minister of a country, he can do that. All he has to do is desire it and wish for it and make it happen. If he seeks the most desired woman in the land, he can have her, marry her, have children with her. Nothing is beyond his power, which has no boundaries and no limitations. He can have wealth, title, power, prestige, love, glory, fame, anything at all that he wants or feels he needs. He has mystical and magical qualities and a power that is so subtle, it sometimes appears to go undetected. His powerful abilities are beyond comprehension and understanding by the average human being. He is unfathomable, unreachable, unless he wants you closer by his side.

If this card should represent you, then you are being made aware of what your real and true talents are and that this is a favourable time to pursue your dreams.

Should this card represent someone else, it may be wise to consider what it is that this person wants from you. Do they want you in their life, or out of their life. It is their wish that will come true, not yours, unless you too are also a Magician.

The Present - Page of Pentacles

Briefly: You may be on the receiving end of some really good news within about one month.

Full Meaning: The picture on this card shows a good looking man of about 22 who is clean shaven and rugged up ready for winter or a long journey. He wears a beret with a feather in it, and a coat with stripes on the sleeves, which could represent a military uniform or other suit related to his field of work. He looks strong and courageous. He is headed in a certain direction and carrying a large Pentacle. He is obviously on a mission to bring some good news to someone. In the background are mountains and a river with tall trees dotting the landscape. This could represent a place you will visit in the near future, or where you will live. If you draw this card, you may be on the receiving end of some really good news within about one month. If the card represents someone you already know, rest assured success lies ahead for them. If the card is yourself, you know where you are going and how to get there. You will gain recognition for your endeavours and the esteem of your contemporaries.

Hopes and Fears - Six of Swords

Briefly: This is a card of travel and usually means going over water, though can mean an ocean voyage specifically.

Full Meaning: Aren't you lucky if you draw this card? You may be about to take off to further horizons and go exploring. This is a card of travel and usually means going over water, though can mean an ocean voyage specifically. You are usually not going alone, there is someone else with you. It is also a card showing that you are protected in some way or someone is looking after you and your needs at this time. It is time to relax and enjoy yourself and take time out to explore other parts of this wonderful world we live in. It is quite an adventurous card and shows that you are ready for new experiences and will welcome whatever changes arise. Your longing for distant shores also means that your life may have been becoming a little stagnant of late, and you need fresh air and a change of scenery. Go some place you have never been before and allow yourself to flow with the winds of change.

Obstacles - Ace of Cups

Briefly: There is some abundance coming into the life of the person who draws this card. Whatever is wished for will be granted

Full Meaning: The picture on this card shows a large cup being held in a hand and in the cup the contents are flowing over the side and in the background is a large white done. There is a watery background and some flowers and greenery. This symbolises that there is some abundance coming into the life of the person who draws this card. Whatever is wished for will be granted. Either a new love, a new location or other significant new start is possible and will occur within a relatively short span of time. If the health has not been so good, then this will be improved radically. If you have your sights set on some specific accomplishment, it is likely to be achieved. Take a leap of faith and trust in the future.

Other's Attitudes - The Emperor

Briefly: A man of power who tries to bring balance and order to his business activities. He is highly focussed on building a business or empire and seeing to it that things run like clockwork - more family time is indicated.

Full Meaning:

He is a man of power who tries to bring balance and order to his business activities. He is highly focussed on building a business or empire and seeing to it that things run like clockwork. He may be the director of CEO or General Manager of a large corporation. His role there us of great importance as he is a man who knows what he is doing. He is exceptionally business minded and goal orientated.

He always achieves what he sets out to do. He is fixed in his opinions and refuses to budge once he has made up his mind. He is steadfast and loyal. He does not like deceit in any form. He has high principles and is considered a man of integrity by his employees and friends.

The Emperor can be a formidable opponent as he fights to the death. Has courage and tenacity and little beats him down. He is a man who needs financial security and will work long and hard if necessary to achieve this. His focus on business matters is just about all consuming for him, although he does like family life and will generally seek a wife to stand by his side.

He understands the need for close family bonding and love. He makes a good husband and father to his children. He would instil respect in his children and hep them to understand why he is not always there at home. He expects that his wife will provide his needs and also most of the needs of their children.

His goal is to maintain financial security and independence and he insists on instilling these qualities in his children. He is not into frivolity or wasting time, though he does occasionally find some peace in solitude, when he can contemplate the meaning of his life. Very little ruffles the Emperor's feathers. He is stable, secure and confident in his approach to life.

If you are a young man and this card appears, it could be showing you where you will be in 10 or 20 years from now. The card is encouraging you to seek your financial independence and follow your dreams. This card, if not you, could represent your father or your boss or other influential male in your life.

If you are a female, this too could be your father or your boss, or your future partner in life. You can expect that if he becomes your friend and then your lover, he will eventually be your husband or partner for life.

If you are a male and over 40, this card may very well represent yourself and it is time to acknowledge where you are on your life's path and perhaps now take time out to relax a little, maybe take the family on an extended overseas holiday and just unwind for awhile. The world won't stop turning if you take leave from your working responsibilities and spend some time with your loved ones, who probably would really appreciate being around you at this time.

Influence Around You - Queen of Wands

Briefly: You may also be about to meet someone very special with whom you fall in love with and marry.

Full Meaning: The picture on this card is of a woman wearing a crown and beautiful clothes and a robe, with a wand in one hand and a lovely golden sunflower in the other. There is an abundance of green leaves around the flower and the wand. She looks serene and calm. She is obviously a woman of considerable power and influence. She also appears warm and welcoming. She has lovely blonde hair and blue eyes. She displays an air of sophistication and strength. If you are this woman then you have truly found your destiny. If this is the woman you are about to become, then rest assured your future is secure and you will find all of your needs met. You may also be about to meet someone very special with whom you fall in love with and marry. This may develop during the warmer months of the year, as in Spring or Summer. If this is someone you know, then value her friendship, for she is loyal and trustworthy. If you are a male, you may meet this woman through a friend and become involved with her in a romantic relationship. If you are a young person, this person could be your mother or a teacher, or both.

Outcome - The Moon

Briefly: Very deep emotions and if you are going through any big events in your life this will be a meaningful period for you and one that will be long remembered.

Full Meaning: This card depicts the Moon in the centre of the card and on either side is a dog barking in the night. There are also two castles and these are divided by a stream which has a scorpion in it. Sometimes there can be contaminated or dangerous water or liquid connected with this card. There may also prove to be differences between neighbours for one reason or another. It is as if there is something going on at night with one of the neighbours and this gets under your skin and causes friction and resentment. It can also indicate very deep emotions and if you are going through any big events in your life this will be a very meaningful period for you and one that will be long remembered. If you meet a new partner during this time, more than likely it will occur at night and be an intense and passionate liaison. Perhaps one of you is born under the Sign of Scorpio, Pisces or Cancer.

Bflygal's comments:
I cannot remember why I took this reading. So just storing the results in case.

By the way, I was catching Goong again for fun.. remember about Romeo's first love Rosaline. Remembered about Queen's advice to Yul
In this world, there is something that cannot be forced upon. Do you know what that is? Things like fate, regardless of how hard you tried to grab, you can't seem to grab hold of it. And even if you grab hold of it, it would not stay in your hands forever. If you want a fate that doesn't belong to you, you will get punished. That's the way of life. The relationship between a man and a woman is not something that can be solved by working your brain. To put it in another way, you will not get what you want even if you are.
Source: Goong
Referenced from my previous post

Suddenly I felt blessed are those who can give without remembering and take without forgetting. Which reminds me of Anthony Robbins…
What you give you get to keep,
What you fail to give, you lose forever

bubur

Bubur means porridge in Malay.
I chose this word because while I was watching “Sweet Tapioca Porridge”, it had the Malay subtitles. And I learnt that bubur means porridge.

It is a simple movie for one who believes in the simplicity of love. Simple things, simple pleasures, simple life. When love means you are willingly to get out of your self-ego and do something extra for another person. But what if that person no longer does anything extra for you?

I was thinking of asking something. It was an act of pursing, to find out the answers, in hope of a closure. Till my friend said that if time goes by, when you no longer chase for it, you would realised you had let go… And I let the moment passed once again…

There is one part in the movie that I really like. It was when Michelle asked Darren what he would do if he has blister. Just keep walking. Even though it hurts, just keep walking. Simple question, simple answer.

Actually a girl is easily touched by anything a guy does for her, if she has feelings for him in the first place. And a girl forgives too easily. But the girl must be a simple girl in the first place, who believes in the simplicity of love and life.

Anyway while thinking about simple life, I was also thinking about a butterfly life. The idea came about after reading Nido Qubein’s "Be a professional butterfly" in Straits Times, Feb 14 2009

It is said that a butterfly is not a caterpillar or a better or improved caterpillar; a butterfly is a different creature.

It leaves the comfort and security of the old cocoon and accepting the challenges and uncertainties of a free environment. Human’s natural instincts will ensure there is a path back for one to return to the old ways if the new ways don't work out. However with the existence of such path, one will succumb to retrace it at the first sign of adversity.

A butterfly, on the other hand, cannot return to its cocoon. The moment it makes its ways to the outside and flutters its wings, it is committed to a new type of existence. Its life as a butterfly is not just a matter of what it does. It is also a matter of what it is. It is one of the reasons why I simply love butterflies and the metamorphosis process.

Endless Road
- Lin Jun Jie

The truth is tearing up my heart
I can't recognise this place
The endless road without a stop sign
Can't even find a stranger this time

Why am I still holding back my tears
In this loneliness there's nothing left to fear
Every chord still seems a wonder
How we could be together
Every time I ask if this would be the last

Why am I still talking to myself
Hoping you will have the keys to my cell
Every song might calm the weather
But it just draws me deeper
How do I get out of this
I think~ I never will

A crystal forming in the eye
Maybe this would be the last
The winding path down my face
Till I begin to taste the bitterness inside

Why am I still holding back my tears
In this loneliness there's nothing left to fear
Every chord still seems a wonder
How we could be together
Every time I ask if this would be the last

Why am I still talking to myself
Hoping you will have the keys to my cell
Every song might calm the weather
But it just draws me deeper
How do I get out of this
I think~ I never will

I never will

Barbie of Swan Lake + Barbie and the Magic of Pegasus

Wings
- Leslie Mills

Written By Jason Blume lyrics
From Barbie of Swan Lake

I was
Living in a fantasy
Waiting
For somebody to rescue me
But I found a way to light the dark
It was always here inside my heart
No more fairy tale pretending
I’ll make my own happy ending

If I wasn’t meant to fly
I wouldn’t have these wings
I wouldn’t reach up to the sky
Every night in my dreams
There’s a voice inside of me
Saying “I can do anything”
‘Cause if I wasn’t meant to fly
I wouldn’t have these wings

There’s a
Star that’s shining down on me
Reflecting
Everything that I can be
Every journey starts inside my heart
There’s no mountain that’s too far
‘Cause if I set my mind to it
Whatever it is I can do it

If I wasn’t meant to fly
I wouldn’t have these wings
I wouldn’t reach up to the sky
Every night in my dreams
There’s a voice inside of me
Saying “I can do anything”
‘Cause if I wasn’t meant to fly
I wouldn’t have these wings

To take me farther
Than I ever thought I’d go
Higher than the Heavens
‘Cause deep inside I know

If I wasn’t meant to fly
I wouldn’t have these wings
I wouldn’t reach up to the sky
Every night in my dreams
There’s a voice inside of me
Saying “I can do anything”
‘Cause if I wasn’t meant to fly
I wouldn’t have these wings

************

Hope Has Wings
- Brie Larson
From Barbie and the Magic of Pegasus

La la la la

When I'm stuck on the ground
There's no up only downs
Every steps sends me falling
Not sure how to begin
How to rise like the wind
So that soon, I'll be soaring

I just breathe
And let myself believe

CHORUS:
'Cause hope has wings
To carry you
Anything
Is possible
Just might be
A miracle
Waiting to come true
So I lift my eyes
And see the sky
Feel my heart
Begin to fly
I will be carried by my dreams
'Cause hope has wings!

(Hope has wings
Hope has wings)

I could fly through the clouds
Far away from the doubt
That would be so amazing
Feel the sun on my face
Such a beautiful place
yeah, I know that it's waiting
Skating safe,
With courage and with faith

CHORUS:
'Cause hope has wings
To carry you
Anything
Is possible
Just might be
A miracle
Waiting to come true
So I lift my eyes
And see the sky
Feel my heart
Begin to fly
I will be carried by my dreams
'Cause hope has wings

Bridge:
Like a flame, like a spark
I make the change
There's a star, in the dark
Calling out my name
Finally I can see
Now I'm on my way

CHORUS:
'Cause hope has wings
(Hope has wings)
To carry you
Anything
(Anything)
Is possible
Just might be
A miracle
Waiting to come true
(Come true)
So I lift my eyes
(Lift my eyes)
And see the sky
Feel my heart
(Yeah)
Begin to fly
(Yeah)
I will be carried by my dreams
(By my dreams)

Ba la la la la

Hope has a new home - it lives in me
Anywhere I go - It sets me free
Hope shines the light - It's everywhere
(When to fly)
Hope knows just how to take me there

Hope has a new home - it lives in me
(Carry me high)
Anywhere I go - It sets me free
(La la la laaaaaaaaa)
Hope shines the light - It's everywhere
Hope knows just how to take me there

La la la la
La la la la
La la la, la la la
La la la la
(Hope has wings
Hope has wings)
La la la la
La la la, la la la

Bflygal's comments:
The way they described what true love means in Barbie of Swan Lake sounded almost too altruistic...

True love is when two people love each other more than they love themselves.
Alone they are two, but together they are one.

Oh well but they admit that true love is rare hahaha... I definitely concur!

As for magic wand in Barbie and the Magic of Pegasus.. haha it's funny when they said one should never use magic wand for anger.. I guess it does make sense hmm... a bit cliché when the movie ended with a one liner "There is always hope" but hey... it never hurts to get some positive reinforcement.. unless I think, I'm getting too much here.. that I am starting to hope for some magic wand perhaps?

Barbie as Rapunzel

Source: Distant Melody

Wish Upon A Star

Remember when I said I won't miss you
The truth is that I do
I never stop thinking about you (About you)
We are meant together, the two of us our bound
And now it seems like forever
I can't get you off my mind

If I could wish upon a star
Then I would hold you in my arms (Hold you in my arms)
And I know we could love once again (Love again)
If I could turn the hands of time
Then you would love me, still be mine
Baby, I would be right where you are
If I could wish upon a star

It's obvious and everyone can see
But baby, you and I are truly meant to be
But nothing turns out right (Nothing turns out right)
If only I could make you realize
If only time could give us just another chance
I'd prove it all to you

If I could wish upon a star
If I could turn the hands of time
Then I'd be in your arms again

If I could wish upon a star
Then I would hold you in my arms (Hold you in my arms)
And I know we could love once again (Baby, love again)
If I could turn the hands of time
Then you would love me, still be mine
Baby, I would be right where you are
If I could wish upon a star

If I could wish upon a star

**********

Constant As the Stars Above

Constant as the stars above
Always know that you are loved
And my love shining in you
Will help you make your dreams come true
Will help your dreams come true

The lamb lies down and rests it's head
On it's mother's downy bed
Dolphin plays in the moonlight's glow
And butterfly dreams of a violet rose
Dreams of a violet rose

I'll cradle you in my arms tonight
As sun embraces the moonlight
The clouds will carry us off tonight
Our dreams will run deep like the sea
Our dreams will run deep like the sea

Constant as the stars above
Always know that you are loved
And my love shining in you
Will help you make your dreams come true
Will help your dreams come true

Bflygal's comments:
Wishing for Rapunzel's magic paintbrush?
Truth is, Rapunzel painted what she dream of
And when you do that, you will never go wrong...

Hmm.. I hope it works with typing too... typing my dreams... and realising it.
Today I caught a glimpse of Dubai's airport through my colleague's eyes while he was in transit. Dubai, a country I heard a lot about. I still wonder how it really is.. and I'm thankful for the impromptu photos haha!

Barbie and the 12 Dancing Princesses

Shine
- by Cassidy Ladden

There's a place you can go
Where your heart is free
There's a rhythm
That's right for your soul

Take a breath, find your courage
And make the leap
Cause your feet always know where to go

And you dance and you dance in an endless flow
In the grace of a perfect design
Stepping out of the dark and into the glow
And the whole world will see when you shine
You can shine (shine)
Shine (shine)

There's a beauty already inside of you
There's a difference that only you'll make
Every place that you spin brings you somewhere new
Finding hope every step that you take

And you dance and you dance in an endless flow
In the grace of a perfect design
Stepping out of the dark and into the glow
And the whole world will see when you shine
You can shine (shine)
Shine
(Shine)

Suddenly sparkling bright (shine)
Making a magical light (shine)
You will (shine)
Sisters are there by your side
Love will be your guide

And we dance and we dance in an endless flow
In the grace of a perfect design
Stepping out of the dark and into the glow
The whole world will see when we shine
We will shine (shine)
Shine (shine)

(And we dance and we dance in an endless flow)
Stepping out of the dark and into the glow
(Stepping out of the dark and into the glow)
We will shine (we can shine)
(And we dance and we dance in an endless flow)
Stepping out of the dark and into the glow
(Stepping out of the dark and into the glow)
We will shine (we can shine)
(And we dance and we dance in an endless flow)

Bflygal's comments:
More Barbie shows... Learnt that Mariposa is the spanish word for butterfly (from Mariposa)... and that "Sometimes we need to face things that frighten us, it’s how we grow" from Barbie in a Christmas Carol (although I must admit I learnt that before... never hurts to be reinforced on it again)... Or about doing the right things even for "friends we never met" (from Fairytopia)...

Barbie movies may be simple at times but it is like all fairy tales I guess... with a happy ending, and some magic. Probably is that effect that smittens me.

Oh and I'm still so amazed after seeing my friend's makeover process. I'm shocked how long it took... especially when my colleague was saying it is like how we took our grad photos. I guess not... I don't remember my makeup taking that long hahahha. Although I remember how hard it is to pose for the photographer.. her's was even harder I felt since is just personal makeover with no theme in mind. And is the posing that really scares me off. Although the lady did say a girl should have some photos to keep once in a lifetime. It got me thinking about how many times one will do cover shots... graduation... wedding... family portrait... I have to admit that I was a teeny bit tempted haha. But what do such photos serve in the future?

Hmm nevertheless, I felt the lady spoke some wisdom which I hope and believe will help to reinforce my friend. Seriously everything we do, is all in the mind. Sometimes you find a job that is your hobby, sometimes you find a job that you grow to love, and sometimes you find a job that takes convincing for you to love. I'm glad that whichever company I'm in, I do endjoy and treasure it.. even if I am in a messy state now. I hope my friend does too...

Barbie as Island Princess

Source: LyricsZoo

I Need To Know
- by Cassidy Ladden

Where is the land I come from
Who lives where I was born?
Why do my memories start with a storm?
What if I have a family
Somewhere beyond the sea
Could there be someone there missing me?
Tell me
Why I'm not sleeping and my heart is leaping
Inside me
Could this be one of those times when your feelings decide?
Why does he look through circles?
Why does he hide his feet?
Why do I feel so shy when we meet?
Is this the tree he sleeps in?
What can he see from there?
Could there be new horizons to share?
All these
Questions keep turning and churning and burning
Inside me
What are these feelings I feel when he's here by my side?
I need to know these answers
I need to find my way
Seize my tomorrow
Learn my yesterday
I need to take these chances
Let all my feelings show
Can't tell what's waiting
Still I need to go
I need to know
Isn't she just amazing
Daring and bold and sure
Different from girls that I've met before
Do you think she might like me?
How do I look tonight?
I just want everything to be right
All these questions keep turning and churning and burning
Inside me
What are these feelings I feel when she's here by my side
I need to know these answers
I need to find my way
Seize my tomorrow
Learn my yesterday
I need to take these chances
Let all my feelings show
Can't tell what's waiting
Still I need to go
I need to know

Bflygal's comments: Watched it long ago.... the plot is abit ridiculous.. but this particular song... captured me completely...

Barbie in the Diamond Castle

Source: Youtube - NiGHTSFangirl

Two Voices One Song
- by Cassidy Ladden, Melissa Lyons

Liana: It's so rare to find a friend like you
Alexa: Somehow when you're around, the sky is always blue
Liana: The way we talk, the things you say
Alexa: The way you make it all ok
Liana: And how you know, all of my jokes, but you laugh anyway!

Both: If I could wish for one thing, I'd take the smile that you bring, wherever you go in this world I'll come along!
Together we dream the same dream.
Forever I'm here for you, you're here for me.
Oh ooh oh.
Two voices, one song.
And anywhere you are,
you know I'll be around.
And when you call my name,
I'll listen for the sound!

Liana: If I could wish for one thing, I'd take the smile that you bring.
Alexa: Wherever you go in this world, I'll come along!

Both: Together we dream the same dream.
Forever I'm here you,
you're here for me.
Oh ooh oh.
Two voices, one song.
Oh ooh oh.
Two voices, one song!

Connected
- by Cassidy Ladden, Melissa Lyons

Liana: I'm blindfolded on this carrige ride that they call life
Alexa: Keep tryin' to make it through that next turn, knuckles white and holdin tight
Liana: So here I go, takin' the curve.
Alexa: But I know that I'm never alone, I think of you
Both:
And how you never let me go
I feel
Liana: Connected
Alexa: Connected
Liana: Protected
Alexa: Protected
Both: It's like your sitting right with me all the time
Liana: You hear me
Alexa: You hear me
Liana: Your near me
Alexa: Your near me
Both: And everything else gonna be alright
Liana: Cause nothing can break this
Alexa: nothing can break this
Both: Nothing can break this tie!
Connected, connected inside.
Alexa: It's not an accident the time we spent apart.
Liana: But now we're so close, I can always find you right here in my heart.
Alexa: You've given me, something I need, and I don't ever want it to end.
Liana: Because of you
Both: I know I've found my strength again.
I feel
Liana: Connected
Alexa: Connected
Liana: Protected
Alexa: Protected
Both: It's like your sitting right with me all the time
Liana: You hear me
Alexa: You hear me
Liana: Your near me
Alexa: Your near me
Both: And everything else gonna be alright
Liana: Cause nothing can break this
Alexa: nothing can break this
Both: Nothing can break this tie!
Connected, connected inside.
Every time, that I breathe, I can feel the energy,
reachin' out, flowing through, you to me and me to you.
Wake or dream, walk or stand, you are everywhere I am.
Seprate souls, unified, touching at the speed of life.
Life. Oh, oh, oh!
I feel!
Liana: Connected
Alexa: Connected
Liana: Protected
Alexa: Protected
Both: It's like your sitting right with me all the time
Liana: You hear me
Alexa: You hear me
Liana: Your near me
Alexa: Your near me
Both: And everything else gonna be alright.
Liana: Connected
Alexa: Connected
Liana: Protected
Alexa: Protected
Both: Now your in my mind, now I'm doing fine.
Liana: You hear me
Alexa: You hear me
Liana: Your near me
Alexa: Yout near me
Both: And everything else gonna be alright
Liana: Cause nothing can break this
Alexa: nothing can break this
Both: Nothing can break this tie!
Connected, connected inside.

We're Gonna Find It
- by Cassidy Ladden, Melissa Lyons

Here we are, far from home and a little bit hungry and a little alone
But it’s alright, yes, it’s alright
Cause in this room there might be friends, can’t see yet how the story ends
But it’s alright, yeah it’s alright
We can start anew
We can’t go back so we gotta go on, We’ll stick together staying strong
There’s a diamond castle in my mind and someday soon we’re gonna find it
We’re gonna find it, we’re gonna find it, we’re gonna find it

Somehow things are looking up, feeling like we’ve changed our luck
I can see life, in a new light
Can’t stay long, passing through, don’t know where we’re going to
But it’s alright, cause we just might,
find our way that’s true
We can’t go back so we gotta go on, We’ll stick together staying strong
There’s a diamond castle in my mind and someday soon we’re gonna find it
We’re gonna find it, we’re gonna find it,
we’re gonna find the perfect place for us to be and hear our melodies
We can’t go back so we gotta go on, We’ll stick together staying strong
There’s a diamond castle in my mind and someday soon we’re gonna find it
We’re gonna find it, we’re gonna find it, we’re gonna find it, We’re gonna find it, we’re gonna find it
we’re gonna find it, someday soon

Believe
by April Rose

Hidden beneath the ground, is a spring that feeds the creek,
Invisible as the wind,
That you feel upon your cheek,
And every breeze that whispers,
Reminds us constantly,
Sometimes what's real is something you can't see...

Believe... in all that can be,
A miracle starts whenever you dream,
Believe, and sing from your heart,
You'll see,
Your song will hold the key...

Waiting behind the clouds,
Is the sky that's always clear,
And chasing away the doubts,
You watch the sun appear,
It's shining to remind you,
As each new day begins,
There's always hope if you just let it in...

Believe... in all that can be,
A miracle starts whenever you dream,
Believe, and sing from your heart,
You'll see,
Your song will hold the key...

You can paint the stars,
You can touch the sky,
Spread your wings and discover you can fly (and sing from high),
You won't know until you try...

Believe... in all that can be,
A miracle starts whenever you dream,
Believe, and sing from your heart,
You'll see,
Your song will hold the key...

Oooh-ooh, believe, and dream what can be,
Ask with your heart,
And you will receive.

Believe, the beauty is yours to see,
Your song will hold the key...

Oooh-oooh...

(When you) Believe...

Beli-eve...

When you believe...

Ohhh, believe...

Bflygal's comments:
I want a friend who can connects with me too... hahahahha.. I'm lost in a Barbie world, please don't get me out...

Barbie as The Princess and the Pauper

Source: Aquamarine

Music: Megan Cavallari
Lyrics: Amy Powers

Written In Your Heart (Prologue)

- by Julie Stevens (Erika)

Like a bird that flies in the morning light
Or a butterfly in the spring
When your spirit rides on the winds of hope
You'll find your wings

For you're always free to begin again
And you're always free to believe
When you find the place
That your heart belongs...

****************

Free
- by Julie Stevens (Erika) & Melissa Lyons (Anneliese)

SCHEDULE MAN (SPOKEN):
Oh! We’re late, late, late!
We have 20, maximum 22 minutes, for your royal fitting.
And then it’s move, move, move to your speech at the historical society!
After that we have to rush, and I mean rush, to the horticultural society for tea.
Ugh... Then there's your math lessons, your geography lessons, your science lessons...

ANNELIESE:
All my life I've always wanted
To have one day just for me
Nothing to do and for once nowhere I need to be
With no lessons, lords, or lunches
Or to-do list in the way
No one to say when to eat or read or leave or stay
That would be the day

ERIKA:
All my life I've always wanted
To have one day for myself
Not waking up with a pile of work on every shelf
With no hems in need of pressing
And no sleeves in disarray
No wedding gown with a thousand stitches to crochet
And no debt to pay

ERIKA (SPOKEN):
Huh! Madame Carp!

MADAME CARP (SPOKEN):
What do you think I’m running here, a cabaret?

ERIKA (SPOKEN):
I would have said a debtor’s prison.

MADAME CARP (SPOKEN):
Keep laughing, you’ll be working for me for another 37 years.

ERIKA (SPOKEN):
But I already paid off more then half!

MADAME CARP (SPOKEN):
But there’s interest isn’t there?
Your parents should have thought of that before they borrowed so much.

ERIKA (SPOKEN):
They did it to feed me!

MADAME CARP (SPOKEN):
Their mistake.

ERIKA:
What would it be like to be

PRINCESS ANNELIESE:
What would it be like to be

ERIKA:
Free

PRINCESS ANNELIESE:
Free

Free to try crazy things

ERIKA:
Free from endless IOU's

ANNELIESE:
Free to fly

ERIKA:
Free to sing

ANNELIESE:
And marry whom I choose

QUEEN (SPOKEN):
I’m so sorry, my darling, but as you know it is vital that you marry King Dominic.
It is the only way to take care of our people.

ANNELIESE (SPOKEN):
I know, it’s my duty.

QUEEN (SPOKEN):
Ah! And look another engagement gift!

ANNELIESE:
You would think that I'm so lucky
That I have so many things
I'm realizing that every present comes with strings

ERIKA:
Though I know I have so little
My determination's strong
People will gather around the world to hear my song

WOMAN:
Can I come along?

ANNELIESE:
Now I fear I'll never be

ERIKA:
Soon I will forever be

BOTH:
Free

I close my eyes and feel myself fly a thousand miles away
I could take flight but would it be right
My conscience tells me stay

ANNELIESE:
I'll remain forever royal

ERIKA:
I'll repay my parent's debt

BOTH:
Duty means doing the things your heart may well regret

ANNELIESE:
But I'll never stop believing

ERIKA:
She can never stop my schemes

BOTH:
There's more to living than gloves and gowns and threads and seams
In my dreams
I'll be free

****************

How Can I Refuse?
- by Martin Short (Preminger)

PREMINGER:
I've been bowing
I've been scraping
I've been lying like a rug
And for ten long years I've had to pay my dues
But today I am escaping
For the last gold has been dug
It was waiting there, so how could I refuse?

I'm returning home a hero
Who's discovered mighty wealth
And what better husband could a princess choose?
I'm the suitor who will suit her
Bring the kingdom back to health
And I'll wear the crown, for how could I refuse?

Raise every glass
And rouse every cheer!
Praise that the reign of Preminger is here!
Master in charge of all that I see
All hail me!

And by marrying the princess I get all that I desire
Like a moat
An ermine coat
And palace views

Even though she treats me coldly
It's a sign of inner fire
For inside she's thinking
"How can I refuse?"

MAN 1 (SPOKEN):
Right, except there’s one little problem, boss.

PREMINGER (SPOKEN):
That’s Prince Boss to you!

MAN 1 (SPOKEN):
Right, the queen decided to marry off the princess to the king of Bahsena.

PREMINGER (SPOKEN):
What?! Making a decision without me?! Who does she think she is?

DUMB MAN (SPOKEN):
Uh, the Queen?

PREMINGER (SPOKEN):
You simpering simpleton!

DUMB MAN (SPOKEN):
Well, she is the Queen. She’s got a crown and a scepter and sits in her big fancy chair...

PREMINGER (SPOKEN):
Silencio!

PREMINGER:
No! I wont let go!
This peasant son wont turn and run because some reckless royal chose another beau

Ah...it's...a temporary setback
It's a momentary lapse
But conviently my ego doesn't bruise
And the moment that I get back I will show them who's the boss
You can bet your bullion there'll be no "I do's"
Yes suppose the girl goes missing
And the king says "au revoir"
Then I find her
Bring her back and make the news
Then the queen will be so grateful
That she'll pledge the heir to moi
And I'll humbly tell her
"How can I refuse?"

When our ceremony's over
I'll arise and take the throne
And that nitwit Anneliese can kiss my shoe
For the kingdom and the castle will be mine and mine alone
If the crown should fit then how can I refuse?

ALL: So get ready with the roses and stand by with the champagne
When you've got a brilliant plan you never lose
Yes before the chapter closes
I'll be as big as Charlemagne
It's a thankless job but how can I refuse
How can I refuse?

****************

I Am A Girl Like You
- by Julie Stevens (Erika) & Melissa Lyons (Anneliese)

PRINCESS ANNELIESE (SPOKEN):
I’m savoring my first and last taste of freedom
Before getting married next week to a total stranger...

ERIKA (SPOKEN):
At least you’re not an indentured servant.

PRINCESS ANNELIESE (SPOKEN):
Indentured servant?

ERIKA:
If I'd like to have my breakfast hot
Madame Carp will make me pay
And I have to fetch the eggs myself
And the barn's a mile away
It's cold and wet and still I get
An omlette on my plate
But in my head I'm back in bed
Snuggled up and sleeping late

PRINCESS ANNELIESE (SPOKEN):
Really?

ERIKA (SPOKEN):
Really, but it’s alright. I mean, I’m used to it.
And you?

PRINCESS ANNELIESE (SPOKEN):
Well...

ERIKA (SPOKEN):
Well?

PRINCESS ANNELIESE:
If I want some eggs I ring the bell
And the maid comes running in
And she serves them on a silver tray
And she brings a cookie tin
And while I eat, she rubs my feet
And strolling minstrels play
But I'd rather be in my library reading science books all day

ERIKA:
I'm just like you

PRINCESS ANNELIESE:
You are?

ERIKA:
You're just like me
There's somewhere else we'd rather be
Somewhere that's ours
Somewhere that dreams come true
Yes, I am a girl like you

You'd never think that it was so
But now I've met you and I know
It's plain as day, sure as the sky is blue
That I am a girl like you

PRINCESS ANNELIESE (SPOKEN):
So! You’re a singer?

ERIKA (SPOKEN):
No, I work at Madame Carp’s penitentiary, uh, I mean Dress Emporium.

PRINCESS ANNELIESE (SPOKEN):
I love Madame Carp’s Dresses!

ERIKA (SPOKEN):
I made the one you’re wearing.

PRINCESS ANNELIESE (SPOKEN):
You made this? The design looks so complicated!

ERIKA (SPOKEN):
Oh, but it isn’t really...

ERIKA:
First I choose a fabric from the rack
And I pin the pattern down
And I stitch it in the front and back
And it turns into a gown

PRINCESS ANNELIESE:
I wear the gown, without my crown
And dance around my room

BOTH:
And imagine life without the strife of an unfamiliar groom

PRINCESS ANNELIESE (SPOKEN):
But I’d never let my Mother know.
I wouldn’t want to disappoint her.

ERIKA (SPOKEN):
I completely understand.

PRINCESS ANNELIESE & (ERIKA):
I'm just like you (I think that's true)
You're just like me (Yes, I can see)

BOTH:
We take responsibility

PRINCESS ANNELIESE & (ERIKA):
We carry through (We carry through)

BOTH:
Do what we need to do
Yes, I am a girl like you

ERIKA & (PRINCESS ANNELIESE):
I'm just like you (I'm just like you)
You're just like me (You're just like me)

BOTH:
It's something anyone can see

ERIKA and (PRINCESS ANNELIESE):
A heart that beats (A heart that beats)

BOTH:
A voice that speaks the truth
Yes, I am a girl like you!

****************

To Be A Princess
- by Alessandro Juliani (Julian) & Julie Stevens (Erika)

JULIAN (SPOKEN):
Now remember,
No nagging, bragging, sweating, fretting, slipping, tripping,
Slurping, burping, twittering or frittering allowed.
Stay Present, stay pleasant, stay proud.

JULIAN:
To be a princess
Is to know which spoon to use
To be a princess
Is to own a thousand pairs of shoes
To maintain a regal gait
Leave the parsley on your plate
And be charming but detached
And yet amused
To be a princess
Is to never be confused

Do a plié and never fall
Don't ever stray from protocol
All through the day
There's just one way
You must behave
Do keep a grip and never crack
Stiff upper lip and arch the back
Bend from above
And always wear your gloves
And wave

Shoulders back and
Tummy in and
Pinky out and
Lift the chin and
Slowly turn the head from side to side

ERIKA:
I see now

JULIAN:
Breathing gently
Stepping lightly
Smile brightly
Nod politely
Never show a thing you feel inside
Glide!

To be a princess
Is to always look your best
To be a princess
Is to never get to rest
Sit for a portrait, never squirm
Sleep on a mattress extra firm
Speak and be clever
Never at a loss for words
Curtsy to every count and lord
Learn how to play the harpsichord
Sing lullabies and always harmonize in thirds

BOTH:
Thirds, thirds

JULIAN:
And
She has beautiful eyes
Your spirits rise
When she walks in the room

ERIKA:
I see

JULIAN:
Doors close
And the chemistry grows
She's like a rose
That's forever in bloom

JULIAN and ERIKA:
Do a plié and don't
(Ever ever ever fall)
Never show dismay
(And be there when people call)
Be prepared whatever royal life will bring
Do keep a grip and don't
(Ever ever ever crack)
Take a dainty sip
(Never ever turn your back)
There's a time and place and way for everything

To be a princess
Is to never make your bed
To be a princess
Is to always use your head

****************

The Cat's Meow
- by Julie Stevens (Erika)

I can see it when you're feeling low
You can't hide that from me
You're no status quo calico
So why keep trying to be?
'Cause you're more than that
You're my doggish cat
I wish you could see the you I see
I say
If you bark
Celebrate it
Make your mark
Serenade it
Noah's ark
Shoulda had a cat like you
And if
What you are
Is a strange you
Doesn't mean
You should change you
Only means
You should change your point of view

Hey, feline
You fetch just fine
To thine ownself be true
Your bow wow's
The cat's meow
It's how I know you're you

You don't need the bows
Or tiara
Bid your woes
Sayonara
Trust your nose
'Cause it knows the way to go
When you
Chase your tail
You're enchanting
Spirits sail
When you're panting
When you wail
You're a rover, Romeo

There is not
One hair of you
That I would rearrange
I love you the way you are
And that will never change
That will never change

****************

If You Love Me For Me
- by Julie Stevens (Erika) & Mark Luna (Dominick)

ERIKA:
Once a lass met a lad
You're a gentle one, said she
In my heart I'd be glad
If you loved me for me

You say your love is true
And I hope that it will be

DOMINIC:
I'd be sure, if I knew
That you loved me for me

ERIKA:
Could I be the one you're seeking?
Will I be the one you choose? Can you tell my heart is speaking?
My eyes will give you clues

DOMINIC:
What you see may be deceiving
Truth lies underneath the skin

ERIKA:
Hope will blossum by believing

BOTH:
The heart that lies within

DOMINIC:
I'll be yours
Together we shall always be as one
If you love me for me

ERIKA:
Who can say where we'll go
Who can promise what will be
But I'll stay by your side

DOMINIC: (at the same time)
I'll be yours
Together we shall always
Be as one

BOTH:
If you love me for me
If you love me for me

****************

Written In Your Heart

And you're always free to begin again
And you're always free to believe
When you find the place
That your heart belongs
You'll never leave

You and I will always be
Celebrating life together
I know I have found a friend forever more
Love is like a melody
One that I will always treasure
Courage is the key that opens every door

Though you may not know
Where your gifts may lead
And it may not show at the start
When you live your dreams
You'll find destiny
Is written in your heart

Though you may not know
Where your gifts may lead
And it may not show at the start
When you live your dream
You'll find destiny
Is written in your heart

****************

I'm On My Way
- by Sara Niemietz

When I wonder where I am
When I wonder why I take these chances
I try to breathe
I say to me, "believe"
And whatever comes, it's okay

'Cause I'm on my way
To somewhere better
I'm further every day
I'm on my way
I know it might take until forever
But everything could change today
So I'm on my way
To find that place

People say that I'm naive
'Cause I'm trusting and my heart is open
But I won't hide
I'm here to find who I am
And whatever comes is what's right

'Cause I'm on my way
To somewhere better
I'm further every day
I'm on my way
I know it might take until forever
But everything could change today
So I'm on my way
To find that place

I'll keep dreamin'
Til I get there
I'll be free
So goodbye to yesterday
I'm giving what it takes

'Cause I'm on my way
To somewhere better
I'm on my way
It could take forever
(And everything could change)
It could change today
'Cause I'm on my way
To find that place

Bflygal's comments:
The song I like best is the last song... I'm on my way.  It was only sung in the credits.. and the credits was funny.. like all Barbie movies haha.  It is to make you believe these are real actors with NG scenes... or maybe they are real and I am fake???

And I remember what Erika last said...
"Sometimes being free means choosing not to go but to stay"


And I can only say even if it is true that after touring the world, did she realised that the place she would really like to sing is among her friends... then she must tour the world because it is the time lost that make her realise and treasure what she wanted...

Oh and the cat barking... is indeed a cat with his own style.

I hope I really can figure out the meaning of freedom... something happened to made me think about writing and copying with reference and borrowing ideas and.. plagarism...  I feel quensy, and weird... and wonder why does human do such stuff???  I cannot fathom...  cannot understand...   Maybe I would prefer to live in a Barbie world?

Personality tests

你是屬於草香形象
你擁有非常堅強的意志，不依賴他人，給人獨來獨往的印象。
你擁有旺盛的好奇心與豐富的感受性，是個過著知性生活的現代人。
驟看下你是個自命清高，不好相處的人，但是一旦跟你交談後，就知道你很好相處，等到交情加深之後，就更知道你其實擁有很爽快的個性。
你所擁有的中性化魅力，讓你不論在男性團體或女性團體都大受歡迎，不過你不喜歡讓人看到你脆弱的一面。你外表上看來也許很冷靜，但實際上卻是熱情如火。能夠知道你真正本性的人，才能夠跟你天長地久地交往下去。
Source: here

Your Type is
ISFJ -Introverted Sensing Feeling Judging

You are:

* very expressed introvert
* slightly expressed sensing personality
* moderately expressed feeling personality
* slightly expressed judging personality

Sources:

Keirsey
Humanmetrics
Typelogic

Under the Weather

I like this phrase "under the weather". A subtle way of saying "I'm sick". Yah, I like subtle approach... though sometimes I wonder if it is self-pity when I put such status... the problem with FB/MSN etc... is that when you are sick, you proclaimed to the world you are sick... for? Maybe you wish for someone to show you some concern, or maybe you wish for someone to wish you speedy recovery, or maybe you just want those to understand why you behave horribly/indulgently/terribly... And is it the saddest thing is when the person whose concern you are looking for, does not bother to read/comment your status.  Unsure.. sometimes I showed concern

I do wonder though why I fell sick. Was it because the past 2 nights I were home late, or did I really had a long day in the zoo (though it has been quite some time since I spent so many hours in the zoo), or was it the scene that bewildered and bugged me. Whatever it is, I attributed it to the lack of rest, of which by Tuesday I gave up and slept for about 10 hours. Woke up thoroughly refreshed and in a much better state on a Wednesday. The only horror is I missed the Sweet Tapioca Porridge... luckily there is an encore phew!

When one is awake but drowsy, will it still hurt seeing the scene? I still remember in 2007, I was equally having second thoughts on the dinner. Both times, I sensed something; both times I learnt something more; both times I was disappointed and hurt.  This time, I say what is bugging me aloud, to hear my voice, to see their response, and probably to see if I'm awake or not. Truth is, I probably lost half my focus.. daydreaming... and pondering over the line she shared "We were meant to lose people. How else would we know how important they are" (qouted from the movie "The Curious Case of Benjamin Button")

>> An afterthought. If I lose you, is it to tell you how important I am to you or how important you are to me?

While the scene continutes to haunt me, I do have happy scenes in my mind.. none other than the Pictionary game I had with my friends on Friday.. seriously it was way more fun that Mahjong.. but before I begun.. these drawings were replicated from my memory...


The opposing team was asked to guess Spice Girls... we thought that it is a Mission impossible.. we thought wrong... By drawing the UK flag.. and then drawing this little girl... she kept emphasizing the hair till her telepathic partner recognised the Baby Spice that she is drawing haha


My team was supposed to guess Children's Zoo and I'm the one drawing.  The only problem is how to tell my team mate to guess the word ZOO??  So I started with a stick like giraffe haha.. which they thought was a rocking horse chair and started guessing children toys... children rocking horse... I decided to add a bear and they said children's bear... Sigh... I could only kept emphasizing the circle.. again and again till voila, someone said Zoo... phew...


This was funny.  It was open play.. so the other team spouted Paris.. and my team mate said Eiffel Tower haha..


And yet we couldn't guess the Great Wall of China though.. sadly a wall cannot divulge too much to us haha..

Sometimes simple moments can be so joyous...

p/s: I cannot believe that they choose to air an encore of American Idol instead of Sweet Tapioca Porridge...  but then what did I expect from Mediacorp?  I'm totally disappointed...

Internal Tourist - Musuems

Travel Details:
Nearest MRT: Dhoby Ghaut MRT Station



I begun my first day of 2009 in a museum, the National Museum. The museum I wanted to visit when I first saw it in SMU. Amazingly, that was 2 years ago, but I guessed it is fated.



The most famous exhibit is the "Voom Potraits" by Robert Wilson although I did not know it when I plan for the visit.  In fact it was such ad hoc that I had absolutely no idea what can I do there.. I only know the entrance is free haha.  But deep down, I trust that I can spend a long time in the musuem...

I do not interpret my work.  Interpretation is for others.  To fix a meaning to a work limits its poetry and the possibility of other ideas.  They are personal, poetic statements of different personalities.
- Robert Wilson "A still life is a real life"

Brad Pitt
Actor
2004

The only exhibit (in my humble opinion) that could gather so many people standing there.. waiting... for the rain to stop... to see him lift the gun... and shoot water at you... hahahah
If you want a replay of the exhibit, click here.


Ivory
Black Panther
2006

The only exhibit I like.. I could stare at it for a long long time....  click here

p/s: At the time when I visited the museum and later did my research, all these links were working.  However at the time this post was published, the links have been removed.  Hmm I can only say ... too bad?

Oh well, I did find you the Brad Pitt exhibit though (famous enough to find it mah haha).. you probably can find other exhibits through youtube.



Off to the next stop... Singapore History Gallery.  At first I did not know how great and big this exhibit is.  Just that when I reached, they were opening for admission (in groups) so I just joined.  And when I'm finally done with the tour which I took very long actually... I saw a long queue waiting to go in.  Phew glad that I missed the queue.  Anyway there were really a lot of exhibits, plus there was this listening companion which will tell you stories of each and every single piece of exhibit.

 I was quite overwhelmed after a while that I skipped and only stopped by those exhibits that have affinity with me haha.  I remembered there was this room displaying about women of the past trying to assert their right to study...   then there was another room about old street names and labels (which is what this photo was depicting) as well as Bai Yan Shu Shu and his wife talking about the past...  It is really a long history lesson...

Oh I found a terse description about this exhibit

This 2,800 square metre space will tell the story of Singapore from its beginnings in the 14th century to the modern period. The Singapore History gallery will adopt a story-telling approach, where visitors will walk through stories, not exhibitions. It will offer different perspectives on our history to encourage visitors to appreciate the struggles our forefathers had to overcome in order to create the Singapore we see today. Visitors will enjoy experiencing our history through the drama of major national events as well as the intimate personal stories of individuals. They will also be able to select their own “path” into the history of Singapore and hear interesting insights with the aid of our newly-produced audio companion.
Source: National Museum

Last stop.. the Singapore Living Gallery which comprised of the most famous topic "Food" as well as "Fashion", "Film & Wayang" and "Photography".  Have to admit the "Food" topic has the most photos to take ranging from Satay as shown in this post to Nasi Lemak, Chicken Rice ..


Ice Kachang and the most interesting of all...


Scents. You can press and get a whif of the scent.. however if you don't like the smell.... too bad haha!

Travel Details:
Nearest MRT: City Hall MRT Station
Beside Fort Canning, Substation


Anyway a few days later, I made my way to the Peranakan Museum



It might/might not have increased popularity after the TCS show Little Nonya. But I can tell you, my interest of Nonya and Baba was way before this show... I do admit that I watched the beginning of Little Nonya too, because it shared alot on the culture. However when the plot thicken to include scheming tactics, rapes and murders, my interest waned.


I loved handicraft (though I am bad at it)... and I simply cannot resist beaded artwork.  Impressive!


Very cute little Qilin on top of the cover...  The reason why I love Peranakan's kamcheng is because of the cover..  Btw, kamchengs are containers used for storing food, drinks and desserts.  (Source: Sparklette And you can find more information and photos there too.  I personally find it a great write-up.)


Just had to show you MY stamp collection haha.. the beaded stamp, released by Singpost on 8th April 2008.  It is one of my favourite stamp collection.  While reading Sparklette's post, I realised I forgotten to take a photo of the real thing in the museum though.  Stupid me!

Travel Details:
Nearest MRT: Tanjong Pagar MRT Station
Besides URA, Maxwell Hawker Centre

 
The last museum stop is the Red Dot Design Museum.  Original plan was to visit these 3 museums in the first week of January.  But I got tired that week and delayed the visit to Red Dot Design Museum till Feb instead.  Haha I only wanted to visit this museum during MAAD and that happens every first weekend of each month (11am-7pm).  It is said that the red paintwork hint of the former traffic police headquarters’ new persona.

Hmm I think it is quite a short tour.. I quite like the exhibits in the Red Dot Design Awards section. 

Most awe-struck by this illuminated bath tub and its controls...

Also like this interesting innovation designed by a 4-man team (Cheng Peng, Jia Peng, Wang Dongdong and Xia Tian) from China.  It is called "Bottle Light" because it is a torch light using the air in the bottle to light up.  The most important aspect is you can use any discarded bottle.  Now that is environmentally friendly!

Travel Details:
Nearest MRT: Tanjong Pagar MRT Station


After this I visited the Ang Siang Hill Park, Telok Ayer Green and Thian Hock Keng Temple.  As it does not relate to the entry title, so... I shall only share with you one photo taken in Telok Ayer Green.

It depicts a Chinese crowd celebrating a particular joyous festival and is probably one of the favourite photo spot for tourists too as the tourists will like to be part of the procession.  While in Telok Ayer Green, I caught sight of a lady (probably tourist?) reading Khaled Hosseini's A Thousand Splendid Suns.  Darnz it is in my reading list!!!

Anyway my plans to be an internal tourist will never stop so long as I am still in SG and there are still places to visit.  Afterall I decided before I explore the world, I would like to explore my hometown first.  I don't wish to be a tourist who knows nothing about her hometown.

So next stop should be URA, The Art House and maybe Mosaic Music Festival???

Related Posts:

Internal Tourist - Wheelies and the rest
Internal Tourist - Club
Internal Tourist - Temples
Internal Tourist - Palau Ubin and Changi
Internal Tourist - Southern Ridge
Internal Tourist - Museums
Internal Tourist - Arts
Internal Tourist - Arts Part 2
Internal Tourist - Asian Civilisation Museum

If I Live My Life Backwards...

The most unfair thing about life is the way it ends. I mean, life is tough. It takes up a lot of your time. What do you get at the end of it? A death! What’s that, a bonus?!? I think the life cycle is all backwards. You should die first, get it out of the way. Then you go live in an old age home. You get kicked out for being too healthy. You go collect your pension, then when you start work, you get a gold watch on your first day. You work forty years until you’re young enough to enjoy your retirement. You drink alcohol, you party, and you get ready for High School. Afterwards you go to primary school, you become a kid, you play, you have no responsibilities, you become a little boy or a little girl. You go back, you spend your last 9 months floating with luxuries like central heating, spa, room service on tap, then you finish off as an orgasm!! Now that’s how life should be!!!

Source: http://itsallmaya.com/life-backwards-benjamin-button/

When my colleague first mentioned this movie last year, after some research, this was the post that caught me thinking… how do one wants to live their life?

According to Mark Twain, “Life would be happier if we could be born at 80 and gradually approach 18.”

Is it true? After watching the movie, this one-liner says it best…

“It doesn’t matter if you live your life backward or forward, it’s how you live your life.”
Source: http://www.lasplash.com/publish/cat_index_Entertainment_and_Culture/The_Curious_Case_of_Benjamin_Button_Review.php

But I must admit when you see those you love and care for growing older, and you growing younger, it might really be more heart-wrenching. But I see the aged fumble just as I see the young stumble. And I see the aged losing memory just as I see the young blank mind. And maybe, just maybe I figured out that in life, there is a cycle, a bell curve after all. And now that I am losing my memory… I hope I reach the end of the bell curve too. Afterall when you are close to dying, Captain Mike says

“You can be as mad as a mad dog at the way things went. You could swear, curse the fates, but when it comes to the end, you have to let go.”

And I am fervently learning how to let go..

Remember what Benjamin Button says “It's a funny thing about comin' home. Looks the same, smells the same, feels the same. You'll realize what’s changed is you.”

Is it true?

And if I want, do I want Benjamin Button’s life?
Or do I want a life comprising of
The first twenty years we eat, sleep, play and enjoy ourselves. For the next forty years we slave in the sun to support our family. For the next ten years we do monkey tricks to entertain the grandchildren. And for the last ten years we sit on the front porch and bark at everyone.
Referenced from the "story" of How God Created Man

On the first day God created the cow. God said, "You must go to the field with the farmer all day long and suffer under the sun, have calves and give milk to support the farmer. I will give you a life span of sixty years."

The cow said, "That's a kind of a tough life you want me to live for sixty years. Let me have twenty years and I'll give back the other forty." And God agreed.

On the second day, God created the dog. God said, "Sit all day by the door of your house and bark at anyone who comes in or walks past. I will give you a life span of twenty years." The dog said, "That's too long to be barking. Give me ten years and I'll give back the other ten." So God agreed.

On the third day God created the monkey. God said, "Entertain people, do monkey tricks, make them laugh. I'll give you a twenty year life span."
Monkey said, "How boring, monkey tricks for twenty years? I don't think so. Dog gave you back ten, so that's what I'll do too, okay?" And God agreed again.

On the fourth day God created man. God said, "Eat, sleep, play, have sex, enjoy. Do nothing, just enjoy. I'll give you twenty years." Man said, "What? Only twenty years? No way man. Tell you what, I'll take my twenty, and the forty the cow gave back, and the ten the dog gave back and the ten the monkey gave back. That makes eighty, okay?"

"Okay," said God. "You've got a deal." So that is why for the first twenty years we eat, sleep, play, have sex, enjoy, and do nothing; for the next forty years we slave in the sun to support our family; for the next ten years we do monkey tricks to entertain our grandchildren; and for the last ten years we sit in front of the house and bark at everybody.

Thought of the Day

"There was once a saying that men and women came in one entity when God created humans. But because God was afraid that humans might become too powerful and overtake him, he separated them. Thus from then on, men and women search for their the other half."

Source: bingyi-shue
Translated from TCS8 未来不是梦.

Currently a show I am chasing because I love to watch about industry (other than culture), and this show has one of my favourite company – SIA Engineering. (Obvious reason why I'm fascinated by it.) I have to admit that it is quite duh to hear the reasons why these eligible bachelorettes don't get married but then in reality, you probably could find similar traits. Are they picky? I would like to say we are just stubborn in the face of love, some so stubborn they decided not to even thread on it anymore. If you are hurt a thousand times, what is your reaction? I wish to say, I'm trying hard to convince myself that I should grasp the meaning of such hurt like how Lao Zi smile while eating vinegar.

Anthony Robbins say it best for his vday post in this youtube video



"What you give, you get to keep. What you fail to give, you lose forever." I'm no saint or saint wannabe, but I trust GA and knows GA will lead me. CL asked me what's my plan for 2009 especially with the economy still in downturn, and because of my work (a lot of things crop up)… I can only tell her, I will watch my signs haha.

Oh and Almost Lover recommended by that blogger bingyi-shue is very melodious...


Almost Lover
- A Fne Frenzy

Your fingertips across my skin
The palm trees swaying in the wind
Images
You sang me Spanish lullabies
The sweetest sadness in your eyes
Clever trick

I never want to see you unhappy.
I thought you'd want the same for me.

Goodbye, my almost lover
Goodbye, my hopeless dream
I'm trying not to think about you
Can't you just let me be?
So long, my luckless romance
My back is turned on you
I should've known you'd bring me heartache
Almost lovers always do

We walked along a crowded street
You took my hand and danced with me
Images
And when you left you kissed my lips
You told me you'd never ever forget these images,
no

I never want to see you unhappy.
I thought you'd want the same for me.

Goodbye, my almost lover
Goodbye, my hopeless dream
I'm trying not to think about you
Can't you just let me be?
So long, my luckless romance
My back is turned on you
I should've known you'd bring me heartache
Almost lovers always do

I cannot go to the ocean
I cannot drive the streets at night
I cannot wake up in the morning
Without you on my mind
So you're gone and I'm haunted
And I bet you are just fine
Did I make it that easy
To walk right in and out of my life?

Goodbye, my almost lover
Goodbye, my hopeless dream
I'm trying not to think about you
Can't you just let me be?
So long, my luckless romance
My back is turned on you
I should've known you'd bring me heartache
Almost lovers always do

Full Tarot Reading on 4th Feb 2008

What Covers You 

Ten of Wands 

Briefly: Your objectives now need to be focussed on the long term solution to current problems, rather than just a band aid on the situation.

Full Meaning: This card shows a man struggling with a heavy load. This may reflect some aspect of your life where you feel a little overwhelmed and unable to continue without a strong will and a determination not to fail. Your motives are of high standing and you only want what is best for everyone concerned. You will soon gain the feather in your cap and be able to move freely through life as if the coast is finally clear. Your objectives now need to be focussed on the long term solution to current problems, rather than just a band aid on the situation. Give yourself every effort to succeed and you surely will.

What Crosses You 

Knight of Cups 

Briefly: There is success ahead for you, especially if you follow your instincts at every turn.

Full Meaning: The picture on this card shows a good looking, blue eyed, clean shaven man.  He is wearing a head-dress of some type and is heavily draped in colourful clothing.  He carries a wand in his left hand and a cup in his right.  He appears regal and conservative.  His calm outer nature may disguise a very gentle and sensitive soul. He may be born under a water sign of either Cancer, Scorpio or Pisces.  He is compassionate, caring and considerate to others needs.  In the background there is the ocean, which partly reflects his nature as being deep and potentially mysterious.  If you are this man, you are on your way to reaching your goals.  There is success ahead for you, especially if you follow your instincts at every turn.  If you are a woman and you draw this card, you may be about to meet him and he will play a pivotal role in your life and may even become your husband.  He will be protective of you and look upon the family as his most significant inspiration and reason for happiness.

What Crowns You 

Nine of Cups 

Briefly: Whatever your true heart desires will come to you with relative ease.

Full Meaning: The picture on this card shows a clown or court jester wearing colourful clothing and a large hat with a feather in it. Behind him are the nine cups and this is often called the wish card. Whatever your true heart desires will come to you with relative ease. There is a sense of satisfaction and happiness with one's place in life. Often material gains are unfolding towards you and you will enjoy general good health and a more safe and secure lifestyle. Many celebrations and social gatherings are likely to occur in the near future and you may also attend some special dress up type parties such as fancy dress parties.

What Is Beneath You 

King of Cups 

Briefly: A proposal or proposition.

Full Meaning: This card shows a man dressed in armour.  He is holding a cup, as if offering it to someone on front of him.  In the background is a blue sky, a river and some mountains and lush green trees and grass. It appears to be a Spring day.  The man is clean shaven and good looking.  He wears his uniform proudly.  If this is you, then you may be about to propose to the object of your affection.  If this is someone you know, then you may be on the receiving end of a proposal or proposition from this man.  He is affectionate and caring and offers his pledge with sincerity and love.  There could also be a new job offer and this may also involve a place at a distance.

What Is Behind You 

The Moon 

Briefly: Very deep emotions and if you are going through any big events in your life this will be a meaningful period for you and one that will be long remembered.

Full Meaning: This card depicts the Moon in the centre of the card and on either side is a dog barking in the night. There are also two castles and these are divided by a stream which has a scorpion in it. Sometimes there can be contaminated or dangerous water or liquid connected with this card. There may also prove to be differences between neighbours for one reason or another. It is as if there is something going on at night with one of the neighbours and this gets under your skin and causes friction and resentment. It can also indicate very deep emotions and if you are going through any big events in your life this will be a very meaningful period for you and one that will be long remembered. If you meet a new partner during this time, more than likely it will occur at night and be an intense and passionate liaison. Perhaps one of you is born under the Sign of Scorpio, Pisces or Cancer.

What Is Before You 

Knight of Swords 

Briefly: The time for a new adventure. Are you feeling restless and need to get away? Take that chance.

Full Meaning: Physically lean yet strong. He moves swiftly. Restless, active and fiery. Piercing eyes, usually blue. Mostly clean shaven, though not always. Above average height.
Personality: Mostly a gentle type, though a little aloof. Does not give out too much about himself. Tends to be almost shy, and is not the type to talk about himself very often. He is a very adventurous character, always exploring, always searching and looking out for somewhere else to go. He is basically a quiet man, chooses his words carefully and is especially selective as to who he chooses as his friends. He can be a rough and tumble type too, when he feels inclined in that direction. He can travel lightly and with great enthusiasm. He likes to see the whole wide world, not just one country. He may not settle down early in life, there is too much of the wanderer in him. He makes a good nomad. He does not like to be bothered with too many possessions as they can weigh him down. He likes to travel light and usually does. He is clever yet just as gullible as the next man. However, he is aware of this in his nature and is ever on guard for anyone who may attempt to take advantage of him. He is always on alert. He looks over his shoulder, just to be on the safe side.
Occupations suited to him would be the travel merchant, the travelling artist, a go-between, messenger or courier. He could work on construction sites, just for the fact that they are outdoors. He does not like to be constrained within an office type situation, he would rather die. He needs to be out and about, meeting people, exploring, discovering. Even archaeology could appeal to his sense of adventure and excitement and the lure of potential discovery or riches.
His future lies in allowing himself the privilege to be free. Not all people can, or want to do that. He does. This is his destiny. His life is about travel, exploring, discovering and taking risks. He is the daredevil who has no fear of death and may even tend to tempt it at times with his often reckless way of doing things. In love he takes chances and will bear the consequences. As he does not like to be tied down, he is unlikely to settle or marry until later in life, usually after age 30 or even longer.
Querent's card. If this is you, now may be the time for a new adventure. Are you feeling restless and need to get away? Take that chance, that new opportunity that has just presented itself and just go. Do it. Go there. Life is not for stagnation, but then again, you always knew that.
If you are not the querent and this card appears, then there is a somewhat restless person about to enter your life fleetingly. He will not stay too long. He has other plans, other dreams. Do not try to put chains around his neck or tie him down to the drudgery of the 9 to 5 routine in any way. He will leave quicker than you can say his name. He knows his destiny, and you are just a stop over point on his quest for far greater experiences.

Your Self 

Five of Swords 

Briefly: A time where one person has won out at the expense of two other people.

Full Meaning: This card is mostly dark in colour and can represent a time of fear or depression. There are 3 people in the picture and one of them has the upper hand in the matter. The other two have lost something that they valued, whether it was love, a material possession of whatever to the one who is holding three of the swords.
In the background there is the Sun setting so this can indicate early evening. One of the people is on his knees and appears to be sad and crying. He has lost whatever he/she once had and is now sorry, but it is all too late. Generally I read this as one person has won out at the expense of two other people and they are walking away with their trophy, person or thing of value. The others have lost out and they now know it. They may feel they have been betrayed, but they weren't, it was a matter of the best one winning, and there could only be one winner in this situation. Usually this means that you are the one who is the winner

Around You 

Seven of Pentacles 

Briefly: A bonus or raise is in the near future.

Full Meaning: The picture on this card shows a strong man with a moustache holding a pick in his left hand.  He is in a garden overflowing with healthy foliage, and in the background are mountains.  He is obviously a hard working man going about his business, yet with an eye to the future.  There are seven coins on the card depicting that he will gain financially from his efforts.  There could also be a bonus in the near future for him, as most of the coins are in front of him.   If this card represents yourself, you could be about to start a new job or earn an extra bonus in your pay packet.  Or perhaps someone may actually assist you by guiding you towards a lucrative financial investment. You may also distance yourself from where you now live to earn a new living.

Hopes and Fears 

Ace of Cups 

Briefly: There is some abundance coming into the life of the person who draws this card. Whatever is wished for will be granted

Full Meaning: The picture on this card shows a large cup being held in a hand and in the cup the contents are flowing over the side and in the background is a large white done. There is a watery background and some flowers and greenery. This symbolises that there is some abundance coming into the life of the person who draws this card. Whatever is wished for will be granted. Either a new love, a new location or other significant new start is possible and will occur within a relatively short span of time. If the health has not been so good, then this will be improved radically. If you have your sights set on some specific accomplishment, it is likely to be achieved. Take a leap of faith and trust in the future.

Outcome 

Five of Pentacles 

Briefly: You may be called upon to help someone in need and this may be financial help.

Full Meaning: The picture on this card shows a woman who is wearing a scarf covering her head and shoulders.  She is comforting a young man who has a bloodied bandage around his head.  His left hand is also injured and bandaged.  He carries a long stick in his left hand to assist him walking.  The woman looks concerned for the young man and wishes to protect him from life’s harsh experiences.  In the background is a large disc containing five pentacles.  If you draw this card you may be called upon to help someone in need and this may be financial help.  You would be wise to question the motives of this person, just in case they are leaning on you too heavily, whereas they should be standing on their own two feet.

p/s: I only want to say if I did win at the expense of others, then I hope I'm given a chance to repay them.  In this life, I only want to clear my debts and ensure nobody owes me anything... so that there is no reason for recarnation for me.  Oh and I'm quite surprised by the outcome... but it did not say what happens after the help is rendered.  Hmm but it does make me wonder in this case, is it I owe him or he owe me...

pp/s:  Seeing this post "I Lego NY" reminds me of why my friend said Lego unlike Barbie, lasts forever (as a toy)... At that time I disagree for the sake of disagreeing (usual me)... hmm...  and why did I post it in this entry... got connection... got connection "p