.: Tales of innocence :.

Lesson 2.

It was drizzling. I turned to one of the corner shops, hoping to buy an umbrella. There were 2 little girls, aged about 6 and 9 manning the counter.

I scrutinized the shop, found the umbrella and went to pay. The 9-year old called for her grandmother, whilst the 6-year old played with the rainwater that was dripping down the gutters.

I smiled at her and said, “Xiao meimei, bu yao wanr.” [Little sister, don’t play.]. She just smiled at me, laughed and continued playing.

Few moments later, the grandmother came, smiled and gave my change. Her expression changed instantly when she saw the 6-year old. The little girl was already skipping from puddle to puddle, twirling around in the rain.

Grandmother :: “Xiayu le! Bu yao wanr!” [It’s raining. Don’t play with the rain!]

The 9-year old appeared from the back with a towel, and gently dried her little sister’s hair and partially drenched dress. She had an anxious look on her face. On the other hand, her little sister continued giggling and tried dragging her older sister to the rain.

... ~ ...

Over here, I recall seeing parents losing their patience over their kids by scolding, screaming even spanking them, or they will just allow their kids to do whatever. Those incidents happened there too.

In spite of this, at this little shop, I saw a 9-year old and a 60+ year old, both sharing the equal amount of patience, calmly advising the little one again and again; not even once raising their voice or lifting a single finger.

It is another rainy day.

9.45am Malaysian Time

.: Other side :.

Of Malaysia.

The bulk load of my Life postings center on the uniqueness of Malaysia. Considering I’ve called Malaysia home for the last 20 years or so I am still very much intrigued with the diversity, a rich melting pot of cultures lumped into one. I have had several bad experiences, when after coming into terms with it, I figured that it is an essential part of life. In short, I deem that my life with the occasional hiccups has been good alright.

Albeit, there are certain things that I still can’t stomach. By all means, the following points are practiced only by a selective few. Base on my travels, these things do happen in other places.

• Spitting :: I detest spitters. Every time I see spit, or someone spitting, I feel like pushing the person, face-down to their spit.
• Littering :: I despise litterbugs too. I feel like hurling them into the dumpsters.
• Unleashed or stray dogs :: I’ve been chased by one too many. Even though I manage to outrun them, it irritates me having to make the run of my life. My youth is losing its hold, and the stamina is nearly at its brink of extinction. Also I was never a sportsperson to begin with.

Just a handful of the things I’m unable to tolerate. I have read that spitting is in fact a culture to some people. Therefore, in my pursuit to gain further understanding of other people’s cultures, I suppose it’d take me years before I can accept this unique trait.

What are your pet peeves?

2.45pm Malaysian Time

.: Lifting spirits :.

Switching to Eid mode.

At the start of Ramadhan, mum decided to make cookies using some new recipes she learnt in a cooking class. Only one type made it into our cookie jars, the chocolate chip cookies; which is her original recipe *2nd row, 1st picture*. The others, received a thumbs-down from the rest of us. As a result, we made the usual selection of cookies. And like the previous Eids, I didn't get to snap any photos. *we're a bunch of cookie monsters*

Traditionally, kids will get Duit Raya. *money packets, sometimes referred to as green money packets* I suppose, each family will have their own cut-off age. On my mum's side, as long as you don't have a job, you are entitled to receive money packets; irregardless of how old you are. The instant you start earning your own cold hard cash, you are expected to pinch in if you are able to do so. Over at dad's side of the family,  although I have a job, I am still entitled to receive. Well, sometimes. :)

Besides kids, adults may also receive money packets from their children. The first time I gave it to my parents, it felt really awkward. I was so used to getting it from them! As for cousins, nephews and nieces ...

Cousin :: OMG~! You're giving us money packets! OMG~!!!
Me :: One more word, just one wrong word and you can kiss your money packets goodbye.
Cousin :: You are so nice~!!!
Me :: I sense insincerity there ... *muahahaha! I love to torment them this way!*
Cousin :: No~!

How's your holiday?

5.54pm Malaysian Time

.: Eid greetings :.

It's tomorrow.

Wishing family and friends an early Happy Eid @ Selamat Hari Raya Maaf Zahir Batin @ Eid Saeed @ Happy Holidays! 

Have a safe and pleasant trip everyone.

11.03am Malaysian Time

.: Notable mentions :.

Websites.

I haven't been featuring blogs @ websites for quite a long time, hence here are a few noteworthy ones, which we may be able to contribute to throughout the year. Some of you may be familiar with them already. The excerpts are taken directly from the website.

URL :: http://halfdate.com/

First of all, date is the yummy fruit, okay?

HalfDate is not about monetary donation drives, because in Islam, the concept of Sadaqa [charity] is much broader than that.

Narrated by Abu Huraira; Allah's Apostle said, "To judge justly between two persons is regarded as Sadaqa, and to help a man concerning his riding animal by helping him to ride it or by lifting his luggage on to it, it is also regarded as Sadaqa, and [saying] a good word is also Sadaqa, and every step taken on one's way to offer the compulsory prayer [in the mosque] is also Sadaqa and to remove a harmful thing from the way is also Sadaqa."

Collected by Al-Bukhari.

~ :: ~

The next 2 websites were referred to me by Jeanne-Ming. Thanks for the brilliant surprise in my inbox. In accordance to the e-mail contents, no photos are published. May God continue to bless you and the entire Bunnies By The Bay staff. ^^

URL :: http://www.halfthesky.org/

"Changing children’s lives does not require new facilities or expensive playthings or complicated new procedures. Human contact is the most important ingredient, and caretakers can make a huge difference—just by taking an extra moment whenever possible to hold the babies, talk to the children, hug them all, and assure them that someone cares."

For the Children, Half the Sky’s training manual

All the children who are held and loved will know how to love others ... Spread these virtues in the world. Nothing more need to be done.

Meng Zi @ Mencius c.300 a.d

~ :: ~

I just had to feature them.

Store :: http://www.bunniesbythebay.com/

Blog :: http://www.bunniesbythebay.blogspot.com/

They have the most adorable baby items!

Which reminds me ...

WELCOME TO THE WORLD BABY NATHANIEL!

Smiles, are able to warm hearts.

9.56pm Malaysian Time

.: The gift :.

Of memories.

انّا للہ و انّا الیہ راجعون 

Verily we belong to God, and to God we return. 

Surah Al-Baqara, Verse 156.

May Allah S.W.T bestow His mercy upon the deceased, and provide strength to the families during this difficult period. Heartfelt condolences to everyone affected.

 A life is never ended until all the lives it has touched have ended.  Chinese Proverb

With regards to my absence, lately, there have been quite a number of deaths. The most recent, was my late grandfather's little brother. 

On another note, a great big THANK YOU to everyone that emailed their address, and putting your trust in this total stranger. It didn't occur to me that the response will be overwhelming! The Eid cards were posted last Saturday, and Insha'Allah [God Willing] it will reach you in 2 weeks time. 

PS :: Dearest Mina, I'm posting yours tomorrow. ^^

I'm also taking some space to mention one of my youngest friends; 1 year-old Jeat. Please vote for him here. 

He's no. 12, with the caption "我的手被绑架了" roughly translated as, "My hands were kidnapped!" 

Although I've wished him beforehand, I'll just wish him ...

HAPPY 1st BIRTHDAY BABY JEAT! 

again. :) 

Ramadhan is ending.

10.56am Malaysian Time

.: Season's greeting :.

A dying art?

I'm curious as to how many of us still send out season's greeting cards; as in the physical ones. None of the electronic over the information superhighway e-greetings stuff.

As for me, my passion to do so has deteriorated. Family and friends make do with text, phone calls and the ever-so-popular e-greetings. *+ FB wall posts, twitter ...* Extremely discouraging when all of the above has become the practice for the past 10 or so years. Gone were the days where we will wait in anticipation for the next possible greeting card to land in the mailbox.

Reminiscing that feeling, I got myself stack loads of cards. Problem is, I don't know the addresses of my family and friends! Pathetic? YES! Thus, I'm trying to retrieve as much as I can. It is rather sad to call your relatives and ask for their address.

Me :: Hi Aunt. Can you give me your address? I wanna post you a card.
Aunt :: All these years, coming to my house and you don't know my address?
Me :: Uhh ... yeah ... sorry ... so uhh ... can I have it?

While I'm still in the spirit, I would like to share this newfound passion with my readers. If you would like me to send you an Eid card, kindly email your (a) name and (b) address to hajar.alwi@gmail.com by Sept. 11th. No matter where you are, whether you celebrate Eid or not, I will post it. :)

Note :: Any information that you provide will be kept confidential and I will be scrupulously discreet about it.

Let's just hope it doesn't get lost in the mail.

7.28am Malaysian Time

.: Family bonds :.

Lesson 1.

After having dinner, I didn't have the nerve to stay in my room all night long and spend it by watching the telly. I wanted to go out, to observe the people and their lifestyle. Dreadfully wanted to know, what are the things that make them tick. Alas, I had promised my friend that I will not go out at night.

Then I started walking around my floor. I ended up at the exit door, leading to the staircase.

And I heard the once familiar voices coming from the opposite building. I gingerly pushed the door, sights aside, I had a full view of families having dinner together. In their living room, at their balcony, on the rooftop. The chatters, the laughters, the screaming, the fighting ... it was a spectacular view.

The scene, reminded me of how things were.

A family that eats together, stays together.

Being away from family, made me realize that. Even after I came back, we seldom have meals together. Someone is always out, occupied with something supposedly more significant.

Mum :: When we are here, please make a point to eat with your dad. You know how much he values these little things.

Little things, do make a difference.

10.14pm Malaysian Time