I think I would like to live on a farm for awhile --- horseback riding, sheep shearing, cattle branding, whole lamb roasting on an open fire, country music/barn dancing; the smell of freshly cut grass, green meadow, lavender field .... aahhh ... wouldn't that be l o v e r l y ... (smiles)

Please do not be too harsh or quick to judge me especially when all you know about me is my name. If you are interested and care enough to get to know me better, you might even come to like me. (smiles)

It's not a Mercedes but it's mine ... :-) "I work hard for my money, so hard for my money ...lalalalalalalal...lalalalalal....

The year 1998 : Father was very happy ... the family grew as more grandchildren were added. Someone said that as one grows older there is nothing more joyful than the sound of running and squealing kids. How right this observation is. Nothing would make Dad (not only mine, but all Dads) happier than to have his family close just as in the old days. He doesn't say it in so many words but his eyes speak volumes. Family is everything to Dad; all else is secondary...

We are a typical Chinese family. Father: the patriach, provider and protector, whose word is law. Mother influences father! The accompanying picture was taken some 20 years ago and the brood has since grown. Soon they will celebrate their 56th Wedding Anniversary. Their five children, 15 grandchildren and 2 great grandchildren (plus one on the way) are planning a grand scale celebration for Kung-Kung and Por-Por. What joy there will be! Their marriage is exemplary and worthy of our emulation. Almost six decades have passed and they are as attached and devoted to each other today as they have been in their youth. I don't know of any couple who hold hands even in sleep, but Mum and Dad do...

Dad hasn't been well for awhile now. He's a fraction of the man he used to be and has lost much of the self confident and 'macho' image. He's frail, frighten and unsure of himself and it bothers me and breaks my heart sometimes when I see him in this state. The life he used to know --- ball room dancing, karaoke, yum-cha with his friends, wild boar hunting, food, travel, exotic cars, his dreams --- all gone. His days are now spent in recluse. Mom cares for him 24/7 and this has taken a toll on her. Still she relentlessly carries on. Sacrificial love for her man keeps her going. I asked Dad the other day if there's anything he needs in particular. Anything. He shook his head, but he did say this, "If you could come home more often to visit, sit by my side, talk with me, I'll be very happy. And even if we don't talk, it would be enough just to have you close to share the silence together." Oh, Dad...

When negative people hurl false accusations at and about you, do what my young friend did! She didn't dive under the bed for cover or wallow in self pity. Instead she went on stage... danced ... and stole the limelight. Yes, again. (Btw the young lady is only twelve!) There's no reason for her to feel guilty. Her fault lies in her being pretty, talented, kind, loving and having a big heart. Surely she cannot be punished for these appealing qualities that make her so popular. "Who ever hides one's light in a bushel which should be placed in the open to give brightness." It's inevitable that some persons will be envious and jealous of you and there's very little you can do about it. Forget about reforming them. They're not your responsibility. Leave them alone and do not spare another thought for these joy-killers and grace-robbers who do not add value to your life. Way to go, Princess!

I was touched by a young friend who gave her moving testimony recently on her faith in God. She said that unkind, jealous people had spread nasty rumours about her and even pretended to be nice to her so that they could get to know HER friends, (whoaa... I thought these were games that only adults play but children too are not exempted.) Certain friends had left her because they found some others who were smarter and better off than her. Naturally my young friend was very hurt but instead of getting mad, she chooses to forgive them. She reasons that God loves her and so she too must try to love these unkind 'friends.' God is King and she being God's child makes her a princess even if certain friends don't think she's cool! "Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid." High five, princess!