A stretch of melancholy...

"Remember when we were young? We aways imagine if we keep our eyes to the sky, we will begin to see signs of good things to come..."

I was deep in my slumber when I was awakened by a call from KB.

Ani sounded panicky. She just got news from Kak Minie that Bee's two sons, Ridwan and Amir are hospitalised, one with an inflamed gall bladder and another suspected leukemia, yet to be confirmed.

I was in a state of disbelief when I heard the news. For a while I was feeling angry with Bee for not informing me and the gang. This recent situation and a stretch of melancholy may have caused her to sink into a rut of self-pity. Everyone has moments like this. But the longer you stay there in that rut, the deeper you will dig yourself in.

I gave Bee a short call to get details and the next day visited the two boys at the University Hospital. Ridwan's condition is improving and he'll be discharged soon. Amir is undergoing several more tests to confirm whether his blood disorder is caused by leukemia.

That evening I sat with Bee and we talked about nothing in particular. Nothing that I do or say could calm a mother's worry for her sons. I told Bee not to lose hope. All we could do now is pray for the best for the both of them.

Family Get Together...

"Do not be so humble and so modest that you rain on your own parade. But if you don't get out there now and blow your own horn, no one else will..."

(Murtabak daging and ayam)

Our family get-together was on a Saturday in the middle of the month of Ramadhan.

I am not complaining. Last year our turn happened to be in Ramadhan month too, a little hectic and chaotic, but we managed the gathering well. As usual, we'll have the get together gathering at our Bidara House.

(One family is missing!)

A few weeks before the event, we already surveyed the menu for the pot-luck among the siblings but only one replied. The rest kept silent and want to make it a surprise. This is our family party. If nobody wants to commit let it be. If you don't make choices that you know you will be able to live with afterwards, then you are not being fair to yourselves.

Not influenced by anyone, we ordered nasi bryani ayam madu and murtabak from Insaf Restaurant and bought satay kajang to add to the menu.

(Satay Samuri, a must have)

Unsettled Case...

"I often have a hard time suppressing my feelings. My emotions are always etched across my face for the world to see..."

The internal lawyers set a meeting on Tuesday morning when they know that every Tuesday noon I will drive back to Melaka to take care of my ailing parents till Thursday.

When the meeting proceeded way after lunch hour with no sign of stopping, I was a little agitated. I know there were loads of documents to go through but I need to excuse myself. I know we need to reconvene for one final session before the court case but my only free time is on Mondays and Fridays. The rest need to abide to my timing. I am not enjoying the anxiety and stress this can cause everyone.

To my lawyers and colleagues, I may be retired but my time is very precious, so be wary of that...

Iftar with the gang...

“It's the privilege of friendship to talk nonsense, and to have his nonsense respected...” - Charles Lamb

Tonight the bikers gang and family had a buffet iftar together at Hotel Singgahsana. It was also a farewell gathering for Rozlan who will be continuing his practical studies in Ipoh.

We had a choice of buffet or steamboat dinner.It was crowded this time around but luckily the food was in abundance and as tasty as it used to be.

(A cosy hotel for a Teh Tarik Session)

(The bikers gang and family having iftar together)

Australia: Street Arts of Melbourne...

"Painting is poetry that is seen rather than felt, and poetry is painting that is felt rather than seen..." - Leonardo da Vinci

Hosier Lane, Melbourne

(29 June 2013)

Hosier Lane is a bluestone cobbled vehicular and pedestrian laneway on the southern edge of the central city grid of Melbourne, Australia. It is a much celebrated landmark in Melbourne mainly due to its sophisticated urban art. The lane has been noted for the quality and the often political nature of its art. The graffiti-covered walls have become a popular backdrop for fashion and wedding photography.

  

(All in the family)

My overseas travel: Melbourne city tour

Malaysia Kembara 44 Masjid

"Failure is only a fact when you give up. Everyone gets knocked down, the question is: Will you get back up? Your only limits are self-imposed..."

Misi Kembara 44 Masjid
(3 - 7 July 2013)

.

.

.

"SELAMAT MENYAMBUT BULAN RAMADHAN AL-MUBARAK"