A Wordsmith

Reflection

2009-12-09T23:56:00.004+10:30

It's been a while since I blogged here. My writing projects and travel blogs has taken much of my time. I've also been busy immersing with the rush of the social media scene here in Adelaide. It has been an exhilirating experience taking in all the vast information and exchanges on twitter. I manage two twitter accounts, @kamtiger and @leapwords, so if you're in the social media scene, look me up and I look forward to sharing and exchanging information with you.

My travels across beautiful South Australia has opened my eyes and heart in witnessing this truly magnificent, vibrant and engaging state. There is so much to do and see, and simply take in. I'm preparing a travel blog on http://mumbees.wordpress.com/ covering the beauty and richness of South Australia. The blog will also cover family friendly spots and untap some of the hidden nooks of SA, for all to devour.

As the gracious festival of Christmas draws close, I hope you delight in this song and reflect on the good year you've had, and look forward to new beginnings and good tidings in 2010.

Till I pen again, big hugs from me in my beautiful Adelaide.

Weather gal

2009-09-23T00:31:00.006+09:30

It's mid week, well Wednesday at 12.32 am..why am I not asleep?

I probably find that I am at my best when it's all still and quiet. It doesn't help one bit that it's cold albeit being spring. I never imagined myself talking about the weather so much, since I moved to the land down under.

I find myself screening the weather channel, entering my suburb postcode to get the latest weather reports, scanning newspapers or merely popping my head from my window, to see if a peek of comforting blue skies might just grace my day..

But no, it's been a grey, rainy and cold week. Nothing much to shout about really.

It would be ideal to close my eyes, and lie on a naked powdery beach and listen to the rhythm of the waves breaking monotonously against the shore.

Ah, to dream of such an image.

For now, I shall wax lyricals with sheeps and cottony clouds as I make zzzz...

Christie Beach

2009-09-21T21:57:00.003+09:30

After a full morning at church, lunch at Pancakes House delighting in choc pancakes drizzled with fudge, a city walk, we later took a quick tour of Saldechin at 21 King William St. I'd always wanted to take a peek of the much talked about restaurant cum bar spot and glad I did.

Previously an old bank building, the now converted restaurant exudes a colonial feeling albeit a huge collection of Oriental artefacts. Carefully painted cabinets with intricate work of a pelican or bird hover lightly over the cabinet doors. Row of shelves with an array of colorful fans greets me and my sons as we take in their shapes and form.

Martini glasses rest on their panels and with a flirtatious imagination, I imagine a relic James Bond standing with poise by the bar, and ordering a 'shaken not stirred' typed martini. I've certainly found my new spot and immediately tell hubby I'm hosting my next birthday here at Saldechin!

Done with the city, we venture out to Noarlunga and Christie's Beach in the late arvo. Since it'd be the last weekend trip we're making with Terri, we thought it would be a good trip for her. To take in the scenic drive along the coastline, brimming with lapping cold water and leaving a tail of froth as it breaks its journey on the shore. The ocean and her waves never cease to fill me with a new found spirit.

Christie's Beach is divine, pretty and absolutely uplifting. As soon as I stepped off Terri, I could feel the pure air of love and mystique. A long army of rods took positions on the jetty, as the young and old, patiently, they wait for a tug, and soon delight in reeling in their new find. Would it be their dream catch today?

I watch a couple from below pose romantically for a photographer..wedding bells must be in the air as they gaze and cuddle closely.

A troop of children play in the wet sand, some making doodles with their wet toes, some burying their small soft feet under the sand whilst others brave the waves and soak in its delight.

From far, towering beach houses and handsomely built homes preside over the coastline view. Balinese decor, teak furnitures and colorful cushion adorns the majestic homes and I soon miss my collection of teak furnitures I left in Malaysia. As memories flood in, I look at my beautiful family and sleeky Terri and recall the new memories we are creating here, all filled with colour, aspirations, love and laughter.

We walk back uphill, after leaving the gorgeous jetty and its view and as I look back, I take a sneak peek at the drooping orange ball, fiery in its shape and smile as she takes rest in her sunset.
Another magical day ended on a high note. We will miss Terri alot, and we gaze at her with misty eyes, as we head the highway back home.

Romantic Barossa

2009-09-21T21:38:00.005+09:30

If there’s one affair I would have, it would have to be a Barossa Affair. As weird as it may sound, Barossa was everything I pictured it to be. With a beautiful mix of old and rustic, culture, history, modernity, tantalising fresh air and heavenly landscape of rolling vineyards; I could stretch out, with eyes close and lay on the fresh virgin soil and frolic with the pure bliss surrounding me.

Since I made Australia my home, I relish the thought of visiting Barossa and indulge in all of its beauty. I’m glad I did and exposed my family to the wondrous of nature and land that surrounded us.
We headed out on Saturday morning with a happily packed Terri stocked with a picnic bag, map book, numerous DVD’s for the boys and hubby the almost well informed navigator, and drove down the scenic route of Gorge Road.

Although it ate up on travelling time, it was definitely a smart choice as we delighted in soaking with the rapid waters at Torrens River. We should have brought our bathers as the water was so inviting with its gorgeous deep blue streams, set against scattering wet rocks with stunning greenery as a backdrop.

After the first snack pit stop and showering the bush with more nutrients, our gorgeous Terri baby took us for a fun ride down the scenic Gorge Road. The Terri snaked along the road and we were engulfed by pure beauty and fresh abundance of air.

We soon came across another breathtaking sight, which reminded me of the luscious greenery and turqoise lakes during my short years in Washington. Kangaroo Creek Reservoir is magnificent! The hills offered a lovely panoramic view and at its foot, an oasis of deep blue water, what a welcoming sight to Adelaide's region, which is known to be dry.

The Terri baby enjoyed a short rest by the trees, with its shining body lending envy to the passing cars. A bunch of riders stopped for a chat and smoked and I was very tempted to take a ride with them. Yes, I have a strong fascination with motorbikes, and have always dreamt of hitching a ride with a bearded, stout Harley Davidson mate! Don't be suprised that I may just live out my fantasy
We bid them farewell and as we cruise to the final end of Gorge Road, I made a brief stop and met Sue who ran a flower stand; I bought a pretty bouquet of Protea and headed off to Lyndoch.

A pretty country town, and reminded me of a vivid scenery from American old favourites The Waltons. After a quick pizza lunch at Bakehouse Tavern, I stopped by to delight at the neighbourhood Ops Shop and found a gorgeous Indian mirrored-cladded incense holder for a steal $2, it would sit perfectly well at my new treasured bookcase.

We set off to Williamstown and ventured out to The Whispering Wall. The boys enjoyed the walk down the bridge overlooking the Barossa Reservoir and we heard people talking as far as 150m away, so be careful when you visit here, as you might give away your secrets.

A few Kodak moments later, we set off to our final destination, Tanunda, the pulse of Barossa. The Terri moves smoothly across the valley and soon we bear witness to South Australia's pride and joy, the vineyards! First stop at Ross Estate and we meet Suzanne who gives us a well informed wine tasting tour. We delight in the light and bubbly Chardonay, strong and rich Shiraz and the tantalising warm Tawny. I love the homely decor at Ross Estate. With an old British painting framing the wooden fireplace, leather sofa with bodiced pillows, married with ancient Chinese vases adding to the decor, it exuded a British drawing room set from a Dickens novel.

With a Tawny and Beekeeper Reisling douched with a soft honeysuckle sweetness, we delighted in stocking up for Christmas and New Year. Toilet pit stops and gears checked in the boot, we set off and cruise down Tanunda, and found our way to delightful Jacobs Creek Visitor Centre.
Set against rolling vineyards, and a breathtaking view, we welcomed a kids play area where the boys soon took to colouring and playtime. Vig and I soon savoured more wines and found ourselves relaxing by the huge barrels converted tables and sipped wine, whilst gazing at the breathtaking views and immersing in the fresh air.

We watched the boys run in the fields, gazing at the many rows of grapes bearing Merlot, Shiraz, Chardonnay and Sauvignon whilst listening to Michael Buble in the speakers.

I remember gazing at the panoramic beauty and whisperd in the air, 'I shall return my new found lover'. Barossa is every bit magical. Not just for lovers, it is a land for dreamers, poets, writers like me and anyone who wants to catch a whiz of energy amidst a comatose vineyard feeling.
As I blew kisses to Barossa, we stocked up the Terri with more delicious wine bottles and head back to Lyndoch for a lovely early Father's Day dinner at Lord Lyndoch Restaurant.

Jeff, the owner is hilarious and the boys enjoy a burst of giggles with him. With a beautiful meal and an electric fireplace by us, we tuck in before we head home, taking the Gawler route into the CBD.
Barossa was magical and divine. Since it is a vast land and so much to cover, we hope to include it during our next weekend adventures and cover Angaston, the famous Norm Coolies show dogs, Lego land and Whistler Wines as recommended by Glam Adelaide.

Let me leave you with a musical piece, to describe my experience at Barossa. We reached home and parked the adventurous Terri to sleep and I could have sworn she blinked her lights at me as I walked away.

Sweet dreams everyone..and 'Good night John Boy!'

Fleurieu Peninsular adventures

2009-09-21T21:12:00.006+09:30

Rear view mirror- check! Seat positioning - check! Mix 102.3 FM - check! Transformers DVD- check! Temperature - check! Picnic bag - check!

We're on a road trip to Fleurieu Peninsular, where Victor Harbour and whale watching at Port Elliot awaits us. Our foster baby, the Ford Territory takes us on a delighted adventure. We head down waving the suburban scenario and soon come in one with the green abundance of nature and the panoramic view of the countryside captures our hearts and sights.

The boys are enjoying the fall of Decepticons whilst hubby munches on nuts and I sing to 'Bohemian Rhapsody'. We're in love with Fleurieu! We drive pass McLaren Vale and I am in awe of how close our home is to the vineyards! Note to self : Must sneak out one morning and spend the whole day with a glass of reds..or two...or heck, the whole bottle if I have too! The view is stunning and spectacular. With grapevines forming wire fences lining the vineyards, I can see why many cars were heading into the vineyard. All wanting to get an insight of the cellar door secrets. I almost inched the Territory pretending I needed a pee stop, but hubby reminded me that the whales awaits us at Victor Harbour.

So, with a gentle wave and grim face pressing at the window, I whispered I'll be back to venture the vineyards! As we made our way, it seems that the canteen operations just opened its doors, as the boys beckoned for a snack and drink. So with a packet of cashewnuts and favourite sky juice offered to the princes, they took to their snack happily.

I love how their water bottles hold well by the bottle holder by the sides of the car door and the boys popped their packet of nuts in their activity storage bag with much ease and comfort. Hubby didn't even have to move an inch or wrangle with space to give out the snacks, let alone wipe the boys face and hands. The activity bags provided enough pockets and compartments to store a ready to use wipes! YAY!

The Territory glides smoothly on the wide highways fringed with trees and farms. With hovering trees and branches extending like those from an enchanted willow forest, they welcomed us with galore and cheer. Sheeps and cows grazed in serenity, and gazed at us as we blew kisses to the adorable lambs. The boys spotted some Friersian cows and yoddled to 'Old McDonalds' and soon we were welcomed by showers of rain, first in small droplets then like a gush of a flood, the clouds unveiled their show!

First pit stop- toilet. With raincoats in tow, Tristan who like me, loves visiting and screening public toilets gave a thumbs up from his visit. We continued our journey and soon passed a farm with a huge erected sign, 'Alpacas for sell, take one home'. Oh, we may have found a house pet after all.

We parked the Territory and took in the adorable sights of Alpacas and I soon yelled, ' I want their babies', yes, I am a true fanatic of animals and go weak at any small, furry, milk dripping babies. No I do not come close to Cruella Deville but I like to think myself as the Mother Theresa of Noah's Ark.

Back on the road again, and we come across Alexandrina Cheese Company. A must stop as we love a good cheese tasting and what more in rich resource of South Australia. The farm views offers us a splendid view of rolling hills and we soon keep warm in the cafe. With cheese tasting to galore, and Harriet who delivered an educational cheese tasting tour, we soon bought a delightful slab of cheese and got a complimentary tub of ricotta! How divine.

We tucked in with a homemade Alexandrina Shire tea and homemade baked ricotta cheese cake, with generous dollop of pure Jersey cream, accompanied with towering chocolate milkshakes. I am amused by the display of posters and notices fanned out at the wall.

The owner has a name for each cows on the farm and some were christened after celebrities with the likes of Madonna, Whitney and Kylie. Beryl, Lorna, Cherish and Blaze were some of the other names. Tristan and I made another toilet stop, well why not. We had to check the cute cow-motif themed cafe. The toilet doors had cow signages and a poster of Employee of the month was adorable to bits.

Yes, Alexandrina best employees are its cows!! Every month a new cow is bestowed with a star to commerate the Employee of the Month. Not bad eh?
We waved the cows goodbye and try to spot a 'Material Girl' cow but she must be busy chewing her grass and wondering where Kylie is on her farm tour. We're only about 10mins to Victor Harbour and soon find our way to the main city and arrive at the much talked about Victor Harbour. Oh did I also mention that I finally handed over the car keys to hubby from the cheese stop.

It is stunningly beautiful and very much the seaside town it has to offer. Unfortunately, it rained yet again, and we had to skip the horse tram ride into Granite Island. Being the adventorous lady I am, we armoured the boys with winter jackets and hooded raincoats and me with my gorgeous Kathmandu winter jacket I snatched from my previous clothing swap, and a weak umbrella in tow, almost doing a flip back against the strong wind, we ventured out and explored all of Victor Harbour.

First stop was the famous whale fountain which was a pure Kodak moment. Klauss German Hot Dogs stand was a hot seller! With over 10 different sauces to choose from, we delighted in a mild chilli sauce, with sauerkrat and spicy sausages. What a welcoming feeling from the bitter cold wind.

We soon found our way to the South Australian Whale Centre and the boys had a wonderful experience learning about the whales and sharks conservation. They enjoyed the Kids Zone and we rented an archaeology kit where they soon found themselves digging and locating fossil and bones. Very smart initiative to encourage the young ones to enjoy science and discovery.

Later we were told by the friendly reception that there were at least 15 whales sighting at Bashom Beach at Port Elliot. We soon told our foster baby, ' To Bashom beach we go' , and as a well mannered auto pilot, we soon found ourself with a throng of cars and human traffic with James Bond binoculars.

We see the whales! The most spectacular heavenly sight ever! As we park the Territory on the hill for a better view, the Mother Theresa comes out of me and soon I am screaming, 'We gotta get close! I wanna touch those babies'. So again we go in our runaway raincoats and head down to the beach. Ah, everyone is quiet as we watch two cubs following the mother across us, floating in and out and later the mother graciously poked her head to peer at us.

With jaws dropped, tears streaming down my cheeks and hands outstretched to embrace them..well almost, our Ford Territory adventures hit the top of its pinnacle, with the whales watching. It is truly a sight to behold and I can't help to think that as humans, sharing this same beautiful planet with our fellow creatures, it is our gracious responsibility in preserving them and not encroach on their habitats and environment.

We drove home that night with fond memories of the whales. We remember seeing one flip its tail from afar, another did a loop jump and another almost floating and enjoying an umbrella cladded cocktail. We are surely creating wonderful memories with the Territory.

She does not seem tired or weary and can still pull out a Schumacher stunt breezing across the highway, taking us all home to our warm safe beds.

Another adventure awaits us. Barossa Valley is next on our travel list. Stay tune for more delights.

Ford Mummy Blogger

2009-09-03T21:37:00.004+09:30

I recently blogged about my previous winnings and how I'd like to win a few special hits. So I recently put in my name for a Ford Mummy blogger competition and was thrilled to bits to receive news that I was one of the lucky five bloggers to have won a whole month of lease of a Ford Territory Ghia and a $500 petrol voucher thrown in.

The seven seater is a luxury to behold and I still can't take my eyes of her. With an in-house DVD movie player thrown in, two activity bags for my boys and an almost computerised dashboard, CD player and temperature features, it is definitely a family car come true.

So, I'm happy to note that I will be blogging for Australia's leading parenting website Kidspot Social for a month penning my family adventures as a Ford Mummy Blogger. Read all about it and enjoy my road trip adventures.

Visit my Ford Mummy blog on http://bit.ly/17DMDr

The September Issue

2009-08-09T23:10:00.003+09:30

The September Issue

September is the January for fashion. So goes the fashion dictum in the evolving iconic industry. Follow the journey of Vogue's editor in chief Anna Wintour and her team, as director R.J.Cutler takes the viewer behind the gruelling nine months preparation, for the most intriguing issue of the year-the September Issue. This is one fashion documentary not to be missed. Enjoy the following movie trailer.

http://www.traileraddict.com/trailer/the-september-issue/trailer

And the winner is...

2009-08-04T15:54:00.006+09:30

My husband just echoed that I should compete in a local daily travel competition, since I've always had the neck for competitions and have won some and lost some. The prize at hand was a family holiday package, sounds tempting and the thought of winning one is always encouraging.

Oprah was ran a segment on people's favourite obsession and it featured an American lady who makes a living from just entering competitions! She's won a house, numerous expensive vacations, shopping sprees, cash and even a boat! Now, the closest I would ever come to winning anything would be a Barbie Doll House, forget about a lovely house in Kensington Gardens, with white picket fence, lined with splashes of roses and a panoramic view of Adelaide skyline.

I shouldn't complain considering my earliest win was a concert ticket, cum accommodation cum travel package to Singapore, to catch the bubbly Norah Jones. Whilst based in Kuala Lumpur, I remember gleaming with joy over a phone call with the reporter, after having sang a few lyrics from her album and answered three relatively simple questions.

Little did I know, I will be travelling with hubby and toddler in tow, via an express hired bus, and before embarking on our road trip, waiting in the bus for almost 1 1/2 hours, as one of the reporters in the bus had forgotten her passport. Yes, we were in the bus carrying the entire Malaysian entertainment reporters and much to my disbelief, I was wishing for a quiet comfortable 35 minutes flight to Singapore.

All in all, the trip was tiring, fun as the reporters kept playing with my son and a bit draggy due the countless times the bus driver had to manoeuvre traffic, toilet stops, food cravings pit stops and finally, after a gruelling 6 hours, the sight of brightly lited Orchard Road came into view. The hotel we stayed was fabulous and we had the best buffet and managed to catch up with some family based in Singapore.

Norah Jones delivered a smashing performance, and kept us all in the mood for romance. And we had the best seat in town! I was fortunate to have been interviewed by MTV as they were one of the participating sponsors and best of all, a couple of lucky winners and myself were given the opportunity to head backstage and take a picture with the beautiful Norah herself. I guess the bumpy nauseating bus ride made the trip worth it after all.

So, if I were to make a list of my wins and the galore of prizes which I've swept up ( drum roll please), it would be:

1. Norah Jones concert, travel and accommodation package
2. A RM1000 Ikea shopping voucher
3. A RM500 Carrefour shopping voucher
4. 50 cents CD album
5. An Australian travel bag ( although I was bagging for a trip to the Gold Coast)
6. A month supply of sanitary pads, courtesy of Kotex ( which arrived when I was pregnant!)
7. Movies tickets courtesy of the fabulous Kidspot Social and radio station SAFM.
8. Cafe vouchers
9. More restaurant vouchers

Not bad one might reckon, I may not have won the mega ones, but am certainly blest with certain wins that came my way when I least expected it. At times I think about the prizes I'd like to keep under my wings and came up with the following list.

1. A package to Europe ( to practice my rusty French)
2. Diamonds, diamonds, diamonds
3. A shop-all-you-can spree at Jimmy Choo and Ferragamo
4. A year supply of toys from Fisher-Price and LeapFrog
5. A supply of Guess watches and bags ( to add to my already growing collections)
6. A villa in Italy
7. Dinner with Bollywood's heart throb Shah Rukh Khan
8. A farm full of animals
9. A year supply of Dom Perignon
10. A 20 seater caravan to fit my family and farm animals.

So, I'm on this simple quest, and putting on my best armour to challenge any upcoming competitions and hoping I'd win some mega ones along the way. For now, I'll keep gazing at 'Tequilla Sunrise' parked handsomely at the Outer Harbour.

Flower Haven

2009-07-24T00:43:00.003+09:30

Flowers, they are everywhere. Gracing my front yard; lining the brick layered pathway which snakes through the front lawn; at the sides of the fence, at my backyard, where I stand to gaze whilst hanging the laundry or playing a family soccer game.

Roses, in all of her might, exudes her colours. Red, white, pink, yellow; they lift up their petals, to show their purest nakedness..of beauty.

Then in a far corner, the lavenders seeks attention as they prepare to flutter their wings. Like a conductor in deep trance with his energy-driven orchestra, the lavender tilts her head sideways, then later gently springs up to reach the rainbows, bellowing above.

Shrubs of herb plants, makes a delightful home for the flight of the buzzing bumblebee, as it hovers over and draws on its nectar. More come and soon, it mimics a narrative documentary, sending out sweet nectar, enveloping the air.

Then, as a pulsating opera which tempts the hungry audience, Arum Lillies soon conceive in my Garden of Bliss. Onced shy and refusing to peel its beauty from its hidden mask, it now makes a grand entrance, hovering over the little shrubs of wild yellow spotted flowers.

I am blown away, and gaze at her gentle beauty. My Arum Lillies have arrived.

Confluence

2009-07-17T23:59:00.010+09:30

I've often found myself crafting fabric of words, weaving them through web of emotions, observations and quite often, from the echoes of my heart.
As a result, here are some prose.

The Awakening

The blades of the freshly cut grass
The murmuring of the sparrows over the gum trees
The dancing leaves which sets the tone for the call of the evening
I am engulfed by the beauty of my surroundings and drift to a dreamy sleep
Only to be awaken by a blissful cold breeze
Wrapping me with its blanket of desire and love.

My Sister’s Keeper
Ah! The beauty and depth of love in sisters
Knows no limits and boundaries
It moves like the fallen dancing begonia; vibrant yet gentle and coy

The Twilight drive
As I drove this morning
I watched the leaves twirl and dance around me
And fall subtlety on the car window
With music bellowing from their leafy veins
It stamped its magic footprints everywhere
Whilst drifting me to a different level
Where time and day stood still forever

Black or White
The parrots hover over me
Spreading their colorful majestic wings
I watched the laughter in kids
Clothed in innocence and joy
I gazed at an old couple
Hugging closely by the beach
And witnessed their life in a flashback
And later
Saw a young couple
Giggle with love
But realised
That theirs was only a temporary love affair
Life is filled with sweet nectar
And yet has room for stings

Sliced by Silence
As I gazed in his eyes
And tasted his lips
Our hands locked in embrace
My heart skipped a beat
And sent waves of passion within us
In silence we invoked pure love
Tracing his face and his toned neck
I smiled graciously
And embraced love again
Laying side by side
Whispering sweet notes
I fall into a net of pure bliss
And never to be awaken again.

Beyond Infinity
To lay on the beach and watch the stars glitter in tandem
To picnic amongst the mountain terrains whilst basking in the sunset
To ride a bike and let the wind blow its cold arms
Whilst engulfing our spirit
To swim naked in a lake and lay by the banks
I seek you my love
Come! Come!

A day in a writer's suit

2009-07-15T04:19:00.007+09:30

I submitted the following write-up in response to Meanjin Spike Challenge in describing one's daily routine as a writer. The Meanjin Spike Challenge was inspired by J.Robert Lennon's article in the LA Times.

Happy Reading.

A Mother’s writing log.

7am Awaken with fright as wailing toddler hovers over my buried head, warmth with four underlying blankets, shouting he can’t find his red Bakugan dragon, Drago. I murmured that I slayed the bugger last night and turned over the other side. Hit the toilet and story idea strikes me, I lean over for a nearby lipstick and scrawl some notes on sturdy scented toilet paper.

7:30am Wake older son for school and hurry him to bathroom, change, and rummage through chest to find a pair of socks that will match, finally conclude an orange and red ones will do, as his length of pants will make up for the wardrobe disaster. Toddler still screams down the hallway searching for Drago and older son ends the morning cacophony by detecting the muffled Drago under the dining table. Peace alas! A bowl of Fruit Loops entertains the boys whilst they get the morning dosage of Ben 10. I run to change and find a matching sweatshirt that will go well with today’s boot of the day.

8.30am Head to the car, with son in tow and drive like mad with enough time to wave to neighbour. At school, curse the drivers who don’t leave me enough space to park before the 'No Parking Zone' and park across school. Rush son out and tell him to sprint walk. Check school bag three times to ensure that the lunch box is intact and secured. Do I have OCD? Hmmm. Plant him with kisses and have quick chat with teacher as class students creep up to show their obsessive-filled Bakugan, oh no! it’s another Drago!

9:10am Back home to cheerful toddler and see hubby off to work. Dishes, laundry and make bed. Sit toddler with lego and playdough and head for some serious writing. Laptop on, quick glance on emails; Facebook, peer on FB chat to check any interesting friends, see a stalker and quickly leave chat room, noting hilarious attention-seeking FB status; check yahoo, gmail, hotmail, twitter and blog; finally look into writing materials with nearing competition deadlines.

11.30am Edit work and before second paragraph can take its’ flight, darling toddler sits on my lap and demands hug time. Plant him back at play spot with quick pit stop at kitchen for snack. Must resist temptation to read Facebook friend’s status flow. Must.. Hello Facebook! Oh look,17 updates. Five of them are speed dating invitations. Bugger!!

Noon Lunch and playtime. Bath toddler and sing with sea animals in tub. Facebook. Quick research on my writing subjects. Gmail chats with my sister.

3:10pm At school for pick up and sneak in the latest mummy’s gossip.

3:30pm Home sweet home with hungry boys picketing snacktime. Scribble notes on fridge, stick-on’s and when time permits, transfer ideas to laptop before the neighbour’s cat discovers a new play tool.

5pm Prepare dinner whilst making mental notes of today’s Homo sapiens observations.

6:30pm Family dinner with seated Drago near me, staring with his hooded head. Must remember to hide Drago again.

7:30pm Bath time, reading and bedtime. Goodnight my precious boys, please sleep soon as Desperate Housewives is starting soon.

9:30pm Dishes, fold laundry, read and chat with hubby before he belts an orchestra of snores.

10:30pm Silence. Should I write or contribute to the musical snores?
Lights out.

They call me Supermom

2009-07-13T17:38:00.004+09:30

Ever since I was blest with motherhood, I’ve been able to reap the rewards, joys and contentment that comes with the role. With the perks like any job, there are the cons that supplement the vocation too. Coping with tantrums, meal time battles, arm wrestling on who gets the remote and whether the car windows should be screened up or down for the umpteenth time are one of those days where I would like to crawl in a hole and be neighbours with a curios squirrel.

In totality, it has been exhilarating breathing the drama from a distance; it’s like watching your own TV series shot live from your living room. Friends and colleagues pose the popular question, “How do you manage?” or “What’s your secret parenting tips?”. But nothing quite puts the icing on the cake with the recent exuberant title I’ve received, “You don’t know this, but you’re a Supermom!”

Call me ignorant but the last time I remember putting on a suit, was my walking gear, as I chased the boys down the rolling hills, mimicking the ducks at Elder Park, with their eyes gazing us with bewilderment.

I could be ecstatic with the new conferment but they don’t know that I have an invisible Four Arms, one of Ben 10 superhero powers, latched on my body. With my imaginary Four Arms, I tackle the daily house chores, with a vacuum in one hand and another stirring the meat for the shepherd pie. My third arm is storing dishes whilst my fourth runs a quick tab on my incoming emails.

With a 5kg laundry done over two days with the appearance of the gracing sun, I was able to iron the whole launder and organise the toy room, whilst researching and crafting new stories for my articles.

The idea in multitasking has never seen its greater potential until you wear the hat of parenthood. I’ve learnt to store extra toys in sleepy suitcases to avoid a killing fields of Lego and curvy car models. Books are kept within arms reach on the night table or stacked neatly on the floor for a breeze read. My boys like the idea of a chore or two, so I delegate simple fun tasks. Laundry is separated in 3 bags for easy wash; white, coloured and boys clothing. Meals are cooked in big batches and frozen. Huge dinners are brewed, cooked and packed for tomorrow’s lunch box. Fruits, yoghurts and snack bars are kept in the lower shelves of the fridge and pantry, so Supermom is not beckon as she eases herself on her quiet throne.

With a huge and evolving responsibility carried on our shoulder, should we Supermoms practised time out, on ourselves? Should we feel guilty about taking leave for 3 hours to catch a ladies movie night and wonder if little bub has been bottlefed, cleaned and tucked in bed with the right side of the nappy on?

Teamwork, understanding, empathy and a huge dose of laughter are excellent tips in balancing the joys of motherhood. I conclude my day by reflecting that my sons are my greatest teachers, as they impart their wide colourful imagination, dreams and daily banter with me. I can take these lessons of life with me, and scale my personal Everest in my Supermom outfit.

'An Hour of Bliss' Is Published

2009-07-05T16:17:00.005+09:30

Back to blogging. Haven't had the time to pen my thoughts here as I've been overwhelmed with a tsunami of work commitments, managing a busy household, moving the family from a compact unit to a lovely home fringed with roses, frangipanis and a huge hovering tree to a massive backyard garden, enough to host our very own footy match; and my fabolous book project which kept me away from the digital world.

The book project kicked off fantastically, after 8 weeks of gruelling but intriguing battle of ideas and exchanges at the Unley Writer's Group. With an intimate family themed launch, and the Deputy Mayor gracing our book launch, I could not have been more pleased with the birth of 'An Hour of Bliss'.

It was heartening to have my family beside me, and especially to have my sons stand beside me as I did a reading from the book. ' An Hour of Bliss' records a collection of stories penned by a pool of writers, comprising of mothers and grandmothers, from a rich diversified cultural backgrounds, echoing the memory trails of our children and grandchildren.

It is certainly a perfect gift for our children and one I can be proud of, as I have always penned my thoughts and captured the essence of my sons vivacious lives and the constant flow of adventures that never seems to tire me.

I am delighted to embark on this delightful chapter in my life, as I study the intricacies of writing and absorb myself in the writing realm, filled with emotions and never to be awaken until I dream my biggest dream, to get my first novel published.

So, as I challenge my days filled with ongoing maternal tasks, I take courage that I can still accord some writing time, even if it means storing my mental notes,or in my bedside notebook or that pieces of striking Post-It notes that sits neatly in an angle on my bookshelf; offering much hurried scribbles as I leave a burst of ideas and thoughts.

My current mantra that has superseded me is:

I HAVE TO, GOT TO AND NEED TO accord some 'alone' time to get back to my writing projects and continue studying my 'subjects' for the next book project to materialise.

It will as I can feel the current emotions and energy wrapping me with its zest and speed.

For now, I shall sit back and tilt my head and allow yesterday's, today's and tomorrow's events unfold its imperfect creases and folds and showcase its pool of information at my fingertips.

Ah, it's time for a hot cuppa..so I shall take my leave and imprint my thoughts again...

Christmas in a new land

2008-12-20T01:52:00.004+10:30

It's six sleeps to Christmas. I'm in a new land, away from familiarity and habitual patterns. This is Australia. The land of opportunity, crocodile dundee, Vegemite, coastal beauty, enchanting wilderness and outbacks, and rolling hills of vineyards.

Aha! This is good, all good as I breathe in my Australia. Marking six months since we made it our home, and finally acclimatising to a new home, work, school, church and new found friends, it is heartening to toast to our new chapter in our lives as we craft new memories here.

With Christmas in the air and 'tis the season to be jolly, sales campaign spread through the nation, like an epidemic salvaging every victim along its way. As mere humans who devour the concept of sales, I packed the family in our trusted Mitsibushi and head out to Big W. The icon of Australia.

With kids in tow and changing bags checked, we waited no further and headed straight to the Toy department. Easy peasy I thought.

The boys were with their father, a perfect decoy to steer their attention, from seeing their new found pressies. As I stood, and took in the images in front of me and gazed at the wooden coloured Thomas & Friends set, Bob the Builder and Playskool range, I couldn't help think it was much easier to shop for babies than toddlers.

With babies, you could retrieve a colourful activity play gym, Lamaze toy or stacking cups and be the first in the check-out line, whilst managing a sniggering smile at the other hapless looking moms still eyeing their list from north to south. On the other hand, toddlers do offer much imagination and playtime as they battle alien forces, handle multitude of powers, devise their next location move of Lego housing Spiderman's St and collaborate a sunken treasure from the fiery pirates. Hmmm...I may have a hunch of what to get after all!

As I stood, eyeing each shelves eagerly and mentally deleting the non exciting and non adventurous toys, I moved on to the simple art of categorising.

So, I grouped them within outdoor toys, indoor toys, books/activity books and a much needed Doodle Pro as the current 'Wiggles' doodle board courtesy of Qantas, has now been subject to the 'Toy Abuse' section. The boys mimicking Picasso's brush strokes,drew with much rapid force that would make the ozone layer blush with shame.

With a brand new Doodle Pro ( I checked that this one was sturdy and Toy-Abuse proof) in the cart, I scanned through the shelves and found a monstrous dumpster truck which will make Tristan sit with joy in his second home..the sand pit and enjoy hours of dumping sand on our new rose garden and driveway.

I later pictured Joshua in a fiery red Ferrari outfit racing down the F1 circuit, I had no doubt that my boy would dig his new toy and add some cacophony to our quiet calm neighbourhood. So the computerised racing helmet with wireless steering wheels sat handsomely in the cart. Next, a golf cart decked with three smart looking clubs will inspire Joshua to beats his granduncle's, Tok Ismail's handicap.

Then, something caught my eye, something red and furry. With arms stretched out, he cried for a hug. It's 'Elmo Live', and I knew in an instant, Elmo will make the perfect indoor pet for Tristan. At least he won't shed any fur!

Almost done as I added activity book kits with Christmas poppers to the cart. Let's not forget the colorful foil wrappers and adorable gift tags. Nope, forget the bows as my boys have strictly left me instructions that gift bows are for GIRLS, GIRLS, GIRLS..so no to bows and ribbons.

Mission accomplish and breeze myself with the boys in the cart echoing
'Fa La La La..la la la la' down the check-out counter, only to see the size of New York's traffic shopping carts with hovering families grabbing second and third glances at their finds, ahead of me!

Darn it! The waiting begins as we park ourselves in aisle No. 7 and look ahead to investigate if the cashier counter has placed Ben 10, Four Arms cashier lookalike to whip up the queue...oh well, no sight of Four Arms. Somewhere, near the express counter, I see a bunch of parents with shopping bags tiptoeing from the queue and glancing back at the exodus of human traffic. With flashing 'thumbs up', they paint a sniggering smile.

Ah! The babies shoppers have completed their mission!

Feliz Navidad mates!