5 things I love about Malaysia

There are five things I love about Malaysia. Being a frequent traveler, I get to see a lot of cultures and experience life as a local in some of the countries. Every trip, no matter how mundane, definitely has it's highlights and perks. The people, the culture & the places, this is what, in my opinion, makes a country unique.

Having said that, I've come to appreciate Malaysia & her uniqueness more. As the plane lands on the runway of KLIA or LCCT, the pilot would welcome us with the line " ... and as for Malaysians, welcome home.." This never fail to tug my heartstrings every time I hear it. You know what they say, home is where the heart is :-)

So here are the five things I love about my country:

1) Colours and cultures of different races that made 1 Malaysia

Every where I go, I am familiar with the cultures of other races. And where else could I have such a sound cultural education?

2) The FOOD!

When I travel, I would usually crave for nasi lemak, maggi mee goreng ,vegetarian char kuey teow and a good cup of kopi ice ! And also, it's so easy being a vegetarian here!

3) The Petronas Twin Tower

It doesn't matter that our Twin Tower isn't the tallest in the world anymore. It's majestic beauty never cease to captivate me

4) Peaceful country

We, Malaysians, are really a blessed bunch of people. We live in a country free from natural disaster. We are also living peacefully without major issues like war & famine. I, for one, am truly grateful of this.

For the past one and half years, I have been actively involved in volunteer work. I've had the opportunity to work in a medical mission for war refugees in Sri Lanka. What have I gain from this experience? I see normal human beings lives been altered due to war. They just want to live peacefully but circumstances doesn't allow them to. Peace and destruction is separated by a very fragile fine line. I've come to appreciate the tolerance we have for each other.

This is me working in Sri Lanka. I may look very tired here. But I've had a great experience and am so grateful for this opportunity.

I am a Tzu Chi volunteer. I joined in the effort to raise fund for the Haiti Earthquake earlier this year. We went to pasar pagi & malam to raise funds. I am touched by the generosity of fellow Malaysians.

Last but not least, the 5th thing I love about Malaysia? That is my family & friends. Home is where the heart is. No matter where I travel to, I always am happy to be home with my family & friends. Happy Merdeka everyone!

Male Doll (Work in Progress)

I was given an opportunity by a wonderful customer to make a male doll. This is my first attempt! I really hope it will turn out well. I really like to thank my lovely customer for having such patience to wait for this doll. I certainly do not wish to disappoint her!

Jongker Kidd

He is fun.

He is crazy.

He is colourful.

He is a wrestler.

He is Jongker Kidd.

He is a hand painted teddy bear I made a few years back. I had so much fun painting him! As you can see, he looks like a Mexican pro wrestler. I've always find these wrestlers very eccentric. Their colours and prints are so vibrant & alive. So, when I started painting Jongker Kidd, I immediately know he is just as eccentric!

He has been there and done that with the world of wrestling. Now, he loves to travel and sometimes pose for the camera.

Loving the local cuisine

Posing at the landmark of Melaka

By the way, I didn't have a name for him for a long time. My brother gave me the idea of naming him Jongker Kidd when I brought him along on our family photography trip to Jongker Street, Melaka. He blends in perfectly with the colours of the street!

Maybe one fine day, I will create a teddy bear version of my favourite wrestler Stone Cold Steve Austin! Hahaha..... not a bad idea to toy with ;)

Brenda (Work in progress)

This is Brenda, the rocker chick. While Phoebe is the fashion darling and Adia is the carefree spirit, Brenda is the musical one. She is my tribute to my favourite band from the 80s, Journey.

Sitting pretty ... waiting to be dressed

I have just painted her face. So, I put on a wig and snap a picture of her

Sewing her hair on is a real challenge. Synthetic hair isn't easy to work with. By the time I'm done, I have got hair all over my work table.

I am, however, very pleased with the result.

And now, she need to be dressed.....

Farewell! My dear Miko

Two weeks ago, Miko has left us to continue with her journey... I still find it hard to write this without tearing up. But I have to accept that life is impermanent. And when our affinity ends, we have to say our goodbyes. After, the passing of three beloved rabbits, it's easier to accept and let go this time. Life still goes on... Thank you for the good memories, Miko

Life is a journey;

we board an express train at birth

and head for the unavoidable destination of death

The scenery drifts by, and the only meaningful thing we can do

is to be good and kind to our fellow passengers

- Master Cheng Yen-