The Joy of Daylight Darlings

They call her the Grass Widow, also known as the Satin Flower.

Today, I stumbled upon something truly beautiful in my garden, and I instantly became the happiest girl in Petaling Jaya! 😊 I’ve taken to calling my flowers "daylight darlings" because, let’s be honest, it just sounds so much more charming than their actual names. Seriously, who came up with "grass widow"?

Speaking of names, let me tell you about the little adventure I had trying to identify these lovely blooms. While "daylight darlings" is a delightful name, I was determined to uncover their true identity. It got me thinking about my furry friend Hachi at home—what did his previous owners call him before they decided to neglect him and leave him for someone else? Poor baby!

Back to the flowers. There are actually websites out there designed to help you identify wildflowers and greens sprouting in your garden. All you need is a decent photo, et voilà! But for me, it was quite the journey. I must have visited at least a few sites that couldn’t help me figure out what alien plant had taken root on my lawn.

In the end, it was a bit of a hassle, but it reminded me of the simple joys in life—like watching my daylight darlings bloom and thrive. Well, I think I ought to stop rambling now. 

Until next time!

The Highest Degree of Love: A Mother’s Unconditional Embrace

If someone were to ask me what the highest degree of love is, I would confidently say it’s a mother’s love—an unconditional love that knows no bounds.

Mothers are gentle beings, created by God to shelter, love, and care for us. They are the first gift we receive when we enter this world. Some may be unfortunate enough to have never felt a mother’s presence, but often we can feel that love through another’s warmth. Those who have experienced a mother’s warmth throughout their lives may not fully appreciate it until she is gone. Yet, some are fortunate enough to realize her love, care, and sacrifices before it’s too late.

There’s a beautiful Malay proverb that says, "Syurga di bawah telapak kaki ibu," which translates to "Heaven lies beneath a mother's feet." I wholeheartedly believe in this statement; a mother is truly next to God. She carries you from the very first sign of life until her dying days. While not every mother is perfect—after all, she is human—every mother loves her children perfectly.

Mothers embody the ultimate sign of love—not chocolates, not roses, and certainly not the fleeting affection found between couples. A mother’s love takes form in anyone who truly loves and cares for you unconditionally. This could be a father, sibling, friend, teacher, lover, or even a stranger who offers help in times of need. It’s anyone who provides you with a sense of comfort and belonging.

Who says only women can bear unconditional love? Everyone has the capacity for such love; perhaps they just haven’t found the right person to cherish and be cherished by.

I firmly believe that relationships should not be maintained just for the sake of it. If you find yourself in a relationship where you are abused or mistreated, it’s time to walk away. Life is too precious to waste on someone who holds you back from truly living. It doesn’t matter if you’re 70 and your spouse is nearly 80—if you want a divorce, pursue it! It’s never too late to embrace life. A single moment spent truly living freely is worth more than a lifetime wasted in confinement.

I believe that everyone has someone who loves them unconditionally. If you’re lucky enough to have found that person, hold on to them tight. 

Why the world needs more idiots.

WARNING: THIS IS A RANT (and a Judgemental One Too)

Lately, I’ve been pondering how we perceive others as “stupid” and how these individuals contribute to the world’s balance. So, let’s break down the different types of stupidity before diving into how we can benefit from them.

1) Know-it-all Idiots

These are the folks who think they know everything and act like they’re experts in every field. Seriously, if you believe you’re a genius, you’re probably not. It’s time to drop the delusions!

2) Trendy Idiots

This group prides themselves on being “open-minded,” but really, they just follow trends to fit in. They fake accents and say things like, “Errmahgerd, balls. Yesss, I’m trying to grow some myself too!” or “Being gay is awesome; I’m gay too!” Come on! There are other means of appealing and being agreeable to others. You really do not need to change personalities every 2 days.

3) Converting Idiots

These are the people who hop between religions or beliefs because one seems more appealing or offers perks. Seriously, there’s no authenticity in that. If you’re just jumping faiths for convenience, you might as well be an atheist.

4) Drama Quee-diots

These are the ones who make life miserable for everyone around them. They flood social media with trivial complaints and stretch the truth for sympathy and attention. Honestly, nobody cares! #DUMBASS #GETALIFE

5) Brainless Idiots

This is the obvious stupidity we encounter daily. We all have moments where we speak without thinking. It’s human nature; sometimes we just zone out.

6) The Angry Idiot

And finally, there’s me—the angry one writing about stupidity! Yes, I’m ranting about stupid people while acknowledging that I’m part of this category too. And let’s be real: many women on their PMS could fit into this category about 80% of the time!

Finding Balance in Stupidity

So, how does stupidity help maintain balance? It’s simple! When you see something truly ridiculous and think, “Which idiot would do that?” or “I would never try that,” you’re actually learning valuable lessons. These moments remind us what not to do and help us appreciate ourselves and those around us who are a little less stupid.

Let’s face it: these experiences spice up our lives! Sometimes we even find ourselves attracted to these idiots. How else would we recognize something as stupid without experiencing it firsthand?

So here’s to all the “stupid” people out there—you teach us important life lessons whether you realize it or not!

Where Have All the Values Gone? To the dumps!

Where are all the values our grandparents instilled in our parents? Where is the respect nowadays? What has happened to the traditions passed down through generations? And what will become of future generations?

These are common questions raised by many, often due to the perceived decline in manners and values among the younger generation. Well, perhaps it’s just a few particular individuals who are causing this concern. :)

But here’s the thing: maybe it’s actually okay. This shift could be seen as a practice of equality. Why should we respect someone when, for years, people have been fighting for gender equality, racial equality, and so on? Isn’t this also a case of individual equality?

The Cultural Divide

Why do we, as people of "Eastern culture," place such high value on tradition, culture, and respect? These values can create divides and promote ethnocentrism. We hear phrases like, “You cannot do this,” or “You cannot dress that way,” or “You must address this person in a certain manner.” If we’re preaching to treat everyone how we want to be treated, then imposing standards on the elderly and youngsters contradicts that advice!

It boils down to effective interpersonal communication. We should be able to speak to one another without restraint. When we communicate freely, we foster genuine connections and build trust.

Breaking Down Barriers

Wouldn’t life be easier if we didn’t set boundaries for ourselves? After all, the sky's the limit! Why shouldn’t this philosophy apply to our interactions with others?

So, what’s so wrong with dropping outdated manners, erasing boundaries, and moving beyond race and religion? Let’s strive for an equal existence. Imagine a world without religion, race, national boundaries, and egos! I don’t see how that could be a bad idea.

Just envision it: a world where no one is better than anyone else, where discrimination doesn’t exist, and where there are no social hierarchies to divide us.

The mere thought of it sounds laid-back and peaceful. Maybe then we could truly experience heaven on earth! LOL. 

Is there a spirit parallel world out there?

My Experience at The Ria Apartments

This past weekend, I had the intriguing experience of staying at The Ria Apartments in Genting Highlands, a place rumored to be haunted. As soon as I entered my bedroom, I felt a noticeable drop in temperature. At first, I attributed it to the cold air typical of high altitudes, but given the stories I had heard about the place, I just couldn't shake off the uneasiness. (And as though my love for the TV series - Supernatural played no part in this at all...)

You might wonder why I chose to stay in such a location knowing its reputation. Personally, I believe that paranormal presences surround us all the time; it’s merely a matter of whether these entities choose to reveal themselves or not. Unfortunately, it seemed that the one I encountered wanted us to know we weren’t the only tenants there.

But what unfolded there is a story for another day. Let me know if that's something I should go into.

Exploring the Spirit World

Today, I want to delve into the concept of the spirit world. Some may think that my previous posts suggest I'm an atheist, but you can judge for yourself based on what follows. 

To me, what we refer to as the "spirit world" might align not with traditional teachings about the afterlife. Imagine this: perhaps there is no distinct heaven, hell or purgatory at all! If someone dies peacefully and accepts their death, they might transition into pure energy, becoming part of nature—trees, leaves, animals, humans, and so on. Conversely, those who struggle with their passing may linger due to unfinished business or attachments they still have on Earth. They create their own version of heaven or hell and either continue suffering or eventually find peace.

Consider how many suffering souls may be out there, seeking help, answers, and tranquility. They need places to inhabit as well; thus, they gravitate toward unoccupied spaces and start anew. When we intrude upon these spaces, they may feel upset or threatened.

Instead of fearing these entities or trying to drive them away, we could choose to accept their presence and share our environment with them. After all, they should also recognize that we mean no harm. Perhaps they could learn to present themselves more appealingly so as not to frighten us too much. But then again, if they can't see their own reflections... well, maybe we can excuse that!

Conclusion

In conclusion, my experience at The Ria Apartments has opened my eyes to the complexities of the spirit world and our coexistence with it. Whether or not you believe in ghosts or spirits, there’s something fascinating about considering how these entities might share our spaces and stories.

Comic Review: Darque Passages.

So when I got my assignment for this week, I went to Book Excess and got myself a comic book, for research purposes of course. I almost never pick up a comic. My internet is being a pain, so I am not sure if I can upload pictures of the book. >.<

The book I read.

I got this comic book called Darque Passages, which sold for RM1 (What a steal...). It's about 32 pages excluding the cover, and had a dark layout through out the comic.

It was truly a dark tale, of a demi-god named Darque and his quest to consume the villain of the issue, Cignus's soul, which was of course had a competition from twin angels who were sent by the angle of the gates. It was narrated by Darque's partner Brixton, a dude who is kinda involved with Darque's sister. This part made me feel like I was reading an actual book.

The story line was clear,  nothing confusing, but I think the comic would be 30 mins run time of a movie. Which is part of the reason why I absolutely do not read comics, cause it leaves the plot hanging at the end. On the other hand, I can't really complain because it didn't have an interesting enough story line to get me hooked.

I rather read a whole book than wait for a comic issue every week/month or so. A comic book is so not my cup of tea. Unless its short comic strips like Garfield or Peanuts.

Reading the comic made me wonder if our assignment was too long to be made a comic, or rather I just bought a thinner version of a comic book? It only has 4 issues to it, must be really short then?

This is the full version of the comic books.

Kinda cool if you ask me. (:

A Day At The Petronas Art Gallery

Did you know that the Petronas Art Gallery closes early during Ramadan? I didn’t know that! The gallery had practically no visitors at all. I guess my lecturer assigned us this project to create some buzz for them, or maybe I just picked the wrong day to visit.

What I learned from my trip to the art gallery is that someday, maybe I could have one named after me. :P The blog header sketch is mine—so good it should be placed in a gallery, right? HAHA. NO. Not all the artworks I saw spoke to me until I read the captions. It seemed like they were just expensive materials crafted by someone with a lot of time on their hands—and to be fair, passion.

But seriously, I felt uncomfortable with the level of neatness in the place. I felt out of place, underdressed, and lost. I felt the need to behave, speak quietly, and pay attention. Which part of that is creative at all? I would have preferred watching the artist paint in real-time, like those street artists who work on pavements in malls and such. Maybe this is just the perspective of someone who can’t afford anything from a posh gallery.

So what do these artists have that others don’t that makes them deserving of a gallery viewing? Knowing Malaysia, it’s probably politics. And I don’t say that just because I dislike the current political situation; it’s because I’ve come to understand the politics in the art world. Talent is one thing, but exposure is another. Pulling strings and knowing people definitely has its perks.

Maybe I should visit more art galleries to see if they all give me the same vibe? The last time I went to a stage play in Sentul, I passed by the art gallery and don’t remember much about it, but I think the place looked darker because of the carpets. 

A Surprising Children's Book Review: Dear Dumb Diary

The cover of the book. 

Quite honestly I was shocked that this was considered a children's book. It is okay. It has like more pictures than words. Here are exhibits.

The book is basically Jamie (a middle schooler's) diary, about middle school assignments and how she has a crush on Mr Prince, a substitute teacher who replaces a teacher sick from food poisoning from their cafeteria food. Then in her ongoing love saga with M.P (His pen name in all of his secret love notes to her), she encounters problems with her best friend Isabella and finds comfort in her arch enemy, Angeline. Finally she finds out Angeline was her friend back in elementary who's gone total makeover with her hair, Isabella is a cunning character who does anything to prove she is better than everyone, and that her secret admirer and M.P wasn't Mr Prince at all, it was her classmate Mike Pinsetti and her old crush and apparently Angeline's crush too, Hudson.

What I thought of this book was; - It was adorable, entertaining, witty, and had very childish approach to its contents, well it is after all a middle schooler's diary.

I also thought that the book was slightly inappropriate for kids. For teenagers? - definitely yes! It has a page on Jamie's arsenal of dirty looks which I think is not appropriate for innocent budding children. It spoke from critics perspective, like how fairy tales are dumb, like it would be easier for Prince Charming if he could just recognize Cinderella by face, and Jamie thinks pretty young maidens break deals all the time (Rumpelstiltskin) and that they are the cause of all problems in the world, like breaking into bears houses and busting up their junk (Goldilocks), antagonizing wolves (Red Riding Hood), getting lost in woods (Snow White) and driving their stepmothers crazy (Cinderella). This totally screws the whole point of fairy tales! Teaching kids to imagine and dream.

On the contrary, criticizing challenges kids to think outside the books and question the books they read. Another good thing about the book is that it cultivates the love of writing in the readers, keeping a journal improves your English (obviously). It also thought me to take things easier, brush them off your shoulders, they are after all problems and are meant to screw with us. The more time we waste on them, the more Jamie-ish we become.

Positive Outcomes of Disagreements

When I was younger, I always believed that any sort of misunderstanding was detrimental to relationships. However, recently I heard about a pair of siblings who never quarreled their entire lives. Honestly, I freaked out upon hearing that—how is that even possible?

Never? Wow. That seems so strange to me. Arguments are healthy, if not essential, in any relationship! I don’t engage in conflict with anyone I don’t consider worth my time and energy. I genuinely wouldn’t care about talking things out, quarreling, expressing my dissatisfaction, or trying to resolve issues with those who don’t matter.

You are truly yourself only with those you are absolutely close to. With that said, I believe kids have a tendency to shout, throw temper tantrums, and act nasty when they are angry. That’s why you tend to have quarrels with your siblings, friends, and even parents. 

I even went to research on this topic and made a list. When disagreements are approached constructively, they can lead to several positive outcomes:

Positive Outcomes of Disagreements

1. Improved Communication: Resolving conflicts encourages open dialogue, helping both parties express their thoughts and feelings more clearly.
   
   
2. Stronger Relationships: Successfully navigating disagreements can strengthen bonds as it fosters trust and mutual understanding between individuals.
   
   
3. Personal Growth: Engaging in conflict resolution allows individuals to reflect on their own behaviors and attitudes, promoting personal development.
   
   
4. Increased Empathy: Through discussions during disagreements, individuals can gain insights into each other’s perspectives, enhancing empathy and compassion.
   
   
5. Creative Solutions: Conflicts often spark creativity as parties work together to find solutions that satisfy everyone involved.
   
   
6. Clarified Boundaries: Disagreements can help establish boundaries within relationships, ensuring that everyone understands each other’s limits and expectations.

By embracing disagreements as opportunities for growth rather than obstacles, we can enhance our relationships and foster a deeper understanding of one another. 

So go ahead and express your dissatisfaction. If you're unhappy and care enough to want to fix things, show them how you really feel and see if you can resolve the problem. Therefore, if someone can put up with all your nonsense and still chooses to love you, you’ve found someone who treasures you for who you really are—not just the facade you present.

Criminals: The Villains We Misunderstand

Topic: Criminals
Inspiration: The Paperboy

I’m not going to talk about another movie this week. Instead, today I want to discuss criminals, movies, and the stereotypes that surround them.

When it comes to criminals, movies often portray them as BAD, EVIL, or PSYCHOTIC. Even in the simplest chick flicks, the antagonist is frequently depicted as a total jerk or a b*tch. But why do films consistently reinforce these stereotypes?

The Reality of Criminal Behavior

No one is entirely innocent; I can say that with certainty. We are all our own villains in some way. The truth is that there’s no such thing as a criminal who is so mentally disturbed that they no longer resemble a human being. Everyone experiences love, hate, loathing, and care in different ways. What sets the extremes apart is one’s tipping point, which varies from person to person. For instance, one individual might take offense at swearing, while another may not think twice about it.

The Impact of Family and Relationships

Have you ever wondered what it feels like to have a criminal in your family? How can criminals be loved by their families and friends? If they are truly BAD or EVIL, who could ever love them? Regardless of the circumstances, I believe everyone has both a good side and a bad side.

Seeking Understanding: The Criminal's Perspective

But how many people have taken the time to understand their side of the story? Who has looked into why they are the way they are? Who has pondered what led them to commit crimes—whether heinous or minor? This is where criminal lawyers come into play.

Some might condemn criminal lawyers for working solely for money and lacking ethics. But guess what? Everyone is entitled to their own unique set of ethics. What is considered GOOD by some may be viewed as BAD by others. To the "bad," the "good" may seem just as flawed!

Perspectives on Justice and Karma

It all comes down to different perspectives, which makes me wonder if hell and heaven truly exist. Perhaps we pay for our actions during our time on earth itself. Maybe we are born into one perspective in one life and into another in the next. It makes sense, doesn’t it?

Maybe all those we consider victims aren’t so innocent after all; perhaps they deserve what happened to them. I’m not suggesting we allow crime to escalate in the name of universal justice; rather, I believe that sometimes things happen for a reason. This concept of karma works in complex ways—let's call these so-called "bad" guys the karma soldiers.

Conclusion: Rethinking Criminality

In conclusion, understanding criminals requires us to look beyond stereotypes and consider their circumstances. By exploring their perspectives, we can foster empathy and perhaps even find common ground.

Details In the Fabric.

WARNING: THIS POST CONTAINS SPOILERS.

Watching a movie twice because you love it so much has its downsides. I don’t mean to say that I didn’t notice the minor hiccups during my first viewing, but what I’m trying to convey is that the second time around, the great impression I had became merely good, and the slight criticisms grew larger.

Yes, I am talking about my much-beloved Man of Steel.

Points of Critique*  (As someone who has not read any of the comics or understands the DC timeline)

Physics Defiance: When Clark saves the people in the fire, he appears to be both on fire and wet at the same time. Does the law of physics get denied just because he is SUPERMAN?

Delayed Powers: Why did young Clark Kent only begin to exhibit his superpowers and enhanced senses around the age of 7 or 8? Didn’t he get exposed to the sun and air for like 7 or 8 years prior?

The Suit's Origin: How did the Kryptonian suit appear in the scavenger ship? Does that imply he’s wearing a 20,000-year-old Kryptonian outfit?

Similarities to Other Heroes: Didn’t some parts of the movie remind you of Thor and Spider-Man? I mention Spider-Man because of all the graphic fight scenes that resembled a video game.

Choice of Earth: Why did they choose Earth to rebuild Krypton when they could have selected any one of the seven nearby planets? They can actually change the environment to suit their people!

These are all the critiques I can think of for now because I am still more impressed with Henry Cavill's good looks and how Christopher Nolan brought Superman's story to a whole new level. 

And I have to say, thank you for not bringing up the Kryptonite in this version of superman just yet. =D

The Intersection of Passion and Money.

Recently, I found myself in front of a flower shop, captivated by the beautiful sunflowers trapped in a vase and roses elegantly arranged in a bunch, caged in a cold cellar. The inner botanist in me sparked an idea: what if my sister, who is currently pursuing her postgraduate studies in tissue culture and taxonomy, could find a way to make flowers hardier against temperature changes and environmental factors after they’ve been plucked? This could extend their lifespan or "freshness time" after being arranged into bouquets. Just imagine how much money could be made by introducing such a concept into the market!

Is Money Good?

Speaking of business, I often ponder whether money is truly good. I struggle to understand how a materialistic approach to one’s career can ever be beneficial. We live in a world where technology is constantly evolving, and every day feels like a rat race. I’m beginning to believe that people who live by passion are slowly becoming extinct. Call me old school or even backward, but I am 100% in favor of passion. I firmly believe that one should choose their career based on what they love; no amount of money should replace that passion.

Passion can be incredibly powerful—the more passion you have, the better you become in your field. It serves as an endless source of motivation. If you truly love what you do, you’ll create space for healthy competition and find joy in your work. For me, passion trumps money any day. Would you prefer a partner who loves you passionately or someone who only wants you for your wealth?

The Dilemma of Passion for Money

I’m not entirely sure where this train of thought is leading me, but what happens if someone has a passion for making money? All I can think is that they would likely make a good businessperson. This realization is part of why I left business studies; while I enjoy many things, I’m not one for competition or the relentless pursuit of profit. My desire is to be happy and to be of service to those around me. I thrive on working with people and engaging in conversations with them.

However, I’m uncertain how being in my chosen field will help me achieve that goal. I guess I’ll find out sooner or later!

Inspiration... Comes from anywhere!

A few days ago, I witnessed someone dancing on the LRT station platform while I was inside a moving train. It was someone I recognized from my past—not really a friend, just an acquaintance. To be honest, I was never particularly fond of him. Seeing him dance made me cringe and turn away in disgust (I've to admit I am not a good dancer myself, so I can't justify my knee-jerk reaction). To be fair, he had also made a number of my friends uncomfortable, not just me.

However, that incident later made me reflect on the concept of freedom of expression. I know our society isn’t exactly the most liberal, but in my opinion, genuine expression is rarely seen in public. I admire people who can express themselves without worrying about others' opinions. To me, that is confidence, and they say confidence is key. Expressing oneself is healthy; it can lead to a happier and more stress-free life. Bottling up emotions is not particularly healthy.

Being too stiff and rigid won’t get you anywhere. Being labeled as 'boring' certainly isn’t a good first impression either, right? Who cares if anyone's watching? If you're happy and feel like busting a move or jumping around like a kangaroo, you should feel free to do so! If you're frustrated and need to scream, then go ahead. Just for the sake of argument, I'd say expression should be done in moderation. Going over the top can be annoying; you don’t want to give anyone a heart attack!

So I guess the lesson learned is that everyone who crosses our path plays a significant role. They impact us in at least the smallest way, if not the greatest. This reminds me of a book I read about a year ago: The Five People You Meet in Heaven by Mitch Albom. It’s a good read.

The Rules For Being Human

The following extract is an article from chicken soup for the soul. Something I always try to remind myself. I read this long ago, and I think of it as a guide to life. It tells people to actually take life as it is, for everything that comes your way is a lesson, to not take it too seriously, it is just a test and you aren't getting out of life alive anyways.

It's amazing how an author gets the idea to write about something so complex (life) in such short simple sentences. I guess if you're inspired, and you have enough knowledge about something, anything is possible.

I also like that it tells us about life wittily yet has accuracy to it. I think it's a good read and share. It keeps me in check and that's why I think it's an appropriate post to publish as a first post to this blog. :)

You Will Receive A Body. You may like it or hate it, but it will be yours for the entire period of this time around. 

You Will Learn Lessons.You are enrolled in a full-time informal school called Life. Each day in this school you will have the opportunity to learn lessons. You may like the lessons or think them irrelevant and stupid. There are no mistakes, only lessons. 

Growth is a process of trial and error; Experimentation. The "failed" experiments are as much a part of the process as the experiment that ultimately "works". 

A Lesson Is Repeated Until Learned.A lesson will be presented upon you in various forms until you have learned it. When you have learned it, you can then go on to the next lesson. 

Learning lessons Does NOT End. There is no part of life that does not contain its lessons. If you are alive, there are lessons to be learned.

"There" is No Better Than "Here." When your "there" has become a "here", you will simply obtain another "there" that will again look better than "here." 

Others Are Merely Mirrors Of You. You cannot love or hate something about another person unless it reflects something you love or hate about yourself. 

What You Make Of Your Life Is Up To You. You will have all the tools and resources you need. What you do with them is up to you. The choice is yours.

Your Answers Lie Inside You. The answers to Life's questions lie inside you. All you need is to Look, Listen and Trust.

You Will Forget this.

Taken from my original blog, which I obviously typed on from a book entitled Chicken Soup for the Soul.