Father's Day 2010

Daddy's gout symptoms' been acting up quite a bit lately. I noticed he was walking slower & seemingly with more effort than usual when he negotiated steps.

Still, Daddy remains unperturbed. He rattles off on the different meds he takes & his upcoming doctor's appointments each time we discuss about his condition. Without fail every week, he comes over to my place to maid-sit when my helper comes to do the chores. Without tiredness, he carries his backpack when he is out with mom & it would be stuffed with mom's ikan bilis, other dried goods from their buying trip & my barley water (for me when they stopover at my place).

My wish & prayer is that Daddy enjoys many more good years in health & quality of life.

Ashley's creation with love, for Gong Gong

High-rise Manhattan

The grey palette was used yet again in this high-rise city studio. Clamshell, monsoon river and natural linen. Simple and classy touches were applied in the furnishings and lighting to complete the modern look. Glass, mirrors and reflective surfaces gave the illusion of space, particularly important for a small area. Track lights provided both functionality as well as a contemporary feel. A crystal chandelier, the centrepiece in the living area, was used to match a striking red couch.

While the living area grabbed for attention, the bedroom was muted with neutral, earthy colours. Black string curtains divided the living area from the bedroom. A self-contained kitchenette with hidden storage provided the necessities for fuss-free, fast-paced modern living.

By the Bay

The living and dining area were given a grey palette with colours of clamshell, natural linen and monsoon river. The bedrooms were recoated in white to enhance the spaciousness. An oil painting of seascape titled 'Dream' greets one as the lift opens at the private lobby.

Birthday celebrations aren't just about parties?

They are not just about parties when they meaningfully celebrate a child's developmental milestones. I remember a wise colleague's words in paraphrase: we can all do the same thing but the difference is the spirit in which we do it. That's the part that people don't see from the outside. The spirit.

When the boy grows up one day, let it be made known to him he was the apple of our eyes. He was treasured, loved, protected and given the best opportunities his parents could afford to give him. So that he - in turn, can do that to others & for others he so chooses.