Lumix Photo competition

Ever heard of Lumix Kita ? . They are organizing a major photography competition online- Photo Contest/ Festafet . Category varies from People, Places etc and all images submitted for the contest must be taken by Panasonic Lumix.

Just so happen that I am one of the jury/contributor for Bali area which obliges me to chose one top image from 4 winners and create a copy ( in Bahasa) for each of the selected images. Never hurt to earn some extra cash indeed *wink. And tell you the truth, I feel like a different person whenever I am writing in Bahasa. More like a poet than a blogger. I like it!

If you read and or speak Bahasa, you can have a look at it here . Two out of the four articles that I created is Perempuan Bali dan Panggung ( Balinese woman and her stage) and Ke Lapangan dulu! ( Let's us first go to the soccer field!).
If you do not speak Bahasa but you are into photography, you may want to participate by voting. No, not for me, for the contestants. 

There's a funny story behind the process. I almost fail to send  the articles in time since it was processed in the middle of my trip to North Sumatra and the area was a bit remote. My brother came to the rescue by accompanying me to this dodgy-super gross internet booth near Lake Toba so that I can send my work to the organizer. Oh how we adore technology...

Lumixkita

Walk Away

In the midst of my never-ending wanders, I phrased this quote below. No details necessary here except for the fact that I jot it down in the middle of my head to toe treatment session today :) 

It may not going to be printed in posters or pledges but I found a strength here in my own words and a reaffirmation about something.

" Sometimes it can worth the wait. But there are other times when it is best to walk away" . TB Hutasoit

Then comes another question, what if you happen to be the one who are left behind because someone is walking away from you?
I say it is the best time to practice the course of letting go. 

“Walk Away” Fine Art Print by Miruna Uzdris [3479033-2] - RedBubble

Update

Hi there! Here are a few things I know I owe you guys; Inspiration Sunday, Awesome Monday aaaaand... my trip to my ancestor's root; North Sumatra- for my sister's wedding and also for the chronicle I have not done for the last 20 years. Argh! So since the places I visited was a bit remote, there was no way I could get my modem to work.

I am back in the civilization now (at this very second I am still in Jakarta). Will gain enough strength soon, catch up on my work in a bullet speed and shower you with posts!

xx,

Weary but happy blogger

TB

preview ;)

I buy books

To my dear friend, thank you for pointing this out to me. Yes, I know this habit of mine can be scary at some point but I cannot help it :) ps: But you know I adore nice shoes too so I guess I can be forgiven.

from Winzor

Give thanks

To my sweet girls who are now busy preparing that so called turkey ;). Sorry I cannot join you for dinner tonight. My thankful heart for having you as my dearests and as a bonus- having the two of you living on the same pweety island ; Adis and Ayu.

PS: I smell an intention of enlivening a New York thanksgiving scene from the past, so hope the weather is cool enough tonight, at least. 

xoxo

Thankful Bel

Lens Strap

Hey you (you know who you are ), I am sure you will appreciate this for Christmas. Sorry what? Of course I did not forget that you are a Nikon user, this is just the strap- I am not getting you a new lens just yet ;)

from here

Pixar short films to the rescue

Is it just me or most of movie sequels are just...suck? Well, not entirely suck but at a general measurement- not as good as the first one. And by saying most; I simply have an opinion that some are really an exception to the rule. For example; The Toy Story. 1,2,3; ALL great. Also adore Cars (Pixar), Monster's Inc ( Pixar), Shrek ( Dream works), Ice Age (Dream works), Nemo ( yes, Pixar) etc..etc...

Whoa... wait, did I only mention cartoon movies up there? Specifically; Pixar! Ah yes dear, I am one cartoon movie aficionados. You name it, I can guarantee you I have seen it. I even have special folders in my laptop where I store all my fave cartoon movies- both the original and the short version ones. Freaky? 
Maybe.... but; last weekend, I was on a plane flying back to Bali from a business trip in Singapore. And, since it was the last day of the ASEAN summit , many flights instructed to wanders up in the sky for hours before landing or in my case- to another airport! It was quite depressing. This couple next to me was with a 14 months old baby, they have tried anything possible to stop the baby from crying; feed, rock, stroll from one end to another. Nothing works. Then... I politely ask the mother if her baby by any chance will respond well to a cartoon movie. She was all eyeballing at me and and ; "Do you have that with you now? any cartoon movie! Whatever?"
And that is how my Pixar Short Films collection off  TO THE RESCUE! One baby down to laughter and fell asleep.
I did not have the heart to take a picture of the baby giggling over my treasure, but here's a  screen shot of my mood medicine.

For the Birds

Another thing; Romance movie does not get me to weep. But cartoon? Yes. If you are also a big weeper like me on cartoon movie, you may want to know why adults cry so easily in animated movies?  .

Let it go

Perfectly illustrated yet easier said than done. 

I am letting go of one particular thing right now. For someone like me, letting go is considered quite a battle. But yes, I am doing it.

S. Pringle

The Perks of being a Wallflower

I have mentioned before that I am easily attracted to a legally challenged book  . And this book is one of them. From page 1 , I know for sure this is going to be a book I am going to read over and over again. The one that will make me feel like I lost a friend when I read the last page. A book with a character so strong I feel like I want to trade souls for a while. Despite the fact that my fave quote form the book might misguide you on the general idea, be reminded that this is NOT a love story.
" We accept the Love we think we deserve"  ( Wait for some serious posting based on this subject, please )

I’ve read quite a few coming of age novels. Whilst reading The Perks of Being a Wallflower I was reminded of The Catcher in the Rye  (J.D. Salinger). The Perks of Being a Wallflower wasn’t as astounding as Salinger's masterpiece, but it held up surprisingly poignant and somewhat mind blowing.

One of the things that I liked most about The Perks of Being a Wallflower was that it referenced other books. Throughout the story, Charlie’s English teacher, Bill, gives him books to read, such as: To Kill a Mockingbird (oh one of my most fave ever) and On the Road (looking for it). More than 10 classic books are mentioned in this book, and they are auto-piloting me to do another book research. Ha!

The writer; Stephen Schbosky also directed the movie under the same title. Well, I am the type who always believe that  "The book is better" , but will not regret the chance to see the movie anyhow.

The Perks of being a Wallflower

My fave line from the book!

Too much of an old soul

If you want to go to any kind of secondhand bookstore there is in Bandung, Jakarta, and or Bali, you know I can be one dedicated guide. 

Which one? Oh ya I know of that too :)

from A. Sword

Checked!

And I thought I am lame... But I actually have cross checked almost all of the things below, except for number #5 since I am a bit conventional in that area and just a bit of a saver. Hmmm... I am also biting my tongue so hard so that I do not have to do number #14 too often.
Hmmmm... It seems interesting to do this all over again from #1. Let's see ;)

from Briana C

Nerd Quirk

from Nerdquirk

Confession 1: I know exactly what this girl is dreaming about. I do.

Confession 2: I need glasses. Since like 7 years ago. But they gave me a massive headache at the end of the day and up to this second I still haven't found any contacts that is not causing my eyes all watery, itchy and red. Turns out; I am allergic. No matter how "natural" they are, I just cannot wear them. So I am sticking my nose real close to a book when I read to get a better vision.

Confession 3: I am not going to tell you all about it tonight. 

Regards,
Some kinda nerd. xx

Awesome Monday: Awesome people hanging out together; Brigitte Bardot and Jane Birkin

Good Monday! How was your week? Mine was a bit disappointing for one and many other reasons. Tiring too. But, if you think I am going to skip an Awesome Monday , you are wrong. I cannot find  the story behind this picture, but I got to tell you this picture warms my heart in a very feminine way (if there is such a thing). Both Brigitte Bardot and Jane Birkin hypnotized me with this picture.

And the fact that Bardot once quote " I am 30, but there are things about me that are still 15", really represents what I am feeling these days :)

from this inspiring tumblr

Tim Tebow the Quarterback

I just watched Remember the Titans again today  (prob for the hundredths of time since year 2000). Soon after, I browse trough the virtual world looking for more reference on leadership and awakenings you can get from the sports field, and fell for this story. I have zero idea about him before but I read that quarterback Tim Tebow wore John 3:16 on his eye black to a certain game. Over 92 million people looked that verse up on Google which means over 92 million people heard the Gospel just because one young man took a graceful stand. Thank you for the missionary over the field Tim Tebow :).... and ahem, I also have to declare that you are such a babe!
Read the full story why Tim is more that a QB and if you want, you can check for some more pictures .

I woof you

I think my heart just skipped a beat because of you. You know, I am going to love you so much so that no other owner nor other canine will ever be good enough for you.

Oh wait.... you are not mine. Bummer.

from Fuzz

Inspiration Sunday: The Long Brothers

The more I try to post more inspiring stories from random people- the more in need of inspiration I am. Instead of providing the story for readers in general, I actually am in thirst for it.

On a second there I was like; darn it maybe I should stop this and keep writing about fun stuffs only!  Simply because there are few things falling apart in my so called plan now and I almost call a quit on it... Indeed, practicing what you preach takes guts!

But then, I found this quote and this story below;

from Lindsay Rife's blog

from my non official contributor

It's by choice

I do not question the being and the meaning of Love anymore. I just let it sits there up in the air or wherever. And whenever I feel like I am in need of reassurance, I can always look up, wink at it and I just know that we are good- Love and I- . It works well with us.

I am nowhere in the position to lecture anyone about Love (I mean, you read how I describe it!). But, I found this quote and would like to share it with you. In case you are questioning about it, in case you need a prologue before your mind starts to wonder, or maybe like it does for me... As a closure? Your call.

from Listen2U2

Just Cause; First Thanksgiving

Bill Abbott

Can we talk?

Hi there. Been thinking about You a lot. I know I have been missing in action for quite a while. And I have no excuse. Today, I met a friend. A new friend to be exact. And somewhere along the conversation today, we talked about You. Not too sure how we got there at the first place,  maybe in the middle of discussing work stress and targets and the not so favorable personal life and dating pressures and whatnot. Not too sure.
Well anyway, we ended up talking about You. How You have been an amazing friend, how You have changed the way we look at things, the way we see our-self.
How no matter uncertainty can haunt us down, somehow... knowing that You are there, we know we are going to be more than just fine. 

Oh how I have a lot of things to tell You about. So, let's catch up soon. I am wide awake.
I have a lot of secrets which I am sure You have witnessed. I have worries I have been trying to hide even-though I know it's crystal clear before Your very eyes. 

And... I have a long line of gratitude that I have not said often enough... 

So, my shepherd can we talk?

from Quotables

The good in good people

This sup to be posted on Inspiration Sunday. But, I cannot help it. Have you ever get sick of bad news and hearing how heartless people make moves?. This little story somehow can be a remedy. " The Good" is still out there ... You just have to open you eyes wide enough and be humble enough to appreciate little things, smallest act of kindness in live.

Taken in 2006, this is a photo of Chief Master Sergeant John Gebhardt in Iraq holding a child who had "received extensive gunshot injuries to her head while insurgents attacked her family killing both her parents and many of her siblings." The nurses said John is the only one who seems to calm her down, so John has spent the last four nights holding her while they both slept in that chair. "I got as much enjoyment out of it as the baby did. I reflected on my own family and life and thought about how lucky I have been.

Source: The Good In People

What is your sign? Errrr...

Are you an astrology freak? Cannot start a day without reading what your star sign says? You follow @zodiacfacts on twitter?

I know I am not. But, I do appreciate and enjoy the excitement of befriending someone who is one zodiac fanatic. It is somewhat endearing to have them asking me " What's his sign? Oh that? Men under that sign are boyfriend material!" Hahaha:)) ( I often respond with WTF ?- but laugh anyhow)

I got this image from my friend and you guessed it- she's all about " What planet rules you " and all that. Well, here's to all of you who shares the same interest with her. According to the celestial coordinate system; I am a Capricorn, and despite the fact that I am not that into this, the poster states a good thing about me ... So there it goes;)

Plaindreamer

Ocean and Rock

I fell for Lisa Hannigan ever since she was still part of Damien Rice 's band. Have you listened to any of her debut? This one is one of my favorite;
"Thoughts of you, warm my bones I'm on the way, I'm on the phone, Lets get lost, me and you, an ocean and a rock is nothing to me..."

Composing Success

Urbanoutfitters

Don't hold your head so low

Introducing, my new girl crush!

"Mr. Blue,
Don't hold your head so low
That you can't see the sky "

ps: Thanks to one of my favorite blogger and I think you will like this too Adis :)

Such a Princess!

from Monnet

Well, my Dad did. That is probably why I (and my other 3 sisters) sometimes act as if we are "all that" when it comes to a serious relationship. The reason why our brother always managed to sweep his girlfriend off her feet.
Don't get us "princesses" wrong. The minute you start treating us like one: you become our prince, best friend, family, and our team. 

No, we do not need your flashy charm or richness. We demand respect, affection and a handful of laughter. And that means a lot. At least for us; people who are used to hugs and kisses and sharing and love and intimacy. But you don't want to hurt a heart that once told as a delicate princess inside. You seriously do not want to.

Love,

Princess in the attic, representing another princess who now is in doubt of her true self: Don't!

My Ideal Home

 

from My Ideal Home

Branding and all other perks

This is what I am looking at whenever I am swamped at work :) Or, when I do not have the energy to explain to people why is A cannot go with that way or B is better off this way yadayadayada..., I just present them this picture.

There's even one other funnier poster I just found and now pinned on top of one of my team's desk. Will share that with you later *wink.

from here

Bookstore gets me crazy

Need I say more?

from Hiphipgingin

Beautiful people do not just happen

“The most beautiful people we have known are those who have known defeat, known suffering, known struggle, known loss, and have found their way out of the depths. These persons have an appreciation, a sensitivity, and an understanding of life that fills them with compassion, gentleness, and a deep loving concern. Beautiful people do not just happen.”
― Elisabeth Kübler-Ross

July 08, 1926 - August 24, 2004

Awesome Monday: Awesome people hanging out together; Mick Jagger and Andy Warhol corresponding

No faces today on our  Awesome Monday but... would you look at this letter? Do you have one letter you treasure? Like a letter of acceptance from the so called university? Your favorite band reply to your 100th fan mail? First love letter?

I am waiting for this kind of letter now. A great news carrier, not from my fave band whatsoever but something big. Really big :)... *fingers crossed! Read the best line of this letter; .... "And please write back saying how much money you would like "

Have a great start of the week my lovely readers. Wishing you all the good news this universe can bring. Yes, that is me being ridiculously optimistic.

Mick Jagger and Andy Warhol corresponding

High Tide Low Tide

Whoa! Jack Johnson and Ben Harper on stage jamming Bob Marley's piece ? How in the world that this is the first time I am seeing this?
One commentary states : "This is banana pancake meets maples syrup"
Oh such a rad sweetness on a high and low tide indeed.

Collectible bottles

Back in the college years, I rented a big house with a few friends and one of my homey happened to be a bartender. Therefore, I gained a little interest about mixing up drinks . When I told my friend that I adore the bottles design (typography, labels, name, tagline etc) more than whatsoever is differentiating the liquid, he said that I should work in a place where design and art is the major lining.
My friend is gone now (God bless his soul), and he probably would never know that I am  doing exactly what he said to me years ago. I threw my bottle collections away the year I moved back to Jakarta for one and many reasons.

This page I found is like a sweet reminder of my friend, and how I still can be attracted to bottles design without having a single idea about the drink itself. That's okay, yes?

Anyway, you can use this as a gift guide. They look adorable!

1. 5th Gin – Water  |  2. Ginself   |  3. Both’s Old Tom  |  4. Small’s Gin  |  5. Geranium  |  6. The London Gin  |  7. Right Gin  |  8. Broker’s Gin  |  9. Aviation  |  10. Tub Gin  |  11. 5th Gin – Fire  |  12. Death’s Door  |  13. Breuckelen 

1. Joss  |  2. Lovejoy  |  3. Black Moth Truffle Infused Vodka  |  4. Jonah + the Whale  |  5. Pinky  |  6. Prairie Organic Vodka  |  7. Snow Queen  |  8. Belvedere Intense   |  9. Chopin  |  10. Valentine  |  11. Death’s Door

Inspiration Sunday: Bridgette Jordan

The world have thousands of people who is living beyond their very own limitation, far from even the most bitter and darkest past and maybe background. They portray this amazing persona, making differences instead talking or orating speeches about it.
If you read their profile and their story behind every achievement, you will start to realize that the main reason why they can be so high on the top is not because they want to "conquer the world". All started with a burst of fire, on changing the idea of their very self. 
Just like this little story; The world's shortest living woman Bridgette Jordan, 22, from Sandoval, Illinois, works at a computer. She stands 2ft 3in (69cm) tall. Ms Jordan likes to stay active and often spends time dancing and cheer-leading. On her record-breaking achievement Ms Jordan said: "It feels awesome. It's great to be small. I believe that everyone should be confident in themselves." 

ps: So, what's your excuse? 

Picture by Gary Parker/Guinness World Records/PA

Writing Rules

Living and liking this every step of the way! ( Especially number 6, 7, and thanks for  the reaffirmation that number 8 brings)

Holiday Cocktails

My " 'Tis the most wonderful time of the year" is just around the corner! Not only that  thinking about Christmas dinner, family gatherings and caroling makes me swell, I cannot seem to get rid off  the thought of holiday treats and drinks too! :). 

If you are that much of a queen at home and love being adored as a host, I am sure you will love to mix some of these drinks;

The Winter Wonderland, Spiced Caramel Apple Martini, Eggnog Martini, Candy Cane Lane, Turtle Doves,  Berry Merry Xmas, Kringle Kocoa, Café Caramel Martini

Star of Night Martini, Caramel Pumpkin Cheesecake Dessert Shots, Reindeer Tracks .

The one below is my fave; Spicy GingerMan :)

And she goes, nobody knows

OK. I just reached home after this formal dinner event and feel a bit too tired... then I remember that I am asked to check one particular video from Oren Lavie . I did check the lyric earlier, since I am a sucker for beautiful phrases, I have a feeling I am going to like the song too.
Turned out, it sounds a bit too modern for me. But I like his voice... As for the video? Glued me over  the screen! It's just crazy how tiny bits and details can assemble into something admirably grande. Really. Please check this one out.

ps: And she fights for her life /As she goes in a store/ With a thought she has caught By a thread/ She pays for the bread And She goes...Nobody knows

Signs that you work in Public Relations

PR Daily published a story this year from PR professional Lauren Fernandez on the 11 signs that someone works in public relations. (The story originally appeared on Fernandez's blog.) The article unleashed a flood of comments that we compiled into a second story ("42 more signs you work in PR"). 

I only posted a few points that I can relate to. Cracks me up!

Your day starts and ends with a cup of coffee : YES! I am such a horrible- not in the mood-cranky person at work without it.

You can power-walk in 5-inch heels with your laptop bag while checking your BlackBerry: HA! I do not wear heels no more since I work in Bali, but yes, I still remember the aching ankles at night.

Inside jokes with your colleagues will get you through the day—especially the insanely stressful ones. *Smiley face

You can toggle among a PowerPoint presentation, a press release, Twitter strategy, and PSA outlines—all in an hour: GIMME!

You preface Happy Hour with: “Sorry, I need to keep my phone on the table. I have to be connected to email and phone just in case.” : This is sad but true. Sorry friends :(

Your speed-dials connect to the CEO, CFO, CIO, CRO, and Arby’s : In my case, a little diner around the corner. Slightly healthier.

Your BlackBerry sleeps with you every night. Your better half does not : Ouch!

“Relax" time is in the shower when you always seem to come up with the best PR pitches. (Source)

EVERYTHING in your life—from doing the laundry to playing a round of golf—is recorded in your mind in 15-minute billable increments. (Source): Yes. A definite yes ( tho' I don't golf).

You engage in weekly conversations with your clients that start with, “Why weren't we included in this WSJ article?” (Source) : Hahaha... Another yes.

You've heard all the lines about sleep: "Sleep is overrated." "You can sleep all you want when you die." "Do you ever sleep?" (Source) : Thankfully, this is not happening to me.

You rely on to-do lists (yes, plural) to get you through your day, but often don't get to cross anything off until 4 p.m. (after managing a few surprise crises). (Source)

You can't look at or listen to any form of media without thinking, "My client should be on/in that." (Source) You read me baby!

You're the only person groaning out loud when reading the paper on the bus. How were we not included? (Source) : Guilty for this. Really.

You read/hear about a company's crisis and instantly think, "I wonder who their AOR is." (Source) : All.the.time

You never plan meetings on Fridays afternoons or make personal plans on Friday evenings. You know that “the call" is coming at 4:45 p.m., and everything will need to be dropped anyway. (Source) : Another sad but true fact. Hahaha...

You actually take surveys. It's good client karma, right? (Source): In your face!

Post-it notes are your lifeblood. (Source)

Client's products are decorations on your desk : Not me. I hate a clustered table.

You watch televised press conferences for fun and to steal really good talking points. (Source)

Your morning consists of simultaneously pitching different campaigns, for different clients, across different media markets, and often, in different languages. (Source) : Ditto!

Something really bad happens and you're the first to announce, "We don't have problems; we have opportunities." (Source) : Been there. In the most shattering crisis.

His Child

Yes my love, this one is for you,

I know how you have been questioning about this lately. I know how hard it seems, how steep and how crazy the thunder seems. I know. I have been there too, my love. 

Did I ask for His help? Did I scream out of pain and anger? Yes. You bet I did. Did I ask Him "Why?"... Only like a thousand times. And my love, when the end is just seems further, when even a dim is nowhere to be seen, when the storm does not seem to tone it down... Did I almost bail? Yes. Yes. Yes.

Then, I realize. He cares more about my heart than the roaring storm. ( You know me better than anyone I ever met. So I bet you understand exactly that this is not coming out from a saint. I speak of my imperfection, wrecked past and my flaws)

If He lets the storm rage, He just wants you to trust Him more, He just wants you to hold him tighter. You are His precious child and sometimes with or without consciousness... a child let go off His hand, trying to build castles in the sand, trying to see if you are strong enough against all the spirit in the world, if you can predict or control time? We let go off His hand... And, since -newsflash- He is one mighty Father, He wants you back under His majesty. If the raging storm is what he uses to get you back... that just shows much He loves you. 
You think He cannot calm the storm down? Of course He can. But, again... He cares for your heart even more. 
Be still, my Child. Come home to me . I remember that words. I remember the severe hurt, then I remember the relieve of letting go off my grudge, worries, bitterness. 
Come home, be in my hand again. He said.

I did that , my love. And never once regret my decision. 

Love,
Another child of His who happens to be your sister.

Quotables

Penguin book postcards

How great are these Penguin Book postcards? I stumble upon them just now and I've been thinking about them with such witty and old soul feeling. Whatever that means *cringe. 

I'd love to frame a few of them on my wall, in the corner of my little library at home. Or have them around to send a friend (really distinguished well selected friends) a note on a postcard of his/ her favorite book. Aaaaaahhhh.... sweetness...

A real Mermaid

Nadya Vessey, is a competitive swimmer who's had both legs amputated due to a birth condition. On a one not  so ordinary day at the beach, she had a conversation with a child about, yea- Mermaid and somehow the idea sticks strong enough to inspire her action afterwards. Vessey quickly contacted Weta workshops, an award-winning design and manufacturing facility. Two years later, Weta developed a practical and beautiful mermaid tail specifically designed for Vessey. She hopes to use the tail in the swimming section of an upcoming triathlon. 

Below is the scene happened on the day she met the little boy, from Vessey's own memory;

Vessey : "One day a little boy came up, he must have been about four and he saw me taking off my (prosthetic) legs and he started with the 'why' questions, you know, 'why haven't you got any legs', etc.

"And I said 'have you heard of The Little Mermaid and he said 'yes' and I said 'I'm a mermaid' and he got this look on his face and he said 'Wow that's cool!' and ran off to tell his dad.

"I'll have to turn up to that beach again sometime with my tail - just in case he's there." 

ps:  Vessey is in her 50s :)

from here

Again on Books

More books baby! I will be in Singapore next week and for sure will spare some time to visit Prologue at Ion and get myself a few new books for my remedy. Luckily, I do not have that much of a "must buy "in my list now. So, I will not go crazy.

I am looking for these two only and fingers cross, will get them both. If any of you have read it, I will appreciate some comments and or reviews please. 

Little Billy's Letters

Is Everyone Hanging Out Without Me?