My aunt was a genuinely kind and decent person. Even though our paths did not cross daily due to living in different countries, I have very clear memories of my visits since I was a little child. She taught me compassion and empathy toward those who have had hardships. She also taught me that even when times are tough, to be strong and never give up. I am so grateful to have had her in my life.
Today on March 4, 2017, she passed away. She had been sick for the past few weeks, and I had hoped very much that she would recover. But unfortunately she did not make it. I miss her very much. I will never forget her spirit, her childlike innocence, and her patience. I know she is in a better place, without pain and suffering, and is now with my grand-ma and grand-pa. I hope they are happy in heaven. God Bless you, my aunt. May your soul rest in peace. I love you very much.
Saturday, March 4, 2017
Friday, February 3, 2017
Throwback Tennis
Throwback Tennis
History was made in Melbourne,
Where tennis balls the color of corn,
Were hit in styles various,
In some instances rather creative and hilarious,
At the Australian Open 2017,
Like never before seen.
But what made this year extra special?
Which made many stop and mull?
Let's talk about first the Ladies match,
Which was a fan-favorite catch.
Two sisters, by the names of Venus and Serena,
I kid you not,
It isn't a dream-a.
Tennis is now a more long-term career,
As long as you don't burn out,
Have no fear.
Both in their mid-thirties,
Makes many a fan want to cross the seas,
Even if the flight is more than a 23 hour trip,
Which would make any sane person flip.
In the End,
Serena walked away with her 7th Australian Open trophy,
But more importantly,
Now has a record 23 Grand Slam wins,
Which must lead to many grins,
For she has the 2nd most of any player,
And she's not done yet,
We will see her in more tournaments
This year later,
And perhaps tie the record of Margaret Court's 24,
Doing so,
Would surely not be a bore.
Now on to the Men's side,
Many fans were delighted,
To be part of this amazing ride.
We're talking old-time favorites from Switzerland and Spain,
Who could draw a huge audience be it shine or rain.
Federer and Nadal,
Were to compete and enthrall,
In an exciting 5-set match,
That was many sponsors' lucky catch.
In the End,
Federer won,
What a trend,
Making his total Grand Slams to 18,
The most of any player male,
He can take a mini break,
And sail,
Before the French Open starts,
And again bring joy to many tennis fans' hearts.
The End.
History was made in Melbourne,
Where tennis balls the color of corn,
Were hit in styles various,
In some instances rather creative and hilarious,
At the Australian Open 2017,
Like never before seen.
But what made this year extra special?
Which made many stop and mull?
Let's talk about first the Ladies match,
Which was a fan-favorite catch.
Two sisters, by the names of Venus and Serena,
I kid you not,
It isn't a dream-a.
Tennis is now a more long-term career,
As long as you don't burn out,
Have no fear.
Both in their mid-thirties,
Makes many a fan want to cross the seas,
Even if the flight is more than a 23 hour trip,
Which would make any sane person flip.
In the End,
Serena walked away with her 7th Australian Open trophy,
But more importantly,
Now has a record 23 Grand Slam wins,
Which must lead to many grins,
For she has the 2nd most of any player,
And she's not done yet,
We will see her in more tournaments
This year later,
And perhaps tie the record of Margaret Court's 24,
Doing so,
Would surely not be a bore.
Now on to the Men's side,
Many fans were delighted,
To be part of this amazing ride.
We're talking old-time favorites from Switzerland and Spain,
Who could draw a huge audience be it shine or rain.
Federer and Nadal,
Were to compete and enthrall,
In an exciting 5-set match,
That was many sponsors' lucky catch.
In the End,
Federer won,
What a trend,
Making his total Grand Slams to 18,
The most of any player male,
He can take a mini break,
And sail,
Before the French Open starts,
And again bring joy to many tennis fans' hearts.
The End.
Nostalgia, Time Travel, The Past...
Greetings! It's been over 1 year since my last blog post. For some reason, I skipped 2016 completely. Well, I think I know why....a lot of stuff happened in 2016, and the time just ran out.
Anyway, we're now in 2017. I thought I'd address the topic of nostalgia. I don't know why this word makes me think of a nose, rather than it's true meaning, which is a sentimental longing for the past. I prefer a similar German word for it, called Sehnsucht.
What makes me nostalgic? Anything that evokes a memory. This could include:
- Songs that you listened to while growing up
- A special type of cake
- A German/French movie
- Seeing someone who meant a lot to you from your past
- Eating certain types of food
- Your favorite retired tennis player making a guest appearance
- Hearing the news that one of your favorite childhood books is being made into a Broadway show or movie.
If time travel existed (for real, not in movies or sci-fi books), I think I'd use it for a day or two and visit some of the most memorable moments that made me happy. If I could go back in time for a visit, I'd be very observant, and just take it all in.
If I was forced to go back to a time that was not so pleasant, and actually be myself (not an observer), I would change something that I regret not saying. I would let someone know that she was wrong, not everybody hated her. I think she knew, but I would have liked to clarify it. I was alone, and found the "clique" to be a bunch of cruel bullies and a bunch of gossips, and personally had zero respect for them. Some days were so unpleasant, I don't know how I survived. I admired that she was strong enough to not show outward that she was affected. For me, it was torture. I couldn't wait for it to end. But she had a goal, a focus that she strived for, and ultimately succeeded.
I'm relieved we both got away from an unpleasant place, and have moved forward. But yes, if I had to communicate one message to her on that one specific day in 2003, I so would. Anyway, I digress. This is not nostalgia, but more like regret. But frankly, I NEVER EVER would want to time-travel to that time in 2003. I'd much rather that our paths would cross today, and I could let her know, and we could laugh about it, and move on. Since it's unlikely this will happen, am sending good wishes to her.
Anyway, we're now in 2017. I thought I'd address the topic of nostalgia. I don't know why this word makes me think of a nose, rather than it's true meaning, which is a sentimental longing for the past. I prefer a similar German word for it, called Sehnsucht.
What makes me nostalgic? Anything that evokes a memory. This could include:
- Songs that you listened to while growing up
- A special type of cake
- A German/French movie
- Seeing someone who meant a lot to you from your past
- Eating certain types of food
- Your favorite retired tennis player making a guest appearance
- Hearing the news that one of your favorite childhood books is being made into a Broadway show or movie.
If time travel existed (for real, not in movies or sci-fi books), I think I'd use it for a day or two and visit some of the most memorable moments that made me happy. If I could go back in time for a visit, I'd be very observant, and just take it all in.
If I was forced to go back to a time that was not so pleasant, and actually be myself (not an observer), I would change something that I regret not saying. I would let someone know that she was wrong, not everybody hated her. I think she knew, but I would have liked to clarify it. I was alone, and found the "clique" to be a bunch of cruel bullies and a bunch of gossips, and personally had zero respect for them. Some days were so unpleasant, I don't know how I survived. I admired that she was strong enough to not show outward that she was affected. For me, it was torture. I couldn't wait for it to end. But she had a goal, a focus that she strived for, and ultimately succeeded.
I'm relieved we both got away from an unpleasant place, and have moved forward. But yes, if I had to communicate one message to her on that one specific day in 2003, I so would. Anyway, I digress. This is not nostalgia, but more like regret. But frankly, I NEVER EVER would want to time-travel to that time in 2003. I'd much rather that our paths would cross today, and I could let her know, and we could laugh about it, and move on. Since it's unlikely this will happen, am sending good wishes to her.
Sunday, August 23, 2015
For Grand-ma
Dear Grand-ma,
I am writing you a letter and posting it online, because I believe that you will be able to see it.
I just want you to know that you meant so much to me. I loved visiting you, and hearing the sound of your voice, when we spoke on the phone. I thank you from the bottom of my heart for all the kindness, love, and genuinely sweet gestures you have shown me since I was a baby. I will never forget these memories, and will carry them in my heart forever.
Your home-cooked meals were the best, because you cooked with a lot of love. I will never, ever forget the taste of the cauliflower (Indian style gobi) you cooked, especially for me. It stands alone.
You were a very strong and brave person, and I admire and respect you so much. I also love you very, very much. May your soul rest in peace, and I hope you have been reunited with Grand-pa in heaven, and smiling down at me.
A few weeks ago, while visiting a park in London, I saw a beautiful layout of flowers. I know you were fond of bright, vibrant colors and flowers, and snapped a picture of them for you. See below.
Lots of love and kisses,
sonie
I am writing you a letter and posting it online, because I believe that you will be able to see it.
I just want you to know that you meant so much to me. I loved visiting you, and hearing the sound of your voice, when we spoke on the phone. I thank you from the bottom of my heart for all the kindness, love, and genuinely sweet gestures you have shown me since I was a baby. I will never forget these memories, and will carry them in my heart forever.
Your home-cooked meals were the best, because you cooked with a lot of love. I will never, ever forget the taste of the cauliflower (Indian style gobi) you cooked, especially for me. It stands alone.
You were a very strong and brave person, and I admire and respect you so much. I also love you very, very much. May your soul rest in peace, and I hope you have been reunited with Grand-pa in heaven, and smiling down at me.
A few weeks ago, while visiting a park in London, I saw a beautiful layout of flowers. I know you were fond of bright, vibrant colors and flowers, and snapped a picture of them for you. See below.
Lots of love and kisses,
sonie
Saturday, May 2, 2015
New Whitney Museum of American Art Event
The Whitney Museum of American Art recently opened at its new location at 99 Gansevoort Street (near the Highline), and offered free admission & a block party on May 2nd. Great architecture both exterior and interior (including the elevators). I won't lie; I didn't look at each painting too closely...some didn't make sense (e.g., a canvas painted completely white, another painted completely black)...hmmm...
But there was also artwork that was pretty amazing. I'd never even heard of these painters before today, so I'm glad I got introduced to them. And of course, who can forget the bulky TVs of previous decades?
But there was also artwork that was pretty amazing. I'd never even heard of these painters before today, so I'm glad I got introduced to them. And of course, who can forget the bulky TVs of previous decades?
Saturday, April 25, 2015
Writing Class Update
My writing class is soon coming to an end; this week will be the final session. I am nervous and excited to present my final work, and obtain feedback and comments from my classmates.
I'm also a bit sad that the class is wrapping up, because what I really loved was the structure and immediate feedback and interactiveness received. My classmates each have such a unique voice, and some of their writing was out of this world. I hope to one day see them published, because their writing just sucked me into their characters' lives. It truly was a mind-altering journey. Who would have thought? I have so much respect for people who are good story-tellers, and see that it just makes you feel really good, once you have created something. I finally get why some people choose to major in English Literature and/or Creative Writing.
Once the class is over, I am afraid that I won't find the time, motivation, and discipline to open up a word doc and continue to write. I have some good starters for a story, and need to just get on it. I guess, that will be my Resolution (yes, I know it's already 4/25, but I'm going to make an effort to create and further develop my story this year).
This has been by far the best class I have taken in a long, long time. I had been encouraged to take such a class for many years now, but never had the motivation. This year, though, something inside me just probed me to start writing. And this class has truly opened up my heart and soul in a way I can't describe. It was such a unique experience that I hope to carry with me long after this class is over. And with that I will close my blog, as I plan to spend my weekend putting the final touches on my work before class time.
I'm also a bit sad that the class is wrapping up, because what I really loved was the structure and immediate feedback and interactiveness received. My classmates each have such a unique voice, and some of their writing was out of this world. I hope to one day see them published, because their writing just sucked me into their characters' lives. It truly was a mind-altering journey. Who would have thought? I have so much respect for people who are good story-tellers, and see that it just makes you feel really good, once you have created something. I finally get why some people choose to major in English Literature and/or Creative Writing.
Once the class is over, I am afraid that I won't find the time, motivation, and discipline to open up a word doc and continue to write. I have some good starters for a story, and need to just get on it. I guess, that will be my Resolution (yes, I know it's already 4/25, but I'm going to make an effort to create and further develop my story this year).
This has been by far the best class I have taken in a long, long time. I had been encouraged to take such a class for many years now, but never had the motivation. This year, though, something inside me just probed me to start writing. And this class has truly opened up my heart and soul in a way I can't describe. It was such a unique experience that I hope to carry with me long after this class is over. And with that I will close my blog, as I plan to spend my weekend putting the final touches on my work before class time.
Monday, March 2, 2015
Writing Class
I wanted to do something more fun and creative this year, so I went ahead and enrolled in a fiction writing class. I'm so glad I did. The people in my class are so unique and in some cases quirky, I'm getting such a kick out of it.
To give you an idea of the level of intellectualism in my class, when the instructor asked us what our favorite book was, most people said something like "Wuthering Heights" or "Ulysses."
Really? Before my turn came, I was seriously debating whether to just say "Jane Eyre," but while the book represents great literature, it's by no means something I would have picked out on my own (it had been assigned to us in high school, and was one of the few books that I liked...not loved, but liked).
Rather than being pretentious and/or a literary guru to match some of my fellow classmates, I picked something more recent that was an NYT Bestseller, and which had kept me up all night. A true page-turner. Felt good being true to myself.
The first in-class assignment was mentally stimulating, and I just completed my first homework writing assignment of 150 words. It may not be the best, but I had just fun brainstorming, drafting it, and finally snipping it here and there and making it a concise 150 words. Can't wait to share it in class, and hear what the others come up with.
The best part about this class is that this appears to be all about creative writing.
The instructor asked us to start observing people and places in every-day life, and jot them down. I thought it appropriate to start-off with an entry below:
Today while waiting in line at Starbucks, a 30-something year old blond-pony-tailed mom was in front of me with her 5-year old high energetic son. He took in the baked goods display, and selected a cake pop. His mom asked him which he wanted - he said the chocolate with the white sprinkles. However, when mom placed the order (and at this time the son was busy talking with another kid about something), she asked for the caramel one instead. Then the mom noticed that if you buy two, you get them cheaper. I held my breath, hoping she would get the chocolate-covered one for her son, but no, the cashier took the strawberry one. Oh well. I guess there will be a debate or a tantrum outside.
To give you an idea of the level of intellectualism in my class, when the instructor asked us what our favorite book was, most people said something like "Wuthering Heights" or "Ulysses."
Really? Before my turn came, I was seriously debating whether to just say "Jane Eyre," but while the book represents great literature, it's by no means something I would have picked out on my own (it had been assigned to us in high school, and was one of the few books that I liked...not loved, but liked).
Rather than being pretentious and/or a literary guru to match some of my fellow classmates, I picked something more recent that was an NYT Bestseller, and which had kept me up all night. A true page-turner. Felt good being true to myself.
The first in-class assignment was mentally stimulating, and I just completed my first homework writing assignment of 150 words. It may not be the best, but I had just fun brainstorming, drafting it, and finally snipping it here and there and making it a concise 150 words. Can't wait to share it in class, and hear what the others come up with.
The best part about this class is that this appears to be all about creative writing.
The instructor asked us to start observing people and places in every-day life, and jot them down. I thought it appropriate to start-off with an entry below:
Today while waiting in line at Starbucks, a 30-something year old blond-pony-tailed mom was in front of me with her 5-year old high energetic son. He took in the baked goods display, and selected a cake pop. His mom asked him which he wanted - he said the chocolate with the white sprinkles. However, when mom placed the order (and at this time the son was busy talking with another kid about something), she asked for the caramel one instead. Then the mom noticed that if you buy two, you get them cheaper. I held my breath, hoping she would get the chocolate-covered one for her son, but no, the cashier took the strawberry one. Oh well. I guess there will be a debate or a tantrum outside.
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