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tapestries; you're color. 
Ashley.This daughter of a devoted catholic and an excellent chef grew up in the heart of city - rain and shine. Paved her way to university to becoming an entrepreneur/marketer, her journey of twenty-three continues as she unravels the mysteries of life through her love for photography, food, traveling, the streets and beautiful things. |
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Monday, March 31, 2008
the skies pink today (:   the story behind every picture....
penned by ash.
11:33:00 PM
A book I spent the whole of yesterday reading (: Running the Full Distance 24 March 1990 - 24 June 2007 Thaddeus Cheong by Belinda Wee This is a first literary effort by Belinda Wee and closely chronicles the life of her nephew from his earliest months in utero to his growing up years. The author humorously relates the life of an embryo and goes on to recall the childish antics of her sister's elder son. Thaddeus was a promising National triathlete who had been selected by the Triathlon Association of Singapore to represent Singapore at international and local meets and had proven himself with his dedication and sportsmanship. It was a short 17 years that he lived and the author describes poignantly the events leading up to his sudden demise on June 24 2007 after he had completed the 2007 South East Asia Games triathlon time trial in his personal best time of 2:09. He was on his way to clinching on the SEA Games squad when he was cut down unexpectedly. The author struggles to come to terms with the loss of her favorite nephew but at the same time embarks on a journey to rediscover her own faith, mainly through he encounters with the myriad people who were touched by the young man in his own special way. It was also a story for all mother, especially those who have experienced loss of their children. The pain which mothers go through when their children are hurt physically or emotionally become palpable as she describes the deep sorrow which engulfed her sister Angie when she lost her firstborn son. Angie was just a supportive mother who allowed her son to pursue his passion but she paid a heavy price for it. Through Thaddeus, the author hopes to help parents and their teenagers understand each other better and to have a harmonious relationship. Video penned by ash.
12:35:00 AM
Sunday, March 30, 2008
Who am I p/s - Thank You & Happy 11th ♥ penned by ash.
12:50:00 PM
Saturday, March 29, 2008
Mass was good today Thank You Father Bryan ♥ What is Faith? Commitment, Transformation. I read up in one of the "The Word Among Us" books and came across this story. Long but somewhat relevant. Titled, The Commitment To Change (A Prisoner's Lenten Resolution) by Bruce Micheals Have you ever thought you were doing well in your faith, only to discover you could have been doing much better? Have you ever been confronted with a personal weakness or sin that made you long for transformation? Do you remember the discouragement and frustration? Well, last year I discovered a radical way to get focused and grow in God's grace. Here is how it happened. Word Wars. It was shortly before Lent, and I was trying to share my Catholic faith with Brent, a Protestant brother. I was in dire need of humility, among other things. We were seated in the prison library, facing off like a pair of war-hungry generals. After a cursory prayer, we unsheathed our "weapons" : Bibles, concordances, commentaries, and assorted other munitions. We gave those who heard our heated discussion plenty of reason not to become Christian. Indiscriminately launching verses of sacred Scripture at one another, seeking only to topple the other's doctrinal strongholds, we unwittingly made a mockery of the charity we both claimed to believe in. If only I had been more sensitive to the church's teachings about evangelization and respect for others. Then I might have avoided the long weeks of conflict that followed, and Brent and I might have become better friends later. The messy ordeal left a sour taste in my mouth. I didn't want to be a know-it-all "spiritual mercenary" type who couldn't empathize with other troubled souls. After a turbulent life like mine - a life of violence, loss, and incarceration - I wanted nothing more than to grow spiritually and share the peace I had discovered in the sacraments. But I didn't seem to have it in me to listen to the people I spoke to. I did have a vibrant devotion to Mary and the rosary. I prayed, as my mother had taught me to, throughout the day. On Sunday and Tuesday evenings, I faithfully received Jesus in the Holy Eucharist and reaffirmed my commitment to holiness. And yet, some measure of pride repeatedly frustrated my attempts to walk humbly in grace. A Different Kind of Lent. When Lent arrived, I considered a passage from a book of meditations by Bishop Kenneth Untener: "By wearing a cross of ashes on their foreheads, Christians ask God's help to see their eyes on what lasts forever." Looking in the mirror at the gray cross smudged onto my forehead, I asked God to clear and redirect my vision during Lent. That evening, with my little plastic rosary wrapped around my hand, I began praying the Sorrowful Mysteries. Usually I say, "I'm sorry" often as I go from one decade to another, meditating on the various sacrifices Jesus made for us; and when I get to the crucifixion, I make a lengthy pause of reverent silence. On that particular evening, however, I remained in silence at the foot of the cross. I could feel the emptiness of my cup: I lacked love. The next morning I made my first true commitment to observing Lent. I had been Catholic for only about four years, but I knew that Lent was a season of solemn reflection and identification with the sacrifices Jesus made for us. I felt compelled to sacrifice, too, so later that afternoon and for the rest of the week, I gave away all my desserts at meal times. I also meditated daily on how much more Jesus had given away for me. Within days, I experienced headaches, irritability, and muddled thinking. I hadn't considered how dependent on sugar I was! The withdrawals passed quickly, though, and the next week I began giving away meals. At first it was just one per day, then two, and finally all three. I wouldn't go for more than a day or two without any food at all, but the cumulative effect of this fasting worked wonders. Breakthrough! As I ate less each week, my body was fatigued but my spirit strengthened. Not only did I lack energy to argue with others about the faith - I lacked the desire. Consequently, I was in good Catholic form when Kevin, an intelligent Protestant brother, began sharing with me several of his concerns about Christianity and the doctrinal differences between Protestants and Catholics. The weeks of fasting and prayer prepared me to listen to Kevin and to better understand and appreciate his opinions. I certainly couldn't agree with his interpretation of key Scripture passages like Matthew 16: 18-19, where Jesus chooses Peter to build his church upon. But rather than argue with Kevin, I listened. I wanted to hear him. I wasn't playing war anymore: I was making a friend. And so I learned more about Kevin than about his will to argue. For instance, I learned that many years ago his grandmother started her own church, that he regretted the shame his coming to prison caused his family, and that he truly wanted to follow Jesus. By the end of the week, he had concluded our series of conversations on a friendly note, and I was pleased to find my Christian dignity still intact. My Lenten goal had been to gain a respectful approach to sharing the faith; through prayer, fasting, and charity, God had enabled me to do so. Now, approaching Lent 2008, I look forward to renewing my commitment to change. But probably not as much as Kevin does. Recently, he pulled me aside in the hallway of our housing unit: "I've been doing a lot of research and prayer since our last discussion, and I've decided to join the church. I want to be Catholic." He's scheduled to be confirmed in April. How's that for a commitment to change? penned by ash.
11:59:00 PM
Wednesday, March 26, 2008
It's going to be a busy week ahead. Will be leaving on a 3D/2N school cruise trip in roughly 6hours time. "STAR VIRGO here I come!" (Please pray for a safe sail. Amen) And when I get back, it's time to toughen up for DB training camp. I'll probably die from thirst again (recalling how I vacuumed 1litre of 100+ that Jess gave during the last training camp.LOL) Plus, I hope I don't pull the whole team down cuz I missed loads of important trainings due to my eczema thingy and stupid high fever. Roars. p/s - I'm sure gonna miss the hell out of YOU! Hugs. penned by ash.
2:28:00 PM
Tuesday, March 25, 2008
Obar Cafe & Restaurant Location: where Grapevine used to be! If I'm not wrong, it's 780 Upper Serangoon Road, Choon Kim Huse, #01-07.  Combo Basket  penned by ash.
1:37:00 AM
Monday, March 24, 2008
"There will be ONE person that says you can do it, But there will be 99 people who says you can't. Don't be discouraged by the 99 others, But be inspired by that ONE." penned by ash.
1:17:00 PM
Sunday, March 23, 2008
HAPPY EASTER (A new beginning...) Returning to the blog scene because there is so much to share. This time, including the One who died for our sins - Jesus! For the past months or even years, I must admit that going to church was simply to fulfill my Sunday obligations. Not forgetting, a simply sacrifice/responsibility in abstaining from red meat on Fridays slowly had no meaning. In other words, I didn't care! And though, since young I knew God has always been in my life, I have always failed to recognize His works and presence. Most of the time, I took it for granted. Many Christians (including myself) may be guilty for ONLY praying/seeking Him when we are in need, and when our lives are on smooth grounds, we forget Him. We don't thank Him for our day or another day to be able to spend time with Him as well our loved ones. And when He doesn't answer our prayers the way we expect or doesn't answer them immediately, we throw our tempers at Him. Don't forget, He is working little miracles every single day of your life (and I must learn that too). I can still remember during my Catechism (Sunday classes) days, one of my teacher once told me that she waited 10years for her prayer to be answered. This clearly shows that God do answer prayers and they are answered in His time. All we have to do is to be patient and continue believing in Him. Every year, I tell myself, "Alright, I shall strengthen my Faith in the Lord. Maybe join a cell group in Church? Hmmmm..." It never did work out, the common excuse - NO TIME! I have other commitments you know... (does this sound very familiar but true?) And now its time to wake up from this long long "break". On Maundy Thursday, Father Bryan's homily surprised me indeed! As though he could read my mind. He mentioned exactly what I was looking for before stepping into Church. The following day, after attending the 2nd part of the mass in my church. I was invited to a Protestant Church, and I must say the role play was good. It was lively (just like a concert). However, something was missing - The Eucharist. The proper time to have a quiet moment with the Lord could not be found. NO OFFENCE! And just yesterday, celebrating the risen Lord and the newly baptised, somehow was very different. (Father Ho was such a joker) It was more lively than ever, everyone was happy. The celebration lasted for 3hours but I wanted it to go on. I didn't want it to end. I even sat next to a Father (priest) whom I later found out from my mom that he was the priest who baptised my family 16years ago. How blessed could I be (: Throughout the 3days (Maundy Thursday, Good Friday & Holy Saturday), I could really feel His presence as though a huge figure of Him with open palms was watching over us, and I teared 3times during the 3days' celebration. THIS IS THE BEST EASTER EVER! Adding on, I have also plucked up my courage to sign up for the cell group (SCC) and I am not shamed that I want to grow closer to God, that I am a child of His, and I love Him. After reading my testimony, and you are curious to find out more. Do step up, whether you are already a Catholic/Christian or a Non-believer in Christ. Do email me at ashez87@hotmail.com. I will be most delighted to walk in this journey with you. To All, Happy Easter and God Bless! penned by ash.
2:22:00 PM
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-Can't Get Enough of Them' 01.Ticket to europe/japan/hk/taiwan/korea -Spills'
August 2004
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