It's not every day that one sees her work being analysed like a literature text by others.
Right in front of her.
Had a meeting this afternoon about a weekly current affairs/talk show that we do. In it, I wrote a 70 second editorial and we were discussing the contents of it today.
It was the most bizarre experience.
Two of the team members were having a rather heated discussion about what "the author is trying to say".
Yes, I'm the author, and I'm sitting right there. But it was not a matter of "what are you trying to say Melody?". It was more like "this is what I think she's trying to say."
Somehow, I felt a lot like Virginia Woolf or Shakespeare or someone, whose literary piece is being critiqued and anaylsed by a classroom of budding English literature students.
I also wanted to put my hand up and say, "Guys, you don't have to guess what I'm thinking, I'm right here. I'll tell you."
The only problem was that some of the analysis, while it made sense, was certainly not what I was trying to say. In fact, far from it. I had no intention whatsoever of giving any of that kind of impression.
And yet, there was a logical argument backing it up, like any good English essay should.
But it made me sit back and smile and wonder (yes, all this while the discussion was still going on) as to whether we tend to over-analyse what the great writers are trying to say while in English Lit classes?
Monday, 2 June 2008
Friday, 30 May 2008
Fluffy maner headband
I'm learning how to knit with circular needles for the first time.It seemed utterly confusing at first. I just couldn't picture it in my head how it would actually work.
But I've done about 3 rounds now and it's actually really easy! It literally is knitting in the round. It's like a never ending circle of knitting, which makes it rather interesting when you're trying to stop knitting "at the end" because well, there isn't actually one. Will have to discover how to really end it later.
Bought a set of interchangeable knitting needles at a sale last week. They're absolutely gorgeous! Love the multicoloured-ness of them and they're really easy to knit with as well.
Anyway, am trying to knit a headband with my circulars now, we'll see whether it actually turns out the way I hope it would.
If it's a success, the headband will be incredibly soft and fluffy with the yarn I'm using. Can't wait.
Wednesday, 28 May 2008
Art
Australia’s artistic community is up in arms over actions by the police. Prominent Australian artist Bill Henson’s images of naked children have been confiscated from a gallery in Sydney.
Police are investigating the possibility of laying child pornography charges, but Henson’s supporters are outraged, saying that art should not be policed.
I agree that we should be allowed to express ourselves freely through art. But if we were to allow everything to be done in the name of art, it will not be long before murder was accepted.
Maybe I’m exaggerating, but I think you get the point.
How do you define art? Tattooed pig skins? Preserved human body parts?
Human beings have a natural tendency to enjoy creative and beautiful things. Many of us love creating, and art is a wonderful way to express our thoughts and even make a statement.
But we also have a responsibility to society. Whatever we produce, whatever we display, we need to consider – Are we highlighting a difficult issue that needs honest examination or are we in danger of celebrating humanity’s darker inclinations?
Read related news articles here.
Police are investigating the possibility of laying child pornography charges, but Henson’s supporters are outraged, saying that art should not be policed.
I agree that we should be allowed to express ourselves freely through art. But if we were to allow everything to be done in the name of art, it will not be long before murder was accepted.
Maybe I’m exaggerating, but I think you get the point.
How do you define art? Tattooed pig skins? Preserved human body parts?
Human beings have a natural tendency to enjoy creative and beautiful things. Many of us love creating, and art is a wonderful way to express our thoughts and even make a statement.
But we also have a responsibility to society. Whatever we produce, whatever we display, we need to consider – Are we highlighting a difficult issue that needs honest examination or are we in danger of celebrating humanity’s darker inclinations?
Read related news articles here.
Tuesday, 27 May 2008
Deranged hippie scarf
It's finished! And I don't think it actually looks quite as deranged as I was half afraid it'd be.
I had a lot of fun knitting this scarf, largely because it was so random and it was great to be able to change to a different yarn at almost every different row.
The ribbons were rather easy to work in and the Patons Powder Puff that I was having so much difficulty knitting with for the fingerless gloves turned out to be rather easy with this one. Probably had to do with the fact that I was using a needle at almost double the size.
It was really interesting knitting lengthwise as well. I had all these stitches squashed into a needle. Thank goodness the needle was long enough!
I had a lot of fun knitting this scarf, largely because it was so random and it was great to be able to change to a different yarn at almost every different row.
The ribbons were rather easy to work in and the Patons Powder Puff that I was having so much difficulty knitting with for the fingerless gloves turned out to be rather easy with this one. Probably had to do with the fact that I was using a needle at almost double the size.
It was really interesting knitting lengthwise as well. I had all these stitches squashed into a needle. Thank goodness the needle was long enough!
Monday, 26 May 2008
You can take a joke too far
Here's proof:
Poor baby is going to grow up wondering if his parents really do love him.German police are investigating a couple after they offered their eight-month-old son for sale on internet auction site eBay.
Renee Beck, a police spokesman in the Bavarian town of Krumbach west of Munich, said on Saturday the 23-year-old woman told them it was only a joke.
But he said police were nevertheless continuing their investigation and the baby was put in state custody.
"She says it was a joke," he said. "That's not yet clear. Detectives are investigating on suspicion of child trafficking."
A number of people called authorities across Germany after seeing the offer on eBay that read: "Baby - collection only. Offer my nearly new baby for sale because it cries too much. Male, 70 cm long."
The opening bid was 1 euro ($A1.60). There were no bidders during the two hours before the offer was removed, police said.
The mother was quoted in Bild newspaper saying: "It was only a joke. I just wanted to see if someone would make an offer. They've taken my son to hospital and I've got to take psychiatric tests next week."
Thursday, 22 May 2008
Tuesday, 20 May 2008
Clucky?
Can a person think children are cute without being actually defined as being "clucky"?
I have never had intentions of having children. It's not that I have a problem with children, I just don't see myself at the stage of my life where I want or will or can provide for any offspring.
Almost everybody who knows me, knows this.
But for some strange reason, for some people, the fact that I don't want children somehow equates to me hating children.
I don't want children because I don't want the responsibility of having to raise a child, not because I hate their guts or would rather eat them or something. Nothing of that sorts!
I think children are cute little things. I like playing with children and I enjoy being around them. Although I don't really know what to do with them at times, I like children.
I just don't want any of my own.
But somehow, to some people, that just does not make sense to them. And so when I comment on how cute a child is, they immediately go, "oooh, she's getting clucky!"
Must I want children, in order to realise they're cute?
Can I not simply admire from afar?
Why do people assume they know me simply because of something I say, or what I like?
I have never had intentions of having children. It's not that I have a problem with children, I just don't see myself at the stage of my life where I want or will or can provide for any offspring.
Almost everybody who knows me, knows this.
But for some strange reason, for some people, the fact that I don't want children somehow equates to me hating children.
I don't want children because I don't want the responsibility of having to raise a child, not because I hate their guts or would rather eat them or something. Nothing of that sorts!
I think children are cute little things. I like playing with children and I enjoy being around them. Although I don't really know what to do with them at times, I like children.
I just don't want any of my own.
But somehow, to some people, that just does not make sense to them. And so when I comment on how cute a child is, they immediately go, "oooh, she's getting clucky!"
Must I want children, in order to realise they're cute?
Can I not simply admire from afar?
Why do people assume they know me simply because of something I say, or what I like?
Monday, 19 May 2008
Your identity is...
A few days ago, I finally found the movie that gave me my name.
Yes, my parents watched a movie that was released way back in 1971 and decided that the name of the main character would be a beautiful name for their daughter. Or something along those lines...
The movie itself was called Melody, and one of the soundtracks of the song is Melody Fair, by the Bee Gees. Now, my dad was a really big Bee Gees fan so I've grown up with the song and have always thought of it as "my soundtrack".
But it wasn't only till a few days ago that I actually found and watched the movie.
And the feeling I got while watching the movie is a little hard to describe. It was weird, warm and fuzzy all at the same time. And I just felt like a part of me is complete or something.
The movie is really sweet and cute, but certainly not award winning. But I want a copy of the movie, simply because it feels like it's "me". Not that any of those involved in the movie, or anybody else who has watched the movie knows that.
It's really crazy isn't it? But isn't it funny how all humans like to know their origins, where they belong and what actually constitutes their identity?
We cannot just live and go through life without wanting to know where we come from (and I'm not talking about the birds and the bees), or where our names come from, even if it were something as trivial as a movie.
And I start to wonder about those who have no identity. Those who are unable to know who their parents were, why they were thus named or even where they belong...
Do you know the origins of your name? Drop me a comment. I would love to know.
And for those wondering,
Yes, my parents watched a movie that was released way back in 1971 and decided that the name of the main character would be a beautiful name for their daughter. Or something along those lines...
The movie itself was called Melody, and one of the soundtracks of the song is Melody Fair, by the Bee Gees. Now, my dad was a really big Bee Gees fan so I've grown up with the song and have always thought of it as "my soundtrack".
But it wasn't only till a few days ago that I actually found and watched the movie.
And the feeling I got while watching the movie is a little hard to describe. It was weird, warm and fuzzy all at the same time. And I just felt like a part of me is complete or something.
The movie is really sweet and cute, but certainly not award winning. But I want a copy of the movie, simply because it feels like it's "me". Not that any of those involved in the movie, or anybody else who has watched the movie knows that.
It's really crazy isn't it? But isn't it funny how all humans like to know their origins, where they belong and what actually constitutes their identity?
We cannot just live and go through life without wanting to know where we come from (and I'm not talking about the birds and the bees), or where our names come from, even if it were something as trivial as a movie.
And I start to wonder about those who have no identity. Those who are unable to know who their parents were, why they were thus named or even where they belong...
Do you know the origins of your name? Drop me a comment. I would love to know.
And for those wondering,
Saturday, 17 May 2008
Adamant fingerless gloves
I finished all four rectangle pieces!! And even learned a new way of knitting.
Kind of still struggling with it at the moment, but I'm now able to wind the working yarn over the left needle without actually letting go off the right needle. Still trying to master it, but it's so much more time efficient!
Thinking of knitting another rectangle piece though. The first piece I made kind of has a hole in it because of some knitting drama...it won't unravel, just doesn't look all that nice...probably will knit another piece. Too much of a perfectionist not to.
Kind of still struggling with it at the moment, but I'm now able to wind the working yarn over the left needle without actually letting go off the right needle. Still trying to master it, but it's so much more time efficient!
Thinking of knitting another rectangle piece though. The first piece I made kind of has a hole in it because of some knitting drama...it won't unravel, just doesn't look all that nice...probably will knit another piece. Too much of a perfectionist not to.
Friday, 16 May 2008
Adamant fingerless gloves
Three rectangles completed!
One more to go and I'd be ready to sew them all up to make a pair of gloves!
Actually finished knitting almost half of the third piece at the Chatswood blood donor centre waiting for Daniel while he donated blood.
The all new Aussie Adventures!
New blog look to go with new blog organisation!
Categories to come:
Categories to come:
- Seeing the world - how I see and experience life in general
- Walking with God - my relationship with God
- Knitting - the ups and downs of knitting
- Blogging logistics - anything to do with this blog in a technical sense
Thursday, 15 May 2008
Adamant fingerless gloves
I actually completed another rectangle piece and I think it's getting easier. Or it could just be wishing thinking.
Do not judge me by my race, my gender or the way I speak.
Do not assume you know me simply because of what I do.
I do not and will not fit into a mould.
Just because I am Asian does not mean I only have rice or noodles for my meals.
Just because I work as a public relations officer does not necessarily mean I'm an extrovert.
Just because I am female does not mean I do not care about politics.
Do not stereotype me based either on common knowledge, or on 10 other friends you know who happen to also be Asian and female.
You will be surprised how different I am.
In fact, you will be surprised how different everybody is.
Do not assume you know me simply because of what I do.
I do not and will not fit into a mould.
Just because I am Asian does not mean I only have rice or noodles for my meals.
Just because I work as a public relations officer does not necessarily mean I'm an extrovert.
Just because I am female does not mean I do not care about politics.
Do not stereotype me based either on common knowledge, or on 10 other friends you know who happen to also be Asian and female.
You will be surprised how different I am.
In fact, you will be surprised how different everybody is.
Tuesday, 13 May 2008
Adamant fingerless gloves
Finished one rectangle piece, three more to go. This is still hard, but I'm still stubborn.
Monday, 12 May 2008
I went to watch a Christian Rock Eisteddfod over the weekend. Six high schools came together to present the story of Samson.
The story was separated into six different parts and each high school performed their own interpretation of the part, mainly done through dance.
Honestly, I'd always felt some sort of aggravation towards Samson. I thought he was just completely hopeless.
The way he just kept rebelling and disobeying God, even though he was the anointed one really annoyed me. I just cannot understand how he could be so bad!
And the thing that got to me the most was how God continued to choose him as the anointed one. That really irked me. "Choose someone better who actually obeys you!" I would think.
But then it hit me over the weekend - I am just like Samson.
I try to obey God, I try to be good. But boy, do I fall short from being this wonderful, perfect person. And yes, I still continue to make mistakes.
And if God were to treat me the way I wanted Him to treat Samson...boy, would I be in trouble.
So I'm glad God was patient with Samson. And God continued to love Samson and use him.
It just gives me that little more hope that He would be the same to me.
The story was separated into six different parts and each high school performed their own interpretation of the part, mainly done through dance.
Honestly, I'd always felt some sort of aggravation towards Samson. I thought he was just completely hopeless.
The way he just kept rebelling and disobeying God, even though he was the anointed one really annoyed me. I just cannot understand how he could be so bad!
And the thing that got to me the most was how God continued to choose him as the anointed one. That really irked me. "Choose someone better who actually obeys you!" I would think.
But then it hit me over the weekend - I am just like Samson.
I try to obey God, I try to be good. But boy, do I fall short from being this wonderful, perfect person. And yes, I still continue to make mistakes.
And if God were to treat me the way I wanted Him to treat Samson...boy, would I be in trouble.
So I'm glad God was patient with Samson. And God continued to love Samson and use him.
It just gives me that little more hope that He would be the same to me.
Adamant fingerless gloves
Oh my goodness, how hard is it to knit with this yarn?!?! I’m only persisting because of sheer stubbornness…
Thursday, 8 May 2008
Today is going extremely slowly for me.
And really, all I had wanted to yell was "I'm not getting out of bed!".
And really, all I had wanted to yell was "I'm not getting out of bed!".
Wednesday, 7 May 2008
During worship at work yesterday morning, a colleague shared about how God had already planned our lives way before we were born.
In a way, it's great to know that God has a plan for me right from the start. And as he has promised, this are plans to prosper me and not to harm me.
The colleague also went on to talk about how God did not only favoured the Jews back in Bible times, even though that's all we get to read about in the Bible. God was working with the other nations as well, moving them around the world and placing them just where he wanted them.
And all this for their own good.
The thing is, I can't help but feel a little bit like a pawn. That the only reason why I'm living is to be moved around by God.
Does it make a difference that the reason why he moved me around is for my good?
I suppose it makes the experience a little more pleasant....but yet, I still can't shake off the feeling that I'm just a chess piece.
Yes, I should be thankful to God for giving me life and sustaining me and all that, but why even create me in the first place if only just to move me around?
I don't have an answer for this, besides the fact that I can't exactly change the fact that I've been created, and I'm currently living and since God deemed it so, I suppose I should try to live my life glorifying and sharing him as best as I can.
Does anybody have any further insights to this?
In a way, it's great to know that God has a plan for me right from the start. And as he has promised, this are plans to prosper me and not to harm me.
The colleague also went on to talk about how God did not only favoured the Jews back in Bible times, even though that's all we get to read about in the Bible. God was working with the other nations as well, moving them around the world and placing them just where he wanted them.
And all this for their own good.
The thing is, I can't help but feel a little bit like a pawn. That the only reason why I'm living is to be moved around by God.
Does it make a difference that the reason why he moved me around is for my good?
I suppose it makes the experience a little more pleasant....but yet, I still can't shake off the feeling that I'm just a chess piece.
Yes, I should be thankful to God for giving me life and sustaining me and all that, but why even create me in the first place if only just to move me around?
I don't have an answer for this, besides the fact that I can't exactly change the fact that I've been created, and I'm currently living and since God deemed it so, I suppose I should try to live my life glorifying and sharing him as best as I can.
Does anybody have any further insights to this?
Monday, 5 May 2008
I think I'm developing an overdose of news.I've been away from my office for about a week and a half on a work trip to New Zealand recently. Since I'm the only one in the office who has a subscription to The Australian, the rolls of newspaper were piled up in some sort of strange pyramid (as can be seen in the pic) when I got back.
The rolls naturally went untouched when I got back since there were emails to respond to, media release/articles to write as well as a whole variety of smallish tasks that seem to take up the most of one's time.
But since I have to read the news for work, I've decided to read all 10 rolls of unread newspapers this morning.
My head is swimming.
And the most frustrating thing is, I'm trying to find a positive article to reflect upon for a weekly editorial I have to write for a TV show.
There are no positive news articles that I can find. Everything in the news has a focus on the negative. "The worst", "neglect", "fears"...no wonder people avoid reading the news. It'll cause them to sink into depression!
One wonders if this somehow reflects the world we live in, or perhaps shape the way we see the world. That life is simply one bad news after another and the only thing we can look forward to is well, something bad.
So I'm still struggling to find a bright light in the shadow, and I'm considering writing an editorial based on something else.
It's funny how life is so much more positive and happy than the newspapers would portray...
To me, at least.
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