Quaint Melody

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It was not a particularly eventful day, just one of those days when there was so much on my mind. I just wanted to get away. So off I went for a walk around the neighborhood, randomly snapping away. Along the way, I saw a familiar red van parked by the roadside. A postie was clearing the mails. I contemplated whether to approach him. It was then our eyes met and a smile greeted me. We struck a conversation and he kindly let me take some pictures. A few clicks later, I thanked him and we parted ways. As I saw the van disappear into the horizon, a smile blossomed on my face. It’s amazing how a kind gesture from a stranger can affect us. The brief encounter certainly brighten my day.

Fresh air, friendly souls. It’s wonderful how little it takes to put things back in perspective. On the way back, I saw the most breathtaking scene. Thus the story behind my previous pictorial post ‘Shadows in the sun‘. It was also the very same day I took the picture in the post ‘Window of innocence‘.

Let’s slow down our steps to do a second take, to admire the things around us. For good things come in small ways.

Here are some photos taken at the Orakei Marina, Auckland a few weeks ago, on a bright winter day. It was freezing cold even though it seemed warm and bright in the pictures. Orakei Marina is located on the scenic Tamaki Drive at Okahu Bay in Auckland. It is home to various luxurious large vessels. The view of Auckland city’s skyline and Hauraki Gulf from here is pretty amazing. We were fortunate enough to gain access to a part of the Marina that’s usually close to public due to a kind gesture from a friendly security guard, Lou. She even posed for me! You’ll see her cool photo below.

I’ll let the pictures do the talking here. Hope the many photos brighten up your Monday!

Wait for the photos to fully load then click the main photo. Move your cursor to left/right side of photo to go to the next or previous photo.

p/s: If you missed the Olympic opening ceremony, there are some amazing photographs here.
Special thanks to narrowband for the link!

graphic credit

For generations to come, today’s going to be remembered as the day. A great day for all Chinese around the world. The Olympic has finally arrived in China. I’ve been looking forward for this day to come. The show is starting as this post is published. My heart pounds with excitement. China, the mother land of Chinese around the world. May you shine your dazzling rays and show the world the greatest game ever!

Candlelight flickering. click photo to enlarge.

08.08.08 8:08pm

I took a minute to savour the moment. For I probably won’t be around the next time it comes around. I wonder what would the world be then. In a hundred years time, would my descendant find the day special?

Update: Just finished watching the opening ceremony. What a stunning display of pageantry! There’s simply no words to describe the amazing scene, I’m blown away.

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Let there be light,
to brighten the day; to shine away the darkness;
to chase away the shadows; to lighten up my soul.

Sitting in the middle of the room, darkness surrounding me.
The faint light coming from the lamp looks surprisingly luminous, irradiating my face.
Looking into the light, I feel mesmerized. Something so simple yet so illuminating.
The night suddenly feels so bright.

在黑夜裡尋覓絢麗的光環。期待，火花。

A hauntingly beautiful view of the park in the afternoon. click photo to enlarge

The sun finally came out Monday afternoon, winds blew away the gloomy clouds.
Rays shining through tall trees towering from a distance, casting long shadows on the emerald field.
Walking along the familiar path, relaxing myself in the lush atmosphere,
I detected a mist of sweetness in the air.
The storm didn’t come, it’s a good day after all.

Share with me, my friends, your relaxing moments of the day.

當我獨自漫步，聽風的歌，看影子舞動。生活也就如此，悠然。

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A shot of the morning sky outside my window to kick start Monday.
It instantly brightens up my day. Hope it blows away your Monday blues too!

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Life is -
Discovering the sights beyond clouds;
Hearing the voices through noise;
Embracing the raw emotions with your heart;
And most importantly seizing the day with open arms.

What is life to you? Do share with me.

開心地笑，痛快地哭，環手擁抱自己。
努力地發掘生命的色彩。
傾聽快樂的聲音，你我都可以。

Gerberas, my favourite flowers. click photo to enlarge

Something is invigorating me.
I feel the adrenaline rushing; my mind buzzing. I hum along to the melodious tone in my mind.
Joyous waves are reverberating deep within my heart.
I wish you well too, my dear friends.