2013-12-24
2013-12-19
2013-12-14
R.I.P
3 years ago, I had the honor of being part of a collaboration with Zbigniew Karkowski.
Link to previous entries on the collaboration with Zbig:
http://princesslillie.blogspot.sg/2010/01/collaboration-with-zbigniew-karkovski.html
He was a wonderful guy.
Even though experimental is not really my thing,
it was really fun working with Zbig,
and I gleaned so much from a week of working with him.
So when I received news today of his unexpected demise,
it came as a shock.
It's really sad that a great experimental musician has left us.
Being able to work with Zbig is an experience I'll never forget.
R.I.P
2013-12-13
2013-11-18
Thanksgiving
Had a Thanksgiving potluck dinner.
Was a really enjoyable one,
albeit a small group with just close friends (and a brother hahaha)
with much laughter about talks of many events and aspects of our lives.
The food was awesome (but of course, with 3 people who make awesome food hahaha),
especially since the mac & cheese, turkey, salmon makki and soba salad were made from scratch with love (guess which one(s) I made hahaha).
So was the mini chocolate lava cake and longan and sea cucumber drink.
The food was so good (and possibly rich),
I ended up with indigestion at the end of the day.
Horrible I know.
Half my dinner came out the Merlion way.
In fact, I'm sitting with my tummy curled to my chest while typing this to ease the pain,
and also it's easier to move off the chair to go for a 3rd round of Merlion if need be.
My brother is equally awesome.
He ended up with a severe nosebleed and has to see the doctor tomorrow.
So much for pre-rehearsal practice, window-shopping for amps, and actual rehearsal.
Yay.
We are definitely siblings in every sense.
My best friend asked a very good question when I was on my way to pick him up.
Hahahahahahaha.
Can't exactly be considered illegal, can it?
Since I'm not using the phone while driving.
Technically, it's not driving cos the car is stationary.
2013-10-31
Ominous
The sky has been ominously dark for 2 weeks now.
With strangely short burst of not very heavy rain.
I must say I'm not used to it,
especially this is supposed to be sunny Singapore.
On another note,
my right hand is troubling me a bit.
Ever since the fall,
the part that was badly bruised gets a little stiff now and then.
No fractures, sure.
But I wonder what kind of damage I did to it.
Stiff when I clench and when I stretch my fingers.
I'm not so worried about daily life,
but rather my future as a pianist.
Gah.
I'm just worried my hand will never go back to how it was.
Guess I'll have to practice doubly hard so my hand doesn't lose its dexterity and virtuosity then.
2013-10-20
Two Hearts
Written for a friend's proposal.
Congratulations Steven and Petrina!
It was an honor to be part of the engagement party.
Really happy for the couple, and looking forward to their wedding in 3 years' time!
It's an even greater honor to be in charge of the music for their wedding.
Congratulations Steven and Petrina!
It was an honor to be part of the engagement party.
Really happy for the couple, and looking forward to their wedding in 3 years' time!
It's an even greater honor to be in charge of the music for their wedding.
2013-10-16
LAREINE - 再会の花 (vocal cover)
Since Sony Music is gonna release some LAREINE "Best Of" album or something like that,
what better time than to cover and post one of my favorite LAREINE songs? ;)
Enjoy =)
2013-10-07
Miss you
にんじゃはなんにんじゃ？
I still remember your word puns.
I miss you.
Rest in peace.
天国に薔薇がある？
薔薇のように咲いて続けてね。
安らかでいて。
2013-09-29
Music
I'm starting on a new piece (decided not to procrastinate this anymore) that will be used for a very special occasion.
I can't say what, in case the person it's intended for reads this, and I spoil the surprise ha ha ha.
I can only say that I am honored to be part of such a special event.
Even if I'm doing it for free. Ha ha.
It's a special occasion for them and I want to do my best to make it memorable even in a small way.
S will be performing on stage on 26 Oct and I'm soooooooooooooooooooooo excited.
Hear me squeal.
For someone who gave his dream of music,
to stand on stage again to sing and perform a musical(?) is, to me, a dream come true.
Even though he gave up his dream, his love for music and performing is still there =)
I'm not free to watch the show though, so I'm just waiting the photos that will hopefully come my way.
It's been a long while since I last played with Sean and Matt,
and I must say it was really nostalgic.
We've all grown and improved in our own ways.
I've definitely gotten more anal about getting things properly.
I guess playing for FOP (Festival of Praise) really took Matt's bass playing to a next level.
But then, I've also learned to listen out and adapt.
The 2 of us have been in sync since the 1st (and only) rehearsal,
and we'd look at each other when we add in extra notes for walk-ups/downs.
Awesome.
I can't say what, in case the person it's intended for reads this, and I spoil the surprise ha ha ha.
I can only say that I am honored to be part of such a special event.
Even if I'm doing it for free. Ha ha.
It's a special occasion for them and I want to do my best to make it memorable even in a small way.
S will be performing on stage on 26 Oct and I'm soooooooooooooooooooooo excited.
Hear me squeal.
For someone who gave his dream of music,
to stand on stage again to sing and perform a musical(?) is, to me, a dream come true.
Even though he gave up his dream, his love for music and performing is still there =)
I'm not free to watch the show though, so I'm just waiting the photos that will hopefully come my way.
It's been a long while since I last played with Sean and Matt,
and I must say it was really nostalgic.
We've all grown and improved in our own ways.
I've definitely gotten more anal about getting things properly.
I guess playing for FOP (Festival of Praise) really took Matt's bass playing to a next level.
But then, I've also learned to listen out and adapt.
The 2 of us have been in sync since the 1st (and only) rehearsal,
and we'd look at each other when we add in extra notes for walk-ups/downs.
Awesome.
That kind of feeling when we're in sync is simply indescribable.
It's beyond words.
It's just a feeling that we know the other will do it even without saying it out.
I'm still relishing the chemistry of music between us.
I guess it only happens when we hit a certain level.
2013-09-13
2013-09-06
2013-08-12
4th Anniversary
Someday, if I can meet with you again, I want to say,
"No matter how high the obstacle we overcame them together.
Thank you. Please sleep now. I can walk on my own from now on."
My tears still fall.
But I can safely tell you this now.
I can walk on alone now.
So continue to watch over me,
to watch over us.
"No matter how high the obstacle we overcame them together.
Thank you. Please sleep now. I can walk on my own from now on."
My tears still fall.
But I can safely tell you this now.
I can walk on alone now.
So continue to watch over me,
to watch over us.
2013-08-09
4 years on
The messages on twitter are flooding in.
Even though this year has been less harsh than the previous years,
somehow the messages reaffirm the fact that you once lived.
Like they're telling me that it's not a bad dream.
Not sure if that's a good thing or a bad thing.
4 years on, I still wish that incident was just a nightmare.
Even now, I still cry for you at times.
Seeing words such as "R.I.P" and "you'll live on in our hearts forever",
I'm not sure whether I should feel comforted or anguished.
This tormenting conflict just snowballs.
9 August.
My country's National Day.
Your death anniversary.
Between a joyous occasion and a grieving one,
I choose to commemorate you.
I hope that you're happy where you are now.
Rest in peace, and we'll meet again one day.
Even though this year has been less harsh than the previous years,
somehow the messages reaffirm the fact that you once lived.
Like they're telling me that it's not a bad dream.
Not sure if that's a good thing or a bad thing.
4 years on, I still wish that incident was just a nightmare.
Even now, I still cry for you at times.
Seeing words such as "R.I.P" and "you'll live on in our hearts forever",
I'm not sure whether I should feel comforted or anguished.
This tormenting conflict just snowballs.
9 August.
My country's National Day.
Your death anniversary.
Between a joyous occasion and a grieving one,
I choose to commemorate you.
I hope that you're happy where you are now.
Rest in peace, and we'll meet again one day.
2013-07-13
Red and white
The flags are starting to fly, the decorations have been put in place.
Every year, the nation never fails to remind me of that day.
Every year, I struggle to find peace during this period as I struggle to reconcile with this irreversible fact.
Not that it's difficult to reconcile.
After all, it's been 4 years.
4 years. I can't even remember the year anymore. I had to search through my archives -_-"
See how easy it is to move on?
But I'm afraid of forgetting.
Somehow, if I reconcile with that day, I'm afraid I might overlook the proof of your existence totally.
So let me be selfish and struggle with my inner turmoil till that day passes.
It's the only thing I can do for putting you at the back of my mind for the rest of the year.
Not that it's difficult to reconcile.
After all, it's been 4 years.
4 years. I can't even remember the year anymore. I had to search through my archives -_-"
See how easy it is to move on?
But I'm afraid of forgetting.
Somehow, if I reconcile with that day, I'm afraid I might overlook the proof of your existence totally.
So let me be selfish and struggle with my inner turmoil till that day passes.
It's the only thing I can do for putting you at the back of my mind for the rest of the year.
Till then.
Rest in peace.
2013-07-05
Years
We're all growing older.
Sad, but when I realized someone hit the 40th mark this year,
I was like, "Holy shit! Where did the years go to? He was 37 the last I remember!"
I guess the years are catching with us.
It's sad to see how some people don't change as the years pass.
Stuck in their own mindset and refusing to move out of it.
I'm sorry dude but no one's able to help you if you ain't gonna make the effort to grow out of it yourself.
As I reflect on the past years,
I sometimes still cringe at how childish I was a year back (lol).
Oh, all those stupid thoughts and actions haha.
But I don't regret a single thing that ever happened.
The good or the bad.
Cos they made me what I am today.
And if anything, they strengthened the morals I already had.
Of course there are still some things have to go, like my temper hahaha.
I'm still as fiery as when I was five.
Oh my gosh.
They say age mellows one's temper.
Doesn't seem to work for me hahaha.
And I have to find balance.
I've always been on either extreme, unable to balance both aspects of me.
But I believe it'll come in time, either through something drastic or with the flow of things.
If it doesn't come, then oh well.
Not that I mind how I am right now.
Until then, live in the moment,
Embrace the now, both the good and bad,
Look ahead,
and plan for the future.
The you now should never wish you were someone else.
You are who you are.
No one else can live your life for you.
2013-05-06
Army
Much as I diss my brother, complain about him and how much he annoys me etc,
I HAVE to admit I did miss him a bit.
Especially since he had been travelling to many places before he enters the army.
I hardly saw him for the past month lol.
And now that he's finally back (touched down from Taiwan yesterday),
He'll be booking into Tekong tomorrow.
The day is here.
Where the boy turns into a man.
And hopefully, he won't piss me off as much anymore.
Still, you know.
I feel a bit sad, and worried.
And it doesn't help that I'll only see my brother TODAY, and the next time will be 3 weeks later -.-
So we went to Pizza Hut,
And I feel that a sibling-gathering is so much more fun than a family one haha.
Cos we always have to prim and proper and mind our language and listen to our parents nag.
Meh.
Siblings. We diss, we talk, we joke, we complain, we bitch and it's alright haha.
I'll miss the boy.
The next time I see him, he's gonna be leaner, buffer, bald, and more charcoal than he is now.
2013-03-07
The English Plural according to George Carlin
We'll begin with a box, and the plural is boxes,
But the plural of ox becomes oxen, not oxes.
One fowl is a goose, but two are called geese,
Yet the plural of moose should never be meese.
You may find a lone mouse or a nest full of mice,
Yet the plural of house is houses, not hice.
If the plural of man is always called men,
Why shouldn't the plural of pan be called pen?
If I speak of my foot and show you my feet,
And I give you a boot, would a pair be called beet?
If one is a tooth and a whole set are teeth,
Why shouldn't the plural of booth be called beeth?
Then one may be that, and there would be those,
Yet hat in the plural would never be hose,
And the plural of cat is cats, not cose.
We speak of a brother and also of brethren,
But though we say mother, we never say methren.
Then the masculine pronouns are he, his and him,
But imagine the feminine: she, shis and shim!
Let's face it - English is a crazy language.
There is no egg in eggplant nor ham in hamburger;
Neither apple nor pine in pineapple.
English muffins weren't invented in England.
We take English for granted, but if we explore its paradoxes,
We find that quicksand can work slowly, boxing rings are square,
And a guinea pig is neither from Guinea nor is it a pig.
And why is it that writers write, but fingers don't fing,
Grocers don't groce and hammers don't ham?
Doesn't it seem crazy that you can make amends but not one amend?
If you have a bunch of odds and ends and get rid of all but one of them,
What do you call it?
If teachers taught, why didn't preachers praught?
If a vegetarian eats vegetables, what does a humanitarian eat?
Sometimes I think all the folks who grew up speaking English should be committed to an asylum for the verbally insane.
In what other language do people recite at a play and play at a recital?
We ship by truck but send cargo by ship...
We have noses that run and feet that smell.
We park in a driveway and drive in a parkway.
And how can a slim chance and a fat chance be the same,
While a wise man and a wise guy are opposites?
You have to marvel at the unique lunacy of a language
In which your house can burn up as it burns down,
In which you fill in a form by filling it out,
And in which an alarm goes off by going on.
And in closing...
If Father is Pop, how come Mother's not Mop??????
But the plural of ox becomes oxen, not oxes.
One fowl is a goose, but two are called geese,
Yet the plural of moose should never be meese.
You may find a lone mouse or a nest full of mice,
Yet the plural of house is houses, not hice.
If the plural of man is always called men,
Why shouldn't the plural of pan be called pen?
If I speak of my foot and show you my feet,
And I give you a boot, would a pair be called beet?
If one is a tooth and a whole set are teeth,
Why shouldn't the plural of booth be called beeth?
Then one may be that, and there would be those,
Yet hat in the plural would never be hose,
And the plural of cat is cats, not cose.
We speak of a brother and also of brethren,
But though we say mother, we never say methren.
Then the masculine pronouns are he, his and him,
But imagine the feminine: she, shis and shim!
Let's face it - English is a crazy language.
There is no egg in eggplant nor ham in hamburger;
Neither apple nor pine in pineapple.
English muffins weren't invented in England.
We take English for granted, but if we explore its paradoxes,
We find that quicksand can work slowly, boxing rings are square,
And a guinea pig is neither from Guinea nor is it a pig.
And why is it that writers write, but fingers don't fing,
Grocers don't groce and hammers don't ham?
Doesn't it seem crazy that you can make amends but not one amend?
If you have a bunch of odds and ends and get rid of all but one of them,
What do you call it?
If teachers taught, why didn't preachers praught?
If a vegetarian eats vegetables, what does a humanitarian eat?
Sometimes I think all the folks who grew up speaking English should be committed to an asylum for the verbally insane.
In what other language do people recite at a play and play at a recital?
We ship by truck but send cargo by ship...
We have noses that run and feet that smell.
We park in a driveway and drive in a parkway.
And how can a slim chance and a fat chance be the same,
While a wise man and a wise guy are opposites?
You have to marvel at the unique lunacy of a language
In which your house can burn up as it burns down,
In which you fill in a form by filling it out,
And in which an alarm goes off by going on.
And in closing...
If Father is Pop, how come Mother's not Mop??????
2013-02-22
ご冥福をお祈りします
I wonder what Granduncle was thinking/feeling.
His own sister...
If I was feeling sad, his pain must be worse.
As I sat next to him,
Hoping to perhaps comfort him (but being awkward instead),
I somehow felt worse than I did.
His grief was somehow more suffocating than I had expected it to be.
Death is imminent.
I just hope you're in a happier place now.
Rest in peace.
安らかでいて。
We'll meet again.
In the meantime,
God, please grant her siblings comfort.
His own sister...
If I was feeling sad, his pain must be worse.
As I sat next to him,
Hoping to perhaps comfort him (but being awkward instead),
I somehow felt worse than I did.
His grief was somehow more suffocating than I had expected it to be.
Death is imminent.
I just hope you're in a happier place now.
Rest in peace.
安らかでいて。
We'll meet again.
In the meantime,
God, please grant her siblings comfort.
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