Blog To Express

A blogosphere learning experience to express with blog

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Location: Singapore, Singapore

A "recycled teenager" learning to blog.

Jun 30, 2013

My Old Baby Tapestry Blanket

"Fabric of the Nation" tapestry in 2004
The choice of this blog topic "My Old Baby Tapestry Blanket" makes me smile!

What can an "old baby of 65" blog to express about?

The home-made tapestry blanket personally sewn by my mother for me before my birth in 1948 was my favorite until it was burned in the Bukit Ho Swee fire.  It wasn't like the "Fabric of the Nation" photo though.

I am a normal, ordinary baby who had gone through my mother's womb for 9 months pregnancy in an ordinary way.  Nothing special.  The same way to come into this world, and the same way I will have to go.

In preparation for my birth, my mother sewn a tapestry blanket made of extra pieces of cloth which my mother, my sisters, friends and neighbors collected.

These home-made tapestry blankets for babies in the kampong in the early days.  The extra pieces of cloth for making dresses were then cut into squares or other shapes as tapestry blankets.  The material of the cloth with different colors, designs and patterns.  The size of the blankets were made them bigger as the baby grew.

The tapestry blankets were not sold in Robinson's or department stores with branded imported stuff in Singapore in those days.  The blankets were sewn by mothers, grandmothers or other lady relatives as gifts to the babies and were homemade with handicraft skills and patient stitching as a "labor of love" for many months.  Every babies need a blanket to keep warm and comfortable.

This is my fond nostalgic childhood memories of my old tapestry blanket.  How I wish I could still have it as memories of my mother.

It doesn't matter for me to share a little secret about this blanket.

I did not allow my mother to wash the blanket even when stained with saliva or the smell of drops of milk when I drool ... same as my pillow case as a child.  Was it only me as a baby behaving in this strange way?

Any Peanuts fans of  the cartoon strip quotation "Happiness Is a Warm Blanket" by Charlie Brown  will know what I mean.

"Fabric of the Nation"



In July 2003, the "Fabric of the Nation" community project invited Singaporeans to contribute a patch of love for the nation but we had an avalanche of 15,000 patchwork pieces finding their way to Ministry of Community Development and Sports (MCDS) as well as Mediacorp.

These patches, painstakingly stitched together by Singaporeans - here and abroad as well as by foreigners in Singapore, now forms Singapore's first national tapestry. It is an epitome of a people united in adversity and diversity; and an embodiment of a cohesive nation.

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Jun 22, 2013

Making Memories With Travel

The original "onceyoung" set of photos


At Maxwell Hill, Perak, Malaysia in 1973


The original photos which I posted to the blog have been replaced by the above ones.  The memory blog remains unchanged though.

My blogger friend, James Tann of Princess Elizabeth Estate sent me the new set of photos with the FB message:

Uncle James,
Interesting write up, but you feeling too orange la.
Here, take my medicine and put some colour into your life.
Cheers

So kind of James to "put some colour into my life" with cosmetics and Photoshop expertise technique and his magic to change the photos.  Thank you, James Tann.

In my younger days, I enjoyed travelling to little towns and small streets in peninsula Malaysia.  To me,  every trip I made was a learning experience everywhere I go.  My home-base in Singapore since I was born here.

Maxwell Hill is my first favorite hill station at Bukit Larut, Perak where I visited with a few Malaysian friends.

As the changing scenery snapped me back into reality, I wondered quietly. Things change drastically over time with physical land developments, especially in the neighbouring countries.  Can Maxwell Hill stand the test of time?

Maxwell is located only 6km away from Taiping itself. The Larut ridge was narrow and the difficulty was the steep climb to the summit. At 1250m above sea level and just 13km from the base of the hill, it was a wonder that the idea of a hill station could have been developed here.  Maxwell Hill has remained pretty much as years ago.

Many Singaporeans have travelled widely, far or near, all over the world.  See the world, young and old.  We have visited places by land, by sea or by air. We have also visited places in our dreams and by Extrasensory Perceptions (ESP)  involves reception of information not gained through the recognized physical senses.

Singaporeans are by no means a parochial people.  We are an international, global city with well connected, well informed to the world geographically, mass media and virtually on the Internet.

Living in countries geographically smaller and surrounded by different countries with different languages, history, religions, and societal norms allows Singaporean teens the benefits of both learning and applying their foreign language lessons, understanding humanity on a deeper level, and forming well-rounded opinions about society, politics, history, education, and all other aspects of culture.

Many parents these days are travelling overseas during the school holidays to bring their schooling children the opportunities to make memories with travel.
 
Visit to Wat Chalya Mangalaram Buddhist Temple, Penang in 1968
 

My family and I visited Penang in 1988 during the children's school holidays and something new to write about when they returned to school for the teachers' favorite essay topic "What I did during the school holidays?".

During my schooldays in the 1960s,  I spent the school holidays at Bukit Ho Swee kampong to catch spiders, fly kites, catch fishes in the "longkang", swimming in the flood during the monsoon seasons.  Those are fond nostalgic memories too.

On the street of Washington, DC in USA on my first visit.
At White House, Washington DC, USA

At Chinatown, NYC, USA
At Atlanta City, New Jersey, United States

 

I have not travelled to as many places where my friends have been.  Some business friends told me that they are travelling on airplanes like taking taxis on the roads around the world  ; )

In whatever ways to travel to our faraway places and wherever the destinations may be,  everyone of us would have our travelling memories in our "memory banks" to share travelling experiences with us.

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Jun 9, 2013

Singapore Site and Sound Series 2 Episode 13



Dawns and Departures

Singapore Site and Sound with Julian Davison (Series 2)
Episode 13 (Last Episode)

This documentary series of SPH Mediaworks video is shared on this blog with thanks and credit to caix92.

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Singapore Site and Sound Series 2 Episode 12



The last wild place to change its face

Singapore Site and Sound with Julian Davison (Series 2)
Episode 12

This documentary series of SPH Mediaworks video is shared on this blog with thanks and credit to caix92.

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Singapore Site and Sound Series 2 Episode 11



A yearn to learn and not just earn

Singapore Site and Sound with Julian Davison (Series 2)
Episode 11

This documentary series of SPH Mediaworks video is shared on this blog with thanks and credit to caix92. 

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Singapore Site and Sound Series 2 Episode 10



A sleepy town where jets touch down

Singapore Site and Sound with Julian Davison (Series 2)
Episode 10

This documentary series of SPH Mediaworks video is shared on this blog with thanks and credit to caix92. 

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Singapore Site and Sound Series 2 Episode 9



From distant places, many races

Singapore Site and Sound with Julian Davison (Series 2)
Episode 9

This documentary series of SPH Mediaworks video is shared on this blog with thanks and credit to caix92.

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Singapore Site and Sound Series 2 Episode 8



Clans and Clubs and Social Hubs

Singapore Site and Sound with Julian Davison (Series 2)
Episode 8

This documentary series of SPH Mediaworks video is shared on this blog with thanks and credit to caix92. 

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Singapore Site and Sound Series 2 Episode 7



Where Ships Of War and Traders Moor

Singapore Site and Sound with Julian Davison (Series 2)
Episode 7

This documentary series of SPH Mediaworks video is shared on this blog with thanks and credit to caix92.

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Singapore Site and Sound Series 2 Episode 6



An Island Farm with Beasts that Harm

Singapore Site and Sound with Julian Davison (Series 2)
Episode 6
 

This documentary series of SPH Mediaworks video is shared on this blog with thanks and credit to caix92. 

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Singapore Site and Sound Series 2 Episode 5



Buffalo Carts In Swampy Parts

Singapore Site and Sound with Julian Davison (Series 2) Episode 5

This documentary series of SPH Mediaworks video is shared on this blog with thanks and credit to caix92.

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Singapore Site and Sound Series 2 Episode 4



In Between a Beach and Queen

Singapore Site and Sound with Julian Davison (Series 2)
Episode 4

This documentary series of SPH Mediaworks video is shared on this blog with thanks and credit to caix92.

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Singapore Site and Sound Series 2 Episode 3



Forgotten Men and Boats Again

Singapore Site and Sound with Julian Davison (Series 2)
Episode 3

This documentary series of SPH Mediaworks video is shared on this blog with thanks and credit to caix92.

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Singapore Site and Sound Series 2 Episode 2



An East Coast Breeze, By Coconut Trees

Singapore Site and Sound with Julian Davison (Series 2)
Episode 2

This documentary series of SPH Mediaworks video is shared on this blog with thanks and credit to caix92.

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Singapore Site and Sound Series 2 Episode 1



A Past Concealed At Last Revealed

Singapore Site and Sound with Julian Davison (Series 2)
Episode 1

This documentary series of SPH Mediaworks video is shared on this blog with thanks and credit to caix92.

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Jun 8, 2013

Singapore Site and Sound Series 1 Episode 10



In Fifty Years, Will There Be Tears?

Singapore Site and Sound with Julian Davison (Series 1)
Episode 10

This documentary series of SPH Mediaworks video is shared on this blog with thanks and credit to caix92.

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Singapore Site and Sound Series 1 Episode 9



Matters Grave and Souls to Save

Singapore Site and Sound with Julian Davison (Series 1)
Episode 9

This documentary series of SPH Mediaworks video is shared on this blog with thanks and credit to caix92.

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Singapore Site and Sound Series 1 Episode 8



To Play or Bet or Just Get Wet

Singapore Site and Sound with Julian Davison (Series 1)
Episode 8

This documentary series of SPH Mediaworks video is shared on this blog with thanks and credit to caix92.

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Singapore Site and Sound Series 1 Episode 7



Trading, Shopping, Never Stopping

Singapore Site and Sound with Julian Davison (Series 1)
Episode 7

This documentary series of SPH Mediaworks video is shared on this blog with thanks and credit to caix92.

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Singapore Site and Sound Series 1 Episode 6



An Island Keen for Stage and Screen

Singapore Site and Sound with Julian Davison (Series 1)
Episode 6 - "What did Singaporeans used to do for a good time? Recreational pursuits of the past may have been sedentary in nature but still remain near and dear to Singaporeans. We investigate the site of present Cathay Building from the stately home once there, to Singapore's first skyscraper and cinema complex through its heyday and recent demise. We also investigate the Rex Theater, the Capitol Theater, the Majestic Theater and Victoria Theater and concert hall all in one show!"

This documentary series of SPH Mediaworks video is shared on this blog with thanks and credit to caix92.

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Singapore Site and Sound Series 1 Episode 5



Wheels and Wings and Boats and Things

Singapore Site and Sound with Julian Davison (Series 1)
Episode 5 - This episode celebrates early Singaporean transport. We see how bullock carts and trishaws gave way to motorcars, cable buses and tramways, and how railways were established. Modest and massive sea links are consolidated and Singapore takes to the air! Julian visits sites of  early transport triumphs and explains exactly how we used to move about. Sites encompass the early rail link crossing Orchard road, Tanjong Pagar train station, Clifford Pier, and Kallang Airport.

This documentary series of SPH Mediaworks video is shared on this blog with thanks and credit to caix92. 

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Singapore Site and Sound Series 1 Episode 4



A Lost Defence and Consequence

Singapore Site and Sound with Julian Davison (Series 1)
Episode 4 - "Julian Investigates sites of myth muddle, mayhem and eventual massacres that took place when Singapore fell to the Japanese In 1942.

He visits Seletar airbase, Fort Siloso, Kent Ridge & Alexandra Hospital. He also follows up with the consequence of Sook Ching round up of Chinese males and their slaughter. The Japanese, British
& Singaporeans all learnt hard lessons from World War ll & things were never the same again."

This documentary series of SPH Mediaworks video is shared on this blog with thanks and credit to caix92.

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Singapore Site and Sound Series 1 Episode 3



Living Well and Living Hell

Singapore Site and Sound with Julian Davison (Series 1)

Episode 3 - "Welcome to the best and the worst of accommodation before World War 2, where it was and what took place there. We contrast and investigate the disparities between the privileged and the less fortunate of all races, and highlight sites of historical interest. We look at grand private residences but also look at how others had to live. The Chinatown death streets -- sites of opium dens and hovels of coolie labourers."

 This documentary series of SPH Mediaworks video is shared on this blog with thanks and credit to caix92.

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Singapore Site and Sound Series 1 Episode 2



For Every Race, A Separate Place

Singapore Site and Sound with Julian Davison (Series 1)

Episode 2 - Julian and team investigate the way that the British carefully carved up the city they were building into benign ghettos and why they did so. We also look at areas the British designated for themselves and what remains of these privileged enclaves.

 This documentary series of SPH Mediaworks video is shared on this blog with thanks and credit to caix92.

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Singapore Site and Sound Series 1 Episode 1



Bold British Built, On Mud And Silt

Singapore Site and Sound with Julian Davison (Series 1)

Episode 1 covers sites of original early 19th century imperial settlement. These include Fort Canning, City hall, Supreme Court, Empress Place, Coleman Bridge, Old Parliament house, and St Andrews Cathedral. Julian delineates, describes and depicts the British center of power in this area for over 150 years.

This documentary series of SPH Mediaworks video is shared on this blog with thanks and credit to caix92.

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Jun 4, 2013

Singapore Memory Project - Bonding of Young and Old

Thimbuktu and 106-year-old great grandmother Madam Lim
Madam Lim with fellow Memory Corps volunteer
This intuitive blog to express was inspired by my blogger friend Lam Chun See's latest blog  at "Good Morning Yesterday".  Chun See is the author of the best-selling book of the same title "Good Morning Yesterday" .

Excepted from his blog:
Over the years, I have yet to meet anyone outside of our kampong who knew this name, except perhaps, Freddy Neo. But two days ago, I finally met a 79-year-old gentleman who did. He grew up in a kampong just like ours in neighbouring  Yio Chu Kang. He was being interviewed by a group of Sec 4 students from Nanyang Girls’ School, and I was helping out as an interpreter in case the girls could not understand Chinese dialects. This event was held at the Lions Befrienders Senior Activity Centre @ Blk 150 Mei Ling Street. It was organised by the Singapore Memory Project.
Both Chun See and I are the active Memory Corps volunteers and evangelists of the Singapore Memory Project to encourage Singaporeans to tell our Singapore stories and share fond nostalgic memories of everyone.

In his National Day Rally 2011, Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong said:
Recently, I attended the launch of Singapore HeritageFest and I made a speech about these human stories and emphasised how important they were. It prompted a response in the TODAY newspaper by a lady, Angeline Koh, who is working on digital storytelling and I think I should read a little bit of what she said because it resonated with her. She said, “What are memories and shared experiences but stories.  And storytelling is what Singapore as a nation needs.  There are unsung heroes in our midst, there are people we meet each day in our homes and in our schools, at work and in play.  Our children need to realise they are heroes in the making.  They have the power to become heroes by the brave and sacrificial choices they make to live well and for the good of others”.  When we talk about history and national education and a sense of belonging, it is not just words and abstract concepts.  It is really the stories of people, real people, what they lived, thought, what it meant for them.

That is why MICA is launching a Singapore Memory Project to capture, preserve and showcase these memories. They hope to collect five million memories by 2015 because that is our 50th anniversary.  The stories can come from anybody, any person, any community, any organisation or institution which has experienced Singapore.  Together all these individual stories will weave the tapestry of our nation. 
Since the launch of Singapore Memory Project (SMP) almost 2 years ago,  Singaporeans from every walk of life are coming forward to share their Singapore memories to enrich our collective experiences and understand how every Singaporean help to weave the tapestry of the history as our nation over four decades.

Whilst Chun See was assigned to help at the Lions Befrienders Senior Activity Centre,  I volunteered to help at the Thye Hua Kwan Activity Centre @ Ang Mo Kio on 25 May 2013.  I was an interpreter to interview a great grandmother, Madam Lim,  who is 106 years old.  I spoke to Madam Lim in Hokkien and the interesting session with her enjoyed with her thoroughly.  The sprightly elderly lady is full of spirit and couldn't believe that she is a Singaporean centenarian.  I jest:  "Ah Chor (great grandmother in Hokkien), I am half your age and this meeting is bonding of young (me) and old (you)".  She laughed heartily and so happily!

The interview of several members at Thye Hua Kwan Activity Centre by the SMP student volunteers of the Nanyang Girls' High School and Memory Corps members to help the interview in Hokkien, Teochew, Cantonese and Hainanese.  The students spoke mainly English and Mandarin and the school's young Malay teacher-in-charge was present during the interview session.  It was indeed a meaningful and educational Singapore Memory Project to learn from the memories of our senior citizens.

Well Done!  Thanks to the SMP student volunteers from Nanyang Girls' High School and their teachers, the Singapore Memory Project Team and the Memory Corps volunteers to help revive Singapore memories to remember the invaluable memories and stories of our elderly Singaporeans.

Please watch out for the Singapore Memory Project's campaign to interview the senior citizens when the assignments of the Nanyang Girls' High School student volunteers and various schools in Singapore are completed.

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