Count Your Blessings!

With love and passion, everyone can have a nice garden...Elaine Yim

Count Your Blessings!
Count The Garden By The Flowers, Never By The Leaves That Fall.
Count Your Life With Smiles And Not The Tears That Roll.
..... Author unknown.

Knowing me, Knowing you..... Aha.....!

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Monday, December 28, 2009

Auld Lang Syne 2009

This is my 100th published post for 2009. Both my blogs, My Nice Garden and Klang, City Daily Photo has exceeded the 10,000 visitors mark. At Blotanical I have also exceeded my 10,000 points level. This shall be my final post for 2009. The remaining days of 2009 will be spent visiting you all and wishing you,


HAPPY NEW YEAR 2010!


Thank you very much for being a part of this wonderful community of bloggers.
Someone emailed me this poem a few years ago and I have been keeping it, to read again and again to remind myself of the simple yet important things that I need to do now and then so as to lead my life with no regrets. I wish to share it with all of you who come to visit my blog. The words are copied from the poem while the pictures are from my own personal collection.

Ma is squatting in the centre, front row. Teachers at a topiary garden in Kota Baru, Kelantan 1971.


Everyday, we awaken with another chance at Life.

Sometimes we forget how lucky we are

and we often forget to appreciate the little things around us that mean so much.

Pa is the boy scout on the left, atop a frangipani (plumeria) tree on a hiking trip. Hair groomed, greased and combed Elvis Presley's 1950's style.


Too often we don't realise what we have until it is gone;

Too often we wait too late to say "I'm sorry - I was wrong."

Pa is standing, 3rd from right. All of them are teachers. 1960's retro hair style?



Sometimes it seems we hurt the ones we hold dearest to our hearts;

And we allow foolish things to tear our lives apart.

Ma is standing at the right corner. All pretty lady teachers 1971, hippies, miniskirts and a-go-go era.


Far too may times we let unimportant things into our minds;

And then it's usually too late to see what made us blind.

Ma is on the right. Yes! She loves taking photos at gardens too. The Ester Williams 1950s permed hairstyle and vintage dresses of the Rock n Roll, and days of jive?


So be sure that you let people know how much they mean to you;

Take that time to say the words before your time is through.


Be sure that you appreciate everything you've got;

And be thankful for the little things in life that mean a lot.

..... author unknown


Somebody emailed this poem to me 2 years before mom passed on, followed by dad 3 years later. It really made me realise how important it is to appreciate the present, and to express my feelings more openly to my loved ones before it is too late. I am glad I learnt to hug them and tell them that I love them. I also asked for their forgiveness. Now, I have no regrets. Hugging and saying "I love you" was not something we Asians of the older generation can express freely and openly among children and parents. Luckily times have changed, now it has become more common and acceptable.

Dear friends,

I hope you agree with me that this touching short poem carry a very meaningful message on every line. It is like a summary of all the many many pages of self-improvement books we have read and motivational seminars we have attended. Once in a while, I read it to remind myself not to let anger blind me, be patient, count to ten, avoid saying hurtful  things to people I love, for words are like water, once thrown out cannot be retrieved back. The damage is done when hurt is inflicted.

Similarly, whenever I am delighted, happy or touched by a simple gesture, I used to keep to myself. Now, I try to express to the person who brought me this joy, eventhough this is the first time we meet or we never meet, except in cyber space. Therefore, if you don't know me, you may think that my expressions and comments are fake but please be assured that it is indeed genuine and sincere. Time and tide waits for no one. Procrastination is the source of many regrets. Happiness when shared is doubled and it multiplies. A happy ending this year brings forth a fresh postive begining for the next. 

So, here I thank you very much for your words of encouragement, comments and New Year greetings. It is already a blessing that we have met and communicated when we crossed paths in live's journey. May we now advance to 2010 with our hearts filled with joy and happiness. 

Yours truly,
Autumn Belle
Wednesday, 30 Dec 2009.


I am looking forward to start 2010 on a positive note. May you have a wonderful year ahead too!

This post is dedicated to Ms Lona from Ohio, USA of A Hocking Hills Garden. I just love the snow, beautiful scenery and bird pictures she features in her 2 lovely blogs.

Til we meet again next year,
Jumpa Lagi, Goodbye, Zai Jian, Sayonara, Adios, Adeus, Poitu Vaarein, Sees, Alvida, Paalam, Addio, Ade .....

39 comments:

  1. What a lovely post and tribute to your parents.

    A very nice poem too.

    May you have a lovely 2010, with lots of blessings throughout the year.

    FlowerLady

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  2. Great poem. Thanks for sharing it with us all. May you have a blessed and prosperous new year :)

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  3. This is a marvelous, marvelous post, Autumn. Thank you for sharing it with us.

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  4. What a beautiful post and collection of photographs! Congratulations on 100!

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  5. Hi~
    What a wonderful post! Wishing you a Happy New Year! See you in 2010!

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  6. Congratulations for all the hardwork in compiling all the garden & life stories that had amounted to the 100th post.
    Its like a piece in one time and an amazing moment to cherish a 100th story.

    I agree with you about being Asians where making loud statement concerning love is rare, regardless we all share that golden moments when something special happens its written in our hearts where no time or age can wipe away those treasured moments.

    Thanks for sharing your family history. Knowing that your parents had been teachers and they had done greatly in shaping the young minds in becoming great and knowledgeable students.
    We all are still learning in life.
    Have a wonderful New Year with many more joys & wonders in Life & Gardening.

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  7. A very special post. Thank you. I can really appreciate the poem, having lost three members of my immediate family in 2008-2009. May you have a blessed and happy New year.

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  8. I wish I had many more photos of my mom and dad in their younger days...I cherish those I do have. Thank you for sharing yours, and for the wonderful poem/reminder.

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  9. You have ended 2009 with such a sentimental post.

    All the best in 2010.

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  10. What a wonderful posting Autumn. Made me tear up there girl ;-) It has been so fun getting to know you through blogging.
    Congrats on all of your awards this year. You surely are deserving of them.
    Wishing you a New Year filled with, love, good health, family, friends and many flowers.
    Lona

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  11. Happy New Year to you too. What a wonderful tribute to your loved ones.

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  12. Thanks for your comment on my blogg.
    I lived for three years in Singapore during 1997-2000 and then we often visited Malaysia, a beutiful country.

    Happy New Year to you

    Birgitta

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  13. Oh... you still keep b/w photos. Yeah, very nostalgic indeed!! ~bangchik

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  14. What a wonderful tribute to your parents! I love the way you intermixed the photos and poem.
    Congratulations on 100!
    See you next year!!
    *hugs*deb

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  15. Happy 2010 to you and your family!!

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  16. Oh Autumn Belle, thank you for the trip down memory lane and allowing us to meet your parents. Wishing a Happy and healthy new year to you and your family. Hugs to you and take care.

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  17. Very very sweet Autumn Belle! Lovely to see the pics of your parents and the poem is perfect. Best Wishes for the New Year! Thank you for all your generosity! Carol

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  18. what a beautiful post! wonderful to see the photos of your parents too!
    All the best for 2010!

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  19. You are so sweet and it is clear how genuine you are! These old photos of your parents are lovely. I'm glad you have them - I don't think I have too many photos of my parents. The poem is so true, and something to consider on a fairly regular basis.

    Congrats on your 100th post - enjoy your rest - you deserve it! See you in 2010!

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  20. A great post to end the year, Happy New Year to you and your family!

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  21. Dear Autumn Belle, That was a wonderful post! Thanks for the insights into the lives of your parents and those priceless photos of them. And congratulations on your blog anniversary, all your awards and all your friends and followers at Blotanical. You deserve it! Happy New Year - see you in January. Barbara

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  22. Wonderful collections of bringing back the good times of your pa and ma. Congratz on your achievements. Happy 2010.

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  23. Nice lovely old pictures and poem. Congratulations!

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  24. Hello Autumn Belle, you are so lucky to have preserved those wonderful photos of your parents! Lovely post -made me reflect on things, and life. Thank you for sharing it with us! An abundant New year to us all!

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  25. Autumn Belle, congratulations on your milestone! Beautiful photos of family and extraordinary words for us to remember. AB, thank you for allowing us to be a part of your life this year. We wish you a New Year of good health and much Joy! Diana

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  26. That's a lovely tribute.
    Happy 2010 to you too :)

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  27. Heisann!
    So many wise words you have written!You are right in all of them!
    I wish you a wonderful and peaceful new year with lots of creativity, energy, experience and good health!
    Greetings from Bjorg Nina

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  28. Congrats on the blog award.
    And that is a lovely poem. I would never doubt your sincerity. :-)
    Nice that you've learned so much about loving and forgiving, those lessons are priceless and thanks for reminding us all.

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  29. Hi Autumn Belle,

    What a touching tribute to your lovely parents...thank you for sharing your memories as well as your treasured photos. I've often thought about the things you've written. Procrastination, in too many cases can be bad for relationships.....oh, I could go on and on.

    Congrats on being featured in the Blog Awards. Well deserved. There's so much I've learned from your blog. Every visit is so interesting.

    Thank you for stopping by and for leaving your comments. My computer woes aren't over so I'm answering your query here. Although it's snowing on my blog, it doesn't snow here. It's never that cold. These past few days our min. temps was 10* And where I grew up, the coldest used to be 4* but nowadays it doesn't get that cold.

    Wishing you the very best for 2010. Happy blogging and HAPPY NEW YEAR!!

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  30. I enjoyed your thoughtful post Autumn Belle. Wishing you peace and happiness in the new year :)

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  31. Autumn Belle, Happy New Year 2010! :)

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  32. I am looking forward to a new year visiting your part of the world via your wonderful blog.
    Happy New Year

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  33. What a gorgeous post! This is my first visit to your blog, but I can see why you have garnered such a following.

    May you have joy in the new year!

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  34. Congrats on all your achievements, Autumn Belle...well deserved! There's much to ponder and reflect on the words and messages in your lovely poem and thoughts shared! You're one wonderful person, I'm most happy to have known recently!
    All the very best in 2010 and may your dreams, hopes and visions unfold unhindered!

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  35. To all of you who came here to specially comment and send me your warm wishes, I sincerely thank you very much. I am really really you did because this is by far, my most valued post for 2009. Your words here will become my treasures to be cherished for a long long time.

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  36. A beautiful, heartfelt dedication for your wonderful parents! Thx for sharing these lovely snaps and tit bits for their n your life with us here...:) Its much appreciated.

    BTW Congratulations!! You deserve it all the way :) Good Luck for the coming yr as well...

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  37. Dear Autumn Belle,

    Happy New Year! i am a bit late. May you be fully blessed especially with health and wealth, lol. You are a very loving caring person, the world needs more of your kind. We are lucky to have known you, even just in spirit. But who knows, we might meet someday in this lifetime. You are also very diligent, that's why you can keep up with all the postings, commenting and returning to all of us. You are foremost in inspiring me and linking me to more blogger-now-friends, and now more people can see my posts and photos.

    I wish your blog award will not only here but someday it will really receive awards with tangible prizes; as in the Asia Pacific Nuffnang Awards. My friend got the Best Travel Blog Award this year which he received with corresponding prizes and connections in Singapore. One day you will be connected. God bless and more power...keep posting because you are our connection.

    Terima kasi, maraming salamat, gracias, thank you. (Isn't that a tribute enough? hehe. imitating you!)

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  38. Ever Green Tree, Aapakaa bahut bahut dhanyavaad!

    Andrea, maraming salamat!

    I am so glad you came and commented.

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Words are like the voice of the heart... Confucius

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