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 .....