Precious are the tears

Precious photo of my mama, Siong & me.
6th uncle's wedding at our kampong place.

I used to ponder if I die, would anyone cry for me. 

Recently, my brother dreamt that I pass away. He cried and kept call out my name. Miraculously, his tears brought me back to life. He woke up with tears all over his face. He was still crying. He told his wife about his dream. He told her "I love my sister; I really do." 

Having heard this, I had my tear troughs filled. I had similar dreams before. I can feel his heartache for losing someone dear. Nothing discloses the inward state of a human heart more than do tears.

Siong and I in 1999

As a child, I didn't appreciate having Siong as my younger brother. Being 18-months apart, I was sent to Ah Jia (maternal grandmother). My young mother couldn't cope with two children. I had to put up with his teachers' complaints about his mischiefs during primary school days. My female classmates pestered me for more information on my brother as they were interested in him. I warned him not to study in the secondary school I was in. Very often, folks would mistaken that he was my older brother. 

Kevin & I in 2012

During growing up years, my brothers acted like they didn't care! But I always know they look out for me. They are always there for me. We know each other as we always were. We know each other's hearts. We remember family feuds and secrets., family griefs and joys. It's no coincidence that we are siblings. 

To my brothers, I love you with all my might. You are my brothers. 

With love from your one and only sister (And there is no other.)

Temptations and Calculations

Northern Thai dish (Yam Hu Mu), sliced pig ears with spicy sour sauce

I'm always a big fan of exotic hot and spicy Thai cuisine. Last Sat, when my SIL told me that she bought pig ears, I grimaced. I couldn't bring myself to eat THAT! The authentic Northern Thai dish - Yam Hu Mu - made it to our dinner table the next day. She assured me that she had thoroughly cleaned the pig ears. She added that this is a must eat dish in Chiangmai. 

She sliced the pig ears. The meat tasted soft and chewy. The spicy sour sauce added plus point. I say I enjoyed the dish. 

Definitely go well with beer. I will post the recipe once I learn from my SIL. I'm not sure about cleaning part though.

Mao Shan Wang Snowskin Mooncake from Goodwood Park Hotel

Sometimes, it's really unbearable to consider the food calories before consumption. Though I do lots calculations for work, I am not one who calculate food calories. I do want my body age to be younger than my biological age and looking good. 

ah... the much recommended Mao Shan Wang snowskin mooncake from Goodwood Park. How can I say no?

With durian puree in my fridge, I will try my hands with D24 durian snowskin mooncake. Soon. 

13th September

The other day, Fun asked me "Your birthday is coming soon. You can't be baking your own birthday cake." I replied "Why not?" I did thought of baking my own birthday cake this year. Alas, I had whooping cough when September came. Reading cannelle et vanilla blog on food, life & photography while on bed rest was enjoyable. Having mama's home cooked comfort food soothed my cough. 

Having mama's comfort foods.

13th September also marked another family event - my parents got married! I doubt my siblings are aware of this. (One sweet thing of having a daughter!) My parents are not the  type who will express their love to their spouse and children with words like "I love you" or hugs. (My papa did hugged me when I was out of love from my first relationship.) Ironically, they can hug and kiss their grandkids and saying all those "I love you". 

Thank you, God, for giving me another year of life. Thank you for all the people who remember me today by sending cards, gifts, treats and good wishes.

Thank you for all the experiences this past year, for times of success which will always be happy memories, for times which reminded me of my own weaknesses and of my need for you. 


Here's to wishing Me, Myself & I to embrace Life wholeheartedly. 

About MissyDalyn

Through his Outliers (book), Malcom Gladwell explains that reaching the 10,000-Hour Rule, which he considers the key to success in any field, is simply a matter of practicing a specific task that can be accomplished with 20 hours of work a week for 10 years. 

I have seen the vast improvement in the food bloggers whom I follow. Be it their creations, food photography and blogging. I know they have invested much of their time to be where they are now. Wishing to be like them isn't bringing me to my goal. 

I started taking lessons in Sugar, Inc. Anna and her team are always encouraging and patience in coaching me who know nothing about baking. 

Another memorable class is with Sharon Wee's 3D cute bear fondant decorating class. I must say Sharon is a very talented cake decorator. Knowing that I had zero experience with fondant and a new baker in the block, Sharon is very forbearing in showing me the steps. 

I am grateful for my family, friends and colleagues - they are always readily to taste my baked goods. Watching people eat my baked goods is really my favorite part of baking. The good feedback and encouragement spurs me on to discover my baking world. I can't commit 20 hours of work but to bake or cook at least once a week. 

Below are some of my works from the baking classes. Bon appetit!

Sugar, Inc's 2-tier cake fondant decorating

Sugar, Inc's Cinnamon Rolls

Sugar, Inc's cake decorating class 

Sugar, Inc's Fruit Cake

Sugar, Inc's Gingerbread Man House

Sugar, Inc's log cake

Sugar, Inc's bag decorating class

Sugar, Inc's Green Tea Macarons

Sugar, Inc's soft bread roll

3D bear fondant cake decorating class by Sharon Wee, August 2011