Bryn Kirke/Church

24 Aug 2011 – In Memory of Babs & Helge

Mon & Tue: not a cloud in the sky, days for being outdoor walking and gardening.  The walk to Bryn Church takes app 25mins, if fast and brisk walk. Days likes these are the time to stop, smell the flowers and take pix, took an afternoon to enjoy. The view from the bedroom is the start and thru’ the woods, a slippery path if wet but some considerate person placed a rope there for balance. Passing by Hammerbakken skole/elementary school where Linn attended when it was brand new. She used to run down that path just before the school-bell. In the winters she would slide down on her bottom and that took less than 1min to get to school!

Underpass leading to the bridge is painted with graffiti but in this case the new generation calls it art!

Path by the river with rays of sunshine peeping thru’ the woods, cross the bridge  but did not linger by the high-voltage wires!

Wild yellow flowers against the blue sky is pretty! The white fluff is what is left after some purple blooms. Looking back up the hill, one can see the white row houses where the starting point is with Kolsås Toppen in the background.

Bryn Kirke is a church from 1861 to Rykkinn in Bærum municipality, Akershus county. Helge (1945-1997) was the priest here as well as a friend and neighbour in the 1980s when living in Kolsås. Babs (1918-2006), was another friend and neighbour. They both lie in this churchyard. Appreciations to two wonderful people who were most kind and helpful during a difficult time. Thank you to have crossed my path in life’s journey.

Our dead are never dead to us, until we have forgotten them – George Eliot

If Religion Is A Thing…

22 Aug 2011 – that Money can buy…

… the rich would live and the poor would die! Another Mon morning in my house here in Norway awakened by singing birds and a silver lining in the clouds to start the week!

Spike in complaints against burning of joss paper during Hungry Ghost Festival…
http://www.straitstimes.com/BreakingNews/Singapore/Story/STIStory_704428.html

On the 15th day of the 7th month in the lunar calendar is the start of the GhostMonth/鬼月 (31Jul-28Aug for 2011). Activities during the month would include preparing ritualistic food offerings, burning incense, joss paper, a paper form of material items and other fine goods for the visiting spirits of the ancestors. Nowadays there are laptops, credit card, brand-name clothing and stuff etc, including notes from the Bank of Hell!

The issue for me is not the ritual but the environment! Even if only 1mil out of the 5mil of the pop practice this, think of the pollution! Some of the other SE Asia countries like Japan and Thailand mark this occasion by floating lanterns on the river. Perhaps certain people can be educated to find a better solution to help with the slowing down of global warming. An ulterior motive with good intentions for the living!

Religious groups offer free bus rides, meals, haircuts and more…
http://www.straitstimes.com/BreakingNews/Singapore/Story/STIStory_704422.html

Is this a case of organized religion buying its congregation? OK call them do-gooders and in their beliefs, their ultimate destination is heaven! If that is the case, we are back to ulterior motives again!! Or perhaps is it possible that after experiencing and seeing the real world for over 6 decades might have contributed to cynicalness??

The never-ending of beliefs, faith and hopes triumph over logic and reality again! As Denise puts it so eloquently – Our humanness makes us vulnerable and we all seek solace in different ways. I suppose it depends on the devils that haunt one from life’s experiences that determine what manner of solace we choose.

Hush little baby don’t you cry
You know your mamma was born to die
All my trials Lord will soon be over – Bahamian lullaby

Variety…

21 Aug  2011 – is the Spice of Life!

Curry is a generic description used throughout Western culture to describe a variety of dishes from Indian, Bangladeshi, Pakistani, Sri Lankan and Thai. Three spices found in most curry powders are turmeric, coriander and cumin; a wide range of additional spices may be included depending on the geographic region and the foods being included (meats, fish, lentils, rice, etc).

Cook and Share a Pot of Curry: to celebrate curries as part of SIN way of life – and to share this celebration with those who are new to SIN! This FB event is created by 8 people to bring awareness of an incident from 2011.

Cooked a pot of chicken curry to share and to celebrate the diversities of culture with friends on Fri evening. Cheers to Kristen, Toril (who lived@Piggsoppgrenda in the 1980s) and to Mette my next door neighbour (from 1981-present), who has never complained about the garlic, ginger curry etc cooking 🙂

https://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=254441147918239
http://sg.news.yahoo.com/blogs/singaporescene/shanmugam-clarifies-curry-issue-050053270.html

This incident was a dispute between two neighbours over the cooking of curry in SIN! Am not a fan of curry but do like a good curry once in a while. This is not really about liking curry or not; more about respect and tolerance to the different cultures when living in a multi-cultured environment. In this case, it was a complain from a mainland Chinese family about the cooking odour of their Indian neighbours! The audacity and cheek of them, should have stayed put in China!

FB reader commented: After 7 years, why only this neighborhood dispute was brought up? After 7 years we will go to the poll to vote for PE. Is there a political maneuvering from some political quarters behind this? Are some people intentionally brought this up to propel further the rift between Singaporean and non-Singaporean to get sympathy to push their political agenda.

Variety is the spice of life that gives it all its flavour – William Cowper

Issues on Face

18 Aug 2011 – Not Facebook!

Here is a story to show how the different cultures influence and reflect upon people:
An American, a Japanese and a Chinese went for a hike one day. It was very hot. They were sweating and exhausted. When they came upon a small lake, they took off all their clothes and jumped into the water, since it was fairly secluded. Feeling refreshed, the trio decided to pick a few berries while enjoying their ‘freedom.’
 
As they were crossing an open area, suddenly a group of ladies from town appeared. Unable to get to their clothes in time, the American and the Japanese quickly used their hands to cover their privates. But the Chinese covered his face and the trio ran for cover.
 
After the ladies had left and the men got their clothes back on, the American and the Japanese asked the Chinese why he covered his face rather than his private part.
 
The Chinese replied, ‘I don’t know about you… but in my country, it’s the face that people recognize.’
 PS. Now do you understand why people always say Chinese people want FACE? 
 
2012 Olympics Logo!! Here is another pix, tkx to Denise for sharing both pix and her comment: it is too true to be funny really…but it is funny all the same!! And my reply: a logo to put a sad situation wittily where words fail!


Wet Wet Wet

16 Aug 2011 – An excuse to be a Couch-Potato!

It has been a wet wet wet Sun, Mon including today! The plants and flowers outside are drenched but still looking good as long as the dead and drenched blooms are trimmed away. Spent the time indoors being a couch-potato, watching old movies. It is a delight to re-discover that I used to be a Cary Grant and Sidney Poitier fan, such dashing and debonair gentleman. Somehow that courteous, gracious and sophisticated charm are not today’s norm! It is easy to understand why I was such a fan and still is after watching some of his movies again. Reading about Poitier’s life added admiration besides being a total fan!

1967 again, 17 must have been an impressionable time! In the Heat of the NightGuess Who’s Coming to DinnerTo Sir With Love also with the titled song by Lulu, a story based on the semi-autobiographical novel by ER Braithwaite. It deals with social and racial issues. If there are more parents and teachers like Sir, perhaps the recent riots could have been prevented. But alas this in not what today’s world is about!

She was just 17 and you know what I mean… – Beatles

Here is a good riddle for this wet day. Tkx Denise for sharing this.

Only 5% of Stanford University graduates figured it out!
Can you answer all seven of the following questions with the same word?

1. The word has seven letters….
2. Preceded God…
3. Greater than God…
4. More Evil than the devil…
5. All poor people have it…
6. Wealthy people need it….
7. If you eat it, you will die. 

Did you figure it out?

Try hard before looking at the answers 
Did you get it yet?

Give up?

Brace yourself for the answer….

The  Answer  is: NOTHING!

NOTHING has 7 letters.
NOTHING preceded God.
NOTHING is greater than God.
NOTHING is more Evil than the devil.
All poor people have NOTHING.
Wealthy people need NOTHING.
If you eat NOTHING, you will die..

Outdoor Opera…

14 Aug 2011 – too wet, even for an Opera Fan!

Was planning to go the annual outdoor opera where they will be playing the highlights of this season performance; Aida, La bohème and Magic Flute, a tempting program. Unfortunately the rains started this morning and the forecast for heavier downpours this evening! Being an opera fan, rain or shine would have made the effort to go. But those were the days, now- nah just stay indoors and with my laptop! (no TV or radio for the past 3 months). 

And what a very pleasant surprise, Anne S stopped by for a few minutes on her way to catch her plane to Trondheim.

Last year, 14 Aug: a beautiful Sat evening with an outdoor performance by the Oslo Opera at the Opera House where the stage was a floating platform with a large crowd and fireworks to end the evening. A little taste to start the opera season was very delightful, even with just standing space! Pix are from 2010 with Ingrid & HansK.

Operas were introduced to me by my father who was an opera fan. One of the first and most unforgettable (not because of the voice or the performance!) life opera performance was in 1967@The Gaiety/Dublin. Verdi’s La Traviata/The Fallen Woman. Do not remember who sang the main roles (could not have been that fantastic!) Alfredo brought down the stage-props by pulling too hard on a door. It was hilarious 🙂 🙂 🙂

In 3 Acts, this opera is the all time favourite, about a courtesan Violetta who finds true love with Alfredo. To my ears no one can be compared to Maria Callas where Violetta is concerned. The drama, her voice, music, costumes etc, seems like this role is specially tailored for her.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hv5hCEf8qSw&feature=related

The famous Drinking Song from Act 1 performed here by Placido Domingo and Teresa Stratas, a well-staged scene with sub titles.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NcKdnkGBSgA     

Old Lady at Opera: Did you like the opera, dear?
Vivian: It was so good, I almost peed my pants!
Edward Lewis: She said she liked it better than Pirates of Penzance – Pretty Woman

Stop and Smell the Flowers…

12 Aug 2011 – … You are only here for a Short Visit…

Yesterday and today: lovely days after a cold rainy Wed. Took advantage of the sun to walk in the woods and to Bærums Verk (built in 1610 http://www.baerumsverk.no), checking out if the path is accessible with a stroller. Lo & behold, it is now a gravel path and even with lamp-posts at the certain stretch! By pass the lake and farm, cross the main road by the river and right on to a paved side-walk by the main road. Took app 20mins to get there. My memory of this path seemed to be blurred with a muddy path from 2008!

Spent the day just taking time to admire the hand-blown glass in action. Lunched by river, enjoyed an ice-cream and a slow walk back to the house. Even managed to pick a cup of wild raspberries on the way. Such serenity is a gift many forget to take the time to enjoy and be thankful about.

People we meet, things we get to do sometimes only happen once. We rush by them and miss the moment that will never be repeated. If we stopped for a moment, those people and things could bring a ray of sunshine to lives or they can make a difference in life. Our trip on this planet is very short; invest life in creating a life of fulfillment.

Put things in prospective and don’t spend life worrying when it is not within your control. Take the time to smell the flowers along the way, cherish your moments, your family, friends and be thankful for the people and things that you have attracted into life.

Make hay while the sun shine – ancient English proverb in reference to variable weather.

Don’t hurry, don’t worry. You’re only here for a short visit. So be sure to stop and smell the flowers – Walter Hagen

May Peace be with You All

11 Aug 2011 – What to say to a World in Turmoil…

♥ Peace ♥ Vrede ♥ Paqe ♥ سلام ♥ Свет ♥ Мир ♥ Pau ♥ 平和 ♥ Mir ♥ Fred ♥ Vrede ♥ Rahu ♥ Kapayapaan ♥ Rauha ♥ Paix ♥ Paz ♥ Frieden ♥ Ειρήνη ♥ Lapè ♥ שלום  ♥ शांति ♥ Béke ♥ Friður ♥ Perdamaian ♥ Síochána ♥ Pace ♥ 평화 ♥ Miers ♥ Taikos ♥ Мир ♥ Keamanan ♥ Paċi ♥ صلح ♥ Pokój ♥ Amani ♥ ความ สงบสุข ♥  Barış ♥ Світ ♥ Hòa bình ♥  Heddwch ♥ פרידן ♥
http://translate.reference.com/

Imagine there’s no heaven
It’s easy if you try
No hell below us
Above us only sky
Imagine all the people
Living for today…

Imagine there’s no countries
It isn’t hard to do
Nothing to kill or die for
And no religion too
Imagine all the people
Living life in peace…

You may say I’m a dreamer
But I’m not the only one
I hope someday you’ll join us
And the world will be as one

Imagine no possessions
I wonder if you can
No need for greed or hunger
A brotherhood of man
Imagine all the people
Sharing all the world…

You may say I’m a dreamer
But I’m not the only one
I hope someday you’ll join us
And the world will live as one – John Lennon
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yNKhIJfB510

If you have another language or peace word to add to the list, plx send a comment. Tkx.

A World in Turmoil

10 Aug 2011 – Where When How Why What!

The summer weather here in OSL has so far been a mixture of alternate days of sun and rain, which has made it unnecessary to water the little patch of grass and garden that exist! Can we keep burying our heads in the soil?

All the food, garden, weather etc talks are not going to help (or would it!) with what is happening and this is just over a period of less than one month which is most disturbing. Are there answers and solutions besides voicing our concerns??? Perhaps like the ostrich, the heads will remain buried to yet another scenario of it is not happening to me…

Sharing an educational link and a thought-provoking speech in hopes of understanding the unrest and turmoils.

22 Jul: The bombs and shootings in Norway.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-14261716

Jul/Aug: Unrest in Africa and the  Middle East


9 Aug: Violence spreads across England.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-london-14460554

Some comments from friends in that area-  The rioting has been in the poorer parts of London, and the poor victims are those who have lost their homes and businesses eg a barber aged over 80 who had his shop burned down. Its just hooliganism. The world has gone mad!

It’s troubling. Yob culture and opportunistic looters are all jumping on the bandwagon orchestrated by anarchists and serious mischief makers.

9 Aug: Stock markets and financial world in turmoil.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-14456518

Happy 46th Bday SIN

9 Aug 2011 – The Red Dot between Malaysia & Indonesia!

To family, friends and to those sharing my birth-town of SIN, regardless if you are in SIN or anywhere on this planet, have a wonderful celebration and enjoy SIN National day and the National Day Parade.

Was sent off to boarding school in Dublin/Ireland 1965 when SIN just declared its independence and became the Republic of Singapore then. The NDP and fireworks are more impressive for every year but unfortunately usually not in SIN at this time! The beautiful song Home has been performed for some NDP, but for me home is where the ♥HEART♥ is! And whoever says that beautiful music does not stir the emotions is tone-deaf 🙂
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O7g-PUjbusQ&feature=related

This year in Norway where the memory wandered back to 1967 – touring Belgium, Germany, Denmark & Norway with my father! The last night of the tour was in Balestrand/Norway@Kvikne’s Hotel where Ole, a charming young man approached to ask father’s permission to dance with me. That gesture and courtesy made this incident unforgettable!

Balestrand: an idyllic village in the heart of the fjord country with spectacular views had a pop of under 1,000 then (2010 pop was 1,344). Kvikne’s Hotel, built 19th century is one of the most famous buildings there and was made popular for European visitors in the early part of the 20th century by Kaiser Wilheim II who visited often. Pix credits to different sites. B/W pix from 1967 are in SIN.

The recent bombs and shootings here got me to make an attempt to locate friends from the Norway days. Managed to find Ole thru’ FB to discover that he is a famous author, journalist and film-maker now located in Canada! Hopefully we can re-establish some contact. It would be nice to hear what has happened and what is happening to friends when the memory is still in tact! The innocence is still within and may I never grow to old to treasure the once upon a time in a far far away land 🙂 🙂 🙂

We don’t receive wisdom; we must discover it for ourselves after a journey that no one can take for us or spare us – Marcel Proust