April belongs to Aries

Dear Diary

Yes, April belongs to Aries. There is a special significance to this month. This will be a long entry, bear with me.

But firstly, I am trying to work with this MacBook thing. It is so confusing - the applications are complex, the structure is unfamiliar, and I didnt even know I had to replace "Ctrl" with "Command" in order for my commands to work. Oh well, never truly been an Apple fan, just learning the ropes. You need to remember that I loathe technology to begin with. I have to admit that MacBook is a lot faster than the Windows and whatnot I have been accustomed to, though.

I received another acceptance for my manuscript from another publisher. This one was unexpected because they had a stringet set of standards and evaluation (I saw the questionnaire - intimidating!). Too bad I have already agreed to let PublishAmerica take over.  I do hope I may get the chance to work with Leadstart on my other books or poems, though.

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This will be a very social month for me, in the celebration of the day my presence became part of this world. Every year it is like a mini procession - food, drinks, singing, dancing etc, simply because I have so many different groups of friends and they're people I try not to let mingle for many reasons. I love the chance to catch up and enjoy good times together. I love these people who have been shown the way into my world for a reason, our paths have crossed and we are still intact.

Like the *Pris who've been my close friend for more than two decades; the thick and thin we been through.
Like  *Faith and *Charliez, who know me inside out for more than a decade regardless of distance and what unpleasant history we might've had.
Like Jas, MY, AL and Crys - my gems. We must've grown up together in lecture halls and then the clubs of our days.
Like the Swn gang - especially Gary, Cynthia and Linda, a decade of keeping a lookout for each other and exploring hangout spots.
Like Ed, Chris, GY and Ash - there's no telling when virtual becomes reality and thanks for the listening ears lent.
Like the Russian Blonde and Charl - who would've thought we could talk about anything, everything, and leave nothing out?

Then the budding ones I've come to love in the recent years for all that we've shared, and all your care and support -  my banker pal JC, fellow Aries R, closer male colleagues, some clients who've become tight friends, Sherwin, Mazia, Loren, Tammie etc. Did I miss anyone out? I pray not, if not it would defeat the purpose of this mini thanksgiving for my amigas. I couldnt imagine my life without you - you're all so different but you have a piece of me, all of you, whenever you need me.

Close friends understand that while I may dedicate alot to them when I can, and that I can treat them well, I guess they would also understand that I could cut them away without any qualms, anytime I feel the need to. Along the years, I have shred some friends who have been with me for years - those who I feel, do not put in efforts to keep the friendship afloat, or they break my trust. Its "Adieu" - in the farewell forever sense, not an "au revoir" with promises to meet up again. And if I decide to cut someone away, I will feel nothing for them whatsoever. I will do nothing more for them, no need to be too sentimental there.

 

Thats an Aries for you. The common traits of one - charming but impulsive, creative but direct, do not trust easily, but dependable, fickle-minded but passionate. I am all of that, and I am none of that. I can be charming and friendly when I want to be, but there are many I choose to be aloof or professional towards. Aries may be fickle-minded, but we are strong as well. Our minds and hearts may wander at times, but it doesnt take long for the strong side of us to take over and brush away the weakness. Creative? Sure, during these two weeks of my birthday "procession", besides the outings, wining and dining, I have been playing the keyboard (for lack of a piano) and brushing up on my Francais (French the language) again. 

There are two vacations upcoming. Im already itching to get out of here for some fresh air, nature, and cultural differences. 

I know, its sinful, but I really need a break. After all, Im healing from something currently. The hard work will kick in once again come May.

Recently I went to the Titanic exhibition as well. Love how they furnished the galleries to make one feel like they were really onboard. That, paired with the book I'd just completed recently, forms the perfect escapism for me, making me wish that once again, I was cast into the wistful desire to be back during the 19th - early 20th century again, in France or the UK.  There is something magical about that era and these countries that seduces me like an ethereal lover. I cannot fathom why or how exactly. 

Finally, the parting shots - some poetry I've written recently - click on them for a sneak preview before they come out in print version.

(i)    Facets
(ii)   Iceberg Memories
(iii)   A Song for You
(IV)  Losing the Game
(V)    Lament of a Frosted Heart

 

Thats all for now. My love to you.

---->----(@

 

 

MARCH-ing forward

Dear Diary

March is a busy month laden with catching up of appointments postponed and social gatherings cancelled due to what happened in late February.

After the flurry of festivities and getting into the momentum of starting work, miracles and miseries decided to blend into my life.

There was a company Dinner and Dance in which I was one of the honored award-winners and got to make a small speech - my first.

 

I received news from PublishAmerica that they have accepted my manuscripts and would be producing my book! That psyched me up, of course. Mais oui. It would be like a dream come true for me, since I have been wanting to write and publish my own book. After several failed trysts, I was contemplating using one of those self-publishers instead... but thankfully I did not have to resort to that.

Then the license for my to sell general insurance to complement my main life insurance sales came through shortly after that. Meaning to say, I can now be a one-stop agent to all my clients, and of course, more revenue.

So.... things were getting into the swing and BANG (literally!)- I had my very first hospital stay with ruptured cysts and a bang on my head when I fell in the middle of the night. It was a frightening experience, to say the least. I went to a posh hospital, the service was not bad, and I am thankful to all those who have shown their concerns in some way. In a way I dont know if I had cursed myself somehow - in my book the lead character was hospitalized in February, though for a different reason.

Do you believe in dreams and the power of thoughts?

 

You could call it mumbo-jumbo, but I do believe in its magic.

I was looking through my Dreams Diary just last night, and it stunned me to discover that there were many fragments of my life - however small - that had been shown to me in some dreams before. At the point in time I did not see the significance, but browsing through the journal, I began to understand the meanings of many of these dreams. Wow. Is this clairvoyance or passing into a dimension in which I caught a glimpse of the future by accident?

Then my beloved and loyal laptop - the one for home use - had finally died on me, after churning out the final manuscript for my first book. Rest in Peace, dearie.

Shopping for a nice gown for an Awards Night next Friday evening.

I am glad to be able to get back into normal routine and do what I have always done before I fell sick - work, shop, dinners, drinks etc. Even spending 2 weeks "working from home" i.e. working on my writings would be better than being a patient, being fussed upon, being taken care of totally, and not being able to accomplish much other than reading fashion magazines, watching senseless dramas or sleeping the days away.

 

Final note, I have nto been composing poetry for a while, and it kind of bothers me.

Oh, and touching on "working from home"... it is something I will never do. Never mix your business time with home time or bring the two into union. It is like bringing your wife and your mistress together - soon there would be no peace or secrets either side. Furthermore, "working from home" takes away one's social skills and grooming skills - all you face are the computer screens and soon, it would be too easy to work in T-shirts and shorts. Not for me, dear god.

Now, if only I could have a glass of "tears of angels" - wine.

Au revoir, ma cheres. There will be more of me in April's entry.