That Feeling

Nature at one of its best.

Its been awhile since I've set foot on the island getaway of Singapore, also known as Sentosa. What better way to spend some quality time with your fellow classmates than a day in the great outdoors, by the sea?

Sun, Sea and Coconuts?

Great company and awesome sights (as seen in the photos) can certainly make one's day.

Well the trip made me realize that more often then not, simple pleasures in life are often around oneself; we just have to look around us carefully. Of course, everyone's interpretation of having fun or "chilling out" might differ from another individual, but if its what makes you happy, then hey, its called having fun I guess.

Take myself for example. The past couple of days for me were spent with dear Audrey here. Everywhere I went, she went with me. Yes, she may be a tad quiet but hey, its awesome company to me.

Here She is, just taking a snooze on the bed.

Oh apologies readers, it seems that I've yet to introduce to you guys the newest member of the metallic-stains management team.

Yes, Audrey the camera has been hard at work for many of the pictures you've seen here on metallic-stains and has played a considerable part in the peppering the posts with picture after picture.

Audrey's a Nikon D60 and has only recently joined the metallic-stains management team. Posts from now on will be introduced to her photo taking capabilities so keep a lookout for that.

Moving away from that.

Christmas is finally here! Ho ho ho!

I'm sure many of you guys out there are enjoying and soaking up the festive mood in full swing this very moment and rightly so as well.

A season of giving; the general mood of Christmas which is deeply influenced by the multiple marketing campaigns, I'm sure. But I have to agree that this is a season where one shows appreciation for the people around him/her.

Which was the reason why I chose to make "Christmas Deliveries" on Christmas eve itself.

To me, nothing beats the look on a person's face when he or she receives a present. The feeling of being able to make someone else happy and contented with a little action (or a little gift, for that matter) is simply overwhelming and truly delightful.

I've also noticed a changing trend in my personal mindset.

The me of 10 years ago would be satisfied with the latest toy or game gadget for Christmas but today, I'm more a fan of giving out smiles rather than receiving the latest technological gadget or the most expensive accessory.

I guess its a change we all face at some point in our lives were we feel that giving is much more important as compared to taking.

Interesting isn't it?

Well I managed to squeeze in a little time after my delivery rounds that day and decided to take a walk downtown, with Audrey strapped safely behind me of course.

The feeling, that atmosphere was really different that night as I recall now in retrospect. It was so significant that while I was having a little coffee break down at Starbucks that night, I penned down my thoughts.

Which went something like this;

That Feeling.

"

Title: "That Feeling"

Wrapper after Wrapper, bag after bag, its that time of the year again. To some, a hassle, to others, a joy.

And to a small other group, a significance.

You see smiles everyday but the smiles you see during this season are truly memorable. "Here, I made this for you", might not seem like much, but it can certainly light up one's day.

Nature finds substitutes well; while others on the other side of the world cope with snowflakes, we take out out umbrellas and hoodies.

A worthy substitute?

Nothing beats this feeling. The feeling of light drizzle against your skin, the feeling of having everything you need on your back, the feeling of unrivaled freedom.

With church bells chiming in the background to familiar Christmas melodies and the soft gentle wind blowing at your cheeks, one certainly feels and hopes that life is a dream and everyday should be as such.

As you settle down for a coffee, you stop and reminisce on the day long gone and the days soon to come. Surely nothing would be able to replace such a setting, will it?

Slowly, you take a sip of coffee. Its aroma pervades through your senses and your breath is coated with a deep flavor of roast.

Time seemingly stops as you gaze far but you stop, and started thinking again.

A soft Christmas tune plays in your head, reminding you of the occasion, such a celebrated even this is; minute by minute, the day approaches.

Santa will be proud of you today, as you are with yourself for joy and smiles are spread. A feeling unrivaled.

But wait, is everything done?

You glance around you and something serves as a reminder of an uncompleted task. Your focus shifts away and you start thinking about your family and friends.

What are they doing? Are they happy?

You sense the evident mood amongst the people around you and its hard not to get affected. Amidst casual conversations are hints of Christmas being distributed here and there.

This atmosphere is infectious, in a good way of course. It makes you want to stand up and proclaim, sing and dance, jump and scream.

Interestingly, you check your phone, take your camera out and snapped a couple of shots. This is the moment when you wished that life was like this everyday, every time.

With everyone happy, you wished that everyday was Christmas.

"Merry Christmas. Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year."

"

Over a slow cup of coffee, I penned the above down based on my mood, feelings and my observations around me at that time. Hope you guys enjoyed that little "narrative".

Its interesting what the season of Christmas means to each and everyone of us. So let me post this question to you readers out there;

"What does Christmas mean to you?"

Well for me, as I've mentioned, Christmas means being able to bring happiness to the people around me and seeing them contented and happy. Christmas also means making myself happy and positive and also an assurance that there is still hope and reason to smile at the end of the day.

Hope and a reason to Smile is what keeps this star shining.

Cliche stuff I know but I'm pretty sure the words "Christmas" and "Happiness" ain't exactly that far off for one encompasses the other and vice versa.

So yea, I really look forward to your responses and comments about the post and the question. Remember to check back for updates as the year 2009 looms upon us!

In the meantime, stay safe and happy and if you drink, don't drive.

And oh yea, from all of us here at metallic-stains, have a Happy and Brilliant Christmas!

Cya'll later.

"A very merry Christmas"

*Use of pictures from this post without the management team's approval or notice will result in undesirable consequences. Please, amidst the festive season stay safe, play it safe and live well.*

----------------
Song of the Post


Now playing: John Lennon - Happy Xmas (War Is Over)
via FoxyTunes

Into the Water

Halloween awesome-ness indeed.

Spent the last couple of days on both ends on the spectrum; leisure and work. Both in epic proportions, if I may so graciously add.

Let us first run through a little update on the work front.

ICAs have been coming in in steady streaks but I guess its business as usual. Work has been taxing of late and rightly so. After all, change breeds improvement doesn't it?

On a side note, I've not been sleeping as I should. Well, not really as I should per se but more like "as much as I should have been sleeping". I rarely sleep before 3am as of recently months and I guess its taking a toll on my body, both physically and mentally.

The upside (or downside, depending how you look at it) though, is that I feel less and less tired even though I'm getting less and less sleep. Guess its the body's way of adapting to circumstances, no matter how harsh it is.

This certainly adds to the resume of the human body (Resilience? Check!) and without a doubt, it is one of the most intricately engineered masterpiece above all.

Moving onto the other side of the spectrum. This is what puts the "f" in "fun".

Darkened eyeliner, smudged mascara and scars left behind. Mildly disturbing indeed.

The party over the weekends was certainly one of the highlights of the week by a long shot.

All in the name of fun (love, peace and joy etc), we came all dressed up in various facades otherwise known as abnormal in typical social situations. From Ginger Spice to Slash, to a guy with slashes on his hands, the party saw a unique flow of attendees.

The Emo Kid strutting off his arms. Slash slashes slashes on slashed hands. The wounds are NOT real.
(But they do look disturbing on camera)

Activities largely revolved around food, socializing as well as the continuous sounds of Guns & Roses being blasted over the stereo system in the form of music videos.

I can safely say that everyone had a good laugh and a nice time there at the party for sure.

Alright, moving on now. I just thought of something which I came up, a couple of days back and thus had decided to add it to this post as part of the update.

It basically depicts a process of sorts. I'm sure everyone has been part of this process, though it goes largely overlooked in current societal contexts.

Here goes...

Picture this;

"

You're standing at the edge of a lake. You look down and you see a grim canopy of water, in shades darkness. You're unsure of your fate or what were you doing, standing at edge, seemingly staring into the face of death.

Should you take the plunge? How deep is the water? Is the water too cold or too hot? Questions as such pop into your mind bit by bit, like a typewriter, it slowly scripts fears into you.

As you prepare to take the jump, you hold your breath and not knowing what to expect, you're in the air. For that brief moment, time had seemed to malfunction and you think to yourself; am I doing the right thing? What will happen of me?

That was weird though, you thought.

Indeed, for you felt as if right before you took the plunge yourself, someone or something had pushed you down. What was it? You have no clue whatsoever.

Then a second thought hit you whist you were in midair; What if I couldn't swim, you thought to yourself, What if I drowned?

Time seemed to stop as sudden as it soon resumed and with a sudden spur, everything was a blur again and that was when you plunged into the water.

"

I'm sure most if not everyone has plunged "into the water" at some point in their lives; it is a common occurrence.

But the issue arises when one is seemingly "pushed" by who or what or something that we don't know. How should we react? Should we even react at all?

There are many aspects which can fit the bill of the "pusher" in this context, the most common accredited to emotions and feelings.

Many a time, our emotions "push" us into situations we don't fancy, don't feel good about, or into situations we feel unsure of; too many a time, in actual fact. But it must be noted that sometime, it is us, ourselves who take the final step off the edge; there was no "push".

A little food for thought then. Hmm...

Time to get back to work, certainly plenty to do. Be sure to check back for updates and articles as always.

Cya'll later.


"... or I'll just end up walking, in the cold November Rain"
----------------



Now playing: Guns N' Roses - November Rain
via FoxyTunes

Discretion or Inspiration? (Part 2)

A place where no one dwells, where nature is untouched, where troubles are non-existent, where dreams live and where hope is alive.

Just a quick mid week update, though the main purpose of this post is to complete the narrative as seen in the previous post.

Life never fails to amaze. Well, at least for me. I've come to realize that there's more then meets the eye to life than "making money and dying peacefully". I mean we see "death" everyday (in the media, for starters) so I guess the society's already shaped and crafted in such a way that we discredit the true meaning of life in general.

Achieving dreams might seem like something out of a novel but I can assure you that it is very real. So real in fact, that even we, fail to notice its prominence.

Its good to dream, its good to aim and its good to plan your life. But what drives it is action, motivation as well as direction.

Dreams and ambitions do come true.

Oh well, on a lighter note, I realize that there is evident change in my sleeping pattern; I'm able to draw larger amounts of energy from lesser amounts of sleep. Something tells me that this isn't exactly what you'll define as a "healthy" lifestyle.

Hmm...

Alright, now for the finale on the previous running narrative. We'll pick it up right where we left; just as the farmer was about to fall asleep (the irony).


"

The morning will bring new hope, the farmer thought to himself as he climbed onto his bed as fell asleep. A soft rumble, barely audible, vocalized in a distance just as the farmer fell asleep...

(END OF PART 1)

-

A cruel dawn broke out against the countryside and though the morning had come, the golden sunshine that the people have grown accustomed to was nowhere to be found. Instead, a huge ominous cloud of enormous statue loomed over the vast fields of the countryside, many of which ripen and ready to harvest.

It was all calm, too calm and then, it was here.

A sudden impulse, and all hell broke loose. The farmer started into consciousness and jumped from his bed. A quick glance outside revealed only one thing as emotion gripped him like a predator on its prey; fear.

So all that talk about a storm and floods were true, the farmer thought to himself as he threw some clothes on, preparing for the worse while he did so.

As if on cue, the first drop of water from the sky descended with the loud complement of thunder in the sky. A light drizzle soon followed, peppering the fields with a dash of water, signaling something of a greater magnitude to follow.

The farmer could hear the light patter of rain falling upon the shack's frail, but sustainable roof; it often leaked. The tempo of the raindrops slowly increased as with the rate of his heartbeat.

-

With rain beating down harshly upon the farmer's already soaked overalls, the farmer didn't slow down for a minute as he repeated a simple chain of actions; pluck, dump into bag, move on to next harvest.

His mind however, was involved in a mix battle of conflict from within, as question after question filled his already troubled mind, deliberating about his actions and the consequence.

As if emphasizing on the already grim situation, streaks on lightning framed the livid skyline, thunder roaring as if in accomplice.

-

Time passed seemingly slow but the rain had only beat down with renewed vigor. And by now, the farmer's fatigue reached an all time low. His movements were sluggish and clumsy.

Bit by bit, his vision clouded. Was it the rain thickening? Or was it just after storm mist which shrouded his surroundings? He mumbled to himself, obviously in delirium and much suffering and torment.

The skies struck once more. A flash of pure energy hit home and the farmer felt the ground shaking, as if shattered by the powerful force of nature itself.

The world around him turned to black.

-

The countryside saw the worse storm that day, one of the most destructive in recent years.

Homes had to be rebuilt, harvest re-cultivated, and hopes had to be re-established. That year also saw the quietest mid autumn festival in the countryside; many lives were ruined and many others stripped of faith.

Few gathered around the traditional mid autumn bon-fire, which didn't looked as impressive as it was last year.

Already the countryside prophets predicted that the torrent of rain that struck the country a couple of days ago was only a fraction of what the year's winter would encompass and rage.

A light chime made its way amongst the small mass gathered there, seeking the last source of warmth before the harsh winter.

Voices were hushed and soft for everyone gathered and prayed softly. There were no feasts. There were no decorations, nor were there any song and dances; everyone provided with whatever little they have left from the storm.

As the Shepherd stepped into the circle that has been made around the minute bon-fire, the voices slowly focused from a distortion of mumbles.

"I heard that a farm on the outskirts..." said one.

"Yes, I've heard it too." Another commented.

"totally destroyed, that one" came the answer.

"The creator blesses them"

The Shepherd's curiosity got to her as she strained to eavesdrop further (no one talked to her as they found no use for her, largely due to her trade).

Sleepless nights had eroded her; her eyes looked tired, her face looked haggard and her hands were shaky. But nothing deteriorated more then her mind. Day and night, she kept thinking about that encounter with that farmer she encountered.

Something. Something made her feel that way, as if a voice was calling out to her everyday. But she failed to verbalize whatever that was making her feel this way.

Unknowingly, the Shepherd has wandered to a desolated spot which looked vaguely familiar to her. A feeling of deja-vu gripped her tightly as she replayed the encounter in her head. There was something about those eyes.

She then saw it. Right there, as if unaffected by the torrent of rain over the period of the pass few days; an apt comparison of the persistent feelings that eluded her all this time.

She knew what to do.

-

A cloud of smoke cleared and the smell of burnt wood was pervading the usually fragrant countryside air.

The farmer was kneeling in front of what looked like the remains of the shack he once lived in, tears welling up in the eyes as he looked in agony.

His shirt was stained with mud for he had fainted just as the rain climaxed a few days back. He had awoken with the devastation before he eyes; his ruined harvest, ravaged fields and more importantly, his destroyed shack.

His parents though, weren't anywhere to be found and he wept at the prospect of them being amongst the charred ruins.

-

The clouds above soon cleared and the countryside saw the first glimpse of the golden sun's rays through the canopy of clouds that raged its anger upon the countryside.

Slowly, golden rays illuminated the countryside, the vast pastures, the lush trees and the green grass, laden with water over the pass couple of days.

A tint of golden fell on the broken farmer as he wept before the devastation, with it, a soft, familiar sound of bells rang from afar.

The farmer doubted his ears but his vision could deceive him no more; a silhouette along the horizon against the setting sun confirmed his thoughts.

She's here, he said.

(End of Part 2)

"

Alright that's all for this part. I must say that a considerable amount of thought was put into this episode so I hope you guys enjoy it as much I writing it.

On a random note, its freaking cold where I am so.

Time for dinner but before I take my leave, I would like to share a particular song, as seen below, to all my readers out there.

Feel free to feedback about the narrative as you deem fit and I'm considering a follow up quite soon.

Cya'll later.

"These words were never easier to say, or her to second guess"

----------------

Now playing: Mayday Parade - Miserable At Best
via FoxyTunes

Hysteria's Call, Part 1

Alright, time for a little update.

Been pretty active these past couple of days largely due to the abundance of outdoor activity both for social purposes as well as personal lifestyle issues.

I'm in the midst of preparing for an upcoming article installment, thus have been doing the required amount of research these past couple of days as well. And don't mind the post's title; you'll be able to see the significance later on in this post.

Active and tiring as the days may be, it serves as an ideal reprieve from the late night projects and various tasks that would normally occupy the average media student. As I've mentioned, learning takes a different form once the holidays start.

Today has been especially hectic due to certain reasons not at my liberty to disclose. This period has also granted me to think about certain taxing issues that I'm sure everyone has in their mind, at some point of their lives.

I've also been looking around for various Universities and post-tertiary education sources. I guess that's what they call planning for the future, which is really, ideal and gives one a clear steer for their respective path in life.

I hold my considerations private to me but naturally, am free from advice from you, my readers. So if you guys have recommendations and better still, if you're in a certain university and would like to share the learning environment there, I'm eager to listen.

I seek further education (after my polytechnic studies in Media Studies and Management) in disciplines such as Media, Psychology, Mass Comm and various Legal aspects, just to name afew. So yea, just looking around for ideas and what not.

Of course, alot of hardwork will have to be invested and put in, in order for admissions to the best universities in the world. So lets all strive for the best and achieve what we seek to in our lives.

Moving on.

More particularly, moving back to the relation of this post and its title which relates greatly to the following narrative which I creatively thought about and through during my free time, just to occupy my mind.

As with my usual narratives, there are hidden meanings and interesting aspects to consider, so I hope you guys will enjoy and have a little food for thought.

So yea, here goes...

"

The man fancied a quick glance at his watch before he exited the building.

Outside, people in black raincoats and umbrellas were doing what they can to stay out and keep themselves as dry as possible, for that all important business meeting, or that exclusive date with a particular gorgeous chick.

Yes, this was the business district of in country and arguably the business capital of the world in itself. This is where high profiled personnel come in and out daily, to keep the economy going as well as to serve the nation; economics and finance was of utmost important.

The man was of no exception. He had nothing to gain in small business ventures but all to lose in big financial advancements and acquisitions of other companies. In essence, he held a high position in both his social ladder as well as his occupation.

He was labeled as the "cold-blooded" stereotype who often axed incapable or under par employees. He would walk into a hall full of the highest ranking officials and deliver a business proposal, messed up the first few lines, but still get the deal done; he was that highly valued.

However, as the rain poured and hammered its relentless fists upon the glass tinted windows of the building, to be precise the company's global headquarters, the man felt a cringe, as if the janitor suddenly decided to turn the radiator off.

Yes, it was time.

And for the first time in a long time, the man felt a very humanly fear creeping up upon him as he stood motionless in the hurried lobby.

Lets just get this over and done with, irritated at even his own cowardice, the man shook what fear was left within his hallowed mind and emptied it before making his move.

After paying the doorman a hefty tip, as with his usual routine, he stepped out of the building.

A sheet of grey enveloped his vision as he struggled for composure. The storm with getting really bad and the people who were out in the open were sparse, if not scattered, in the violent bedlam.

A pity, the man thought to himself as he hailed a nearby cab and signalled for it to drive.

"Going out in this violent storm, sir?" The cab smelled of dried leaves but the man had other things on his mind. Far more taxing issues.

"I hear that the south pier's flooded from all this rain and people are trapped. Communications have been cut off and people are stranded. I sure hope my wife brought her cellphone with her, been trying for ages to call her."

The man kept really quiet, clearly not interested in what the cab driver has to say, and not paying any attention to the conversation at hand as he fiddled with his coat and adjusted his cuffs, waiting in anticipation.

Around the sharp turn and the cab slowed to a halt as its engine fizzled to a dead silence.

Blast it, the man thought to himself and automatically dug up a 50 dollar note and literally threw it at the cabby before he could offer a remedy to the situation.

"Sir, wait! Remember the si..."

The man rallied his umbrella and walked in the direction of the cafe where he was supposed to have his appointment, cursing under his breath as the rain grew heavier, pounding upon his umbrella.

A beacon of light pieced the grim composure of the rainy surrounding as the man crossed another avenue two streets away.

He was there, and grateful to have even made it in this rain.

Now, she'd bloody be coming, he thought as he made his way across the street, the rain so heavy, masking any trace of his presence.

"

Okay, thats all for this first installment. I'm thinking of a 3 part series but yea, there is plenty to digest in this segment of the entire story so yea, hope you guys will have something to think about after reading this short part of the narrative.

Looking forward to comments and be sure to check back for article, updates and the continuation to this short narrative.

Cya'll later.

Random Thought, Vol. 7

Alright, time for a quick update.

Been spending the weekends on movies mainly (but from an undisclosed source) and its been somewhat interesting and fruitful.

And that's probably the reason why I haven't been blogging for the past couple of days.

From the highly humorous, like "Borat" and "Good Luck Chuck", to the action packed "Jumper", each and every single piece of production yields a substantial amount of educational value from within (which I'll be touching on in my upcoming article).

Life has been really hectic recently, but its slowing down for abit as the semester draws to a close.

While others take time off to replenish lost hours of sleep, or even catch up with their friends, I'd prefer to do the the unorthodox of pondering about certain topics and aspects of life.

I did an analysis of my current lifestyle and my current environment just to keep myself in check.

I then reflected on my current mindset and train of thought. Indeed, I have not been feeling too well, emotionally these pass few weeks (mainly due to the workload, changes in lifestyle and certain aspects) but I've dealt with them reasonably week in a sense; I'm still standing tall.

I feel that fighting for what one desires in life is absolutely necessary as things will not drop from the sky just like that, thus I cultivate my drive for achieving greater things.

Its interesting what a certain event or watching a certain show, or experiencing a certain change, can do to both you and the mind.

I would like to share a short narrative with you, my reader, so here goes.


"The man tilted his face towards the wind and sighed. It has been 3 months since he last saw the oasis. He wasn't intent on leaving the oasis but he knew that the time has come for him to leave as he recalled that day.

The winds blew at his back and the sun blazed at his back, as if urging the poor man off and away from the oasis.

I'll come back soon, he whispered to himself as he heed the signs and walked off into the harsh winds of the desert.

Day and night he wondered around the desert and although he wants to leave the desert for good, he always fostered this desire and motivation to find the oasis once again.

Call it a addiction but in the man's mind, one thing repeated again and again; you'll again stumble upon the oasis one day, keep moving.

Indeed the oasis has left an impact on the man, a deep one at that, for the man lost all hope and dream of leaving the desert alive but replaced that, reaching the oasis stands rooted in his mind.

The source and his feeling tells him to search for the oasis, and in doing so, he will remain stuck in the desert as he chooses not to leave but to search for the oasis.

But should he leave? Afterall, the oasis has given him life and hope when he was in the middle of his darkest, most desperate moments as well as console him.

And if not for that moment of spur and release I would still be in the oasis now, he thought to himself quietly, with a distinct hint of regret in his mind.

The man slowed his steps, unsure of his move while his mind deliberates. He feels every grain of sand around him and the wind picking up again and on the horizon, the sun slowly creeps, hinting that sunset looms near.

He stops and slows his steps. With the sun against his eye, he knows that he's facing the direction to the oasis.

Darkness and danger crept around him, urging his natural instinct towards the oasis, but then again, his environment should not dictate his actions, should it?

The man stands there, alone, in the desert with the heat fast draining away. He must make a decision; to continue venturing or to return to the oasis. He knows that he might not even find the oasis, but his heart yearns for it nevertheless.

The man stands very still now, not knowing exactly what to do..."


Hmm... Indeed, the man, the oasis and the desert forms a big chain, but with reference to the narrative, what should the man do?

In a metaphorical sense, all of us will be, at some point in our lives, the man lost in the desert and we will meet an oasis.

Some food for thought then. And as usual, I would love to hear from you guys, my readers.

Now time for a couple of random thoughts

1) It is windy
2) My hair is gone
3) Playing soccer in the rain, not very smart
3) I might have to sleep early tonight
4) There's work to be done (sparsely)
5) I need food
6) The term's drawing to an end
7) Best to get started on (insert)
8) My fan isn't even on, nor is my air conditioning unit
9) I'm looking forward to my lesson on Wednesday
10) My musical senses are calling out to me

That's that, now its time for work. Be sure to check back for articles and relevant updates.

Cya'll later.