Today, I found myself.. (Day 361)

Today, I found myself viewing pictures of myself that I never knew.

Today, I found myself.. (Day 335)

Today, I found myself not trusting technology as much as I would want to.

Today, I found myself.. (Day 278)

Today, I found myself entering a place that only exists in movies and film.

Today, I found myself.. (Day 98)

Today, I found myself cherishing people more as the perplexing reach of the media befuddles.

Picture found at http://tywkiwdbi.blogspot.com/ and belongs to its respective owner.

Today, I found myself.. (Day 42)

Today, I found myself achieving a hint of nostalgia through the art of kite flying. 

Lonely Road; The Red Jumpsuit Apparatus Live in Concert.

The Red Jumpsuit Apparatus, Lonely Road Concert, Live in Singapore.

What a horrible idea.

Yes indeed it was, as you managed to get out of your seat and squeeze your way out of the packed bus 88, with majority of the commuters on board being the after office crowd.

For the pass hour or so, you’ve been stuck on the bus, trying to get to Downtown East, more specifically for the Red Jumpsuit Apparatus concert; something you’ve been looking forward to since one of your friends told you about them coming to town a few weeks back.

And as you got off the bus, a quick glance at your phone revealed no more than 45 minutes to the “start” of the show. Well, at least that was the timing written on the ticket.

but most importantly, your friends were already at the concert venue, waiting for you. You felt really really bad for making them wait and after explanatory text messages and even phone calls, you decided to take a cab; desperate times calls for desperate measures.

-

Not long after, the cab reaches the destination and you got off, with much a heighten sense of rush and of course, anxiety.

In the distance, you see a vague outline of a tent which is D’Marquee, the concert venue.

You decided that it would be faster to take the “back route” and as you were walking pass the back of the tent, you notice a couple of men dressed in suits who struck uncanny resemblances to a couple of members of the band (namely Bassist, Joey Westwood and Drummer, Jon Wilkes).

However as you were running short on time, you decided that it would have been wiser to join your friends, who were already in the queue. (later on, you realise that those weren’t members of the band but were merely part of the entourage ie. sound guys/stage hands.)

-

The queue was of significant length but thankfully, your friends were already at the front portion of the steadily moving line of concert goers.

And not long after that, you guys were already in the concert hall.

The venue was relatively small as compared to previous concert venues you’ve been to (ie. Singapore Indoor Stadium, Fort Canning Green) but nevertheless, it provided ample space for everyone, a crowd of about 200 strong and growing with people streaming in steadily.

You and your friends decided to filter right as you know what happens in the middle of the crowd during rock concerts as such. (!)

The Set, for 2 bands on showcase.

A glimpse of the stage revealed the set for the night’s entertainment. As you understand from one of you friends, A Vacant Affair, local band from Singapore, will be opening the show, thus explaining 2 drum sets on stage. (another one clothed, behind the other, faintly seen in the picture.)

And you knew that it was due to the fact that Jon was a left handed drummer, which meant that he would have to use a different set configuration.

Hunger soon exhumed in the form of stomachs growling as you and your friends soon felt the tinge to eat, having to have not had anything decent to eat prior to the concert.

Your group soon engaged in casual conversation while waiting for the show to start. (With topics largely centred around food.)

-

A while later, the stage lights dimmed and the crowded erupted into cheers. Needless to say, the opening band was about to perform.

Local rockers, A Vacant Affair, soon took the stage and warmed the crowd with tunes of their own.

A Vacant Affair’s set.

You felt that A Vacant Affair’s set was a tad too loud for your liking and you didn’t really grasp the lyrics of their songs. You also thought that their guitars were over cranked and overwhelmed the rest of the band.

You did however, enjoy the stage presence that the guys from AVA brought out (they were really energetic).

But at least the band got the crowd warmed up for the main event and as they left the stage, the crowd was all hyped up for the band that they paid and came to see.

Chants of “red jumpsuit, red jumpsuit!” were heard from sections of the crowd, indicating their excitement.

Perhaps the worse part of the whole thing was waiting. As hunger was already creeping up on you and your friends, it made the wait seemingly longer, and nearly unbearable; evident from the rest of the crowd as well.

You knew that the crowd had gone restless (and on the verge of insanity) when they starting cheering at the sound man who started to tune the guitars and tested the microphones.

And so you waited. And waited…

-

After a seemingly lifetime’s duration of waiting, the house lights started to dim, and as if on cue, the crowd went crazy.

Yes, it was about time. Slowly, you see the various band members come onstage in minimum lighting.

The hi-hat sounded and a familiar tune soon resumed. The crowd went wild.

High Octave action satisfies everything.

Sounds of their newest hit single, “You Better Pray” soon filled the air and everyone jumped along in excitement and anticipation.

You too felt the rush of excitement and was soon grooving to the catchy beat of the new tune, as with the other people in the crowd around you.

And strangely, your hunger pangs were seemingly cast aside as you sang along to the familiar tune.

The New Line-up.

You knew that not too long ago, Elias Reidy, former guitarist, left the band and the once group of five was reduced to a 4 man set.

Interestingly, the band managed to find a stand-in guitarist (dude with the red guitar to the right of the pictures above) and was introduced to the crowd, though unfortunately, you didn’t get the name of.

In a moment of comic relief, you and your friends agreed that he looked like Jack Black. You even shouted out to him, much to the amusement of the people around you.

Tunes which you already know by hard.

More familiar tunes were belted out. From the highly energetic “False Pretense”, which got the crowd clapping, to the head-banging favourite of “In Fate’s Hands”, there was hardly a moment’s respite from the high tempo rock tunes that the band jammed to.

You felt really good as you sang along to almost if not all of their songs, for these guys are probably the top of your list of favourite bands.

You also felt that most of their songs were very suited for crowd interaction, as the crowd could usually clap along, sing along, or in someway or another, get involved with the song.

The song, “Waiting” was one good example, where the crowd had to sing to parts of the chorus.

“We’re gonna play more songs off our old record tonight since we’re here for the very first time.”

This led to even louder cheers from the crowd as lead singer, Ronnie Winters, interacted with the audience, clearly being more comfortable and familiar with the older records.

You also thought that Ronnie’s ability to scream for such sustained periods of time was simply amazing and awesome.

Mellow at times as well.

The night was not all rock and roll though.

Melodic tunes ensured in the form of “Cat and Mouse”, a sub-piano piece where guitarist Duke Kitchens took to the keys. The song got the crowd singing and swaying as Ronnie showed his vocal capabilities in the form of mellow and highly emotional melodies.

Head Bang. Now.

Everything soon resumed after that mellow respite.

“What do you guys wanna listen to now?”

Drummer Jon Wilkes questioned the crowd only to be responded by endless tirades of “Face down!” screams from the crowd.

That all too familiar starting drum rift soon played and the crowd when into a mode of frenzy.

You thought your ear drums were going to give way as the crowd around you screamed at the top of their lungs.

Naturally you know that everyone in the hall would know “Face Down” and as if to confirm that claim, everyone sang along to the catchy song about an abusive relationship.

You felt that the lyrics to the song after, “Justify” were especially interesting and thought provoking.

A crowd pleaser.

Your legs are tired. Your voice, sore from singing along. Your stomach, growling.

“Pen and Paper”, your personal favourite from the new record was played but other than that and the opener, “You Better Pray”, you hardly remember any other songs from the new record.

A mini interval followed and several members of the band left the stage. Ronnie however, walked over to reach for his acoustic guitar.

And the crowd knew which song it was for.

He started out a couple of random tunes on the guitar but you couldn’t really make out what song it was.

“Your Guardian Angel” soon echoed in the air and everyone sang along, obviously to a song that they’ve heard or have come across before.

“I wanna see that mosh pit over there reforming.”

The concert was drawing to its climax but the crowd’s spirit remained as high as ever.

For a moment you felt like joining in the mosh pit that had opened up for the last song, “Grim Goodbye” upon Ronnie’s request, but you chose otherwise.

And with one final octave, the concert ended and the band left the stage, throwing drumsticks, guitar picks and random balls or tape (which was stuck to Joey’s back at one point) into the crowd. You almost managed to catch that ball of tape.

Awesome Experience. Awesome Concert.

Your legs crumbled as you walked out of the concert hall, clearly satisfied. Your voice is sore from singing along to all the songs played by the band.

And as you hobble off in search of food and refreshments with your friends, you can’t help but think that that was one of, if not the best concert you’ve ever seen in your life, thus far.

With tunes still replaying in your head, you head out through the exit, as with hundreds of others, with that look of satisfaction splashed across their faces.

Hopefully these guys will be back, you thought to yourself. You could really use such an awesome experience again.

-> The Red Jumpsuit Apparatus, Lonely Road concert live in Singapore, 10 March 2009. 2 thumbs up!

-

Hope you guys enjoyed the little review for the awesome concert that is the Red Jumpsuit Apparatus. Be sure to check back for more updates and feel free to comment and feed back if you have something to say!

*The owner of metallic-stains apologises for the poor image quality as seen in this post largely due to the fact that resident camera, Audrey, wasn’t on duty on the night of the event due to safety concerns. The songs as mentioned in the post wasn’t the full set list for the night as memory fails on some of the titles played. This review of the above event only represents one opinion and may or may not be an accurate indication of the concert’s entertainment level. Readers are advised to discredit or credit the post, based on your opinion.

----------------
Now playing: The Red Jumpsuit Apparatus - Waiting
via FoxyTunes

If a Picture paints a thousand words

Its more than pointing and shooting.

Its been awhile since I last featured or talked about a particular subject matter amongst my post so for today's post, we'll be talking about producing a good picture and my personal rational and interpretation behind pictures.

So before you can say "pic spam!", let me warn you that you've been told...

A different perspective to things oblivious to the naked eye.

Well, I can safely say that I'm by no means, a professional photographer (or anywhere near that association as yet) but I guess producing both still images in the form of photographs as well as moving images in the form of movie and film productions can be considered as recent interests.

Both of which has grown into something deeper than mere passing interest.

Creation is satisfying to some while the Created Product is satisfying to the masses; Creation here being the process while the other, the final product. And that being said, I guess my interest for both aspects of creation has sprouted from the very basis of my course of study.

The Media is vast and ever changing.

While some like to convey their thoughts and ideas via literature, others tend to be more visual and thus convey their perceptions through films and the such. We also have a few others who communicate via still images.

Yes, different mediums are and can be used to communicate and accentuate your ideas, thoughts, beliefs or even perspective, if executed in a suitable method.

Literature, Film and Photos are just examples of different mediums.

And well, for me personally, its a tough internal conflict between the three.

I mean I love to actually write down my ideas, thoughts and perception (as seen here on metallic-stains); I love to make films (as cultivated through my course of study) and hope to make and product short but effective and powerful films in the near future.

Clearly, the newest contender here being the epitome of imaging.

Well, some of you guys out there might have notice a little addition to the link bar to the right and as mentioned in the previous posts, the new member of the management team has indeed widen and developed my interest in the said field.

While metallic-stains stands as my literal take on life, my pictures will (hopefully) represent my visual take on the big picture.

Some of my more visual works can be viewed here, http://www.flickr.com/photos/33694436@N07/ though I'm always open to comments and critical insights regarding my photos, both technically and idealistically.

Technical and Idealistic execution are both important aspects of a picture.

On a technical front, I'm pretty sure that I've got loads more to learn to even consider myself as a photographer. This comes with experience and guidance, things which I consider myself in vital need which (hopefully again) will come in time.

Thus, I chose to work towards my idealistic take on photo taking.

There are millions of photographers out there in the world but the sole appeal of the medium is simple because it gives the people to present their unique perceptions and ideas in the form of pictures.

Well, to me, I feel strongly about the idea and "feel" that the picture is giving me. What is it trying to say? What emotion is it trying to portray?

To me, a good picture means a mind provoking experience, though not always in a negative manner. A good picture should set the viewer thinking and relating.

There are numerous pictures out there on the net and I for one have certainly seen quite a number of good pictures out there, some even able to put my mind into a mental frenzy.

Yes, it is quite appealing and interesting to explore uncharted perceptions and ideas using this medium.

I have an aim every time I interact with Audrey (refer to previous posts for more clarification about the entity). Exploring perceptions has always been something that I value with high regard on a personal level and that is what I aim, every single time I look through her eyes in preparation for a shot.

Thus as we come to the end of this rather concise post, I would like some feedback and advice on the relevant topic;

Which is more important, the Technical or Idealistic aspect of a picture?

Remember to check back for some awesome material coming up and with that I'll see you guys around and hoped you've enjoyed this little feature as much as I did while taking the photos.

Keep Snapping!

*Pleas refer to the team's flickr page for more visual works. The uncredited use of materials from the above feature post without the knowledge of the management team of metallic-stains will result in negative consequences. Please, let creativity and ideas thrive, stamp out plagiarism.

----------------
Whatever's Good in the Pot.
Now playing: New Found Glory - I Don't Wanna Know
via FoxyTunes

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

The Missing Piece

Sometimes we just need to sit back and think about that missing piece.

I've noticed that my posts are getting more and more irregular and infrequent (about one post weekly). But rest assured, this can be solely accredited to the huge influx of work being thrown on us as the holidays draw near.

Christmas holidays to be exact.

More content will be available once time frees up and quite honestly, I can't wait for the Christmas holidays. But then again, who can? I'm sure all of us would welcome the soon-to-be-here break with huge open arms.

The pass few days were largely interesting to me as an individual, personally and professionally. Largely due to a particular assignment given which required photographs to be taken, whilst at the same time, following the specific theme.

For 3 consecutive days, I've been lugging through the distinct landmarks of Singapore, in hopes of finding the shots that are required for the assignment as well as for personal interest.

Interestingly, the more shots I took for the assignment, the more I found myself attuned to the novelty of photography. I've always been an admirer of great photographs but never really about the process of capturing the picture but this assignment has certainly changed my perception.

I've learnt that there are various elements to taking a good photograph and that it isn't as simple as to "aim and shoot". A good photographer will have to possess key attributes such as patience and a good eye of perception.

Certainly no walk in the park but its certainly an interest worth considering (though a costly one).

And now, on to today's topic.

Ever felt that a little something is missing at a particular period, a particular place or a particular designation during your life?

We live in a fast paced society and there's certainly no denying that. From the time we take our first step into education until the day we pack the office and leave for home after completing the last day of work, I'm safe to say that we live a pacy life.

However, let us now take a step back, ignore the pacy demands of life and ponder over the missing piece.

I'm sure that many a time, we've had the feeling of "a little something missing".

You have just finished your novel but as you read through the narrative, you find that there is "a little something missing"; The painting that you've been working on is finally completed, but as you sit back to admire your work, you find that it lacks "a little something".

A void of substance is often accredited to this "missing piece". We know the empty space is there, but somehow, we don't and we are unable to find something to fit that missing space, inch for inch, prim and proper.

I feel that this can be referenced to multiple aspects of life; Work, businesses, products, relationships, family and the such.

The list goes on and on.

It is interesting that we, as human beings, are such peculiar creatures on this level. As the "missing piece" is hard to find, many give up without even trying. While in some other cases, the missing piece literally walks into your life but goes unnoticed through the oblivious human perception.

People, things and opportunities walk right into our lives, but will we take it?

Life is a journey that contains imperfections, mistakes as well as obstacles. Some say that life is a puzzle. Yes, we can say that life is like huge puzzle, but I'd like to think of life as an "un-completable" puzzle, divided into numerous segments.

To find the "missing piece" in life, one has to look and observe and most importantly, treasure the things we already have while working towards the things we want to achieve.

Its like taking a good picture, where one has to find the "missing element" in a setting and portraying that element effectively in a picture. Sure, identifying whatever's missing is by far, an audacious task, but it is through these experiences which will make us stronger and improve.

Thus, identify the emptiness and seek to find an answer for it. Search for that special missing piece to make your segment of the puzzle complete.

I'll end here for now, a little food for thought through the topic, I hope. Assignment awaits.

As per normal, I'll be updating with new content soon so stay tuned and check back in abit.

One more week towards the much deserved holidays, let us all hang in there and make that final dash to the checkpoint.

Cya'll later.

*All pictures as seen in this post belongs to the management team of metallic-stains.blogspot.com. Plagiarism without consent will result in undesirable consequences.

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


Now playing: Taking Back Sunday - Make Damn Sure
via FoxyTunes

5 Hours and the Farmer's conclusion

5 hours; that is how much sleep I'm getting on average for the past couple of weeks (not including weekends).

Its time for your weekly update here on metallic-stains but before that, allow me to share a couple of images which I collected over the past weeks. My less than impressive "portfolio", if you must.

"Irony"

This picture is filled with a cross of culture; where modernization meets tradition. We have a Lamborghini to the left of the picture, while a couple of Trishaws (and their riders) to the right.

To me personally, I feel that this picture describes change from a very abstract point of view. A mix of cultural, technological and societal change is the main theme of the picture as viewers get to see the contrast between the modern day mode of transport to the modest equivalent of the past.

The picture exudes an aura of thought and contrast between the two ends of the spectrum which will thus create a sense of irony, giving reason to the title of the picture.

"The Fall"

Shot at the Marina Bay area, One Fullerton to be exact and to be totally honest, I was blown away (literally) at the massive storm clouds which massed around the area that time.

This picture gives the viewers a sense of destructiveness and chaos which Mother Nature is capable of. A feeling of impending doom also radiates from this picture as grim and intimidating looking clouds frame the distinct skyline of the tall establishments there.

It also gives me a very desolated feel, as if hinting at the world's end. Sadness is also evident as with destruction comes the due emotive responses.

"Contrast"

Shot taken at around the same time as the previous picture, at the exact same location.

I find this one particularly interesting as it shows a whole world of difference; as if light meets dark. One hand, we see massively grim looking storm clouds gathering while on the other, light and peace pervades the atmosphere. Another apt title would have been along the lines of "Peace before the Storm".

This one struck me as a picture filled with the theme of conflict. Very often in life, we face conflicts, differences and stark changes. In a way, this picture hits at the battle between "light" and "dark", thus invoking the feel of conflict. Life is, in a way, similar to this picture for we are constantly on the move and thus are subjected to change inadvertently.


Alright, hope you guys enjoyed that little "photo-presentation" as much as I did while taking the pictures.

As mentioned at the beginning of the post, its been a rather hectic week (as with usual protocol) in school but thankfully, the weekends are here.

This is an interesting fact though. Many a time, we find ourselves on a Monday morning, stuck on a train packed with working class individuals all around, as they somehow manages to lug themselves out of bed and to work and you think to yourself "wished the weekends came sooner".

In that sense, the weekends are converted into temporarily motivating factors, which can be also termed, Motivators.

Day by day, our mind is boosted by the fact that the weekends are getting nearer and nearer and when you wake up on a Friday morning, you know you've made it through the week.

I guess its human nature to have such unorthodox sources of motivation, which is really interesting and thought provoking at that.

So yea, a little food for thought for the soul never hurts.

Moving on to some light hearted material.

One of the more interesting shirt labels I've seen.

Was in the shower a couple of minutes back and my shirt label caught my attention. There was a little description on it and here's what it said:

"The nice guys get washed away
Like the snow and the rain
There’s been a load of compromising
On the road to my horizon
I’m gonna be where
The lights are shining on me"

Yup, I know. You're probably having the same exact reaction as I did after reading this off the shirt label. Certainly one of the more interesting ones I've come across so far.

Really interesting stuff.

Alright, and now for a short conclusion for the "Discretion or Inspiration?" narrative which was posted awhile back.

Thank you all, for the feedback and comments on the narrative, looking forward to more responses. Feel free to "follow" or subscribe to metallic-stains via the options to the left side of the page.

Here goes;

"

A year had passed after the chain of events in the previous chapter and we start on a familiar corner in the marketplace set in the countryside.

The smell of spring was evident in the air as the light scent of fragrance flourished everywhere. The crowds had also returned but curiously, the marketplace had also seemingly grew in size and population; a rare occurrence as the people seldom stayed in the countryside for long.

A distinct tinkle of bells differentiated itself from the buzz of activity of the masses, who were busy with trade or purchases.

There at the corner, the Shepard stood, with the same amount of grace and demeanor as she always had, staff in hand.

Her gaze shifted from person to person as she surveyed and observed the crowd in the marketplace; this spring had brought new visitors as well as residents.

The Shepard made her move as she glided through the shifting mass of people and made her way through the crowds easily, the bells on her staff tinkling with every step she took.

She soon reached the outskirts of the marketplace and with a final glance back, she turned and walked into the vast plains of the countryside. Her footsteps light and quick, as if rushing to meet with someone.

Soon, the familiar sound of her herd greeted her as she crossed a ruined field, once a plantation and there in the middle of the vast field, a large house made out of bricks stood sturdily as golden rays of sun painted it in a shade of bright yellow.

*

Beads of sweat descended upon the wooden floors of the workshop. The Farmer leaned against a table as he slowly knocked the rough edges of the wood work that he's been working on for the past hour.

The tinkle of bells which he became so accustomed to in recent times made him stop and look up. He dropped his tools and stepped into the golden sunlight which bathed the the countryside.

*

Night soon fell upon the countryside. The Farmer settled for supper while the Shepard sat, quietly staring at him as he took the roasted chicken out of the oven, with due fragrance coming along with it.

A small smile framed the Shepard's face as the Farmer sat down. Her eyes met his and there was always this special connection between them; a connection indescribable by words alone.

It has thus been like this since the tragic incident a year back. Though the scars of those events will forever be etched in the Farmer's mind, he is thankful for this new rite of life but more importantly, the Shepard, for it was her who rescued him from the jaws of oblivion and it was her who stood by him all this while as he got his life back on track.

Now a year later, things have changed considerably in the countryside; people no longer left during the winter due to the availability of wool from the Shepard's herd and trade was booming and growing.

But for the Farmer, material indulgences are insignificant, for the greatest gift of all sat right in front of him at the dinner table, staring right into his eyes.

Lets Eat, the Farmer said, as a smile sneaked out through the corner of his mouth.

"

Hope you guys enjoyed the conclusive installment for the narrative. Unfortunately due to the excessive length constrains (as well as my energy level), I'm not able to fully develop and elaborate as much as I wanted to.

But nevertheless, I hope the narrative has brought a breath of fresh air and a little something to think about.

Okay, time for me to recharge my energy level and snooze the night away (whatever's left of the night anyway).

Remember to check back for updates and articles. Till then.

Cya'll later.

*All pictures as seen in this post strictly belongs to the owner of metallic-stains.blogspot.com and its management team. All rights reserved.

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Song of the Post

Now playing: The Beatles - A Day in the Life
via FoxyTunes

Oh Blogger, why shall thou fail me now?

Ok like what the heck.

Apparently, I can't upload pictures to blogger now, probably due to my internet connection (yikes!).

Was planning on doing the concert review tonight but it looks like I'll have to push back the posting date, so for you guys out there who either:

- Wanted to go to the concert but couldn't due to various reasons (but still want to know the run-down) and are MAJOR Click Five fans;

- Was there at the concert but was sitting right at the back (blah) and want to know what actually happens up front;

- Was right smack in the middle of the action in front but refuse to move AT ALL (like okayyy...);

- Have no freaking idea whatsoever who or what the Click Five is and what the hype is about;

- Went for the concert BUT missed the aftermath of it all, which honestly, was the best part *hint hint*;

I'll update shortly, as soon as I get a stable internet connection and when BLOGGER WILL FINALLY POST MY PICTURES FOR ME.

Hang in there, my readers, this update WILL be worth it, I assure you.

Till then, stay sharp.

Cya'll later.