On The Road 2

Hi everyone,
Tomorrow marks the start of a busy time in school and at work for our family.
But we are so glad for the opportnuity to recharge and spend time together the last couple of weeks. Our driving trip to Malaysia was truly a delightful one and far exceeded our expectations in many ways! Though the journey was long and the pleasures simple, we bonded as a family as we trekked through muddy forests, ate strawberries or huddled up under blankets to watch TV together in our cosy apartment up in the highlands. The experience reminded me that a family holiday should be an opportunity for slowing down and creating shared experiences rather than simply jetsetting off to expensive or exotic destinations only to feel rushed or overwhelmed by a packed itinerary. Less is indeed more!

sheon  

My Simply Delightful Top

Hi there,

The sunny tropical weather which we have over in Singapore greatly limits our choice of crochet clothing. I was pleased to find a pattern for a top which was a little more 'airy'.

As I've mentioned before, I usually work on such projects during 'waiting times' -- waiting for my girl while she's at ballet, during long car rides, long train rides, long bus rides...(you get the idea). In fact, this project has taken me almost 9 months...and it has been to Japan and Malaysia too!

The pattern is by Patricia Williams and was first published in the May 2009 edition of Crochet! magazine. You can purchase the pattern on Ravelry (click here for link).
 (Simply Delightful Top by Patricia Williams)

I made mine in a different colour and crocheted the ribbon instead of using a silk one. Here are some of the details.

 

Have another great weekend!

Serena

On The Road

Our family of five will be heading up north tomorrow, on a driving trip to the cooler climes of Cameron Highlands followed by some retail therapy in Kuala Lumpur. When the boys were younger, driving trips to neighbouring Malaysia were our preferred holiday style - you can carry everything (including all the peripherals needed for 2 small children) easily in the trunk, play any music you like, take rest and food stops whenver the fancy strikes and spend lots of time in close proximity bonding (and often fighting!) with your sibling, surrounded by your favourite cuddlies and blankies!

Nobody really minded where we ended up... in fact, some of the places we stayed in were simple, rustic and not necessarily filled with spectacular scenery or exciting activities. It was simply the process of journeying together and making the experience up as we went along that we enjoyed so much. Tomorrow's going to be the first road trip for our youngest - we hope it'll be a great start to a new journey together as a family... share with you the highlights soon!

Sheon

In Anticipation of...Father's Day

When I was growing up, my father was a powerful source of motivation and inspiration in my life. He set high expectations but was also encouraging, supportive and brimming with a good sense of humour. Though he passed on when I was in my teens, I remember him no less fondly than the last time he waved goodbye as he headed off for work. Many of his actions and decisions have shaped who I am today and continue to influence what I do.

Today, my husband and father to our three spunky boys works so hard to provide the best for us. When at home, he has to be both disciplinarian and counsellor, a delicate balance to achieve especially when parenting a teenager who's struggling to establish his own identity. For all his efforts and perserverance, I am deeply appreciative.

According to The Science of Fatherhood: Why Dads Matter, fathers are no less (and possibly even more) important than mothers in children's lives. Remember to give your fathers (and husbands) a big hug on 16th June!

Sheon