The Rhythms of Urban Life Are Everywhere. We Need To Pause Them.

group of people playing drums during daytime

Rumble Rumble. Thump Thump. Grrrr Grrr. These are the common rhythms and sounds of life in an urban city perpetually under construction. At least it's been so in my city for as long as I can remember. Of late, however, it feels like it's worsening! The Noisy Rhythms Of My Habitat Photo by Robert So … Continue reading The Rhythms of Urban Life Are Everywhere. We Need To Pause Them.

My Car Saga Musings #3 — Why I Can’t Wait To Be Free From Cars

person laying in front of silver sedan

Yes, that's right. I am finally saying it out loud. I wish to be free from cars. Or more specifically, my car! What brought this on you ask? Well, aside from the last two times I wrote about my car, I've actually had many more occasions to write about it. Not the least of all … Continue reading My Car Saga Musings #3 — Why I Can’t Wait To Be Free From Cars

Letter To A Special Needs Dad — On Faith. Hope. And Love.

low angle photography gray sky

Dear Mr. Xavier Yap First and foremost, may I call you Xavier? I know it's presumptuous of me to ask since you don't know me. And, up until January 22, 2022, when news about you first broke nationwide, the rest of Singapore and I didn't know you either. This week, however, we found out more … Continue reading Letter To A Special Needs Dad — On Faith. Hope. And Love.

Living in my 50s #1 – Is this the time of my life?

a close up shot of a table number

Four months ago today, as I was leaving one of the many public libraries in my country, I chanced upon a makeshift bookshelf near the exit that displayed a series of books about dementia and health issues facing the elderly. At first, I didn't think much of it. These are probably monthly-rotated showcases. The next … Continue reading Living in my 50s #1 – Is this the time of my life?

My past prepared me for my online spoken reading

male employer gesticulating and explaining idea in light office

Three nights ago, I did something for the second time in two years. I performed a reading aloud online with not one, not two, but four poems I wrote to an audience of fellow writers. 'Performing' is nothing new for me. I've been a lecturer and tutor for over 20 years. But that night's spoken … Continue reading My past prepared me for my online spoken reading

Life after 500 posts — feeling stuck or in a sweet spot?!

woman in red t shirt looking at her laptop

A classic song from Sir Elton John starts with this line: It's a little bit funny; this feeling inside. I think it aptly describes my funny feeling now as I type this post, after announcing last week I've knocked out 500 posts since starting my blog four years ago. Despite what I claimed the past … Continue reading Life after 500 posts — feeling stuck or in a sweet spot?!

Reflections as I approach my 500th blog post!

white notebook and yellow pencil

Today I realize I'm just a week away from clocking my 500th blog post! When I started this blog back in April 2019, I never imagined I'll have the stamina to come this far. Nor did I think I would have enough content to deliver a blog post every single week. Yet here I am, … Continue reading Reflections as I approach my 500th blog post!

SAHDs Are NOT Secondary Caregivers!

boy and girl cutout decals

Two weeks ago, I posted about a group of dads I met. The group meets every month to talk about parenting stuff. Many of us are stay-at-home dads (referred to as SAHDs, pun fully and unfortunately intended). That status offers us unique perspectives of fathering many career-minded fathers who spend little time at home can't … Continue reading SAHDs Are NOT Secondary Caregivers!

Book Review — “My Glory Was I Had Such Friends”

green plant on white ceramic pot

This has to be my most obnoxious book review ever. Why? Because I'm about to "review" a 300+ page memoir about friends that I've only read some 100 pages of. In other words, I'm going to talk about a book I've only read one-third way through. As far as book reviewers go, I must surely … Continue reading Book Review — “My Glory Was I Had Such Friends”

“Clouds in my heart” — another memoir chapter excerpt

man wearing gray blazer

Hey! You might remember exactly a month ago today, I posted about attending my first synchronous online memoir writing course, lasting eight weekly sessions. No? Well, please do check out that post. Then, what I'm sharing below will be more meaningful, when you return here to read it. You see, for this course that I'm … Continue reading “Clouds in my heart” — another memoir chapter excerpt