War lesson #1 (of 2) for my sons: Ground convictions in proper research

people in the street protesting against war

The winds have been kinda weird this past week. Blowing beautifully one morning, then disappearing altogether the next. Leaving the air dead still, and me sweltering in this island nation's unrelenting year-round humidity. In a way, it mirrors the world we now live in; news constantly swinging between good and bad, true and false, hope … Continue reading War lesson #1 (of 2) for my sons: Ground convictions in proper research

Parenting in reverse #1: my “discomfort” with mom

woman touching forehead

Ever get this niggling feeling at the back of your mind? Like there's something you need to do or ponder? Maybe it's a message you keep putting off writing cos you don't know what to say or what it's all about? Or you feel it's still too soon to say it, yet it keeps bugging … Continue reading Parenting in reverse #1: my “discomfort” with mom

Parenting Motivations #8 — New school, new beginnings

green and gray scissors

Hey Sons! Happy New Year! Hopefully 2022 is going to be the year we see Covid become an endemic disease everywhere. More like the common cold rather than the never-ending pandemic it is now. But more importantly, this will be one major milestone year for you both. Not only are you approaching "teen-dom" , you're … Continue reading Parenting Motivations #8 — New school, new beginnings

Parenting Motivations #7: Best part of a new year? New textbooks!

wood coffee cup dirty

Happy New Year! Here's hoping you're looking forward to the next 12 months of 2022. I know I am. But not for the usual reasons. Like a new birth, job, wedding or anniversary. For me, it's about...new textbooks! YES siree...I geek on textbooks! Photo by Pixabay on Pexels.com Ever since I was a kid, I've … Continue reading Parenting Motivations #7: Best part of a new year? New textbooks!

Parenting Motivations #6 — Choose LIFE, not PSLE!

love party business creativity

Hey J Congrats on completing your Primary School Leaving Examinations (PSLE) this year! You're all set to start the new year of 2022 in the next phase of your educational journey in a secondary school of your choice. As your parents, we’re as over the moon as you are, but not for the usual reasons … Continue reading Parenting Motivations #6 — Choose LIFE, not PSLE!

Father-son bonding #2 — Rites of Passage

Hey J my precious son, Since my first post about it, I'm getting both excited and nervous as I start planning our December staycay. Truth is, I've never in a million years thought I would be undertaking such an ambitious project -- to take us away for a father-son bonding retreat. Just us two. To … Continue reading Father-son bonding #2 — Rites of Passage

Parenting Motivations #5 — Our first family cell phone agreement

three white ceramic pots with green leaf plants near open notebook with click pen on top

Son, congratulations on owning your first cell phone! You’ve proven yourself mature and responsible enough for us to entrust you with this modern-day device. Given that you have a new cell phone in your hands now, courtesy of your mom and me, we obviously trust you to make good decisions. So why are we making … Continue reading Parenting Motivations #5 — Our first family cell phone agreement

My Monday Metrical Musings #53

acoustic bowed string instrument bowed stringed instrument classical

I Just Need A Moment (Violin Musing II) So this is how it feelsWhen a dream dies.A dream I never knewWas all mine.Had I knownI would have given it back.Returned it like a dog-eared library bookOr an old shoe to its rack. But we strolled into this dream togetherDidn't we?We didn't force feed or threaten … Continue reading My Monday Metrical Musings #53

My Violin Virtuoso — From Verve to Vitriol

brown violin

Dear J my precious boy First off, I'm sorry. I had no idea you felt so much vitriol now for the violin. Recently, when we broached the topic of you returning to violin lessons after a long break (to prepare for your PSLE), your almost knee-jerk reaction and rejection of the idea threw your mom … Continue reading My Violin Virtuoso — From Verve to Vitriol

My Monday Metrical Musings #52

grayscale photography of boy playing violin

Please son, won't you play? (Violin Musing I) What does it feel likeWhen a dream looks likeIt's about to die? When something so gloriousYet deemed by him a weary taskIs about to disappearLike a puff of smokeNever again to pass? I'm not ready to give up this fightYet I can sense this fight is onThe … Continue reading My Monday Metrical Musings #52