Two Ears, One Mouth 
23-5-2015

Often, people yak.

We talk about our earnings, we talk about our purchases, we talk about our feelings, we talk about our appearances.

All conversations start with a "I" must end with a "Me". Because if it doesn't the world wouldn't run its normal course. There would be havoc and cannibalism.

We adore the rhythm in which our vowels click with our consonants. Every word that escapes our mouth screams, "look at me!", "look at how amazing I am!", "my life is more worthy than yours!", "listen to me!", "you will listen to no one but me, and my voice!"

I fervently hope that your voice is playing like a melodious symphony in your ears.

Because mine certainly don't. I am conscious whenever I start dominating the conversation. I would stop. I would sit back. I would listen.

Unfortunately, my observations in my past 20 years of interactions and dealings with people have brought to me to an astounding realisation that people worship not only their voices, but themselves.

Conceit, narcissism, oblivion have to stop all together before the art of listening and caring loses its touch in people.

We need to open our eyes, open our ears and open our hearts to others.

Next time, when I ask you "how is your day?", do us a favour by asking me back. After all, who doesn't need a friend to hear us out?

  

Projection

12-5-2015

You see what I draw for you; you hear what I play for you; you taste what I feed you.

Ultimately, I present you what I want you to believe. If I smile, what message am I conveying to you? I am happy? I am happy because my life is over the rainbow? I am happy to see you even though I am hurting, worrying and crying inside? 

Most likely, the latter.

Projection. 

Noises, colours, lights.

With so much distractions in life, I often find myself getting lost between north and south, east and west. The sad reality is, I am not the only one. Somewhere down the road, many of us have lost our sense of self. We engage in self-pity and petty jealousy.

While social media is wonderful in keeping us connected with our loved ones, social media is the main contributor to the aforementioned distractions.

When we see a Instagram post on someone having mushroom and truffle risotto in a fancy alfresco brunch place, we think, "just fantastic, here I am, eating yesterday's leftover pasta for lunch while tuning in to Grey's Anatomy".

What we don't know is, this person probably just finished his/her exam which he/she had studied day and night for 20 consecutive days while wearing the same shirt.

When we see a Instagram post on someone's new handbag with the ever imposing #myboyfriendisthe best, #relationshipgoals, #patotiepieiloveyou hashtags, we think, " Why didn't my boyfriend buy me a handbag? Does he even love me? I want that kind of relationship too!"

What we don't know is, some poor guy out that is probably sobbing over his empty wallet, wondering if having a girlfriend is the wisest decision.

When we see a Instagram post on someone donning an elaborately assembled outfit in front of a architecturally amazing building, we think, " What a life he/she is living! I want to put on chic outfits and visit photogenic places too!"

What we don't know is, he/she has probably taken 200 similarly different photos at that same spot for the past 2 hours while holding in his/her pee.

Projection.

At the end of the day, 

You see what I draw for you; you hear what I play for you; you taste what I feed you.

Projection.

Visuals: Victoria Avenue 

10-5-2015

My apologies on my previous post, Visuals: May 1-10, which I have removed.  My first blog post entry, Epilogue, has been rather personal and self-reflecting, hence, in a half-hearted attempt to include a more light-weighted piece to this otherwise dark space, I merely posted some photos taken from Snapchat. Looking back, I am ashamed. I hope these visuals serve as a better palate to your eyes.

Epilogue

8-5-2015

She moves from one room to another, never missing a beat, well- composed and articulate, she shares a laugher or two with her guests.

I look into the mirror. A defiant pair of eyes stared right back at me, irritatingly unintimidated, as if daring me to put on-

-To put on a show. She cuddles in for a hug with her friends, while directing a broad grin to the camera.

I look into the mirror. My cheeks are swelled up from all the pretentious smiling.

I like to think that every thing is fine, that nature will takes its course, that the sun will rise no matter how dark the night is.

I like to think we will get up after every fall, that every frown will finds it way to curve itself up to a smile.

I am probably right.