sigh

Some days we laugh. Some days we cry.

Lifestyle changes

I think in this day and age there is nothing more physically, mentally and financially draining then making the decision to lead a healthy life style. Magazines tell you on end what you should and shouldn't be doing to stay healthy but what they don't tell you is how much cheaper it is to live of fast food and how much more convenient it is.

Three months ago I decided to lead a healthier life. I choose not to use the word diet as I believe it preludes to people thinking about trashy crash diets advertised through the media. In saying that I have never been poorer, had so little time but had so much energy in a very long time.

I used to have a lot of trouble sleeping, I never had energy in the dance classes I attend every day. At 3pm, without fail, I would not just be tired, I would literally be restraining myself from falling asleep. Since changing my eating habits the quality of my days are so much better. I have been loosely following the Paleo diet. The changes I made were minor and mostly just making a definitive decision regarding the controversial vegetables... I still eat potato's, corn and a small amount of milk (which is a  no.. no.. but being a girl- I feel calcium is very important). I have one cheat day a week where I can get my wog on and have a large slice of cake with a coffee at morning tea once a week.

Don't get me wrong, I am not promoting the Paleo lifestyle - it's tough. I honestly feel though it has changed my life.

Smile

I think this songs speaks for its self.

Listen. Love. Smile

Fredrick Lee Interview

Following up on my last post on the fashion designer Fredrick Lee... I have found this youtube clip with an interview that goes deeper into Fredrick's design beliefs and inspirations. Beware... the gowns will amaze you. 

Fredrick Lee

I had my first measure up for 'La Cage Aux Follies' at Fredrick Lee's divine little shop front tucked behind Bugis Village.

The shop was filled with books on the major designers collections, giant perfumes and vintage trinkets including silver miniature planes, telephones and video recorders. This didn't compare to the dresses on display, in the window and throughout the small store. I was absolutely stunned and taken back by the beauty.

The dress in the window first took my attention with its sleek design, mesh to the waist, dazzled with feathers and beading, draping over the shoulders. From the hips to the floor flowed green, blue and black tight fitted skirt perfectly complimenting the blue black feathers on top.

This is only making me more excited. I can't wait to see the designs Fredrick conjures for La Cage. If your based in Singapore and you need a wedding dress designed, I am sure he is your man.

THAIPUSAM

THAIPUSAM - Hindu Festival - A festival for the brave

Today for the second time in Singapore I witnessed the celebrations in Little India for Thaipusam. It is quite confronting at first. A parade of Indian men, some with hooks and skewers pierced through their skin, other with large elaborate displays (Cage like) held up over around their body by hundreds of meter long needles. It is hard not to stare with these large torturous displayed masked by vibrant colours and masses of people, celebrating and chanting. So naturally I had to know more:

'Thaipusam actually celebrates the victory of the Hindu deity Subramanya over the forces of darkness. On this occasion, Hindus show the sincerity of their faith. It is a time for making and fulfilling vows. Devotees pray for divine help and make vows. When their prayers are answered, they fulfil their vows.

To do this, a devotee would pierce his cheeks, tongue, face or other suitable body parts with sharp objects. Next his friends or relatives load a kavadi on his shoulder. Finally, in a trance-like manner, he goes on a 4km journey of faith.' - http://www.etour-singapore.com/thaipusam-singapore.html

These men and women will fast for minimum of three days before the ceremony. This only adding to the torture and lack of energy and strength. Might I add, whilst the quoted information states that they walk 4km, in Singapore (and yes, I admit with my limited experience) those wearing the Kavadi, do not just walk down the street. Some are able to dance, jump, whistle blow and the Kavadi moves, spins and bounces with them all to the beat of their traditional music accompanying. My personal favorites are the Kavadi's with LED lights streaming down their design, lighting up the streets at night while they dance for their Gods.  

It was quite remarkable watching the strength and courage of these men and women, walking the streets to celebrate such a  strong belief. I can tell you I was definitely moved by the sight. Not all the brave demonstrators look capable. At 10pm last year, as I watched from my safe comfortable couch in Starbucks, A man collapsed in the parade with the Kavadi falling down on top of him. A swarm of people surrounded him as he slowly stood back up, showing his strength was coming to an end. He no longer could carry the burden and while mentally he was strong enough, physically his body was rejecting the torture. His friends and family held him up as he continued to walk and pass my sight views. My heart broke for him but at the same time the sheer endurance he showed was inspiring. Not that I have plans of pinning myself down (Pun intended :p - In all seriousness, I couldn't do it) but it just showed what human nature is capable of enduring should you put your mind to it.

This festival shows not only a test of courage but the power of endurance. 

I will never cease to be fascinated by the rainbow of culture that surrounds me in Singapore and the great depths people go to for religion.  

Orange?

RED RED RED RED RED RED RED RED RED RED RED RED RED RED RED RED RED RED RED RED RED RED RED RED RED RED RED RED RED RED RED RED RED RED RED RED

or rather.... 

Orange. 

Love it!

Pure Innocence

I miss this little girl and I haven't even met her yet.

Nell

Still speechless. Nell. Not a movie I had heard of (I know, shame on me) but utterly heartbreaking. 

I still have no words to say. If you like me had not seen it. Just watch it. Incredible.

Time to move

Get on your dancing shoes... 

There was a time I was down, down
I didn't know what to do
I was just stumbling around, around
Thinking things could not improve
I couldn't look on the bright side
Of anything at all
That's when you gave me a call

Now I feel better, better, better than before
I feel better, better, better, now I'm not down any more

And there were times I was sure, so sure
I couldn't turn it around
I couldn't care any more
About the good things I found
That's when you gave me a reason
To make me smile again
I only have to see you and then

I feel better, better, better than before
I feel better, better, better, now I'm not down any more
I feel better, better, better than before
I feel better, better, better, now I'm not down any more

Life sometimes seems to get the best of you
Like everything just brings you down
Just when you think there's nothing you can do
A friendly face will bring you around
And you'll feel better

You'll feel better, you'll feel better,
Better than before
You'll feel better, much better
No you won't get down any more 

 - Gotye - 

Dreams really do come true

Yesterday marked a very special day for me. I received an email offering me a role in a professional musical production going up in July in Singapore. It has taken the full 12 hours for me to even believe it possible. I truly thought when I read it, it was a wonderful dream I had. The instant I woke up, I turned my computer on to discover it was still there looking back at me. 

When I first auditioned for a part in the musical, I really didn't think much about it. It has really become run of the mill for me to rock up, sing, possibly dance, expect not to be called and move onto the next one. Somehow, this time was different. First a call back (I was still calm, I have a thesis on my hands, an audition was the last thing on my mind) and then an offer to join the cast!

I had shamefully fallen asleep at school in rehearsal due to a lack of sleep I have had (which sadly isn't unusual for me) and I woke up checked my email and began to cry- happy tears of course. I didn't realize how much an offer like this would mean to me. I never dreamed of working in musical theater in Singapore but in all honestly, I never put an initial location to achieve my dream, just the dream of being in and apart of a show. [Of course my big dream is to be the lead in a west end musical but dreams like that don't just pop out of thin air]. The email really is a dream come true, performing in my first professional musical. Six years of training, for this. This is what I have been dreaming of for as long as I can remember and what better place to do it, then in a new and thriving arts scene in Singapore. 

Thank you Wild Rice and everyone on the creative team. You are making one little girls dreams become a reality and she couldn't be floating higher. 

Keep a lookout for Singapore premiere of La Cage Aux Follies (with me in the ensemble)

Once upon a time

Some days the world really does let you get carried away and believe all your dreams can come true.