Episode 11 ~ Creating Colors of Cambodia

http://www.artmalaysiagroup.com/arttalk/detail/63/episode-11-creating-colors-of-cambodia

There was a problem. No sooner had our intrepid Honey Khor arrived from her fact finding mission to Cambodia, and off of her smooth Malaysian Airways flight, than she learned that some of the Cambodian school children’s Malaysian sponsors had dropped out. It was a blow. For a few days the book, the interviews and writing were brushed aside to enable Honey to seek fresh sponsors for those Cambodia school children. Without sponsorship those children would not be able to return to school later in the year.

Then there was an even bigger flurry of Honey activity. Emails were written, facebook messages were passed and word of mouth spread as quickly as a free hi-tea at a five star hotel. One after another, friends volunteered to sponsor children, sometimes three children being sponsored by the same family. It was done. The day, and the children’s education, was saved.

Quickly Honey buried herself back into the frenzied business of getting that book together. There was a meeting with the designer, another meeting with the printer and yet more sponsorship – this time for the book’s printing, to be sorted out. Money was coming in, but drip by Malaysian Ringgit drip – agonisingly slowly.

Episode 12 ~ Creating Colors of Cambodia

http://www.artmalaysiagroup.com/arttalk/detail/66/episode-12-creating-colors-of-cambodia

After yet another trip to Singapore – to gain final approval for the book The Story of Colors of Cambodia, Honey Khor found herself negotiating for a fresh, larger, and ultimately more impressive venue for the book launch. It is with thanks to all her friends, and supporters that the new venue was found, and turned out to be even larger, and more impressive, than that most imaginative lady could have envisioned. 

The stage was literally set for the Malaysian book launch of the century. Guests and VIPs were being contacted by the quietly efficient super business-woman Honey.  

Donations and sponsorship – providing money to print the book, were flooding in. Within a very short space of time – and much quicker than the estimated deadline – Honey had secured all the money to print 1,000 copies of the book. Much to all our reliefs.

The writing and designing of the book was slowly taking place, and well on target to get the book to the printers on time. The book, Honey and her sleek SUV were all on a roll, with all systems seeming set at go. This was the crucial time. All had to come together in time for the grand launch. 

Episode 13 ~ Creating Colors of Cambodia

http://www.artmalaysiagroup.com/arttalk/detail/69/episode-13-creating-colors-of-cambodia

Lunching with designers, printers, gallery managers and event personnel had become second nature to Honey. Like Wonder Woman, Honey discarded her kittenish dark sunglasses and donned her business specs in the mere twinkling of an eye, ready to get down to serious business – without even smudging her Stila lip-glaze.

It was simply amazing! People seemed to fall over themselves to help Honey Khor - perhaps it was her innate magnetism, her captivating charm, or perhaps her genuinely warm-hearted altruism which drew like minds to her and her project. Whatever the reason, people simply flocked to ensure that the charity book project was going to be successful.

As well as fleeting hither and thither around Kuala Lumpur, and her excursions abroad to ensure the success of her charity book project, Honey was beavering away at myriad illustrations for the book itself. Honey had parked the well used SUV, picked up her Winsor & Newton brush, and set to work on water-colour paper. Let us not forget – Honey Khor is an artist too, and not just a business woman. The new ink and water-colour illustrations reveal the humorous side to her nature, and give a friendly face to the charity book itself.

Episode 14 ~ Creating Colors of Cambodia

http://www.artmalaysiagroup.com/arttalk/detail/74/episode-14-creating-colors-of-cambodia

There was a definite spring in the well-toned step of Ms Honey Khor, as she bounced into the room and announced – ‘I’ve done it. Yippee. I’ve done it - well, we’ve done it really’. And what had Ms Honey Khor done? She had managed to raise the entire amount of cash needed to print the book – A Story of Colors of Cambodia.

It had been a seven month haul of pleading and cajoling, urging people to part with their hard-earned money, to support the crazy endeavour of a book about a children’s charity aimed at Cambodia. Nevertheless it was congratulations all round – she had done it, and it was slap on the back time and a small, very small, celebratory dinner – consisting of a bowl of watery noodles shared by two.

Time waits for no woman and Honey is no laggard letting moss grow between her toes. So, no sooner had Honey lightened our lives with her news than she was off again. That, now rapidly aging, black SUV sped around Malaysian suburbia taking our heroine to yet more meetings – this time to finalise both the book itself, and the launch of the book – due on 14^th October this year.

Episode 15 ~ Creating Colors of Cambodia

Things were going at the fullest tilt possible. Impatient fingers thrummed tables, hasty phone-calls were made enquiring what had happened, then, as if a lifetime later - the long awaited parcel – containing a print-out of our book manuscript, arrived from the US of A.

After a moment of nervous anticipation, our American editor’s crucial red alterations, critical comments, and superior suggestions were eagerly pored over. Every minute change was noted and sometimes included within the book – A Story of Colors of Cambodia. Pretty soon the manuscript was updated, sections re-arranged, and one or two visual elements tweaked. Then the final keyboard key had clattered. The final amendment was added. The last section of the Indesign file was finished, and so too was - the book, finally and at last.

There was no rapturous applause. No fanfare. No sounding of trumpets, just the faint whir of the computer fan as the final edit was performed, finishing the last section of the book. The document was saved in four places – just in case, and then it was handed over to San San to tidy the whole thing up, bless her. And there it was done – another success for Honey Khor et al.

Episode 16 ~ Creating Colors of Cambodia

http://www.artmalaysiagroup.com/arttalk/detail/84/episode-16-creating-colors-of-cambodia

Honey handed in the final version of the book to the printer. It was a heart stopping moment. Several days later Honey was contacted to say that she could pick up the colour proof of the book.

 

It was with much trepidation and anxiety that Honey travelled in her black SUV, sunglasses perched upon her dainty nose, to collect the colour proof. It was Sunday. Not a normal working day, so Honey had to collect the colour proof from the guard. Her face fairly beamed with pride and delight as she nursed that proof in her hands.


It had been a long day. Honey drove with a huge smile upon her designer-lipstick smeared lips. Honey was top of the world (Ma). It was Mission Impossible made possible by good teamwork. But when she reached home and started to thumb through the proofs, her magic smile faded and frown lines began to appear on her troubled brow.

OMG, it would take a month of Sundays to correct all the errors – but actually they were done within a week thanks to a concerted team effort. Teamwork saved the day. Back Honey trudged to the printer with the final book on her CD.

Episode 17 ~ Creating Colors of Cambodia

http://www.artmalaysiagroup.com/arttalk/detail/85/episode-17-creating-colors-of-cambodia

The book was safely at the printers. It was time Honey turned her attention back to promoting the event – the launching of the book on the 14^th October at Glenmarie, Shah Alam, Kuala Lumpur.

There were dinners to attend, slideshows to beam and people to smile nicely to. Honey reconnected with her old network of friends and business acquaintances, urging them assist in the sales of the Hi-Tea vouchers (RM50 each). It was a trying time.


Banners were to be printed; vouchers were to be printed as were posters and press releases to be sent out. The work seemed endless. Honey beavered away at her laptop, her hand phone and met person after person urging them to help sell the Hi-Tea vouchers.

Slowly the printing was done. The press releases sent, it was just those few remaining Hi-Tea vouchers that remained. It was time for Honey to put herself into top gear. Like the professional she is, Honey depressed her clutch and rammed herself into fifth gear. She sped off like a red Lamborghini, practically all thrust and torc. Her determination was second to none; watch out Mr Business man Honey is on top form and is after your donations.  

Catalonia Summer

Learning about Art History in Malaysia Institute of Art ( 1992-1995) used to be the hardest subject for me. Being poor in English made it much more difficult, I could not understand much when lecturer explained. I even find that it was so tough to read art history book in the past. But, I know, learning is a life time process! I will get there eventually.

Slides presentation by Mr Lok How Yuan during Art History lesson wasn't really appreciate by me at that time in that dark, freezing classroom . So much to remember, so much to learn. But now, I must say: " Thank you, Mr Lok! It was you the one who connected me to this part of world. A world of infinity creation!" 

The Persistence of Memory by Salvodor Salvador Dalí, is the painting that stay with my memory since my study in MIA. Dali's style is like photo realism, it make me think. But, I can only "tried" to understand about his feeling, his way of expression and stories in his art. Until, I am there, in Figueres, Cadagues and Port Lligat. Physically stood right in his living room, bed room, balcony and his studio. Looked out from the window....I took a deep breath. I stood still, wide opened my mouth. I recognised the blue sky, the sea, the rock, the bay and the island have been represented in several of Dali's work ~ The Madonna of Port Lligat, Crucifixion (Corpus Hypercubus), and The Sacrament of the Last Supper. 

Sunlight came through the glass, shined into Dali's studio, on his brushes, mediums for oil colours just as he left them. I imagined he is here, seating in front of one of his last work, on the pulling system he used for working. It was 1930, dali bought simple shack. This shack has been created to a piece of magnificent art by Dali. Every single part in the house is amazing. Decades, Dali lived and worked until the death of his muse Gala in 1982.

Walked in Dali's home and museum twice in 2 years. It's just more than i can tell. I remember my first travelled to Figueres from Bacelona alone in 2012. Sat in the train, I started my "thinking". "The Thinking" have magically connected me to many beautiful people in Figueres. 

The miraculous night that I met Mr Luis Duran, who were so kind and devotion to my sketches; The corner of the street at Duran Hotel & Restaurant where Mr Duran waited for me on the breezing morning; The magical moment I sat in El Celler; A wonderful meeting with gentle and interesting man Joan Vehi, who was photographer and carpenter for Dali; The handsome and creative writer Martí Dacosta who also the owner of Dalícatessen......and the charming, beautiful young adults who enjoyed sketching Sant Pere church with me. I am beholden to the delicate people I met in Catalonia. For what they have done, shared and guided, they had shown me the path, lead me to Dali's footsteps. 

Learning Art History in lives was what I looking forward for years. Even though at that moment in time, I was excited, nervous and worry on my "little" adventure in Figueres. But then...deep is my heart, I know that's "The Way". I would never have imaging myself in where Dali painted. The "Catalonia Summer" was one of my dream came true.

I would like to rejoice this happiness to my dear family members, teachers and friends who have supporting me in this "art journey", their supports have determine my path.

《汤》

汤》

二十多年前我在离开大山脚到吉隆坡求学后，就特别的思念妈妈的住家汤。从小就特别喜欢那飘散于空气中，时而若有若无，时而浓郁难化的香气，也喜欢蹲在火炭炉旁看那烧得红通通的火炭，听煲里的咕噜咕噜滚的声音，然后深深的吸一吸那煲汤飘出来的香味。。。。汤的味道！

不管是简单清淡的红枣冬瓜汤，老黄瓜汤，枸子西洋菜汤，还是红烧咸菜排骨汤，猪肚鱼漂汤都是那么的美味可口。只因为汤里头有“家”的味道。

这一阵子，孩子不时的从他爸爸，我前夫那里带老火汤和家常汤给我。当我从孩子手里接过那盛满一碗汤的保温瓶，心里真的满满的都是感激。 温温的汤喝在口里，也感动。。。更感恩！每一碗汤，我和孩子真的是喝在口里，甜在心里。

我想，这可是修来的福报吧！两个孩子现在除了拥有爸爸妈妈的爱，还有另一个疼惜他们的阿姨，爸爸的女朋友；再加上我那老外老公也挺疼他们的。两个家，个别有了经常烧饭烤排骨羊扒煲汤给他们的阿姨和马丁之后，大家的关系拉近了很多，更融合了。我经常跟告诉孩子，这就是经常围绕着身边的幸福哦！ 感恩“她” 和“他”走进我和孩子的生命里。两个家未必是复杂，用另一个角度看也可以是很简单的。

当初选择离婚后，我们大人和小孩都别无选择的处于难过，受伤的时刻。加上环境和关系的变迁，闲言闲语，孩子受的伤害是比大人还深，还痛！慢慢的我们都挨过了那难堪的时候，孩子也了解我和他爸爸的离异并不是分离的开始。也谅解那个“静静”的爸爸和这个“吵吵”的妈咪当初的抉择；而我们大人也从开始的怨恨到原谅，再把过去的执着放下。一起和孩子的爸安排时间配合载送和照顾孩子。

九年了，孩子的爸终于遇到了他心意的梅姨。我很开心，真心的祝福他们！ 也谢谢梅姨的用心和爱屋及乌。因为通情達意的她，孩子们的日子过得更踏实，更快乐了。

我和孩子都很喜欢她煲的汤。。那些带有淡淡香味和家的味道的汤！

Angkor Hospital for Children - The Mural

This is what happiness meant to me ~ Imagine the smile on the little face when the child looking at the painting....Their smile stay in my heart, i feel the joy...for years! That's the reason why I am back to Colors of Cambodia again and again.

I wish this mural will distract children uncomforted feeling. My blessing to all, may this mural radiate love, joy and peace to everyone.

I am very grateful to have this opportunity to share my skills and knowledge with students in Siem Reap, and at the same time, all of us share our joys and happiness with the children and parents, nurses and doctors...and staffs in the hospital through ART!

Once again, Thank you you all for all the kind supports in art materials, time and efforts for Colors of Cambodia! Cheers!!! 

《给我18岁儿子的话》

敬：
昨天坐在车厢内, 偶尔用眼角看看正在专注驾车的你。我的嘴角微微上扬，其实这只不过是最简单不过的一件事；会驾车了，上大学了，然后毕业。。就业。。但你妈咪我却感到五味参杂。

前两天，看着你的背影，充满信心的跨入大学校门之际，我在想着那些心里话要什么时候对你说。

在我23岁那一年，你在怡保的医院哇哇大哭的，却平安的来到这花花世界。那一年，我纯美术系的好朋友到澳洲报到，继续深造；而我却升级当妈妈！ 23岁当妈妈，从不懂事到凡事都要懂的那一段日子真的不容易过。幸好还有个“阿婆”时常来看你，教你妈咪我如何照顾你，如何煲粥，烹饪等。你应该会永远都把慈祥的”祖祖”记在心底吧？！

我蛮怀念你小时候窝在床上一起阅读的晚上！我们一起付出的努力，现在看到成果了。这一个阅读的习惯你一定要继续哦！

时光荏苒，岁月如梭，过去的日子不晓得你记得多少。但我知道在和你爸分开的那一年我们给你不少的伤害。 以为10岁的你已长大了，可以接受父母离异的事实。还记得那一晚吗？在你的睡房里，偶然间我看到你的周记里些的那一段话，还有你亲爱的老师给你的回复。剎那间，我的泪水直流，我们抱在一起痛哭。深深的感受到你心里的刺痛，和那伤害！

接下来的日子，我们都学习用最好的方式去相处和面对生活。 六年的小学和五年的中学生涯，我也不曾要求你的成绩一定要名列前茅。我深信学校考试只不过是人生里一小锤的事儿，尽力而为！ 拥有广阔的视野和知识加上好的人格和品性却是一生要学习的功课。

其实，你一直以来都是我的骄傲！从小到大你都保持内心的独立，尤其是思考上的独立，不盲从，不轻信，不妄言。妈咪真的希望你在现在这个信息遍地是非混淆的时代你会对事物准确的判断，不被人利用。

我也感受到我的儿子你长大了，开始有自己的思想，对周围、对社会也有了自己的认知和理解。不管你的思考和认知是否正确和成熟，你知道，妈咪我都充分尊重你的看法。

今年，你十八岁了， 意味着长大成人，拥有美好的年华！开始怀着满满的希望，憧憬和未来，但也意味着肩上要担负起自己的责任。很快的，六月八日就要到了，我就要把世界大门的钥匙交给你了！那一天，你就是成人了！

这封信是成人之间心与心的交流与沟通，也衷心送上我对你最真挚和满满的祝福！

希望你的人生将是灿烂阳光的，无论做什么事，一定要尽心和努力！ 我们才会问心无愧，不留遗憾！

儿子，要开开心心、阳光灿烂的迎接你的每一天！好好的珍惜这完全是的英语教学的大学生涯！

深爱你的妈咪