Where'd you go?

If you're reading this, I shall assume that you have taken an interest in my life and are wondering why I have not posted anything new in over a month. Thus, it is highly possible that you currently have this question posed on your lips. One word: Tumblr.

I have been on Tumblr since 22nd August 2011, way before I started this blog (9th January 2012). But I've only been posting (not reblogging) more actively here recently. Why? Because I kinda wanted to document my life so I can remember, before I turn all old and gray grey gray.

But Tumblr has always been more of a visual thing than a text thing. And on Tumblr, people tend to like shorter posts, which is why I have not deleted this blog. I have always expressed myself in words and that is why I will always need a place to dump my word walls. Of course, it doesn't hurt that Blogger is better for posts that involve a lot of media in it.

I've been reading a lot of articles written by teenage girls (mostly American), who have a penchant for the phrase "in retrospect", on this website called Rookie. It also has stories, comics, playlists, and my personal favourite - how to's and loads more besides. I am currently waiting for a theme that I can write for so I can send in a submission. *grin*

Also, I have another blog where I post my poems and other stuff. But maybe I should move them here... I don't know, maybe I will. I have an awful lot of things to upkeep. I am also trying to reduce the number of Tumblogs I have.

AND I'm learning how to code.

What else have I been doing that's made me so busy?
After my trip to Singapore and the BRATs camp during the school holidays, I...
1. Went back to school for a week.
2. Went to Langkawi for the National Music Camp for a week.
3. Came back from Langkawi and started leaving class and staying back at school in preparation for our school's first ever Symphony Orchestra concert. I was a conductor, concertmistress and I played a duet.
4. Catching up with all the schoolwork.
5. Rehearsing for PPO/KVSO/whatever concert on 20th July.
6. Trying not to implode.
7. Tumblr-ing. See above.
So I'm so sorry if I didn't manage to post, it's totally my fault.

Finally, I'll be revamping this blog, i.e. the design and the pages. I've already gone through a few changes over the past year and half, mainly in the background, from wicked to vintage, that short-lived The Hunger Games craze, and Part-Time Poet. Plus all those awkward animations, with the chandelier and the falling petals. I remember when all my fonts were cursive, I especially abused Crafty Girls. We all grow up, and grow out of things. And now, I think I want my blog to be more minimalistic, a bit more like Tumblr but not quite. I'm currently changing my fonts, from Crafty Girls to Trebuchet Ms to Georgia (page), from Sunshiney to Josefin Slab to Courier (title), and from Indie Flower to Arvo (gadget). (That last sentence was more for my benefit than yours, tbh.) Now, the music only plays when you want it to, because let's face it, auto-playing music is annoying. I'm trying to live life more simply, and what better way to showcase that than through my blog? Crossed out that whole sentence because it's nothing but a lie. But it is true that I want things to be more simple, and less messed up. The art is to not get attached, to learn when to let go.

Ok, I think I better stop now. This post is getting me nowhere.
Thank you for reading this.

Bratty Potatoes

I met so many amazing people in this camp.
The experiences.
The friends I made.
The mentors treated us differently compared to most adults.
I want to do more assignments, I wish I could do this instead of school...
I miss it already.
Potatoes.
Videos.
Tumblr, Instagram, Twitter.
I'm glad I joined.

{To be updated when I finally get over my feels.}

Suspension of Disbelief

{Note: This is the opinion of a teenager who's attempting to be less biased in her blog posts. Agree or disagree, comment below and tell me why. Also, there will be no GIFs this time.}

Sometimes, I wonder if certain people are qualified to judge a competition. Do these people really know everything there is to know? In fact, do they know anything at all? If so, what makes their opinion matter more than everyone else's? For example, what is Nicki Minaj, a rapper with limited singing ability, doing as a judge on a singing competition? She's not a producer like Randy Jackson or Simon Cowell who can offer them a recording deal. What can the contestants, as singers, hope to gain from her besides unrelated performing advice?
Anyway, I digress.

I think I should keep the real reason why I'm writing this article confidential. Just know that there are some many things that I'm not happy about.

This is regarding the theatre, and those who supposedly "judge" it. I will be referencing a drama that I co-wrote with some members of my school drama team, called "The Box of Heart".

At Short+Sweet, I learnt that the principle of theatre is the suspension of disbelief, and that the theatre is a shared act of imagination between those watching and those doing, the audience and the actors respectively. While writing a script for a play, I had to think in stage, I had to think about what makes it a play and not a movie, and why it had to be performed on stage, not in front of a camera. Also, the character had to want something and do something to get it.
In The Box of Heart, a toy ballerina and toy soldier (no, it's not the Nutcracker) desire to become human. The ballerina because she wanted to dance in front of a real audience, the soldier because he wanted to help protect his country. They set off on a journey to find the Pandaro* Box, which contained a heart. Along the way, they began to feel different emotions and learnt what makes a human, human. So characters who want and do, check!

On stage, you have to speak loudly and clearly with perfect pronunciation. Or else the audience will not understand what you're saying, lose their focus, get distracted, and ignore you completely. Check! My actresses worked hard and their pronunciation was a vast improvement compared to previous years and to be frank, they had the best pronunciation that day.

But the big question remains: What makes a play, a play?

One of the given guidelines was "minimise use of props". Check! We only focused on the essentials and forgoed forwent did without the background scenery. In fact, we had the least props. After all, if we act as though we were in a dark forest, and we act it right, can't we trust the audience to be smart enough to figure it out we are? After all, we also have sound effects going on in the background. Unlike other schools, who besides even more props and sound effects, had backgrounds. One even had a projector with a screen!
We often forget that the audience is smarter than we think. I think we have forgotten that we don't need backgrounds, effects, scenery and sometimes a single prop to create a good play. After all, it's not like we're putting on a full-scale production on Broadway. Sometimes, even Broadway shows have no or little use for props. I know that most of the time, certain props are essential. For example in a cafe, you might need tables, chairs. But do you really need to have the counter, the kitchen and the windows too? No!
To be something or somewhere, we don't need proof that we are.

Do we really need to show the audience the sky to let them know we are flying? No, all we need is to ask them to suspend their disbelief and let their imagination take flight. All we need is the belief that we are more than what can be seen. All we need is to believe.

So now, I ask you, whether or not you are the writer/director/producer, the actor, the judge, or the audience, to suspend your disbelief and just believe in the magic that unfolds before your very eyes. For that, is the stage, that is the theatre.


*Pandaro: We were thinking of a name to call the box. Eventually, we gave up and someone just typed in "Pandora". (We were writing the script on the laptop.) Well, she made an error and it showed up on the screen as "Pandaro". Hence, the Pandaro Box was born.

Drama Bananas

{30th April 2013}
It's funny how things here contradict themselves.
We didn't win. I won't say much more beyond that because in my heart, we were, are, and always will be the best. I love you all, thank you all for being so perfect, amazing, and talented.
If we won, I promised Rose to treat you all to a slice of cake each at Indulgence...
Now, I guess I'll just get a pandan cake from the bakery haha.
I kept the Pandaro Box by the way. Sentimental value. :P

The Cast:
~ Ballerina | Li Winn
The latest addition to the drama team. As the main character, you sure had a lot on your shoulders. And you did beautifully. You improved so much in such a short time, an inspiration to me. :)
~ Soldier | Xin Hui
You're unbelievably good as a guy... Next time, don't make me have to stand in! Even though you missed a few practices, you're still easily one of the most dedicated of the team, I think you memorised the entire script. Appreciate everything. And yes, your map is beautiful. (Is it still intact?)
~ Fairy Godmother | Roselyn
It almost feels like this character was made for you. Thank you for being yourself. That was enough. And you were a gorgeous fairy godmother.
~ Jenny | Shu Qi
*Cough cough* I keep calling you "Jenny", you don't like it, sorry! Never expected you to be so good, I was pleasantly surprised by your audition. You remind me of myself a couple of years ago (omg sounding like an old lady), especially when we co-complain about certain uninvolved people.
~ Bobby | Mei Kwan
I really hope your studies don't get affected, but no worries, I'm sure they won't, cause you give everything you do your 100%. Thank you for making the "10 years later" sign. You are perfect. I'm not lying.
~ Mom | Zhi Xin
I still think you're too pretty to be the mom, but you did an awesome job and you and the crazy chick below impressed me so much, especially during the hospital scene. Your skills are truly impressive.
~ Doctor | Jun Qi
You could have done more with the doctor but whatever. Thank you so much for helping me with the sound effects (i.e. doing everything for me), being so supportive, slapping sense into me, and always keeping cool, you're the best, and i wuv u. <3
~ Jenni & Marytha
Babies of the group. Thank you for trying and doing your very best. The two of you are only going to get much better, I just know it.
The Crew:
~ The Glue | Me
Sorry for being the wet blanket. Thank you all for putting up with my inexperienced incompetence. Thank you all for making me feel like I was doing something right. Thank you all for making me feel so proud and happy.
~ Fireworks | Sharmine
Thank you for helping out and doing everything so I had much less to think about! And for all the advice you gave everyone.
~ Objects | Elysa/Pei Wen
You only joined in a bit later, but you were so dedicated with the props and you did a really good job, especially with the round thing. You're a little blur at times, but your focus was there when it really mattered.
The Mentors:
~ Lee Rachel
THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR COMING BACK EVEN THOUGH YOU DIDN'T HAVE TO. Hugs and kisses. xoxo I really hope we didn't let you down... Thank you for believing in us and always pushing us to be even better. I wish I could have been in your English class, I bet they were really fun.
~ So Jun
THANK YOU FOR EVERYTHING. The advice, the threats, the support... The list goes on. Big hugs and kisses to you too. XOXO
~ Rachel Lee
You weren't there physically but you gave us support via your Facebook posts. Thank you for making us better people and for your never ending support and advice. Btw, we called you and we got your mom, and when she picked up we thought it was you and we screamed. Apologies to your mom for that, she must have been pretty bewildered. Banana monkeys indeed. <3

To the judges: Whatever. These girls are the best, and they don't need you to tell them that.

Family photo.

When You Believe

Last night was the AMC Chinese Orchestra concert.

I didn't forget any notes, I was pretty stiff, but I tried, and therefore no one should criticise me.
Anyway, I'm quite proud of myself for not freaking out in front of so many people. :)

Short + Sweet

So I joined some of the Short+Sweet writing and directing/acting workshops last week.
They were all conducted by this really awesome Aussie dude, Alex Broun, who according to Wikipedia, is known as the "Shakespeare of short plays". Impressive, eh?
{WARNING: This will be a wordy entry.}

～ 12 April, Friday night: Playwriting (Level 1)
Whoa, learned that I actually know nothing about writing for the stage. Started from scratch, learned loads of new things. Including the principle of theatre: the suspension of disbelief. The workshop was mostly about learning how to write 10-minute plays. Alex was really good, he said: "Alex walks into the room. Alex stands still for 10 minutes. Alex leaves the room. For those of you who thought it's impossible for you to write a 10-minute play, I just proved you all wrong." Unbelievable. Among other things, I learnt to think in stage and not film. Difficult for people like me, since we're all bombarded with screen, not stage. Learnt the tools for writing a good 10-minute play, the structure of a 10-minute play, etc. My notebook is filled with notes.

～ 13 April, Saturday midday: Directing & Acting (Level 1)
This workshop was conducted together with this beautiful girl from Dubai called Dana. The best thing about Dana and Alex is their "feedback" aren't critiques, they're actually advice. The difference is that critiques make you feel bad about yourself, advice make you feel more positive, like "yeah, I can do that". Know what I mean? Anyway, we worked in groups to come up with a 1-minute play with the title "Blue Sunset", and a 2-minute play beginning with the phrase "Something just happened". It was a lot of fun, and all the people there were so talented and creative. (I am not just throwing these words out, by the way.)

～ Same day, afternoon: Playwriting (Level 2)
Actually wasn't planning on attending this workshop, but I gave in. I WANT TO LEARN MORE!! Thank God I changed my mind, I learned the most important thing about writing. Period. THE HERO'S JOURNEY, which can be applied to all manner of writing.

So thank you KLPAC, Datuk Faridah Merican, Alex Broun and Dana for this learning experience.

～ Failed to attend Sunday workshops due to my living elsewhere and having to make it home in time for school.

Random picture taken from the AD studio of KLPAC.

No more ducks in the lake. :(

"The theatre is a shared act of imagination for the audience and the actors."

The 30-Day Photo Challenge

Day 30: A picture of someone you miss.

Mei-yin Gruber (girl in the background: Liiiiiiiiii), and my cousin Juliette.

On the left we have a Swedish/Chinese girl from London whose favourite response to things is: "It's so magical!" Only met her in August 2011, didn't get to meet her when she came back this year, but I really miss the quirkiness she brought to life.
On the right, we have me and my cousin Juliette swinging hands while walking down New York at Universal Studios Singapore. Another girl I can tell everything to. Unfortunately, I only get to see her once a year.


Day 29: A picture that can always make you smile.

Anime. (Top = Avatar: The Last Airbender, Left = Fairy Tail, Right = Kaichou Wa Maid-Sama, Bottom = Avatar: The Legend Of Korra.)

Whenever I have a bad day, or I feel upset, I just watch one of these 4 anime series. (Actually, Avatar is a Nickelodeon cartoon, but since it was inspired by Studio Ghibli animations, I shall call it an anime.) By the end of a single episode, I always find a smile on my face. :)


Day 28: A picture of something you're afraid of.

Dementors.

Well, not exactly Dementors in the literal sense. Just, depression, fear, pain, and suffering. That kind of thing.


Day 27: A picture of yourself and a family member.

My Mom.

The lass that birthed yours truly.


Day 26: A picture of something that means a lot to you.

Past birthday presents.

No other description available.

Day 25: A picture of your day.

Dawn.

Oh, you know, they're days.

Day 24: A picture of something you wish you could change.

The Stage.

I wish I could be even more self-confident and be better at performing in front of a large/live audience,



Day 23: A picture of your favourite book(s).

Lord Of The Rings by J.R.R. Tolkien, Percy Jackson & The Olympians by Rick Riordan (I also like the spin-off series, The Heroes Of Olympus), His Dark Materials by Phillip Pullman, Harry Potter by J.K. Rowling, The Chronicles of Narnia by C.S. Lewis, The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins, Alice's Adventures In Wonderland by Lewis Carroll, and Inkheart by Cornelia Funke.

As you can see, fantasy is my favourite genre. I love reading about and creating magical worlds and all of these books inspire me with every turn of a page.

Day 22: A picture of something you wish you were better at.

Studying and posing for the camera.

No joke, I really wish I could study better and look that good in a photo.


Day 21: A picture of something you wish you could forget.

RESTRICTED SECTION.

Unfortunately, you have reached the restricted section. Please scroll down.

Day 20: A picture of somewhere you'd love to travel.

Paris, London, New York, Venice, Tokyo, The Sea.

For obvious reasons.


Day 19: A picture and a letter.

Amber and Shannon. :)

All those memories of those times we spent together, growing up together, etc. I miss them, love them, and cherish them. Thank you for those 10+ years of your friendship. I love being able to tell you both everything. Admittedly, we were growing apart for awhile, but thanks to this year's camp, I think we're back together. Mostly, anyway. ;)


Day 18: A picture of your biggest insecurity.

Me, Myself and I.

There are a lot of things about myself that I'm not secure about.


Day 17: A picture of something that has made a huge impact on your life recently.

Strictly confidential.

The only thing I can tell you is, it's not a good thing.

Day 16: A picture of someone who inspires you.

Rachel Lee.

The most inspiring and amazing girl you'll ever meet. Seriously. Everything she says and does is pure inspiration.

Day 15: A picture of something you want to do before you die.

Visit Disneyland, swim with dolphins, surf.

Once again, for obvious reasons.

Day 14: A picture of someone you could never imagine your life without.
When I actually find someone that fits this description, I shall put his/her picture here. But until then...

Day 13: A picture of your favourite band or artist.

Taylor Swift. :)

When I first heard "Love Story", I was feeling kind of hopeless. It was at night and I was sort of crying myself to sleep while listening to the radio. When I heard this song. Somehow, I felt hope. And this is still my favourite song. :)


Day 12: A picture of something you love.
Wow, where do I begin? Actually, I won't. ;)


Day 11: A picture of something you hate.

Kristen Stewart's portrayal of Bella Swan in Twilight.

Honestly, there would've been nothing wrong with the movies if it wasn't for her emotionless acting. Surely, as an actress, she is capable of more emotion?!


Day 10: A picture of the person you do the most fawked up things with.

The Junxster a.k.a. Teh Jun Qi.

I believe the photo is pretty self-explanatory. This is also the girl who knows me the best, and accepts me the most and doesn't (bother to) try to change me.


Day 9: A picture of the person who has gotten you through the most.

So Jun!

One of the best seniors you can ever find. Supportive, motivating, cute, and just plain awesome. One of the only few people who know how to make me feel good about myself. Thanks for all the comforting hugs, So Jun. :)


Day 8: A picture that makes you laugh.

My Tumblr, which has now moved to turquoiseleather.

Going on Tumblr, I normally see stuff that inspires me, or makes me laugh and smile.


Day 7: A picture of your most treasured item.

My violin.

This violin gave me my Distinction for Grade 8.


Day 6: A picture of a person you'd love to trade places with for a day.

Chloë Grace Moretz.

I honestly think she has the life. She has a lot of things going for her, and she's pretty talented too.


Day 5: A picture of your favourite memory.

Dreamworks Animation, Walt Disney classic, Harry Potter, Hairspray, IPOH.MY, Pixar, Walt Disney Pictures, WICKED.

Growing up watching Disney/Pixar and Dreamworks, what childhood memory doesn't consist watching one of those movies? Most of us 90's kids have literally grown up with Harry Potter, learning about friendship and courage in the face of adversity.

Last year, I had the amazing opportunity to perform in two productions. First was a school-based drama called IPOH.MY held in conjunction with KLPAC. The second was Hairspray, done with City Ballet, a musical. Both helped me learn more about the performing arts, helped me with my confidence, and with public speaking (somewhat, anyway).

Day 4: A picture of your night.

Scene from Peter Jackson's film, The Lovely Bones, starring Saoirse Ronan.

Oh, you know, I see dreams.



Day 3: A picture of the cast from your favourite show.

The Legend Of Korra, and SMASH!

Regarding The Legend Of Korra: I guess you can tell that I really love and adore this show. WELL HERE'S THE REASON WHY:  All the girls are really strong and brave and don't rely on anyone for anything. In my opinion, they are the true heroes of the show, and this time the Avatar is a girl which is pretty cool. It doesn't hurt that Mako (and Iroh, I suppose, what with his voice being the same as Zuko's in the original Avatar) is cute and Bolin is funny of course.
"It's the most moral, tried-and-true, beautiful tale. And it's such a good thing. Everyone in the world should watch it. Wars will STOP. If we just have every world conflict sit down, and like, have popcorn, and have a sleepover, and watch the entire thing of that show, we would all get along and it would be beautiful." ~ Darren Criss on Avatar.

Regarding SMASH: OK. For the sake of full disclosure, I would like to state that I am TEAM IVY. (She's the only blonde in the picture.) And I dislike Karen. Why do I like Ivy? She's probably the most disliked character in the whole show. I like her because I think she deserves the part more than Karen, and at least she doesn't run away from various problems. She reminds me of myself. Doing her best to achieve the very best, but constantly overlooked. Always pushed aside for someone else who's not better.

Day 2: A picture of you and the person you have been closest with the longest.

Alice, Wen Yi and Me.

There is no one person that I have been friends with the longest. Our mothers put us together in Kindermusik. We've had a few disagreements, but we always made up afterwards. It will always be me, Wen Yi and Alice. Three of us together. :)


Day 1: A picture of yourself with ten facts.

The ukulele was an early Christmas present.

1. I play the violin.
2. I have an obsession with goosebump-inducing orchestral music.
3. I am obsessed with tying up my hair in the Katniss braid.
4.  I AM cynical, negative and pessimistic. But I try my best to be a nice person. If you're ok with that, maybe we'll get along.
5. I like action and fantasy movies more than romances.
6. I don't have tuition. None.
7. I write poems occasionally when I’m inspired.
8. Fandoms: Harry Potter, Lord of the Rings, Disney, Studio Ghibli, The Hunger Games, Narnia, Inkheart, Avatar (The Nickelodeon cartoon, not the James Cameron film), Naruto, Pokemon and Fairy Tail! (I bet the last three came as a bit of shock?)
9. I love Taylor Swift.
10. I have a new hobby. Collecting stones/rocks/crystals/minerals. And I found one that is the size of the Philosopher’s Stone.