Women Division (WD) Formation Day 2013 : Jul-13

WD formation celebration this year was really a test, a test of diligence and perseverance, a test of overcoming my own fundamental darkness.. Oh boy, one's own fundamental darkness is really a bottomless pit, isn't it?

This year, as compared to last, I had little motivation to plan and organize for my WDFD.  Nevertheless, what needed to be done had to be done.  My district MD Victor pushed me to do a short sharing of this year's WDFD in our May zadankai; that was at least a beginning.  Despite my apprehension, I announced weekly meetups leading to our WDFD on 23 June; that would make four meetups including a final rehearsal.

I was very fortunate indeed to have two new WDs to join us for this WDFD project - a new believer and a newly-shifted-and-transferred member.  Their joining us gave me a much-needed boost especially during this period.  On top of our existing WDs of course.  The Friday following May's zadankai, we had our first WDFD district meetup at the newly-transferred member's home.  Together with the two new WDs, chapter, assistant region and myself, there were six of us.  Not too bad despite a light rain and a totally new meeting venue.  We held a good session with daimoku, gongyo, discussion on program and invitation card, as well as a song practice!!

During our second meetup a week later at the same place, the five of us shared some more ideas and another member's drawing for the design of the card; fantastic!  Our invitation cards for our friends were almost out of the oven, with precious input from members!!

On our third meetup, we also had our very first small group dialogue where NJ and assistant zone WD joined us.  I was most excited about this meetup because a member who always had to work, could join us!  All of us were very encouraged by NJ's sharing of our new central SGI HQ building as Sensei's culmination of 53 years of tireless kosen-rufu efforts and his gift to his mentors; some of us even thought NJ as Sensei himself sharing the message with us!!

On our rehearsal and final meetup, we even had a pianist to practice the song with us!  It was not all smooth-going, but nothing tenacious and focused efforts by our dedicated pianist could not put right..  After that evening, we were almost ready to hold our WDFD 2013.. almost, except for some items which at the back of my mind such as the deco board, souvenir bookmarks, labels.. and the emcee, dialogue and my sensei's essay scripts.  OMG..there were so much more to be done before actual meeting day!!!??

However on the very next day evening, the haze in Singapore got really bad; PSI reading was 290 at 9pm!  The following day, SHQ issued a directive to put on hold all our gakkai activities until further notice.  In other words, our awaited WDFD gathering slated to be held 3 days later, was now postponed!  Islandwide.  Unbelievable.

I don't know about the rest, but all the momentum I had been trying to build up so ever slowly and laboriously, came to a screeching halt.  Hahaa.. the haze was only intense & kept us indoors for a couple of days, but what I lost in momentum and resulting inactivity was tremendous and in the count of weeks and months.. and still counting.

Buddhahood vs Fundamental Darkness.  As long as I do not give up, all is not lost and victory is juz around the corner.  I am sure I will gain much insight and learning from this experience.  Gotta keep fighting!!  Gotta try even harder to chant even more daimoku!! JiaYou JiaYou JiaYou!!

Well, we had a very cosy and enjoyable WDFD gathering.  I was extremely heartened and thankful for my members who made it.  Many could not attend due to various reasons.  I am sure it will continue to be a challenging period for everyone leading to November 18, 2013, but we shall not be defeated!

We must adorn the joyous November 18, 2013 with momentous personal victories, together with our dearest mentor!!

Xuan participating in an Art competition : Jul-13

 

It was a hot Saturday morning and instead of going to Xuan's routine NAFA class, we headed to Telok Kurau Studios for Xuan to participate in an Art competition.  The idea of parking problem always popped out whenever I visited any where around Telok Kurau.  Although we tried to avoid the problem by setting off earlier, I still ended up parking along the lane.  But at least we managed to have breakfast together before going to the venue, previously a Primary school.

Xuan went ahead to register at the counter, while also anxiously looking for her classmates who were joining the competition too.  She eventually spotted one and they were excited to find company at last.  We walked around the Arts Studio for a while before the competition commenced at 10am, it was interesting to discover so many local artists and had a chance to view some of their master pieces.

When the competition began, Xuan and her friend decided to 'stick' together and they find a spot to settle down.  Interestingly, instead of drawing something which could represent the place, they chose to draw some trees and plants. They spent their time enjoying each other company, talking and joking every possible moment while drawing their art piece.  They managed to complete and submit within the allocated time of two hours, both did not seem proud nor confident in winning anything.  As expected, when the results were revealed at 1pm, both did not win anything.

Throughout the competition, I was observing Xuan while also practicing my photography skills.  Personally, I felt Xuan could have drawn much better.  Her concentration, passion and drive could have been diluted while busy mingling with her friend during the competition.  While we walked back to the car, I feedback to Xuan how low her focus level was and reminded how she had forgotten the basics of drawing during the competition.  She acknowledged well and seemed to give her consensus too.  Immediately back home, she redrew another art piece, this time, much better and matched her level. :-)

En'en turns six : Jul-13

Interestingly this year, En'en had requested her birthday to be celebrated among the family members, and she expected everyone to come along with many presents.  Since a few weeks before, she had been looking forward and counting day by day for her birthday to arrive.  She could talk about her anticipated birthday party all day long and never got tired.  Nearer the actual day, she even confirmed on her birthday details, deciding on her cake, the place, the food, the presents and who she wanted to invite!  I thought what great planning skills she had cultivated and developed, and how true in proving passion would drive and motivate one in archiving their dreams or goals.

On the actual day, the first to visit and wish En'en was her "Ah Yee MaMa", her baby sitter who always adored her like her grand-daughter and never failed to wish her happy birthday every year.  I wished En'en would do similar and  repay this gratitude when she grew up too. :-)

Then came the cake and food part.  En'en had chosen a Mango Cake this year and PizzaHut to treat her guests.  We ordered as requested and I added on the fried chicken from Popeyes.  En'en's Ah Ma also did not forget her favourite birthday red eggs and jelly. 

As she wished, the family got together at her gonggong's place to celebrate Princess En'en sixth birthday.  En'en was also very kind not to forget Ally as the new family member and being her best sister, she even offered to let Ally to blow her birthday candles.  Unfortunately, Ally was sleeping soundly while we were cutting the cake, nevertheless En'en did took some nice photos with Ally that day.

En'en playing with her present

Wig Fun : Jul-13

Not sure when Xuan brought a wig, but it definitely added more some fun within the family.