firmament floats

Heaven is a place on earth. In the last of days or what others would describe it  as

the end of the world, we would all be divided into groups of seven standing  inside

little white tents dressed in white robes. No one is seen with their family  nor  their

loved ones for they are all scattered in other tents as well  like  everyone  else  but

somehow familyhood is no longer  relevant.  Everyone  whoever  it  might  be  who

stood beside us is just that~ our brother. Then a firmament  would  descend  from

the sky and hover inside each and every tent as it graces  our  skin  like  little  puffs

of cotton. For those whom God favors shall rejoice for  they  would  still  be  human

when the firmament floats away. And for those whom God does not favor would all

be turned into precious stones. And from then on, this place would be called  “New

Heaven and New Earth”.

~ (Heaven always speak to my daughter through dreams.)

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clueless

the sweetest thing  about  man  is

being absolutely  clueless   about

the needs of  a  woman  falling  in

love    that     inevitably    frustrates

that  woman  to  initiate   the   way

after the hunting  has  died  down

and entraps his soul which is truly

connected to the woods which he

so loved to hunt..

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gesture of love

Love comes from the heart. Therefore anything said

from the heart is a  genuine  gesture  of  love  to  the

other person.

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Commerce and Art

~berthing~
image copyright Kris Lee 2012

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

“The thought of people buying art for commercial value has got  to  go.  It  kills  art  totally.  In

totality! If the mindset of the artist like the collector also leans  to  commercial  reasons,  out

comes sub standard work done for the sake of amassing fortune. That would be a disaster.”

~Kris Lee 2012~

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What’s the Difference?

So what’s the difference between an art appreciator and an art investor? One buys it for keeps

because they like it nevermind what the value would be in the future while the other  buys  it  in

the hope of good returns in the future nevermind how it looks.

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Judging an Artwork

There are standards of judging an artwork as a picture worthwhile looking at. Not just

by seeing their name affixed onto the  painting  although  it  is  genuine.  Intricacy  and

scarcity apart from the beauty of an object is an  antique  connoisseurs  yardstick  but

not art. If it is, Picasso would be the first one sitting in the backstreet crying.

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Assessing Art

~lord murugan and his peacocks~
image copyright Kris Lee 2012

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

“Assessing a visually appealing artwork is like running your eyes up and down a  visually

appealing women. Right contours, right shade, right smile,  everything  must  look  right.

And that’s how that gorgeous woman qualifies to be a film star the same way an artwork

commands top dollars.”

~Kris Lee 2012~

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Art Appraisal

Every piece of art is appraised singly the same way how  big  auction  houses  estimate

the  value  of  an  artwork.  Of  course  the  name  of  the  artist  lends  weight  if  they   are

famous enough but can a coffee table  sketch  qualify   as   an   impetus   godsend   and

command an emperor’s ransom? If that could, one day you would catch me rummaging

over every artists backyard dust pan. On second thoughts, maybe its easier to collect all

their hair loss since it is part of their thought process.

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trial copy

the reason why men was said to be a trial copy of

women is because the males were all made with

tails that hung down from the wrong end.

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The Colour of Photography

~are we there yet?~
image copyright Kris Lee 2012

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

“Is there colour in someone else’s misery? Is there colour in  the  faces  of

the victims of war? Is there colour at the hospital or  when  someone  you

love boards the ship and you were seen containing your tears? There is

no colour in sadness. There is no  colour  in  ill  health.  There  is  no  colour

when two trains collide.  Circumstances  in  life  decides  the  colour  you

choose when you press the shutter. And that is the colour of photography.”

~Kris Lee 2012~

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Bo Geh Chiak Tau Geh

(Version in Hokkien)

Bo Geh Chiak Tau Geh

.

(Version in English)

No teeth eat bean sprouts.

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About this rhyme:~

This rhyme pokes fun at toothless individuals and telling them that there is nothing hard one could eat when one is toothless except bean sprouts but the fact is bean sprouts are not that soft so to speak.

The author/owner has compiled for record, a collection of early Hokkien sayings, proverbs, rhymes and ditties to capture the essence and spirit of his hoi polloi, a community originating from the southern province of Fujian, China where individuals climbed aboard bum boats, crossing the South China Sea to settle in faraway lands to escape the brewing civil unrest and a way out from hardship carrying along with them in their journey, nothing except their trademark ponytails and their beliefs, very much rooted in Confucianism. These ditties retell their story and their lifestyle way back then so that the younger generation can gain an insight and foothold to their origin..

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laughing eyes

Many years back, schools of dolphins used  to  swim  with  the  ferries  that  ply

the waters of Penang and Butterworth. I  used  to  look  forward  to  those  rides

because of that and jumped in delight upon seeing  them. Then, they  were  no

more.  Perhaps they migrated for  reasons  known  only  to  them.  Lately,  they

were spotted again in schools of twenties and although I welcome their return,

there is a tinge of sadness in me  about  our  environment  and  the  industries

that  dump  pollutants  without  mercy.  Did  they  return   because   the   waters

somewhere they went to is no longer viable for them to live?  Is global warming

taking its toll? Or was it a sign of things to come? Guess we wouldn’t be able to

know what their laughing eyes tell..

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Chiak Chai Chiak Kuay Chi

(Version in Hokkien)

Chiak Chai Chiak Kuay Chi

Sin Ku Gau Liau Li

Phuay Hu Pien Chin Swee

Lang Kh’nua Mah Siong Tui

.

(Version in English)

Eating vegetables and fruits

Takes care of one’s health

Complexion once dull is now beaming

Anyone who sees it would surely be attracted.

.

About this rhyme:~

This rhyme explains the benefits of eating more fruits and vegetables.

The author/owner has compiled for record, a collection of early Hokkien sayings, proverbs, rhymes and ditties to capture the essence and spirit of his hoi polloi, a community originating from the southern province of Fujian, China where individuals climbed aboard bum boats, crossing the South China Sea to settle in faraway lands to escape the brewing civil unrest and a way out from hardship carrying along with them in their journey, nothing except their trademark ponytails and their beliefs, very much rooted in Confucianism. These ditties retell their story and their lifestyle way back then so that the younger generation can gain an insight and foothold to their origin..

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Chau K’nui Si Tor Pui

(Version in Hokkien)

Chau K’nui Si Tor Pui

Tuala Luan Chu Oui

Ka Ho Thau K’nui K’nui

Tay Ho Hor Kow Tui

.

(Version in English)

Fatty, your private part is showing

Don’t even know how to wear a towel properly

Better to strip bare

And then be chased by a dog!

.

About this rhyme:~

Hokkiens just love to tease stout people and they have concocted many rhymes so that they could recite happily.

The author/owner has compiled for record, a collection of early Hokkien sayings, proverbs, rhymes and ditties to capture the essence and spirit of his hoi polloi, a community originating from the southern province of Fujian, China where individuals climbed aboard bum boats, crossing the South China Sea to settle in faraway lands to escape the brewing civil unrest and a way out from hardship carrying along with them in their journey, nothing except their trademark ponytails and their beliefs, very much rooted in Confucianism. These ditties retell their story and their lifestyle way back then so that the younger generation can gain an insight and foothold to their origin..

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Chit Lay Pai Kut Sien

(Version in Hokkien)

Chit Lay Pai Kut Sien

Khi Bar Bi Hoon Ean

Tu Tiok Ang Mor Ma’am

Kh’uai Kh’uai Ka Ee Sien

.

(Version in English)

There was a skinny man

Inhaling smoke at the bar

Met some western ladies

Flirt as fast as he can!

.

About this rhyme:~

This is a short Hokkien rhyme that speaks about the habit of one flirt.

The author/owner has compiled for record, a collection of early Hokkien sayings, proverbs, rhymes and ditties to capture the essence and spirit of his hoi polloi, a community originating from the southern province of Fujian, China where individuals climbed aboard bum boats, crossing the South China Sea to settle in faraway lands to escape the brewing civil unrest and a way out from hardship carrying along with them in their journey, nothing except their trademark ponytails and their beliefs, very much rooted in Confucianism. These ditties retell their story and their lifestyle way back then so that the younger generation can gain an insight and foothold to their origin..

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Lang Eow Kin Sim Ho

(Version in Hokkien)

Lang Eow Kin Sim Ho

Bo Kuan Cho Hami Pun Ho

Lang Eh Kong Ka Lili Lolo

Eow Kin Sim Lai Mai Or Lo So

.

(Version in English)

Most importantly one must possess a heart of gold

It doesn’t matter what one does or plans to do

We can talk about it till the sun goes down but

Most importantly the heart must not be wicked.

.

About this rhyme:~

This Hokkien rhyme emphasizes the need to be good.

The author/owner has compiled for record, a collection of early Hokkien sayings, proverbs, rhymes and ditties to capture the essence and spirit of his hoi polloi, a community originating from the southern province of Fujian, China where individuals climbed aboard bum boats, crossing the South China Sea to settle in faraway lands to escape the brewing civil unrest and a way out from hardship carrying along with them in their journey, nothing except their trademark ponytails and their beliefs, very much rooted in Confucianism. These ditties retell their story and their lifestyle way back then so that the younger generation can gain an insight and foothold to their origin..

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Lang Ai Oo Chi Khi

(Version in Hokkien)

Lang Ai Oo Chi Khi

Mai Lang Khnua Bay Kh’i

Hibang Lang Bay Liau Si

Ka Hoe Kor Ka Ki

.

(Version in English)

One has to has dignity

So that others will not look down on us

If we depend on others, the habit won’t stop

So it is better to be self sufficient.

.

About this rhyme:~

The Chinese has a set standard in how one should live their live and this Hokkien rhyme is one that explains one’s social conduct.

The author/owner has compiled for record, a collection of early Hokkien sayings, proverbs, rhymes and ditties to capture the essence and spirit of his hoi polloi, a community originating from the southern province of Fujian, China where individuals climbed aboard bum boats, crossing the South China Sea to settle in faraway lands to escape the brewing civil unrest and a way out from hardship carrying along with them in their journey, nothing except their trademark ponytails and their beliefs, very much rooted in Confucianism. These ditties retell their story and their lifestyle way back then so that the younger generation can gain an insight and foothold to their origin..

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Chwee Khang Meh Ang

(Version in Hokkien)

Chwee Khang Meh Ang

Chwee Khor Meh Bor

Chwee Chniar Meh Knia

Chwee Chniau Hor Lang Kiau

.

(Version in English)

Mouth empty scold own husband

Mouth bitter scold own wife

Mouth bland scold own children

Mouth itch let others teach.

.

About this rhyme:~

This Hokkien rhyme emphasizes the trait of a ‘satire’ who ended up being ridiculed for his thoughtlessness.

The author/owner has compiled for record, a collection of early Hokkien sayings, proverbs, rhymes and ditties to capture the essence and spirit of his hoi polloi, a community originating from the southern province of Fujian, China where individuals climbed aboard bum boats, crossing the South China Sea to settle in faraway lands to escape the brewing civil unrest and a way out from hardship carrying along with them in their journey, nothing except their trademark ponytails and their beliefs, very much rooted in Confucianism. These ditties retell their story and their lifestyle way back then so that the younger generation can gain an insight and foothold to their origin..

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how to write good poems 4

ruot yduts a no ton era eW .traeh ruo fo opmet eht era sdroW

nehw  eciojer  dna dezirogetac dah steop rehto tahw nrael ot

fo sretemirep eht yb tniartsnoc eceip lufituaeb a mrof nac ew

oS  .traeh  ruo ot netsil ot ereh era eW .elyts eht ot mialc rieht

.ylluferac netsil

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One By One

(Version in Hokkien)

One By One

Hero Phak Snua Huan

Two By Two

Hero Phak Sio Tu

Three By Three

Hero Hor Lang Tui

Four By Four

Hero Chow Bo Lor

Five By Five

Hero Hor Lang Kh’nai

Six By Six

Hero Khoon Tit Tit

Aneh Arn Chnua Ay Cho Hero

Sau Chit Liap Tok Swee Swee Toe

Hor Lang Thay Ee Huan Loe

Lu Kh’nua Kay Boe Bo Kay Boe

.

(Version in English)

One by one

Hero killed the Red Indians

Two by two

Hero killed the wild boars

Three by three

Hero was chased by his enemy

Four by four

Hero was trapped

Five by five

Hero was then knuckled

Six by six

Hero fell flat on the ground

So how can a hero be like that

Just a swing and he fell flat

And let others worry over him

So isn’t this hero a chicken after all?

.

About this rhyme:~

This is a funny children’s rhyme we used to recite when we were younger. Puts a smile on people’s faces on hearing it.

The author/owner has compiled for record, a collection of early Hokkien sayings, proverbs, rhymes and ditties to capture the essence and spirit of his hoi polloi, a community originating from the southern province of Fujian, China where individuals climbed aboard bum boats, crossing the South China Sea to settle in faraway lands to escape the brewing civil unrest and a way out from hardship carrying along with them in their journey, nothing except their trademark ponytails and their beliefs, very much rooted in Confucianism. These ditties retell their story and their lifestyle way back then so that the younger generation can gain an insight and foothold to their origin..

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Fei Chai Fei Tut Tut

(1st Version in Hokkien)

Fei Chai Fei Tut Tut

Or Si Or Mm Chut

.

(1st Version in English)

Fat and chubby boy

Is constipating!

.

(2nd Version in Hokkien)

Fei Chai Fei Tut Tut

Khnuar Liau Pho Lai Chup

San Ka San Kiu Kiu

Soo Boon Bo Lau Chiu

Or Nya Or Kiak Kiak

Chin Sui Siang Buay Yak

Pek Nya Pek Sut Sut

Kare Khnua Ch’wooi Nua Chut

.

(2nd Version in English)

Fat and chubby boy

The minute you see him, you feel like hugging him

To be healthy is not being skinny

Look modest without a beard or a moustache

Dark skinned women is like the night sky

Very pretty like a butterfly

Fair skinned women is as pale as a ghost

But on second glance, our mouth waters

.

(3rd Version in Hokkien)

Fei Chai Fei Tut Tut

Or Si Or Siput!

.

(3rd Version in English)

Fat and chubby boy

Is constipating mussels!

.

.

About this rhyme:~

I really wonder how the first line ‘Fei Chai Fei Tut Tut’ which is in Cantonese got mixed into a Hokkien Rhyme. There are three versions here.  The 1st version above is meant to poke fun at fat chubby people whereas the 2nd version is just a rhyme that doesn’t have a common meaning to it. The first half of the second version talks about boys whereas the second part is about girls. As for the third version, it speaks about a chubby boy with an unusual excreta!

The author/owner has compiled for record, a collection of early Hokkien sayings, proverbs, rhymes and ditties to capture the essence and spirit of his hoi polloi, a community originating from the southern province of Fujian, China where individuals climbed aboard bum boats, crossing the South China Sea to settle in faraway lands to escape the brewing civil unrest and a way out from hardship carrying along with them in their journey, nothing except their trademark ponytails and their beliefs, very much rooted in Confucianism. These ditties retell their story and their lifestyle way back then so that the younger generation can gain an insight and foothold to their origin..

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Or Kim Or Kim

(1st Version in Hokkien)

Or Kim, Or Kim

Ju Khnua Ju Jib Sim

Pek Si, Pek Si

Ju Khnua Ju Gili!

.

(1st Version in English)

Dark and glossy, Dark and glossy

The more you see, the more it captures your heart

Fair and pale, Fair and pale

The more you see, the more discontented you become!

.

(2nd Version in Hokkien)

Or Kim, Or Kim

Ju Khnua Ju Jib Sim

Or Kim, Or Kim

Ju Khnua Ju Ai Chim!

.

(2nd Version in English)

Dark and glossy, Dark and glossy

The more you see, the more it captures your heart

Dark and glossy, Dark and glossy

The more you see, the more you wanted to kiss!

.

About this rhyme:~

‘Or Kim Or Kim’ is a Hokkien rhyme that sings praises for dark skinned people. Quite often you will hear this at wedding dinners when a bride or a groom weds a darker skinned partner and when one guest discreetly commented over how dark the partner looks (but often said without discrimination), another friend would utter this rhyme to put a smile back on the faces of those who heard it.

The author/owner has compiled for record, a collection of early Hokkien sayings, proverbs, rhymes and ditties to capture the essence and spirit of his hoi polloi, a community originating from the southern province of Fujian, China where individuals climbed aboard bum boats, crossing the South China Sea to settle in faraway lands to escape the brewing civil unrest and a way out from hardship carrying along with them in their journey, nothing except their trademark ponytails and their beliefs, very much rooted in Confucianism. These ditties retell their story and their lifestyle way back then so that the younger generation can gain an insight and foothold to their origin..

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still will

still

I am fascinated

by your spirit

by your haste

that at will

I am moved

by your words

by your aura

that at will

I am fixated

by your worth

by your curve

that at will

I am awed

by your magic

by your zest

still

I will

for life

still

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Cho Lang Cho Ka Ho

(Version in Hokkien)

Cho Lang Cho Ka Ho

Ow Lai Tit Tiok Po

Cho Lang Cho Sniau Phnai

Ow Lai Tok Ay Chai

.

(Version in English)

Be a good person

In order to prosper in the future

If one tries to be bad

The future would be uncertain..

.

About this rhyme/saying:~

This rhyme/saying encourages one to do good always.

The author/owner has compiled for record, a collection of early Hokkien sayings, proverbs, rhymes and ditties to capture the essence and spirit of his hoi polloi, a community originating from the southern province of Fujian, China where individuals climbed aboard bum boats, crossing the South China Sea to settle in faraway lands to escape the brewing civil unrest and a way out from hardship carrying along with them in their journey, nothing except their trademark ponytails and their beliefs, very much rooted in Confucianism. These ditties retell their story and their lifestyle way back then so that the younger generation can gain an insight and foothold to their origin..

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Khar Chwni Chiam

(Version in Hokkien)

Khar Chwni Chiam

Kui Jit Chay Bay Tiam

Khar Sneh Seng Gatai

Titi Sniau Khi Kai Kai

.

(Version in English)

Young boy has sharp buttocks

Can’t sit still the whole day

The leg itches without a reason

Always look for excuses to go out..

.

About this rhyme:~

‘Khar Chwni Chiam’ is a Hokkien phrase that describes hyperactive people or those who possesses this trait.

The author/owner has compiled for record, a collection of early Hokkien sayings, proverbs, rhymes and ditties to capture the essence and spirit of his hoi polloi, a community originating from the southern province of Fujian, China where individuals climbed aboard bum boats, crossing the South China Sea to settle in faraway lands to escape the brewing civil unrest and a way out from hardship carrying along with them in their journey, nothing except their trademark ponytails and their beliefs, very much rooted in Confucianism. These ditties retell their story and their lifestyle way back then so that the younger generation can gain an insight and foothold to their origin..

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Gong Knia Sai

(Version in Hokkien)

Gong Knia Sai

Puak Tai Sai

Tua Sit Pai

Bor An Chnua Kau Tai

.

(Version in English)

Dumb groom

Went gambling

Loses all

Later who’d be responsible for your wife?

.

About this rhyme:~

This rhyme speaks about what gambling can do to the newly weds. ‘Tai Sai’ is a type of game gamblers play.

The author/owner has compiled for record, a collection of early Hokkien sayings, proverbs, rhymes and ditties to capture the essence and spirit of his hoi polloi, a community originating from the southern province of Fujian, China where individuals climbed aboard bum boats, crossing the South China Sea to settle in faraway lands to escape the brewing civil unrest and a way out from hardship carrying along with them in their journey, nothing except their trademark ponytails and their beliefs, very much rooted in Confucianism. These ditties retell their story and their lifestyle way back then so that the younger generation can gain an insight and foothold to their origin..

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Bo Ch’wooi Khi Sai

(Version in Hokkien)

Bo Ch’wooi Khi Sai

Kong Uwa Ch’ow Ling Tai

Chiak Pnui Kong Sai

Chin Ch’nya Bo Akai

.

(Version in English)

One with no teeth

Slurs in his speech

Talks cock at the dining table

A brainless person..

.

About this rhyme:~

This rhyme criticizes inconsiderate people but it can also be used to poke fun at close ones who accidentally slurs.

The author/owner has compiled for record, a collection of early Hokkien sayings, proverbs, rhymes and ditties to capture the essence and spirit of his hoi polloi, a community originating from the southern province of Fujian, China where individuals climbed aboard bum boats, crossing the South China Sea to settle in faraway lands to escape the brewing civil unrest and a way out from hardship carrying along with them in their journey, nothing except their trademark ponytails and their beliefs, very much rooted in Confucianism. These ditties retell their story and their lifestyle way back then so that the younger generation can gain an insight and foothold to their origin..

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Apek Khi Chwee Tar

(Version in Hokkien)

Apek Khi Chwee Tar

Ah Po Khi Latar

Apek Soak Ah Phien

Ah Po Khnuar Liau Gien

.

(Version in English)

Old man was thirsty

Old woman caught fit

Old man smoking opium

Old woman was tempted..

.

About this rhyme:~

The is a fun but meaningless rhyme. ‘Apek’ and ‘Ah Po’ is used to address senior citizens whom we are unfamiliar with.

The author/owner has compiled for record, a collection of early Hokkien sayings, proverbs, rhymes and ditties to capture the essence and spirit of his hoi polloi, a community originating from the southern province of Fujian, China where individuals climbed aboard bum boats, crossing the South China Sea to settle in faraway lands to escape the brewing civil unrest and a way out from hardship carrying along with them in their journey, nothing except their trademark ponytails and their beliefs, very much rooted in Confucianism. These ditties retell their story and their lifestyle way back then so that the younger generation can gain an insight and foothold to their origin..

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Ho Lai Ho Khi

(Version in Hokkien)

Ho Lai Ho Khi

Oo Pai Oo Por Pi

Oo Chiak Oo Chai Khi

Oo Cheng Oo Hock Khi

.

(Version in English)

One good turn deserves another

If one prays one will surely be blessed

Eat well and there is wealth in store

Dress well and there’d be fortune coming..

.

About this rhyme:~

The first two lines of this rhyme is sound advice. However, the last two sounded like a superstition!

The author/owner has compiled for record, a collection of early Hokkien sayings, proverbs, rhymes and ditties to capture the essence and spirit of his hoi polloi, a community originating from the southern province of Fujian, China where individuals climbed aboard bum boats, crossing the South China Sea to settle in faraway lands to escape the brewing civil unrest and a way out from hardship carrying along with them in their journey, nothing except their trademark ponytails and their beliefs, very much rooted in Confucianism. These ditties retell their story and their lifestyle way back then so that the younger generation can gain an insight and foothold to their origin..

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Apek Hor Gu Tek

(Version in Hokkien)

Apek Hor Gu Tek

Ah Mm Hor Chim Gnek

Apek Bay Apong

Ah Mm Thiow Tam Pong

Apek Chay Mui Teng

Ah Mm Thiow Ronggeng

Apek Tiok Boh Hu

Ah Mm Chiak Huan Chu

Apek Khi Ooi Knua

Ah Mm Lau Chin Knua

.

(Version in English)

Uncle was underpinned by a cow

Auntie was bitten by a crab

Uncle sells ‘Apong’ (a local savory made with eggs and grated coconut)

Auntie dances the ‘Tampong’ (a local Malay dance)

Uncle sits on the threshold of the door

Auntie dances the “Ronggeng’ (another local Malay dance)

Uncle catches no fish for the day

Auntie ended up eating baked potatoes

Uncle started feeling the goose bumps

Auntie started to sweat profusely..

.

About this rhyme:~

This is a rhyme recited in jest and centers around an uncle and auntie.

The author/owner has compiled for record, a collection of early Hokkien sayings, proverbs, rhymes and ditties to capture the essence and spirit of his hoi polloi, a community originating from the southern province of Fujian, China where individuals climbed aboard bum boats, crossing the South China Sea to settle in faraway lands to escape the brewing civil unrest and a way out from hardship carrying along with them in their journey, nothing except their trademark ponytails and their beliefs, very much rooted in Confucianism. These ditties retell their story and their lifestyle way back then so that the younger generation can gain an insight and foothold to their origin..

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