Orcalion's Storyland

Fairy Dreamland

2011-10-31T13:27:00.000+07:00

Close your eyes..
See all the colours brightened..
Hear the wind humming..
Feel the sun warming the air..

Close your eyes and take a deep breath..
Watch the flowers dance..
Listen to the bees singing..
Feel the cool breeze soothing the mind..

Close your eyes and free your mind..
Everything comes to life..
Every sound becomes a lullaby..
Feels like dreaming in a fairy dreamland..

-01 November 2011-

Maybe

2011-10-30T03:49:00.009+07:00

Maybe the memory was just a dream.. or a nightmare

Maybe the glimpse of you was just a passing shadow..

Maybe the heart was just pretending.. or forgetting

Maybe the feeling was just a misled imagery of a painful hope..

Caught up in stolen time..

Tangled in motionless crushed moments..

Torn in tormented emotions..

Frozen in hollowed acceptance..

Maybe the truth was really a wish.. or a careless promise

Maybe the bond was really a badly tied dead knot..

Maybe the hope of closure is finally fading.. or vanishing

Maybe the reality of pain is finally taking over the spark of a possibility..

Choked in the bitterness of painful tears..

Held back in the shadowy corner of the past..

Numbed in the icy coffin of rejection..

Stiffened in the emptiness of a broken universe..

Maybe the past will become the current.. or the future

Maybe the pain will become a blessing in disguise

Maybe the emptiness will eventually be filled with glimmering victory

Maybe the acceptance will eventually taste sweet, even if the bond is broken beyond mending

Batas Sebuah Keinginan

2011-10-18T08:26:00.000+07:00

Perlahan kususuri dataran es
Hingga ujung jemariku dapat menyentuh kuntum melati putih itu
Hanya sesaat..
Hanya saat malam terasa terlalu pekat..
Lapisan es di bawah kakiku terasa begitu rentan
Namun melati itu selalu nampak sendiri
Mekar dengan indah di antara rumpun sedap malam
Hanya sesekali kukunjungi..
Hanya untuk memberi setitik rasa hangat..
Tak urung terasa lelah
Menjaga lapisan es agar tak sampai retak

Di kejauhan kutatap kumpulan karang
Sisi-sisinya telah habis terkikis air laut
Setiap saat..
Walau tak pernah sanggup kugantikan bagian yang telah hilang..
Kayuhan lenganku tak sanggup menerobos gelombang
Dan air laut begitu kuat mencampakkanku ke tepian
Meskipun kumpulan karang memanggilku ke tengah
Selalu kutatap..
Selalu kubisikkan semangat..
Tak urung terasa lelah
Memikirkan upaya agar dapat melewati arus gelombang

Kemudian kulihat matahari
Menebarkan cahayanya setiap hari
Tak berhenti..
Walau kadang tertutup awan tebal dan tersamar hujan..
Mengiringi hari-hari yang penuh perjuangan
Matahari tak pernah lelah terbit
Meskipun ia tahu selalu ada saatnya ia harus tenggelam
Terus ia curahkan sinar..
Pancaran cahaya kehidupan..
Tak pernahkah ia merasa lelah?
Setelah melihat begitu banyak kerusakan yang terjadi?

Ah.. Terlalu jauh..
Aku bukan matahari..
Aku tak punya sumber cahaya..
Aku hanyalah bagian dari semesta

Tak seringan sang bayu yang tak akan meretakkan dataran es
Tak selentur fauna air yang dapat menembus ombak lautan
Hanya punya setitik rasa dalam hati
Ingin berempati dan berbagi

Ah.. Terlalu sederhana..
Aku tak mungkin menemani kuntum melati setiap hari
Langkah kakiku tak seringan itu
Sentuhanku pun tak akan hangat lagi, bila terlalu lama menapaki dinginnya es
Tapi aku yakin, kuntum melati akan terus mekar dengan indah
Akupun tak mungkin mencoba berenang ke arah kumpulan karang
Kayuhan lenganku tak selentur itu
Tenagaku hanya akan terkuras habis, tanpa pernah bisa meraih tujuan
Sementara kumpulan karang akan tetap kokoh dalam terjangan gelombang

Ah.. Tak sempurna..
Hatiku kerap tersaput amarah
Jiwaku kerap terbelenggu lelah
Terkurung dinding kelemahan
Terhalang kabut keraguan
Berselimutkan bayang ketidakmampuan
Hanya berbekal keinginan
Tercetus dari satu ketulusan
Dalam satu angan demi kebersamaan

-12 March 2011-

OUT OF PLACE

2011-08-12T09:29:00.003+07:00

Help me.. I'm out of place..
I've come from far away place
I'm different
I don't fit in

Help me.. I'm out of place..
I don't want to stand out in the strange crowd
I'm uncomfortable
I'm lonely inside

Help me.. I'm out of place..
I don't want to feel miserable
I'm willing to adapt
I just don't know how

Help me.. I'm out of place..
I don't want to quietly disappear
I want my home
I just need someone to make me feel loved and accepted..

This wild flower suddenly appeared in the backyard, alone..

These cactus grow in the flower bed around the back terrace..

This dumb bell is hiding inside a pot, underneath a plant..

... and ...

This duster is somehow 'hiding' inside a large leave plant..

It is very interesting to see that so many things are often 'misplaced' in our life. We can feel alone, different, left out, misunderstood or even wronged, just because we don't feel belong..

The most important thing is, that we understand ourselves, we accept others and we deal with every situation we face with confidence.. believing that being different is a blessing..

by: Indri Hutapea
-12 August 2011

Before The Day Ends

2010-10-15T17:36:00.001+07:00

-15 October 2010-

A White Flower...

2010-10-15T12:59:00.001+07:00

-15 October 2010-

Under The Water

2010-10-08T19:43:00.001+07:00

-08 October 2010-

Sebenarnya.. ini kolam apa sih???

2010-10-08T17:34:00.000+07:00

Niatnya sih mau renang di kolam renang.. tapi, kok ternyata bukan cuma manusia yang senang berenang di kolam renang.. Jadi, sebenarnya, kolam ini cocoknya jadi kolam apa ya???

-08 Oktober 2010-

Once Upon A Time...

2010-10-07T06:56:00.000+07:00

A Moment to Hide in Silence

2010-09-28T05:55:00.002+07:00

-27 September 2010-

Question of Baby Orangutan

2010-09-27T22:44:00.002+07:00

10th of November is ORANGE T-SHIRT day for orangutan..

Let's save our orangutans.. ;-)

-27 September 2010-

Lovely Little Fairy

2010-09-25T22:40:00.003+07:00

Ariq was teaching me how to do a text on a Kid Pix background.. And this poem came to me.. Ariq likes the poem.. ;-)

-25 September 2010-

Today..

2010-09-02T11:16:00.000+07:00

This dawn..
I woke up to my baby whimpering
Asking for a diaper change

This morning..
I grinned to my sons' smiling faces
As they fought sleepiness to face the day

This afternoon..
I will greet my sons
As they come home tired and sleepy

Then..
I will sing or read a story or listen to their stories
As their eyes slowly closing

Then..
I will lay myself near them
As I invite sleep to come to me

This evening..
I will have to answer tens of questions
As my sons remember everything they experienced during the day

Tonight..
I will find peace within myself
As I remember how eager I was to leave my job to live in days like today

-02 September 2010

Linux for Kids..

2010-08-31T17:45:00.003+07:00

Kid: Linux was nice, Mum..

Mum: Eh? (Is primary school that advanced nowadays?)

Kid: Can I have Linux again, please?

Mum: I'll ask your dad..

Kid: Why do you need to ask Dad? Does Dad prepare my lunch?

Mum: I need to ask your dad because having Linux at home means a big change.. And, No.. Your dad doesn't prepare your lunch. I do.

Kid: (shaking his head in confusion) Never mind, Mum..

Mum: Here, you can have some snack for now (opening snack cupboard, and something fell out) Ouch! What is it?

Kid: (picking up an orange pack that fell) Why is this a big thing, Mum?

Mum: (staring at the orange pack) Oh, this is.. Oh, I thought.. Oh, never mind.. You can have some..

Good Night..

2010-08-27T00:13:00.005+07:00

Good night crickets near the fish pond
Let your singing be my lullaby tonight

Good night soft breeze among the leaves
Let your dancing cool my heart and body as I am dreaming

Good night sky above the stars
Let your shade of blue comfort my sleep through the night

Good night birds on the tree
Let your chirps be my greeting to welcome tomorrow morning

Good night reality of life
Let your story come back to me through a fresh mind after this sleep

-27 August 2010-

A Baby's Dream..

2010-07-27T14:46:00.000+07:00

Sleep little baby.. Sleep..
Don't you worry about the future yet..
Just dream about the stars..
And place your future around them..

Sleep little baby.. Sleep..
Don't you worry about the world yet..
Just dream about Mum and Dad..
As their love will protect you inside the little world called family..

Sleep little baby.. Sleep..
Don't you worry about life yet..
Just dream about butterflies..
And imagine you are as light and free and colourful as they are..

27.07.2010

Nature's Teaching

2010-03-10T09:23:00.004+07:00

The wind blows..
Waking the world of nature..
It is time to spread the seeds of new life..
Mundane.. simple.. yet important..

The bee buzzes..
Calling its kind..
It is time to nurture the seeds of new life..
Natural.. unnoticed.. yet real..

The rain falls..
Paying a visit to earth ground..
It is time to grow the seeds of new life..
Repetitious.. basic.. yet strong..

The way the world speaks to us and teaches us is..
Mundane.. natural.. repetitious..
Simple.. unnoticed.. basic..
That we often take them for granted..

When we search behind the modesty..
We will find meanings that are..
Important.. real.. and strong..
Lessons that we can never live without..

-10 March 2010-

Sometimes..

2010-01-27T00:48:00.002+07:00

Sometimes..
The best way to pursue success is..
By closing one eye and covering one ear..

Closing one eye can help us focus..
While..
Covering one ear can help us select the voices we need to hear..

-11 January 2010-

God's Ways

2010-01-21T15:49:00.009+07:00

People say God works in mysterious ways
I say God works in the wisest ways..

When HE took our pillar of wisdom
I thought we would fall apart
But then I learned that HE wanted us to be stronger together and wiser..

People say God works in mysterious ways
I say God works in the most enlightening ways..

When HE took our torch of knowledge
I thought that we would be lost
But then I learned that HE wanted us to start enlightening our minds and share the sparks with others..

People say God works in mysterious ways
I say God works in the most loving ways..

When HE took my comfort of love
I thought I would freeze along with my aching heart and dripping tears
But then I learned that HE wanted me to see that it was my time to build better world of love for others..

People say God works in mysterious ways
I say God works in the most balanced ways..

Amidst my strive to hold my tears
Trying to find a way out of the seemingly unbearable nights
HE showed me my limits
And he offered me HIS consolation..

HE sent me a beautiful gem to wipe my tears away
And to heal the open wounds

HE gave me a chance to recover
And to learn that.. Behind each grieve, there is a gift

Because HE will never try us exceeding our strength
Because.. HE is the best healer..

People say God works in mysterious ways
I say God works in the perfect ways..

With each one HE took, HE left a mark in me
A thread of wisdom to light my heart
A spark of knowledge to enrich my mind
A beautiful love to wrap my soul with..

-18 January 2010-

It Is Quiet Tonight

2009-12-18T20:14:00.001+07:00

It is quiet tonight..
without voices of the dark

It is quiet tonight..
without nightmares of the past

It is quiet tonight..
without regret of unintended mistakes

It is quiet tonight..
without fear of tomorrow's heartbreak

It is quiet tonight..
with contentment of one's present existence

-19 December 2009-

When Friendship Was Not Enough

2009-12-14T15:06:00.005+07:00

I tried to warn you
that this wasn't enough for us

You convinced me
that I wasn't the one you were looking for...

I tried to explain
that you couldn't be taking without giving

You were persistent
that you expected someone who could give you more...

Then I decided
to let go...

Until one day...

You made a demand
out of desperation...

And I had to cry saying 'No'
as my heart shattered into millions

And I had to wall my soul
as each memory froze it in matter of seconds...

Then I closed my world from you
as the slightest thought would leave a deep wound

Then I pretended that 'We' still existed
as each time I told the truth I had to relive the moment...

But I survived
believing it was for the best...

Until one day...

We met in bright smiles
then you left without farewell...

I've lived my life
and built my world

I've found love
that have coloured my world...

You've lived your life
and traveled your universe

You've found love
that have come in the way you expected...

We painted our dream on the stars
to achieve as high as we could in life...

Until one day...

We sacrificed our hearts
and lost our friendship in the process of growing up...

-14 December 2009-

A breakup that hurts so much worse than a breakup with a boyfriend/girlfriend is a breakup with a life-time best friend.. the regret is life-long and the loss is irreversible..

I wish no one have to go through such hurtful thing..

Between Bitter and Sweet

2009-12-06T17:24:00.000+07:00

Medicine often tastes bitter..

Poison sometimes tastes sweet

And

they often come as one pair..

So, don't hate the bitterness in life

and

don't get carried away with the sweetness of certain moments..

Because one cannot exist without the other

and

as a pair they challenge humans

to be in healthy balance

and

become wiser..

-06 December 2009-

A Different One

2009-12-06T02:06:00.001+07:00

Close your eyes

And imagine a different world..

One which is not the one you live in

One you never imagined before

One where I came from

Open your eyes

And look at me with a different perspective..

One which is not the one you put me in

One you never thought of before

One where I started my journey from

Clear your mind..

And ask away..

And I will answer..

Close your eyes

And consider a different scene

One which is not the one you act in..

One you never wrote before

One where I was risen from

Open your eyes

And face me with a different reality..

One which is not the one you are in

One you never associated me with before

One where I learned about life from

-6 December 2009-

Cannot access Blogit!

2009-11-04T07:36:00.003+07:00

I have come into the second week of not being able to access Blogit.com and I'm not sure why!

The site lets me log in, but it won't let me go to the 'write' area. I don't know whether it is the slow internet connection or something is not right with Blogit.

To make matters worse, I cannot write anything whenever I open the site with mobile phone either (I have even tried using other people's smart phones that are smarter than mine). I remember I used to be able to do postings from my mobile phone, but somehow I cannot do it at all now.

I will have to see if this problem continues until the end of the month. If it does, than I might have to postpone my membership for some time.

See you later!

Almost A Fairy Tale - Part II

2009-10-23T22:27:00.004+07:00

"No kidding, Andrea! He likes you!" Debbie, a first year also going for position in the Students Committee comments on how Nathan complimented Andrea's answer in their problem solving discussion.

Jane repeatedly nods in agreement to Debbie's statement.

"I just happened to give the right answer, Deb!" Andrea replies as she is shaking her head.

"That wasn't the first time though, remember he complimented your solution for the team management discussion?" Debbie was persistent.

Jane gives Andrea a persuasive look, as if asking her friend to agree with her and Debbie.

Andrea grunts. How can she forget? Nathan was not only complimenting the solution she offered, he also said that if more of the committee officers had a mind like hers, the programs they plan and the solutions they offer to occurring problems would be more effective and efficient.

Andrea is still thinking about her conversation with Debbie and Jane, when the next session starts. During this session, Nathan is only performing as moderator, not the speaker. Andrea feels a little relieved about this, until the time she asks a question to the speaker, who turns out to have less knowledge than Nathan in the particular topic that Andrea asks, so, Nathan finally answers Andrea's question.

"I really admire Andrea, and I suggest all new officers to look up to her. She is not afraid of asking such 'tricky' question to her seniors because she knows she is right. School Committee officers are just human beings. We make mistakes and you will too. The most important thing to do is that you own your mistakes as much as you own your success. You report your mistakes to make sure that the next generation does not make the same mistakes."

Andrea cannot help blushing a little. She pretends to hold her writing pad in slightly upward position to hide her reddened cheeks. Nathan is only stating a fact, why is she feeling personal about it?

After the session, Nathan approaches Andrea, while Jane is still with her.

"You know, Andrea, the matter of club's practice area and admin space is not directly under the committee's responsibility. I know about it because I'm a club captain. Are you continuing your club captain position from Junior High School?"

Andrea nods, "Yes, I am. That was why I asked the question. I was always wondering why in Senior High School the distribution of club space, practice area and schedule always seem to crash one another, while they are meant to be monitored by Students Committee."

Nathan shakes his head, "It is a bit different in Senior High School. Here, clubs have full authority in setting their schedule and membership fees to cover for their needs throughout the year. School, through Students Committee only subsidises the expenses needed when the club is representing our school in external events, like competing in tournaments or attending seminars. That is why there are more clubs in Senior High School than in Junior High School. The large number of clubs makes it hard for proper allocation of space to each club."

"I see.. but I'm still not satisfied with how it is done. It's messy! By the way, how do you know I'm continuing my club captain position from Junior High School?"

Nathan smiles, "You can discuss it with the other officers later about how to improve the club system.. I know about you, of course, from your resume that you submitted when you applied for Students Committee."

Before Andrea can asks him further about it, someone shouted Nathan's name from a distance and Nathan quickly give his thumbs up, signaling that he is coming right up. Then he turns to Andrea for a second, "We'll talk again later! There are a few things I need to do right now. See ya!"

Andrea watches Nathan as he is walking away. In her mind, Andrea is thinking, if only she could see any signs that Nathan's attention was more than just that of a senior to a junior..

Almost A Fairy Tale - Part I

2009-10-23T19:53:00.004+07:00

Andrea walks confidently into her new school. She is a Senior High School student now! Not a little kid anymore! She is entering the world of young life.. full of excitement! Before she knows it, she will have become an adult! How exciting!

"Hi, Andrea! How was your holiday?" Jane appears from the corner and starts walking next to Andrea.
"Hi, Jane! It was great! I managed to go camping for a few days. How's yours?" Andrea asks her friend back.
"Mine was great too! I managed to do some traveling with my mum."
Their conversation was cut by the presence of a third year student who was supposed to do the induction that morning.
"Good morning, Everyone! My name is Nathan, and I will be your group senior this morning. I will brief you about your schedule and other things concerning your study. My session will run until recess time."

"Whew! What a session! Glad that senior, Nathan, was good in explaining things so we didn't fall asleep during the session." Jane comments during recess.
Andrea nods while chewing on her sandwich. She is thinking the same as Jane, and somehow she is also feeling something else.. does she admire his public speaking skill, or is it just purely attraction?

During the one week induction program, first year students have met a few seniors that they can look up to, Nathan is definitely one of them. Some first year girls even find the courage to try to get to know him better, no real luck for them though, as Nathan is always nice to everyone but never shows any specific attention to anyone in particular.

As soon as induction week is over, it is now time to start enrolling for clubs and societies. Andrea and Jane, want to go for the Students Committee, the voices that represent the students' aspirations. Nathan is one of the soon retiring officers and he is listed (again) to deliver some of the induction topics to new officers.

Almost a Fairy Tale

2009-10-23T19:48:00.004+07:00

Soon, I will start posting a new story that I'm currently writing.. I'm still in progress of developing it, so the story might be edited a long the way (I will keep track of the changes off the blog)..

The title is 'Almost A Fairy Tale' and I hope everyone enjoy it..

Have a nice weekend!

Our Home

2009-09-14T23:44:00.001+07:00

Our sun is a star

But it belongs with the planets surrounding it..

Our moon is earth's only satellite

But its appearance is always accompanied by hundreds twinkling stars..

Waterfalls often stand alone

Beautifully surrounded by trees of the jungle

Rivers often flow alone

Preserving lives along the edges of rocks and earth

Our home is not always where the people are like us

It is indeed where the people accept us to be among them just the way we are..

-14 September 2009-

Glory In The House of Past Evil

2009-08-30T10:55:00.002+07:00

I posted this poem on Orcalion's World instead of this blog, since I want it to appear in full in Facebook.

Anyway, this is the link to the poem 'Glory In The House of Past Evil'.

Enjoy!

Somewhere between Heart and Time

2009-08-29T00:43:00.002+07:00

Karin sits on her desk hugging her knees, next to her bedroom window. She is not exactly a boyish girl, but tonight, she feels like looking out her window, watching and listening to the sound of the rain outside, and the best way to do it is by sitting on her desk. She watches the rain as her mind flies back to the conversation she had with Reva earlier in campus..

She had overheard the girls asking Reva, why he hadn’t asked her out when it was clear that she had broken up with Galih and they were not getting back together. Reva answered confidently, “I don’t have to be her boyfriend just to be with her and be there for her.”

She wanted to know what he meant and she had always wondered what she meant to him, so she caught him after the last lecture and they sat together on the grass.

“I heard you talking to the girls earlier.”

“And..”

“I wonder what will happen once you have someone special..”

“What is it really that you want to say? You know I’m not good with hints.”

“I never thought about the possibility of you being with someone until today.. And I realise it actually scares me..”

“Why are you scared? You always said that you would be a good PR for me.” Reva said it jokingly, as Karin always told him every time she suggested him to ask a girl out.

Karin sighed and looked down to the grass, “You’re always there for me. Now I realise that I don’t want to lose it.. I don’t want to lose you.. What if that is how I feel?”

As always, Reva answered confidently, “We know each other since we were little, but we’re not kids anymore, Karin. I have dreams and expectations of my life and my future. When I choose someone to be with me, she will be my choice for the rest of my life. I won’t play around with someone else’s heart. Certainly not yours.”

Karin gasps at the memory, the exact same way she did when Reva looked straight to her as he was saying the words. Being subtle is not Reva’s greatest point, the good thing is Reva never lies.

Karin’s eyes returns to the heavily falling rain, the sound of the rain hitting the roof and the window makes an abstract but harmonious music to her. The sight of the rain outside her window resembles her feelings, everything moves fast around her to every direction, blurring her vision, giving her a feeling of being lost in a flooded dark cave.

She understands perfectly that Reva will not ask her out, at least not in the near future when he knows that she is not healed from her break up with Galih. But she was telling the truth to Reva, she did not want to lose him. The two years she was going out with Galih had opened her eyes and mind about many things, but unfortunately not everything.. Not yet.. And she needs to find out the rest, before it’s too late..

Karin’s thought goes back to the past. Galih’s and Reva’s parents are her parents’ good friends. All the play times, family picnics and weekend trips they had together had brought them closer to be best friends.

Galih has always been the polite type and he always finds subtle and kind words to say to her. When they started school, Galih became one of the most helpful students at school that everyone always invited him to be involved in many events and Galih was always happy to participate.

While Reva, with his sharp mouth, was generally avoided by the girls, except Karin who knew him well. The boys did not necessarily like him either, Reva was known to get detentions for fighting. When someone he crossed path with felt uncomfortable with his attitude and challenged him, giving in was never an option for him. Even though he finally learned to control himself and stopped fighting as he started high school, still, he mostly kept to himself when there was no urgent need for being social.

As they started high school, Karin started to understand that there would be time when they had to go their own ways, but she was always hoping that she never had to lose her best friends. That was why when Galih asked her out, she happily said yes to him.

In reality, Galih was always busy with his duties for school events and other students who also became his circle of friends. Karin was often left alone in background and Reva was the one who was always there for her.

After going out for 2 years, Karin started to feel that Galih was not the kind of guy she expected to be with her.

Karin sighs..

She remembers the last high school charity camp that she went with both Galih and Reva.

Galih was very busy with the other kids, especially Jessie, who was in charge of the layout of the event. After dinner, while Karin was sitting near the camp fire, she could feel movement next to her. She knew it wasn’t Galih because she was looking at him from quite a distance.

“You should sleep. It’s late, “ Reva spoke as he was taking off his jacket and handing it to Karin.

Karin took the jacket and put it on as she smiled to Reva who just sat himself next to her.

“I’m listening to those guys playing the guitar. They are good.”

Reva gave Karin some of the snacks he was holding and a glass of hot chocolate he brought from the kitchen tent, “Good thinking to serve late night snacks!”

Karin took the little plate and glass from Reva. She smiled at Reva’s compliment to her kitchen team’s idea, “Thanks.”

For some time they both sat facing the fire, listening to the songs. Karin did not expect Reva to talk because he only talked when he felt there was a need for it.

As Karin expected, Reva finally spoke when she finished her snack and picked up her hot chocolate.

“When you’ve finished that, you should sleep. The songs can be your lullabies. Don’t wait until they’re finished playing, it will be dead quiet!”

“Yes, you’re right. Breakfast needs to be served early tomorrow too.”

Reva nodded as Karin took the last sip of her hot chocolate, took off Reva’s jacket and handed it back to him. Then she walked to her tent and waved to Reva before she disappeared into it.

Tears are slowly falling down Karin’s cheeks. She wipes them with her hands, but her eyes are still focused on the rain outside her window..

Breaking up with Galih was the hardest thing Karin ever had to do. Galih was a kind person but somehow it was not good enough for her that he spent more time with other people than with her. She finally decided she had had enough, last week, when she had to stay until late in the library and there was no more bus by the time she left the library..

For the tenth time Karin pressed the red button on her mobile phone. Galih was still not answering his phone and the taxi company she called was still trying to find one for her. She is not only worried now, she is scared.. There were three guys getting off a bus on a far intersection and they were walking to her direction. She was hoping they would make a turn at some street or a taxi would come soon.

When Karin saw the guys walked past the third street on their left, she felt sure that they were walking to the bus stop she was at. She quickly pressed ‘recall’ and when Galih was still not answering, she quickly decided to call the person she knew would come for her, Reva.

“Karin?!”

She closed her eyes in relief hearing Reva’s voice.

“I stayed too long in the library and now there are no more busses. I’m at the campus bus stop. I can’t get Galih and there are three guys walking towards me from the intersection. What should I do?”

Karin could hear fast movements from the other end as Reva’s voice became slightly distant. Karin knew Reva must be talking while getting ready and had put her on ear set.

“Do you have enough credit on your phone?”

“Yes.”

“Stay where you are and don’t hang up! I’m on my way.”

Karin could hear Reva’s motorbike starting up and going fast on the road. She was silent for a long time, trying not to disturb Reva while he was riding. But as the three guys were getting very close to the bus stop, Karin was getting very scared.

“The guys are almost at the bus stop.”

“Hang on. I’m close.. I can see you.”

One of the guys walked straight to Karin, “Where’s your purse? Don’t do anything funny! The cops won’t get here until it’s too late anyway.”

Karin stood still, not being able to think clearly.

Then, the rest happened so fast. Reva’s bike stopped right between Karin and the guy who was approaching her. Reva took off his helmet and faced the guys with an angry look on his face.

“If I ever see any of you again..!”

Then Reva put his helmet back on and gave one to Karin. He pulled her to the backseat and quickly rode away. He didn’t stop until they reached Karin’s house.

Karin got off the bike and as she was facing Reva, she started crying. Reva pulled Karin’s head to his shoulder, “It’s over. You’re home. Safe.”

Karin pulled herself and stood in front of Reva while wiping her tears, “If you didn’t come for me, I don’t know what would happen.. Thank you.”

“Why didn’t you say anything about staying late in the library? I could’ve stayed. And what’s up with Galih?”

“I didn’t plan to stay that long. I lost track of time and missed the last bus. I don’t know where Galih is, I kept calling him but he wasn’t answering.”

“Are your parents’ home?”

“No. They’re out of town on business for two nights.”

“Get inside now. It’s really late. I’ll wait until you’ve finished locking up.”

“Thank you again, Reva.”

“Give me a call if you need anything!”

The next day, after the last lecture, Karin finally found Galih and told him that she was breaking up with him. Galih was surprised but he accepted her decision because he knew he would never be able to be the person she wished him to be.

Karin’s tears are falling down heavier, as if they were trying to race the rain outside.

Karin knows in her heart that she doesn’t want to be with Galih, but she never knows what is in Reva’s heart, or who is.. She wants to be able to say to Reva that she wants to be with him, but she can’t even tell her own feelings because it is still hurting so bad.

Karin saw the way Galih looked at Jessie, she knows that it won’t be too long until they understand that there is something special between them, and she is almost ready for it, but if it happens to Reva.. Or when it happens to Reva, she should say.. Will she ever be ready for it?

Unable to hold her feelings, Karin finally lays her forehead on her knees and starts sobbing. All the noises, thoughts and feelings make her unaware of the calls and messages arriving on her mobile phone. The last one is still displayed on the screen..

“You’re not picking up my calls and messages, I hope you’re asleep. Don’t misunderstand what I said. I can never leave you and I never will. But I will stay with you only if that is what you want. So, take your time because it is what you need the most right now.”

-22 August 2009-

In The Drizzle (Revised - Aug 2009)

2009-08-29T00:25:00.003+07:00

OPENING

It was a drizzly prom night at the sport centre..

The two people dancing together, close to the edge of the dance floor near the tables, were the most awkward couple at the scene.

Noone noticed them until the captain of the cheerleading squad did and poked the basketball team captain, who was sitting on her side, on his ribs.

“I can’t believe I’m saying this, but I’m 98% sure that she can dance better than that! He’s got two left feet and she is suffering. She is a friend of yours, isn’t she?”

The whole basketball team and the cheerleading squad members quickly turned their heads to the direction of the awkward couple.

The captain of the basketball team smiled and turned to the girl sitting on his side, “She is. It would be a great final reportage on the school gazette if the Sportsman of the Year is dancing with the Student of the Year at prom, wouldn’t you think?”

The girl smiled back and winked at him, “I definitely would.”

He calmly walked to the band, gave quick instruction to the lead vocalist, then tapped on the guy on the dance floor to cut in.

“May I?”

The awkward guy nodded awkwardly, although somehow he also looked relieved to be able to leave the dance floor.

She also looked relieved at first, but then there was something else on her face as he took her hand. Her eyes were wide and her face was beaming.

“Am I really dancing with you?”

“Yes, we are dancing at prom.”

“I can’t believe it.”

“You’d better, because it is happening for real.”

As some of the crowd on the dance floor cleared away, school reporters started to notice the unusual couple who are smoothly moving on the dance floor and started to direct their cameras to them.

As the MC commented their unscheduled appearance, which was followed by a round applause, he pulled her close and whispered to her, “Should we give them the Dance of the Year?”

She swallowed hard, “Noone will talk about it again after tonight?”

“I don’t think so.”

“Alright then..”

HER STORY

It was a drizzly evening at the airport..

A girl with a straight long hair, neatly let down with a soft-coloured scarf tied around her head. She is wearing a plain-coloured skivvy and pants. Simple, but nice. That’s how she always dresses.

The girl’s eyes are fixed on the flight schedule board. She squeezed her hands when one of the lines on the board blinks, stating that the Garuda flight from UK that evening will be half-an-hour late.

Her face shows a nervous expression, as her minds slowly wanders off to the past..

It was one drizzly early morning on the way to school..

She was in the middle of 7^th grade. She was always nice to other people, although she was not the popular type. Her appearance always looked simple, even unnoticable, to some.

She was walking to school with an umbrella covering her from the rain. When she was walking passed the bus stop, that was when she saw him for the first time.

He was wearing the same uniform as she was. He was standing under the bus stop roof, trying not to get wet before arriving at school.

She didn’t know what moved her thought to walk up to him.

“Are you going to school? You can walk with me if you want.”

“Sure you don’t mind? You’re better covered by the umbrella if you’re by yourself.”

She smiled, “Ah, the school gate-keeper scares me more than this rain.”

“You’re right. Thank you so much. Some other students walked passed earlier, but I wasn’t sure about asking them.”

So, she was one of the best among the students majoring in science. She did her best in her studies and filling her spare time in the Science Club. Once a week, she joined the volleyball practice, although never really made it to the school A team.

And, he was a new student, transferring from out of town. With his almost-perfect shape and style, he instantly got admitted into the basketball A team and, following it, were the offers to hang out with the most popular people at school.

Throughout Junior High School, she never told anyone that she knew him because she wasn’t prepared for public reaction. She only talked to him when the chance appeared and nobody noticed.

The girl decides to leave the flight schedule board and walks to the nearest coffee shop, where she orders a cup of weak-long-white and a blueberry muffin. Then she sits down to have her coffee and muffin.

As she was waiting for her coffee to cool down a bit, her mind wanders off to another fraction of memory..

It was the drizzly Saturday afternoon at the zoo..

They were in the 11^th grade then. They chose the same Senior High School, although that didn’t really make any changes on their situation.

A couple of hours earlier, he called her.

“My basketball training finished earlier than scheduled. Let’s go somewhere if you’re not busy.”

“I’m not busy but.. where should we go? Where can we go without risking bumping into anyone from school?”

He thought for a moment. This was exactly why he had never asked her to go out before, besides the fact that he had only had his driving licence last week.

Then suddenly, he remembered something that she mentioned the day before, “Don’t you still have that Biology project to finish?”

She wasn’t sure of what he meant, “Animal Classifications?”

“Yes, that’s the one.”

“I have to go to the zoo information centre, and probably also, the public library to find references for it.”

“That’s perfect isn’t it? Who would we bump into at the zoo?”

So, they went to the zoo. They walked around the zoo until midday and then they had a nice picnic lunch. After that, they sat in the information centre, gathering useful references for her project, until the zoo closing time.

The girl takes the last sip of her coffee, then calmly walks back to the flight schedule board. She smiles in relieve when one of the lines blinks again, stating that the Garuda flight from UK has just landed.

Her warm feeling suddenly goes cold as she recognises a very trendy girl walking fast into the airport waiting hall. The person she found out about his return from.

The trendy girl has wavy hair that was nicely done at a hairdressing salon. She wears the latest-style blouse with a matching feminine tight-fitting jeans. She was the captain of the cheerleading squad in their senior high school, who happened to be present at the school reunion last weekend and proudly told everyone that the captain of the basketball club was coming home after finishing his university studies in UK.

Following the trendy girl, were almost a dozen other people. His old friends from the basketball team and cheerleading squad.

Looking at this sight, the first girl feels uneasy and finally decides to leave before anyone notices her presence. She moves as calmly and casually as she usually does towards the exit door and continues walking to her car.

As she is walking, she remembers the school reunion she went to last weekend..

It was one drizzly Saturday, at the cafe where the students used to hang out..

She was happy to see some of her friends who were usually busy and very difficult to catch up with.

Her happiness did not last for long, though. It was cut by a sudden cheerful and confident voice from the former captain of the cheerleading squad.

“Guess what, guys??? The Best-Performing Captain is coming home from UK next Saturday!!”

Another girl quickly asked her, “Are you sure? Who told you?”

“Of course I’m sure! He told me himself! You know that he always tells me everything!”

She bit her lip to keep herself from crying. She reminded herself that she always wanted the best for him. Without drawing any unnecessary attention, she said goodbye to her friends and left the reunion.

The drizzle hides her tears. All these years, she still lacks the confidence to show people how she feels about him. She won’t know how to react or respond when someone says something that hurts her feelings. Just like that day..

That drizzly day at the Sport Centre..

They were at the end of 10^th grade. He was already a star in the basketball team, while she was a strong candidate for International Young Scientist Conference.

She was being circled by several students from their school, right next to his seat, where he put his sports bag.

One of the girls shouted at her, “You think just because you are among the smartest students you can try to get his attention? You can keep dreaming!”

Another girl followed, “Sneaking around, trying to get something from his bag to tell your friends that he gave it to you? If he doesn’t notice you, just back off! Don’t push your luck!”

One guy finally said, “Whatever you were trying to do, it didn’t work! So, leave now! Before I call security!”

She just looked at them, all of them, shouting inside that she was only doing their captain a favour, but her mouth was tightly shut and her tears were ready to fall, so she quickly ran out of the sport centre, back to her class.

A girl with more self-confidence and larger circle of friends can do better in showing her feelings and attentions to him, just like organising this welcoming party.

She runs to her car and drives home. This is probably why she hasn’t received any replies from him for the letter she sent last month..

HIS STORY

It was a drizzly evening at the airport..

He takes a deep breath when the pilot announces that the flight will take slightly longer than planned due to the bad weather and they have to make a circle before it was cleared for landing.

When he takes off his summer jacket, he feels the stiff envelope inside one of the pockets. A letter that arrived at his apartment, right before he went into the taxi to the airport. He was asleep most of the flight. Now, he quickly reached for the envelope in his pocket.

Reading the sender’s name, he takes another deep breath while opening the envelope. Then he starts reading with a full concentration.

Once he finishes reading the letter, he sighs. His mind goes back to a memory he never forgets..

It was one drizzly afternoon at the sports centre..

He saw her across the wide sport centre looking a little nervous. He couldn’t hear what his friends were shouting at her, but he saw their expressions that were less than friendly. He walked fast towards the crowd, doing his best ignoring all cheers and handshakes, but when he got there, she had already left.

One of the guys said to him, “Check your bag, see if anything is missing!”

Right then, in his sports bag, he saw the spare towel and change of clothes for after the match later that day. He had put those in her backpack in the morning, on the way to school, because his own sports bag was filled with the team’s new outfit. And it turned out that he forgot to get the towel and clothes from her before he left for the sports centre.

“Everything is fine. One thing though, she was here doing me a favour and she never disrespects anyone, so next time, please be kind to her. At least, do it for me.”

MC was calling his team to enter the field for the next match before anyone could reply to his statement and request. He left them feeling a little guilty out of their respect for him.

He never mentioned her further to public, although they spoke on the phone almost every night, only to share their ‘stories of the day’. To him, it was all his personal business, and nobody else’s.

He looks out of the plane window as the Captain announces that they are landing in a short time. This is his favourite view everytime he is on a plane, watching the ground looking larger and wider as the plane descends.

His mind quickly turns to another part of his memory..

It was the drizzly afternoon after school, in front of her house..

They were in 12^th grade and it was 2 weeks before Prom Night.

“It looks like I will be presenting the International Young Scientists Award to the Principal at prom.”

“With the President of the Science Club?”

She nodded.

“Well, I’m kind of supposed to do the opening dance.”

“With the Captain of the Cheerleading Squad, I assume. That makes sense.”

He nodded, “Something like that.”

She smiled and sighed.

As always, to them, school events even Prom Night, were only compulsory duties, especially for him. Their appearances were always as expected by the public.

It was always when they were outside school life felt bright and cheerful without any invisible lines separating them.

He asked to see her prom dress then, he came to see her, one day before the prom to give her a pretty corsage to match her dress.

At prom night, he stared at her as she walked passed him, towards the stage, to present the award.

She was wearing the dress that she showed him and the corsage that he gave her.

She was beautiful.

Later on, he caught her sight on the dance floor. She was dancing with the guy she presented the award with. He wished he was the one dancing with her..

The bump from the landing brings him back to reality. He gives a relieved sigh that the plane finally touches the ground and all the passengers slowly vacate their seats walking towards the plane’s exit door.

As he is walking along the airport halls, to the bagage belts, his mind wanders off again..

It was one drizzly Saturday late afternoon, at her place..

He left his house earlier, seeing the cloud was getting darker by the minute. So, he arrived at her place earlier too, before she even had the chance to get ready to go out that night.

While she was getting ready, he accidently spotted a little book laying on the 3-seater couch. A diary. She must’ve been writing in it when the door bell rang and didn’t have the chance to take it back into her bedroom.

He swallowed hard, realising that he was going to do something that he was not supposed to. However, he was really tempted. So, he held the diary in his hand and started reading the last entry.

“Diary.. He asked me to go and watch a movie tonight. Of course I’m very excited and happy.

But, Diary.. I don’t know why I’m still always reluctant to show up in public places with him? Officially, we are not in high school anymore. I have been accepted in the National University, and he is soon flying off to UK to do his university studies.

I don’t know whether it is because I am scared of how people might react when they see us together, or just because I always feel more comfortable when I’m just alone with him? .. I really don’t know..

We will be apart for five years now.. I hope our feelings won’t change when the five years are over. But, I can’t help thinking about the possibility that he may find a girl who is not afraid to face the world while standing by his side.

Do I worry too much, Diary?

But, I surely will support him in every way I can, even when we are far from each other. I always want him to be happy..”

Her writing stopped there.

He slowly closed the diary and put it back on the exact spot he found it. Then he moved to sit on one of the dining chairs, so she wouldn’t suspect anything when she found the diary again later that night..

He looks out the airport window as he is lining up for custom checking. He watches the drizzle and remembers the very last time he saw her.

It was the night of his departure to UK, and it was as drizzly as this evening..

He had said farewell to all his friends the night before at a little party he held at a popular cafe.

That night of his departure, only his parents and her, seeing him off at the airport. Not many words were said, as time was pressing and the busy and noisy surrounding was not at all helping.

She gave him her farewell present, a formal tie and socks, things that he, at first, didn’t consider would be needed during university life. The exact things he gladly wore, five years later, at his graduation day.

Her words on the cards kept playing in his mind, “Everything that happens in the future is for the best. And that’s what I always wish for you.. all the best in your life, in everything you do.”

He walks out of the custom area to the airport waiting hall. There were his friends, holding a big banner saying ‘Welcome Home’ while shouting cheerfully to greet him.

He greets them back one-by-one. Then, they took him to a little 24-hour cafe for a quick welcoming party.

THE HAPPY ENDING

It is now already nearly midnight.. and still drizzly..

She opens her eyes when she hears knocking on her bedroom door.

Her weary eyes stop at the corsage on the dressing table. She sighs at the memory then, reluctantly answers the door.

Her mother asks her to come downstairs for something urgent.

She agrees without thinking. Still half asleep, she walks down the stairs and she stands still once she recognises the person standing a few steps across from her.

He smiles and waves ‘hi’ to her.

She covers her face with both hands, as tears slowly falling from her eyes following the warm feelings suddenly flowing in her heart.

“You didn’t tell me that you were coming home tonight! I found out from your friends by accident. I went to the airport but there were so many of them there, waiting to welcome you home with a big banner ready to be opened. So, I went home.”

“I didn’t mean to make you sad. You went to the airport to see me?”

She nods.

Unexpected by her, his face turns slightly red, “Thank you. I didn’t tell you I was coming home tonight on purpose. Because I wanted to surprise you.”

“You didn’t reply my last letter..”

He sighs, “It arrived late. I received it right before I left for the airport.”

She looks at him as he is walking towards her, “Your friends were there for your arrival.”

He smiles, “We had a quick gathering in a cafe near the airport. I stayed a little bit then, I told them I was coming here to see you.”

“You told them you were coming here? What did they say?”

“I didn’t really wait for their replies.”

“But, your friends? They planned the gathering for you.”

He reaches both her hands and holds them tight in his, “They are my friends and they can miss me all they want but, the one I’ve been missing these last five years is.. You.. You wish me the best, and the best thing in my life is.. You..”

As the rain falls heavier, his voice sounds like a whisper, “We are who we are, and we’re happiest when we’re together. Noone can change that!”

She is now completely lost for words. More tears are falling down her cheeks, and this time the drizzle cannot hide them. It doesn’t matter, though.. because this time, she cries out of happiness..

CLOSING

At same time, at the cafe near the airport..

A guy approaches the trendy girl, “Hey, has he left? Where did he go?

“The love of his life, of course. Where else?”

“After all this time, they are still together?”

“Yes. Amazing isn’t it?”

“And they thought we didn’t know.”

“Yeah.”

“Are you sure you saw her earlier at the airport?”

“Yes, I’m very sure.”

“What if she was crying?”

“Well.. it would make his surprise more dramatic, wouldn’t it?”

“You’re cruel!”

“No, I’m not! I’m turning their invisible love story into a fairy tale..”

THE END

By: Indri Hutapea (05 March 2008)

Destiny by Chance

2009-08-28T00:01:00.000+07:00

No, we weren’t introduced by friends

Our first acquaintance was as strained as a secret meeting

But we found the common ground

And our steps forth were light and sure

No, I don’t know you all my life

We haven’t even gone past getting to know

But we seem to agree on most things

And we have started finishing each other’s sentence

It must be destiny

As there was no plan

No prediction

No intention

No, we aren’t hoping for anymore than what it is

We appreciate every little thing that we have

But time and place present no more constraints

And our bond has gone beyond understanding and trust

No, we are not fading away or giving up

We understand the path enough to keep going

But life and living have limitations

And nothing is either complete or perfect

-27 August 2009-

New Journey of The Heart

2009-08-21T23:12:00.001+07:00

Again..

The dark shadow appeared in my mind..

Directing my thoughts to go straight to you..

Is everything alright with you?

Again..

The scene of our separation replayed in my mind..

Reminding me of the reasons why it was necessary to happen..

Am I really missing you that much?

Then..

A sense of reality crashed my blurry vision..

Waking me from confusion..

My heart, my mind.. they live in the present..

And..

A trail of sunrise lighted up my shaken confidence..

Pulling me out of blinding darkness..

You, me.. our existence has lost its echo over time..

At last..

The dark shadow slowly appeared in the light..

It was a friend whose heart was broken yesterday..

To whom I said 'Everything will be alright tomorrow'..

At last..

A different scene replayed under the brightly shining sun..

It was a freshly started journey of the heart..

Learning to trust and share again.. after the hurting loss..

-21 August 2009-

Best Friends and Best Friendship

2009-08-17T17:33:00.000+07:00

I used to think of best friendship as an unbreakable bond..

Now I know the truth that even when best friendship do not last, it stays as a beautiful memory..

I used to think of best friends as people whom we shared our days till we die..

Now I understand that best friends are people whom we love enough to let go to find their better-selves..

-17 August 2009-

Kitty's Brother and Sister

2009-08-14T00:07:00.003+07:00

Mother cat has two new little kittens

Kitty is now a big sister

Kitty has one brother and one sister

The new little kittens are twins

They were born at the same time

Kitty sleeps and plays with the little kittens

Kitty loves her brother and sister

-13 August 2009-

Kitty and Tom

2009-08-13T23:59:00.003+07:00

Kitty is my little kitten

Kitty likes to play

Kitty likes to play with a red ball

Kitty has a friend and his name is Tom

Tom is also a little kitten

Tom also likes to play

Tom likes to play with a blue ball

Kitty and Tom are little kittens

Kitty and Tom like to play

Kitty and Tom like to play with balls

-13 August 2009-

Cat Family

2009-08-13T23:52:00.003+07:00

I have three cats

White mother cat

Black father cat

and

A little kitten with black and white stripes

The cat family is sleeping together.. 1.. 2.. 3..

I have three cats

and

I love my cats

-13 August 2009-

Scattered Pieces of My Heart

2009-06-24T13:32:00.000+07:00

Scattered pieces of my heart..
It is time for me to put you back together
For it has been too long that I have lived without your guidance
Trail of self-reflection that is carved deep on your surface..

Every picture of events tells a story about learning
Every trace of pain shows the struggle during a challenge
Every torn part represents the marks left by each one who had come and gone
And every hole waits to be filled by the ones whose path will cross..

You always drowned every time I cried
You always burned every time I screamed inside
You always broke into pieces every time I failed to accept reality
And you always scattered every time I failed to hold myself together..

Now, I need to see the reflections carved on your surface
To guide me to accept my past, live my present and welcome my future
So I will put you back together by tracing each mark and line on you..
Scattered pieces of my heart..

-24 June 2009-

A Tribute to Teachers..

2009-06-23T16:54:00.002+07:00

Children learn about life,
by following their parents' guidance

But they find answers about purpose,
by following their teachers' wisdom

Beyond the knowledge.. Beyond the sacrifice..
Beyond the gestures of appreciation..

The real treasure is rooted deep in children's souls,
forever owed as long as they shall live..

-23 June 2009-

A Link About Copyright Myths

2009-06-07T23:24:00.003+07:00

As this blog is where I wish to share my writing with everyone who is interested in reading my work on the internet, I believe that this is the right place to put this very important (and very useful) link for everyone to read.

For every author, each work takes ideas, inspiration, personal imagination/perception, time, creativity, motivation and endurance in seeing it becoming a well-done achievement.

Every author dreams about their work reaching the farthest end of the world, and being read by as many people as possible.. however, how the work is sent out to the world is part of each author's personal preference as it is a part of his/her perception of the work.

One way to appreciate an author's work is to simply acknowledge his/her right to the full set of a writing work including the ways the author would prefer to send the work to the world, which is by properly treating copyright that is attached to each work done by people other than ourselves.

Below is a blog post by Brad Templeton which explained the biggest misconceptions about copyright (especially about writing works on the internet). Reading and understanding his post about these misconceptions can open our minds in dealing with other authors' work in the future.

10 Big Myths about copyrights explained

Now.. Let's start a healthy writing and reading life!

Not Perfect

2009-06-07T23:18:00.001+07:00

Life is not perfect..
even love is not perfect..
People, things and dreams come into and out of my life
in the ways that they are meant to,
not as I wish them to
and I am willing to live with it..
If that makes me less happy,
I am willing to accept it..
because it means
I've lived,
I've loved
and
I've shared the burdens of the ones who are dear to me..

-07 June 2009-

Before It's Too Late

2009-06-03T23:07:00.001+07:00

I'm trembling..

Burning inside..

As I try to hold back

The raging anger in my heart

Before it explodes..

I'm shaking..

Burning out..

As I hold out my arms

Trying to save my sanity

Before it evaporates..

I'm shivering..

Burnt down..

As I keep myself together

Reaching into my deepest-self

Before it melts away..

-02 June 2009-

The Knightly Theft

2009-05-13T17:44:00.003+07:00

As you quietly move closer
The ground starts to shake
Resonated by the violent wind
Raging waves, and
Thundering storm
Waiting to punish the reckless tresspasser..
Amidst my helplessness
Waiting for the earth to shatter
Your hold steadies my shaken stance
Carrying my weightless mind
To the safe throne of the clouds
Where the sun reveals your true-self
My knightly protector
Whose presence balances the nature of my existence
As nothing is lost with your arrival
But the dark castle of loneliness

-13 May 2009-

I was inspired to write this poem by a poem titled 'One Stolen Kiss', written so beautifully by one of my favourite poets in www.blogit.com .

Hilda Boswell Group in Facebook

2009-05-13T00:08:00.002+07:00

Hi Everyone..

I have just created a group in Facebook, named 'Hilda Boswell', for the purpose of gathering people who would like to see the Indonesian version of Hilda Boswell's book, 'Treasury of Children's Stories' reprinted.

Would you please join this group and help us get noticed by Indonesian book publishers and hopefully, soon, one of them is interested in reprinting the book.

I believe that the book has a lot of important moral values to teach to children and the stories contained in the book are very unique, which are great to motivate children to be creative and imaginative in thinking and writing.

I truly believe that letting a book like this to disappear altogether in the world will be a terrible loss for the younger generations.

Thank you for reading this and have a great day.. :-)

Take It Easy, Tiger! Enjoy Your Life..

2009-05-11T01:28:00.004+07:00

Take It Easy, Tiger! Enjoy Your Life.. - (link to the original post)

This is the second story of the 'Tiger' series.

Enjoy :-)

Sweet Seventeen, Tiger!

2009-05-11T01:21:00.003+07:00

Sweet Seventeen, Tiger! - (link to the original post)

This is the first story of the 'Tiger' series. More stories will follow..

I hope you enjoy them!

Bugs (2).. The Forest Adventure..

2009-05-11T01:11:00.002+07:00

It has been a month since Francis took Bugs home from the second-hand car dealer and he was now confident about the car's condition, so, he was ready to take it on its first adventure. Francis needed to buy clothes and other things in Grand, the closest bigger town to Valley, the town where Francis lived, and weekend would be a good time to do it.

There was only one way to get to Grand from Valley, which was through Dark forest. The forest was called Dark because it was really, really dark after the sun set. There were stories about car accidents, animal attacks and ghosts in the forest. Those stories were the reasons why people always planned their time well whenever they needed to drive through the forest.

That Saturday morning, Francis woke up earlier than usual. He cleaned Bugs, got ready and had breakfast with his parents.

“Don’t forget to get new socks, Francis!” Francis’ mum reminded.

“I’m sure I won’t, Mum. They all have holes now.”

“You might want to get some cleaning kit for your car.” Francis’ dad suggested.

“Do they have better ones there, Dad?”

“Yes, they do. Try the ‘Car’s Best Friend’ near the police station.”

“Sure. I’ll see what I can find there. Thanks, Dad.”

Francis left the table after finishing his breakfast and saying goodbye to his parents. As he was opening the driver side door, he cheerfully asked Bugs, “You’re ready for the trip?” Bugs quickly replied by blinking its headlights. Then, off they went.

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“... And, the big wild cat ran back into the forest. It showed itself to some people who happened to be in the forest, but no one had been able to catch it.. That’s how the story goes..”

Bugs’ wipers went for a couple of times, showing that it would not want to meet the big cat.

Francis laughed jokingly, “You’re not telling me you’re afraid, are you?”

Bugs blew the exhaust hard, saying that it was not afraid.

At the same time, they were approaching Dark forest. Francis and Bugs had left the house early and now the sun is shining brightly, but the forest still looked dark. They didn’t like to imagine how dark it would look at night time.

As Francis was driving Bugs through the forest, the surrounding did not look as frightening as they thought it would be. Even thought the sun could only touch the ground from the little spots between the trees that were standing densely, Francis and Bugs could still felt the bright day. The radio reception was still working well too. So, it was a nice drive through the forest.

Bugs slowly wound the windows down. Francis smiled as he heard the cheerful sounds of birds and felt the cool wind with the fresh smell of dew and leaves. It was a beautiful morning drive through the forest.

It took Francis and Bugs less than one hour to drive through Dark forest because there was no fog and they could see the path very well. Soon after that, they were entering Grand.

“OK, Bugs! Let’s get some clothes for me first. I’d like to finish before the shops get too crowded.”

Bugs blinked its headlights in agreement.

Francis was very disappointed when he entered the big shopping mall. When he saw the half-empty parking area, he thought that the mall would still be empty. It turned out that a lot of people were avoiding parking hassle and took the public transport. The mall was already full of people and the shops were already crowded. His shopping could not go as quickly as he thought it would be.

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Francis finally came out of the shopping centre after lunch. He put his shopping bags into Bugs’ back seat and he blew a heavy breath, “We still have to go to the market, Bugs. Mum wanted me to get some stock for the kitchen while we’re here.”

Bugs blinked its headlights.

As Francis was driving to the big market, he told Bugs how the shopping was not as easy as he expected. Bugs replied in making soft roaring sound in sympathy.

Francis quickly parked Bugs in the closest spot to the market that he could find. Then, he took a piece of paper from his jeans pocket, shopping list from his mum. Francis raised his eyebrows realising that the things that his mum wanted needed to be bought from different sides of the market, which meant he needed to hurry if he wanted to go home while there was still light!

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Again, Francis was disappointed because the market was also very crowded. It took him much longer to do his shopping than he expected. He came out of the market when the sun was already falling halfway towards the west.

“One more stop, Bugs, and we’re going home!”

Bugs blew the exhaust hard, disagreeing on Francis statement.

“I’m not planning on coming back here again anytime soon. So, we’d better get everything we need today.”

Bugs blew the exhaust hard again.

“I’ll try to be as quick as possible, Bugs. I know that you wouldn’t want me to miss our last stop anyway.”

Then, as they went past the police station, Francis could see the big sign, ‘Car’s Best Friend’. He quickly made a turn into the shop’s parking area.

Bugs quickly blinked its headlights a few times.

“See.. I told you, you wouldn’t want me to miss it! Just be patient for a little longer, then, we’ll be ready to go home.”

This time, the shop was quiet, not many people were shopping there, but the shop assistant told Francis that they kept their stock for VW in the storage because there were not many VW owners came to their shop. They would need time to get what Francis needed and bring those to the shop. After considering the time and cost that he had to spend if he had to come back to Grand another day, he finally agreed to wait.

When the other shop assistant came back from storage with the car cleaning kit that Francis wanted, Francis quickly paid for it and rushed to where he parked Bugs.

“OK, Bugs. We’ve got everything we need. Let’s go home.”

Bugs blinked its headlights rapidly a few times.

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In a short time, they had arrived at the border of Grand and Dark forest. Bugs hesitated for a second which resulted in it stopping in a sudden.

“Don’t tell me you’re scared, Bugs!” Francis was grinning.

Bugs didn’t make any sound at all.

“All I was telling you this morning were stories! They’re not real!”

Bugs still didn’t make any sound.

“Oh, Come on, Bugs! The longer you take, the later we’re going into the forest! It’s going to be nightfall soon, and it’s going to be very dark in the forest. Do you want to be in there when it is dark?”

Bugs finally started up.

“That’s better! Just hang on, Bugs! We’ll be home soon!”

Bugs blinked its headlights.

Francis held his breath as he was driving Bugs into Dark forest. It was still about 2 hours before nightfall, but in the forest, it was already dark. Francis had to turn Bugs’ headlights on to be able to see the path they were on.

They went on slowly, trying not to leave the path they knew and not to be heard by any wild animals that might be around them.

As they came to the middle of the forest, the trees became thicker, and the car often drove softly into tree branches that hang low. Suddenly, there was a loud thud on the top of the car.

Francis jumped, “What was that?”

Bugs blew the exhaust hard.

Francis kept driving, hoping that if it was a big wild cat, it would just jump off and run back into the forest. The thing did not move from the top of car, though. It kept making a thudding noise along the drive.

Francis was trying to decide which was better, to stop and have a look or to keep driving until he could find a safe place, with some people around, to check it out. He finally decided to wait until he found a safe place with people around. So, he kept driving towards Valley.

Francis checked his watch, he estimated 15-20 minutes until he was out of the forest. He tried to stay calm, the last thing he wanted was for Bugs to choke and stop working altogether in the complete darkness.

Finally, Francis and Bugs could see the border of the forest and Valley. The sun was still up for another hour or so. Francis quickly drove towards Valley police station and parked Bugs there.

Once Bugs was parked, Francis unlocked the car. He carefully opened the door without swinging it wide open. He held the stirring wheel lock in both hands and slowly pushed the door out with his foot. Then Francis waited a few seconds.

Nothing happened.

Francis, then took a brave moment to steal a look up to the top of his car. He couldn’t see anything there. Not a big paw of any kind of big wild cat! He waited another few seconds.

Finally, Francis bravely jumped out of his car, and stood facing it. As he looked up, he was facing the thing that had made him scared the last half an hour of his drive.. It wasn’t a big wild cat and it was certainly not a ghost.. it was a big tree branch!

The tree branch was big and sturdy enough to stay still on the top of the car during the drive -Francis was not driving fast anyway-.

Right at that moment, a policeman came out of the station, “Do you need help with that?”

“Yes, Sir. Could you please help me pulling it down?”

“How did it get on your car?”

“It happened in the forest. It fell from the tree just like that, on my way back from Grand. I wasn’t going fast enough to let it fall because it was dark in the forest. I thought it was a wild cat or something.”

“Try not to drive back too late next time.”

“I will. Thank you very much, Officer.”

“Anytime. Drive safely now.”

Francis sighed inside Bugs now, “What a day, Bugs!”

Bugs blinked its headlights.

“I wonder if Herbie’s days were as exciting as yours.”

Bugs was silent for a few seconds, then it started blinking its headlights, moving the wipers and blowing the horn a few times.

Francis laughed, “Maybe not. I guess yours are crazier than Herbie’s.”

Francis looked serious for a minute, then he asked Bugs again, “By the way, Bugs, are you related in any way to Herbie?”

Bugs blinked its headlights.

“Like a great grandson or something?”

Bugs blinked its headlights and moved the wipers a few times.

“Sort of.. OK.. Enough for today, Bugs! I’m ready for bed!”

Bugs blinked its headlights for the last time. After that, they both went quiet until the moment they reached Francis’ house, when Francis parked Bugs and walked out.

“Night, Bugs! I’ll give you a wipe tomorrow morning.”

Bugs (1).. The First Day..

2009-05-11T01:00:00.003+07:00

Bugs (1).. The First Day.. - (link to the original posting)

This is the first story of the series 'Bugs: The Adventurous Car'. These are the stories that Ariq and I create together before he goes to sleep.

The idea was the good old 'Herbie'. An AI car is definitely a fantasy for all children, regardless the generation or the year they are born in :-)

I hope you enjoy Bugs' adventures..

Hilda Boswell's Treasury of Children Stories

2009-04-18T10:13:00.008+07:00

This is our favourite book from my childhood. My sister, Winda, and I were sooo proud of it because it was our first 'real book'.. it was big-and-thick, well-illustrated and written by an internationally-recognised author, Hilda Boswell.

I can't remember whether the book was in Indonesian (translated) or English. Somehow I have a strong feeling it was in English (because my parents had a rule that we could only ask them for extra money if we were buying books in English, while books in Indonesian had to be bought with our pocket money). We were in higher grades of Primary School then, and we were still very slow in reading it (I'm pretty sure it would not be the case if the book was in Indonesian).

One day, our water waste pipe were blocked by leaves and all the water flowed back into the house and flooded our house. The worst place was our bedroom (the one I shared with my sister), where all of our books were stored! We had a huge loss that night.. including our favourite book..

We tried to save the book, but after a while, the book started moulding in a lot of places, many of the pages were stuck together and the letters were washed off. We were very sad when we realised that we had to let it go along with other books that suffered the same fate because of the flood.

It was a sad day for us..

It was even more sad because no matter how hard we searched from one bookstore to another, we could never find our treasured story book again. I even tried the bookstores in Australia (during my university study) and airport bookstores (everywhere I visited), still.. the book was nowhere to be seen..

There was the end of our favourite stories!

I kept thinking about the books after all these years, but it started to become a hazy memory. It came back to me last night, while sitting in front of the computer with Ariq, my 6-year-old son, browing for children stories. The memory came so strongly that I decided to search for the book.

I couldn't remember Hilda Boswell's name though.. I was struggling through sites on Enid Blyton and H.C. Andersen.. :-P .. Until this morning, I sms-ed my sister and asked her if she remembered the book.. and SHE DID! She told me that it was Hilda Boswell's book!

Then, I remembered the title, 'Treasury of Children Stories'.. I found her books in Amazon.com , then, I found the image of our favourite childhood book.. it was the right book! Luckily too, there are many options on the price sides (the most important thing for me at this stage) with the used books :-)

It was the most beautiful morning! Finding the book really made my day.. :-) Now, I just have to somehow order the book from the seller in Amazon.com ..

This is what the book looks like Hilda Boswell's Treasury Children Stories