Fun things — Tatter Scoops

Falling in Love Again

27 Dec posted by Maureen

With my old camera that is…

Since I was alone for Christmas because my son was over at his Dad’s, I decided to go ahead with my friend to watch the Grand Prix Marching Band Indonesia 2011 held on Christmas Eve here in Jakarta. She coaxed me saying I could take some really cool pictures.

For the records, I knew nothing about marching band and never watch them exclusively.

We got to the big stadium and got front row seats where I quickly took some pictures. After lunch break we went back inside and it was packed! We had to kiss our seats goodbye and stand by the edge. Were difficult taking pictures so I went down, positioned myself right next to this guy who carried the big white lens. His big camera and lenses made me feel so small hah but what the heck, I was determined to take lots of pictures.

I was blown away by these marching bands performances. Before, I would think “Ah, so what they’re just bunch of kids playing musical instruments.” But what I didn’t know was, they are pretty much theatricals, there are storylines even characters brought to life with the music pieces they are playing. It was so much fun.

My two favorite marching bands were from BCK Duri their theme was Harry Potter. So brilliantly done and the music they played were out of this world.

Here’s an amateur video of their performance I found on YouTube.

The other favorite was from Pupuk Kaltim (Bontang PKT) – which by the way is already a household name for Marching Band in Indonesia. How on earth they made the sounds came out to be in perfect stereo is beyond me.

And here’s another YouTube video of their performance:

After the loud day at the stadium – I went to one of the newly opened mall where my family was then headed home.

It is our family tradition here that on Christmas Eve and New Year Eve to have my uncle + his family also my aunt and her family to come over just before midnight. With my mother being the eldest, they always gathered here. We would be praying before midnight followed by midnight meals. Yes, we would eat! Then my mom would call her mother who is in another town.

We stayed up late on Christmas Eve not to open presents but to pray and just be together. Granted, everyone was in mad dash to wake up the next day and get to church for our 10am service.

Before having the families over I decided to play around with my camera some more. Object of experiment? Bokeh lights. Using the Christmas tree and some props I came up with these shots. Of course me being the worst critique of myself, I wasn’t very satisfied with them but for a first try some actually came pretty good. What do you think?

So that is how I spent my Christmas Eve, falling back in love with my old camera. How did you spent yours?

PS: You can check out the rest of the pictures on my Flickr page.

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Filed Under: Photoblog, Uncategorized

Where I’m From

25 Sep posted by Maureen

photo credit: hendrasaputra

I am from girly laced up balloon dress that gave unbearable itch, from afternoons spent with The Flintstones and Japanese kids series of Megaloman and Voltes V on the tubes.

I am from the grey painted house with red plants as fences and graveled driveway, a stone throw away from a hidden lake entrance with tall green grasses rich with dragonflies.

I am from the tall trees that became my hiding place when I got in trouble. Trees that witnessed me grabbed a green snake and nearly broke a neck from falling down. From mango trees that gave the sweetest melt in my mouth treats on hot humid days. With Japanese green grass that witnesses many cartwheels and crazy gymnastic moves.

I am from hearty homemade breakfast of soft boiled eggs sprinkled with pepper and trips to the bakery holding my father’s waist in his motorbike and smell of freshly baked breads. From weekends at Uncle Jimmy’s house, and dressed up Barbie’s with cousin Imelda, and got measured by Grandma Beth for that special handmade dress.

I am from the tease till you cry days and over 12 hours road trips to the city to meet the dotting Grandparents, uncles and aunts.

From the scary belt of my father to timeouts in the corner with one leg up followed by hugs from protective aunts and “Stop scraping your legs, Missy” told concerned Grandmother over my boyish defiance.

I am from Sunday schools of singing beautiful songs and memorizing Bible verses, of huge angels posters painted by my father in our living room then displayed gorgeously in church for Christmas.

I’m from Dutch laden disciplines, from feeling disconnected to the town I was born and more connected to the small nickel town. From my Grandpa’s delicious fried noodles to the spicy foods caused beads of sweats on the scalp also from mama’s pumpkin cake baking in the oven.

From the countless trips to the hospital where sick little brother spent so many nights alone with stacks of coloring books and crayons. Mysterious illness doctors failed to explain that magically disappeared once we left town.

I am from different small towns where family friends made of Indonesian and Australians, where East meet West culture were normal. From big windows facing the port where sunrise greeted my mornings. I am a child of many islands from watching Orangutan babies sway freely from one tree to another to the jungle of concretes.

I am a mix of many things, a nomad at heart.

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Filed Under: Fun things

Weekly Roundup – SAHM Edition

4 Sep posted by Maureen

So, I’ve been out of work on my break for a week now and I haven’t done this Weekly Roundup in ages.

Here are some things that I’ve been doing in the past 8 days:

Spending lots of cuddles and one-on-one time with Lil’ A. The first few days he was attaching himself to me all the time. Good signs because it shows how happy he is to have me home, to wake up every morning and Mommy is home with him. Never once he asked for his Nanny who is still at her home town for Eid holiday. Kind of funny looking back now how I was a bit jealous with her because Lil’ A has been pushing me away just wanting to do stuffs with his Nanny and it stings deep inside. The boy is still out of school and now spending a 3 days weekend with his Daddy.

Picked up my dusty old DSLR camera and began taking pictures again. Of what you asked? Well, of these (Click on the tumbnails to see a bigger picture):

Back to blogging. Incase you haven’t noticed I’ve been blogging daily now and trying to hop back into the blogsphere bandwagon by visiting and commenting on other blogs that I’ve missed since I dived into the corporate world back in October last year.

Cooking! Gasp! Yes, me who basically not a big fan of cooking and used to do it merely to survive. So far I’ve cooked two dishes and since it was still the Eid holiday (read: no domestic helpers) cooking helps my mom a bit. I’ve made simple stuffs really like my Speedy Pork Chops and the biggest hit was my Beef Stew – which sadly has to be eaten with rice since my Mom’s oven is pretty messed up.

I’m still keeping up with my powerwalk but haven’t lose any more weight.

Oh and I’ve been doing a lot of this:

Life is good and I couldn’t be happier! Have a great weekend, everyone!

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Filed Under: Fun things

Indonesia On My Bucket List

24 Jul posted by Maureen

Lately I’ve been having this itch to travel again, to explore…to soak up the beauty nature have to offer. It’s been awhile since I last travel so the itch is coming back full blown but this time I’m more interested in exploring more of Indonesia, considering my last trip was to Bangkok – which was super awesome.

With over 17,000 islands spreads across Indonesia, there are so many places that still holds its magical beauty untouched by commercial and greedy hands of developers trying to jack up the prices and pumped out as many dough as they can.

Here are some places that’s on my Bucket List to visit in Indonesia

Ambon: Not only because I’m half Ambonese and never set foot in the island where my father’s family originally came from, but it’s the fact that I grew up hearing so many songs about beautiful beaches of Ambon and stories about the Moluccas island that makes Ambon holds a near and dear spot in my heart. Seriously, Ambon have some magnificent beaches calling my name such as the famous Natsepa Beach with its white sands.

Image from here
Wakatobi in Southeast Sulawesi: Now I don’t dive but looking at the underwater photos from this area makes me wish I can dive! You can enjoy the crystal clear water around the island, or go on dolphin watching expedition which sounds amazing. Wakatobi is situated at heart of coral triangle centers from what I read and these are protected marine areas.
Ujung Kulon: Located on the southwestern of Java island – literally on the tip of Java, this area is within close proximity to the Krakatoa volcano again with beautiful beach surrounding it and small islands to explore. It’s a protected National Park, proclaimed as a national heritage by UNESCO, I’ve been dying to go to this place. To get there from Jakarta will take a pretty long drive in a car and depends on traffic. From what I read, it varies between 6 to 10 hours but I bet the views are well worth it.
photo credit: Bambang Suryobroto
Rote: Oh I’ve been dying with anticipation to visit this island in Nusa Tenggara Timur since last year. The trip was postponed due to the eruption of Mount Merapiand now it’s been rescheduled for early November 2011. Ever since I saw my mom’s friend’s photos from her trip there, I knew I MUST go too. Where the beaches are still very quiet…instead of loud tourists basking in the sun…you will see pig foot prints! Yeah, you read that right! Oh November can’t be here any sooner!
Photo courtesy of Aunty Henny
Tobelo: Situated in North Halmahera, part of the Maluku providence. Secluded with so many beautiful spots, I dream of exploring more of the Maluku island. The picture below is just what my city-fed-up soul yearns for.
Photo Courtesy: Rahwidodo
Raja Ampat: The area has been sky rocketing in tourism thanks to it’s vast publicity promotions and it really is a beautiful place. From what I’ve heard it’s a pricey US dollar tags tourist destination now – which is sad but I still wanna go there and climb up to see these views. One day I will get there!
Kalianda: Located in South Lampung – Sumatra this is one hidden gem that has became more famous in the recent years, also it’s close proximity to the Krakatoa volcanic mountain gives a dose of magical touch. It offers pretty good beach from the photos I’ve seen and since I never been to Sumatra, this place is on my list.
Image courtesy of Andre PD
Donggala: Somewhere in Central Sulawesi island there’s a really pristine beautiful place far from all the pollution of Jakarta. Tucked away with crystal clear water and white sand beach, I so plan to go there one day. Sulawesi does have some of the amazing beaches. In 2000, my family and I had a road trip to Manado and along the way we were surrounded by virgin beaches. So yes, Donggala, I will soak up your beauty soon.
Image courtesy of Arya Sadhewa
Komodo Island: To see the rare nearly extinct dragon like creature? Yes! That’d be uber coolness, don’t you think? Aside from the komodo dragons, the island alone is a beautiful place.
Image courtesy of Unearthing Asia
Tanjung Puting: Orangutans always have a soft spot in my heart and I would so love a trip down to see them at their natural environment in the deep jungle of Kalimantan. Will have to find out more about visiting this place but definitely on my list.
Image courtesy of http://www.orangutan.org

Until then, I will keep on dreaming, keep on ~~trying~~ to save to afford these dream trips. There are too many beautiful wondrous places across Indonesia, I will end up with a long Bucket List for sure.

What’s on your destination Bucket List?

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Filed Under: Indonesia, Travel

Vlog Isn’t My Thing

18 May posted by Maureen

Been awhile since I last participate on a meme and Kate from Mommy Monologues has team up with some super ladies to create this brand spanking new Vlog Talk.

So here’s my first ever Vlog – picked the first prompt inspired by Liz from A Belle, A Bean and A Chicago Dog (I miss pronounced your blog, Liz! – justify why I shouldn’t vlog). Hope I won’t scared you off.

Check out the rest of the Vlog-ing Ladies!

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Filed Under: Blogging

10 Things I Like Plus Some Awards

4 Nov posted by Maureen

Juggling a new tittle as a working mom, dealing with a toddler who’s slowly getting used to our new routine, blogsphere seems like a far away world lately.

I miss it terribly!

And I’m missing the daily interactions with my bloggy friends – old and new.

Lish from A Beautiful Mess gave me this award awhile ago. Thank you, girl! She’s an awesome blogger/photographer if you haven’t heard of her, please do pay her blog a visit.

Sweet Amanda from Home Age also gave me a Versatile Blogger award. She’s such a sweetheart! Thanks, Amanda!

Over at After Bedtime Blog, Vanita gave me an Awesome Blogger award. What a sweet surprise. Thanks again, Mama!

Now here are the ‘rules’ to disclose 10 things me likey in randomly order:

I love err like and miss Coffee Mate French Vanilla Creamer. They don’t have them here and I miss them oh.a.lot!
Vanilla scents. From body sprays, scented candles to ice-creams.
The calmness of early morning, sipping my first cup of coffee and just savoring the only me-time I have during my now busy day. Now have you figured why I’d rather wake up at 4 am everyday?
The jolt of excitements when I’m flying in an airplane – big or small – what can I say, I’m just a sucker for traveling.
The smell and softness of freshly washed bed sheets.
Lil’ A’s “What’s so funny, Mommy?” every time he hears us adults laughing out loud.
How the boy tried so hard to glare his eyes out – poor thing just can’t do it and it only makes him look even more adorably cute.
My bloggy friends…you are all meant so much to me and me love you long time!
Checking out the pictures that I took – albeit the painfully time consuming post-processing – I still squeals when I got some unexpectedly good shots.
My hair spa! Gotta love my two hours of pure relaxations for a mere 5 bucks! Speaking of…I need one badly.

Now, let me pass along these awards to 10 other rocking bloggers who I’m proud to call friends:

Maryline over at Franco American Dream – my soul sistah whom I love!
MamaOnDaGo – sweet lady who let me guess post last week. She’s a working mom of two and pure joy to be friends with!
Sweet wise and did I say sweet? Jane from Life @ Number 8. We chatted a lot through twitter and I adore her!
Booyah’s Mama – this girl can writes and crack you up with her witty play of words. I heart her and her blog for sure! Her writing skills are something to die for!
Another hot mama in bloggy world who crunchly writes about motherhood and life in general, Veronica of Crunchy VT Mommy is not only beautiful. She’s smart, sharp and oh such fun to know of.
Big Teeth & Cloud’s owner – Joey. She too is a talented writer, I just love how she can take you into her life with mere words and laugh with her.
An attorney and freelance writer, L.Eleana J from A Writer’s Den is fantabulous with her words! That’s for sure.
The amazing Mrs. Mayhem! Love this lady! Not only she writes beautifully with her heart but she takes killer photos.
Ecky from Cisayong Girl is leading a new life as a diplomat wife full of adventure in an exotic place called Pohnpei somewhere in Micronesia.
Maria of Tough Cookie Mom – such a sweet sweet lady. Again, we twitted back and forth together but I adore her!
My dear friend, Esti over at EstiMiguelAriel she makes dangerously delicious cupcakes, takes awesome pictures and blog about their adventures living in Bangkok.
Last but not least, have you met Jessica from Mommyhood Next Right she writes with a passion that comes from her heart and soul about motherhood.