© 雅リンちゃん ♥ Miyabi Lin-Chan

Enjoying Life ♥

2012-02-03T04:01:00.000-08:00

今、とにかく毎日本当に楽しんでいます。

毎日最高の笑顔で、気合 X LOVE で一生懸命頑張っています。

充実している毎日を過ごしています。

本当に感謝しています。

幸せになれるかどうかは、自分の心が決めることだと思います。

できると思ったら、できる。できないと思ったらできなくなる。

自分に負けないで！自分の両手で奇跡を起こせましょう！

I am truly enjoying every single day.

What a wonderful spiritual journey I am on.

Living in the moment, I am truly grateful.

My days are filled with smiles, "fighting spirit"and lots of love.

With that I go forth with all my heart and soul, chasing my dreams like an honorable warrior.

I am thankful everyday that I am so blessed to be able to chase my dreams.

I believe that you decide your own happiness, don't forget that.

Yes, chasing your dreams is tough, but don't lose sight of your path, enjoy your journey don't just run blindly towards the goal, or else you'll be forgetting to live.

In every experience holds a lesson meant for you to learn and grow.

Take something out of everyday. Smile, and keep smiling your brightest smile.

If you think you can do it, YOU CAN. If you think otherwise, you've already lost the battle.

We can create miracles with our own two hands.

いつもとは違う雰囲気にしてみました^^;

「お姫様系」と言われました。笑

Keep Smiling, Your Brightest Smile.

♥Miyabi Lin-Chan

撮影♥

2012-01-13T09:25:00.001-08:00

最近、オーディション用ビデオを撮っています。

色んなものを試していますので、完成まで、まだ手間をかけなければならないと思います。

でも、楽しくやってます〜

いつも、笑顔で優しく応援していただいている方々に応えるように、大好きな家族の期待に応えるように、夢を叶えるように決して諦めずに最高の笑顔で、頑張って行きたいと思います！

今日、撮影中撮った写真〜

今年こそ、やりたいものがあれば、

その一歩、勇気を出して踏み出してみよう。

幸せになれるかどうかは、自分の心を決めることだと思います。

まずは最高の笑顔で行動しようね！

人生は美しい〜

♥Miyabi Lin-Chan

Happiness ♥

2012-01-08T05:45:00.000-08:00

忘れない欲しいもの「幸せはいつも自分の心が決める」。

Never forget that "You decide your own happiness".

I believe that everything begins within yourself.

You need to find happiness within yourself, don't rely on someone else to give it to you.

Be your own power and strength.

And, when you're truly happy and at peace within yourself, you'll eventually attract the right person.

It's okay to slow down, to breathe deeply and truly be in the moment.

Stop worrying for even just a minute about the bills, about tomorrow.

And truly live in this very moment.

Most of us are chasing the future or still stuck in the past, don't.

Be in the NOW. Because the NOW is where you are at. The NOW is where we can change, make changes and watch it all change. Our chances are in the NOW. You create your own miracles.

I did just that yesterday morning, I let my mind stop, sat at a window seat and sipped on my favorite chai, just watched people walking past. I found myself smiling softly, truly at peace and just grateful for being alive. It's just so wonderful, being alive, I feel truly blessed.

I often get asked if I want a partner/a boyfriend, and to be honest, I'm not in a hurry, I'm not fretting, I'm so happy and at peace, so much so that it amazes even myself.

Look at yourself honestly, Love yourself, Love your life, Be filled with so much love and gratitude, and with that, watch slowly as your environment changes. I am a romantic that believes in "The One", and that when the time is right, the universe will bring us together.

All you got to do, is do your part. Keep an open heart, Be filled with love, face your shadows, don't fear... and, beautify your heart and soul, the rest will come.

Believe... And, Always, Always Be True to Yourself.

With Lots Of Love

♥Miyabi Lin-Chan

Happy 2012! ♥

2012-01-05T07:37:00.000-08:00

皆さん、ご無沙汰しております〜♥

お元気でしょうか。

まず、あけましておめでとうございます。

今年こそ、やりたいものがあれば、その一歩、勇気を出して踏み出してみよう。

幸せになれるかどうかは、自分の心を決めることです。

愛も込めて、気合いを入れて。

そして、最高の笑顔でね！

今年もよろしくお願い致します！

Hey beautiful people~ It's been a while.

How has everyone been?

Has been a hectic period for a while, but as always, I'm facing everything with my brightest smile. I hope everyone is well, living according to their hearts, listening to their inner voice, and with their brightest smile.

Happy New Year, beautiful, beautiful people.

Let's make 2012 an amazingly wonderful year!

With lots of love, and your brightest smiles.

Live everyday with so much love and gratitude that if you had to re-live the day again, you'll do it just the same. Keep Shining!

And, always, always be yourself.

Here's a latest photo of me ♥

My hair thanks to my wonderful director/stylist, Ogura Tarou, of Un Ami (Omotesando, Tokyo)

ー・気合 X LOVE・ー

♥Miyabi Lin-Chan

Photography.

2011-09-27T07:57:00.000-07:00

Hey! It's been a while, I hope everyone is well. Are you all smiling out there?

An artist friend of mine, who usually works with canvas/paint/sketch/ink started getting into photography a couple of months ago. She did ask me to be her "model" but I felt really self-concious and rejected. (Strange for an aspiring artiste to be self-concious, but I seriously am. lol, I'm working hard on that.)

Yesterday she took a candid shot of me and I really liked it, so as we were roaming the dimly-lit inner streets of Omotesando, Tokyo. I ended up posing for her for just one shot.

Here's the result:

She seems excited to use me for her proper works, claiming i'm photogenic, but I think she just knows how to make me look good. lol

Anyway, I got to work harder.

Are you all out there following your heart, chasing your dreams? This world needs our dreams, we were born for a reason, and that is to fulfill our dreams, I believe it's our mission.

oh, by the way, here's the candid shot she took of me too:

Keep smiling, your brightest smile. x

♥Miyabi Lin-Chan

A Self-Portrait. In June. ６月の自画像...

2011-06-06T02:11:00.001-07:00

♥Miyabi Lin-Chan

Let us soar...

2011-05-26T06:15:00.000-07:00

Life is truly beautiful. A beautiful journey of self-discovery, spiritual growth and enrichment. Through all sorts of experiences, and what you take from them, through those we come to meet on this wonderful journey, we grow. As long as we can maintain a smile, we can overcome anything. As long as we never lose faith.

Whilst being touched by others, we too can touch them. Through love, sincerity, faith, perseverance, a humble attitude, and not forgetting the honorable spirit of a warrior, we can accomplish anything.

Don't deny your heart of your dreams.

Cause if you do, you'll slowly lose your true self.

Don't snip of your wings,

Let us soar towards our dreams.

Follow your heart, for it shall never lie to you nor lead you astray. We were all born for a reason, and your heart knows it right from the moment you take your first breath in this world. The trick is to be able to listen to its truest melody without the stain of society's constraints. It's truly a beautiful light, it smiles when you're on the right path. And peace radiates from deep within.

I'm chasing my dreams and yes of course it is scary, but the trick here is not to ever give into your fears nor doubts. Yes, it's not without it's hardship, tears and pain. But I am truly ALIVE. Compared to the joy it gives me, all these are worth it.

How I would love for everyone to feel this. This never ending flow of love, peace and gratitude, flowing endlessly from deep within our souls just because we are following our hearts, our destinies.

And alas, while we follow our hearts, we can only pray that our other half is following their hearts, and on our journeys, we are surely destined to meet again.

Let us soar towards our dreams & to a truly beautiful world.

♥Miyabi Lin-Chan

Of Fatherly Love...

2011-05-25T00:27:00.000-07:00

"In life, you should be prepared to face all sorts of challenges.

Be more confident of yourself.

You can make it.

Don't worry, we will solve everything together as a family."

- says my loving Papa to me earlier today.

My family is my biggest strength.

They are one of the biggest reasons why I smile every single day.

Is. Truly. Blessed.

♥Miyabi Lin-Chan

Of Song Writing...

2011-05-04T23:11:00.000-07:00

Thoughts:

As a person with very passionate/intense emotions, I started articulating my feelings through poetry, the piano and also by randomly humming music I made up in my mind since a young age. I never thought it would go anyway then just simply a medium to articulate the intense emotions I felt. I've always felt out of place since I was a child, being bullied for a couple of years in elementary and Junior high school. I tried hard to fit in. To be "normal", but what is "normal"?

Until I moved to Australia and found a very open-minded society where nobody tries to force their thoughts and beliefs onto you, I learnt that it was okay not to fit in. That we are all special. From there I embraced myself, I made my own mistakes, I learnt from my own experiences, from there I grew, as I grew I got surrounded by a beautiful group of people. People who love me for who I am, people who beamed at my presence, whom at my lowest point would hold me and when I shine, shine with me. Family and cherished friends whom hold me with so much love as if I'm one of the most precious gems they ever came across in their lives. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you.

Recently, to create a portfolio, I have been working on covers, covering a range of English, Japanese and Mandarin songs. Started working with Mr. Sunshine, (who is a musician & music engineer), I discovered my passion in singing. It's like acting, you create the role through what you understand, you become the role. To me acting isn't acting, it's the becoming. It's having the chance to look through someone else's window. Sometimes you love a role so much that when it's over, you feel a sense of loss, and feel kind of lonely. I have woken myself up in the middle of the night because I was singing in my sleep. It's kinda laughable. I'm mad.

On a snowy night, while I was wrapped in a warm fleece blanket with a hot cup of herbal tea after yoga, I watched as the snow from my balcony. Drifting lightly and falling. It brought me to this place, and these lyrics started coming to me. I wrote them down as best as I could while admiring the beauty of the drifting snow. I was in a beautiful place though it was hauntingly sad. I needed to tell my story.

I casually brought it up to Mr. Sunshine during tea a couple of weeks ago and showed him drafts of my lyrics and hummed him a little melody, and immediately he saw the story I was trying to tell, the emotions I was trying to weave. He started working on the music, and I got into weaving the story.

Writing a song which music and lyrics I felt that I had literally ripped from my soul, I got lost in the emotions, I am still in it. I dream of it while I sleep, I wake up humming the melody. How can one song have so much power it leaves you seeing images in your head. When I first showed it to my father, he was surprised. (He's a samurai-type, strict father but loves his family immensely). He said (in japanese - so the translation might be abit weird) that I should believe in my talent, and in myself. He also felt that through the lyrics he could feel that I was trying to express that I'm using my life (命) to love someone.

A friend W-san, when he saw the lyrics, he too was surprised, asked where I worked on the lyrics since it has these intense emotions. I answered that I had to work at night, when everything was quiet, with everything shut. I had to shut myself in because I have to each time re-create and bring myself to the place where the snow that night brought me to.

I really hope when it's done, that my emotions get brought across to people that kindly grace me their listening ears. I want to take you to that place the snow brought me that night. Never mind the lyrics if you don't understand Japanese, I hope to weave images through the music and my voice. Even if it's just one person. I hope to touch their heart.

I don't want to reveal too much here but I'm sure by now most of you can figure out it's got to do with snow and love.

Live today with your best smile, know that being alive itself is a miracle. Do everything with LOVE.

♥Miyabi Lin-Chan

I leave you with quotes by Steve Jobs.

“Almost everything–all external expectations, all pride, all fear of embarrassment or failure–these things just fall away in the face of death, leaving only what is truly important. Remembering that you are going to die is the best way I know to avoid the trap of thinking you have something to lose. You are already naked. There is no reason not to follow your heart.

Here’s to the crazy ones, the misfits, the rebels, the troublemakers, the round pegs in the square holes… the ones who see things differently — they’re not fond of rules… You can quote them, disagree with them, glorify or vilify them, but the only thing you can’t do is ignore them because they change things… they push the human race forward, and while some may see them as the crazy ones, we see genius, because the ones who are crazy enough to think that they can change the world, are the ones who do.

Your time is limited, so don’t waste it living someone else’s life. Don’t be trapped by dogma – which is living with the results of other people’s thinking. Don’t let the noise of other’s opinions drown out your own inner voice. And most important, have the courage to follow your heart and intuition. They somehow already know what you truly want to become. Everything else is secondary.” Steve Jobs

日本へ、愛を込めて

2011-04-25T00:42:00.000-07:00

ご無沙汰しております。皆、ご無事でしょうか？

何回もTwitterで書きましたが、このメッセジBlogで大変遅れまして、

申し訳ございません。

To Japan, My Home, and To all the beautiful People in Japan:

被災地の皆さん、頑張ってください。

私が愛している日本と日本にいる皆さん、頑張ってください。

こんな時あるからこそ、お互いに助け合うべきです。

皆の心が繋がっていると信じています。

日本だからこそ乗り越えられると強く信じています。

命は儚いですが、我々は人間として命の美しさを忘れてはいけません。

皆さんの心一つにしてゆっくり一歩一歩

前に進められると強く信じています。

命ある限り、希望があるということを皆さん信じて欲しいです。

我々は一人ではない、

世界中が今、手を差し伸べてくれています。

頑張って、日本！

WE CAN DO IT JAPAN!

気合いを入れて、愛と希望を込めて、頑張りましょう！

♥Miyabi Lin-Chan

Quotes...

2010-09-18T06:43:00.000-07:00

Yesterday, one of my favourite authors Paulo Coelho wrote/shared this on his official Facebook wall. I like it very much and thought that I ought to share.

"Tell your heart that the fear of suffering is worse than the suffering itself. And that no heart has ever suffered when it goes in search of is dreams."

~ Paulo Coelho

♥Miyabi Lin-Chan

Self-Reminder.

2010-09-10T04:43:00.000-07:00

"You are what you do, not what you think you should do." - Paulo Coelho.

At any rate, I should be moving faster.

I need to live more passionately than ever.

Move, move, move. Got to move faster, forwards, upwards.

熱心に生きていて、真面目に遊んで、真面目に勉強をして、一生懸命愛している仕事をして。

真面目に自分の理想の自己や将来に向かって行きましょう！

何事にも一期一会の心で臨みます。

At any rate, I don't want to regret and become the "what if I had.." person. Nor do I want to give in to doubt and the word "impossible". EVERYTHING is possible.

心を込めて、気合いを入れて、精一杯頑張れば何でもできる、どんな夢も果たすことができると信じています。

Don't go about thinking "impossible", then in the future think "what if I had done...".

Limitations are boundaries you put around yourself. There is none, as long as you are willing to fight for your dreams. Your chances are self-made, and miracles are possible with your own two hands. Live passionately chasing your dreams and make it reality.

Let us keep MOVING forwards with all our passion.

一緒に頑張りましょう！

♥Miyabi Lin-Chan

On following your heart...

2010-08-28T23:22:00.000-07:00

My belief about following your heart in a few words:

I believe we should follow our hearts because we were born to do what it truly desires, it's written in our fate, and the universe will conspire to help us because it's in our destiny.

*****

If you don't live passionately now, chasing your dreams, when are you going to start living?

Live everyday conscious of everything and everyone we have around us. And let us be grateful for even the simplest things; the food we eat, the shoes we have on our feet.....

Let us be truly alive.

♥Miyabi Lin-Chan

"We can only be said to be alive in those moments when our hearts are conscious of our treasures." - Thornton Wilder.

"Gratitude unlocks the fullness of life. It turns what we have into enough, and more. It turns denial into acceptance, chaos to order, confusion to clarity. It can turn a meal into a feast, a house into a home, a stranger into a friend. Gratitude makes sense of our past, brings peace for today, and creates a vision for tomorrow. " - Melody Beattie.

Of Sunday Mornings...♥

2010-08-21T21:15:00.000-07:00

Good Morning! お早うございます〜♥

What's better than listening & humming to your favourite jazz tunes while whipping up a lovely breakfast on a beautiful bright sunny Sunday morning~ ♥

(Sunny-side up Eggs, Pumpkin & Eggplant Salad /w light sesame dressing & shallots, and a nice serving of chilled watermelon) Oh, I'm a happy girl~

What I'm really missing though is cooking for people I love. When they take their first bite and when you can tell from their eyes/expression that they love it. Oh, that is one of the best feelings in the world. To create something earnestly with your own two hands and being able to put a smile on your loved one's faces. お料理は本当に大好きですが、一番好きなのは、愛している人の好きなお料理を作って、相手の一口目からの反応が本当に好きです。愛している人は幸せそうに食べていて、自分も幸せになります。私にとってこの感じは最高だと思っています。自分の手で、愛している人達を喜ばせるのが本当に幸せです。

What do you do when you wake up to a beautiful Sunday?

♥Miyabi Lin-Chan

Ramblings...~ ♥

2010-08-15T22:54:00.000-07:00

Brisbane・Yoga:

The humidity in Tokyo for the past 2 days made me think of the regular Hot Yoga (FIR) classes I used to attend 4-5 times a week in Brisbane, Australia. I really miss going to those classes very much, especially with my wonderful gfs back in Australia. If you're in Brisbane, do check out Zen Hot Yoga in Sherwood. It's just wonderful. I hope to find a place that does FIR Hot Yoga here in Tokyo.

*****

Thoughts:

Let's give everything we do our best efforts.

You can only move forward if you believe you can and take the first step.

Keep believing, keep striving, Keep moving forward.

I believe we can create miracles.

And they will be even more precious because we created them ourselves.

Everyday I just want to move forward even if it's just a little.

I want to keep moving. Keep fighting.

Spiritually, physically, mentally.

I want to keep improving.

I feel that I am very blessed to know what I want out of life, out of myself, I know my dreams, and even more fortunate that I have the support of my family and friends.

Living knowing what you must do, what you want and being able to chase it,

this is true happiness.

I am so happy that not only am I living, I am truly alive.

To my family, loved ones and cherished friends:

Thank you for believing in me.

Thank you for your kindness and continued support.

Thank you for loving me for who I am.

Let's keep moving forward on our individual journeys in life while lending and receiving support from and to those that we meet on this beautiful journey.

♥Miyabi Lin-Chan

買い物／お散歩〜♥

2010-08-11T06:40:00.000-07:00

Played with a cute kitten at a cafe in Harajuku today that resembles

my Kuro-chan so much when he was just a tiny kitten. ~ ♥

I miss my kitty-babies so very much.

Hope everyone is having an awesome week too ~ ♪

♥Miyabi Lin-Chan

All well again...♥

2010-08-08T23:46:00.000-07:00

I'm all well again~ 風邪をすっかり治した〜♥

Sorry about worrying all of you ~ ご心配かけてすみませんでした。

Good Morning. お早う〜♥

Iphone shot - While lying in bed when I first woke up this morning.

*****

Shopping with Rino in Ginza...　

Look for the day...

We are on a mission to get good sunglasses.

夏休みスタート〜♥　Start of week-long Summer Holiday

♥Miyabi Lin-Chan

父母的愛

2010-08-04T00:22:00.000-07:00

你知不知道您的父母是多麼偉大的嗎？

在我們不知不覺當中他們默默的

為我們犧牲了好多好多。

真的非常感激我有這麼好的父母。

爸，媽，謝謝你們這麼偉大的愛。

謝謝你們沒有對我絕望，

謝謝你們一直一來的鼓勵，支持

你們真的帶給我好大的力量。

成為你們你女兒，我們真的好辛福。
永遠是你們的傻女兒，霖。
Appreciation to parents and to my wonderful parents. (Written in Mandarin.)
♥Miyabi Lin-Chan*

風邪を引いちゃった。

2010-08-02T22:25:00.000-07:00

先週、ひどい風邪を引いちゃった。ギャブー　

今熱がないですけど、まだ辛いから、

今日初めて、日本の病院へ行ってきました。

やはり、オーストラレアと全然違うです。

いっぱい薬をもらいました。

サプリメントもかっちゃた。

早く元気になるように〜♥

おやすみなさい〜

♥Miyabi Lin-Chan

Tell me...

2010-07-30T06:51:00.001-07:00

♥Miyabi Lin-Chan

*Inspired by Japanese Commercials/Photoshoots.

...♥

2010-07-29T23:09:00.000-07:00

I love it that given today's world

I am still brave enough to be a hopeless romantic,

and also not only do I dare to dream,

I am not afraid to follow it and live it.

Not only am I living,

I am truly alive.

♥Miyabi Lin-Chan

夏祭り〜♥

2010-07-23T22:15:00.000-07:00

Going to a 夏祭り(Summer Festival) in Chiba today with my lovely Chiba family.We have all been really busy and I haven't seen them for a month, so I'm really excited.I have missed them dearly.

"Let us be grateful to people who make us happy; they are the charming gardeners who make our souls blossom." - Marcel Proust.

My look for the day [off-day with completely no makeup]

Are you remembering to give thanks to everything you have in life? I have been doing it with conscious effort daily for the past 2.5 years and it has made a huge difference in my life.

Love life, and life will love you back.

♥Miyabi Lin-Chan

"You simply will not be the same person two months from now after consciously giving thanks each day for the abundance that exists in your life. And you will have set in motion an ancient spiritual law: the more you have and are grateful for, the more will be given to you."

- Sarah Ban Breathnach.

Of Studying...♥

2010-07-13T22:15:00.000-07:00

"Never regard study as a duty, but as the enviable opportunity to learn to know the liberating influence of beauty in the realm of the spirit for your own personal joy and to the profit of the community to which your later work belongs."

- Albert Einstein.

Summer Term started this week. I'm really excited and happy. This means my mind is going to challenged. WHEE! I felt like I killed it with inactivity of the brain during the 2 week break we got. And the humidity here in Japan really doesn't help.

I love studying and I really enjoy learning. As I strive to better myself spiritually everyday, I also strive to better myself in terms of knowledge. Learning means moving forward and bettering yourself. I'll always be a student of this universe and I never want to stop learning.

I honestly feel so very fortunate to have my parents' support especially my father's blessings to follow my dreams. Thank you. Thank you so much. Not only do you want to see me being able to support myself, but I know you want me to be able to support myself without seeing the passion for life extinguish from my eyes. Not only do you want to see me achieve my heart's desires and dreams, and become successful in my career but you also want to see me become successful in life, and as a good, spiritual human being. Even at this age, you are still my hero. (Yes, until today, my father is still my one and only hero.)

私、いつも、理想の自己を心に持って、理想の将来に向かって歩いて行こうと思っています。毎日できることに心を込めて、この方面に向かって行きます。今、色んなことを学びたいですが、おばあちゃんになっても、色んなことを勉強続けると思います。「学ぶに遅すぎることなし」、この言葉を信じているからです。私達は何歳になっても、この世界の学生だと思います。

今、もっと教養を身に付けるつもりです。もっと、強くなりたいです。将来は教養があって知的な人になりたいてす。そして、精神を向上させたいです。

皆さん、一緒に充実した毎日を送りましょう！

Look for: First day of summer term...

Back to the topic of classes, I received 2 of the hardest but most useful pieces of assignment ever since I started attending this school since Spring term.

One of them requires me to write a self-introductory essay, but this has to be useful to the individual, a classmate of mine suggested that I wrote for an audition. My teacher overheard it and said that I should write for an audition. And in actual fact, I've been thinking about it for weeks now, since one of the application requires me to write/speak about myself (sell myself basically). I found it very difficult and up till today have no idea what I should say. I don't want to sound like a narcissistic person, neither do I want to sound like the other 500 applicants. I want them to know ME.

The other assignment requires me to write up an interview consisting of 10 questions for an interview with any famous person of choice (preferably a Japanese person.) Again, this is very useful for my career. So, I chose Asano Tadanobu (whom in my opinion is a fantastic actor, whom truly is in acting for pure passion and nothing else.)

I know I really like Andrew Denton's interview style. And till today I remember one of the questions he interviewed David Attenborough who's documentaries I enjoy immensely, and whom I respect deeply. Andrew Denton asked Sir David Attenborough (after all he has seen) if he believed in God. - I honestly do not think that anyone would think of asking Attenborough this question at all. But of course the answer was intriguing. And that was probably one of the best interviews I have ever watched. I sat with my eyes glued and ears peeled all throughout the entire 2 hours worth.

If you had a choice, who would you interview and what would you ask them? How would you open and close? How would you without trying "break the ice"?

♥Miyabi Lin-Chan

Of Stylists and Aestheticians...

2010-07-08T23:15:00.000-07:00

Because I have to do some photo shoots for some tv stuff soon. I wanted to find "me". Especially in the field I'm going in, first impression really counts. Actually, even being able to leave an impression or not is the main point.

So back to the topic on finding "me"...well, the outer appearance that can represent me for who I am. In search for a look that is "me", I used to ask for alot of opinions on what people (my family, loved ones and close friends) think best suits me. But this time, I just followed on the look I've always loved.

So, last week I took another trip to my stylist, after discussing with him and showing a few pictures of different looks I tend to go out in. He went away and had a think. I love it how he does that, he's only 29 but is the director of the place and have been in the field since he was 18, and his interest is only everything to do with styling. Hair, Make, Fashion. He constantly says how his field of interest is so narrow and he's 「バカ」(stupid). But I think it's wonderful how people KNOW where their interest truly lies and focus all their attention on what they love. That's pure PASSION to me. I can really see the sparkle in his eyes while he works, it's just delightful. I really hope everyone out there can find what they truly love and have the courage to pursue it.

After 6.5 hours of sitting in the salon, one of the last things my stylist told me was, "I would like you to play with your hair a little, and come up with your own look. Miyabi Lin-chan look." So, spot on there.

I had consultations with 2 aestheticians. One was purely luck, she is one of my good girlfriend's mum whom is a huge supporter of mine. The other was an aesthetician from COFFRET D'OR Kanebo who spent nearly 2 hours with me. They both gave me slightly different looks, but both agreed on darker eyebrows (See previous post), although the Kanebo aesthetician gave me thicker brows (as my stylist also said slightly thicker, darker brows not only defines your features more, but it softens your look.) They all gave me alot to think about and play with.

Yesterday, I had date with my close gf, Rino-chan. ♥

So without my lovely stylist nor my ridiculously beautiful aestheticians and their talented skills.

Here is what I came up with for my date with Rino-Chan.

1st attempt. My "day-time" look.

♥Miyabi Lin-Chan

Of Girly Things...♥

2010-07-01T06:00:00.000-07:00

I had such a wonderful time yesterday with my gf Rino-chan.

From lunch date to shopping to enjoying tea with another gf of mine (who is on an exchange from Australia) back to shopping, then a lovely home-cooked dinner at Rino-chan's home.

Rino's mother whipped up some very simple yet amazingly delicious food. I was very touched by the thought she put into the dishes that she presented beautifully on the dining table. She knows that I am on a diet, and really put alot of thought into what dishes to make, asides making sure they were low in calorie, she also made sure they were nutritious. And, I felt such a sense of gratitude and I could really taste the love she put into it. It was not only delicious on the palate, it was nourishing for the soul. ♥

Rino's mum is also a professional aesthetician. She is an amazingly beautiful woman, not only in looks but I really respect her for the person she is. You can tell how knowledgeable she is and how much of herself she puts into everything she does. You can tell she holds a powerful position in her home with a sense of quiet dignity resonating from her. Not only is she a good mother, she is also a good wife. There is a beautiful sense of balance in their home.

After the lovely dinner yesterday, she did a quick makeup for me. Also, she will be doing my makeup for me for some impromptu shots for some tv stuff. She's a big supporter of mine and I'm really grateful for that.

Here are some photos:

Always trying my best to remember to be grateful for everything in my life.

Because, Life is BEAUTIFUL.

♥Miyabi Lin-Chan

Quote of the Month: July

2010-06-27T21:48:00.000-07:00

I really like this quote a friend shared on facebook...

"Happiness keeps you sweet,

Trials keep you strong,

Sorrow keeps you human,

Failure keeps you humble and

Success keeps you glowing,

But

Only Faith & Attitude keeps you going."

~ Arthur Ashe

Of Running & Aspirations...

2010-06-24T06:56:00.000-07:00

I've been out of action for a little more then 2 weeks, due to some crazy cold virus I got that left me nothing more then a withered shell-like-creature for 2 weeks.

Previously, the whole time I have been training, I've been training in sneakers! My left ankle started giving me alot of problems due to the lack of support and cushioning from the sneakers. I miss both my runners. The one I have in Australia and the other back in my parents home in Singapore. They are both gel kayanos by Asics, and I love them both to death.

Megu-chan took me to this wonderful store tucked away in some street in Shibuya. This store isn't like your trendy sports store, it comes across as a runner's store, people that run because they love it, and for some reason or the other, I felt really inspired.

Tried on a pair of shoes, and my feet just there and then married those shoes.

So, I finally gave in and bought new runners today... ♥

Asics, Lady GT2150 New York-Wide.

I couldn't help myself and took them out for a run later in the evening... And for the first time in a long time, felt support, cushioning and comfort. I ran faster then I ever did in my sneakers. I felt the cool summer breeze in my face, I breathed in deeply, opened up my palms and felt the wind rush through my fingers... Oh, how I love running. I also wish I could wear these shoes everywhere.

Accompanied by daily yoga, than stretch, and strength/resistance training 3-4 times a week, I'm working at running 5km, 5-6 times a week I'm speeding up and cutting the time down each time I run, I always try to push myself to the point of discomfort. I've got 2 weeks of holiday coming up and asides social plans, it's all dedicated to training. I hope to slowly build it up to 10km by the time of my birthday.

If you can dream it, YOU CAN DO IT!

All you have to do is believe....

and allow yourself to take the first step...

This world is made out of dreams, everything started with a dream...

Tip: Have a detailed plan written out on how you plan to arrive at your goal. Smaller goals that you set that lead up to the bigger ones are great checkpoints.

"Everything begins with the resolve to take the first step. From that action, wisdom arises and change begins. Without action, nothing changes." - Daisaku Ikeda.

EVERYTHING AND ANYTHING IS POSSIBLE!

What are you waiting for?

♥Miyabi Lin-Chan

私の両親について。

2010-06-07T23:42:00.000-07:00

今の人生、今の私があるのはひとえに両親のお陰です。

毎日、私は両親の愛に感謝しています。

おかげさまで、充実した毎日ができます。

おかげさまで、生きててよかったです。

おかげさまで、いつも応援していただいて、

自分の将来も眩しくなっていて、自分が好きなことに、

自分の夢を果たすにも歩けます。

夢を果たすのも、いつも心配かけながら、

すっと私のことに信じていて、

本当に感謝申し上げます。

今まで、本当に馬鹿な娘で、まだ何もできなくて、

申し訳ございません。

でも、毎日悔いのないように一生懸命頑張っています。

私にとってこの人生に一番大切なのは親孝行です。

必ず、親孝行をするつもりです。

両親に幸せを送りたいです。

お父さん、お母さん、お元気で少々お待ち下さい。

もすぐできるから。

よろしくお願いいたします。

♥Miyabi Lin-Chan

Of Birthday Celebrations...

2010-06-05T10:35:00.000-07:00

Tonight I got invited to my close gf, Megu-chan's,

birthday celebration party.

I hope she enjoyed herself. - Happy Birthday Megu-chan ~ ♥

I really enjoyed myself and met some very wonderful people.

It started off with a lovely organic Dinner and organic wine

at Mominoki House (Jingumae, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo)

And ended at Cerulean Tower Tokyu Hotel, Shibuya

with some naughty dessert, drinks, a splendid view of Tokyo,

soft candle-lightings and almost-romantic live music.

My look for the night...

First-things-first. What are birthday's without presents?

The story: Most of my family and close friends know that having crystals around my home and wearing crystals is a huge habit of mine. I always have clear quartz around the home (on every single window sill). I also own a collection of various crystals I have collected throughout the years and you will never spot me without my Onyx bracelets. (Recently, it seems that it has become a huge thing in Japan. )

When Megu-chan saw me with one I made, she asked me where I got mine, I offered to take her to the store I frequent. Last week, we finally had our girlie day out and she finally got hers.

This is her "power-stone bracelet" (as it is called here in Japan) we put together.

Oh what a wonderful day we had!

Courtsey of Megu-chan's blog

So for a week now I was playing around the idea of getting either a pair of smaller amethyst and quartz bracelet for her to alternate,

a amethyst/quartz pendant

or amethyst/quartz earrings.

I finally decided on earrings and decided to try my hands on making a pair for her to go with her bracelet. I picked out the crystals by Swarovski and

made my first very simple pair of earrings...

I wrote a little note to go with it. It went something like that...

"Dearest Meg Darling,

"Birthdays make us cherish some old moments and look forward to some new experiences and anticipation in life. Everyone on their special day looks ahead to a challenging and splendid future. We all celebrate birthdays as a remark of completing one more memorable year in the span of life, a new milestone towards eternity." -Anon

I certainly hope you had a wonderful year.

Here's wishing you many fulfilling and splendid years ahead.

Happy Birthday Meg ♥

Keep dreaming, keep believing...

If you can dream it, you can do it. Everything and Anything is possible.

With all my Love,

Miyabi 雅リンちゃん♥ '2010"

*****

Cerulean Hotel Tokyu Tower, Level 40, in Shibuya, Tokyo.

The View

Candlelight...

The soft, romantic live music...

French Dessert...

Happy Birthday Megu-chan

I hope you had a wonderful time...

Thank you for inviting me to share your special day with you ...

♥Miyabi Lin-Chan

Of food and Indulgences...♥

2010-05-30T23:58:00.000-07:00

To my dearest family and friends...

Most of you love your food...

and most of you have requested me to take photos of food

So, here is a post displaying photos of my usual food and the rare indulgences I allow myself...

I think most of you know by now, how strict I have become with food.

The usual rules are: No carbs, No dessert (except for maybe once or twice a month ご褒美)

Huge breakfast, Light Lunch, Tiny to almost no Dinner.

私の手作り〜 ♥ Typical Home-cooked Breakfasts:

*****

Here are some of my Indulgences (ご褒美):

Lunch at la campange

Dinner with my lovely gf, Meg, at Paul in Yotsuya, Tokyo

*****

Foodie Affairs with my lovely Chiba family

Let's start off with a picture of Bun-chan, our mischievous yet lovable family dog...

Huge healthy breakfast my Chiba mummy cooked us before a lovely family trip...

千葉ママの手作り料理　「夕食」

More Home-cooked Food by my lovely Chiba Mummy (Dinner)...

French Cuisine at Chiba for the daddy's birthday....♥

The food was really lovely,

however, let's just say that I really don't fancy meat very much...

Chiba mummy brought me to Ton-Q for dinner to welcome me home for the weekend...♥

Proceeded to send me back home with a mountain-load of goodies

As well as this expensive, well-known and VERY delicious お煎餅

I feel very grateful and blessed to have my Chiba family in my life.

Especially through their actions and warm words,

they are always telling me that I'm family

and every time I see them,

they would always ask me to consider moving closer to them.

Thank you so much for everything.

I am so glad to have all of you in my life.

♥Miyabi Lin-Chan

Of Runs...

2010-05-28T05:28:00.000-07:00

...Feeling strong and accomplished from the evening's run.

I'm quite surprised at how fast the body is picking up with the stamina, it's warming up faster, my breathing is steadier, I'm running at a steady strong pace and it's only the 3rd day of run-training. I was very sore this morning, but I really wanted to stick to running and I'm so glad I did. It's really the mind frame that sets the winners from the rests.

Finally got my balance ball and yoga mat from Tokyu-hands in Shibuya today with my lovely girlfriend Meg. Can't wait to break into that ball and mat!

My basic strength/resistance training equipment:

(All sponsored by my wonderful father ~ ♥)

Quoting from Paulo Coelho again, he wrote on 05/24: "Fight for your dreams, and your dreams with fight for you."

He than wrote today: " You have 2 choices in life. a] to find a way. b] to make one."

Cast away your fears. Start BELIEVING.

I'm fighting for my dreams. And I'm making my path. If you can dream it, you can DO IT. Keep positive, keep at it. Think positive, be positive and you will attract positivity. Find inspirations in your everyday life. I have a girlfriend (Meg - someone totally lovable, wholesome, real, warm, positive, and not afraid of hardwork nor admitting and embracing her flaws - who's smile brings a sparkle to her eyes and warms your heart) who inspired me to start training hard and still inspires me.

Visualize yourself having accomplished your dream, keep speaking positively about it.

WE CAN DO IT!

EVERYTHING and ANYTHING IS POSSIBLE!

Don't forget to Give Thanks. Every Single Day.

Be aware of every single moment...

Awareness creates gratitude and inner peace.

LIVE. to the fullest.

♥Miyabi Lin-Chan

Evening Run...

2010-05-26T04:26:00.001-07:00

....in the cool summer rain.

My body's been screaming out at me for a while now for a good run. I was sitting in class yesterday when my body perked and went "let's go for a run." The urge was so strong that if I wasn't in class, I would have literally stood up and started running.

Naturally, I had to ignore it, since I was in class. My body has been very persistent. So, this evening, I gave in. Although it was raining. I ran, literally ran, in the cool summer rain. When I started moving, and starting feeling every single stride in my legs and the movement in my arms, the fluidity in my joints... I found myself wondering why I ever stopped running. Sure my stamina has dropped immensely, but the feel of my muscles, joints, movements, strides, the lightness of my body....I felt strong.

Got back from the run, and did some resistance/strength training and finished off with my favorite Yoga poses.

Feeling strong and accomplished... Rain, sweat and all.

Also, yesterday one of my favorite authors, Paulo Coelho, wrote this, and when I saw it, I felt very strongly like it was a message from the universe to me (and probably many others out there): "Hurry up: your dreams are waiting for you, but they will not wait forever." Thank you for the message, I got it. 一緒懸命頑張ります！

♥Miyabi Lin-Chan

Of Quotes

2010-05-15T04:49:00.000-07:00

"For beautiful eyes, look for the good in others;

For beautiful lips, speak only words of kindness

And for poise,

walk with the knowledge that you are never alone."

~ Audrey Hepburn.

I thought that I ought to share this beautiful quote here. An old friend of mine shared this quote on her facebook wall. I like it very much and believe that it is very true. I feel that who you are on the inside, your thoughts, your heart your feelings really does show and in time it will manifest itself through your appearances.

♥Miyabi Lin-Chan

Weekend In ~ ♥

2010-05-14T05:03:00.001-07:00

The Appreciation of Simple pleasures...

I hardly spend a weekend in, so last weekend was just wonderful...

Japanese food, delicious green tea, fluffy cushions, pjs, movies, animes ♥

Not to mention, being the typical girl,

I just had to take photos of myself. Can you tell how blissful I feel? ~

"Develop an attitude of gratitude,

and give thanks for everything that happens to you,

knowing that every step forward is a step towards

achieving something bigger and better than your current situation."

~ Brain Tracy

"Appreciation can make a day,

even change a life.

Your willingness to put it into words is all that is necessary."

~ Margaret Cousins.

♥Miyabi Lin-Chan

Golden Week Part II: Tsukiji, Tokyo

2010-05-14T04:10:00.000-07:00

During Golden week, I met up with my wonderful Chiba family for a beautiful lunch in Tsukiji. It was to celebrate an early mother's day. Everyone dressed up, and my Chiba mum looked exceptionally beautiful. (Did I mention that I have 3 mothers and 3 fathers? - I am one loved individual. - My wonderful biological parents, My Homestay Parents and the recent addition My Chiba Family: Mum, Dad, Older sister, Brother and Younger sister.)

A Little on my family in Chiba (My Chiba family)...♥

My Chiba Dad is a long time 親友 good friend (like brothers) with my biological father(been friends for some 38 years or so). Him and his wife just took me under their wing and they provide me with unconditional family warmth and love. I remember when I first met my Chiba mum. She watched me very carefully the whole day. How I interacted with my parents, how I spoke and acted, and by the end of the day, she must have decided she likes me and said to me with the warmest smile:"Just call me ママ (mama)". And from that day on....

I'm included into everything. Birthdays, special occasions, holidays, family trips, open hearts, open arms, open door. My very kind and lovely Chiba siblings are just wonderful too. I am very grateful, I can't even start to put my gratitude into words, and how blessed I feel. But I quote my Chiba dad (because he feels that I am very lucky too - many good things always happen to me it seems): quote 「神様はリンちゃんにちゃんと見ているんですね〜！」It means "Lin-chan, it seems that God is always watching over you carefully."

I remember when I first left their home in Chiba after living with them for slightly over 2 weeks to move to Tokyo, the daddy said the mummy misses me. And she calls me at least once or twice a week to make sure I am well, and always telling me to make sure I eat enough. 感動しています。Not forgetting that this lovely couple went out of the way, sacrificed their own free time and weekends just to find a good place for me. Then went and bought everything together with me, moved everything for me, then take me home on weekends and fed me. And I received メール today from Chiba mummy saying to go home anytime I want 待っているから。(she'll be waiting for me). I'll be seeing them this weekend so i am really looking forward to it!

Back to the luncheon at Tsukiji during Golden Week:

Luncheon: St Luke's Garden. 32nd Floor. Japanese Cuisine. 和食

The view from our reserved table...

It was such a beautiful lunch...

After lunch, family walkies in a huge park at Tsukiji. 築地公園。

It was such a beautiful day.

Beautiful day. Beautiful hearts, beautiful people. Wonderful Family.

Blissfulness.

♥Miyabi Lin-Chan

" Feeling grateful or appreciative of someone or something in your life

actually attracts more of the things that you appreciate and value in your life."

~ Christiane Northrup.

Golden Week: The Yokohama Diaries.

2010-05-14T03:13:00.000-07:00

During golden week here in Japan, I didn't end up doing much. I found myself very content in my own private space all week. Studying, listening to music, cleaning my home, exercising, having dinner over video-conference on the internet with my lovely sister...

Although I did do some shopping in Shibuya, sat in Starbucks with my matcha-latte for an hour or so and just watched the people and the crowded Shibuya "scramble-crossing". Just really allowed myself to breathe slowly and enjoy being alive. All the simple everyday pleasures, and being content with my own thoughts and company...

Life is so beautiful. I always find myself thinking, "Ah, life is so beautiful, I am so glad to be alive, I am so grateful." Even over the tiniest things. If you forget to even appreciate and be grateful to all these simpler things in life, you're not really even living. 私、毎日の考え「人生は本当に美しいな、生きててよかった〜♥」

I finally got a chance to visit Yokohama thanks to a good friend and a long time friend of his. I can't wait to go back and explore even more! I didn't get a chance to take many photos as it was overly crowded due to it being Golden week. Young love birds were everywhere and it was truly the "love is in the air" theme-song type of place.

I found a little wine cellar that holds good imported German wine and was allowed to taste some very delicious wine. Bought my favorite one back as a gift.

A Glimpse of Yokohama, on a beautiful warm Spring day...

It was 子供の日(Children's Day) the next day so 鯉のぼり(Carp-streamers) could be spotted everywhere.

フィーリング・ショット

Beautiful Clear Day in Yokohama...

Spotted this view as I was about to cross the street, and just had to take it.

フィーリング・ショット

Yokohama: China Town. 横浜の中華街。

End of Yokohama Diaries.

♥Miyabi Lin-Chan

New Quote of the Month: For May - June 2010

2010-05-14T03:08:00.000-07:00

" Unless we view things with our heart,

we can see nothing.

If we look at the world with a love of life,

the world will reveal its beauty to us."

~Daisaku Ikeda

A tiny photo update ~ ♥

2010-05-01T20:54:00.000-07:00

....And a few words.

A really surreal place in Chiba, Japan...

Some pictures from 花見。Beautiful Cherry Blossoms...

Chiba, Japan

Chidorigafuchi, Tokyo

花まつり Tokyo, Japan

*****

A good friend's concert in Kourakuen, Tokyo.

It was wonderful~ ♪

Loving Life as always.

Really enjoying myself here in Tokyo.

Filling my everyday with studies, fitness regime, healthy food,

social commitments and preparations for my upcoming career path...♥

And not forgetting a HUGE dosage of positivity, love and gratitude to life,

and the energies of the Universe. Everyday.

♥Miyabi Lin-Chan

Inspired by....

2010-04-10T06:19:00.000-07:00

...Japanese CMs here in Tokyo.

Inspired by Japanese horror/thriller flims.

*****

Inspired by Japanese CMs:"Souless" look, clad in military inspired gear.

♥Miyabi Lin-Chan

New Quote of the Month: For April 2010

2010-03-29T02:17:00.000-07:00

"People often think that discipline is

the absence of laziness.

But to me, discipline is the will and mental strength to

overcome the presence of laziness."

- Yoddecha Sityodtong, Professional Muay Thai Boxer

Of Dreams & Aspirations...

2010-03-25T21:29:00.000-07:00

"It's the possibility of having a dream come true that makes life interesting." - Paulo Coelho

In Photo: When I was a little girl...

It doesn't mean that because I have big dreams, I forget where my feet are.

They are in actual fact planted into the roots of this earth.

It doesn't mean that because I dare to dream, and dream big, that I have no sense of reality.

In actual fact, I do.

It just means that I have lesser fear than an average person.

I am more than ready to work for it and very much prepared to fight hard to get what my heart desires.

"There's only one thing that makes a dream impossible to achieve: the fear of failure." Paulo Coelho.

Just never forget, that everything we are using right now, that we are taking for granted everyday (yes, including the computer you are using right now, the train you take to work everyday...). It all started as a dream, a big dream of a single person whom has put in the hard yard, or several hundreds. I will always hold on to the belief that, despite all my past and future failures, that if you can dream it, you can do it. That if you really try and try again, anything is possible.

自信が持って、やれば、何でもできると思っています。心の夢を。

I believe that: "And, when you want something [really want something], all the universe conspires in helping you to achieve it" Paulo Coelho

I refuse to settle for less. Lesser than what I hear from my heart. I am constantly, as attentively as possible, listening to the melody my heart sings and strongly believe that if I keep listening to it and work as hard as I can, I will be able to hum it's tune in perfect harmony together someday. I am constantly giving thanks, and feeling a deep sense of gratitude to the energies of the universe. Before bed, in the morning, during meals... I will never forget to pause and take everything in, give thanks and always be aware of how lucky I am to have everything I am blessed with.

I live everyday with a deep sense of gratitude. A constant desire to learn and to become a better person and lead a spiritually fulfilling life. With an established connection with the never-ending hub of energies generating within and from the universe, I am on a continued spiritual journey everyday.

How do you live your everyday?

♥Miyabi Lin-Chan

Hello from Chiba, Japan

2010-03-24T08:17:00.000-07:00

In my room in Chiba, Japan

Apologies for the long absence. Arrived safely in Tokyo on March 3rd, lived in Tokyo for a week followed by my stay in Chiba. I've been in Chiba, Japan for the past 2 weeks and will be moving into my apartment in Tokyo this weekend. We've been so busy trying to look for apartments. I am thankful to have found a good place in Tokyo (finally!) and so we're buying everything from curtains to rugs (We spent some solid 10 hours of marathon-shopping on Saturday!)...

Moving countries requires lots of hardwork and a busted brain, I'm so grateful to have such an extensive support network. Long update coming up soon...Until then~ ♥

Playing around with Pop-Art effect before bed...(Chiba, Japan)

♥Miyabi Lin-Chan

Of Cuddles...♥

2010-02-17T01:36:00.001-08:00

Found a photo of Kiki and myself from 2 years ago...

♥Miyabi Lin-Chan

Of Lazy Weekends...

2010-02-12T20:12:00.000-08:00

..... Lazy saturday beakfast at home with the sister ♥

Over private jokes and laughters on a hot summer day...

We shared.....

Chilled rock-melon (cantaloupe) & Sweet Muscat Grapes on ice...

For a protein-fix: Eggs "crepe"...

Feeling yet again:

An Immense gratitude for Life over a blissful lazy weekend.

♥Miyabi Lin-Chan

I love...

2010-02-10T13:25:00.000-08:00

early mornings...

Catching the first ray of sunlight...

Having a 5km power-walk with your favourite person in the world.

Mine, of course is my sister, who's yours?

Quick snap before the walk: My shoe and hers...

*****

Early mornings also gives me a chance...

to watch the cats bask in the sunlight in my piano room...

Look at those socks...♥

Kiki & Sunlight + my mess in the background.

I ♥ Life.

Are you appreciating the simple everyday beauties in your life?

Never forget to be grateful for each moment.

I want to live life knowing that I really lived

and that I truly cherished each moment.

That I was really there.

That I am Here.

♥Miyabi Lin-Chan

Of Farewells...II

2010-02-08T19:33:00.000-08:00

Late last year, just before my university finals...

I bided farewell to a relationship of 6.5 years. Although we aren't in a relationship anymore, we're still really great friends (仲良し) and still spend lots of time together laughing. I really appreciate and cherish our friendship.

A and myself at a dinner party in 2004.

I am going to miss you. Thank you for everything.

Today, A got me a really expensive farewell gift (>_<)

for my big move....

.....Black Ipod Classic & Silicon Holder/Protector

Documenting the moment.

Pretty~♥

I love it. Thank you so much.

♥Miyabi Lin-Chan

Looking in...

2010-02-06T04:52:00.000-08:00

My beautiful cactus in full-bloom.

- You've got to face your personality like its a cactus, thorns and all, and embrace it.

Look deep within yourself.

See yourself, with all the honesty you could muster.

Embrace your flaws as you would embrace your strengths.

Reflect, ponder and consider.

Empower your strengths.

Learn to be true to your heart.

Finally, Love yourself honestly.

♥Miyabi Lin-Chan

Of Farewells...

2010-02-04T22:16:00.000-08:00

...and Farewell Gifts.

"The Love of a family is life's greatest blessing" - Anon.

Farewell Gift from Bebari Lubbie ♥

" A best friend is like a sister that destiny forgot to give you" - Anon.

I love it so much and will cherish it.

Thank You Bebari. ♥

Thank you for being just the way you are...

Bebari & Myself

"The most beautiful discovery true friends make is that they can grow separetely without growing apart" - Elisabeth Fole.

♥Miyabi Lin-Chan

Of Early Mornings...

2010-02-03T16:30:00.000-08:00

When we got back from another beautiful early morning breakfast...

Look what was sitting in the mail waiting...

Photo: Accompanying the book is my trusty study desk 'plant' &

Rosehip tea served in fine china.

OoooOO-whee~ *smells book* Mmm~

I can't wait to start reading it!

♥Miyabi Lin-Chan

Early Mornings & Gratitude for Life.

2010-02-01T14:37:00.000-08:00

@the gunshop cafe: 53 Mollision St, West End, Brisabane Australia.

Early morning + 2 of your favourite people.

Quiet Roads, private jokes & laughters shared during the drive.

Quiet quaint little cafe + Delicious breakfast, Coffee & Chai

Morning reads of: "Time", "The Economist" & "Scientific American"

Friendly/Informative discussions over breakfast about the on-goings of the world

& general matters of health and scientific research.

@the gunshop cafe

Double smoked bacon|poached eggs|tomato|herbed hollandaise| sourdough.

Coming home and watering your little pots of plants...

Receiving books in the mail ♥

Sitting in the piano room, looking out into the garden...

Your freshly shampooed hair fluttering in the gentle morning breezes

Watching the butterflies courting each other....

Purring kitty flopping in your arms...

Chilli Plant from our garden.

Reservation at your favourite masseurs

Before returning to pack up to move to your favourite country your heart calls home.

After years of zero holiday, no break nor rest.

And a fair share of upstream struggles.

I am grateful for this change, even though it's just for a little bit.

I ♥ Life.

Thank you for my life.

I'll never cease to appreciate my life and all the simple beauties it provides...

and will remember them through tougher times.

I'm also thankful for those tougher times as it makes me a stronger person

and amplifies the simplest joys in life.

♥Miyabi Lin-Chan

Winding down at the end of the day...

2010-02-01T03:25:00.001-08:00

Winding down at the end of the day.

What's better then winding it down with:

one of your most favourite person (my sister, Jun) in the world,

old jazz music playing in the background,

dimmed lights,

homemade lemongrass and black sugar tea served in fine china

Sharing memories of the past and dreams of the future...

I ♥ Life.

And I am grateful for these little everyday beauties in life...

Oh, hellos! How do you wind down at the end of the day?

I love playing hide-and-seek with mamee!

♥Miyabi Lin-Chan

Kiki-chan ♥

2010-01-31T23:27:00.000-08:00

Was going through the SD card of my camera and found these photos of Kiki. As mentioned an earlier post, Kiki's a gift from my lovely sister... ♥

If I could equally half my life with Kiki so we could die on the same day, I would do so in a heartbeat. I can't imagine life without her.

She is so beautiful, from her mewing (meowing) at me for cuddles, to her sleeping with me during winter (she actually cuddles me during winter - it's quite so cute), to her mewing at me for food, to her sooky-face when I have to leave the home (for whatever reasons again), to her "you are my world"-look that she gives me, to her always being by my side...

I have to say I must have done something very good to deserve such an angel like her.

I never forget to appreciate her everyday.

Here's some photos of my little pride and joy...

My furry bundle of happiness.

Oo! hello mamee!

Chicken?

OMG, Say wha?

Ohhh, I see.

♥Miyabi Lin-Chan

Book/Reading Addiction.

2010-01-31T22:28:00.000-08:00

I love reading and I love books; how they smell, feel, look

- They are beautiful.

I have a long to-read/to-buy book list, as well as a re-read list. Recently, because I have just graduated, and have bit more spare time on hand, I found myself ordering books. Unfortunately, as I'm preparing to for my big move. These books are sitting on my desk looking pretty and beckoning out to me. 2 more books just arrived a couple of days ago so I decided to take a photo of the books I have to go through.

Aren't they beautiful?

Jane Eyre - Charlotte Bronte (Gift from an old friend)

PS. I Love you - Cecelia Ahern (Bought in Japan)

Faerie Tale - Raymond E. Feist (Read, to be re-read) ♥

The Time Traveler's Wife - Audrey Niffenegger (Gift from my lovely sister)

Sense and Sensibility - Jane Austen (Another gift from my sister)

The Book of Tomorrow - Cecelia Ahern

The Angel's Game - Carlos Ruiz Zafon

Siddhartha - By Hermann Hesse

By Paulo Coelho:

Life (Selected Quotations)

The Alchemist (Read, to be re-read - Gift from the sister) ♥

Click for Personal Book Review

The Witch of Portobello

Like the Flowing River

The Devil and Miss Prym

The Pilgrimage

Warrior of Light

On the same note, I am reading "Eleven Minutes" by Paulo Coelho, I borrowed from my best friend Jen (Thanks Jen!). Then re-reading "Eat, Pray, Love" By Elizabeth Gilbert that I absolutely enjoyed, her writing style is just delightful, she managed to portray thoughts awfully well. I can't wait till I receive her next book "Committed" in the mail.

On the other hand:

I borrowed these books from a friend. (Thanks Ju-anne!) I desperately want my own copies.

I love natural medicine and I have a huge fascination over natural chinese medicine. My grandmother and mother are all experts on natural chinese medicine, therefore I grew up with it. (This also has to do with my astoundingly poor health as a child). Besides knowledge from my grandmother, my lovely mummy would research, read up and study up on these so that she could improve my health. (Thanks Mummy♥) Although I know a tiny bit about natural chinese medicine, I would love to expand my knowledge in this area as it has always been a part of who I am. Please let me know if you know where I can get my hands on any!

Oh, and here's a picture of my beautiful 2010 datebook my sister bought me. (Thanks Jun! ♥)

It comes complete with beautiful inspirational quotes.

Such as: " We can let the circumstances of our lives harden us so that we become increasingly resentful and afraid, or we can let them soften us and make us kinder and more open to what scares us."

Back to the books...(oh wait... back to packing... *pouts*)

♥Miyabi Lin-Chan

New Quote of the Month: For February 2010.

2010-01-31T02:04:00.000-08:00

"When your determination changes, everything will begin to move in the direction you desire.

- The moment you resolve to be victorious, every nerve and fiber in your being will immediately orient itself toward your success. On the other hand, if you think, "This is never going to work out," then at that instant every cell in your being will be deflated and give up the fight. Then everything really will move in the direction of failure."

-Daisaku Ikeda.

I believe strongly in the power of the mind. If you believe hard enough, and have the courage to take the first step to make it happen, anything and everything is possible.

♥Miyabi Lin-Chan

A Word About: Your Furry Four-legged Best Friend...

2010-01-29T02:48:00.000-08:00

We have 3 incredibly beautiful and loving cats:

Kiki:

Haku:

Kuro:

Kiki and Haku are pedigree ragdolls (with certifed papers) we hand-picked from the same breeder.

Kiki is our first cat. We sat down and read up on every single breed of cats to understand the basic characteristics and needs of every breed before deciding that what we looked for in a pet was a ragdoll cat. We knew we could provide for it well and meet their needs and demands. It took a bit of time and research, my sister found the breeder whom we called and met up. She happily showed us around the cattery and her home and answered every single question with patience. When we held Kiki, she looked straight into our eyes, and we just knew she was meant to be. Kiki was a gift from my sister to me.

Haku was from the same breeder, as we knew what to expect from a kitten and was confident that we could provide a warm loving home with the best premium food available. (And yes, they drink spring water, not filtered water from the tap - truly loved and spoilt). My sister was yearning to have a kitty to call her own, so we picked Haku. Haku didn't have great health, and was allergic to certain brands of food despite how premium they were. So we spent alot of money on him at the vet - but no complains, he is our family.

One thing before owning a pet is that you have to bear in mind all these unexpected surprises. Besides the meeting their daily demands of quality good, water and playtime, regular vet checks, vaccinations and monthly 'revolution' drop. You must be prepared to be with your pet through thick and thin, and provide for it through thick and thin. It is really just like having a child. One thing I don't like about pet shops is that people see these cute irresistible kittens/puppies in the store window and buy them on impluse without any consideration on any other factors. They end up abandoning their pet because they can't hold up to the basic demand their pets need. People need to be educated.

Kuro is both our baby, my sister and I were walking to the shops to get some lunch and groceries on a sweltering hot summer day. 10 mins in the sun, and we both had throbbing headaches. We walked pass a pet store (this is beside a main road), a cage displaying cats were outside, being me, I just HAD to have a look. There were 3 black cats, 1 sleeping in the water bowl, 1 panting and the other just looked downright groggy from the heat. I was appalled and got the shop attendant to open up the cage so I could have a look. I picked up the panting one and his body was so warm, in fact it was hot. Once in my arms, he started purring and refused to let go. We had no choice, they just looked they they were suffering, if only I could have gotten all three of them. We are very sure Kuro must have came from somewhere very unpleasant, he is overly wary of strangers even for a cat and choose to show love and affection only to my sister and myself. He showers us with kisses every morning and attempts to groom out eyebrows or hair when he sleeps with us on our pillow. He rubs his head on our legs and face....It is as if he is thanking us everyday for saving him and giving him a nice home.

The message:

At the end of the day I am really against petshops selling pets.

Do you know where your furry four-legged best friend is from?

Do you know how they were bred and the conditions they were bred in? Have you even given thought about it?

Why people shouldn't buy their pets from a petshop.

What are you advocating by getting pets from a petshop.

Although I wanted to do a write up of my own. I found this on "Friends of Animals".

They have provided some very good basic information:

Be educated and read....

http://www.friendsofanimals.org/programs/spay-neuter/puppy-mills-pet-shops-the-akc-basic-facts.html

I feel very passionate about the fact that people should be more educated and well-informed about these things. Although the world is getting more educated about endangered species and animal abuse. I feel that people do not know about the world behind pet shops and pet mills.

I desire strongly to be able to make a name for myself, and with that have the power to make a difference. I inspire to be the voice for pets and educate people about everything concerning pets, from what they are signing themselves up for when they buy a pet, how to pick a pet, how to pick a breeder, adopting, and the flop side: pet mills, pet stores, animal cruelty and negligence.

I want to make a difference through education.

We, as humans owe animals, big time.

(From destroying their natural habitat to circuses and pet mills.)

We have the power to help them and give them a better life.

When you look your best friend in the eye, what do their eyes tell you....

♥Miyabi Lin-Chan

University exchange program. Tokyo, Japan.

2010-01-18T03:06:00.001-08:00

My impression of Japan before I left. I wrote:

“When an outsider is asked what comes into mind when they think about Japan, most people might think of their amazing advanced technology, while others might think of their long history of rich and beautiful traditional culture. In today’s modern world, with its rapid technology advancement and demands, which is slowly taking the place of traditional cultures, Japan is a country that has successfully preserved their traditional culture despite their world-class technology. Part of their identity, the co-existence of technology and traditional culture amazes me. How has Japan managed to do that while others are slowly losing their traditional culture? What should we do to preserve our own? – This has always been my interest.”

[A Spiritual Journey In A Buzzing Society]

I have always felt a strong connection with Japan in a spiritual sort of way. Of course, given the fact that my father was educated in Japan, so we grew up quite different from the people around us. I was always different to my friends in school, our thought pattern somewhat differed too. Given that I was surrounded by Japanese toys, Japanese-inspired furniture, custom made studies and bedrooms that look like your traditional tatami room except for the tatami mats, one would think I would have such a bond.

Last year, endish November to endish December, I was one of the 15 selected members from the Japanese majors of my University to go on a month-long exchange study with Komazawa University. As I arrived 3 days earlier then the other students and the co-ordinating teacher, I had to travel into Tokyo and live in a hotel alone for a while. Once the skyliner left the station and I caught my first glimpse of Japan. I felt an immediate nostalgia, like it punched me hard in the gut. I know this place, it’s home. It felt sickly familiar, and my heart smiled.

While in Japan, I was on a personal spiritual journey; you could say that my eyes were mostly glazed over. I was deeply connected within myself. I didn’t want to talk much, preferred not to if I could. I just wanted to be in the moment. I didn’t want to go to too many places and I really enjoyed my own company. The two people I enjoyed spending a lot of time with was my homestay parents, they were both very spiritual beings and I enjoyed our conversations immensely.

The Australian students from the komstudy trip were way younger then I am. I found it hard to keep conversation. Also because I’m withdrawn into myself and content with my spiritual journey, I found myself distracted and unfocused when conversing with them. Please don’t get me wrong. I do think they are nice people. Just very different: different mind frame, different chapters in life, different goals. Keeping in mind that I have just barely left a 6.5 year relationship, with a wedding that was supposed to be this year, while a lot of them had never had a boyfriend before. Also, after being in a relationship for so long, I think one deserves some time to themselves.

And, mainly because I’m having so many “spiritual conversations” within myself during reflection and meditation, and I am busy listening to my heart that I could barely open my mouth let alone make conversation on topics I would have never talked about or haven’t talked about in years. (gosh, I’m getting on the years aren’t I. lol)

I felt bad at times not only because I didn’t want to appear anti-social or rude, but also because I didn’t want to lead others to believe that I dislike them, I had no choice but to make conversation, although 90% of the time I bail on “after-hours” outings. It’s hard when you’re on a spiritual journey to make conversation outside of what you’re reflecting off. It’s hard when you have just completely and utterly finished a chapter in your life and the brand new chapter is right in front of you, blank and without a title, full of possibilities, and you try to make conversation outside these that already fill your mind to the brim. Then you’re put in a situation where you have to socialize with people whom are so different from yourself. My eyes just glazed over.

I’m looking through the photos of these outings the others had together, strangely I don’t feel left out. (I knew I would be back in Japan for good anyway, I wanted to experience everything at a slower pace and with company of my choice). I had a spiritual journey, in a country that worked for me, a country where my soul just radiated inner peace from the centre of my being. Reading the book, “Eat, Pray, Love” by Elizabeth Gilbert, while in Japan, really enhanced my spiritual journey. When I came back, my first comments from my closest friends were “ you have changed, there’s a calmness and deep sense of peace radiating from within you.” “You’re truly happy, you’re just glowing” was the other popular comment. Or as Jen laughingly said “Look at her, she’s glowing so much it’s almost sickening”

I have found my country. I have found the country, I want to have my new chapter written in, start my career, grow old in and die in. When I first came to Australia for a holiday when I was 15, I knew I would be here soon enough, and for quite a good while, but I always knew it will not be forever, I knew I would move away when I graduated. That Australia is for me growing up as a teen, stepping into adulthood, for studying and I would leave when it is done. But the question was where? But now…

I have found my home. There, my heart smiled again.

♥Miyabi Lin-Chan

Photo post on Japan trip coming right up....

Painting for "Bebari"

2010-01-17T21:16:00.000-08:00

My Sunday: "Project Farewell Gift 1.0 for Bebari Lubbie"

Acrylic on Canvas 10 X 10

I spent my sunday painting in my piano room over looking the garden on a beautiful clear sunny day with occasional cool breeze. I haven't painted in years so I'm a bit apprehensive... Wished myself luck.... here we go...

The setup:

After researching, planning, sketching down ideas, I started to get down to work....

Phase 1.

Phase 2. Getting the greens right...

Mixing the colours + my mess.

Phase 3. I decided to put in a sunset/sunrise. Explanation at the end...

Final Touches...And done:

Your verdict for an untrained/amateur painting?

Pimping the painting on the wall in my piano room...

Dried & protected with a glossy finish:

In daylight

In the evening

I enjoyed myself thoroughly... as I painted I went into a deep state of meditation and just lost track of time. I finished this right before midnight.

I'm painting again tomorrow, one for my sister this time...

To Bebari: (In the painting, you can't tell if it's a sunrise or sunset.) No matter what happens, there will always be a sunrise and a sunset, the world ain't waiting. What are you waiting for?

Dream, believe and become.

Cast out any fear and doubt, follow your heart to the best of your abilities, and even if you fall, pick yourself up, there is always tomorrow to try and try again.

"Do you give up the struggle to overcome your own limitations on the first attempt, or do you keep on with it, trying a second time, a third time, and continuing on in the challenge for the rest of your life? That is the only difference between the genius and the ordinary person." - Daisaku Ikeda.

Everything and anything is POSSIBLE. Keep trying without regrets. 悔いのないように頑張ってください。

"To the weak, difficulty is a closed door. To the strong, however, it is a door waiting to be opened." Argentinean Poet - Almafuerte.

♥Miyabi Lin-Chan

Someone I Can Never Live Without & A Letter to my Sister

2010-01-13T00:10:00.001-08:00

Many years ago, my sister and I had to be apart for 3 years, I had to leave Singapore to further my studies in Australia. Those 3 years were the hardest years of my life. Everytime I spoke to her, recieved an e-mail, a present in the mail, I cried and cried hard. My heart hurt and my soul felt lonely. Although we are 4 years apart in "biological" age. We're so close, people would mistake us as unidentical twins, our bond never ceases to amaze the people around us.

Here are abstracts of some e-mails my sister wrote me when we were apart. she was 15:

"really miss you alot. I feel so lonely and lost in a world of my own. Miss the time we spent together and playing it back in my mind over and over again.

The time we spent together laughing and eating and joking is the best time I had in my life. Don't cry when you are lonely ok? think of the time we had together and think of even better time we will have together in the future and i promise you, we definitely will.

I will always be there to take care of you forever. I'll be there to help you in every way I can.Helping you to get rid of obstacles in your life and being there for you even when I know I can't do much just to let you know that I love you the most and you have the most special place that in my heart forever and ever and ever that no one can replace it ever."

"I hope you would dance for ever and ever and ever and I would get to see your concert where thousands of people come to watch and you dancing under the spot light like an angel. And everyone admiring you and you are happy cause you've done a great career out of something you love.......this is my dream........... "

"if someone were to ask who is the most important person in my life that I can't live without I will say it's my sis...cause without you I would not know how to cherish a person so much that I will give anything for you... I would not know what is like to love a person unconditionally and only want the person to be happy every day, every hour every minute and every second.... And when I love a person that much, it's like everything in my life revolves around the person... it's like putting you my sis in front of me....

To my sister Jun, someone I can never live without.

Thank you. Where do I start? All the memories, laughters, tears, success and failures we have shared. I feel crushed and my heart bleeds that it is time to be apart again, this time for 4-5 years, pursuing our own dreams. Again I am the one that chooses to move, again I am presented with no choice but to move. Again, I feel guilty for having to leave you behind.

Thank you for loving me the way you do. Thank you for putting up with me and my spoilt princess ways. Thank you for the countless presents just because you wanted to. Thank you for amplifying my joys and success and carrying my burdens and sorrows with me. Thank you for smiling when I smile. Thank you for doing things just so that it will put a smile on my face. Thank you for just wanting me to be happy. Thank you for putting my happiness in front of yours. Thank you for being proud and appreciating my cooking. Thank you for being proud of my small successes in life. Thank you for loving who I am and never judging me. Thank you. Words alone cannot express the gratitude and love I have for you. You are the person I love most in this world.

I look forward to being together again for good, 5 years down the road, living up our dreams and sharing our successes. As we will be apart through our personal struggles, please remember I will always be there for you, I believe in you just like you have always believed in me. When I am feeling alone in Japan, the memories we shared will warm my soul. The ones in Singapore and the ones here in Australia, the home we built together the past 4 years.

I still wish you could come with me, but someday soon I know we will be together again. Sharing laughters, ice-cream and private jokes. Opening our store together....Growing old together as next-door neighbours, sitting in the garden and enjoying tea...

I must have done something very good in my past life to deserve such a wonderful sister like you. I am thankful everyday.

I love you Jun.

♥Miyabi Lin-Chan

Letter to "Bebari"

2010-01-12T23:31:00.000-08:00

"You can lash out at people, you can get mad at yourself - you can even end up hating yourself without ever realizing that fear is the interference, the block in the road of progress. Fear only causes me to react. Fear only causes me to wait. Fear moves me away from effective action. When you find yourself acting like a jerk, stop for a second and just ask yourself, what am I afraid of here?"

- From p.61 of "Unleash the Warrior Within" by Richard Machowicz

Recently, a close friend of mine, "Bebari" who is the only "outsider" I consider family, had after years of struggle started to shed layers of fear, many of those has to do with pride, societal pressures and self-expectations. According to her, it amazed and inspired her seeing the success in my life when I started following my heart after all my own struggles (which are similar, societal pressures, family expectations etc).

Late last year, she too decided to step beyond her fears and follow her heart - do what she's good at. Her life has changed immensely since then, it's on the mend. She's starting to glow from the inside. Her zest for life has returned and it's so beautiful to see. I wish her all the best from the bottom of my heart.

Bebari, from here on now, the road is long, because you're following your heart, the universe will conspire to help you. But also because you are following your heart, when you stumble or fall it will hurt immensely (because this small downfall does not hurt your ego or pride, it hurts your heart) but keep on persisting, because the light is there. Just remember "Bebari", those who love you will always be there for you no matter what. And this promise I keep and have kept ever since 6 years ago. My heart breaks that I have to leave you and others I love to pursue my dream, but as I know you and my loved ones will always be there for me, know that I will always be there for you. Know that when I am lonely and down, the love and kindness you have showed me, will provide comfort and warmth in those times. Thank you so very much, I cannot start to express the gratitude I feel for your friendship, thank you for being family, for putting up with my spoilt princess ways, loving me and caring for me the way you do. I love you and I am very proud of you.

♥Miyabi Lin-Chan

Well-wishes & Love

2009-12-24T22:22:00.000-08:00

To the Universe, my family, loved ones, friends, acquaintances and the rest of the world....

May you have a wonderfully magical Christmas

And a wonderful New Year

Wishing you firstly great health above all else

And a smooth journey on all your endeavors

May you all be granted the ability to listen to your hearts

May you have the courage to follow your heart's true melody

May you find peace within yourself and true happiness will seep its way into your soul.

To the Energies of the Universe: Thank You. Words alone are not sufficient to express the gratitude I feel. 感謝申し上げます。I can't start to explain the immense peace I feel radiating from the centre of my being. I see, feel, hear, and breathe you. Thank You.

♥Miyabi Lin-Chan

New Quote of the Month:

"Happiness doesn't exist on the far side of the distant mountains. It is within you, yourself. Not you, however, sitting in idle passivity. It is to be found in the vibrant dynamism of your life as you struggle to challenge and overcome one obstacle after another, as you clamber up a perilous ridge in pursuit of that which lies beyond." - Daisaku Ikeda.

My Sister's thoughts on: My personality.

2009-11-14T04:46:00.000-08:00

A few years ago, I asked my sister to list a few good and not-so-good areas of my personality. Although one is always still the best judge of themselves, because only you know exactly what is going through your mind. On the other hand, who better to learn your strengths and shortcomings then your own sibling? I got to admit that a few years back, it did hurt me a little. So if you're not ready mentally, do not ask.

Although I cannot remember what my sister said back then, I would like to think that I have become a better person throughout these past few years. After all, I am always advocating spiritual improvement. Through the means of constant self-reflection, meditation, determination, and of course, most importantly action. It is not a once a week affair, it's an everyday affair, every waking moment. I believe that with these, everyone and anyone can become better people.

So today, I have decided to ask my sister again, since I do honestly feel like I have improved spiritually and mentally. When I asked her tonight, I asked her to list 5 good and 5 bad points about me. It took her a while, after some consideration, she showed me her list. Here is the exact list she gave me: (question-marked and all).

Soft-hearted
Energetic
Nice
Serious
Ambitious
Trustworthy
Impulsive buyer?
Optimistic
Negative (at times)
Amazing
Loving
It all adds up to the word: SENSATIONAL

Besides this, she later added that I was "spoilt" - but not in a bad way, says she. Which I'm quite proud of. I'm a spoilt OCD freak (this said by me). LOL.

While I was typing up this post, a good friend came over and I made her do a list for me too. (See? I'm spoilt, nobody says no to me - Muahaha) LOL.

Here is her list:

Driven
Ambitious
Hardworking
Funny
OCD
Can be pessimistic at times
Spoilt
Big-hearted
Fiercely loyal
Materialistic - image conscious (in a good way)
Talented - please continue practicing your piano & singing
Generous
Quirky
"Motherly" - to your loved ones.
Fierce

Many thanks to my sister and good friend for providing me the list and their honest thoughts.

At the moment, I can truly say I am finally at peace with myself and my world. I really like who I am, so I am striving to get to the point where I can say "I love who I am". I truly feel blessed and grateful for life, for my family and loved ones, and for everything I have been blessed with. I am on a constant journey to better myself and strive to enrich myself spiritually everyday. I also never want to forget the pleasure in the simplest things we do everyday. Thank you for my life. No words can express my gratitude. नमस्ते Namaste.

What does your family/sibling/good friends think about you? It is really good for self-improvement purposes. Do you like/love yourself as a person? If your answer is an honest yes, I am truly happy for you. If not, think, why not? And what can you do to change it? It's no easy task, but if I can do it, so can you.

♥Miyabi Lin-Chan

A Personal Book Review: "The Alchemist" By Paulo Coelho.

2009-11-12T05:21:00.000-08:00

Click here for original photo source.

My thoughts on "The Alchemist" By Paulo Coelho.

The book found me right after I was being trampled on roughly while on one of those small journeys you might have to take chasing your dreams. Following your heart and your true passion/dream may sometimes defy logic and sense, it will also inevitably tear at your heart when you fail, Coelho shares with readers, in the form of simple yet delightful story-telling filled with easy to understand spiritual and philosophical wisdom why one should follow their heart despite the odds.

A wonderful and spiritually inspirational book, it is an easy read. His story-telling abilities easily reaches your heart and attempts to nurture your spirit if you allow it to. Most people live with fear in their heart and get stuck in jobs that eat away slowly at their spirit, then die with a lifetime of regret not having chased their true passion in life. This books talks about your own true personal journey (personal legend) and encourages you to cast away the fear(s) in your heart and follow it whole-heartedly.

My rating: ★★★★★ Highly recommended.

♥Miyabi Lin-Chan