Twenty Four

This book came to me like a warm charcoal is to a winter's day. I didn't expect anything like this after I sent him some of my works in courtesy to reply the last postcard he sent. It might be a little bold of me to say that we have common interests, despite him being a 70 year old distinguished typography designer and me, some unknown fresh out of the mill graphic designer from Singapore. Perhaps that's why we are able to still stay in touch in a way like this.

This is a book on the quiet beauty of things Japanese from his perspective. Being a "Japanophile" in some ways, this is a book I'd love to have.


There's a page at the later pages of the book where he wrote how he ended up in Japan. When I saw this line, the word "twenty four"immediately struck a resonance with me. This book couldn't have arrived in a better time than this, when I will be turning 24 myself this year. What a touching coincidence that I'm able to read what he experienced at his transition phase that I'm similarly experiencing right now. It truly has been a huge inspiration and comfort.


Now that I'm officially 24, what do I hope for my future? I'm still trying to picture what I'd be doing in 10 years time. Looking back at what I did the last year, I've managed to churn out a satisfying fyp although I could, if I had more time, work on the drawings a bit more. Last year I said I want to read more. Now that I have a full time job, I hope I don't get cooped up in my small publication design world not knowing what's happening outside. I hope I don't run out of energy to get curious and adventurous, I hope I don't run out of energy to have a life outside work. I hope I'm able to maintain all the friendships I've made. I hope to know more people. I hope to do things faster so that I will have more free time. That's not too much to work for right?

Convocation

I feel I had to write something before this whole bliss of graduate fades off when the toll of real work takes on me tomorrow. I still can't believe that my 4 years of university life is over. 4 years seem to be long but it's one of the periods I learnt the most in terms of academic knowledge, concepts and what shaped my identity as a designer today.

Here I've met great friends, met great professors who've influenced and inspired me in my work. I hope by writing this down, I will remember what I'm feeling now.

I remember my first day of class, the first words I heard from my drawing teacher Bridget was that we all ought to be sponges absorbing as much from the professors as we can. That the end of it all, we're each a huge sponge so full, we ooze out a unique blend of colours shaped by our dear teachers and peers. I really hope I've absorbed everything well and they're all permanent ink on me. All these important life lessons taught well to be never forgotten.

I'm glad I took a photo with all the professors who meant a lot to me, except for a few that I couldn't find. Especially Sir O'Grady, I'm glad I knocked on his door again despite he wasn't in earlier. I'm glad I finally can tell him face to face that I loved his lessons and it's been an honour to be in his class. [Pardon my shortage of vocabulary but it's 1am now] And a talk with Jesvin made me ponder what I'd be doing when I hit 40.

No matter how tough I felt school was, it was always safe to fall. This I remember from Michael and I've always remembered that. Now that I've grown out of this safety net, I hope I've grown wings strong enough to fly on my own. Thank you, the people I've met in my 4 years of university life, for shaping what I am today. You will always be a part of me. :)

I miss school and I think I always will be.

List of positive things about work

For now, tomorrow's just another day to me. I hope I'd meet nice people and learn new things. Most importantly, like what I'll be doing even when I have less time for myself.
Oyasumi.

Borrower Arrietty

The last Ghibli film I watched in our local cinemas was Ponyo some years ago. Given Ghibli's name in the animation world, I wonder why they haven't import any of their new works to our big screens since then. Karigurashi no Arrietty was a gem.

Also known as Borrower Arrietty or The Secret World of Arrietty in the Disney US version is a tale of little people living under the Kitchen Floors of a lovely old house in the countryside. The world Arrietty lives in was crafted imaginatively beautiful. Probably because it's a new perspective watching how useless things from our world are being used by these little borrowers that makes it all so fascinating. Things like using a peg for a hair clip, staples for a ladder, and Arrietty's room with all those little twigs and flowers filling up her room. I'd love to have a room like that. Pouring tea from a tiny teapot little people size are in droplets that go blop blop. I love these little details.



The soundtrack composed by Cecile Corbel matched the enchanting tale with its celtic, serene feel from the harp. The most awesome thing about her was that she sent a fan letter to Miyazaki along with her album and Studio Ghibli decided to collaborate with her for the soundtrack of the movie. How cool is that! It's every fangirl's dream to work with their idols. I think it's my favourite Ghibli movie song now.

七年了

I spent my 7 years in tertiary education, 7 years playing in the school's co alongside. I wondered if I'd ever quit co when my education ends but today's impromptu performance made me realise I still very much enjoy playing in an orchestra. Perhaps being free of school work made playing a different kind of experience? Or perhaps I'd been stagnant in the same orchestra for too long that playing with a different group of people made me feel something I didn't know I missed doing? Though I wonder if I'd still feel this way when I start work.

Hanging out with my dear seniors always made me feel young and loved.
Hanging out with friends my age bring me closest to reality.
Hanging out with my juniors makes me wana take them under my wing and share with them my life experiences.

I befriended an inquisitive 18 year old today. We could talk about so many things, it's an instant click. Never thought I'd have so many things and mutual friends in common with a girl 6 years my junior. She reminds me a little of myself back then when I was still into anime and all.

不知为什么听见大嫂说我长大了有几分小感动。