Thursday, November 28, 2013

Haunting the Bedroom, Pavilion Kuala Lumpur

Thursday, November 28, 2013












 Photos: Shia Lynn 2013 | Digital, Mobile, KL, Malaysia | photo via | edited with pixlr

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Last weekend, I was so busy working preparing for an event-launch at work (#Esmodkualalumpur) I took some photos at the event location during our team's site recce, and I thought it would be nice to add these pictures into my collection of random mobile photos. I have been meaning to post these pictures up, and I finally found the opportunity to do so. Looking at these photos remind me of my renewal for creativity. Everything I see is 'new'! The event was held at BEDROOM, a place in a high-end shopping mall that can be rented out for parties. Although it looks dingy and messed up during the day, but the dinginess really gives an edge in my pictures. I kinda' like it!

Something for your weekend, Happy Friday!

How to Deal with Blogging Challenges


Being a blogger is one of the funnest things I have ever pursued in my life. At the same time, it is one of the most taxing, tiring and challenging interest.

When people say to me, "Wah! You blogger ah? Must be real fun since you get lots of free stuff!"

I smile and tell them its not at all always nice because it isn't easy to multi-task, especially when reviewing projects becomes more than blogging.

Then some will claim, "But women can multi-task right?"

....

Despite the challenges, I still enjoy blogging very much because blogging helps me reflect on my thoughts and actions, and it has helped me unravel creative blockage while I am helping others to break free from their own. Plus I enjoy sharing my ideas and other good recommendations.

In my 5 years of blogging, I learned 2 important things:

1. Expect the hi's and low's. It is normal in everything we do, and understand that it will balance out on its own.

2. Educate yourselves to roll with the changes.

I learned that it is very important to constantly update myself on the tips and tricks on blogging, not just on the techie stuff but on how to maintain a blog and dealing with blogging challenges. Whenever I am on the searchfor informative blog posts about blog-well being balance, I often find that most of the issues and advises are sugar-coated. Of course there are also exceptional blogs like Independent Fashion Bloggers that would share really fruitful tips, thanks to founder Jennine Jacob.

As for the rest of the other topics that are not very clear cut, this isn't useful to me since I am the sort of person who prefers no-nonsense.

Secondly, most of the blogging challenges topic that I come across focuses on blogging techniques, designs, etc. I often try to look for topics that discusses about how to balance blogging and well being. I want to prep myself, but unfortunately they don't seem to meet my requirements.

I have experienced my own share of blogging downswings, and there are times it gets demotivating. Well, since I prefer to be straight up, I will provide here a list of my own problem-solution list and how to deal with blogging challenges.

By the end of this topic, I hope you do not see it as a discouragement because it is definitely not my intention to scare you aspiring bloggers out there. My intention is to simply prep you to get you ready just like how I wish someone could share theirs with me too.

Let us learn this together:

Challenge 1: I am not motivated

Let's be realistic. I am sure that there are days you feel downright demotivated to even do anything. And when you picture yourself sitting in front of the computer, you resent the idea of cracking your head on writing a blog post. Believe it or not, not feeling motivated can affect your blog's story; in fact, it can affect anything you do such as painting, editing a photo, etc. You lose focus whenever you are feeling demotivated, therefore to avoid a boring blog post, give yourself room to rest and relax and get yourself together again before you are inspired to write a fresh post.

Yes even if you don't feel like doing anything! Just stay away from the freaking computer!

I know that every blogger's advice is to make sure you keep your readers up to date by making sure you blog on schedule. But sometimes, you need to fill that cup of yours to be SELF-FULL before being able to satisfy your readers' needs (or in this case, readers' reading needs).

Trust me, once you have gathered yourself together, you will be typing your keyboard away with lots of interesting stories.

Challenge 2: BUT I MUST BLOG!

Well, another alternative to Challenge 1 is to temporary switch to micro-blogging such as Twitter, Facebook Wall Post or Instagram for the time being.

Why? Because you don't need to write much, and those one sentence post still work like magic. Your readers would eventually follow you everywhere to find your latest updates so you will still be able to update them.

For me, Instagram work best for me because I enjoy taking photos with my phone, editing them and sharing it with a couple of words. I like my one sentence posts accompanied with pictures so that my readers can experience what I am experiencing. After all "a picture is worth a thousand words."

Challenge 3: I don’t know what to blog

Sometimes, the best inspiration anyone could ever have is their surroundings.

Most of the time, I often find myself observing things around me and situations in my life. Sometimes the situation doesn’t have to be good, it can be a bad moment and still be an inspiration to you or your blog post. After all, everything and everyone in our lives are teachers to us; we learn from experiences and that makes your journey interesting.

If you are not keen on blogging a personal experience, you can always go for something simpler and less wordy like thematic pictures, ie. favourite things on the sea, local places to eat, the works.

Sometimes it can be out of topic and you don’t have to allow yourself to be rigid about it. The more flexibility you give yourself, the less stress you will feel. That way, blogging becomes fun!

Challenge 4: I hate a lot of writing (not writing a lot)

Well, I won’t say that blogging are for writers; but then again it does involve a lot of writing you see.
I have some friends of mine who aren't much of a writing person; some of them are artists, or photographers and some of them just enjoy sharing things with other people. Basically, blogging doesn't mean you have to write a lot.

If you don’t feel like writing, then don’t! It is your blog, your world, and you are free to create it however you want.

You can stick to posting up pictures you find interesting.

Or if you are an artist, just share your drawings.

If you like to teach, perhaps share step by step tutorials? The sky is the limit and it doesn't have to involve writing.

Challenge 5: I can’t find time to blog

I have heard this before, and I have said this too.

Yes it is true; you do need to find time to blog. So is with everything else you do in life.

If you find that you don’t have the time to sit down and write a fresh blog post, perhaps carry around a notebook with you and write down what’s interesting to you and then later on transfer it to the blog.
OR you can do it on your phone, since technology is so advanced these days.

Another way is to ask yourself; when’s your favourite time in the day; perhaps that’s your most productive hour. Everyone’s got one and it usually gets you cracking and fast at work.

Give it a try, unless you find that blogging is not your thing, you can always switch to micro blogging.

Challenge 6: My family doesn't understand my blogging game

Most families don’t usually understand the whole idea of blogging. Not all but they are some who would wonder why the need to share and write so much on the blog.

Someone used to ask me why I am exposing my personal life on the blog. To be honest I am not. I am only using my personal life as an example to my readers so that they can relate to me and not feel as though they are alone in any relevant situation or obstacle they are experiencing. Plus, there are some things in my life I have acceptance in; therefore I don’t see why I should be embarrassed to share it on the blog.

And for those who are taking their blog to the next level, into a biz, some families would doubt the idea of a blog biz. I don’t blame them because in this world that we live in, everything has a dollar sign on it. And in everything we do in life, we use the dollar sign as a benchmark.

Here’s the thing, you don’t need to do anything that you don’t like. And you are also entitled to do what you love. Everyone deserves a passion and a dream. If you believe what you are doing is good for you; balances your lifestyle, beneficial to your well-being; then by all means you have your own blessings.

Challenge 7: Why can't I be like the other Blogger(s)?

I face this one too, not just you.

Sometimes I can't help comparing myself with other bloggers. Especially when my blog isn't like the other mainstream blogs with contents mostly about partying, latest make up, latest style etc. When you are different from the rest, it is most likely that you won't get as much attention as the common ones. But look on the bright side, if your blog is a niche, you will definitely have a special amount of blog followers that would appreciate you for being you and see you as a living inspiration to them. I think, this is more important than anything else.

I was honestly very touched when a fellow crafter/friend of mine told me that my blog has an "international" quality. I don't really know what it means, but I kind of guessed that my blog has one of those elements that are meant to inspire women/people all over the world, just like my 2 favourite blogs: Leonie Dawson and Wild Sister.

Which works out well for me anyways because my main objective was to become an inspiration.

So if you ever feel incompetent, or feel you are not good enough; stop for a moment, take a step back and try to see your blog/work from a whole different level. Check with your intentions constantly by asking yourself, what is your aim? Why are you doing this? What do you want out of this blog? etc. etc.

Challenge 8: Why do I feel like giving up?

I think the 8th challenge is a little bit unique; you only feel like giving up when you assume that there's no way out. To be honest, blogging challenges is a small matter. There's much more problems in life, but perhaps the idea of feeling unproductive makes you feel like giving up. Fret not! If you feel like giving up, don't give it up too easily. Perhaps, take a couple of days, weeks or even months away from the blog, and then come back to it when you are ready. Who knows, you might be even more ready than you know it. Plus, you might come back with greater ideas to make your blog a better space.

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My personal blogging experience

In my years of blogging, I have given up a couple of times in between. Thank god, I didn't delete the blog though because then I would have to re-create a new blog each time I feel like trying again. Somewhere in the 3rd year, I came very close to giving it up entirely because I was facing a little competition.

Now, competition is pretty normal in anything we do, it is when our inner battle is put to a test. I was on the verge of giving it up because a local blogger came up with a new blog that had the same sounding name as The Artsy Craftsy. Many people was getting confused and I was also losing my readers. I knew very little about blogging too at that time, and without much guidance, I stopped blogging. In a strange way, my interest for creativity was renewed at the same time; I suppose it was my eagerness to share with the world about my experience in breaking creative boundaries that I said to myself: F*** it! I'm doing this my way! From then on, I switched my blogging methods and redirected my readers back to me.

Ever since I was a kid, I noticed how I give up easily whenever I feel it is too hard or too tough for me. With blogging, I decided to stop and start making a difference. After that, no matter how challenging it gets, I never look back.

Blogging is still fun as always; try to see less as task and more as a time for you to reflect as you are writing.

Happy blogging!

Tuesday, November 26, 2013

[Closed] Fashion Giveaway: WIN Glamorous 'S' Earrings

Tuesday, November 26, 2013
The Artsy Craftsy 2013 X'mas Special








X'mas came early this year at The Artsy Craftsy! Thanks to our sponsor of this giveaway, I am giving away ONE (1) intricately-made 'S' Earrings by Twinkle, Sparkle & Tinsel Me Now.

This special range earrings are professionally designed and made with perfection by homegrown Jewellery Designer, Sonia Subash.

The 'S' Earrings are also a special collection under the Twinkle, Sparkle & Tinsel Me Now range, made with 100% swarovski crystals bicones of rainbow colours. FYI: It is worth MYR100 / USD35 / GBP21

WANT THIS? SUPER EASY TO JOIN!

HOW TO JOIN:

1. LIKE TAC FB page OR be our blog follower OR LIKE TSTMN FB page

2. Comment: In just a few words, describe "S" Earrings using as many letter "S" as you can.
     PLEASE Leave your email address and Facebook URL

3. Entries will be judged based on creativity and uniqueness

4. Only 1 winner will be selected

5. Giveaway challenge from 27 November - 5 December 2013

6. Winners will be notified via email/FB, a week from the closing date or earlier.


Have fun participating!



Want to know more about TSTMN? Visit their ETSY Shop

---------------

9th December 2013: WE HAVE A WINNER! Congratulations to Jamie Mary, for winning the gorgeous 'S' earrings 100% swarovski crystals bicones of rainbow colours, designed by Styles of Sonia worth RM100!

Tuesday, November 19, 2013

Birthday Insights

Tuesday, November 19, 2013

On the 18th, I celebrated my 28 years of existing in this world. I am now another year older.

Some people tell me that I am going downhill, I would like to think of myself going uphill. Isn't it logic? The number gets more, means the number goes UP.

Waking up to the age of 28 is a little weird I'd say. I can no longer say I am in my early 20's. Every time I think about turning 30 in 2 years time, I get a little cold feet. But then again, age is really just a number. My heart stays young forever, thanks to that little girl inside me that plays & dances always. 

When people tell me "Only 28?! C'mon you are still young!", I get confused with those who tell me, "You're already 28 years OLD? Don't be too old and too late to have babies!".

Nonetheless, when they tell me I am still young, I tell them I am ahead of my time.

Each year, I never really had a very big birthday celebration. The biggest was a fun party when I was a kid in A&W. It was one of the most memorable ones because everyone in my family was there.

But ever since I met my love, Justin, he always made sure that I have the best by giving me the best. He just turned 28 too 9 days before my birthday. My soulmate indeed. We always said to each other, "We shall feast and be merry in the whole of November!" Yesterday he surprised me my favourite, a Japanese buffet; again always making sure I have the best, always being a romantic person.

Besides turning another year older, I had a couple of insights running through my mind. I guess this is part of the turning late 20's to early 30's package, so here goes:

~ They say life has just begun. It is true; I just realized my dream, and I finally have decided to follow my passion and do what I love most.

~ When I was born, I spent my entire birthday with my mother. She was my only friend and soulmate who remembered my birthday. Now I spend it my love, who will be my only friend and soulmate until the day I die.

~ My birthday isn't just the day for me to receive presents, I am celebrating being alive and being present in the moment.

~ I don't need expensive gifts, and sometimes no gifts at all; the fact that you remember is all that matters.

~ When I was a teenage girl, my mother used to tell me I am too young to have a boyfriend. When I was in college, she said I was too young to fall in love. She was right, only that she didn't know how to convey the message. The idea was; she wanted me to know, that love is beautiful, but love also hurts. And she is afraid I might not know how to handle it. Now that I am 28, I will remember this and hopefully will be able to convey the right way to my kids.

~ My mother always taught me that in everything I do in life, I must always give my best. That means, doing it with all my heart.

~ When I was a kid, my mother taught me to stand on my own two feet. "Why bother borrowing when you can earn it on your own. So try earning what you deserve."

~ My mother taught me to do the right thing and the right time. Playing my cards right was part of this game called Life.

~ My late grandmother used to draw her age in a number of sticks; and she said to me, that is how many years she has been and seen in this world. And she drew mine- it was only 9. 

~ Don't wait for others to give you a gift, you can always give a gift to yourself. That's the idea of loving yourself by being self-full.

~ In China, my grandfather was a tailor and he fell in love with my grandmother, who was a businessman's daughter. My grandmother was a brave young woman; she sold off her valuables to pay off her step brother's debts. That was how I knew, I inherited two most important things: Love and Courage to persevere.

~ Being intuitive and creative runs in my family; I am blessed to have this.

~ I may be young in numbers, but I have an old soul, I have questioned and I have lived.

~ I have passed the phase of socializing but it doesn't mean I am a lonely person. If it's meant to be, friends will forever be. And the most important friend that I always remember is Me.


Happy birthday to me~

Friday, November 15, 2013

Snapshots: Picture Time

Friday, November 15, 2013
I realized that I haven't really (officially) shared with you my gallery of photos. For some of you who might not know this, well, I happened to have a gallery on Picasa showcasing my photos taken in both digital and film.

Taking photos with a phone is the latest thing now, but I think taking film is rad! I often get funny remarks when I tell people I still take with film (especially the older generation who prefers digital nowadays); but when I get the chance to share my interest in film with a fellow film photographer, it is almost like two kids excited over a new toy!

There are no words to explained about my joy of taking photos with a film camera; or just taking photos for that matter. That moment when you are standing there, studying your object, observing the light, the shape, the edges, there is silence. That silence is when your inner artist come out to play. And you learn how to appreciate every single little things in your surroundings.

So, just for fun, here's a couple of slides of my photo gallery. Enjoy~


Wednesday, November 13, 2013

Busy as a Bee

Wednesday, November 13, 2013
I am writing in because I didn't get a chance to blog last week due to my trip back to Malacca. I thought I would be able to catch up with my blogging but as it turns out, I have a load of work to complete at the office, and as usual, it is end year and I am busy as a bee.

So since its a Wednesday, which means its blogging day for me, I decided to just write something to share instead.

When I was back in Malacca, I had a lot of time to think; you know because I was, for once, not in front of my computer and for once not worrying about deadlines. One afternoon, I realized how I missed just spending quality time with myself; and missing how simple life can be.

There was a moment that I felt as though I missed being a child again. Perhaps it is because of the simplicity in life that I was yearning for. As a child, I saw everything with pure innocence. There was no judgement, no boundaries, life was always filled with possibilities.

There was a moment too that I wish time would just stop, and everything else stop. I wanted to be still again, and be one with everything. Just pure silence would do.

Being so busy lately, I realized that I was getting a little further away from my inner-child. When you are busy worrying about work, money and deadlines; you find yourself drifting away from your true-self. Your mind becomes so noisy because it is busy worrying from one thing to another. I become worried of everything around me, outside of me, instead of everything inside of me. I find myself forgetting to watch myself.

Anyways, I promised myself that once this busy-bee moment is over, I am going to reward myself a treat- a meal perhaps or a holiday back to Malacca again, but this time for X'mas!

I love Christmas. I love the Holidays, and I loveeee end year. Plus, it's my birthday next week on Monday. I'll be turning 28. =)

I promise I'll be back with more creative inspirations and stories to tell. With light and love as always.

Monday, November 11, 2013

Seeking Approval- don't push it away like a disease, embrace it instead

Monday, November 11, 2013
Whenever I am in an argument with a loved one, I always noticed that there is a sense of awkwardness following the post-argument. I often find myself worrying about what the other person thinks of me, and how they feel and if they notice that I am a human too like them, with feelings and emotions.

Sometimes in the post-argument, I would find myself feeling dissatisfied because I always expect myself to deliver my message through. Sometimes it could be because of other factors too... This would go on for man years, and eventually it turned into a self-judgement. Whenever I am conscious about what others feel and think about me, I am putting myself down even more with self-judgement.





This went on for many years, and without realizing, it turned into self-judgement. Eventually, years later after self-observation, I finally found out the root cause of my act which led me back to my childhood experience. I finally understand that the reason why I was always trying to prove my point was because I was constantly seeking for others' approval.

With this self-realization, it has given me better understanding about myself. I am still learning but day by day, I try my best to be aware of my own actions. How do I feel whenever I make mistakes? Truth be told, I am still disappointed at myself but instead of trying to prove my point, I try to remind myself that the only person that I should answer to is Me.

Whenever I find myself in this situation, I would experience a familiar feeling that I once felt when I was a kid. The familiar feeling was an anxious feeling of only being able to see through things that others cannot see and constantly trying so hard to prove my point or prove myself; especially when I know I am not in the wrong.





It doesn't get easier though. Because I know that the challenging part about this experience is struggling with finding peace with my loved ones. 

In my own journey, I improved from scratching off seeking approval of my peers, then off from myself, but it always seem challenging with seeking approval from my loved ones, especially my family. Whenever I find myself in this little situation, I asked myself over and over again why do I feel the need to seek for my own family's approval. 

Is it