Mood Uplifting

I slept short last night. I wrote till 1:30, I thought it’s still a few minutes past midnight, I forgot that I’m in Bali. I stopped writing and slept straight away but I awoke before 5:00 local time. It must be my bio-clock that pushed me to open eyes. I gave up. I got up before 6:00 and here I am..

I spent all morning in the internet finishing my blog-post, replying, and sending emails. I continued to do email-marketing to keep my business going even though I’m not in Jakarta. That’s the power of internet – accessible 24/7.

I went to Legian after noon time. I needed to buy Hess beggar bags (she liked what I have for necklaces – very India), shop silver beads, and pick up my stone I left in the shop yesterday. I had pretty long lunch with reading at Warung Made, same place every time. Sun was very bright that I felt sleepy and longed to close eyes (not necessarily sleeping).

I was not chatty this morning although I was not gloomy. I had weak smile – less energy :-) The Balinese guy who helped me out two weeks ago didn’t recognize me. I lost my blu tail and powerful smile. It took time for him to recall. Again, that’s the power of being powerful. That’s what SUS told me yesterday about getting into museum just before the closing time. She said Just give them a big smile, they would not mind to let us staying longer. She is right!

I had no choice but back to hotel with the stone. It’s big and heavy, I had to hold it in both hands. It’s perfect. I needed a time off for a while. A hotel-spa brochure caught my attention. Take a short nap while being massaged must be nice. Hm.

They asked me to choose the massage oil: mood uplifting (smell okay), mind balancing (smell like mint), muscle relaxing (smell like peanut), and sensual (could not figure out the smell but was afraid of the effect). In safer side, I chose mood uplifting. It’s just perfect for me this time. I saw moon was almost full last night at Amanusa hotel. It’s good that it doesn’t make me anxious / aggressive so far :-) It lowers my mood though hoo hoo..

Anyway, I felt refreshed after the massage. I was asleep a few minutes only, I preferred to enjoy the massage. Actually it didn’t do anything to my body because I didn’t need massage :-) but of course I felt fresh to walk briskly to catch sun went down by Kuta beach. I had salad and garlic bread when sun disappeared and almost full moon showed in stead.

I stayed longer after dining to enjoy the air. I love Bali (although Kuta area is not my favorite). I walked briskly back to hotel. On the way, I fetched 4 nighties that I tried to avoid to buy but I need more than two in a trip. I only have two whites now. Whatever excuse, I was not supposed to shop!

Well, I take it as part of my mood uplifting program :-)

Photo of my travel companion, orange carry-all bag.

The Global Soul

Sunday, April 29

A book gives me mood so I select book I want to read during my travel carefully. This travel I need something light for soul but also provides me new horizon. I chose The Global Soul by Pico Iyer, a good friend gave me months ago and I haven’t read a chapter. This book is also my homework before – if possible – I see the author in Ubud next month. I have to have knowledge of what he writes and his style.

I hadn’t even started my book when I felt global souls around me. Flight to Bali is always special. Sometimes we see many Chinese, or many Indonesians, with some foreigners (Jakartan of course) sure but today I saw a lot of foreigners and… tourists although the flight was not a connecting flight.

I saw many multicultures – that’s how Iyer puts it – French man with Indonesian partner and French kid. A couple sat next to me was Japanese, or at least they spoke Japanese, but the girl looked very much Indonesian and the guy looked like mixed of Japanese and Western. An Italian lived in Bali (that’s what I learned from his conversation in bus) and many other faces I could not recognize the origin.

I read almost a chapter during the flight. It’s a nice book about Iyer’s travel experience participating writer’s festivals across the globe. He observed how multiculture people live in many places, how they adapt to search for home – far from their origin. He also tells how mixed culture shapes them physically and spiritually. It’s interesting. Iyer’s writing is deep and not short – quite elaborative – so I felt more like reading an anthropology textbook. Actually, I jumped three chapters that I assumed it consists of independent chapters. I wanted to start with something closer to my reality. Anyway, of course I will continue reading when I can during my travel. Remembering that I only have time to read when I travel :-)

Hotel in Bali is full, that’s what I knew from calling at least six hotels yesterday. I had my list in the web open and called it one by one hotels I felt click with. I didn’t have experience staying in Kuta area so I needed to study and went thru a long list of hotels with strange name. That’s when I realized that selecting name / brand for a business is very important especially when we have our business name in a list without even a picture or a bit of description. People only go to name that tickles their inspiration, has nice association, or sort of.

I called a hotel located in an alley of Kuta main road, Jalan Kartika Plaza. I don’t mind staying in an alley because I like walking. But my taxi driver from airport didn’t think so, he said that I would walk too far because the location of my hotel is kind of remote. He suggested me other hotel that I just trusted him to give me best choice. We passed my hotel and I agreed with him, it’s a long walk to get taxi.

This hotel is close to Kuta square, the heart of Kuta shopping area. The location is hidden behind a big tree so we could only see the open-air restaurant. I gave it a try. I checked three rooms and am happy with the one I chose. The room it’s spacious with a small seating area, the bathroom is more than okay because it looks new with marble, bathtub, and shower tray with curtain. Hooray! Closet is white too! Later I found the towel is white, fluffy okay, and smells good! Those are factors that make a hotel five stars to me. So I stay in a half price hotel, thank to fully booked hotels then!

SUS asked me to join her with PDO and a couple friends visiting a museum in late afternoon. It’s perfect. I spent time by shopping in Seminyak. The silver beads shop was closed but the stone shop was ever open (except in Nyepi day they said). I went through the stones thoroughly this time and only selected exotic and unusual stone. I ended up buying many strands, again. I could not help it. I guess it would be my last buying till summer over. I have to sell at least 60% of my ready stock before buying materials more.

They picked me up in the street by the stone shop. We were driven to Nusa Dua in high speed. I was shaken in the very back of Kijang car where I sat as junior and the tiniest person in the car :-) I was happy though like a pet taken by the owner jalan-jalan. I felt so because I had to crawl from the back door to my seat ha ha.. It was fun but I was dizzy because the driver drove carelessly with lots of braking.

Anyway, we arrived at Museum Pasifika in Nusa Dua safely and in time before closed at 18:00. The building doesn’t look appealing from outside, it’s massive although neat and nice. But inside it’s wow! It’s a huge space with 11 rooms: 10 rooms with paintings and 1 room with tribal art from Vanuatu. I feel that this is the best non-contemporary painting collection I've ever been. I have been to many private collectors place: museum or simply house but this one is… amazing. I felt like flipping through Christie’s or Sotheby’s catalog and the painting becomes alive before my eyes. I could see the real colors, the texture, aaah… The best!

Each room has different theme like foreign artists lived in Indonesia, foreign artists lived in Bali; artists paint Bali, Myanmar and Cambodia, China, Japan; bark cloth art, and the Vanuatu art that looks similar to Papuan. Not many Indonesian maestros in the collection, now I could not even recall (Nyoman Gunarsa, Made Wianta, and Affandi?). I only remember my favorite Covarrubias (first time I saw many of his paintings), Theo Meier (always best in style and color), a lot of Arie Smit of course (the longest foreign artist living in Bali, he is over 90 now); many European like Strasser, Rizek, Dooijeward,…; and I learned about paintings and sculptures by Emile Ambron because they have many of his, almost one room I believe. Ambron is amazing!

We didn’t have much time because it’s close to 18:00 but it’s worth visiting. I would definitely come again next time and go through one by one. The poor thing about the museum is no air-conditioner. While I care about the visitors, I most care about the painting’s condition later. They are in super condition now but the museum is just opened 8 months. Nusa Dua is humid and hot almost all year long and some works are on paper. I understand that air-conditioner and good lighting will cost them a lot but the paintings are already treasure, they should have unlimited budget to preserve them.

Weather was okay for me but not for women over 50 :-) They melted. We chose the right place to enjoy sunset from afar. Amanusa hotel is super romantic with monochromatic color even the bougainvillea color is chosen only pale orangy and frangipani is white of course. We sat in an open-air cafe with oil lamps looking out to the sea. Aaaah…

I just met SUS and PDO’s friends this time. They are their friends from India years and flew from New Delhi every year to meet the couple. As this is the last opportunity to see the couple in Bali officially (not in holiday context), they came this time. I liked the couple, they speak the art jargon of Indonesia. They got their knowledge from their short visits every year for six years and many coffee-table books! They know Made Wijaya, Linda Garland, and of course a lot of Indonesian maestros. What I like to know is.. they must have been interested in Indonesian art and that is good!

We talked a lot about many things aside of art. They are global souls. MTA is Nicaraguan, MIS is Indian, SUS is Mexican half French, and PDO is Mexican. It interests me that they speak Spanish of course, but MTA speaks English with thick Indian accent while MIS understands Spanish. SUS used a lot of Indonesian that the other couple also understands, also Spanish, and French for certain expressions. And I kept my Indonesian some times, like I always do when I’m with foreigner friends, and surprisingly they understood. Well, they are in Indonesia, speaking a bit of local language is necessary :-)

I took them to a 24-hour German restaurant in Legian. We were too late to get ‘normal’ restaurant open but we didn’t feel like eating in hotel. SUS was excited to hear sausage. It’s my favorite restaurant because of the atmosphere. A bit odd though because the setting is like warung by sidewalk. It is by sidewalk but it’s definitely good warung with long bench and good bar. The sausage and desserts were super. We were satisfied with our last minute supper.

My half day in Bali was super global…

Photo of the museum.

The Season

I got up very early at 4:10. Oh so nice morning. I enjoyed seeing the sky changing colors while I was reading. I enjoyed the reading so much too. It’s nice to be away from necklace for awhile like when I had lunch at Coffee Bean the other day. I read read read like I didn’t have other time. I did not.

Today I observed people’s communication season. Season? Ya, I just noticed that there is season to talk, to communicate, to write,… I feel some close persons have left their communication door ajar, not open nor closed. Suddenly I could not just go in, I have to knock the door to get the communication going again.

I noticed. Hess and Pien are in my season now. Hess and I still exchanged text messages at midnight and before 8:00 this morning we had half an hour talk about… necklaces. We are both hot of a same thing and that is GOOD!

Pien and I have just reconnected 2-3 weeks ago after years of very little communication. Since then, we hardly stopped to communicate using all means. I pushed her to blog, she pushed me to establish a public library for kids in village, she pushed me to move forward, I pushed her to try traveling by herself,… We enjoyed pushing each other positively. Last Wednesday, we realized that we could not online chat in the next 12 days. We were boo hoo hoo. It’s strange that we found it hard to disentangle after years of no communication ha ha. Pien has given me different dimension of life. I’m glad to have reconnected with her.

Meanwhile, Rad and Dumbo have gradually disappeared from my communication radar. Rad is super busy at work and school. I complained the other day how studying has taken her from me. She understands my feeling as she got many similar complaints. But the good news is she finds her life change because of studying – into positive for sure. That makes me happy. So happy to hear my loved ones change into better happily.

Now I miss some persons to communicate with me but I understand that they also have seasons to talk. Some have season of less communication since I know them. Some have real seasons like winter, spring, summer with cold, wet, and flower. Some like subtropic with only dry and rain but humid hot in general all the time – no high amplitude. That…

Now I’m enjoying my necklace making season, I remember about the same time last year, no.. last year was June; I also sat on floor with lamp and full concentration but.. making collages. I have changed my activity season but I try to keep my subtropic in communication – hot all the time.

Photo of Slice of Purple.

Embrace Life

I have made 3 batches of necklace so far, in total I have made 66 necklaces. No, 4 of them are made by Komang in Bali. It’s necklaces that consist of 20 strands of each. So far, I have sold 6 necklaces through ‘email marketing’. I sent out pictures and got feedback in return :-) Hess is my best buyer at the moment. Her support is ‘serious’ and big. I told her I would be happy to grant her a frequent buyer card. She asked for platinum card without limit. I offered installment payment facility and no interest. We laughed.

She is perfectionist like me and has imagination of a nice stuff. She returned 3 necklaces with notes to modify: change the clasp, remove a stone and fix with colored stone, add silver beads,… I don’t mind to do it but I feel like it would change my initial idea, my creation. It becomes her creation then although the rest is still up to me. I refused to do one because her idea totally changes the spirit of my creation. I offered her to find other stone to create using her idea. She laughed.

Yes, we met up lunch time. She sent me text message just an hour before noon. I was still thinking to spend time at home pricing and tagging necklaces. It’s a good idea though so I agreed to see her. I brought my new batch that she had been eager to see. She took 12 necklaces to select at home. Later she told me that it’s hard to concentrate at work because of the necklaces. It’s a nice thing to share :-) And more, she treated me lunch for first salary celebration. She also bought cheese cake for her colleague. Of course, she bought necklaces to treat herself. Congratulations Hess! She is lucky to be able to choose high profile position in such economic situation.

I will continue tidying necklaces this evening. I only have one day left tomorrow before next trip :-) I have planned more of my next move. A friend who has just bungee jumped in life inspires me. Embrace life.

Photo of Hess’ Chinese Red Ginger, copy of mine :-)

Some Messages

I laughed out loud when Peng told me how hectic she was last evening. Being in 3 cities in 10 days, she felt she was nor here nor there. I told her to relax, she could not be hero in any case. She offered her hands to too many persons, it is a good idea, but she has to limit too. She handles Bali trip with some difficult participants, communicated with late persons to RSVP (very common here), even arranged payment from Washington to a staff lives in kampong here that she had to make long distance call at odd hour. She is nice. Very.

Look who’s talking. I was every case’s hero this morning. Only later when I lost breath I remembered what I did to Peng. I laughed at myself then let go the pressured feeling. I had a hectic morning. I started easy studying necklace pricing in Singapore websites. It’s interesting to know variety of things people sell. Some simple things like pajama only, or ladies bra only, or summer sandals only,… There's a Business in Every Woman by Ann M. Holmes says that you can start a business anytime if you know you have a good product in demand and no one sells it. That’s very true. Another element is feeling confident that this is going to work! That’s where I’m lack of although up to now I haven’t seen anybody makes same idea, biggie jewelry in funky style using good material. Now what, Himavant?

My stress built up by time. Suddenly all came in the same time when I was about to prepare my day. Nellie wanted me to arrange payment through Peng. Insurance company didn’t respond to my enquiry quickly. Peng wanted me to print out some Heritage rules because her printer is out. Lindy wanted me to send forms now. Hess needed me to arrange Adi to pick up necklaces at a certain time. Cable TV is still broken from changing system that I need to call. The electric company came to talk to owner of the house that Ija tried to solve herself. It’s a long story of each case that I had to wrap up in an hour.

When I finally managed to free myself in a hypermarket, I felt relieved and wanted to celebrate the day. Simple thing to celebrate, just to make my day brighter. Rad could not join lunch so I decided to have a nice lunch before another grocery shopping in PS mall.

You are always by yourself. A friend shouted from the opposite. Again, we ran into each other in PS mall. Of 90% my visit to PS mall, I met him. He likes to meet his clients in mall so I told him that his office is at PS mall. Anyway, we went to Starbuck for half an hour, sitting outside enjoying rain while chatting. He’s not my close friend at all back to uni years but we could talk about anything when we meet. It’s hilarious because he’s such a serious person, single in his 45. We blessed our relax time that we don’t need billions Rupiah in our accounts to enjoy freedom at Starbuck in one rainy afternoon. Actually, we talked about some ultra rich people who end their life in jail, or bed.

I smiled in car on my way back home. In one week, I heard two men say about partner’s trust is precious that a man should not take for granted and not put a relationship in risk by having someone else. Learning many painful cases, it’s so hard to believe that such men exist. I gave him some hard questions that made him thinking harder before replying. One of the questions was how he would resist himself from an interesting woman that comes later in his life. He told me about the importance of acknowledging the feeling then limiting the relationship so won’t jeopardize the relationship at home. That sounds so good but he is still single and inexperienced :-) If that the case, what happens with the majority then? Or, did I speak to the majority considering I met two similar type of men only in a week?

And the last two days, I got two persons told me that I should use my feeling more because using my logic too much has made my loved ones treated me in different manner. I asked both persons to elaborate what they meant. Actually, I knew what they meant but it’s just fun to listen to a person trying to elaborate with detail so I could understand. Yes, I understand that loved ones find me ‘too easy to handle’ because I don’t have emotion, so predictable, no extra effort needed to put me back to normal. I’m hardly upset too long. I might be sad, but not upset.

Anyway, there must be a message. Enjoyed to be a hero, met a few good men, and got advise to decrease logic and to increase emotion. Today I feel my life is moving forward even more… I could see my supporters clapping out there.

Photo of Stony River I made yesterday.

Regeneration

I woke up with mild sore throat. It felt like swollen inside. It’s been two days actually that I ignored. I ate too much snack from supermarket that tastes soo good but actually is not good at all. I had taken lots of water and thousands mg of vitamin C but seems it didn't stop the symptom.

I observed my body and it seemed okay. I sent text message to PEN and LDY that I could not join lunch. We planned to discuss about Bali trip but of course I don’t want to pass flu or whatever to them. It’s early stage, could be contagious..

I’m happy at home. I had a lot of fruits in the morning. I just remembered that I had skipped dinner last night :-) again because of the supermarket snack that made me full. If Mama were around.. I started my first necklace around 9:00. Day feels long – very nice. I long to read, I have too many nice books in queue. When we met in Ubud last month, JG ‘complained’ that traveling takes his working time, like wasting time. RG said that actually traveling is the best time for self: processing ideas, reading, or simply contemplating. I agree with him. I miss reading just now while I read a lot when traveling.

Some times I thought I have all the time just for myself but how come I don’t have time to read and do translation well once I decide to do something else. MKO, CAR, SM, and I talked about the phenomenon of “don’t want to miss anything”. I was surprised to learn about more people suffer from a same thing: do not want to rest early in the evening because do not want to miss anything although actually most of the time they have to let themselves to fall asleep in couch or bed with a book open. I told them that it took time for me to conquer the feeling, to tell my body to delay the fun till early morning, and I have made it. Now I could sleep before midnight and catch morning sun. They laughed though because they need minimum 8-hour sleep. Then they miss many ha ha…

I’m not bad today. I have created some different styles. Like I said yesterday, when it flows, it flows like river. It’s a perfect activity while regenerating my body. I feel much better now after lunch and taking mild OTC medicine.

Photo of Black Like Magic I made today.

Share more..

There are days when designing is easy, so easy like flowing that makes me think that designing should not be that fast. Yesterday I made 10 necklaces, not as productive as before still. I wanted to create more today instead of fixing clasps but.. I was slow. I only made a few, even one I made for myself took looong time because I forgot to fix the silver end or simply because the string didn’t come thru the tiny crimps. Ugh! That’s when I appreciate my productive day. It’s good to be low some times.

Yes I stayed home again. ‘How Jakarta Works’ study group should have a tour but no announcement so the leader must have cancelled the plan. It’s off again till two weeks from now then. For me it’s perfect, I still want to do more with my necklace material.

I talked with Rini on phone long time this afternoon after weeks of not exchanging. She lost track of my whereabouts. Actually she hadn’t known that I started my own line the past few weeks. Yes, I still keep quiet about this. It’s just nice to surprise everyone later but sharing is also nice. I could open channel to market my necklace. Someone she knows needs good stuff for the US. She would come to see next week. Aha! Shall I share more about this? I guess so..

So nothing new today except a new way to market my necklace that is to share more…

Photo of My name is Blu I made today.

Go For It!

Necklaces, friends, and Chiko have been waiting, a friend texted me last night. Right! My life is back since I got up. I had necklaces business in mind, friends poured me with texts and emails about Bali trip, I got a hundred descriptions from Museum Nasional to translate, and Chiko was crying softly filling my morning.

I was curious to know more about to be a vendor in a lady fair in Singapore. I visited the website, made a quick calculation, and will try to work it out later. I have two international pre-summer bazaars coming up that I have to have enough stock. I don’t have much time left since I have two more trips to make.

I consulted my ideas with Hess, my first customer. She replied to my email almost immediately from office that I appreciated so much. She just started to work in a new office, she hasn’t gotten full access to office system yet, that explains her immediate response :-)

I realized that I need to know more about my product after I met the Australian guy in Changi last evening. I felt a bit bad not knowing exactly how Balinese do various styles of silver bead. My homework to do next week, find out! And today I learned about the down of an ideal creation as a result of commercial considerations. Hess thought that some of my creations do not use the ‘right’ clasp. I actually forgot what I made last week but I know now… Yes, I used clasps I bought in bulk last week that I also thought a bit busy for my simple lines but I had no choice. The simple ones cost twice and more! Actually, it depends on the way we look at it, the way we appreciate the work,… but I take Hess’ point seriously. I have to look at the necklaces again to review and change if necessary. Hess and I have same problem, we both have very short hair, and necklace’s clasp becomes an important issue as it shows on our neck!

I also have to think about how to display my gemstone and funky glass/wood necklaces. I really have to separate them to make sure people don’t appreciate the gemstone less because of the funky lines. Not many can appreciate art in its proportion. Only ones with artist eyes can do :-)

Anyway, I had long discussion with Hess till noon before enjoying Mbak Ida’s hands scrubbing me. It’s so good to have her in the right time. I was tired! It energized me in the afternoon. I have made 3 necklaces so far and will do more in the rest of the evening.

I’m firm now. I will go for overseas bazaar in June. I have to start somewhere to know my strength and the time is NOW.

Photo of my new creation using man-made turquoise that is cleverly called ‘simulated turquoise’.

Things To Do

Sunday, April 22

I’m still in Changi Airport now but have made myself to be the first to enter gate. I don’t want to miss the flight but I want to be total in what I’m doing: reading or writing. I made the right decision to save time, I had to take my computer out at the x-ray (but passed the x-ray with my solid silver cuffs and choker, amazing).

Three hours delay is a bit too long. I almost lost track of time. I spent two hours in a café having a (not nice) chai latte and a strong cappuccino with a pack of biscotti. Actually I was charging my computer so had to stay and kept having something to compensate :-)

Waiting allows me to become more observant. I sat by 3 pay-computers with internet. I saw many many people entered the café to check how the computer works. Some stopped and used it for awhile, some just read and went. After many came and went, two funky guys occupied two computers. Later I looked and found out that they play online games. They might have checked out what I was doing because they sat behind me. They must have thought.. Ugh. She’s blogging.

I was sitting in a seating with two single seats and three ottomans. I used one ottoman to rest my trolley. Well, the café has many seating island but hardly 50% occupied. I made myself at home too by using the outlet for table lamp to charge my computer. The staff let me :-)

A guy with beard came and asked permission to use the other single seat. So he sat there. Finished my emails, we started to chat. What I experienced today is nothing compared to what he experienced just four days ago. He lost his valuables in a train in India; in the last part of his six-week trip. Money, ticket, and passports are ‘standard’ but losing a travel journal is something. I could feel the feeling of real loss although he also mentioned about the last 100 pages of 800-page book he saved for the trip back. What a heart-breaking story..

Actually the story started after I asked him whether he is writing. Odd question I start to ask people I know or meet now. I itched to ask the question because he just told me his travel journey from Melbourne, where he lives, to Thailand and some parts of India for six weeks; and more about his dream to learn Hindi language in Melbourne then in India because he wants to speak other language than English; how he feels that his English is not perfect that his Indian friend kept correcting his English;…

It’s funny in the end that we found out that we had opposite issue. I told him that I admire persons who write longhand because I could not do anymore since I use computer much. After discussing about how to store the writing – that I have books of diary from my childhood and online storage later – he told me that he wants to have a computer and be able to type fast.

I showed him necklaces I made after we talked about what we do. He makes classic furniture so we are both in ‘art business’ who face same issue about convincing (or educating to be precise) people about our art. It’s a challenge for people who work with interpretation and appreciation. Unquantifiable.

It’s a nice short chat that helps me to see myself. Meeting people in a hub like Changi Airport opens the opportunity to peek into someone’s thought from other part of the world.

PS: Later I learned that the flight was late to arrive because this connecting flight from Beijing had to stop at Guangzhou to drop off a sick person. Another sad story. I have nothing to complain.

Photo of options :-)

Expect the Unexpected

I had nice long morning. In Singapore we could not start the day too early because shops only open after 10:30 also some cafés. I only had a few things to buy before left this afternoon but very low priority. I planned to stroll around Takashimaya checking out books. I still have some books in mind to buy.

MKO wanted to see me even for short today but we haven’t set time. I checked a bag of beads and stuffs she gave me last night. She said that she didn’t want to keep it anymore after traveling with it to many countries. It’s unbelievable ‘junk’ she gave me. Exotic metal pendants and big beads from Africa and big chips of amber stone from Russia? I would definitely make some necklaces for her using the stuff. She must have liked them when she bought and she could like it once more if she sees it in different presentation. I like to take the challenge. I would turn her junks into something she likes and would love to keep for ever :-) 10:18

I went to Takashimaya to check Kinokuniya bookshop. I didn’t always remember its existence because Borders looks bolder and is on my way to other interesting shops :-) Anyway, I’m happy to find Anderson Cooper’s book there. Many copies and more about other topics. I bought 4 books including a gemstone bible for my new business. I walked back to hotel like chimpanzee using both hands to carry heavy plastic bags. Yaa.. I also bought bottles of my favorite shower gel and gao li ginger.

I had several interesting tho annoying experiences today. The girl at reception at the Sha Villa asked me to check out soon when I got at hotel like chimpanzee. I told her that I got late check-out when I checked in. She was that no compromise type. She said Nooo! We have guests coming. I stayed cool by saying nothing. I slowly packed and was out at 14:00 – my check out time ha ha. She’s not nice. I’m still thinking if I should write the manager a feedback (I don’t like the term complaint). I’m not the type too. For me, any issue is done after it’s over. I won't help them to improve their service then. Well...

And more on the way to airport. My taxi driver was big and had Garfield eyes. He tried to bond with me but I wasn’t so interested in talking so I only replied shortly. I was a bit sleepy because of the bright sun and later I realized that it had affected my driver too. The car was running not smoothly, sometimes it ran off lane. It was still half way but what could I do in the middle of highway? I didn’t say anything but watched his driving. He chose the right lane to go to the right terminal at least. In the last turn, he almost hit curb. When I paid, I told him to not continue driving and have short nap. I watched him from inside terminal; I guess he fell asleep in the car because it stopped for quite long. Poor guy.

Now I’m writing in Changi Airport waiting for my uncertain flight time – my another unexpected experience. When I checked in it was 50 minutes late and just now I heard that the passengers have free dinner in airport cafeteria. That sounds not so good but, again, what could I do? I have at least two books with me and of course my laptop hero. I forgot my cookies tho..

Photo of my situation now in Changi :-)

No Time to Fall Asleep

There are places that I feel very much at home because of the place itself and the people who know me well. Yesterday I met ex manager of Projectshopbloodbros shop in Jakarta at Takashimaya. I met her last year in the shop in Paragon. We had hilarious chat for I wanted to apply if the company has any vacant. I was envious of her job because she works wearing black thong sandals as uniform! Wow! This morning I met the hotel boy who I have known since my first stay years ago and likes to chat with me happily. We laughed a lot. Like in Penestanan in Ubud, or in many places in Ubud, it’s the people that make the place felt special.

So I hopped from theatre to theatre today. I didn’t want to waste the trip so I made time to watch the Phantom of the Opera – a well known music by Andrew Llyod Webber. I always tried to catch his world tour wherever close to home. I believed I got the last single seat available when I called the ticket box last week. I had no choice; I didn’t even have idea where this last seat would be. It turned out to be in pretty good location though. It’s in the second of four balconies. I just regretted not to bring far-sight glasses that I only wear in large theater so then I could see details better.

I arrived the theatre about two hours earlier. I wasn’t familiar with the big durian building – the Esplanade Theatre – and I needed to have a bite. I had a good book with me though, I didn’t mind waiting. Collecting ticket was done under four minutes and I had fruit salad with dark chocolate discs plus hot chocolate in a chocolate resto. The salad was fresh and very nice; it gave me vitamin I needed :-) I read and checked out shops to kill time.

The show was good as I expected. It made me goose bumps because of the music and stage settings. And I hated that I was quite sleepy during the show. I hadn’t a good night sleep last night. Something lingering in mind that I could not sleep well. I awoke many times and stayed awake for sometimes before back to sleep again. Glad that I had a very nice morning that I forgot about the lack of sleep :-)

So I spent almost three hours in the theatre. When I was off, MKO had been waiting for me in her place to go to other show. We – MKO, SM, CAR, and me – had dinner before squeezed ourselves in a taxi. Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts theatre was not far from MKO place. Another friend had waited there. Actually, their mutual friend directed a short play in the event called Short & Sweet Singapore Festival that claims to be "the biggest little play festival in the world". The festival runs two weekends showing top 20 and 20 wild cards. We are asked to vote the best performance of 10 plays we watch in an evening.

We had anticipated to be sleepy that we agreed to shove each other if started to fall asleep. We were wrong. We had no time to even wink! The plays were so good and each lasted ten minutes only; changed the stage setting only took a minute or two; and on again to next interesting dynamic play (20 minutes intermission after 5 plays).

The first play was super hilarious. It was a very promising good start! We didn’t expect Singaporean could express their ideas by knocking down the cultural barrier. The plays talked about sex sandwich, hard sex, cigarettes (that they don’t do much in public), being fat, cold relationships between a couple, women’s mammogram session,… The issues are common issues that made us easy to see ourselves in life play. And I was surprised to find some of the plays using Singlish (Singapore-English) while in the morning I saw a big banner of Singapore’s campaign on urging people in Singapore, Malaysia, and Batam to use good English. The campaign slogan is Be understood.

All were hilarious good. Of 10 plays, only 2 we thought were not so special. Not bad but not special either. I voted for their friend of course. His play showed 4 young women dressed in black party outfit with a cigarette in hand and talked alternately about the passion of smoking. It’s witty. Some plays were really special because the actors could make a very smooth turn-taking, no mistake, no delay,… They must have practiced the play very well because often involving long and complicated sentences. I admired their ability to remember the lines. Well, young people should be able to do that :-)

My day is ended nicely. A bit tired but loaded myself with cultural stuff has refreshed me in a way. The good news is… I haven’t had time to shop!! I refrained myself from checking out clothing, shoes/sandals, and bags. Enough. Even I didn’t find any book I really wanted. I have a bit too many of unread books at home. No time to...

Photo of the show's notice.

So far so good??

Friday, April 20

Today is not one of my days. There are times when many things gone wrong. Now I’m thinking whether it’s full moon these days? It can't be. I don’t know. Anyway, I went to Asian Civilisations Museum because MKO said that they have nice collection and again I have to say that the museum is super – well displayed and very nice and neat a la Singapore.

I was up and down trying to learn more about myself during the day. I got a lot of lessons though:

1. visiting museum makes me appreciate more of my treasure at home.

2. to donate my old jewelry and textile collections (later) to a museum might be a good idea.

3. to see ‘simple crafts’ get good appreciation in other country makes me appreciate more of the work, this also implies to other thing :-)

4. to have initiative is not always good.

5. listening is not enough, reading what I don’t see is more important.

6. planning is not always good, or at least, don’t tell others my plan so others won't feel bound.

7. to be flexible is good, but to be soft is even better.

8. don’t come up with silly meaningless statement.

9. be clear of what I want by sharing it distinctly.

10. don’t be too serious, let others have their own style.

I let myself sunk at Gramophone looking at interesting CDs not knowing what I wanted. I had no plan to buy... but interesting CDs popped one by one. The shop attendant was happy for me for I got Fresh Aire – a rare collection from the 80s. I didn’t mean to find but it’s there. A little sunshine that made me feeling lighter and more after the attendant asked me happily So far so good?? I thought that’s the most sincere question a nice person can ask. :-)

Photo of an Indian doll at the Asian Civilisations Museum in Singapore.

eAsY LaZy dAy

Thursday, April 19

Time stops. I have different feeling of holiday unlike Bali trip although Bali has more holiday atmosphere. I had to think sometimes that today is not weekend but mid-week. Singapore is humid as usual with drizzle sometimes. Umbrella is necessary because I walk a lot here.

I followed MKO and her 46 students visiting the National Museum of Singapore. The museum has just reopened last December. It’s an old building from outside but inside is extremely modern – the interior and the equipments of course. I always enjoyed sun that shining through glass roof that makes space looks spacious and clean.

We entered the history gallery with huge glass rotunda near the entrance; inside the tubular drum is a huge round screen (actually consists of many small screens) that shows the life of Singaporean in a day. It’s interesting although the picture is a bit blurry. It’s the music makes the movie dramatic.

The gallery is all dark with tiny spot lamps here and there to show the objects and numbers in our companion set – good designed companion that has audio and shows text of any item displayed.

What the museum shows is nothing compared to what Indonesia has. A Jakarta-size country that has simple history compares to 13,000 islands with a lot of ethnic groups. But… they display every aspect of their ethnic life and the simple history very well. Very very well… I enjoyed more of how to display and write the description – the details that need lots of thinking and work of course. The display detail is well designed like using old style lace in display box showing Chinese Nyonya life. Or, dividers wrapped with nice embroidered cotton in small room showing girls’ school life.

I didn’t follow the entire audio companion because I was interested more in the presentation. Actually the audio guide is also interesting because of the background sound that accompanies the audio explanation. I felt like I’m standing by people working with chisels or in the war. Very alive…

We could stay as long as we want listening to and reading every description. There’s a lot of rest area inside the huge gallery. For me to make one trip is enough because it’s permanent exhibition, I can return anytime. We also went to temporary galleries that show houses in deserts and pictures of people in Arab. Again, very interesting display. I admire the work, the effort to make happen. Museum Nasional in Jakarta takes months to prepare Majapahit exhibition – it’s over six months now.

I’m thinking, it would be nice if the super rich Jakartan use their wealth to build such museum. Museum Nasional has already a lot of materials in their display. It’s the way to display and the condition of the room that still look not well. Fund is important but good human resources that know how to do and have good spirit to make things good is essential.

I ended the day lazily. Long nice hilarious talk with friends is always nice. I was sleepy before 22:00. It saved me from shopping too many books at Borders, no book bought in fact. Slow day makes me sleepy.

Photo of souvenir shop door inside the National Museum of Singapore.

Fearless

Wednesday, April 18

I didn’t feel like talking this morning. I had something to comment to Pak Tumi, my driver, but I held it. I had heavy chest of coughing too hard in the morning that made my morning a bit ‘heavy’. Bad smell bothered me as usual. I eased my chest by walking briskly in Cengkareng terminal where Pak Tumi dropped me in wrong gate that I had to walk back one gate. It annoyed me a bit because he didn’t listen well but… it’s good for me!

I fetched a book about women in business in a bookshop in domestic terminal before entered immigration. Now I know that I should not put off to buy a book when I spot one I want because same book might not be available in other outlet. I avoided buying it last weekend because I didn’t want to carry the book with me during travel but had no choice this time.

Well, it’s a nice book though. I read it right away in the lounge while waiting to board. I continued reading till about half an hour before landing when the woman sat next to me started to talk. She’s Korean living in Makassar long time and was curious to know how I learn to read English. It was not easy to explain, or actually I don’t know how to explain that I have read English book since very young. Anyway, she then talked about her belief she just learned the last four years. I had nothing to say. I just liked that she commented on my necklace, my creation. She was the second person after a flight attendant :-)

I’m in Singapore. I spent whole afternoon visiting bead shops. After shopping in Bali, I could not shop in other shop. The price is way too expensive and no shop elsewhere can beat the variety Bali has. It’s good to know that I have shopped in the right place so hardly one could beat my price too. I mean overseas, I still have competitive price. I bought some nice stone with cute shapes in a shop known for its jewelry making course before off to meet MKO.

I met MKO in time by Singapore river. I chose the place because she lives near the river and I love experiencing sun goes down there. It’s perfect! It seems that this is the right time to visit MKO in Singapore. We had planned to meet in Singapore since long time. She told me that she is thinking to move to Bangkok this summer and she would be busy next month with sisters that visit her from the US. Ehm..

So we talked talked talked like we used to do when we met. And funny that I kept looking at necklace I gave her. It looked so good on her. I’m so glad to know that I have the eye to customize my creation according to someone’s character. I called the necklace Fearless MKO. Ayu thought the design is ‘fearless’ although actually it implies to the fearless MKO – in real meaning. I’m satisfied.

It was a really nice evening, we talked till midnight. I learned about other people’s life history that I hardly shared mine with others. Sharma said that “people want to know you that you are real” (chapter 12). It’s true! I feel closer to persons who have shared their life history because I could feel the ups and downs – a combination of funny and heavy – of their life.

I was quiet while listening to her telling the story of her family. Sometimes I had to hold back my tears. Some families have real story that takes place in two different worlds and spans decades to complete the whole story. It touched me how family can actually shapes us today. And MKO is doing well in her 44! She knows what she wants and definitely is… fearless.

Photo of MKO and I by the river.

Me and My Friends

Amal asked me – after she decided to buy coral necklace last week – whether I had taken picture of it. I told her that I don’t feel the need to take its picture because I don’t plan to make same design. Amal was happy to find out that her necklace would be exclusive. I was surprised too realizing that exclusive is a good thing in business – ya ya I know the theory but never really thought about the importance :-)

I didn’t know my strength then. I only thought that I’m a lazy girl, don’t want to repeat a design, do things like machine – repeat repeat repeat… I see my strength only after I saw Amal’s expression knowing that her necklace would be a one-of-a-kind necklace. Now I won’t see my laziness as my weakness, but it’s my strength!

This morning I online chatted with Ayu – my 35 year good girlfriend. It’s good to talk with her about girly things. She reminded me to appreciate my share in someone’s life. I hardly thought that I could have significant share in someone’s life. I don’t appreciate myself then? Hm.. She helped me to open up my awareness to see how I have contributed in a community – small or large.

Some friends contacted me for info today. It's a bit strange because their inquiries are uncommon such as: where to make glass-box for covering silverware, where to rent furniture, where to test platinum, how to raise fund in a week, what’s the right wording for a banner,… All sound urgent but I’m happy to do for them because they are great friends! When I told Yungkie, she thinks I should write PIAA / Pusat Informasi Apa Aja as my job in my business card :-)

Having a lot of good friends are great. They shape me in many ways: knocking my door, helping me to see other doors, assisting me to see windows, reminding me to watch my step, shoving me to bungee jump,… Many! I appreciate every one every moment.

I decided to spend time in PI mall by myself, no lunch date, meaning no friend. I shopped stationery I need for my new business and grocery. I had nice Chinese chicken salad and chai latte, my favorite, before home. Friends don't have to be with me physically anytime but they are with me all the time.

Photo of necklace I made for MKO this morning.

D.I.Y.

I slept very early last night. I could not keep my eyes open longer than 22:00. I gave up, I slept. I slept lightly for awhile before got up around 5:10. It was a good morning with a lot of ideas. I was eager to start finishing my necklaces that the initial plan was for Komang to finish. I decided not to take those necklaces to Bali realizing that she could not finish all 30 overnight. 4 of them consist of 20 strands each with small silver beads in between, lots of work obviously.

I made a right decision. I learned from Do It Yourself / D.I.Y. today. I remember what Mama liked to tell me when I was kid to always do myself so can know more. In today’s case: I know the trick to make it neat, what type of clasp is good for necklace, what to do when make mistake,… It's perfect because I learned about cost conscious concept / CCC in Ubud yesterday. It’s time for me to start calculating cost with the concept, I’m in business (ya ya I know the theory but it was not in me from the start). I feel that I become more creative when applying CCC and more patient of course :-)

It’s a hot and humid day. Two aircons on didn’t help to cooling the air. I let myself wet sweaty then. I felt good like I had good sport that I have missed several days. I made significant progress though. I finished the batch, except 3 necklaces that need manual drill to make larger hole. That’s fine, I can do later. Hess has waited for the necklaces to be sent to her place along with the one she bought and needed simple alteration. Great!

I’m happy with my D.I.Y. day. I also made my D.I.Y day complete, I cut my blu tail myself!! Last night after shampooing, I felt that my blu tail looked ugly worn already. This afternoon I could not stand it anymore. I checked the construction and decided to D.I.Y. cut my well-known blu tail. I could not wait till tomorrow to go to my stylist to get a ‘professional’ cut. Anyway, that makes my day... perfectly D.I.Y! :-)

Photo of canang offering at Indus on Sarasvati day last Sunday.

Nomad

When I just started my business, almost a decade ago, l like to wonder how people from other part of the world make money from buying merchandise in a place as far as one day travel by air. They stay long time in the place, go to many shops, and fill up a container to be sent to their country. They must shop in large quantity.

Now I’m one of those persons who come to Bali to shop merchandise to sell in other place – although only as far as an-hour-and-a-half travel by air :-) Anyway, I met a Bali guy, has jewelry shop in Tanah Lot, at a silver beads home-shop and was envious of him because he lives near the source; he doesn’t have to buy material in large quantity because he can shop anytime. I was envious because I had to buy in such quantity to make my buying worth the trip. I should not complain more, what about people who come from other corners of the world? They must envy to see me too!

By the way, I spent a night in Bali last night. It was a spontaneous decision I made a week ago. I made four stops in Legian to maximize my short visit. I bought a lot of silver beads for its design and price; I also need to stock up. I also visited Beny, my long time supplier of glass beads, to buy only recycled glass beads in natural colors – no more colored and fun beads. I spent out the rest of my budget in stone shop I went two weeks ago.

I saw many happy persons in this visit. I thought I ‘won’ Balinese’s heart because I speak their ‘language’; not speaking language but something like my blu tail. Blu tail? Yes, my blu tail has started many fun discussions especially in Bali where such idea is considered funky, free spirit, and cool. They become friends easily with me after blu tail discussion. Uncommon but it helps me to do business in this funky island :-)

I went out of Legian around 17:00 with a box weighed 15 kgs Beny helped to pack. I decided to stay overnight in Ubud. I had no point to stay longer in Legian area because no budget left. Well, I planned it that way though; finished up my budget and stayed in Ubud. I always want to feel Ubud whenever I’m in Bali.

Ubud was raining last night. I had dinner in a place called Nomad (with two small feet step as logo) that reminded me of my good friend who just decided to live in a totally new place (for him). It doesn’t really fit with the concept of nomad but fits with the idea of living out of box.

Anyway, I had a very nice half day in Ubud today. Visiting shops is always fun when idle; gave me lots of idea. Timing is very right: for business, for fun. I sat in taxi in Jakarta feeling like I had spent a few days away although it was only 36 hours. It’s definitely a memorable trip that opens up to a new way to see things.

Photo of green and lines I took this morning.

Friday the 13th

I had busy morning with domestic chores. I’d been off doing it a week, I guess. I don’t know what made me busy but I simply didn’t do my ritual, or less doing. It happens when I have a new muse. This time is the biggie jewelry :-)

I made a business deal before 7:00. A real deal: soft loan for my new business that has to be paid in 6 months. My mantra Quality at affordable price catches the investor’s attention. I like the deal – it’s like having a boss – I have to be responsible of what I do. Of course, in many walks of life I have to be responsible but doing business is another thing especially in the case when generating income is not a main goal. I want to have a real goal in this business now. It’s time to challenge myself, to prove myself, that I can do well with my drive and learn from it. Whatever result is.

I practiced Sharma’s extra mile (chapter 10) – a point I learned today. Do more, make extra mile. Well, mine was not seriously an extra mile but still stretching me to do something more in a way. I had to spend more miles and time to print personal business card I have tried to print since very long. It doesn’t meet my design still but I better gave in or I would spend rest of the day in printing shop. Not bad though. I have business card now :-)

I met Rad over lunch in her office complex. She was still busy with office that could not go too long from office. It’s so nice to be able to meet without making a real date like usual. I had foot massage for my stiff right foot after lunch. I get foot cramp more often now especially when I’m on-off car in such position. I have to mind my step and position. Ugh. Rohim did well, it eased the contraction. I hope it would be better after night sleep..

I feel tired now. I had not good solid sleep last night. I awoke before 4 hours and had light sleep till dawn. I’m going to rest early and be ready for a new adventure tomorrow.

Photo of my new exploration.

Nothing Fails Like Success

A friend gave me Robin Sharma’s The Greatness Guide. It’s an interesting book, like a compilation of blog posts because each thought is a page or two long but deep yet light to read. It’s a good book like a gentle reminder about how we should live our life.

I have read a few chapters (I don’t know whether we can call it chapter because it’s so short) and am impressed with his thought about ‘nothing fails like success’. I could see myself in his thought. It says that when a business gets really successful; we stop innovating, working hard, taking risks, and begin to rest on their laurels (chapter 3). That’s very true. I feel the same in managing FRA. It’s not about really successful but it’s more about hard to leaving safety zone and taking some calculated risks (that’s in other chapter but connected) after things get too easy.

I start necklace business in full speed now, like always when business just starts, but this time I don’t want to lose my grip too early. This is my first (because I expect to have several businesses in the future) business without partner so can set my own speed and pace. I should be able to do better then.

This morning I went through my half done necklaces and re-did some. Actually yesterday I got an idea of how to reduce cost so could sell in more reasonable price. That’s my top idea at the moment: how ladies could wear something really nice without spending too much, or keep the price in good proportion. Spending too much is fine but it means buying more items from me, that would be much better because then I have room to create more and of course earning more :-)

Anyway, I quite like my idea. I’m in the stage of innovating, working hard, and taking risks (creating many with little info what market demands). I haven’t yet gotten laurels to enjoy. I should observe my progress closely and control the ‘side effect’, if any, but I believe this time I have no choice but... doing good!

I went to PGY ‘s house this noon for lunch with Nia, an American batik painter lives in Yogya. She is in Jakarta giving a five day course to a group of six at PGY’s house. It’s an interesting short workshop. Nia teaches how to make batik and let the attendee to use her tools to create their own project – as many as they can do. Making batik on a piece of cloth is a lengthy process; from waxing using copper stamp, canting, or brush to several colors dying process to make an artwork. The most efficient way to do is doing some projects in parallel. EDI said that they start from 7:30 to 21:00 almost every day.

I was thinking to join same course with Nia in Yogya in June but I’m thinking about my limited concentration span again. Five days is a real commitment and this is the only way to experience making batik yourself because batik process needs very special kit: wok, wax, stove, copper stamps (many motifs), canting, brush, buckets of colored dyes,.. Too much for private use, it has to be for commercial.

We were having lunch while Nia was giving presentation about her and husband's artwork. She is married to a Yogya artist (funky curly long hair) and has lived in Yogya more than 25 years since she left Colorado to study batik in Yogya. She never returns home. They make batik as an artwork and also do collaborative work with art community in many parts of the world. They like to work on many layers of batik process that takes time. I learned that batik needs fixed design beforehand; it’s very little chance to develop the idea while working. The couple also makes fashion and home furnishing lines that are quite expensive. I told my friend that actually we buy someone’s time :-)

It was a very nice afternoon with art. We also discuss a farewell get together for at least four ladies from the art group that can only be done next month. Every one is busy with travel.

It was a hot day that I got home sleepy after sweating when observing ladies with their batik project. Now I’m ready to ponder about innovating and working hard which have to come first before anything else.

Photo of the batik workshop today.

Anewgirl..

Hess came to pick me up around 16:30 yesterday. We were going to see Laila in Citos mall. We tried to spend more time with Laila in her short visit. Hess insisted to pick me up because she was excited to see my necklaces. I showed her the finished ones and the other 30 in queue. She was curious to see mine as well. She always likes what I have for myself since I started FRA. She liked to peek in my textile collection because we are both crazy for old textile.

We were half an hour late to leave house for Citos mall because Hess took time to order this and that. She decided on the one that I have the picture in this blog – blue turquoise with red coral and a big silver ball. I say I really liked to see it on you, very Hess. And she say Don't tell me you have background in economics.

Later Laila decided to take sweet green jasper stone in classic style. It took Amalia long time to decide three necklaces. She decided the most expensive I had in the first batch – red coral and black onyx with a big silver ball. I’m glad to know what they think about my necklaces, they say it looks natural because it’s asymmetrical and not too much for daily. That’s exactly my concept: natural, simple but funky / unusual, and use good quality material. I know my market target.

In the end of the day, 3 of 17 necklaces – my first batch – are taken. I’m excited to realize that I have set the right concept for my design. Now I look forward to create some more based on their feedback. I haven’t finished the material I have so can create more. And also, Hess and Amal trust me to design ethnic necklaces using their precious old beads so they can wear their treasure. So nice!

It was a hilarious get together in our favorite restaurant last night. I interviewed Laila about her success story meeting husband through dot-com. It’s a brave thing to do in a nowhere land away from home and the US, her home before South Africa. We had a good laugh to know her username for the dot-com – anewgirlinsouthafrica. She got response from anewboyinsouthafrica of course. I asked the other two singles, Hess and Lisa, whether they would go through same process to find their men. Hess was not interested in spending time to ‘establish’ a relationship while Lisa preferred to wait.

And more about long distance relationship that many do not believe but Amal has passed 7 years having such relationship. We learned about odd flight route to meet loved one in other part of the world. Now we know why such route exists, some businesses and love stories are odd enough to use the route. Guam to Bali? :-)

Before we were off, we shared what we want to do in the last part of our life. Laila and Nuri haven’t decided the place but already looking and considering. Only Amal and I who could tell where we want to go. It seems that only Hess who would stay in Jakarta. The rest would be in cities in the US and Europe. I would be in Indonesia tho accompanying Hess when she is on holiday... in Ubud :-)

Photo of us last night.

Play Bolero for Me

I have a little FM radio in bathroom that sounds so good with small Sony speakers. I turn it on anytime I spend time in bathroom even only for brushing teeth. I only keep one channel of jazz and classical music. The other day I realized that I felt very calm and organized when the radio played Ravel’s Bolero. I start noticing the tune after I heard the piece played at Antonio Blanco’s Museum in Ubud. It’s Spanish and calming.

I was thinking in the car on my way to Monorail Project office this morning that I needed Bolero more than anything. I had calm morning that I started quite early at 5:15. I checked my next trip arrangements and felt alarmed that I had arranged it a bit too late. My new me, I arrange anything last minute. Two years ago I had my plan laid out months before that includes making reservations and other details. Now I enjoy last minute planning more with extra cost sometimes of course. Air ticket can be more expensive so hotels, and setting dates becomes trickier.

Anyway, I talked in panic with Ully who takes care of my travel arrangements for more than 5 years now. Apparently she hung loose with my travel plans. Was she overwhelmed? I asked her to issue the ticket now and forget about cancel-rebooking trick to extend time limit. I could only get one-month validity ticket anyway. Reschedule should not be a problem.

And later I realized that I had my plans on wrong dates, a week too early. Aaarghh.. I only had limited time in the morning so could only think about my mistake in the car.

Ten of us from "How Jakarta Works" study group visited Monorail Project office today. It was good for me because the office is only 20 minutes away from home. Very convenient.

Monorail Project in Jakarta has been initiated in 2000, MOU was signed in 2002, but till now… we only see less than half finished columns around business districts. It’s been 3 years now and no sign of completion. The lady Director said that they are still sorting out financial issue and expect to settle it in two months. It sounds good though. We have hope..

It’s an interesting project to help Jakarta solve its transportation problem. They plan to build two belts: one is in business districts (green line) and one is to connect east and west of Jakarta (blue line) so that people from the outer rings can go to Jakarta without taking cars.

What we see now is the development of the green line. The columns have been 80% ready (which we think much less than that) but as whole project, we guess, it’s less than 5%. They haven’t even started with the stations (30 stations for both belts!).

Monorail has been chosen as an alternative because it is easy to build (no road closure as all use pre-casting concrete), needs no land acquisition (the hardest part) because the railway would be in ‘the sky’, has light structure and doesn’t obstruct sunlight, has carriage that can carry 100 pax per trip (it will start with 4 carriages per belt), and many more advantages. It sounds so promising after Trans Jakarta project that turns out very well amidst skeptical criticism.

We were happy to listen to the interesting presentation by the lady who is in technical director position. The other lady was the PR of the project. We walked out the meeting room in great amazement. We have visited two transportation managements in Jakarta and both are run by women! Even the minister of finance who has to kick the project into an action is woman. And when we passed a huge poster with only men as models, we had a good laugh. Obviously, in Jakarta, men are moved by women. Very interesting!

Before left the building, we enjoyed huge satellite picture a la Google Earth showing the plan of the project. I spent time to look for the photo of my house’s rooftop. Of course, I could spot it :-)

I have sorted out my travel plans now. Things looked easier now as I still have time, in planning, one week can make a lot of difference. I will spend late afternoon to evening with Laila and friends in Citos mall. They are eager to see my necklace designs. This time I would be confident to show what I have been doing :-)

It must be nice to listen to Bolero now…

Photo of Jakarta monorail model.

Sad and Glad

I feel good the past two days. I took out all material to make accessories from drawers and boxes yesterday. I studied the characters and started to create necklaces in the afternoon. Weather was perfect. Actually it was windy and stormy that big trees fell off in some parts of Jakarta. I might have to say, it’s perfect weather ‘inside’.

I decided to stop working after 10 designs and slept early. I started again this morning and up to now have finished another 10. I’m almost depleted actually but I like to do things while the iron still hot… And I don’t have worry with necklaces, I can redo anytime if a design doesn’t sell, or needs altering.

I’m still intrigued by the idea of selling in economy price without valuing my art low. As alternative, I also play with cute material like wood and glass. Anything but plastic looks natural and elegant actually. It’s the choice of color and finishing that play important role to make a necklace looks elegant and different. I tried only a few ethnic styles since not many ladies enjoy the aged look. I don’t design bracelet this time. It’s tricky to decide the most popular wrist size.

I involved my two girls, Ija and Eri, to help cleaning by washing glass beads and polished silver beads. They did it very well and I liked to know that they really enjoy doing it. Glad to know that I have assistants now. I will develop their skills too so that I don’t have to go to Bali to thread and else. I can just stock up material and all can be done here. Let’s see if business really works this time :-) New venture is always fun.

Summer comes. Friends go and come. Sad and glad. This summer the art-group will lose LDY who moves to Vienna and today I learned that SUS also leaves before summer. We have started to organize farewell parties for end of May. I would be busy this week on for social, fun, and of course the new venture. Hm.

Photo of Chiko and Arie Smit’s painting taken this noon.

Just do it!

Learning my blog and emails, a friend suggested me to be more open about my passion in life, or simply about what I do, with friends or persons I meet. I know my weakness in this area. Sharing my passion is not in auto-mode. I need time to start sharing about my art business, my new passion in designing accessories, my dream to take yoga teaching course,… Even my close friends have to peel me layer by layer over long time to find out what I do daily, let alone what I did in the past. RIT used to say See, today we found a new thing about you.

Many of my friends in Heritage do not know that I own FRA. I don’t see the point to tell people that I do business, only when they show interest in what I do then I will tell. I’m not ‘aggressive’ at all. Some told me that I’m too quiet that they needed to tell other friends about what I do. I was too shy.

I don’t think this is about being conservative although it has truth in it. As Javanese, I was not trained to expose myself (not physically) openly. Now I’m thinking about Mama. Where did I have the training then? Mama liked to share people what she does especially her hobby and her professional job as consultant, she is a good marketer of herself. Now I remember, Mama also liked to tell people about what I do. I guess my friend is right. I don’t market myself well. I need others to help me.

The latest example is when I met Laila and girlfriends last Friday. I thought I didn’t have anything to share when my turn came to share my life update. Later they found out that I started to make biggie accessories, and when Laila wanted to know what sport I do lately, then I started to share my dream to take yoga teaching course that Hess was excited to be my client. And much later, I shared about I do translation now. Mariza was happy to know that because often she is overloaded with translation work in office. Hm.. What’s wrong with me?

My friend might be right. I need a life coach to help peeling myself – to define my life goal(s). This morning I listened to CEO of Esprit Holding who’s going to retire next year in his 65. He said that he doesn’t know yet what he’s going to do after retirement. He even thought to continue as CEO. It’s surprised me that I’m not alone, I maybe better because at least I know where I want to live and that I will continue to do what I’m doing now (it happens I do same line of work). It seems that many need life coach to set and achieve their life goal. Good business in life coach :-)

Now, I have learned about the importance to open up more. I must think from ‘the other side’; people always like to know their good friend’s passion in life. Like mirror, yes, I like to know what people do with passion. And in the end, of course, my sharing might be beneficial for my business. That’s okay. I don’t have to feel that I manipulate my network for my own benefit.

And on top of all, I also learn the past few days not to be too sensitive. I need mirror to see that in myself. Sensitive persons turn me off while I feel the same in myself: I’m culturally sensitive. I have to cut that off. I have to be more confident of what I do, stop thinking too much of what people would think about me. Just do it!

Photo of Chiko playing furiously with carpet this morning.

A New Day

I started the day gloomy. It’s cloudy outside too. I felt bad for a reason. Again, I felt that I should watch my language. I didn’t mean to hurt anyone but it seems I used to talk and write too quick that I could hurt loved ones. And it’s miracle that I could only feel the hit much later. And hit when woke up is definitely.. an inconvenient truth.

I spent morning in total silence. I hardly talked to anyone. I put price tag to my necklaces and bracelets. I had put it off two weeks since I was back from Bali. Hess tried to buy my necklace yesterday and I didn’t ‘give’ her merely because I hadn’t had the price in mind. Too exact, lost opportunity. I should explore all opportunities to sell and I did not :-)

Mariza and Hess asked me to send the accessories to their offices on Monday. It’s an ‘existing’ opportunity that I discovered yesterday. I only thought about selling in women’s bazaars but of course there’s very limited good bazaar throughout the year: mid and end of year. If I want to have a good flowing business then be active is the only way.

So I did the tagging research first. I had to do it because I want to have a nice tag that goes with my nice necklace. I avoid printed tag, I want personalized one: hand written tag. I give title for each necklace I made to help me to remember its character. I decided to not take good pictures of each, I give up. I start with 27 items = at least 27 pictures. What if I have more? Too much to handle: hand written tag plus pictures. I better focus on the most important thing (at the moment). Also, I don’t think I would like to have same / similar design for my future creation. I want to always have something new to offer.

I went out around 16:00. I needed to see a new person and Rad was considered new today. I hadn’t seen her for weeks!! I didn’t want to wait for another three days before we could meet. It’s fun to talk with her for 4.5 hours over a shared apple crumble and potato crispy. We shared life updates and dreams. With Rad I could talk about almost anything from business, man, to delicate things like.. panties ha ha.. Laila and Ida were in the mall too but we didn't have time to meet. Laila was on shopping spree. Later when I called, she was excited to share what she bought. Lots of clothing.

I feel better now. I really need a nice distraction every now and then. It’s good that tomorrow it’s still 'holiday', Sunday. I still have time before a supposedly busy week for me. I plan to create more necklaces to finish material I have in drawers so can stock up more next time :-)

Photo of tassels I made two days ago.

Laila Day

Good Friday, April 6

I talked to Andra, my cousin who once lived in Malang for school, for almost 3 hours in the morning. I consulted him IT stuffs but we ended up talking about life and relationships. It was hilarious always. I like that we have same view about F / M issues although he is male. He thinks using both sides’ consideration. Today we talked about not to buang-buang waktu (waste time) in relationship; or discard bad relationship and start new quickly. It’s hard to discuss with person who doesn’t believe in good relationship :-)

Laila only contacted me two days before she left Midrand, South Africa, for a week Easter holiday with her Mom in Jakarta. It’s nice that everyone in ‘our group’ (was 9 singles of over 40) was in town yesterday. We’ve been good girlfriends since long and it’s Laila who ‘ties’ the string. There are friends from childhood, university, work, and social. I think it’s the “being single” that makes us have lots in common.

Laila got married almost two years ago and yesterday, Ita, announced that she’s going to get married next month with a man she met just three months. What a discussion to start our get-together day! One agreed to just bungee jump, some suggested her to live together first, and the rests were simply not sure. We discussed more after she left :-)

We spent 12 hours at Laila Mom’s house, 8 of us plus Ibu. It’s like chicken farm – everyone talked at the same time. We had our favorite Iranian lunch Ibu prepared. She is from Iran and well known for her Iranian cooking. We were in turn sharing life updates. Leila with her baby updates, how she is still trying to conceive; Hess starts a new job next Monday after four months off work; Lisa is in her final stage of post-graduate study (lawyer); Amal moves to Denpasar next week; Ida is ever busy with work and has decided to move on with life leaving her boyfriend (that we laughed a lot because it’s been 5 years on-off); Mariza and me decided to have standard update or.. nothing new!

It’s funny that we only got together when Laila is around. The last time we met was before Laila’s wedding one and a half years ago. We didn’t meet each other after that occasion because everyone often goes out of town. Laila was lucky to be able to meet us all yesterday, except one who is still out of country.

As I predicted, we stayed for dinner too ha ha.. We were more than happy to have leftovers instead of ordering noodle from outside. We constantly talked about many many things. Ibu shared a lot of her experiences with taxi drivers / in public transportation. She decided to not have a car and driver because she spends more of her time abroad visiting kids and grand-kids in New York and South Africa, plus pulang kampung to Iran.

We surely had a good 12-hour together. We exchanged information on beauty, health, art, kebaya tailor, and how to date a man after 40. Dating with open eyes.

Photo of us yesterday.

Zero-in Aja

I remembered Garuda airline office in my neighborhood was always quiet so I asked Dumbo if she liked to join me for early lunch in PI mall where I had appointment for hair color. Perfect. Three in one day.

I got number 52 in queue, it was still 39 by then. I looked around, yes.. many people and I got ‘bad signal’. Seating area was full, that’s fine, but.. those faces! They looked helpless staring blankly at blasting small TV broadcasting silly quiz. There were 5 counters: one actively in operation, one closed, two slowly operated, one with girl did nothing. Hm. I read one of two newspapers available. I read it thoroughly, I had all the time.

I had to reschedule my lunch twice before finally gave up. 13 persons times 10 minutes. I even had to call the Call Center to extend the time limit – to keep the ticket reservation as long as could be.

I needed an hour to get service. It was not my day. I chose wrong route to PI mall. In Jakarta, no route is right because we don’t know the condition of the other route at the same time. We always feel that we are in the wrong route then. The main problem was… it was raining hard. Road was flooded a bit here and there that slowed the traffic.

I got PI mall an hour later (of the usual 20 minutes). My stomach was upset then. I hadn’t had dinner last night and had lots of papaya and yoghurt in the morning. Hm. Masuk angin. I decided to have roast beef sandwich with focaccia and chai latte before went to my color studio.

Mas Kirno had a good job today. He gave highlight on my plain dark brown hair. I need at least duo-tone to show the ‘texture’ of my hair cut. I took my time today unlike other times when I asked Mas Kirno to work as fast as he could. I let Dion worked too. He did foot massage. Others called it ‘pampering self’, I called it ‘killing time’. It was still raining outside.

Dion and I shared a hilarious chat about female gay. He started by saying that I have the look a ‘woman’ like. He shared me tips to avoid such encounter. Same tips I learned from MW but I gave Dion’s tips a thorough thought :-) He suggested me to forget about being a good girl. Just close the communication channel if I don’t want to risk myself. Any good intention I make would be interpreted differently, he said. So.. zero-in aja, he said. In other words.. give zero hope.

Photo of slogan of a new cellular operator: Mau? (= You want?)