ampulets

Christmas is most naturally about giving. God gave his only son to be born and then die in the loneliest way. Giving is sacrificial, heroic. In all of our roles we are expected to give - parents, children, friends, lovers, leaders, employees…. Less is said about receiving.  Christmas to me is also about receiving! You can joyfully give when you know you have received. When you know you have plenty, more than what you need, giving is a "no-brainer". I don't know how the maths works, but we somehow always receive more than we can give. Even in the worst of times. Haven't we all witnessed or read, in the midst of disaster, humans who act in courage and generosity towards others? Conversely, it is harder to give when you feel you have been denied the things you want or deserve. Even when you give, at the back of your mind you may be counting the cost, or feeling envious of others who have more. Receiving is an art. It takes cognition but also daily practice. J taught me t

[Trigger warning: this post discusses suicide and death.] Almost a month ago was the international loss day for survivors of suicide. For the first time, I attended an SOS event. I remember the SOS representative at the SGH morgue that day after J died - she approached me, offered support but stayed respectfully at one side till the paperwork was done. I appreciated that she was around. That year, I received 3 phone calls from SOS asking if I needed any support but always respecting my “really appreciate your checking in, but I am Ok.” reply.  I don’t fully know why, after almost 3 years, I decided to sign up for the online event that day by SOS. There were speakers who were psychologists and academics, and a breakout room later where folks shared their experiences in a smaller group. Those whose loss were more recent I think were most comforted. Nonetheless  all that I heard affirmed what I knew in my head and in my heart. After that session, two friends came over for a lovely lunch u

Today, I was thinking the way of theatre is "better" than the way of politics. Better for what? Better in seeking out truth. What is truth in theatre?  There is the truth and authenticity of emotions, the truth about human nature, the truth about lies the characters tell themselves or entrap others in... There  are many ways of depicting truth in theatre - a set of actions on-stage, and sometimes offstage (including the lack of action or silence); the different perspectives of all the characters in a play, sometimes voiced in a soliloquy and sometimes revealed in gesture and the body; there is truth as defined by the narrative of the storyteller in power, or as told by that irritating know-it-all Greek chorus...  In theatre, words and its alignment or dissonance with action are part of the dramatic tension. Both audiences and actors know therefore that words are immens ely powerful but can be immensely corrupt, or rather, corruptible.   Theatre ultimately does not seek to des

"after learning to be their most wonderful furry and short selves in Issue 1, and struggling with the heartaches of growing up (some say growing old) in Issue 2, in Issue 3, Furrie and Shortie experience a kind of falling in love - falling in love with living and being alive." Get all 3 issues in a bundle now and receive a Furoshiki free. Get any 2 copies and receive a pair of hankies free. Each copy/issue is $30. Price includes postage. Email ampulets@yahoo.com.sg. It's been a year since Issue 3 was completed and launched. I do miss these 2 characters, but for now, there doesn't seem to be more I have to say or draw with them, except for the random special events or occasions when they pop up to amuse.  I have about 50 copies of Issue 1 with me, and I think Kino may have more. But that's all there is of that 1st book. Perhaps in a few more years, they will finally all leave my flat!