As I Walked Away

Recently I have been even more active than usual in my pursuit of all things vintage. I have ventured into trying to start a very tiny online business with my partner-in-grime, K to buy and sell retro furniture and also our existing vintage treasures. For me, this means all my ceramics, glassware and kitchenalia lovingly collected over the last 5 years, especially during my time in Australia.

We have been inspired to scour all sources for retro furniture and this petite mid-Century dresser with beautiful pencil legs and mirror intact was spotted on the kerb. I stood there for some time wondering if I could somehow conjure up some form of transportation to whisk it home with me. After running through various options, I figured it would have to be a small removalist van and then I would have to spend money to restore it even though it did not look like too big a job as it was in pretty good condition and all that it needs, is probably new formica put in. But practicality overtook my sense of entrepreneurship. No (easy and free) transport, no storage space, and money and time required for restoration. So I nix the idea of picking up this lovely kerb find for myself.

I looked through my phone book to try to find the contact for the folks who are in the business to give them a tip about this little baby so that they could pick it up, restore it and sell it for a big profit. But somehow that number was not in my phone book. So it was somewhat fated that I had to leave this gorgeous little number sitting forlornly on the kerb as I slowly and reluctantly walked away from it.

Summer's Over

Summer's over in Sydney. We were in Bondi beach waiting for our lunch before we hit the Bondi beach markets. The sea breeze, the gorgeous blue skies, the beautiful sun-tanned, sun-bleached blonde surfie types walking along the pavement, kids slurping cold drinks and licking ice-creams. All the memories of that beautiful day in Sydney, not so long ago in November.

I miss the azure blue skies, the aromatic coffees, the laid-back lifestyle, the beaches, the weekend markets. Ah Sydney, it must be time for another visit.

Another Sunset, Another Sunrise

Several years ago when I was still in Sydney, I wrote an open letter to a dear friend on this blog. I chanced upon that letter randomly and recent events just brought my thoughts back to that friend. My friend, I continue to pray (in my own agnostic way) for you and hope that you continue to walk down the path of life in the strong way that you always do. And that you keep your blessed nature and good cheer with you for the rest of your life. That with the fading, dwindling light of the sunset, you know that there is another sunrise. And that the light will shine over you and keep you warm and safe.

Barley Risotto

When G mentioned he saw a recipe for barley risotto, I pooh-poohed the idea. Barley? That's something we boil into a drink when you have a sore throat in Singapore. Making it into a savoury dish in place of rice? Really?

G persisted and made me get a packet of barley the next time we were in the supermarket and proceeded to make a mushroom risotto one weekend. He makes a great mushroom risotto with the regular Arborio rice. So I waited to see what the end result would be.

Verdict: delicious, and it's going on our list. In fact it was so yummy, I took the leftovers to work in my new bento box. Everyone who saw me in the pantry asked me what I was eating, made comments about how small the portion was (it really wasn't even if it looked small because it was a double-decker box and totalled 500 ml of food in the 2 boxes) and most people made unfavourable remarks when they heard the word barley with risotto except for one more enlightened guy. Well all I can say is don't knock it till you've tried it!