A Happy Family

Ranjeng Lake

>> Sep 22, 2010

The lake is located in my husband’s home town (Bumiayu, Central Java, Indonesia) city. From the center of the city, it takes about thirty minutes through the uphill and windy roads to arrive at Ranjeng Lake. The lake is laid under the Slamet Mountain and a part of 48, 5 hectares preserved forest.

Ranjeng Lake is different from other lakes. Thousands catfish live in this lake. Several months ago, you can see the fish in a very close distance or even touch them! The lake’s depth is about three meters but there is a narrow and shallow spot (about ten meters square area) by the edge of the lake that the crowd of catfish are used to gather. Unfortunately, according to the Lake Keeper statement; it has already been nine months that the catfish can't be seen anymore. On my last visit several days ago; I only see some goldfish.

In other water recreation objects, you are able to swim, catch fish, ride a boat around the lake and do other things you want to do. But on the Ranjeng Lake, there is no one dares to do such activities like that. Local people still believe that the lake and also the fish are very sacred. The good point is; this local faith keeps Ranjeng Lake as a natural beauty. The water is so pure and clean from any pollution.

When I was nearing the lake to see goldfish, actually I walked on the water surface. The thick grasses protected me from falling down into the lake. Watch out with your step; choose the grass spots that are strong enough to walk on. It feels like walking on a hanging bridge; but this time, your feet are wet.

Watery Wednesday

Sheep and Carriages

>> Sep 18, 2010

Actually, it’s my first time seeing sheep that used to pull little carriages. I saw these interesting animals at Raflesia Garden in Ciamis, West Java, Indonesia. Children love it! They ride the carriage and then wandering around the garden. The carriage owner guides and walks in front of the carriage.

At Grandfather’s House

>> Sep 14, 2010

Dear friends, right now I’m still at my FIL’s house; that’s why I haven’t yet replied your friendly visit. Thanks for all of you who have came to visit me here!

My grandfather’s house is our first destination in this Eid ul-Fitr vacation. We (I and my husband) spent one night there, dropped my father, and the next day we continued the trip to my FIL’s house.

My grandfather’s house is located in small city Ciamis, West Java, Indonesia. My grandfather and grandmother has passed away long time ago; fortunately, my two aunties can stay there to look after it. It’s an old house; but still looks beautiful. The house has very large yard. There are small fish ponds on the some spots of the yard; I share two of them here. On every visit, I always enjoy walking around its large yard.

If the house were near our home; definitely I’ll visit here often. As the traffic jam almost along the road; it took 12 hours to reach this house. Sigh.
An entry for Watery Wednesday.

Happy Eid ul-Fitr

>> Sep 9, 2010

Eid ul-Fitr is the festival that marks the end of the month of Ramadan. Fitr means to break and it therefore marks the breaking of the fasting period and of all evil habits. Happiness is observed at attaining spiritual uplift after a month of fasting.

To all my friends who celebrate:

May Allah flood
your life with happiness on this occasion,
your heart with love,
your soul with spiritual,
your mind with wisdom,
wishing you a blessed and very Happy Eid ul-Fitr.

Dear friends, now I’m packing and tomorrow I’ll be on my way to my great grandfather and FIL’s home. I’ll go mudik! Mudik is a tradition for Indonesian people; to gather with all family members and relatives in their hometown during the Eid ul-Fitr celebration.

I’ll still bring my laptop (hehehe); but I can’t promise that I can drop by, reply your friendship visit and leave comments in your posts for several days ahead. So, see you later!

Image source: muslimmedianetwork.com;imserba.com

The Meaning of a Child

>> Sep 6, 2010

As parents, what is the meaning of a child for you? I believe every child is a blessing. For your inspiration, I share a famous poem that perhaps you have read several times. I love this poem and every word in it. When I have my own child one day, I’ll treat my child like the words stated in the poem. What about you?

On Childrenby Kahlil Gibran
Your children are not your children.
They are the sons and daughters of Life's longing for itself.
They come through you but not from you,
And though they are with you, yet they belong not to you.
You may give them your love but not your thoughts.
For they have their own thoughts.
You may house their bodies but not their souls,
For their souls dwell in the house of tomorrow,which you cannot visit, not even in your dreams.
You may strive to be like them, but seek not to make them like you.
For life goes not backward nor tarries with yesterday.

You are the bows from which your children as living arrows are sent forth.
The archer sees the mark upon the path of the infinite,and He bends you with His might that His arrows may go swift and far.
Let your bending in the archer's hand be for gladness;
For even as He loves the arrow that flies,so He loves also the bow that is stable.

Image:my nephew-Ais

A Flying Creature that isn’t a Bird

>> Sep 3, 2010

That night I was rather shocked.
It’s my first time to see.
A little bat hanging on the ceiling of our porch.
It was raining hard outside.
I guess he just took shelter.

Bats are mammals.

They have fur or hair.

A baby bat is born live.

The babies nurse from their mother.

Bats have arms, hands and feet.

They are warm blooded.

Birds…

They are hatched from eggs.

Birds have feathers, not fur or hair.

Babies are fed from mom's mouth.

They have wings, but no hands and fingers.

So, are bats and birds different?

Yes they are.

And, a bat is the only mammal that can truly fly...

even though it is not a bird!

Isn't that remarkable?

Special 21st Birthday Gifts for Your Loved One

My sweet cousin will be 21 years old in one month ahead. Her mother has called last night and asked me to help preparing her daughter’s 21st birthday celebration next month. Why 21st birthday is very special in someone’s life? Well, turning 21 is an exhilarating time for every young person. It commemorates entering a legal adulthood!

The first thing that comes out in my mind is preparing the special gift for her. It should be unique, beautiful and personalized thing. Since she is a calm and simple young woman, I think a piece of jewelry could be a perfect gift. Then I start to find it online at websites that offer wide option gifts on every gift giving occasion. In this case, I search the gift in 21st Birthday Gifts section.

I am so glad to discover this beautiful Twenty First Birthday Wish bracelet. It’s really perfect as a special birthday gift for a young woman like my cousin. Her mother also agrees with my choice. If you would like to create your own gifts, you still can browse the gift websites. It really can give many birthday gift ideas for you.

My cousin is not a party girl. That’s why we don’t intend to plan a birthday party. She prefers to celebrate with family only and closest friends. So, we will prepare a special family dinner at her mother’s home. The dining room is wide enough; we don’t need to use another place. To make it a memorable celebration, we will add personal theme on the table and whole room decoration. Since she loves sun flowers; we will use sun flowers theme for the whole decoration.

I hope every thing will be running well until the celebration day. One thing that ensures me; my cousin will surely love the gift. I can’t wait to see her wearing the bracelet!