Opinions

Opinions are cheap. Some are worth two cents each, some are a dime a dozen.

Everyone has opinions, and usually more than one. If you ask someone for his opinion, and he doesn’t have one, he will come up with one immediately. It doesn’t matter if he knows what he is saying. He is only too glad to be asked for an opinion.

People think too highly of themselves and value their opinions too highly. If you are the type who is easily offended by people not appreciating your opinions, then it is best that you keep your opinions to yourself.

Unless you are an expert in the topic, never believe that your opinion is always right. Never insist that others are wrong. Sometimes, it is a matter of perspective and both or more opinions are correct. Sometimes, experts can be wrong too.

We form an opinion based on the information that we have. When we do not have all the information, then our opinions are likely to be flawed. Only when we have all the facts, can our opinion be worth something. Even then, the conclusion we arrive at may still be wrong. The background we come from, our education, our IQ, all contribute to our forming an opinion.

As such, you give yourself away when you give an opinion. Your opinion says as much about you. People can tell your character, background and the type of person you are by your opinions.

It is perfectly all right to offer an opinion. However, don’t be afraid to admit you were wrong, when it came to light that you were mistaken. Own up to your mistake rather than keep debating the opinions trying to wriggle out of the embarrassment. It will only make things worse. People will appreciate your admitting that you are wrong instead of wasting everybody’s time. Besides, it shows character to own up if you were wrong.

Because we perceive things or situations differently from others, there are bound to be differences of opinions. It is only natural. Thus, it is important to consider others’ opinions as well. They might surprise you by being correct. Most importantly, bear in mind that an opinion is just what it is – an opinion.

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Caught In The Rain

It looked like a nice day for a walk. So, as is my wont, I set out for my daily walk at the usual time. I wanted to take some pictures for my Wednesday walk as well.

After leaving the house, when I could see further, I noticed dark clouds in the distance. I weighed my chances of finishing the walk before it rained. I was confident that it wouldn't rain so soon.

But the dark clouds soon chased after me, and there was a distant rumble of thunder. I quickened my stride, still confident that I could make it.

Unfortunately, fifteen minutes into my walk, it began raining and I had to do a U-turn and run for cover. What a bummer.

Luckily, there was this flyover, where I saw there were already people taking shelter.

I had my camera with me, so I took a few shots of the area for my Wednesday walk. Probably, not the most interesting shots, but it was all good intentions until the rain went and spoiled it all for me.

Anyway, here are some of the shots.

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A Weekend Gathering

This group of friends have known each other since 1986. However, only some of us were in contact with each other. It was only four years ago that we decided to try to contact everyone in the group. Thanks to Facebook, we managed to trace more than half of the mates in th​e​ original group.

Unfortunately, some were not able to join us on a regular basis due to commitments. However, there is a core of eight who are keen to meet. Unfortunately, due to the restriction during these times of the pandemic, there were only five of us at the meet last Saturday.

We catch up on what has happened since the last time we got together – jobs, health, and what goes on in the world today. There was comradeship and easy bantering. A lot of ribbing and plenty of laughter. It was a very relaxed atmosphere.

Saturdays such as this, usually start from 3pm, and end at about 10pm or 11pm. There is food, plenty of them - from titbits to pastries to dinner, it was constant eating.

Let's see what we have here. There's pastries, sandwiches, mooncakes and jackfruits for tea. There were also prawn crackers, chocolate, popcorns...

For dinner, there was braised beef, curry chicken, prawn omelette, pork shoulder with lemon grass, 'Pak Choi', or white stem Chinese cabbage, and some rice.

I always enjoyed myself on such days. So much so, that when it came time to leave, I am always a bit reluctant for the day to end. I think there should be more of such days in our lives. I call these the little pleasures, and I think days filled with these are priceless.

I look forward to our next gathering.

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Shadows

This is the shadow of a flyover seen in the canal. The shadow is most prominent and a bit sharper than the rest of the bridges.

This is another shadow of the flyover.

Beside the flyover is the newly finished overhead bridge. This is part of the ‘Park Connector’ project, to give walkers and cyclist a seamless route connecting all parks.

This is a disused bridge.

And lastly another bridge over the canal.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ These pictures of shadows are my pictures for a contest on Hive blockchain. As you are probably aware, cryptocurrency is the crave now. There are many social media platforms now that allow you to post/blog and earn tokens which you can then 'swap' for cryptocurrencies.

The Hive blockchain is just one the platforms. If you are a blogger, or are interested in cryptocurrency, it make sense to join one of these blockchains. This is my referral link - if you are interested. https://ecency.comsignup?referral=netizen01 or you can sign up with them HERE

As with all things at the beginning, there is plenty to learn. I know only the basics so far. Anyway, if your are already on Hive or Steem, let me know and I will come visit you blog.

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Cumuliform Clouds

Just a series of pictures of clouds on a lazy Sunday morning for the cloud lovers. Where I am, in the midst of high rise apartments in the tropics, I don't get to see spectacular clouds. Still, the ever changing clouds and cloud patterns are interesting enough - especially when you have some knowledge of them and are able to pick out what clouds they are.

The following were taken a couple of days ago, on a beautiful day. I believe these are what are called cumuliform clouds, or cumulus humilis. They are seen on fair weather days.

Is someone sending smoke signals?

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Orchid Plants

I was given a blooming Orchid plant during the Chinese festive season earlier this year. After the bloom, I wondered what to do with the plant. I don’t know if the plant will bloom again. It looked like one of those that were sold for ornamental purposes, which will last for a short period of time. I expected it to die off at some point.

My elder brother was also given a similar orchid plant. Seeing my interest in the plant, he gave his to me as he is not very keen on plants. So, I have two new Orchid plants, and I was wondering what to do with them.

For a while, nothing seems to be happening. Then one day, I saw a tiny leaf on one of the plants. That could only mean there is life in the plant. But would it bloom? I still do not know. However, one thing was for sure. There is not enough room in the pot for it to grow properly. I decided that I will re-pot it to a bigger pot and see how the plant turns out.

I am not sure if they will survive the re-potting. It was a risk. Even if they survive the process, will they bloom? Anyway, since there were a couple of spare pots and bricks, I thought I would just give it a try – no expectations.

They started growing roots before too long. I was pleased. It means they are surviving. Now we wait and see.

Imagine my surprise when I saw a stalk growing out of the side. This could only mean a flower stalk, surely. It is too early to jump for joy, but I am nevertheless very pleased.

And now, more waiting. I will be back with an update on the plants. Meanwhile, here are some pics of the plants after the bloom till now.

A new leaf from the plant, after a while of nothing happening.

This was what it came in. There was no room for it to grow.

Re-potted

After settling down in the new environment, there were new roots. I knew then that it was happy in the new home, and it is going to live.

The other orchid. You can see the roots reaching outside of the pot.

One of the leaves had turned yellow and it worried me a little.

But soon there was a new leaf and I knew it was going to be all right.

Another leaf calling it a day. I guess old leaves have to make way for the new ones.

They are still growing new roots.

And there, I spotted this flower stalk a couple of days ago. Needless to say, I am excited to see how it all pan out.

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Secrets of Being Free

In order to be free, you must learn how to let go. Let go of the pain, the hurt and the fears. All these are holding you back from a new life. Life goes round in circles and what goes round comes around. Sometimes you are on top of things, and sometimes things don’t work out too well. That is life. Not all days are sunny. Neither can all days be rainy. After every storm, the sun will surely shine again.

Trust in the natural order of things. Maintain a positive attitude. Look on the bright side. Be optimistic.

There is a Chinese saying which literally translates into – “We can’t prevent what is coming, nor can we stop what is going.” Whatever is meant to be will be. Whatever we cannot change, or do anything about, we have to accept. Acceptance, and going with the flow of life will make our lives easier. Like the river that is carrying us downstream, it is better to go with the flow and see where that leads us, than trying to struggle upstream in vain.

Meanwhile, do whatever makes you happy. Enjoy life – especially the little things, and the little moments. They are what life is made up of. They are the secrets of being free.

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Snippets of Wisdom

Short and precise, these proverbs, axioms, and maxims tell a story, and teach a lesson in a few words. Granted that some of them sound rather cliché, but they are also deep truth as clichés tend to be.

Sometimes the meaning might not be obvious until you have read it a couple of times, and pondered upon it for a while, and sometimes the meaning becomes clear only after you have undergone certain life experiences.

Keep a few of these phrases in mind, and pepper your conversation with them when opportunities arise. Your friends will be impressed with you.

Teachers open the door, but you must enter by yourself. - Chinese Proverb

A ruffled mind makes a restless pillow. - Charlotte Bronte

Better a diamond with a flaw than a pebble without. - Confucius

Many strokes overthrow the tallest oaks. - John Lyly

Speak not of my debts unless you mean to pay them. - English Proverb

He who knows little soon repeats it. - Spanish Proverb

Different strokes for different folks. - Unknown

A narrow mind has a broad tongue. - Arabian Proverb

Cut your coat according to your cloth. - Unknown

The big thieves hang the little ones. - Czech Proverb

He who has health, has hope; and he who has hope, has everything. - Arabian Proverb

Don’t make use of another’s mouth unless it has been lent to you. - Belgian Proverb

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