write stories and make music
After a decade of challenges in the Malaysian music industry, graphic designer Tian Long had given up on making a living through music. Then he made a funny animated video about being a Hakka Chinese guy pleading with his girlfriend not to go to England. His YouTube inbox was flooded with messages from thousands of … Continue reading Excerpt: TIAN LONG – The Hakka Singer
Mike came back from golf. He called from the door. “Hey, I need your gardening gloves!” Really? Why? “Bunya Bunya, come!” In the car were these massive cones, which had fallen off a Bunya tree. Blimey, wouldn’t want one of them falling on my head. No wonder he wanted my gloves to carry them. Mike … Continue reading Bunya nuts, bush tucker
It’s so hot. I’m ready to give up on the roses, and other plants out in the open. The broms and herbs are okay, they’re all under dappled shade. This Kookaburra was on the gate as the sun was setting. I think my neighbour Niven feeds them. This Aussie sun is merciless. I mean, they … Continue reading Kookaburra, dry days
In August 2008 Dr. Sophie Van Aerde arrived in Sabah from France, to marry her husband-to-be. Two weeks later, I arrived in Sabah from England, to marry my husband-to-be. Serendipity brought us together, and we not only began to play music – because Sophie’s a violinist and I’m a pianist – we became the best … Continue reading Excerpt: Sophie Van Aerde
A strip of iridescent blue, grey and yellow caught my eye in the rose bush. A tree snake with a lovely yellow head was just hanging out in the sun. I would have liked to get closer to take a better picture but I don’t know anything about snakes, so I kept my distance and … Continue reading Tree snake in the rose
A group of waist-high kids being adopted by a music mentor, to be tutored at his home? Seems unthinkable doesn’t it? Moses De Silva, a double bass player in Kota Kinabalu, was my translator in this interview. Warning: a bit of politically incorrect joshing between school friends here. [Excerpt from: Funk, Joanna. SabahSongs: Contemporary Music … Continue reading Excerpt: THE STORY OF KIDZ
There was a time when I worked in London and my son was young, when seconds seemed like jewels. I would park at my local ASDA and mow a trolley down the aisles, grabbing groceries for the week: fresh for now, frozen for later. And I really mean grab, and sling, no pausing to compare … Continue reading Slow gardening
