Sunday 27 November 2011

Miqdad The Bald



Well, well, another addition to the collection of grand children, this time another charming baldy. Meet the apple of the grandpa's eye and small brother to Qisya, Miqdad Ammar Mokhtar who came in a bit too early at 35 weeks, causing a  mad and anxious rush to the maternity hospital and some apprehension waiting by the incubator room until he was strong enough to be touched and fussed by family members.

Monday 14 November 2011

Mr. Yusof, The Calligraphy Artist

It is the season of rain. It rains every day and the afternoon ride that I used to enjoy is now shelved temporarily. It got so bad that one day when I saw a window of sunshine opening up I took out my bike for a spin along the KESAS Highway from Kemuning to Bukit Jalil but was caught in a storm that was fearful and threatening to my safety. It first started to drizzle steadily after the Puchong Junction and I took shelter under an under pass. But I thought it was not the way to spend a cycling afternoon cooped in a narrow space, so I braved the rain and continued the cycling. At Bukit Jalil I made a U turn towards home and on reaching the Summit Junction all hell broke loose. It was the mother of all thunderstorm. As it was getting dark I did not stop but instead sloshed through the deluge and the wind. Needless to say getting soaked to the skin was an under statement. I learnt the lesson and the days following were spent on the static cycling on the trainer below. It is my saviour during this uncertain inclement weather, finding a rain free afternoon is now rare, and the next best option is cycling in one place under a roof. 

My trainer


It was during one rainy afternoon that I found my self at the PKNS Shah Alam and meeting with Hj Yusof a Hui Chinese, who was an artist in Islamic calligraphy. For a small price you can have one of his creation, done right in front of you, which you can frame and hang as decoration in your house. An added attraction was that the calligraphy was done in Chinese style, something you don't find common in this country. I would shamelessly promote this man and his art and urge those who are able, to patronise his works and support his effort by bringing home his art to your living room.

Hj Yusof in his studio