HKDR at Harvey Nichol's

I made the deadline!! (clap, clap)

The deadline had been crazy this year, condensed from one month (the usual case) to two weeks. The mad dash was so stressful a full range of allergies had developed, nasal, skin and most irritating of all, itchy eyes. It got so bad I had to see a doctor for prescription medicine. The nurse warned me the pills would make me super drowsy. Still, I did not expect ten hours would evaporate after the first dose. I panicked, my deadline!!

I finally gave the liaison lady a call. She knew the drafts had been late in coming and the original deadline looked hopelessly ridiculous now, but therein lie the dilemma, the finalized drafts had a deadline at the printers, too. Long story short I received a much appreciated two-day extension.

I had been wanting to attend a charity function held by Hong Kong Dog Rescue at Harvey Nichol's on October 14th, the day before my deadline. I had completely dismissed any possibility of going, but with this miraculous grace period I could finally go!! Talk about mind over body, it had been only a day into my allergy medicine but I felt the symptoms had alleviated a bit.

These are the adorable puppy totes I have bought at the event and every dollar goes to the charity.

Tis the Season

Annual report season has arrived, meaning I will be holed up for weeks translating page after page of essentially the same thing. After twenty odd pages it becomes tedious, tedious and more tedious. Can't complain since every little word counts.

What brightens the project is working with a really nice liaison lady. She is polite, understanding and professional and we have bonded well after three years of partnership. Even better, she has a great sense of humor. In our mad race towards the deadline over the years, we have perfected little jokes to lessen the stress. Last minute amendments are met with long sighs on both ends. How come first drafts are perennially late in coming?

Since my little mishap with the azaleas, forgetting to water them, I am searching for another flowering plant to place amongst the paraphernalia I love having on my writing desk. Scented candle being one of the must haves. Hopefully, the blissful ambiance can buffer the craziness surrounding the deadline. I am ready!

Autumn Harvest

The season of plentiful has arrived. These prunes are freshly harvested from my dad's farm. Sweet and juicy the prunes are delicious. They make mouth-watering pies, too. I have a craving for a warm slice served with a dollop of vanilla ice cream. Heavenly.

Hyacinths

Hyacinths make beautiful bouquets and in this case a romantic posy. The dense cluster of florets makes an impressive presence and a minimal arrangement is all these bursting stars needed.

Hyacinths are also known for their fragrance. Too bad I cannot be in close proximity with these lovely flowers as I would start sneezing and working with them at length makes my head pound. I have asked some experienced florists if it happens to them and they almost unanimously say yes.

Fragrant flowers such as hyacinths are mostly placed at the shop front and milder ones near their work station. The practicality of the placement has an added advantage, lulling passerby to stop and browse as the fragrance greets their senses miles away.

Brilliant idea.

The Swan Thieves

Kostova's debut bestseller, "The Historian", is one of my favorite reads. The anticipated release of her second book has me glued to B&N's online store for months. Sadly, "The Swan Thieves" is a huge disappointment. It has taken me three weeks to finish the book. That's telling because I can devour a paperback in days.

The plot revolves around an acclaimed artist Robert Oliver attacking a painting, Leda and the Swan by Gilbert Thomas at the National Gallery of Art in D.C. He is arrested and taken under the psychiatric care of Andrew Marlow. Thus begin Dr. Marlow's investigation into the past of Robert Oliver and the motive behind the attack.

A famous painting, a mad artist, a bundle of fragile old letters, plus globe trotting to Impressionist museums, unravelling of clues and piecing of puzzles spanning a century, the book has the making to be an enthralling read.

For some unfathomable reason Kostova has chosen to write the book with each character delivering a monologue breaking as a chapter. With minimal dialogue in some chapters, the narration has completely failed to engage me and worst of all ruined the tempo of the book.

I think great reads have the ability to entice the reader to identify and empathize with the characters. The feeling of having participated in the story makes the book a lingering and memorable read. A pity this is not one of them.

Bonjour

Ranunculus Blossoms

This is going to be a really short post. Simply want to remind myself I do have one of those rare days waking up refreshed and actually feeling happy.

Azalea

This pot of azalea is my first flowering plant. I have always been partial to cut flowers as opposed to potted ones for their convenience. The blossom in this little pot has lasted two full months. As the flowers begin to wilt I start reading up on the care of azaleas. After the first flowering it's recommended to plant the azalea outdoors for the next season. Since I don't have a garden it will have to stay in its pot.

The leaves have grown wild and unruly in the meantime. I am real skeptical about it blooming again but on the off chance that it would, I have kept up with the trimming to keep its original dome shape. It almost has a sorry end in the trash can one day because it is so dry and brittle. I have completely forgotten to water it.

I think this pot is a late bloomer. Spring has come and gone and it's the height of summer. Nonetheless it's a thrill to be counting the new buds. As a debutant there is still much to learn about plants. I am looking forward to the wide circle of buds yet to bloom and happily thinking about choosing my second flowering plant.