Ikesha's Eyes

Moon

summer moon rising

in the most unlikely place

eyes see brilliance

Volcano

rumbling volcano

effervercence overspill

intuitive eyes

Images by Ikesha. Words by ninotaziz.

All rights reserved.

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I suspect that my daughter Ikesha, six years old, sees the world differently than many of us.

Here are two photos she took last week and named accordingly. By the way, both pictures were taken of the same object!

My poems just illustrate the pride I feel for her creativity. I will have to buy her a camera soon. My iPhone memory space runs out because she just snaps away!

A Word From Expatriate Lifestyle

Hikayat – From the Ancient Malay Kingdoms Launches

by Samantha Chin 9 Jul 2012

Hikayat – From The Ancient Malay Kingdoms is an anthology of legends from ancient Malay kingdoms.

The anthology includes familiar classics like Awang Sulong Merah Muda and Hikayat Malim Deman, which tell of the adventures of mythical princesses and ancient legends.

Written by ninotaziz, who comes from a family of storytellers, the tales are represented in both poetry and prose forms.

Hikayat – From The Ancient Malay Kingdoms was praised by Prof Emeritus Tan Sri Datuk Dr Khoo Kay Kim, who commented that “Without imagination and creativity, many of the stories will be flat, dry and unattractive. I am proud that you have taken us into another world of fantasy by stepping into some of the various stages in storytelling.”

Ninotaziz’s first novel, NAGA, will be out in August.

Tags: Life & Style

 

_________________________________________________________________________

 

I just came upon this write-up in Expatriate Lifestyle Malaysia last year. Thank you, Graham and Matt for your support!

Calistro Prize Presentation

Today, the Calistro Prize Presentation was held at Marmalade Cafe, Bangsar Village 2. Organised by the Calistro Secretariat, SCBWI President, Linda Tan worked tirelessly to promote and to ensure the success of the inaugural Calistro Prize awarded for children/young adult novels or books. Three cheers for Linda!

It was a lovely lovely ceremony and I was especially lucky to have three very important ladies attended. Firstly, Mum - Puan Kamariah Jaafar, who ensured not only me but our WHOLE FAMILY reads and reads English books, from Tin Tin to classics. She still corrects our English (Mum edited Hikayat and NAGA) and has just finalised her own novel.

Secondly, my English teacher, Mrs Khaw Choon Ean at SSP (Seri Puteri) for five years, is actively involved in SCBWI. She encouraged me to participate in this competition. When she was asked, "So, you are the one who taught Ninot to write?" Mrs Khaw humbly answered, "I taught her English. The writing she already had it in her." For the record, Mrs Khaw was the first person ever to encourage my poetry writing and also taught me life-long lessons on going the extra mile - she was my gymnastics coach and all those preparation for tournaments instilled a never-give-up attitude in me.

Thirdly, Datin Vasanthi Ramachandran, my life coach and mentor rushed in between a  family wedding commitments the same day to drop by with flowers! Datin Vasanthi is the founder of Helping Hands and a well-known writer and news columnist herself. She introduced me to the world of NGO and volunteerism. I have been blessed to know her family.

Of course the event was made all the more special because of the support of my family, I would never have come this far without Rudy and my daughters Iman, Inas, Irani, Ilena and Ikesha. My sister Khadijah and University bro Edy shared the day with me. And a girl couldn't ask for more to have  friends of  35 years round up their support and love. Thank you so much Aimy, Alynn, Famie, Hawa, Ita, Mas and Mummy and the gang who sent well wishes throughout the day - Ona, Ruzi, Maraya et al.

Good friend Damien dropped by with his book Playing Cupid - The Art of  Brand Seduction just hot off the press. (No, it is not the book you think it is) Check it out at MPH in a about a month.

I am so glad I wrote and submitted Onangkiu to the Calistro Prize. It sure felt good to have your work recognised. It is still a manuscript for now and hopefully will hit the shelves soon!

A special thank you to Peter Duke for the additional tips on Onangkiu!

Thank you, everyone. It was a be-e-e-a-a-u-utiful day!



Dr David Kirkham, of Calistro Foundation
and Mrs Khaw Choon Ean, award winning writer

Thank you Mum for everything!

I wouldn't have made it this far without Rudy.

My mentor, Datin Vasanthi, Writer and Helping Hands Founder (NGO)

and daughter Trish



Beautiful Inas and Iman

Irani is always on the move!

 Seri Puteri gang with our favourite English teacher!

 



With Zakiah aka Mrs Yusuf Gajah and writer, Mohana Gill
(I interviewed her way back then in the Lake Club)

Edy, long time friend and sister, Khadijah





Reading Damien's book, hot off the press!



Another Lake Club longtime friend, Damien
I actually knew Damien's parents

Thank you, Calistro!

News on Onangkiu

    Dear Zalina,

Congratulations! The Calistro Prize is pleased to announced that you have won the Runner Up prize for your entry, 'Onangkiu: The Warrior Princess of Gellanggui'. 

Best Wishes,

SCBWI Malaysia

Secretariat to The Calistro Prize

www.thecalistroprize.com

Happy New Year, everyone!

Ikesha's Illustrated Book Of Pi

Ikesha was very taken up by the movie Life Of Pi. Being six years old, she could not read the novel so I agreed to write a simpler Life Of Pi for her to read if she would draw the story.

So here it is, 

Ikesha's Illustrated Book Of Pi

Original Story by Yann Martel

Illustrations by Ikesha

My Name

Pondicherry, India

Moving to Canada

The Storm

Pi escapes

Pi's crew

Richard Parker

 

 

The Moon

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Mexico

Goodbye Richard Parker

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Between Mac, iPhone and JPG, I could not rotate those two illustrations so I left it until I can do something about it later. Blame it on blogger fatigue.



Tragedy and the healing power of the words of Sting

These days, when I hug my children at night I know I hold them tighter, longer and with a depth of feeling that is so profound, I almost cry. I thought I was a poet, a writer - one who could wield and arrange words to reflect what I feel adequately at least.  I could make people feel compassion and nostalgia. Love and hatred. Equally.

 

But I could not. Not this week.

 

Neither could Obama.

 

For words failed us this week to comprehend the tragedy and horror that beheld a small town half a world away. How the lives of little angels were cruelly cut short this week.

 

Children of America. Children of Gaza.
Children of Myanmar. Children of the world wherever you are

who die of man created violence.

 

Words failed me.

 

So I turned to Sting.

 

And nothing brought this closer to heart and reminded me  how fragile we really are as this simple short song did.

 

 

Fragile

 

If blood will flow when flesh and steel are one
Drying in the colour of the evening sun
Tomorrow's rain will wash the stains away
But something in our minds will always stay
Perhaps this final act was meant
To clinch a lifetime's argument
That nothing comes from violence and nothing ever could
For all those born beneath an angry star
Lest we forget how fragile we are

On and on the rain will fall
Like tears from a star like tears from a star
On and on the rain will say
How fragile we are how fragile we are

Lloras tu

y lloro yo

y el cielo también

y el cielo también

Lloras tú

y lloro yo

que fragilidad

que fragilidad...
 

Guns and wars really have no place in our civilian society, do they?

 

Russians

 

There is no historical precedent
To put the words in the mouth of the President
There's no such thing as a winnable war
It's a lie we don't believe anymore

***

We share the same biology
Regardless of ideology
What might save us, me, and you
Is if 'we all' love 'our' children too

 

We try to make sense. But it will never make sense. Deep in our hearts, we do not stop crying.

 

Would I cry for you

Under the Arctic fire
Over the seas of silence
Hauling on frozen ropes
For all my days remaining
But would north be true?

All colours bleed to red
Asleep on the ocean's bed
Drifting on empty seas
For all my days remaining

But would north be true?
Why should I?
Why should I cry for you?

 

To try and understand the evil in the world, I try to remember that everyone had a family, a childhood, a love lost and maybe never found. There is a story. A tragedy that begets tragedy.

 

Shape of my heart

 

He deals the cards as a meditation
And those he plays never suspect

 

***

He may play the jack of diamonds
He may lay the queen of spades
He may conceal a king in his hand
While the memory of it fades

I know that the spades are the swords of a soldier
I know that the clubs are weapons of war
I know that diamonds mean money for this art

But that's not the shape of my heart
That's not the shape, the shape of my heart

 

Fortress Around Your heart

 

The siege guns had been pounding all through the night

And if I built this fortress around your heart
Encircled you in trenches and barbed wire
Then let me build a bridge
For I cannot fill the chasm
And let me set the battlements on fire

 

 

Finally, when I can't take all this sadness and need to think of love again, I turn to Sting's 

 

Mad About You

Though all my kingdoms turn to sand
And fall into the sea
I'm mad about you I'm mad about you

And from the dark secluded valleys
I heard the ancient sighs of sadness
But every step I thought of you

Every footstep only you
And every star a grain of sand
The leavings of a dried up ocean

Tell me, how much longer? How much longer?

 

 

Until you love with that kind of ache and longing, perhaps you have not loved enough?

 

And yet,  while half the world panics and the other half wonders about destruction on 21.12.12 - what is the new wave to hit Mankind? Sting sang of the seventh wave, bringing real hope in his words.

 

Love is the seventh wave

 

Every ripple on the ocean
Every leaf on every tree
Every sand dune in the desert
Every power we never see
There is a deeper wave than this
Swelling in the world
There is a deeper wave than this
Listen to me girl

Feel it rising in the cities
Feel it sweeping over land
Over borders, over frontiers
Nothing will its power withstand
There is no deeper wave than this
Rising in the world
There is no deeper wave than this
Listen to me girl

All the bloodshed, all the anger
All the weapons, all the greed
All the armies, all the missiles
All the symbols of our fear
There is a deeper wave than this
Rising in the world
There is a deeper wave than this
Listen to me girl

Songs and lyrics by Sting. The man is a genius.

 

Projects for Little Fingers

The girls and I are always planning some activity of the other. It is a ruse to keep them busy and focused on a project. However, at the back of my mind I am always devising ways to keep my kids creative and innovative while having fun - and some sense of accomplishment.

Last weekend, after a friend had asked what to do with old exercise books from school, I remembered I used make Iman and Inas notebooks. I tore out the used pages, stapled the books together cover to cover and wrapped them in wrapping paper. About five of them did nicely.

Using a cardboard for the cover ensured that it lasted and gave a solid finish to the notebook.

Here is Ikesha's notebook.

 

We have a lot of old drawing blocks as well. So I taught Ikesha to wrap the drawing block covers with the matching wrapping paper. I made two corner pockets to hold her drawing paper. Ikesha now has a drawing board to match her notebook.

Here are the girls' supplies of colour pencils, scissors, staplers and cellophene tape. 

We saw Life Of Pi over the weekend. Ikesha loves Richard Parker and pretends to read my book Life Of Pi.

 

This morning, before I left for work, Ikesha asked for a smaller (simplified, I guess)  Life Of Pi book. So  I told her our next project would be to make a Life Of Pi book she can read to herself. I will do the words based on the story using words Ikesha can manage - and Ikesha will do the illustrations.

 

We will keep you updated.



Through thick and thin

My Seri Puteri alumni closest to my heart.

In school, we lived together for five years, longer with Aimy (standing-l) and Famie (sitting 3rd from r). We know each other pretty well and love catching up as plainly seen here. This was the lunch I missed last Friday, having appointments a good part of the day.

We meet quite regularly - and each and every time have a wonderful get away stretching the lunch hour way past the norm.

A friendship of 35 years or so - a treasure indeed !

Gaza in my dreams

I dream afloat

a flower parade in the sun

 Gaza on the horizon

Ishmael, Layla and Iqab

Play hand in hand

Gaza on my mind

Olive trees everywhere

Muslims, Jews and Christians

Worship in peace

Gaza in my dreams

by ninotaziz. all rights reserved

Little Girls Grow Up Too Soon

Ilena ending Year 2 ahead of the class

Irani graduates from Year 6 

Officially a teenager !

 Ikesha at her Linus test

My baby no longer?

 With Monster Ghouls

 Girls Just Wanna Have Fun!

Keep safe, friends far away

The rain fell on the pebbles, fallen leaves and umbrellas bobbing above a sea of people. Washed away sorrow, tears and the harshness of the city . Bickering stopped and all turned to lending a hand. The rain and wind picked up strength and we stayed hidden away, enveloped in warmth of the fire.

Autumn brings the storm

I reach out to you, neighbor

Keep safe, my friends

Behind the window pane, two lovers stayed under the covers, to keep the hurricane away. Children huddled together read books while the wind displayed its mighty strength, trying to pry open any weak entry. The old and sick braced themselves - medication, heat, food. Stay indoors.

Frail and yet, humans

Will prevail in the face of

Adversity -

Goodnight my friends. I wish you well. Hold a hand, hug a friend, have your cellphones fully charged. Keep your loved ones safe and sound, the door closed, the windows barred. Listen to a song, say a prayer. Stay indoors, stay safe.

Hallways give shelter

Toddlers in closet room tents

The cat on the ledge

As we listen in to the news, Sandy arrived - crashing at 86 miles per hour. Eerily the carousel at Battery Park stayed lit, surrounded by rising waters. The New York I knew and loved is devastated, deluged in sea water. Newsmen, ambulances rushed. Fires engulfed homes. Snow fell in October. Announcements made - stay put til morning. Stay safe. Stay brave. 

The news strike fear

Toronto to Quebec City

My old haunts, Canada

I am shocked. My favorite cities in Canada - Toronto, Peterborough, Quebec City - so many memories and fondest moments. Friends I remember well. I did not realize this would be closer to heart than I thought. I am keeping vigil and hope to hear from you soon - Verlia Stephens. Chris McInnis. Larry Coplen. Marc Beauvais. Darren Schmidt. Keep safe.

A teacher like no other

With Mrs Khaw Choon Ean

I remember the first moment I noticed Mrs Khaw Choon Ean. It was on our school field, we were all doing calisthenics. She must have noticed me too because she singled me out together with about 20 girls to form her first gymnastics team. A few days later, Mrs Khaw also became my English teacher throughout my secondary school days in Seri Puteri.

For five years, I went through school with two things being the most important part of my teen years. Gymnastics competitions and poetry writing.

Today, Mrs Khaw is an accomplished author and life coach, applying the theory of constraints in developing thinking skills. Ilena, always quick to grasp ideas, enjoyed her short session at Popular, Ikano. I can see how her talks continue to inspire kids to fulfill their fullest potentials.

Thank you Mrs Khaw.

A Malaysia Day Dinner Like No Other



Dr Bala (middle) the gracious host


Dr Bala of Planet Of The Monyets had a simple idea. And as usual, the simplest of ideas often contribute to the greatest of feats. In this era of mudslinging and politicking, he decided it was  time to #Say Something Nice and remove ourselves from politics. He did this by saying something nice about ALL Malaysians. Heroes from mountaineers to conservationists - not to be confused with conversationalists, sportsmen and women, NGO warriors, movie directors, cartoonist - no guesses for this one, writers, taxi drivers (I personally love taxi drivers esp my ever exceptional S W Taxi)

And of course Dato David Arumugam
of Alleycats

"We sing using OXFORD Bahasa Malaysia. I visualise a lone lady in the middle of the sawah padi, and my feelings come pouring out in the song so that you feel it too."


Manai (Ahmad Fakri in blue), is one of the two Malaysians who have conquered the SEVEN SUMMITS all over the world. This is incredible. Manai's journey so far (he is only 31) is an inspiring story of overcoming your personal limits. Now I know to get to the base camp of the Everest alone is a 10 day trek. To reach the summit takes another 45 days, after getting through Camp 1 to Camp 4. As you progress from camp to camp, you see the mountaineers who did not make it ie in body bags and the success of the day is measured in the rate of mortality.

 

Shamir and Shamsul
Co-founders of Yakin Malaysia

 

For the full series of 17 Cool and Commited Malaysians,

please visit the Monyet King's Planet Of The Monyets

 

Thank you Monyet King for a cosy and intimate dinner that defines the Malaysian hospitality at best. We got to know each other, chit chat, laugh and cheer 'TerimakaSAYYY' with David Arumugam.

 

It was great company and a marvelous nostalgic Malaysia Day dinner.

 

 

 

17 Cool and Commited Malaysians

Blogger Monyet King has dedicated the seventeen days between 31st August to 16th September to a series on nation building. I thank him for including my work on Malaysian Hikayat in the list. I am humbled and honoured.

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 Saturday, September 8, 2012

Cool and Committed Malaysians # 9 - ninotaziz

The Merdeka Cool and Committed Malaysians stories continue with ninotaziz, writer and an extraordinary storyteller – who is determined to use our legends towards creating a sense of pride in our people and to put our Hikayat on the world stage.

 

Ninot’s real name is Zalina Abdul Aziz. She was born in Tasmania, Australia, raised in the village of Chenor, Malaysia, educated in Canada and now lives in KL. She is the author of From the Written Stone (2006), Srikandi (2011), HIKAYAT – From The Ancient Malay Kingdoms (2012) and NAGA – A Legend of Tasik Chini (2012). Her current book projects include Kembara Sastera Manuskrip dan Pantun Melayu, Ratu Nusantara, 366 Legends of Asia and From the Wayang Kulit. Ninot is also currently working on her second novel entitled Onangkiu - From Gelanggui to Bija Nagara.

Ninot at her office with SriKandi which was published in 2011

For the rest of the article, visit here.


17 Cool and Committed Malaysians series

The 17 Cool and Committed Malaysians series is produced by Planet of the Monyets in conjunction with our Hari Merdeka and Hari Malaysia 2012. 17 Malaysians (or group of Malaysians) who have served or are serving our country or made it proud because of their accomplishments will be featured. 1 story every day, for 17 days. 31 August till 16 September. They may not be big names. But they are men and women who serve Malaysia well – through their commitment to work, charity, sports and arts. They are role models for the rest of us. Malaysia needs heroes, hope and good news. This is the monyets’ way of spreading cheer, giving hope and creating a more positive Malaysia. Read more here.

 

 

 

 

 

HIKAYAT on BERNAMARadio24 (FM93.9)

ninotaziz with Gerard

on Radio24

I was nervous and had a cold. After a short interview on Bernama Today last week, I was invited once again to have a longer session on radio in conjunction with Merdeka.

I must thank Gerard, the host who made it appear easy-going, producer Jun Sern who prepped me just before the show, and Shawn who made me feel so welcome. I must say Radio is so much fun, while the TV appearance was quite scary. Nevertheless, as both interviews were live sessions, it felt daunting indeed to a newcomer like me.

The interview was scheduled to run for 45 minutes, it went on for over 1 hour 20 minutes. It is to the guys' credit that it was so enjoyable. I came away with the one message I wanted so much to say.

The Hikayat is our heritage. We must take ownership of the legends because they belong to all of us.

When I say all of us - just so that everyone is clear - I mean everyone. All Malaysians. I mentioned that when you read Hikayat, you will find something intrinsic of yourself in them. You will seek what you want to find. There was a movement of people that centered around the Semenanjung. Everyone wanted something form this land. Gold. Power. Love. Take ownership my friends, before someone takes it away from us.

Our diversity is what makes Malaysia unique. Embrace it. Don't let it destroy us.

Goodnight, everyone.

Merdeka!

Selamat Hari Raya from Rudy, ninotaziz and family

Selamat Hari Raya

from all of us at home

Rudy, ninotaziz

Iman, Inas, Irani, Ilena and

our official message delivered by Little Ikesha

The ancient call of the nusantara

gamelan

_____________________

yesterday it was ancient

today, it is forever new

by tomorrow, it will be timeless

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The beauty of gamelan is in its staccato pride,
the sense of calm as you play to breathe

and breathe to play a song from the past

_________

to know me

to love me

to accept me

you must understand
i am an island girl
and the rhythmic call

of the bronze orchestra

seduces my ancestors

within me


____________

dream catcher
in the fading notes
of an ancient song

I awaken

For Thursday Think Tank
For the mesmerising ancient songs, click

gamelan

Copyright 2012 © ninotaziz. All rights reserved.



My Sanctuary

Over the years, this is where we

dance, play, read, write, browse

chase the cats, wear stylish hats,  have brick brats

hold family meetings, gatherings, greetings

pack up, put on make-up

before we walk out the door

and brave the world

The girl who started fasting

This is the first year

Ikesha started fasting.

Alhamdulillah.