Relax, Take it Easy

Two Thousand Twelve, December, Thirteenth, Wifi Hotspot.

I just booked a flight with a little help from her. I got a little hesitated, maybe because I haven't had any dinner yet. Crankiness does come with lack of nutrition (or Oxygen) to the brain. It's settled now. I'm departing at the end of the month. Though I don't know how I will spend those days, but all is well.

I think lack of blogging for the last few weeks makes me lose my train of thoughts. I have been procrastinating again. And for the last time, I have to start again, not from scratch, but still gathering my scattered thoughts. It's been a quite interesting month, from the last time I wrote something here. I won't mention it all here, maybe just some highlights would do.

First, I have made some improvements in the terms of being easy. Easygoing, easy on taking matters at hand, easy on the dark side of myself. Things got more cheerful and exciting. I went to do some volunteer in Kintamani, I do some stuffs with her, and when I'm not, I do some other stuffs and make things worth while. I also manage to get my clothes tailored, got my bike fixed, and went to a museum. I changed my old blog and filled it with doodles.

What else? I managed to say things that I thought I couldn't say to her, and that felt good, for I am extending myself to let her know what I feel, on most occasion.

Let us go back a bit then.

Two Thousand Twelve, July, Seventh, Kuta Beach.

We met earlier at one of the fast food chain restaurant in Kuta, and from there, we went to the beach. Got some dinner earlier, and went to see baby sea turtles hatching, it was the Olive Ridley Sea Turtles (Lepidochelys olivacea) and then we also went to the newest mall in Kuta Beach, just walking on the beach against the night wind, the air was chilly, and it was great.

We walk quite a bit. Enjoying the night exercise we're having without worrying about anything else. Oh, yeah I just lost my phone a couple of days back, but I also got myself a new glasses. I'm not worried about losing the phone, just that it would be a major drawback in terms of updating stuffs for the sake of work and all.

As I wondered, things seems easier back then, not a lot of mind was involved, just enjoying every moments that passes. Then again, we do have to stop a bit and think. And then go again from that point. Like a baby sea turtles fighting his/her way to reach the sea and survive for hundreds of years, things all have it courses.
I am glad, that life has take me from one point to another, whilst keeping the smile on my face, and spread it to others. as I said before to her, I like the way she smile, and then, I like the way we smile.

That's it for tonight.
I want to write more. later.

Rain and Shine

Two Thousand Twelve, November, Twenty second, Afternoon at the office.
After taking a trip going through the rain, and then going back with the sun heating me up, not to mention lack of sleep yesterday night for no reason. My head is now spinning. I got some work done, so not all is in vain. This morning is my "debut" (as my colleague call it) as a voice talent in a radio show. what else is interesting today? Let's see... I finally wear my RED raincoat/poncho in the rain, over my RED Hoody. I wish the rain would last longer, I miss it. The air is now humid and kinda heavily suffocating. Planning on a date tonight, it's Noodle Time... hehehe... Earthquake!!!

Oh okay, it just happen when i was writing there was an earthquake, quite a jolt, after an up and down movement, followed by a more distinguished shaking, everyone in the office start running outside.

Back to me.
Two Thousand Twelve, June, Thirtieth, noon. Kuta.
I am staying in a hotel tonight, got a room for the weekend. this is weird. I don't know what to do in this fancy hotel besides rolling around in the king size bed. too lazy to take a dip in the swimming pool. I invited her to drop by. we talked, and awkwardly got closer. This is the weirdest scene I have ever experienced, because I know we had something, but I'm not sure about anything, and I'm just trying to improvise. The end of June, and the beginning of something I have no idea what, but I'm intrigued, and excited (both physically and mentally) This is the beginning of something I would call, "Rain and Shine" because roller coaster ride is just too mainstream. heheh...

More to come.

Stop Being Afraid, Keep Moving

I have just read about this post in Thoughtcatalog.com. on things we should stop doing in our 20s.
It's kinda late for that, but well, I can still relate to it.

Tonight, I will try to expand my writing while still focusing on the things I am constantly writing from the beginning of this month. Nothing too big, one step at a time, just to make my mind keep on moving.



Two Thousand Twelve, June, Twenty Fourth, Nusa Lembongan, After Midnight.
It's Sunday, the day only had just turned, cold air biting my skins. It was a wonderful day. Started really early in the Saturday morning; with shorts and jacket, I raced my motorbike to a place in Sanur. I felt that Denpasar is freezing that morning, or is it just me that never woke up that early?

So back to the night, and thinking about the day that has just passed, quite a journey we've been through. A boat trip from Sanur To Nusa Penida, a round trip around the island visiting two temples, new experience on the religious and cultural side of Balinese Hinduism. I joined the ritual, barely. Just mimicking the steps and movements of the people around and try to meditate and concentrate as much as I can.

Another boat trip to the adjacent island of Lembongan, or Nusa Lembongan. It's a smaller private chartered boat, compared to the speedboat we took from Sanur. The view was wonderful, the water between the islands are calm, mirror-like. This just soothes my eyes and head. besides the fact that I am having a vacation with her and her friends. the ride lasted for maybe fifteen minutes, and we arrived at the bridge that connect Nusa Lembongan and Nusa Ceningan. We walked from there, not knowing that the cottage we were about to spend the night in was on the other side of the island, quite a long walk. being all cheerful and adventurous, we just kept on walking until finally arrived to the place. freshen up a bit, and tried to catch the sunset.

After dinner, we all went to the beach. Talking, watching the stars, me and her stayed behind. It was awkward, all our body languages are giving positive signs, we just didn't make any subtle move. we talked and talked and looked at each others, and at the stars, counting meteorites (or shooting stars, if you want to called it that) while lying on the sands. Finally succumbing to the cold night wind, we went back to the cottages. After getting in to the room, we went out again and talk some more in the porch. I felt that nice warm feeling in your stomach and chest, and the feeling that you just want to keep talking and being with each other and stop the time altogether. And then we turn in.

Two Thousand Twelve, October, Twenty Fourth, After midnight. My place.
I'm just finishing drawing Acup earlier, halloween episode. I have been neglecting him for some time now. Today was a good day, I did some work, went to dinner with my family before they get back to the hometown in Jakarta, and getting high on monosodium glutamate, I got a fifteen minutes nap. after that, I bought coffee and make a cup for myself. I got reminded about doing things that I should not have to be reminded about, but yeah I need to get myself up and do less procrastinating for the near future. Referring again to the post on thoughtcatalog.com, starting from myself is always the best thing I can do, before even doing anything with other people, not to mention her. Not to get anymore further on the topic, I am getting all pumped up on the idea that I can show my  potentials to other people and get more self-motivated and self esteem.

Just some random thoughts,
I think I have gone a full circle on alphabetical terms.
Back to A means, when I met you, it's time for me to start anew :)

It Was an Evening I Shared With The Sun

"It was an evening I shared with the sun, to find out where we belong, from the earliest day, we were dancing in the shadows." Lakini's Juice from Live blaring on my headphone. Catching the scattered words and memories from the past, tonight I'm going to write just that.

Two Thousand Twelve, June, Fourth, early evening, Lingkara.
She sends me some cookies through her friend, noting that it was for me only. It happened after we chat about me being hungry and wanted to get something to eat, but too lazy to get stuffs. It was sweet. Still catching up where we left off yesterday and the months we were wondering why I did not talk more to her.
Things are looking up into something I don't know, but made me excited and really interested about her. The unknown is intriguing, and it made me become what I am before series of things happened to me and altered me into a weird person (if I'm not already am from the start) and got socially awkward. So, it shone some light up my alley, getting interested and intrigued does makes people think of ideas.

Two Thousand Twelve, October, Fourteenth, My place
It was a hot day, and a long one too. It started early, but it was fun. I get the my first chance to wear a Balinese outfit, Kain, Udeng, and all. Went to a friend's place for a ceremony. It was a hot day. went back to my place in the scorching heat. We ate a full set lunch, and got ice cream. Taken a picture of us with my Lubitel 166B, hope it works. we spend the afternoon relaxing and talking and do some stuffs. Lazy day.
It was fun. We talked about goals and achievements and study plans and feelings and almost every other stuffs.
Things are sweet now, but I figure, If it doesn't get anywhere better for me from now, nothing will. So starting inside, don't give up. Follow your heart, you'll be okay.

My mind is on an overdrive tonight, distracted by the hot night and text I'm getting from my mom.
I'll continue later. Patience my friends :)

Let's Get Rich and Get Everybody Nice Sweaters

"If we can't be forever, can we at least be together?" was a tweet I saw tonight by @daprast, retweeted by @JennyJusuf.

Tonight playlist will be dedicated to Jason Mraz - I melt with you. I might not be able to stop the world, but I can see changes and it's getting better. So, instead of being afraid, let's just try to embrace and disrupt what the world might bring. Keeping things at arm's reach. And continue my story.






Two Thousand Twelve, June, Third, Lingkara.
We were just hanging around and chatting, also attending the exhibition, being the host. One thing leads to another, out of the blue, I asked my friend for the girl's number (finally). She came by, just after I asked. picking up her friends and going again. That night, we started to chat. It feels like a dam of thoughts just broke, all this time of just keeping to ourselves has changed after a simple hi. That night, her car broke down, just around her house. I wish I could help, but it was a half hour drive. She got her dad to help out. This is the beginning of a series of smiles in my face and inside my head, not a smooth sailing, but filled with tiny storms and blue skies.

Two Thousand Twelve, October, Eleventh, My Place.
When the clock struck midnight yesterday, she texted me. Due to the previous things that had been happening, I got a little paranoid. But then, it turned out that she was gonna talk about some things out of the usual weekly/monthly breakdown. I saw a glimpse of light in her words. It's still no smooth sailing, but as a friend of mine said, the sea is something that you have to respect, and you will get to land. And I'm getting all philosophical here, but I'm not spilling things out here, so I don't jinx it. Without saying anything about it, can I just say that I just gain some extra energy to get on with life, and try my best to level things up, to the point where I can be proud of myself, and get everybody nice sweaters...

So, a start is always full of energy, it's how we keep it steady that is the real challenge. And I don't want to get stuck in second gear. First thing first, keep on writing and keep on moving. and Be Ok. So maybe you won't get bored reading...

Time, The Big Break

I took a break for almost a week now, I went on hiatus and got a little out of shape. No worries, because now I'm back again, focusing on the continuation of my story about the girl. I hope you're still reading.
Tonight soundtrack consist of various songs, but I will dedicate it to Moloko - The Time Is Now, you can watch the clip here. Time is the essence here, and it took some time to get to this moment.






Two Thousand Twelve, May, Thirtieth, early night, Lingkara Gallery PhotoArt.
It's minus two days before A Lomonesia Bali Exhibition in Denpasar. We were setting up photos and installations. I was just helping out, did not have any photos to display at the moment, or is it some other problems. Already I'm implying some matters rising. Back to the preparation, so fifteen Lomographers are exhibiting their work, each with their own concepts and displays. One of them got this concept called "tree of life" CMIIW. She got a fake tree made out of wires, wrap it up with green papers, and hang the photos as the leaves. She got her friend helping her out installing it, whom is the girl I have been meeting randomly for almost 8 months. And we are still meeting randomly, we known each other for that long and I don't even have her number. We just talk about how we're doing and smile to each others. I notice that my heart skip a beat and all I want to do was getting her attention. I did, then we part ways, it was getting late. Everyone is getting ready for the exhibition the day after tomorrow. This is the exhibition video lomonesia bali at lingkara

Two Thousand Twelve, October, Ninth, late night, My place.
Just had a conversation with her, talking about her dog. He got fleas and it's getting worse. I wish I could help, I like dogs, and I like hers. He's a Kintamani Dog with an attitude, and yet somehow we are friendly to each others after a few encounter.

And then we continued talking about my writing, how I don't seem to have focus on stuffs. The things that I write here are simply unorganized, messy, sometimes I write everyday, and then I stopped writing. Sometimes I write about my daily life, and then some random information, pictures, other time it's just some jumbled words. So, I figure it's about time that I make an outline out of it. Focus on things. Keep the readers happy, and keeping myself organized, projecting it to my life, as it is.
By doing so, it will gradually affect myself into a more stable person. Planning things ahead, focus on concepts and structures. And furthermore, getting things done, one at a time, mine and others that I care about.

In conclusion, I got an issue about participating in a group sometimes, and I have a problem on focusing, or even making a move. This will have to change. The time is now...
It will get more interesting from this point forward, I promise.

Friends, Giants & Hugs

"Because we are... your friends, You'll never be Alone Again, well come on... well come on..."
I can't seems to get bored of this song by Justice, for friends are what have kept me going all along.
And so, the story goes on.

Two Thousand Twelve, March, Twenty Second, afternoon, Puputan Square.
Picked up my brother, and we went to a friend's house near Kreneng Market in Denpasar. Today is the day before the Silent Day or Nyepi. Everywhere around Bali, people are gathering around for Ngrupuk parade of Ogoh-ogoh, Giant demon characters statues made out of styrofoam and paper mache. Symbolizing the evil being from the Sanskrit mythology (I think so). We dressed up with Balinese kamen, and were waiting for a couple of more friends to come before heading to the Square. She was coming too. This was the first time that I spent quite a long time with her. It's always nice to see her, I come to realize.
We started walking to Puputan Square, after 5 months, we finally got to know a little bit of each other. Still in some detached ways. The Square was packed with people, and the parade keeps going on and on. after a couple hours, the crowd subsided, so all of us went back. I had a nice time with her, but somehow, again I didn't do anything more about it. I guess there was something inside me that holds me back, or am I trying not to invade too much.

Two Thousand Twelve, October, Third, Midnight, Windy and chills after the rain.
After work, I went home and start scrubbing my bathroom, and the water suddenly became murky. No chance of taking a shower, so I let it run for awhile. I lit up an incense and start making coffee, my room is quite tidy, if I may say so myself. She came to my place, things are a little bit awkward..We talked about random stuffs, and ate some moon cake from last Sunday Full moon celebration. discussed her plan for out of town trip and how I couldn't sleep yesterday. And then, she took a nap.
She was getting ready to go home, and then we started to really talked. Talk became tears, tears became hugs, and hugs followed by frown, kisses and smiles. I wish things were better, but I won't complain. I told her that she is the best thing that has happened in my life, and how ever hard it is, I will try to find a way, without putting all the burden on her. I still don't really know what I'm talking about, yet I am getting better at holding myself up, and hopefully not giving her a hard time. Seeing the glow in her eyes, I just want her to stay happy, wherever that will take me.

The day ended up with a long hug and smile. More to come...

Her Morning Elegance, Art & Music Festival

Tonight, with the company of Oren Lavie song, Her Morning Elegance, I am trying to continue where I left off yesterday. Still telling the story from the recent past, connected to my random meeting with a girl, without touching each other life (or maybe it did, I just didn't notice it).

Two Thousand Twelve, February, Twenty Eighth, afternoon, Literature Faculty of Udayana University.
It has been a few weeks since I got my new motorcycle, I am no longer riding my bike everywhere around. There was a festival going on, being member of the Lomonesia Bali, we were invited to display our unique photography community. There was also some bands playing, food bazaar, and talkshow about health issues on autoimmune diseases (I think it's Lupus). I arrived late for the set up, but early for the event. After hanging around for awhile, people are starting to gather, the bands started playing.
Not to my surprise, but felt excited at the same time, we met again. She was coming with her friends, I said hi, she said "Hi Niki..." and giving me a nice smile. She didn't stay for long, got another thing to do with her friends. Only much later that I know, there could be something about us, but I didn't really follow it through for some reasons. It's either the unstable me, or the wall I saw around her. Close, friendly, yet not that open. Maybe this is just my excuse of being a screw up.
Anyway, the moment passed, and I stayed for the event, my brother came by later to watch some band playing, including L'alphalpha with my friend as the manager. we said goodbye after, going our separate ways, my brother and I.

Two thousand Twelve, October, Second, almost midnight, the mosquitoes are vicious out here.
Today we have not contacted each other, I managed to feel okay and just doing stuffs at work. Getting myself busy and my senses going. She is still on my mind, no doubt. For some reason last night I had a dream about her dad, we were starting out awkward, but went to a journey together and some crazy dream event, eventually he said, "You're not so bad after all." This is just my subconscious hoping things would be well. I know that much.
After hours, I met my brother, picked him up from college, and let him drive my motorcycle. He was kinda nervous, never really ride a bike before, but so far nothing happens, besides some honking and got side tracked couple of times. I dropped him home to my aunt's and went home. and that sums up my day.

Let's see what tomorrow brings, shall we?

Serendipity?

Cold night, sounds of passing motorcycles,
and I am trying to remember a scene almost a year ago.
My memory does not always serve me right, but here goes.
This is a story of the most interesting person I have met in my life.
Not sure it's a happy or sad story,
so let me just go on.

Two Thousand Eleven, October, Seventh, Friday. early night, in front of one Coffeshop chains in Kuta.
I was waiting for a friend, giving her the camera she ordered a couple of days ago.
And this is the first time I met her, a friend of my friend. coincidentally, the camera was Mini Diana "Love is in the air" Edition
We only exchanged names, and glances, I ask for her name twice, just to be sure.
And then, the moment pass. *She has an interesting facial character, note to self.*

Two Thousand Twelve, October, First, Monday. Late night, in front of a minimarket in Denpasar.
I just chatted with her, things are not so great. I sort of got carried away and invade too much of her privacy. Not our first debate, but maybe this time I almost forced my ego to do reckless things.
I drove my motorcycles around town, making unnecessary stops and just trying to seeps in the air of the city, finding my cool, before I get back to my place and call it a day.

Two Thousand Eleven, October, Fourteenth, Friday. Early night, Serambi Arts Antida, Sanur.
My mind was not in its place, we met again, exchange greetings, I took a picture of her and her friends. I smiled a lot that day, although I know things will go downhill from that moment for me, a different issue, not the time and place. I was happy to meet her again, I like her smile. Yet nothing happened, and we are keeping our sides. Just enjoying the band, it was raining, but the band keeps playing and we stayed anyway. Cold yet enjoyable.

Two Thousand Twelve, October, Second, Tuesday. The clock just strike midnight, mosquito bites.
The warmth in my chest have subsided, and I am at ease. I want to write more,
yet it seems that my mind has gone elsewhere. Flashes of scenes just past me by.
The calming music out of my headphones is keeping me intact. I will continue the story tomorrow.

Thanks for reading.

screwed

It's October, and I'm unstable. I wanted to write something else before, and now my mind just won't work as much.
I am lost, doing things out of nothingness, seeking for something I don't really know the answer to, and to top that, I got no fresh ideas.
Sucks, but than again, life is.

A Justice Night - 26.07.2012

Do I need to say more? oh yes I do.

Gaspard Auge and Xavier De Rosnay came to Bali last month. And the crowds just keep flowing in to the venue on the Potato Head Beach Club.

From Grammy award winning videoclip song "D.A.N.C.E." , to the new "Audio, Video, Disco", and to top it up a mix of "We Are Your Friends" the place rumbles "ONNON" and I just can't help myself getting goosebumps and eargasms. I might not be the biggest fan of JUSTICE, but they do play very good music, and the crowd are certainly not the usual ones you see in a common club. Bali, with all the both local and foreign diversity, makes th duo DJ Set looks like a party somewhere you don't see everyday in Indonesia. People are wearing casual beach outfit, with shirts and sandals and loafers and sundresses and bikinis, with a pool in front of the stage. I don't even know where to start.

From the moment I saw the sign on the entrance, I was already thrilled and hooked. And walking into the venue, I heard them started playing, and while waiting in line to get inside, I can't help myself from being anxious. Inside the beach club, with the open spaces, the place was full, with the stage radiating with bright lights and superb sound.

This Duo from France played for two full hours, and that was the best two hours of dance music in my life, so far. The grassy lawn, the ocean air, the crowd, the lights, it is both relaxing and pumping the adrenaline inside me. I just wished that all my friends are there with me, singing along to "We Are Your Friends" at the top of our lungs.

Again, I can only say, aside from the absense of my friends, T

he party was dope :)

Here are some pictures I took with the Lomo L-CA+

Penida and Lembongan - some tension reliever, mind, body and soul.

The Trip started on Saturday morning. The group of 5 interesting women with a sea-riden guy. 

Started from Sanur, with the Maruti fast boat departing at 09.00 AM.

It cost 65k IDR /person

Our destination was Nusa Penida. 

The purpose: Praying in the Temples of Dalem Ped and Giri Putri Cave

I've only known how the plan was when we were waiting for the boat, all i brought was T-shirts and snorkeling gear. I borrowed "kamen"(balinese style cloth to wrap your lower part of body) from my friend.

So that I could enter the Temples.

Here's how the other looked like, all dressed up to visit the temples.

On the yards of Dalem Ped Temple

After finishing at Dalem Ped Temple, From the Pura Segara to the Pura Penataran Agung (I will have to get back to you on that), we continued our journey to the most visited Temple in Nusa Penida.

The Giri Putri Temple, Which is located in a Cavern in the hill.

Here is the view of the ocean, just opposite frome the stairs to Giri Putri Temple.

Fisherman boats at Nusa Penida

 and then we started climbing the stairs, it was already noon, and the sun is schorching hot.

With an offering for the Gods and some cameras, we went uphill to the entrance of the cavern.

steep stairs to Giri Putri Temple

Halfway to the entrance of Giri Putri Temple

Another view of the Shore

Entrance to the Giri Putri Temple

Praying at the entrance of Giri Putri Temple

After praying for blessing to advance, we entered the cavern, the opening was a small hole that we have to squat and crawl to advance. it was probably some 50 meters until the ceiling of the cave became higher and expanded into a big dome.
and then My camera became unusable :p


We got out of the cave after a series of ritual and ceremonies.
The weather was clear, the sky's blue, and here comes the fun side of our vacation.

We arrived at Lembongan Island by 4 PM and after some time walking (it was a long walk really)

we arrived at the bungalow, rest our feet and freshen up, and watch the sunset.

and the rest is total fun :)

Bali Log Date: 06.07.2012 - friiiiidayyyy...

Today, might not be the best day for me.
but I somehow feel electrified. I just lost my phone, I felt impaired.
I dont really feel down actually, just dumbfounded.
Somehow we are a digital slave already.
forgetting that we used to be all organic (and we still are)
but we are so attached to the electronic devices and 'gadgets'
that helps making our lives easier, yet somehow, sometimes, somewhat
lacking the old fashioned romance.

Hahaha... talking about romance...

Let's look at the big picture here.
Romance is, when you can look in awe, on a place or spot, and knew or had a story about it.
When you feel the back of your neck tingling, to the words and moments of your life.
One Piece had taught me about romance. I might get astrayed countless times,
but as I am writing now, an idea is forming, let's hope it's not too random.
And for 'romance' sake, I will fight for it.

The Romance Dawn is showing, and it is time for a new adventure.
One that you might not know where it leads to, but knowing your goal, you just do it.

Cheers...
Niki, Denpasar 6 Juli 2012

Saturday Sunset

This is the time when I defy everything and write to my heart content. You have to be structured, they said. Write the facts, and keep it objective. But my soul is flipped, and all I want to do is put all the words in my head into this electronic web log.
This is the day when I go out of the norm and decided to stay out of things that is my burden to bear, and feel as alive as I can be. And boy do I feel. The sun is setting fast and night came. Along with it came passion. Things are moving fast and slow, the conversation was going nowhere and we were clinging to each other. There is nothing in the future, nor the past. There is only now. And the 'now' felt so good. Then, time starts ticking again. Reality bites, sun burns, water spraying, the smell of coffee doesn't help, the wind is cold, words came out.
And I just sat there, lingering in the sands of time, feeling it flows between my fingers, unable to grasp, unwilling to follow, standing against the wind with only a thin piece of garment. Succumbing into the hopelessness, and smiling at the great big wave of change. I'm drunk, addicted, captivated, light-headed, yet sober. Suffocating on all the air around me.

Then there is the light of dawn.
And I'm blessed, though I don't know how.

Niki, Denpasar 1 Juli 2012 - just being mellow

Bali Log date: 22.06.12 - A Cup of Warm Milk

Today, was certainly eventful.
The weather was cool, cloudy and breezy.
The morning was okay, had a yogurt honey smoothie.
Went to the beach to sit back and relax for a bit.
After that, I'm on a roll.
The afternoon went. Night came.
Too lazy to go anywhere, watch a flick titled "Big Miracle" starredd by Drew Barrymore, and dozed of right in the end.
Woke up not long after with a start. Drops of sweat was running at the back of my neck.
Chats about being a lady with a lady. The conversation rolled on to books, music, niece, mosquito, coffee, and a cup of warm milk.
And then it's time to sleep in. Tried and failed. Produced this writing. Think about stuffs. Worries. Smile. Roll over.
Smoke. Listen to music. And hit send.

Niki, Denpasar 22 June 2012 01:36:04

Bali log date: 21.06.12 - A Clear Mind After Exhibition Opening

After a reviving morning, with a clear head and a relaxed body, I managed to get off work unscathed. Done with the day, I drive up to an exhibition opening. It was the "Let's Play" Lomonesia Bali Exhibition, episode 2 that is. The last one was held on 1-8 June. This one, with a different venue, starts yesterday, 20th June 2012. With a different kind of mood, and a lot more people participating, my opinion was this one is more relaxed and low brow. The first one was more of a gallery style, while this one is coffee shop/dining place cooling down style.
Carrying on, the day before I had a nice conversation with some people older than me. Each one with a vision of their own. With their point of view and advices, a little bit of a mind opener. Hence, this moment, ideas are flowing in my head, and that block in my mind sort of got lifted. And like an open dam, thought comes flowing in and out of my head.
So let's just write this down before I start to blabber and forget what I am thinking. First off is, pay a little more attention to what I am doing right now. Meaning, I got to share my thoughts for main and sides. This got to do with the thing I have said before, "the little things that matters." So basically, I need to be fast and take control. And I can do just that.
Next is, a simple hello can go a long way. Let's just play smooth, try to be assertive and be more of yourself. So, think always from two sides of the party. You won't be doing any good just by worrying what other people might do, and closing yourself up to do more with yourself. So suit up, and be awesome.
Since it's late already, I'm just going to sums it up. On the daily job, just try to relax and do more stuffs and open your eyes. Things will get through eventually, and even when you least expect it. But take control anyway.
On the passionate things of my life, let's make a difference by getting my ego be fed, but try to think about what good can it do to other people, especially the ones that matters. Moving from that point, let's plan some stuffs so that the best can happen, and the flaws can be reduced to a minimal amount.

Niki - Denpasar 21 Juni 2012 03:32:34 AM

Bali Log Date: 17.06.2012 - Lightning Crashes and a Roller Coaster Ride on a Sunday

Sunday Morning,
The First thing I saw was a friend meditating. Half asleep, I Sort of imagined that I saw it on the web or television. the meditating friend, with a pin on the top right corner, noting "Morning Meditation". That kind of crack me up a bit, and then I went back to sleep before I even manage a chuckle *fade to black* 


I woke up a few hours later, and receive a sad and shocking news. a colleague in my office had an accident last night. He was riding his motorcycle and got hit by a car, who then ran away. My colleague didn't survive the crash. And he was just barely living his life. This is a sad sunday indeed.


Moving on, I spent my afternoon with some friends from the capitol, coming to the island for a music event. we had a late lunch and coffee and tea, and talks about random stuffs. just sharing news and thoughts, and "mind enrichment" (this is what I always thought on having conversations). As the sun rolls toward the horizon, we part ways.


I then went to the morgue, my colleague was lying in the coffin, dressed up and looks really peaceful. I went to give my condolences to the family, and made a cross sign to honor him and pray for him. My mind wandered to how he was, and how he was not anymore. I got the hear the story from his relative, about how he always cared about his family, and never has been a nuisance. He was a good person. I also got the story about how the accident happened. He was hit by a car, thrown from his bike, and hit a parked car. This is unfortunate. I don't do sorrowness, and I suck at soothing sad people, so I just tried to induce acceptance instead.


I went back to meet my friend before she went back to Jakarta, we had dinner, we share some stuffs, giving heads up and encouragement on each others, sarcasm on other related subject :). And then, by a phone call, I was transferred to a bookstore. Unlike yesterday, today I knew what i'm looking for. Well, a few of it :p. I met the first one, and search for the others. Black cardboard paper (i might have to look this up again for the right terms), double-sided tape, a board cutter, and an aluminium ruler. 


This is when I stopped writing, because now I'm thinking what should I write next.
I went to sit and chat with a friend of mine, about how my mind won't stop pestering me, and playing games on me. I ordered a chocolate milkshake, and a wrong type of finger food. Not a really good choice for a night snack, choco cheese fried banana *note to self* (the banana isn't ripe, taste sandy). And moving on, this same friend is now telling me that I have to write everything down on this log, which i might or might not do :p. 


It's getting late, so we walked back to our vehicles, i reffed my bike engine and went home, stopping to find a lightbulb for my room, the last one went into a 'disco state', gets dimmer and kept blinking. Found the bulb, installed it, and now my room has warm yellow light. Yeay...


just one more thing to do. Sort them photos.
So, I'm off...


Niki, Denpasar, 17 June 2012 - still looking for the right spot to put my feet on.

Let's Play - 01 June 2012

This is not a proper documentation of the event.

With random shots on people and movements, 

I just tried to capture the colour and vibe of the opening of a Lomonesia Bali photo exhibition.

The blurred one was taken with bulb mode, shaky hands as always.

and while I was writing this, my mood is not to write. Again.

Just try to enjoy the photos of people you might not know, and bright colours you might or might not like.

as some of the photos are blurred, so is my head right now.

the swimming thoughts in my head colliding with each other, trying to poke my eye out from inside.

And as I keep blabbering here, you might just scroll down to see the photos below, or not.

Your choice.

Sometime this week, I have to process my finished film rolls, and maybe upload another sets of photos, and maybe at that time, I would be more in the mood to write some sensible stuffs.

Niki, Denpasar 13 June 2012

Kontur

Judul yang cukup luas dari sebuah pemikiran kecil tentang sesosok wajah.
Saya tidak memiliki ingatan fotografis ataupun kronologis. Yang saya lakukan adalah mencatat segala sesuatu di lembaran-lembaran kertas ataupun media elektronik.
Sesuatu yang menarik perhatian saya, dan mungkin juga beberapa orang (unik) lainnya yang memerhatikan bentuk wajah seseorang, adalah karakter yang membedakan. Seperti struktur tulang, jarak alis dan mata, bentuk rahang, bentuk lubang hidung, susunan geligi, dan beberapa ciri lainnya.
Mengapa sedemikian halnya hingga saya merasa perlu untuk menuliskannya disini?
Mari kita tarik mundur waktu, dengan mengesampingkan dorongan emosi, dan lebih memerhatikan beberapa pribadi yang menurut saya (yang mungkin sudah terkontaminasi pandangan umum) menarik secara visual.
Memang, sepanjang sejarah manusia, bercermin pada alam dan hewan2, berlomba-lomba berpenampilan menarik dan hasil visual yang diterima oleh khalayak ramai, atau beda dari kebanyakan. Namun, bukan itu yang akan saya bahas saat ini. Menjauh dari penampilan yang dibuat oleh manusia secara artifisial dengan pakaian, asesoris dan warna warni buatan, saya lebih suka melihat bagaimana pencampuran genetik membentuk kontur wajah, yang dikatakan cerminan dari pribadi seseorang.
Perlukah saya menggambarkan lebih jauh?
Atau akankah saya biarkan tulisan ini mengambang?

Niki, Denpasar 9 juni 2012, 00:10

Bali log date: 18.05.2012 - Safari on the island

this is taken, maybe 1--2 months ago.

and after awhile, i managed to process the film,

This one below is one of the endemic animal of indonesia.

the rest, are animals lives troughout the world.

All found in Bali Safari and Marine Park.

babirousa

primate environtment

tiger

sumatran elephant show

hippo

zebra

onyx

oversized-horned bull (forgot the name)

All pictures are taken with an analog Gakkenflex Camera.
Copyright of Niki Kurniawan.