Disordered Order

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Dont' get bitter, get better

This is an article written 12 years ago, an article dedicated to my dearest beloved father:

I used to consider myself a very fortunate person. I had a family who loved me, friends who cared for me and I was doing well in my studies and sports. I was contented and pleased with my life.

However all this soon came to an end when I was sent to Singapore to pursue my studies at the age of 13.

A completely new phase of my life started. I was bewildered, to say the least. The new environment seemed hostile to me. The people did not seem as amicable as my former friends and to make thing worse, I could not fully comprehend the English language my teachers were babbling in.

As time passed, nothing improved and I was no longer the confident, blithe girl I used to be. I felt I could not fit into the life of school in Singapore. I was ostracized and had no friends.
My family was no around to console me. I had no place to seek solace. I wallowed in self-pity. I hated my stern English teach; I detested my classmates; I even blamed my father for sending me to Singapore. After tolerating this situation for a few months, I returned to my hometown during my mind-year holiday.

I can still recall vividly how I handed my report to my father with quivering hands. My head sank in an effort to hide the shame. However he did not make any comment on the column of red marks. But his face clearly showed that he was very disappointed with my school performance.

The same evening, my family had planned to attend my grandmother’s birthday celebration. It was an annual even that mum made it a rule that everyone should attend.

But I did not want to go. I did not want to be questioned in front of my relatives on my failure and bad performance in school. So I cooked up an excuse that I was not feeling well. Mum was not happy about it and my brother added that I was just malingering to avoid embarrassment about my school result. This sarcasm felt like salt in my wounds, and I was so outraged and I just screamed and kicked him at his kneecap without any thought. And both of us ended in an fight.

My family was devastated! They had never expected an obedient girl like me to resort to violence. My father pointed his finger at me and said: “Don’t you dare to raise your voice to any one under this roof!” Then in a blanket of silence, they walked out the door. Once again, I was left alone.

I collapsed onto the sofa and cried. I didn’t know how long the crying continued till I heard persistent knows on the doors. I dragged myself to open the door, and saw my father stood on the doorstep with a packet of soup noodles in his hand. “I know you haven’t taken your dinner. Here it is.” He said softly.

Tears swelled uncontrollably again in my eyes. He pulled me to the sofa and patted my head. “I know these last few months have been hard in you. I don’t know whether I had made the right decision to send you to Singapore…” he faltered.

I was stunned, realizing that I had made this ever-confident man to doubt his decision and even worse, to feel guilty.

“But as you grow up,” my father continued “you have to overcome the obstacles that you will face. You cannot always live under the shelter of your family. I know that if you continue to live with us, to study here with your friends, you would definitely be complacent with life. Remember, life is never easy. When you face difficulties, you have to tell yourself, you either get bitter or better.”

His words still linger in my mind. They give me encouragement and hope to face whatever problems I encounter. Yes, my dear daddy, not only have beaten the bitterness, I have done much better than you expected.

一人一半

一个已婚男子，在外做工。他每天都会打电话给他老婆，跟她述说心事。但过了一些日子，老婆为了替丈夫省钱，便告诉他每当他打来时，听到电话马上被挂断，这便代表母子平安。

但日子一久，两人感情便淡了。两人便开始疏远。就这样，老公在外有了个女人。

有一天，老婆有急事找她丈夫，谁知道电话的另一端是个女人。妻子伤心难过，并要离婚。但老公心里还是深爱妻子，只是在外寂寞，做错了事。

于是，他便向他儿子述苦。儿子与他感情很好。他便问儿子如果他俩真的离婚，他会跟谁。父亲叹息地说：“如果你能分一半，该有多好！”

就这样，有一天老婆拨电来，告诉他儿子最近不对劲，在家一声也不吭。父亲听了很担心。连忙飞了回家。

他来到了学校找他儿子。当儿子见到父亲时，显得非常高兴，但又连忙转过了头不面对父亲。

爸爸问儿子为什么有这样的举动，儿子说：“你说你们要我的各一半，所以我只好把声音给你，身影给妈！”

Handholding

In my first year in University, there was a gang of us always hanging out together. Unknowingly, there was already love blossoming among us. However they did not know how to break the news to us. Maybe they found it pretty awkward to do so since we were just like buddies together.

During one of the class gathering, this guy all of a sudden pulled the girl to rush in front of the gang. Then they continued walking nonchalantly. Initially, we were bewildered. After a while, we realized that they were announcing to us ‘subtly’ that they were formally dating. All of us shouted with joy, and some of the naughty ones even trying to get to the bottom on the details on how they got started without us knowing it. The girl’s face was so blushing with embarrassment, however the guy was just grinning so happily ignoring the commotion being caused.

Recalling this sweet and lovely incident always bring back the memory in school life. To me, handholding signifies more than a form of promise, love and bonding to the other half; it also calls for the blessing around to celebrate their love together.

Confession of Pain

A movie showing two of my favorite male Asian Actors: Takeshi Kaneshiro & Tony Leung. Simply love the way that their inner emotion being captured in the movie.

A father & 2 sons

A shot taken in a remote mountainous village in Nepal.

There is something about their eyes looking into you so innocently, yet conveying a sense of helplessness.

The father requested to take a look at our SLR camera (the so-called new technology to them though the camera was already 6 years old), while the sons just extended their hands to us for money (bad habit risen from the increasing tourism). We willingly handed over the camera to the father to view, though we did not give the kids money but sweets that we carried along the trekking journey. The kids did make some noise initially however still happily took the sweets, and even gave us a big smile upon receiving them.

T-shirt & Diamond

CJ: Is there any implied meaning if a girl gives a T-shirt to the boyfriend?
EH: She is hinting to the boyfriend that it is time to give her a diamond ring.
CJ: The boyfriend will buy the diamond ring immediately to her.
EH: That is good! So what does it mean?
CJ: The boyfriend is telling the girl not to give any more T-shirt in future.

Who is this little one?

So who is this little one?

My name is Yip Ning Enn, 叶宁 恩. With lots of love and hope, I am coming to this world today on 8 Dec 06.

I feel so strange and small when my ‘daddy’ and ‘mummy’ pick me up in their arms. Their faces are filled with amazement and happiness when their eyes on me. It seems that I am the one who all matters to them in the world.

So maybe this is what ‘love’ is about. I will take my time to see this world. So do not call me the little one, my name is 叶宁 恩.

The Nail Factor: Manicure & Pedicure!

All girls like manicure & pedicure! Other than the end product of having the fingernails and toe nails looking dressed up and pretty, it is the process of having the treatment that one enjoys most! Don’t you simply love the feeling of being immersed in a spa-like ambience, one can just relax and enjoy the peacefulness, while your hands and feet are being treated for various services, such as filing, polishing and painting.

But this isn’t the most memorable manicure and pedicure session I have. Instead, the one I had the most memorable (as well as the cheapest) of manicure and pedicure session happened in Kuta beach, Bali. My best friend and I was each being served by more than 5 ladies. We had our hair, both hands and both feet being served by different the Balinese ladies at the same, and the whole scenario just appeared to be so hilarious. Although the outcome of the treatment did not turn out as refined as the one we had in manicure spa(just look at the photos you would know), both of us did enjoy ourselves whole entire experience!

Must give it a try if you go to Kuta Beach next time, and you would then understand what I am saying……

Oriental beauty

This is a splendid art piece of a Oriental Lady! Elegant, Beautiful & simply Gorgeous......

the-EastHaven Bagful of Styles

Totes, satchels, shoulders, hobos, clutches and pouchettes,
You just can’t get enough of them.
That’s why every woman’s wardrobe should have them all.Immerse in the world of the-Easthaven in the festive season.

Clutches: Small handbags without a handle or straps. Carry one in hand or tuck under arm

Doctor’s bags: long, with slightly rounded edges. They resemble the doctor’s bags of old days.

Drawstrings: bags with string woven through a series of eyelets at the top of the bag. Pull the strip then the top of the bag gathers together to close

Evening bags: Small bags in fabric such as velvet and silk to give it a rich luster and a more formal look. Best appearance in functions or formal gatherings.

Hobos: bags come in a small, crescent shape that you can swing over your shoulder

Satchels: large bag having a triangular side profile, with small handle that is carried on arm rather than on the shoulder

Shoulder bags: bags that have long enough straps to carry over the shoulder

Totes: bags that have short to medium handles, which are used to carry a variety of items from documents to gym gear

A brief history of Bags

Do you know when was bag first 'invented'? ......

Egyptian hieroglyphs show pouches/bags carried around the waist! The first known example of hieroglyphic writing in ancient Egypt was discovered on bone and ivory tags, pottery vessels and clay seal impressions discovered in a pre-dynastic tomb in Abydos. The deposits are dated to between 3400 and 3200 B.C.

A Festive Christmas Magic to be in!

With the merry spirit of the festive holidays just around the corner, you are probably in the mood for a celebration. Seeking inspiration for gift ideas? Or looking around for a lavish present to pamper yourself? Check out the the latest selection of the unique handmade bags for your loved ones or yourself from the-easthave website.

May your Christmas be filled with joy and wonderful memories!

Sizzling hot prices for the Hana Series

One of our top seller of the EastHAven: the Hana series is having a sizzling hot prices at 30%* which you are not allowed to miss. With the festive seasons round the corner, these beautiful hand carry bags of black and red silk materials, or the pink velvet would bring out the mystique yet mischief in you. A unique handmade bag goes well with any gathering.

Pls see the http://the-easthaven.com for further details.
* terms & conditions apply.

An Asian Star-Gong Li

Gong Li, an Asian actress that has impressed the Western media world with her recent role in the ‘Miami Vice’. I have been all the while captivated by this Chinese actress, even before her venture into Hollywood. She is an uniquely gifted actress who is able to challenge every role that is given to her. Asian spirit remains a place of her heart. Every of her moves and expression conveys all the sophistication of the Oriental soul.

Her earlier films with Zhang Yimou had reinvented Chinese cinema, and gained unprecedented exposure in the West. ‘Raise the Red Lantern’ was the first Chinese film nominated for an Oscar, and Gong spent much of the 1990s being honoured at film festivals around the world. Her recent role in the ‘Geisha’ and ‘Miami Vice’ in 2006 has effortlessly captured the heart of the Western world.

Discount Voucher

Just print out the discount voucher, and you will be getting great discount for all these beautifully handmade products!

Unique designer bags for all ladies

With the last day of showcasing our special asia handbag products to Singapore, we have decided to distribute discount vouchers in the shopping mall to visitors. Just get hold of the discount voucher, you will be given great discount to buy the EastHAven bags which will add chic and sparkle to your office professional attire, casual wear or evening dress. With its limited pieces available for each design and colour, it brings you the individuality and exclusivity of the product, while promises a distinctive and unforgettable Asiatic style to the whole being.

The last day of Flea Market in China Square in Singapore

We will be having our last day of stall in the Flea Market on this coming Sunday, 1st Oct '06. During the past few weeks, we have been having great time meeting up with customers. They are just simply intrigued and impressed with the intricate embrodeiry, sequins & beads workmanship of the bags.

We want to thank our relatives and friends (Rochelle, Hwee Fern, May, How, Auntie) who have come down to give us support and constructive feedback. It is just like we have turned this EastHaven stall into a family affair, that they come and share the joyous moments with us.

Therefore be sure that you are coming to visit us, as to enjoy the great buys of the EastHaven bags on the last day that we have in China Square. We have been successful in launching the excellent handmade designer bags to Singapore market, through this face-to-face sales as well as the launch of our website to Singapore. It gives us the confidence of focusing our marketing strategy in USA and Canada, which we want to bring all these ethic new-Asia bags by skilled craftsmen into the new market. We believe in these beautiful handmade EastHaven bags. They are able to be a strong contender in the designer bag fashion market.

Great buys for the EastHaven handmade bags

Pls come and visit our stall in the China Square, in Singapore on Sunday and enjoy the great offer and unbelievable great buy for the EastHaven handbags! Look at the special offer we have for the Silky Luxe handbag. We are selling the unique handmade EastHaven products at fantastic prices to you only in Singapore.

the-easthaven contact

For customers who want to find out more about us, pls visit us on our website http://the-easthaven.com, or take a look at our namecard to contact us.

The first day of Business for the Easthaven- Flea Market in China Square

On 10 Sep 06, we had our first stall in Flea Market in China Square. Though the intention of this Asian handbag business is set up a online business model, we rented a small space in this sheltered aircon shopping centre for 4 Sundays as to launch some of the new products to Singaporeans, before we bring these across to US & Canada.

Many visitors were impressed with the showcase of the Asian products, since most of the designs, though handmade in Asia, are not found in the retail since they are all limited in the quantity being produced. We are very proud to show the customers the intricacy and superior handcraftsmanship of the bags, as they reflect the spirit of the true Asian essence.

Eastern Fashion Style in the West

The urge for Eastern passions in fashion style is revived from the recent release of hit movie, Memoirs of a Geisha. The intriguing ethnic kimono wear has inspired many retailers to relook into the Asian fashion style in different light.

Do not need to rush into the trend blindly. With the right choice of the Asian accessories embellished with floral or fauna design to your simple wear, you would look glamorous to ease into the right mode. Just think of the easy combination of contrasting Asian bags in colors and design as accessories to your overall outfit, the Bold and the Unique. Likewise, oversized totes make a trendy statement and practical too. They’ll take you from the gym to the office to the poolside, and hold all your weekend shopping. Lugging them around will probably give you a good workout too. More importantly, the EastHaven bags offers everything from beads, sequins, embroidery and crochets that are very on trend with simple suits and separate.

And you'll have the added bonus of owning a completely unique piece that isn't being worn by everyone else.

Flavour of the mystical East

The elements of details, a harmony of pattern, structure and function, are omnipresent in the Asia context.

In the EastHaven Style

...its detail,
refinement, ritual and sensuality
...a growing interest and need...
for spiritual and stylistic nourishment...

Asian culture has always been distinctive, with its detail, refinement, ritual and sensuality expressed in its space, materials and craftsmanship. Therefore there is a growing interest and need to search increasingly eastwards for spiritual and stylistic nourishment.

Behind the Asian historical design influences are two major civilisations: the great India subcontinent in the west and China in the east. Between them, today’s political boundaries give us Nepal, Thailand, Myanmar, Cambodia, Vietnam, Laos, Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia, Indonesia and further east still, the Philippines, North and South Korea and, of course, Japan. This myriad of rich culture gives rise to a unique Asian approach to a living style that embodies inspiration and fascination to many of us.

With the increasing awareness of China & India’s global presence, the West has started to view East Style in a different light with interest. Think of adding a Asian inspired style of handbag adorned with bright, floral accents to your outlook, or adding a long, sensual Kashmir scarf to your office wear. When East meets the West, it results in a unique style bringing an inspiring experience to the whole being.

the EastHaven online boutique

Do you know what is the great thing about setting up this EastHaven online boutique? The strengthening of bonding between the husband and the wife. While he is busy setting up the website, sorting out all the technical aspects of doing the website and issues with the shopping cart, setting up domain, subscription to the necessary, I am tasked with the procurement and sourcing of quality products, design, and theme, marketing issues.

Working hand in hand towards the EastHaven is a memorable process and journey, where we discuss the milestones and the nitty gritty, and sometimes end up in arguments over uncertain issues. However these are the moments that make the whole experience even more unforgettable and special.

Luxury Chinese Brand Shanghai Tang

Among all the lifestyle brands global wide, the EastHaven sets its business model to exemplify the luxury Chinese brand Shanghai Tang.

Maybe a bit more background of Shanghai Tang for you:
The philosophy that Shanghai Tang set out to create is to revitalize Chinese designs- interweaving traditional Chinese culture with the dynamism of the 21st Century. Thus, resulting in a vibrant fusion of "East Meets West." In fashion, Shanghai Tang continues to evolve its distinctive style whilst employing elegance, comfort and vitality. In hard goods, Shanghai Tang's products are created for everyday use, emphasizing functionality, and always integrating the use of the Chinese motifs into their design. Shanghai Tang always uses the highest quality of materials, workmanship and much inventiveness in the construction of all their products.

Shanghai Tang was founded in 1994 by Hong Kong businessman, David Tang Wing-Cheung. "Shanghai Tang is the best of 5,000 years of Chinese tradition exploding into the 21st Century", says Mr. Tang. The name, "Shanghai Tang", evokes the elegance and charm of fashionable Shanghai in the 1930's. In its first year, 1994, the store attracted over one million visitors. By the year 2000, this had surpassed four million. Already, Shanghai Tang offers an expanding range of home furnishings, accessories, novelty gift items, and a collection of men's, ladies' and children's apparel - all of which enhance the concept of revitalized Chinese arts. Unique to Shanghai Tang is Imperial Tailors, which revives the diminishing art of "Chinese haute couture" - delicately crafted apparel redelivered by a team of traditional Shanghainese tailors. Lush cut velvets; silk jacquards, chiffon, organza, delicate linens, and printed cottons provide an exciting collection of brilliant colors and textures from which a full range of exclusive designs may be chosen. Extracted from: http://www.shanghaitang.com/shanghaitang/aboutus.jsp

Asian handmade bags for the EastHaven

In the inception stage of the EastHaven, we worked solely on the portfolio of Asian handmade bags. I have always been crazy with bags, be it totes, should-bags, handbags, clutches or pouches. Among all the personal collection of mine, the Asian handmade bags are the most in quantity and usage in terms of the frequency I use. The reason is simple, the Asian handmade bags I purchase (or the one we have online), are all limited in design and quantity. Hence I do not have the worry of bumping into someone using the similar design of bags which most ladies are scared of, be it clothing or accessories.

The EastHaven September Flea Market

Mark out the dates for all Sundays in Sep 06, 10, 17 and 24 Sep, 01 Oct on your calendar, since we are going to showcase our unique handmade bags in the Sunday Flea Market in China Square, Singapore. It will definitely be a enjoyable shopping to you, with other 60 vendors exhibiting an incredible selection of toy collectibles, antique pieces, crafts and many more. Moreover, it is housed within the air-conditioned atrium in China Square. it will not make you perspire under the hot sun as in the conventional open air flea market in Singapore.

Of course, most importantly, we will be displaying the new arrivals of handmade bags with 10% discount to all purchase. That is not all, we will be giving out free exquisite phone purse with intricate embroidery design. You are sure to love it!


Therefore come and join us for a fruitful and fun Sunday. We are sure that you will not be disappointed.

If you are not sure of the location, just note that China Square is located between the Far East Square and Hong Lim Complex. And the East Haven will be setting up the stall near to the Guardian and escalator at L1. You will not be able to miss us with our eye-catching and dazzling products on display.

the Birth of the EastHaven

Since young, travelling in Asia region has always been fascinating to me, be it the culture, the architecture or the daily ritual routine that the people have. Among them, the Asian handmade products has captivated me with its intricate & unique details and materials, which reflect the lifestyle of Asians clearly.

Therefore the moment that we decided to materialize the EastHaven online shop, http://the-easthaven.com/, I was ecstatic. Our aim is to bring the exclusive unique products which are skilfully handmade by the Asian craftsmen, to showcase to the world the beauty of Asian art.