Romance Novels, buttons & ribbons

When I was a teenager, this little shop in my hometown was like a magnet to me. Until today, apart from sewing supplies, it still rents out Romance Novels (which was where my pocket money went to).

It has been more than 20 years and that shopkeeper still remembers me! I obtained her permission to take some photos of the shop.

The shop only has Chinese novels now. It used to rent out English novels such as Mills & Boons and Silhouette. Being a teenager, I was very engrossed in those English romance books and couldn't stop fantasizing about marrying a handsome & charming Mat Salleh.

The shopkeeper told me those who rent the Chinese romance storybooks  (RM1.50 per book) are middle aged "aunties". 

My daughter who loves needlework and sewing bought many ribbons and buttons there. I told her I'll bring her to that shop on each trip back to Muar.

What a wonderful little shop. It has helped to nurture my dreamy soul with its romance books, and inspire my daughter's creativity with its colorful ribbons and buttons.

My little dress

Believe it or not! This is my dress! My fourth aunty made it for me when I was two.

Mom passed it to me a few years ago. My youngest daughter wore it before but too bad I didn't take any photo for her at that time.

That's me when I was about 2. I'm trying to imagine myself in that little green dress.

Times flies. One is the past and one is the present.

No one in the family can wear that little dress now.

But wait!!!

Tian Zi got an idea!

She said she'd found "someone" who can fit that dress!

It is neither thumbelina,

nor their little cousin sister....

The RIGHT CANDIDATE is no other than.........................................................

A "black" & WHITE X'mas

Why was that "uncle" holding my hand? 

Was I too eager to get a present that I was caught cutting queue??

My kids said my HAT looks more like a KFC bucket. 

Look at these black and white pictures... they sure bring back colourful memories of my many christmas celebrations in Tanjung Club, Muar.