Wordless Wednesday - Swiss countryside Waterfall

First Commenter - Ladyviral

Happy 1st Blogoversary and Awards Fiesta 2

Today marks my first year as a blogger. I’m extremely proud of myself for coming thus far and I couldn’t be more proud of you for sticking with me. And what better way to celebrate my blogoversary than by sharing some beautiful awards with my beloved readers.

And thank you so much for the multiple awards you've bestowed upon Life Ramblings. I have truly enjoyed meeting all of the people who visit, read and leave comments upon my blog and being part of this wonderful blogosphere.

Special thanks to my readers who have been extremely supportive of my blog. It means a great deal to me. Your continuous support is truly appreciated. Without you, I don't think Life Ramblings would be what it is today.

Thanks to Mariuca. I am presenting this award to:

Lina,

Auntie E,

Marlene,

Monica

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Thanks to Kriscell
I am presenting these awards to:

ladyviral,

Levian,

Mei Teng,

Ai Ling.

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Thanks to Mariuca


I am presenting these awards to:

Ayie,

ECL,

Shinade,

Julia

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Thanks to levian
I am presenting this award to:

Dora,

Ai Ling,

Auntie E

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Thanks to Monica
I am presenting this award to:

Tekkaus,

Mariuca,

Ayie,

Foong

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Thanks to Mariuca

I am presenting this award to:

Shinade,

Julia,

Carver,

Buzzing J

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Thanks to Bluedreamer
I am presenting this award to:

ECL,

BK,

Carver,

Monica

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Thanks to Coolingstar
I am presenting this award to:

Dora,

Wenn,

Levian

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Thanks to Auntie E

I am presenting this award to:

lina,

Wenn,

Buzzing J

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Thanks to Monica
I am presenting this award to:

Mariuca

Shinade,

Mei Teng

ladyviral,

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Thanks to Shinade
I am presenting these awards to:

Tekkaus,

Mariuca,

ECL,

Ayie


Thank you for helping me celebrate my first blogging anniversary!

First Commenter - Wenn

PhotoHunt - Orange

The shots were taken during a trip to the Blue Mosque in Turkey a few years ago. This series of photos shows the designs and decorations found inside the mosque. For as long as I can remember, the mosque is all surrounded by beautiful Blue Iznik tiles, which give its name to the majestic Blue Mosque.

As can be seen in the pictures below, there is a huge, lovely chandelier as well as other chandeliers that had small strings of lights. The soft warm lightings and natural light entering through the 260 stained-glass windows produced nice effects that showcased an orange background.

First Commenter

Wordful/ Wordless Wednesday - Hungry Ghosts' Festival

It is the time of the year again where the Chinese community mainly Taoists and Buddhists observed the Hungry ghosts Festival. For those who have never heard of this festival, it is a popular tradition that is taken very seriously by most Chinese.

According to superstious beliefs, the gates of hell are opened during the 7th lunar chinese month allowing the hungry ghosts who then roam freely to seek food on Earth for 30 days. The main reason why most Chinese observe this festival is to pay special tribute to their dearly departed loved ones. They also feel that by offering food to the deceased appeases them and ward off bad luck and misfortune.

I've started hearing free entertainment with music blasting and dancing late into the night, courtesy of the Hungry Ghosts Society down the road from where I lived. I could not recall my mom ever telling us anything about what we could or couldn't do during hungry ghosts month because they weren't terribly superstitious about it. But then, we still fulfill this religious obligation annually to show respect and remembrance to our deceased anchestors.

I've heard numerous spooky ghost stories though but knock on wood, I've not encountered one before. I used to believe in them when I was a kid, and I could remember how thrilling yet convincing the stories were but that was a very long time ago. I don't believe in supernatural stuff in quite the same manner nowadays. I know there are some people who have encountered unexplainable phenomena and happenings in life but that doesn't mean to say that 'ghosts' are the cause. I'm sure all of these things had logical explanations behind them.

The festival is widely celebrated by the Chinese community in Penang. Temporary canopies and tents are widely set up on the streets. However, what really creeps me out is how the monks will sing spooky songs dedicated to the wandering spirits or ghosts during the prayer sessions.


Striking coloured flags were put up along the roads leading to the tents several days before the festival begins which normally serve two purposes. The ghosts can follow the flags to reach the festival and at the same time, the flags are also a landmark for devotees to visit the tents.


Food offerings to the hungry ghosts

These are giant sized dragon joss sticks burnt as offerings for the hungry ghosts.

These are 'hell money notes' and other items such as clothes, gold and other fine goods to be burnt so that the departed souls can enjoy these comforts in their afterlife. Some families also burn paper houses, televisions, cars to please their deceased anchestors.


After an offering has been burnt to the spirits, it is a taboo to step on the burnt area as it is believed to be an opening to the world of spirit and touching it might cause the person to be possessed.

Don't be surprised if you don't see many Chinese out at night for the next week or two.

First Commenter - Carver

Happy Independence Day!

Merdeka Day is no doubt one of my favorite holidays of all time and congrats to Malaysia for coming thus far. Woohoo! It is the 52nd birthday of our beloved nation tomorrow, or as I see it, the birthday of our glorious country on earth.

Let's enjoy this momentous day for all the efforts and achievements since independence. It is a great day indeed and yay, I don't need to wake up way too early tomorrow. :)

Regardless of whether you're out at a BBQ celebrating over yummy meals, spending time with your loved ones, enjoying the brilliant fireworks, or simply catching up on some patriotic movies, I hope everyone is having a joyous and safe holiday weekend.

Peace and harmony. God Bless Malaysia!


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We have scent-sational Mariuca celebrating her birthday all week long. Have a blessed birthday, Mariuca!