Your first violin performance

Dearest Phoebe,

You had your first group violin performance at the Arts House in Parliament on 26 Nov. Although the performance was less than ten minutes, we were really proud of you and seeing your little confidence manifested on stage. I was particularly touched as it has been a roller coaster ride guiding you in this instrument since you were 3 year-old. You started from showing tinge of enthusiasm, to protesting when going for violin classes and now you are at a stage where we see you growing with the instrument. No longer do we need to bribe you to practise daily and at times, you would improvise certain pieces yourself, bringing about joy and laughter to us. Daddy and I hope that you would continue to play the violin for many more years to come. There was this quote "Music is the vernacular of the human soul". Even though it is not our aspiration for you to be a professional violinist some day, we do wish for the day when we could see you picking up the violin and perform for those who seek comfort or solace in music.

Luv,
Mummy

Loving Sydney 2010 ( 30 Nov - 6 Dec)

Dearest Phoebe,

As 2010 comes to an end, we decided to treat ourselves to another family holiday. This time, we went on a package tour to Sydney. It was probably one of our most relaxing and enjoyable holiday so far. We love the fact that we did not have to spend much time navigating this time round and we had fantastic tour mates in our group. It was also an educational trip, visiting the reptile park, shark and ray centre, and coming up close and personal to a vineyard and understand how wine is being brewed. We saw how you have become more independent as you bravely followed the sand dunes instructor to learn the technique of sand boarding.

As this was your first time travelling with a group, you enjoyed their company alot and on our free days when we ventured in the city on our own, you often asked us where they were etc. One of the families that we met who left a deep impression on us would be Mr and Mrs Lam, an elderly retired couple. Mr and Mrs Lam have only one grown-up daughter and Daddy and Mummy can't help but think of how the day will come when our overseas holidays would be without you as you pursue your career or have your own family. Daddy chatted with them and on our last day, Mr Lam told you:"You are very lucky; your daddy is very knowledgeable and he can pass on his knowledge to you," Somehow those words are stuck in my head and I really hope with your inquisitive nature, you will continue to deepen your wealth of knowledge, not just from Daddy but people around you.

Luv,
Mummy