Malaysia Trip – Part IV

Posted on 20121119 by emgoh

I think these are the last few photos from the grand Malaysia trip. My father-in-law taught me how to bake sweet fermented tofu buns in the baking school area of their business–we had fun and the buns were delicious (need to see where I can find sweet fermented tofu in the states).

A couple pix of some of the cats we saw lounging in the heat all over the island. I was surprised how many have short stubby tails shaped a bit like chicken drumsticks (weird, yeah?)–all very cute, though. Also a few snaps of public art and a no parking sign surrounded by the ever-present motorbikes (with the crazy traffic I was surprised there weren’t piles of bikes and bodies all over the place!).

I can’t wait to go back next year! I did learn a few things that I’ll keep in mind next time, though. I’ll bring a smaller camera (lighter to haul around and less obvious when in crowded or sketchy areas). I’ll pack less clothes (but choose more that drip dry really fast overnight–that was great this time). I’ll make time to do some urban sketching (I wanted to but there was so much for me to see this first trip that there just never seemed to be time). I also want to sample more of the amazing fresh fruit next time including durian (yes, I know all the horrible stuff some folks have said about it but my hubby and in-laws love it so I want to give it a try–I may even like it and I won’t know if I never try!)

Malaysia Trip – Part III

Posted on 20121110 by emgoh

We were in Malaysia during the Festival of Hungry Ghosts:

Malaysia Trip – Part II

Posted on 20121030 by emgoh

We visited the Penang Batik Factory- -so much inspiration and beautiful fabrics! It was a quick bus ride from George Town. Nearby we had lunch at a small eatery where they make fresh, fluffy roti canai and serve it with an amazing blend of curry sauces (heaven, I tell you–I so miss that since I’ve returned home!). Here are some photos from the batik factory. Enjoy!

Malaysia trip – Part I

Posted on 20121014 by emgoh

I’m so far behind in posting. When I think of something I want to post I never seem to be near a computer or am in middle of the workday at the office, etc. Anyway, I’ll post more photos and sketches from the Malaysia trip but just wanted to at least mention it real quick. We went to George Town on the island of Penang in September and I finally met my husband’s parents in person (I count my blessings that I have such wonderful in-laws!).

True to what so many foodies say, the place is a food lover’s paradise. It was a little over two weeks, but the time flew by. I can’t wait to return. I got a taste of the arts and crafts there but really want to delve in deeper. The next time I go I’d like to take a batik class/workshop. I’d also like to do some serious urban sketching of various areas. I have a few simple sketches I need to finish up and then I’ll post but, for now, here are some photos (mine and hubby’s) to give you a hint of the trip. It was great!

best in-laws ever :)

Carl S. English Jr. Botanical Garden

Posted on 20120807 by emgoh

I’ve been trying to find some balance. We went for a walk through the botanical garden near where we live in Seattle. It was peaceful and the air was warm and heavy with the scent of so many flowers. Here are some of the photos I took:

© elizabeth goh

My dad died :(

Posted on 20120804 by emgoh

Dad was growing more and more frail these last few years. He passed away quietly on Wednesday, July 25 , 2012. It’s hard to say goodbye. Now mom and I hold tight and keep going. We are lucky to be surrounded by so much love and kindness from our family and friends. Thank you.

Burda sewing magazines (with patterns!) in my Etsy shop

Posted on 20120717 by emgoh

I’ve been going through some of my art and craft supplies trying to reduce it all down to the things I really want to work on. With that in mind, I decided to only keep the Burda magazines that I will definitely sew from and let the rest go to new homes. I’m listing those in my Etsy shop for just $10 each (plus the cost of shipping). Some go back as far as 2008, so if you are looking for an older issue, you might find it!

If you are not familiar with Burda magazine, the issues are full of great photos of beautiful clothes for women (including a plus-size section) along with the full-size patterns to make them. Most issues also include photos and patterns for children’s clothes. The patterns are printed on large sheets of paper that are folded and stapled into the magazine. To use the patterns you locate the pieces on the pattern sheets that go with the outfit you are going to sew and trace them onto pattern or tissue paper. It isn’t hard at all and actually a lot of fun. The tracing method also give you the opportunity to tweak the shape a bit for a better fit. The issues I’m selling all have the pattern sheets still stapled in and have never been used.

Enjoy!

Meet Penelope!

Posted on 20120701 by emgoh

Yes, I named my camera. Meet Penelope Pentax (kind of reminded me of Penelope Pitstop from those old cartoons). This is a shot hubby snapped of me as I was taking a photo of him. We had hopped a bus to the Pike Place Market for some people watching and photography practice.

Playing with photography

Posted on 20120607 by emgoh

Oooh why do I let so much time lapse between posts? I swear ideas for posts pop into my mind pretty regular but then I catch myself wondering if the post would be too personal or boring or…. you know? Anyway, there is new stuff going on that is definitely of an artistic and creative nature and that seems like prime material for sharing.

I am now the proud owner of a wonderful Pentax K-r camera with a couple great lenses (thanks sweetie!). I hadn’t used a DSLR before and the last time I used a SLR was way back in a junior high school class with a bunch of beat up old cameras and little instruction. I love this new DSLR thing! I love being able to take tons of photos and not fret over “wasting film” on iffy shots. I love being able to change all sorts of settings instead of settling for the old point-and-shoot auto set up.

I’ve taken the new camera on a few field trips to the botanical gardens near where we live and the Pike Place Market as well as a family birthday party. There is so much to learn about this thing, but I’m slowly getting the hang of it. Of course, my main muse (mews?) and model is Murphy:

It’s not the best shot, but when he jumped up to check out the flowers I rushed to grab the camera and snap a few before he darted off. Still, I like it.

I snapped some good shots of flowers and local birds from one of our photo field trips that I’ll post soon. I never thought of myself as the photographer type, but I’m beginning to understand the allure. I have the right equipment now to capture the kinds of shots I’ve long wanted. Did I mention that the camera also came with an extra special bonus package of a personal instructor? Amazing, yes?! Did I mention my hubby teaches photography?

Practicing painting techniques

Posted on 20120503 by emgoh

This is a continuation from the previous post. Here are some samples of the canvas boards I’ve been painting as I practice the techniques Jesse Reno taught in his two-day class at ArtFest last month. These are in the order that I made them. Click on an image to read more about it. I’m up for any comments especially from anyone else who has taken classes from Jesse.