Original Illustration : Little Journey

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Here I'm selling :

original illustration of Little Journey Series on canvas.

Size : 15 x 15 cm

Material : Ink on canvas

Price : RM 50 *free postage in Malaysia

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Little Journey 1

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Little Journey 2

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Little Journey 3

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Little Journey 4

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Line them up together and you can see that they are linked together! 

In any other ways :

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Email me :
azreen_31@hotmail.com
to book.

Travel : Fraser's Hill 1

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Hello!

I just came back from the Lab's family day. My 3 days were fully occupied with activities that left my body aching. *That's the spirit! 

One of the activity on the second day was walking through Hemmant Trail, that took about 1 hour walk *plus minus 1 km. It's been a while, the last time I walked in a jungle trail was in back in Bandung last month. 

We had to walk a little before we arrived at the main entrance. Look at the crowd :

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Here is the main entrance.

It was super misty trail, it reminded me of Sleepy Hollow :

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I didn't took a lot of pictures while walking.

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❤ Lab's Family ❤

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Little Story 2 : Your word again?

This happened last night when I helped my dad with his work.

Dad : Reen, can you do this amination for me?

Me : Amination..

*looking at his laptop screen to see what is amination.

Dad : These moving items, I can do this, but it will take longer time.

*oh, he meant "animation".

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I have no heart to tell him the word is supposed to be 'animation' not 'amination'. I smiled a bit every time he said it. *He did said it several time. 

That was so cute!

PS :
My youngest sister used to say 'gisu' instead of 'gusi'.
And every time she said it, my face lights up! :D

Study : Animal

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Giraffe

Studying animals & pencil strokes.

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Referred from :
Number 300.
Animals. Copyright-free illustrations of Mammals, Birds, Fish, Insects, etc.
A Pictorial Archive from 19th-Century Sources Selected by Jim Harter.
*my mom's really old book that kept thousands of awesome illustrations.

Work Related : Petronas Pitstop Mobile App

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At last, after almost a year of development, the mobile application is ready! I was super excited at the launching held by Petronas at The Apartment, KLCC last Monday *even though I can guarantee you I looked super bored - due to my failure in mixing around with the crowds. 

Our team, managed to pull it out along with Petronas Coffee Break campaign as well! Congratulation all! :D This is my first time in the full development of a project and it was such a good experience. 

*Now I can brag to people - like my uninterested sisters and mom. Hmph >.<

For iPhone user, you can download it here, for free. I don't see much use for iPod user like me, because we iPod users depend on constant WiFi connection :p But you can install it just fine, I use it to check on latest promotions and contests by Petronas.

I should really have a huge painting of a city when I have my own house in the future.

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The Crowds!

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Ahh!

I love the fact that I'm involved.

Silently excited. or did I sounded like I am bragging? Sorry. *whisper.

My Path.

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I've been interviewed for a local paper yesterday! Since I've started doodling, I've made a list of what I want to achieve in 2 years time. Those are : TV, magazine, newspaper, online features and exhibition. I've managed to achieve everything in estimated time, and it felt so good :) 

I still can remember what one of my teacher said to me the last time I went back to school. How she looked down at me, for choosing my path. 

I'm doing good now. 

I know that I shouldn't do something to prove it to people, but here goes my colourful life since I chose my path. Isn't this something I should be proud of?  Doors keep opening, experiences keep coming and I'm growing just fine. 

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Stop letting people kill your dreams.

Take your steps and embrace it.

:)

Random Thoughts.

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I've been collecting little pencil-stroked illustrations of random items. Many set of teapots, stationaries, foods, animals, shoes, toys and such. Several notepads, scrap papers, and sketch books. Now I'm recollecting it in one proper book. A little memory of incidents, places I went to, things that I saw, things that I love. * But still, too lazy to share with the world.

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I've been dreaming a lot lately, it's hard to focus. I keep on having some short clips of events that never happened before. Like snippets of nice memories replaying in front of you randomly, but this is a collection of hopes and dreams that have not occurred to me. 

Life in the past life? 

Hopes for the future?

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I've been reading a lot of motivational books lately *3 books in 2 weeks can be considered as "a lot". They mentioned the same thing :

Pursue your passion, take the risk. Life is too short to be wasted on things that is not important to you.

What if you need to sacrifice bigger thing in life if you choose to follow your dream?

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I need a mind rest and a soul searching expedition.

*and I've been thinking about this for the past 5 years.

Little Things 9 : Book vs Facebook

I found an interesting paragraph while reading The Monk Who Sold His Ferrari :

The word I'm speaking of is passion, and it is a word you must constantly keep at the forefront of your mind as you follow your mission and attain your goals. A burning sense of passion is the most potent fuel for your dreams. Here, in our society we have lost our passion. We do not do things because we love to do them. We do things because we feel we have to do them. This is a formula for misery. And I am not speaking of romantic passion, although this is another ingredient for a successful, inspired existence. What I am talking about is a passion for life. Reclaim the joy of waking up every morning, full with energy and exhilaration. Breathe the fire of passion into all that you do. You will quickly reap great materials, as well as spiritual, rewards.

From tonight onwards, take complete control of your life. Decide, once and for all, to be the master of your fate. Run your own race. Discover your calling and you will start to experience the ecstasy of an inspired life. Finally, always remember that what lies behind you and what lies in front of you is nothing when compared to what lies within you. 

My sister was sitting next to me while I was reading this. I asked her to read it, because I found it interesting. But she said :

Ala, I'm so lazy. Can't you just post it in your facebook status? I'll read it there.

There goes the future extinction of books. 

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Resting.

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I'm resting to focus on personal projects this year!
:D

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Little Things 8 : Moleskine

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Despite their overpriced price tags, I still feel closest to what Moleskine offers to the world. Their sleek, ubercool, simple and sophisticated look. *what an annoying taste I have. I have never really use their products, because I know I'll waste it for sure - having to commit to one sketch book until the last page is quite challenging. I received one Moleskine watercolor sketchbook from my blog friend as a gift and I still keep it nicely in my drawer. 

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Now I know what to buy if I am super rich!

I'm no Coach or LV kind of girl.

A nerd is still a nerd at heart.

❤

Little Things 7 : Stickers

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Last weekend, I went to Scrap & Crop to restock my stickers for my travelogue. *it's getting thicker! If you have never been to Scrap & Crop, well, you are missing something in life! Aha. I splurged my money on more stickers, because I was angry with myself! * For not being able to spend my money on anything.

Although I can do all these items myself, it's hard to not buy anything in there. Thousands of colours and textures and papers and crafty materials. But Scrap and Crop is only for my private amusement ❤

The last time I went to Singapore, I went to one of the coolest crafty shop called Paper Market. And boy that was crazy. I'm not very much of a crafter, that's obviously my sister's specialties, but I do love them to the bits.

Imagine going to such places with so many colours!

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Little Things 6 : Passing 60 cents

I arrived at Setiawangsa LRT station last night. My handphone was out of battery. I went to several public phones hoping for a single phone call to my sister, saying that I've arrived there. Wondering how 60 cents can survive a mobile phone calls. But unfortunately not even one phone can be used. I was sweating, worried. I've never been there before.

I walked to the only kiosk at the station and asked the lady in the kiosk;

" Can I use your phone? My phone's battery went down "

Dialed my sister's number and informed her.

Said thanks to her and offered her 60 cents, my only shillings in my hand. 

*I've used 6 cents to call my sister using that phone.

She refused and only smiled to me.

Oh thank you so much young lady.

You helped me a lot. 

I walked fast to the bus stop to find my sister. I saw an old lady selling tissues. 

Take my only 60 cents in hand, dear old woman.

It's not much, I know.

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Lesson 3 : Search for Happiness

< Continuation from previous post >

I'm currently reading Hector and the Search for Happiness by Francois Lelord.

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Taken points from his book, I'm going to share his findings :

Lesson 3 :

Many people see happiness only in their future.

This is a lesson I need to learn. I always, always, always, think I can be happy when I achieve my dreams, so I am working hard for my future. Instead of living in my current life, I am working for my cloudy future. 

Well almost everyone does that, aren't we all? We spend of daily life, weekly life, monthly life, yearly life, to have a better future. Money for marriage, money for new house, new car, future children, their education, travel expenses, more entertainments, etc. You drag your feet every day to work, doing jobs that you are not even interested in. For things you want in the future.

I guess putting my happiness in future Paris was a mistake. I should live my life, today. Not tomorrow, not the week after, not in next June. 

*So, I should pack my bag and go to Paris exactly right now! 

Aha. I wish I have the guts to be that reckless.

*Back to work*

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Lesson 2 : Search for Happiness

< Continuation from previous post >

I'm currently reading Hector and the Search for Happiness by Francois Lelord.

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Taken points from his book, I'm going to share his findings :

Lesson 2 :

Happiness often comes when least expected

People love surprises. I used to think that I dislike surprises, because I've never really experience it so I chose to assume it doesn't feel that good. But it feels reaaaaally good, I can assure you.

Imagine, you walk in a store for window shopping like you normally do, and then someone drag you to the counter and say : " Congratulation, you are our 100th visitor for today, you will receive a RM 100 voucher to spend on anything in the store. Have fun! ". *That is the most random thing I can possibly think of right now, and it is super cliche'. But there you, a possibility of having something unexpected. It can lighten up your day!

When we are least expecting something to happen, and it happened, "Boom!", adrenaline flows fast, your heart races, you will blush/laugh/smile/cry, those are the FUN part.

PS : But gimmick, for me, is a mood spoiler. I hate gimmicks.

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Lesson 1 : Search for Happiness

It's still new year and I'm aiming for 25 books to read by the end of 2012. I'm putting reading slot for my daily routine, in hope of giving some chances to reading once again - no matter how occupied I am with works. 

I just finished reading Jodi Picoult's - Sing You Home last night, after keeping those last 2 chapters for a month. Now, I'm currently reading Hector and the Search for Happiness by Francois Lelord.

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Taken points from his book, I'm going to share his findings :

Lesson 1 :

Making comparisons can spoil your happiness.

I think it's obvious, when we keep on comparing our lives with others, our achievements, money, fame, houses, phones, cars, and all those things - we will feel less fortunate in life. Sometimes it is hard to remember that we have to be thankful all the time. And comparing yourself with others will only make us feel bad. 

Creating happiness should be personal. You don't have to share it with others if you don't feel like it. Because it's different and subjective for each people. It can't be measured. So, stop comparing. 

If you feel happy living in a small flat being surrounded by all your action figures and comics, don't let anyone else make you feel bad about it. It's your way of being happy.

If you feel happy spending hours every night watching Korean dramas, then it's okay.

If you feel happy learning foreign language without any specific reason other than improving your knowledge on languages, then be it! 

Ignore those people that say : you are not living your life. As long as you are happy, then that's good enough. Don't spoil it by comparing it with anyone else.

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Random: Difficulty with Constant Reasoning.

Choosing a mobile phone has always been a difficult task for me since my early encounter with it. My mom usually pick one for me *easy way out. I've never been obsessed with mobile phone, nor I have any liking towards it.

I hardly pick up the phone when people call or reply to text messages, I usually left my phone on the table or in my room. Our relationship has been mutual. I use it when it is needed. *This has been a great issue between my friends, family and me. 

So when my 4 years old phone is starting to break down, I know it's time to change.  There is only one phone that I've been eyeing, and I admit, I've been lured to the sophisticated look & feel of  current smart phone : iPhone in particular. I hate to say this but, Samsung is a master of copycat and I don't want to get into the argument of who start it first. *I'm in love with Apple, no argument needed for this part.

But smart phones are overly expensive and my liking towards phone isn't as great as my liking towards cameras *that explains my Lumix LX3 & previous Nikon d40. I didn't even think twice when I've decided to buy those cameras. Hmph. 

Usually I work hard to buy things that I love *not being pampered by parents' money. But this time, it is so hard to buy it, even though I love it to the bits! I keep on doing reasoning over and over again. It's either iPhone or cheap normal phone that can be used only to communicate. No other smart phones or other fancy phones in my list.

So how? 

Cheap basic phone vs iPhone.

PS :

I did pros & cons list. But the problem is, when I like something, it will be glued strongly in my mind. Because I hardly like any particular things, so the tendency to own something that I like is quite strong.

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Update :
I bought a Sony Ericsson mobile phone.
Smarter choice, without a smart phone.

Super Update :
I bought an iPhone anyway and gave the Sony Ericsson to my younger sister.
No, I'm not smarter in any way.

Walk & Eat

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I've been wanting to go to the Tokyo Street in Pavilion since I followed Wind Koh's Instagram :D The Pavilion is not really my type of place. The bookstore is super small. There are various of branded stores, yes, I know, but I am not really into branded stuffs, so there's no point. I love Tokyo Street but I think it is too small. Been imagining bigger and longer street >.<

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We had some donuts for teatime :

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And tasted some Mochi!

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Awan.5

I have no idea how old Awan is.

I've lost count. It's over 5 months, if I'm not mistaken.

Last 2 weekends, Awan managed to yank out one of my Mac keyboard's button *the arrow to the right. And for 3 days, I've been searching vigorously. I didn't scold Awan. I know it was such an innocent act *can't imagine how I would react if my siblings were the one that did that, haa.. 

But I was sulking with Awan, yes. 

After those 3 days of searching, I picked up my mechanical pencil in my pencil case, and there you go : little arrow to the right. So safe and sound. Hmph.

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Last night, my mom complained to me. Awan ate my mom's dinner on the kitchen table while she was in her room. Hu. I brought back Prosperity Burger *her current favorite to replace it. I guess Awan was super hungry because we went home late and that was my mistake. Awan is supposed to be under my supervision. My responsibility. 

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Hu.

Tough up Reen! 

Awan, overly pampered :

What I use to Doodle?

Hello,

As most people would like to know what I use to doodle, I made this post for you.

I spent hundreds for my stationaries over these 2 years *for fun, experimentation and works.

Reminder : 

This post is done to share my liking towards certain kind of product. You need to remember that everyone has different taste and you should explore that in you. This is not an important fact to know before you doodle because you don't need to have certain kind of pen or certain kind of paper exactly the same as I mentioned. Doodling is supposed to be simple and personal :)

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1. Artlines 

Usually on paper, I prefer to use Unipin Fine Line. Got several types of size : 0.1- 0.8

Personally I use 0.2, 0.5 and 0.8 because I don't find reasons to use all the sizes in one go.

2. Permanent Marker.

On surface other than paper, I prefer to use Faber Castell permanent marker size S & M.

I've used so many types of permanent marker before, and I think I love this the most. 

I also use Staedler lumocolor on shrink plastic, but I think it is quite hard to find one at art store.

I personally avoid using Sharpie, except on plastic board.

And white board marker on paper is the big NO-NO because over years, it will start to turn brownish. Also, cheap permanent marker also does that. 

3. Mechanical Pencil.

I don't use traditional wooden pencil because the tendency to smear is high and I don't like it when it happens. Been using Pilot for long but some months ago I started to use Pentel because of it is much slimmer. The lead is for sure, Buncho *the best & cheapest of all. 

4. Paint Marker

Oh, I love the color effect of paint marker, but it is so hard to maintain the liquidity. The small sized paint marker tends to clog so often, it's annoying. The big sized paint marker also gives the same effect, you just need to use it frequently I guess.

Personal favorite brand? None.

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Hurrah!

Reply in the post if you have any other questions :D

Time

Do you have this sudden realization that your time is not enough and limited and you feel like running  as fast as you can or decide on things that you've been planning for long? 

25 is the mark that I've set in my mind and all these plans start to make me feel anxious. I do hope to live another 25 years or maybe until I can see my future children grow independently in front of me. With God's will. 

Time only matters to people who appreciates it.

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First week of 2012 : Doodle

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Hello,

How was your first week of 2012?

I have started a new painting on the same theme :

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Video : How to Start Doodling

Hello,

Haven't post any videos for ages.

Here I'm sharing with you some basic things before I start doodling :

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Back to basic!

Doodling is simple, and what materials you use is not so important.

:)

Little Story : Our birthday.

We celebrated our birthday (*my sister & I) last night at Seoul Garden, IOI Mall. That was my first encounter with unlimited amount of seafood and I was super excited. But I guess I ate a bit too much and felt bloated afterwards. I put up 1.5kg in several hours, so believe me when I said I ate a LOT last night :D

Thousand thanks to my family for putting up such efforts to make us feel happy. And thousand more to those who remembered and wished me, and those little gifts are appreciated dearly ❤

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Loving & supportive family ❤

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Lesson in my Life : 2

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18 years ago, I was 7 years old. 

On my first day of school, I kissed my dad's hand and he left me with my older sister. She held my hand and brought me to my class. She asked me to find a place to sit and left me alone almost instantly. No tears, no whines. 

If you cry, you are weak.

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Music Video : 2

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Ah, I'm guilty for putting a music video on my blog again. But I don't know where to share my excitement when I found a diamond in the rough. One of my weekly excitement is finding a new artist/band that is not commercialized by the local media. I love to find them in the midst of technology and normally I wouldn't share it with the world *because I found it first! lol.

Irma :

23 years old Cameroonian girl living in France.

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Another Doodle Collection.

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I'll be selling these someday soon.

Preparing for massive exhibition!

These are some of my doodle collection :

Picture taken by iPod with filter, hence the quality.

Oh, currently my stock for shrink plastic is null.

So, I can't accept orders yet for a time being.

Be patient ya.

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Cranky on New Year

While munching sugary stuffs I bought from a convenient store near our lab,  I can't stop to ponder on things that happened last year. Yes, it is a new year, 3 days passed already, running so rapidly leaving us by seconds. On new year's eve I spent my day like any other day, I can't even remember celebrating the arrival of a new year before so it wasn't a big deal. I guess it seems like another day human creates to put a mark on the cycle of time. 

Hence, I should't ignore the fact that it's my 25th birthday and I'm still counting even though I didn't really accept the concept of putting a mark on a cycle as I just said. 

Some lousy little things keep on hitting me for 3 days in a row and I'm starting to get grumpy. Well hello life, it's new year, can't you just leave me alone? 

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What's with being cranky on my birthday?

:(

Cliche Post : 2012

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My desk :

I'm working on having my own space, someday soon.

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My new year started pretty bad :(

I keep on getting these bad vibes all over.

I hope it lasts just for a few days.

And I need your support, everyone.

PS : I'm officially 25 today.

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