Crochet: Amigurumi: Sleepyhead 2

It has been a really long while since I last did a Amigurumi. So, it comes as no surprise that I have forgotten the little details here and there, including how to start off with the usual Magic Ring. The good thing is, there are plenty of YouTube videos out there to aid me in my quest.

It is good to know that while my memory fails me for the time being, my muscle memory did not. I get the hang of it pretty soon, and after a few days, Sleepyhead 2 is created. This Sleepyhead is made with the intention to be given away as a Christmas present next month. Personally, I think it makes a great gift !

Same as the last Sleepyhead, I crochet by following the free pattern from this website. This time however, I made some small changes to suit my preference - I added more rows to the hat as I feel the original design makes the hat a tad too short.

Review: Journey to the Centre of the Earth by Jules Verne

4 stars for Journey to the Centre of the Earth by Jules Verne.

I have always wanted to read this book. Over the years, I have added quite a few books of this title to my physical literary collection. Though I have not read all of them (this book being the first, and hence no comparison there), I dare say with confidence that this book, the complete and unabridged - authentic translation - version published by Macmillan Collector's Library is the best. And a joy to read.

"Journey to the Centre of the Earth" is a science-fiction novel written by Jules Verne during the late 19th century. The story follows Professor Otto Liedenbrock, a passionate and somewhat irascible scientist, who discovers an ancient cryptogram that hints at a journey to the centre of the Earth. Liedenbrock's excitement drives him to decipher its contents.

The opening portion introduces the dynamic relationship between Liedenbrock and his nephew, Axel, as they prepare for an extraordinary expedition. Despite Axel's skepticism about the feasibility of such a journey and his growing trepidation, he is drawn albeit reluctantly into his uncle's fervent ambition. Together, the two embark on a bold and perilous adventure filled with scientific inquiry and exploration. The narrative - in first person, that of Axel's - captures their preparations and the mounting tension as they head towards Iceland, where their adventure will truly begin, setting the stage for the unknowns and challenges that lie ahead.

This is an amazing story about a journey into the interior of the Earth, more specifically, a trip into the depths of one of Iceland's many volcanoes. As such, there are many references to Iceland in the book, such as the detailed geographical layout of Iceland, the beauty of the Icelandic language, the thirst for knowledge of the Icelandic people, the significant cultural and ecological importance of eider ducks (known for their unique relationship with local farmers and the prized eiderdown they produce), the rune alphabet, the midnight sun, and so on.

While there is no evidence that author Jules Vern ever actually visited the country, his book showed that he has researched Iceland extensively given his deep understanding of this Nordic island country. This book provides insight not only on geology but mineralogy, palaeontology and prehistoric life forms as well. The novel showcase author Vern's innovative storytelling and exploration of new worlds, making it a brilliant addition to his literary universe.

Because of this story, I get curious on whether it is actually possible to go inside a volcano, a dormant one of course. My returns on Google search prove that it is indeed possible - yes, you can go inside certain dormant volcanoes, such as Þríhnúkagígur in Iceland and Algar do Carvao in the Azores, through guided tours that ensure safety and accessibility. Þríhnúkagígur is the only volcano in the world where visitors can descend into its magma chamber. This dormant volcano has not erupted in over 4,000 years, making it safe for exploration.

On further reading, I came across this blog by Malorie Mackey where she shares her experience inside the Earth, to be precise, inside a volcano and of descending into Þríhnúkagígur. If you are as curious as me after reading "Journey to the Centre of the Earth", I will highly recommend reading this blog post for better insights - Venturing Inside the Volcano: Þríhnúkagígur, Iceland’s Dormant Volcano.

Review: The Most Important Thing for People is to be Happy by Zhang Jia Wei |《人嘛，最重要的就是开心》张佳玮著

4 stars for 《人嘛，最重要的就是开心》张佳玮著.

Since there is no English title provided for this Chinese book, for purpose of book review, I shall title it "The Most Important Thing for People is to be Happy".

The title "The Most Important Thing for People is to be Happy" |《人嘛，最重要的就是开心》reads like a casual, everyday phrase, yet it serves as a gentle reminder to everyone living under modern stress.

This book avoids complex theories or preachy advice. Instead it explores the nature of happiness in a relatable, heartfelt and human way. It does not teach you how to succeed in life, but rather, how to find contentment in the small details of daily life.

The writing style is lighthearted and humorous at times, with a small dose of self-belittling, making it down-to-earth and easy to read. The author uses slice-of-life stories to share his own experiences, telling readers that life's imperfections and setbacks are normal, and so, there is no need to be overly demanding of ourselves.

If you are looking for a book that can help you to relax and offer spiritual comfort, this is a great choice. It encourages one to let go of anxiety, embrace the present moment and remember that no matter what happens, maintaining a simple sense of happiness is the most important thing in life.

Crochet: Shawl: Classical Attitude Shawl (Rainbow)

This shawl is completed. Finally! Completed and given away, all done on the same day.

I cannot remember when I started on this crochet project. It could have been Year 2023. Or was it Year 2024? It is easy to lose track of time these days. What I do remember was that I started this project with the intention of gifting it to a Shanghai colleague-friend. At less than halfway through, I somehow hit a road block - at the colour between purple and green - and found myself struggling with each stitch. I put a stop to my miserable by placing the project on hold, and tell myself that I will pick it up and continue with it again when I am ready.

Late August this year, I suddenly decided on a whim that I want to visit Shanghai. I bought air tickets and hotel accommodation for two weeks later. That done, I suddenly found myself very motivated to continue with crocheting this shawl. I put all my energy and poured whatever little pockets of time available here and there into this project. My biggest worry was I couldn't complete it in time for my meet-up with this Shanghai colleague-friend. In the end, all's well that ends well. I made the last stitch in this rainbow shawl and fastened off in the early hours of 15 Sep 2025, just in time for my 11am meeting with my Shanghai colleague-friend on the very same day.

Crocheting a shawl is both fulfilling and rewarding. Not only do I get to enjoy the peace and meditative effect of the process, I get to hold in my hands a beautiful pieace of practical end product which I can choose to keep for myself or make for a memorable gift to a choice recipient.

This Classical Attitude Shawl is a work of art - simple yet elegant. It is brilliantly created by Hobbii and available for free download at their website Classical Attitude shawl. The pattern is designed to provide both familiarity and variety to keep the person working on it relaxed and entertained at the same time. If you are looking to crochet a shawl with a meditative stitch pattern but one that is not so repetitive as to be boring, this is the one for you.

Review: Before We Forget Kindness (Before the Coffee Gets Cold #5) by Toshikazu Kawaguchi

4 stars for Before We Forget Kindness (Before the Coffee Gets Cold book 5) by Toshikazu Kawaguchi.

This post is long overdue. I know I should have posted it months ago but somehow or other, I am unable to find the time to sit down, write my review and publish it.

This book is the reason I re-read the entire instalment of Before the Coffee Gets Cold series. I was told this book 5 is awesome and the best of all. But I have forgotten most of the characters and their stories. So I made the decision to re-read all the books to refresh my memory before coming to this latest book.

Despite this being the fifth book in the series, the author still manages to throw in surprises surrounding the magical Tokyo cafe and the chair that can bring one back to the past or to the future. This book focuses on four new stories, each with its own poignant tale of love, regret and the desire for connection.

Same as the earlier books, the novel follows a similar structure: a new cast of characters, each with their own reason for visiting the cafe and its unique time-travelling rules. While the formula might feel repetitive to some, it is this consistent, gentle rhythm that provides a sense of familiarity and warmth.

The strength of this book lies in its heartfelt exploration of the human state of mind. Author Kawaguchi masterfully weaves stories that, despite being about time travel, are really about the present. The central theme is that even though we cannot change the past, we can find peace and closure by understanding it and showing kindness to those we care about. This instalment, in particular, leans into the idea of kindness as the primary motivation for time travel, making for some truly touching moments.

If you are already a fan of the series, Before We Forget Kindness is a great read that delivers the same mix of bittersweet emotion and quiet wisdom we have come to expect. For new readers, I will recommend to start the series from book 1 Before the Coffee Gets Cold. Book 1 is still the one I like most. It leaves me with tears and a full heart even as I read it a second and third time.

Review: Before We Say Goodbye (Before the Coffee Gets Cold #4) by Toshikazu Kawaguchi

4 stars for Before We Say Goodbye (Before the Coffee Gets Cold book 4) by Toshikazu Kawaguchi.

I have learnt my lesson well from past experience with this series. So, this time, I specially make time to continue on with book 4, no matter what.

Same with the earlier books and stories, book 4 Before We Say Goodbye is a heartwarming and introspective novel that explores the complexities of human relationships, love, loss and memory. The characters are well-developed and relatable, making it easy to become invested in their stories. With beautifully crafted characters, and poignant storytelling, the book delves into the depths of human emotions, leaving readers with a lasting impression.

This series is a powerful exploration of the human experience. A must-read for those who appreciate emotional, character-driven stories.

If you can go back in time, who would you want to meet?

Review: Before Your Memory Fades (Before the Coffee Gets Cold #3) by Toshikazu Kawaguchi |《Reread》

4 stars for Before Your Memory Fades (Before the Coffee Gets Cold book 3) by Toshikazu Kawaguchi |《Reread》.

I like that there is this "relationship map of characters" provided at the start of the book. This greatly helps readers to recall and associate those customers who time travel in the cafe. It is also through this map of characters that I realise I no longer remember any of the stories and characters in this book 3 save for Kei who, in book 1, travel to the future to meet her unborn daughter, Miki.

By now, I start to notice a trend, that is, most if not all of the time-travelling cases back to the past or to the future, are related to deaths, and they mostly revolve around being happy for the sake of those loved ones who continue to live on, empowered by hope and the power to believe in the future.

Of all the rules regarding the time-travelling, one that sticks clearly with me is that while in the past or future, you cannot change the present, no matter how hard you try. With this rule, it actually defeats the purpose of going back to the past to right a wrong. Because nothing changes. However, some things can change, and do change, even if the present reality doesn't. That is the beauty of this series and how the author crafts each individual story (four in each book) based on this core concept. Well, after all, what can possibly change is one's mindset and perspectives which is even more important and priceless.

If you can go back in time, who would you want to meet?

Review: Tales from the Cafe (Before the Coffee Gets Cold #2) by Toshikazu Kawaguchi |《Reread》

5 stars for Tales from the Cafe (Before the Coffee Gets Cold book 2) by Toshikazu Kawaguchi |《Reread》.

After reading this book a second time, I decide to change my rating for this book from previous 4-star rating to a 5.

I have no idea why I didn't feel it the last time I read this book, but perhaps the level and depth I felt then was different. Reading this book again now, I am very much touched by the second and third story; they are sad yet heartwarming at the same time. Also, I feel that the last story is brilliantly crafted. Through a newly introduced character, detective Kiyoshi, the author manages to do an excellent summary of the people who have travelled back in time. To quote "...over the last thirty years, forty-one people have sat in that chair and travelled back in time. They each had their own reasons for doing so, to meet a lover, a husband, a daughter and so forth, but of those forty-one people, four returned to the past to meet someone who had died. There were two last year, one seven years ago, and then there was your mother twenty-two years ago... four people." Through detective Kiyoshi, readers are reminded once again of the stories of key characters who have returned to the past even after knowing that it is not possible to change the present no matter how hard they try while in the past.

Whether a person chooses to go back in time to visit a family member or a good friend, or visit someone in the future in this cafe, time-travelling to right a wrong does not mean having to change the present, which in any case, the rule does not allow the present to be changed, but even so, without changing the present, it does make a difference to see that someone again. There is always something to learn from the people who have gone back. Regardless of their reasons for returning to the past, there is one thing common among these people - they found inner peace upon their return from the time travel.

Once again, after reading this book, all I want to do is to find one such time-travelling cafe and be a regular there. Why is it that this kind of cafe only exist in books and not in real life?

What will you do if you are given the chance to return to the past?
Who will you want to meet?