Musings

Grace Tan In Family + Children Portraits, Life, Musings, Portraits, Relationships

My First Mother’s Day!

What a thrill it is to celebrate my first Mother’s Day! I know now what it feels like to have a child of my own. Everyday, I give thanks to God for this little miracle of life that He has given to me. Everything about Krysta seems perfect to me… from her amazing hairdo that everyone talks about to her cute pudgy little legs… she is priceless. Deep down, I know that I’ll be willing to sacrifice anything for my little girl. Before I became a mum, I used to think that most mothers can be a little ‘overbearing’ and obsessed when it comes to their kids.

But now that I am one…

Yes, I have a confession to make. I am now an overbearing and obsessed mum! Especially when it comes to recording moments of her life as she grows. And wow, they grow so quickly! Tomorrow, Krysta turns 5 months old and I look forward to many more years as her mum. I hope I can be the kind of mum that she thinks is cool to hang out with, and one that she can share everything with.

Krysta, I love you to bits. Just cuddling you in my arms as you lay your head to rest makes me feel all warm and fuzzy inside. Let’s go through life’s many adventures together with your dad, and future siblings! There’s so much of the world to see!

xoxo,
Mum

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*Krysta as a newborn – photo by Asther Lau

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* Krysta as a 4 month old. By the way, I realize I have a new skill now as a mum-photographer – I can juggle from looking at the camera’s viewfinder, to giving eye contact over the lens!

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Grace Tan In Family + Children Portraits, International, Life, Musings, Portraits

A better future for Malaysians

It’s a historical day for all Malaysians. People, young and old, all over Malaysia head to the polling stations to cast their vote for the 13th Malaysian General Election. Years ago, after I graduated from my studies in Australia, I had to make a choice… to head back home or stay on to work in Australia. Somehow, deep down, I’ve always felt that Malaysia was home. It wasn’t a difficult decision to make. Right now, I truly believe that unless God calls me elsewhere, this is my home.

Despite all the negative things people say about this country, I still have hope. In God I trust. Our future lies in His hands.

My prayer is that our country will rise up to its fullest potential and that my children will have a positive future to look forward to. To all my fellow Malaysians, thank you for caring. You are making a difference.

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* My 4.5 month old daughter Krysta and I vote for a better Malaysia! *

Updated: 6th May 2013

Many Malaysians are mourning, upset and angry over the results of the elections. Change may not have come the way we expected. But as individuals living in Malaysia, let’s do our part in making Malaysia a better place to live in by living a life that is ethical, peaceful, treating everyone with respect. If you want to see change happen in this country, we have to each play our part to make a difference. No matter how small. Let’s not give up.

This blog is dedicated to celebrating life – new relationships as husband and wife, parents with their newborns, grandparents with their children and grandchildren… life carries on. It is my desire that the images we create here gives everyone hope that there is a future for the next generation. Remain positive. Remain hopeful.

Diane In Musings, Tips + Ideas

Reusing old film strips

Relocating is such a difficult thing to do, for me at least. Not so much logistical hassle, but emotional. Leaving somewhere I know oh-so-well to another feels like I am leaving a big part of my life behind.

But that’s not what I want to talk about today.

You see, while packing for the move, I discovered a paper bag filled with old camera film strips my father has kept over the years. My mother was about to throw them all away, but being the sentimental person that I am, I knew I had to find a way to save it, for old memory’s sake.

So I’ve decided to use it to make a simple film decoupage. :)

If you are as sentimental as me, or if your hands are just itching to do something crafty, here’s something you can do too!

Grace Tan In Life, Musings, Relationships

A Perfectly Ordinary Day

Every now and then, something comes into your life and causes you to think a little. It causes you to pause, to reflect and to appreciate. Life. People. Simple things. Huge things. Ordinary things.

I recently stumbled upon this video on Facebook and it was thought provoking, wonderful, sad and yet true. Though it’s slightly long, I do encourage you to watch the entire duration.

Just as Katrina Kenison says, the most wonderful gift we have and the one we need to cherish, is the gift of those perfectly ordinary days. Today, as I hold my almost 4-month-old daughter Krysta in my arms, I am learning to cherish. The smile on her face as I sing to her the same song for the 40th time. Just riding in the car with my husband to church, having a conversation about everything and yet nothing.

Enjoying a swiss roll with my sister in her backyard, while feeling the cool evening breeze on my skin. Hearing my mum sing the Kookaburra song to my daughter and laughing as Krysta responds to the song.

Yup, it’s one of those ordinary days. What a beautiful day it is.

* Grace and Krysta (iPhone pic)

Grace Tan In For Photographers, Musings, Running a Business, Tips + Ideas

Our First Wedding Fair at Westin, KL

Last Sunday, almost our entire Stories family trooped over to the Westin, KL for their Capturing Memories Fair. It was the very first bridal fair that we’ve ever participated in. To make it more exciting, 15 other photographers were featured at the same fair. Since the industry is pretty small, it was really nice to meet old friends again and to just catch up between talking to potential clients who visited us that day.

We decided prior to the fair, to go all out for it…meaning, we would cart furniture and decorations from our studio to The Westin for the event. We had heaps of fun doing up our little space, and it certainly attracted a lot of attention from the couples! Here are some photos of our little booth that day.