a fleeting stay ...

June is the month for weddings and invitations in my letter box prove this. The popularity of June weddings is a global phenomenon. According to Lesley-Ann Graham, author of WeddingTrix.com, June weddings trace their roots to ancient Rome "when couples would marry in June in observance of Juno, the goddess of marriage". It was thought that the goddess would give her blessing to each married pair. But there are also "practical reasons for getting married in June" such as nice weather and school breaks. June weddings are also fashionable in Malaysia where schools take a short break in June and the half-term holiday allows Malaysian parents to plan for their older children's weddings with a lot less hassle than holding them during non-vacation time. Wedding invitations inundated my mail box this month but I could only attend one. Most painfully, I could not be present at Koh Soo Ling's wedding reception. Soo Ling, if you recall, writes for New Sunda...

I am thrilled to be back in Kuching, Sarawak. Journalist Jehan Mohd and I are in the city to cover the RHB New Straits Times Spell-It-Right Challenge over the next few days. The last time I visited the city was in 2008, also to report on the spelling contest with Jehan. This family of cats, a symbol of the city, looks cosy together. I decided to join other visitors in taking a picture of these animals.

I will not be able to attend my friend's wedding because I will be in Kuching, Sarawak on the day of the reception. When duty calls, ... That is so sad. I will make it up to you Koh Soo Ling, who is pictured here with husband Michael Howard. Soo Ling has found happiness with a wonderful Irish man who loves her with an intensity that makes her heart flutter. She will begin a new life in Ireland and the prospect of living in the countryside fills her with excitement. She will love her man, take care of him, cook and bake for him, take part in community life and write, write and write.  Yes, Soo Ling will continue to write for New Sunday Times and she promises to share her activities with readers in Malaysia. Theirs is not a whirlwind romance. They started as pen pals, two teenagers who were eager to learn about foreign cultures. Pen pal relationships are so mysterious. Some write to their friends abroad for only a short time; others continue to swap letters and gifts in their ...

Cakes are a must at social gatherings and this yellow delight is a delicious creation of sponge, cream and hazelnut. Places where European influence is strong have always been the hub of cakes. Malaysia is no exception and western-style cakes have been adopted and adapted on a grand scale. The world's first cake traces its history back to ancient Egypt.    Cakes are regarded as treats and party planners recognise their ceremonial importance at social events. This cake was served at a recent gathering, which was held on the eve of Father's Day, to celebrate my brother's graduation day. This leftover chunk is so tempting. Who should have it? It seems only fair that the host, my sister, should keep it. This is a really great cake. Thanks are due to the party sponsors -- Elene and Achid. Many are treating their dads to lunch today. Others are spending time with their fathers in search of that special bonding session. Yet others are holding prayer gatherings to...