I’ve been ill just a few days back. So ill that the doctor decided to admit me into the hospital ward for treatment & observation. While I was in pain & misery early that morning, only 2 major thoughts came to mind. Haley & my clients. Boy oh Boy, was I in a mess! Who’s going to take care of them if I’m like this?

Honestly, I was partially afraid for my life that day. My heart was beating so hard so fast, that doctors were worried about my thyroid situation. I was praying so hard that I do not get a heart attack that day. It was so scary… an event which has left me lots to ponder about… again.

This year has me struggling in keeping a balance between my personal life & my business. I was at the verge of burning out. I was working so hard to achieve so many goals, that I forgot to take a step back & give enough time to myself. Every time I wanted to do that, I started feeling guilty about it. I started telling myself the “Me Time” can wait. Lots more important stuffs need to be done first. And thus, I got caught into a whirlpool of family responsibilities, making sure every one is happy, making sure our monthly income is flowing in steadily, chasing after deadlines & deadlines of editing, and endless other things. I forgot about ME. And that affected my creative self, my self esteem, my happy self. I let a certain people bully me & take advantage of me. And that almost killed my passion & my business.

Lucky thing is that I realized about it before it’s too late. I decided to take a real break. I took the courage to have my first solo trip away from home. The wonderful times with my dear friends Laura & Pau Ling are still fresh in my mind. I got to have some time alone & explore Melbourne all by myself. Don’t get me wrong, I love being in a company of people. Anyone who knows me knows that I’m a social butterfly. But there’s this special good feeling once a while being alone, especially when traveling in a foreign place. I guess I get the chance to think and not think at the same time. It’s just ME time. And it did wonders. I came back refreshed & strong again.

Laura took time off from work & flew down to Brisbane from Sydney to be with me. She took me around town & even brought me back to her beautiful parent's home. This is her goofing around in the house.

Such fun refreshing time in Melbourne with little Meagan. Mummy Pau Ling is one of my besties. I miss our times chit chatting in bed at night about everything under the stars.

During my exploration of Melbourne city, I visited the beautiful St. Patrick's Cathedral where I offered a prayer for my late father. I did some private reflection here to find some peace in my heart & soul. And found them I did.

I made new resolutions that includes more of ME this time. My health is one major issue I need to keep in check. My family is another, especially my relationship with dear hubby who’s been much ‘neglected’ since we both became parents. And I was so caught up in building up this photography business while juggling with motherhood & keeping the household in order that I just didn’t have much time for anything else. But I want to change all that. And change has been happening. Slowly but surely. And so far, I think I’m doing quite okay.

Our own version of Winter Sonata at Nami Island, Korea. Hehehe...

My beautiful Haley... my everything.

All these changes will not have been easy if not for the amazing amount of support I have been getting from my dearest friends & clients. For trying to understand that I need this time to re-prioritize. For understanding that I am a mother, a wife and a daughter as well. Most importantly, I’m a person with feelings & needs too. And for that, I want to thank my current & past clients who have been so supportive to me. Your little words of encouragements, your short sms-es & messages to see how I was doing, your small little gifts of food & little pretty things. All these I treasure close to my heart.

My business have finally grown enough this year to let me afford help & I’m really happy to welcome my dear friend Su as well as a new found friend, Kevin, into ALP’s little family. We aim & hope to make more happy hearts amongst our clients so praying that our team still stay strong & bonded in order to do just that. To make more happy memories & more happy hearts.

This little slideshow is dedicated to our 2011 clients. Thank you for your unconditional supports! Thank you for taking my hands & walk through this beautiful journey of photography with me. Love you!

A remembrance of 2011.

Here’s to a better 2012 for everyone the world around.

xoxo,
Asther

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Here’s a quick flash back of my 2010…

JANUARY:

My photography business had gotten more bookings ever since the launch of this new web-blog. There was a time when I kept praying for the possibility of an enquiry email right before I open my email, and the Lord has answered my prayers ten times over! Thank you, dear Lord! And thank you to YOU whom had taken the time to write in & shown an interest in my photography services.

I had my first ever outstation assignment for portraiture. It was to the beautiful island of Penang to capture Little Ryleigh’s special moments with her family.

My little girl finally got to meet her two cousins from the U.S this year.

Haley with her cousins having some pool fun!

FEBRUARY:

Family photo by my fabulous sister-in-law, the person behind Jennifer Tai Photo Artistry

The Tan’s Family finally got to celebrate the Chinese New Year together as one big family after some 5 long years being apart from each other.

One of my bestest girlfriend finally brought her Greek husband home to Malaysia. They had their marriage blessed in the family church and I got to share those moments with her!

My maternal cousin & an old friend had each found their lifetime partner & tied the knot. Gabriel & Daniel! Hope married life is treating you well.

MARCH:

I finally had my eye-sight corrected with an epi-lasik surgery. I have an almost 20-20 vision now. I still have a small degree of astigmatism on my left eyes. Ah well… At least I don’t need glasses anymore!

Haley & I celebrated our birthdays together with the family at the fabulous Pangkor Laut Resort. We had a blast, thanks to the outstanding services by the resort as well as the friendship extended to us by some of the staffs there.

My baby girl is now a toddler!

APRIL:

The craziness of shooting & editing amidst mommy duties continued. But I am blessed to have made great friends out of my clients. Thank you so much for your friendship, dearest Daphine & Foong Yee!

Three ladies met-up with a mind boggling goal to achieve. Gina & Mei Yoong! Remember our first meet-up for G.O.L?

MAY:

I had my first & ONLY scuba diving trip this year. It was wonderful to be back in the deep blue at Layang-Layang Island! I’m blessed to be able to meet & spend time with my old comrades there. I love you all! Oh! Not forgetting the absolutely gorgeous sunset! I kept counting my lucky stars to be able to document some beautiful moments there. Our Little Haley had a blast exploring the little island & get to know where her mummy used to live & work.

I had my long overdue dentist check-up in Muar this year. It was years since my last check-up and I’m lucky to have a dear friend who owns his own dentistry practice there. It was an adventure for mom, Haley & I, driving down to Muar & back. Thank you for the check-up & lunch, Rick! We did some shopping along our way back to KL. Fresh mussels & la-la! Must make a trip down to Muar again soon.

We finally had our own family moments captured this year. Thank you Zach!

JUNE:

I got to see my little clients from last year & document their little moments again. Little Sophia & Shuen-Shuen have both grown beautifully! It’s always so heart-warming to be able to meet & spend more time with my little clients again.

Justin + Joo Lee = Gabriel & Charmaine

Ras + Carol = Twins Asyraff and Aimar & BabyRose!

God decided it’s time for me to meet with my old old old friends and their families. Justin + Joo Lee and Carol, thank you so much for sharing your precious family moments with me. I’m so sorry we didn’t get to meet up again since your session but I’ll try to have a get-together with you & family again next year.

JULY:

I made a trip back to my hometown Kuching & attended my high-school reunion dinner which turned out to be… well… let’s just say I’m sad cos most of my classmates whom were close to me were not in town, but at the same time I’m really happy to be seeing some of my teachers again. Thank you Eileen & Joanne, for making the night much more interesting & meaningful for me.

I met another childhood friend, Mommy J with her little family during my stay in Kuching. So happy we took the effort to finally meet-up after more than 10 yrs!

It was a crazy month with continuous shooting, traveling, editing & meetings for the Gift of Love Charity Bazaar!

The mommies behind G.O.L

AUGUST:

I made a few more beautiful mommy-friends this month. My job is definitely a blessings! Thank you Iris and Helen, for taking the extra effort to know me as a person and as a friend to you.

I attended the first ever photography conference in Malaysia. Had some good fun with the industry peers and made some good friends along the way too. Thanks WPPM!

SEPTEMBER:

I’d dare say this month had been a month full of newborns!

We had a very short break to Singapore during the Hari Raya Holidays. Met some friends & brought our girl, Haley to the Singapore Zoo for the first time.

Little Haley & Daddy in the Zoo's Tram

Haley's so happy when she saw the flamingoes!

Gift of Love had our first interview with Sin Chew and we enjoyed the session very much. We also had other major newspapers covering our event namely TheStar, China Press & Parenthood Magazine. Our event kicked-off with an unexpected high response, especially at the photo-booth section.

Tropicana City Mall in Malaysia by Kay Bin Kow

We managed to collect more than RM8k from this charity drive. Very very thankful to have a strong support team. Especially when everyone involved was doing it on a volunteer basis. THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU!

OCTOBER:

Another outstation portraiture assignment and this time it’s to Seremban. Thank you Cheryl, for your friendship & the opportunities to document your special moments. I still owe you the photos and will try to get them done for you ASAP.

Tis another month filled with photo sessions, play classes for Haley and final planning for my beloved cousin’s wedding.

One of my best friend from high school came back to Malaysia, bringing her new British husband along to meet her relatives & friends. Wish we could spend more quality time together but it was beautiful to share her happy moments back in Kuching! Congrats Rachel!

NOVEMBER:

This is a bitter sweet month for me!

My closest cousin sister (she’s the sister I never had) finally got married to her beloved. It was an emotional week for all of us.

Another one of my best-ies girlfriend got hitched this month. Congrats Lynette and here’s wishing you a happy life with Leo in the U.S!

I was suffering from knee pain for several months, making it hard for me to walk up & down steps as well as crouch or kneel comfortably. Finally went for an MRI and doctor told me it’ll require an arthroschopy and about 2-3 months to heal. Am still healing after the surgery and I’m praying hard that I’ll be A-Okay before Chinese New Year 2011!

A week before my knee surgery, I lost my footing on my way back to my car after a baby session. My small toe bone was fractured towards the end where it’s attached to the tendon near my ankle. I was on crutches for about 2 weeks. I had to postpone/reschedule my photo sessions but am really lucky to have some very understanding clients. Am currently still limping from both the leg & knee injuries.

My left leg was swollen for weeks!

Despite my injuries, I continued with the Christmas Mini-Session at my home studio and we had some happy fun.

DECEMBER:

The Family & I finally had a chance to spend some quality time together at Pangkor Laut Resort again. It was a trip full of dramas but we’re happy nevertheless.

I decided to take this month a little slower mainly for a few important things.

1. To prepare for Christmas. Shopping for groceries, food preparation, shopping for gifts, cleaning the house, etc.
2. Spend more quality time with my little Haley. She was showing signs of cling-iness and I believe she misses me as I’ve spent so little time since a few months back, burying myself in work mainly.
3. Take some time off for “Me” time. I was at the verge of “burning out” and thanks to my dear friends and family, I was reminded on what are my priorities once again. I was sick a lot this year due to lack of sleep & rest. So, I’m pretty adamant at keeping my stress level down this month and just CHILL. Heck, my body, my soul, my creative mind, ALL needs a rest & positive boost before it all breaks down.
4. My doctors’ appointments for my leg and thyroid. Everything is going on the positive side!

So there… my 2010 filled with so many happenings & dramas and such! I would like to express my deepest gratitude & love to my family, friends and clients for filling up my life this year. I will cherish all the laughters & tears, the knowledge gained & shared, and most importantly the relationships gained & shared together with each & everyone of you. Thank You, Thank You, Thank You!

As for what will be waiting for me & you in 2011, well… let’s just prepare ourselves with all things good and the not so good. Plan your year and try your best to fulfill your dreams. Most importantly, cherish everything around you, cos without them, there is no you.

What will be brewing in ALP’s world? Let’s just say there’s lots in the “I wish” and “I need” lists. And we’re going to try our very best to tick-off each & everything in the lists in 2011. Come and walk along with us in our adventures and dreams.

Here’s wishing you a 2011 filled with more happiness, good health and love!

KISSES & HUGS from me to you. xoxo

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They’ve been dating for almost a decade and this portrait session is their very first experience as a couple. As the sunset lighting is ever so gorgeous on this island, we quickly grab the chance of having a few portrait captured for these two. These moments we captured in less than 20 mins in the vicinity of the dive resort. Hope you like them!

Welcome!

Love that look he gave her! Full of adoration!

This makes me smile!

Can't resist but to get them down low with the wildflowers!

*heart*

They're just so beautiful together!

Thank you Garry & Jane for such a wonderful friendship. Hope we’ll meet again one day and share our scuba diving passion together once more! Take good care of each other!

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Layang-Layang Island has played a huge role in my life. (you can read them here) So, this trip meant a lot to me since my last time there in 2008. Hubby & I had our honeymoon there too. I even had it in my WILL that upon my death, I’d like my ashes to be scattered around the atoll. I was so looking forward to bringing my Little Haley to meet my dear friends & ex-colleagues at the resort.

I was ecstatic to find that the wildflowers & weeds were beautifully thriving on the man-made island. So how can mummy resist! Once again, Little Haley became mummy’s little star during this sunset photo session. Hope you love them as much as I love capturing them. Let me know what you think. Haley’s almost 14-month when these were captured.

Beautiful sun & wildflowers! That's the staff quarters I used to live in while working there as a dive instructor/dive-guide.

Our Little Haley!

Beautiful sun-ray peeping thru the trees.

My TWO DARLINGS!

*heart*

She loves playing with daddy!

... and playing with the "lalangs" or wild weeds too!

Hehehe...

My Baby!

She totally ignored us when we called out for her!

She loves daddy’s Rudy sunglasses!

Putting it on for daddy!

On second thought, she wants it for herself!

*dreaming*

This is the only "family" portrait we had on this trip.

And then we head over to the pool for some fun dipping! This is Haley’s first underwater portrait.

Splash!

Here’s a simple slideshow I’ve compiled for your viewing pleasures.

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Here are a few moments I help documented during Earth Hour at one of their dining location, The Feast Village. We had our bountiful buffet dinner with candle lights that night. Romantic!

Entrance to the restaurant

View from the seaside

View from the hill-side garden

Dining setting before Earth Hour

Amazing architecture!

Dining in almost darkness

Candle-lit environment

Candle holders for table setting

Candles for floor lighting

Here I’d like to quote what Jeff told me that day,

“Our effort may seem small, but it’s the awareness that will spread in hope to encourage environmental conservation effort among us. Especially so the younger generations may still enjoy what we have now.”

while pointing at the beautiful beach scenery in-front of us.

So, let’s strife for a better tomorrow. Every little thing counts!

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"Pregnant & Pretty"

Location: Cheras

When: During Ally’s maternity photo session

Note: One more month to go before her little boy comes!

06.03.2010

Photogenic Little Aisyah

Location: Bukit Gita Bayu Clubhouse

When: During Amin + Shareen’s wedding anniversary photo session

Note: This is their youngest daughter and she’s oh so photogenic just like her beautiful mommy!

07.03.2010

Double Chocolate Fudge Cuppies

Location: Home

When: One fine Sunday morning

Note: Decided to make some chocolate cuppies and they turned out sooo yummy that it’s all gone by the next day!

08.03.2010

Little Joey

Location: Setia Alam

When: During Little Joey’s baby portrait session

Note: Enjoying some bubble fun!

09.03.2010

"Spring!"

Location: Kota Kemuning

When: During a family outing to Kota Kemuning Clubhouse

Note: I’ve been seeing this yellow flowers tree species blossoming EVERYWHERE and they’re oh so pretty!

10.03.2010

"Water Walk!"

Location: Kota Kemuning Clubhouse

When: During a fun dip at the pool

Note: She’s just learning how to walk, even while in the water!

11.03.2010

"Baby Bite!"

Location: Pulau Pinang

When: During Little Ryleigh’s baby portrait session

Note: She loves to bite her rubber toys!

12.03.2010

Found this jewel of a location within a housing area!

Location: Bukit Jelutong

When: During Yen Lin’s family portrait session

Note: We were scouting around her housing area & found this fantastic location with big mature trees, just brilliant!

12.03.2010

"Little Chermaine"

Location: Taman Tun Dr Ismail Park

When: During Little Chermaine’s baby portrait session

Note: She’s turning one and her parents wanted a photo for her birthday invitation card.

13.03.2010

"Raeven"

Location: Home

When: During a pool fun time with Haley’s cousins from the States

Note: Raeven playing with Haley’s rubber toys.

14.03.2010

"Yau Char Kuey"

Location: Subang

When: Dinner time!

Note: We had some delicious bah-kut-teh with this yummy side dish!

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Boarding gate at Subang Airport. It was still dark outside!

Here's the beautiful sunrise that greeted me when I touched down Penang airport

My client brought me for breakfast and this was what I ate. "Char Kueh Kak"

Working hard...

Then my photo session started for the whole day, with little breaks in between while baby napped. And the photo session ended with this photo.

Little Ryleigh with Daddy L & Mommy J

And as for my Project 365 for today, here’s a photo of my NEW Shootsac in action for the first time! I’m lurving it BIG TIME!

My NEW Shootsac and I

Location: Ze toilet in Subang Airport.

When: While waiting for my flight to Penang.

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"Little Bicycles"

Location: Phuket

When: During darling’s company trip.

Note: These little cuties are made of wires!

I’m ill AGAIN. This will be the third time I got sick in less than 2 months. What’s up (or rather down) with my immune system? Anyway… was looking for ways to cheer myself up so here are two comic strips from What The Duck which I find funny & can relate to in some ways or another.

"Sick & Sicker"

"One Flu Over the Cuckoo's Nest"

Here’s hoping I’ll be better as soon as possible cos I’ve got tonnes of photos to edit and several photo shoots coming soon! Pray for me pleeassseee? I’m desperate! And here’s wishing you a wonderful weekend with your family.

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"Dried Squid"

Location: Sarawak (Borneo) – Serikin (Indonesia) border

When: During a visit to the border’s market

Note: Yummy! Imagining them being barbequed and then pounded flat before being eaten with some chili sauce.

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"Heavy Metal"

Location: Sri Aman, Sarawak, Malaysia.

When: During a visit back to a little town where I spent most of my childhood time.

Note: This scene was taken at a family friend’s property.

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