Golfing Heavenly!

Golfing Heavenly!

(By Paul Chong)

One-Putt Shot

Every now & again, we simply love to get that wonderful great feeling of being alive & living. It’s a feeling difficult to paint in words or utter in poems or sing in songs. It’s like nothing on earth – a sensation akin to playing golf on the fresh light of day amidst the rolling green of Joondalup Country Club Golf Resort.

The scene that greets our eyes is simply stunning and spectacular, as my son David & I step into the first tee of “The Lakes” course. The spectacular beauty as provided by the Lakes course speaks volume of joy & excitement, as like being greeted by Peter at the Pearly Gates (not that I really know what that will be really like). Fresh rolling green . . . the alluring blue of the Lakes . . . featured captivatingly at the first fairway against the background of the clubhouse as the ball soars through the air along its narrow passage way. It is the first telling sign of what’s ahead and the concluding end of this nine-hole course. Beauty to begin with and end with at the clubhouse. Nothing compares with such a captivating scene set against the backdrop of the alluring lakes, the clubhouse & the resort hotel, befitting an ace as the superb tournament-finishing hole.

Of the three courses, The Quarry, The Lakes and The Dunes, making up the 27-Hole golf course, we were told by regulars and members, that The Lakes is the least difficult and challenging. Nonetheless, this first hole can be quite intimidating as the nine winds its way to the highest point of the Joondalup course with views across to the Rottnest Island, south to Perth City and inland to Perth Hills.

The last hole is most dramatic & challenging, cascading downhill to the green guarded by one of the lakes. Most parts of the course are fairly open without any obstruction, except for the tricky numerous bunkers and isolated grasstrees or clumps of them. The course is largely undulating with unseen grassy deeps or hollows and quarry. Its natural environment attracts kangaroos which appear to be more than friendly in close proximity. The paved paths from hole to hole clearly show the way for golfers who walk or those on golf carts.

Many posh residential homes back unto the edge of the golf course. Players are pleasantly reminded of their responsibilities towards any damage to the private properties that may arise. Signs are clearly displayed.

As with most play, it is imperative to have straight tee shots, keeping to the fairway to avoid losing balls to the trees or to the waters or to the pits. Accuracy rather than distance rules play here on the whole. Holes may be set up close to the water edge or to the edge of high elevation such as the eighth hole.

We golfers tend to concentrate solely on the balls and in the process fail to see the surrounding beauty which God has provided and enhanced further by the architect of the golf course. This is exactly what happened to us both when we overlooked the great span of scenery to the Indian Ocean, Rottnest Island, Perth City and Perth Hills at the 4^th hole.

To thoroughly enjoy such a spectacular course, an early tee-off is recommended. You will then not be plagued by crowds in front of you nor pushed by players behind you. We certainly took our time, taking pictures and video for memories sake. At $50 per player (for non-members) on a week day for a nine-hole play is a bit pricey for a pensioner like me. But the services and friendliness of the staff do make all the difference to give its image and prestige as one of the top golfing retreats in Western Australia.

Paul Chong

An Avid Golfer

A Chinese by Descent

An Australian by Consent

Friday, 5 September 2008

 

Love Is . . .

Love Is . . .

Love is not physical

It surpasses words mentionable

It generates from deep within

In the heart and soul it shall cling.

Love is patient and kind

It may not have outward sign

Love transmits through feeling

Even distance prevents not the yearning.

Love is care of the utmost

Understanding in the foremost

It binds the heart together

Rids fear and insecurity like no other.

Love is pure and gracious

Never you have to feel anxious

Truth and happiness prevail

As all good relations entail.

True love never die

It grows with the tide

The bond of love should grow

Like the stream it shall always flow.

Paul Chong

A Chinese by Descent

An Australian by Consent

 

I Love Thee

Thee I Love

I love Thee

As though there’s no tomorrow.

I love Thee

In joy and in sorrow.

I love Thee

Not for all the silver nor gold.

I love Thee

For the reasons that follow:

You’re kind

You’re divine;

You’re sweet

You’re cute;

You’re loving

You’re caring;

You’re beautiful

You’re dutiful;

You’re thoughtful

You’re faithful;

You’re great

You’re a mate.

I love Thee

For a thousand more reasons.

I love Thee

Throughout all the Seasons.

You’re the Spring of my Youth

You’re the Summer of my Charm

You’re the Autumn of my Grace

You’re the Winter of my Life.

Paul Chong

A Chinese by Descent

An Australian by Consent

 

Watch Out! Being Old & Disabled

Watch Out!

Being Old & Disabled

Still Spirited & Energetic?

It’s said don’t grow old, but grow up. Yet from my own personal observation, this phenomenon is hardly the case. You would expect that after years of togetherness as a couple, each partner in the relationship would become more caring for each other. Relationship can mellow and sweeten with the years or contrarily sour for all you care! It would be sad to see the latter happening.

Modern relationship is so fragile. Long established ones are rare. Surprisingly, especially going by Hollywood’s mode, you’ll find a few exceptions like Ronald & Nancy Reagan – best known actors for a sustaining relationship. Even then there’s the tint of shadow in the form of Jane Wyman.

Old & Miserable – “I see not, I hear not, I speak not”!

I know of a nice Singapore family with a son confined to the wheelchair, and more recently a doctor friend of mine with multiple-systems atrophy, both suffering from abandonment by their partners. These are two paraplegic examples only – one still in the prime years and the other in the golden years of life. It’s all a question of “for better” certainly not “for worse” as spelt out in the marriage vow.

Alas where do we find romance lasting till the end! The musical strains of tears and stress through the years have but all disappeared. People still love to hear of a romantic story of courage without fear, of love with all the tears, of sharing and caring with the years. But they are not happening in real life. “What about me?” rather than “What about we?” Gross individualism predominates in all situations these days . . . my own car, my bank account, my social life, my this and that. The list is unending with the divorce lawyer laughing all the way to the bank.

Tenderness & Togetherness – Human Can Learn from the Birds

Don’t human beings care any more? Are we so devoid of feelings and emotion in the face of materialism? Don’t we ever going to consider negative consequences resulting from the fall-out?

I am not an expert to provide you with solutions.

I just provide you with thought provoking questions.

Your comments are most welcome.

Paul Chong

 

The Golden Sunset

The Golden Sunset

Most people gaze at the sunset than they do with sunrise.

In the morning it’s always the constant rush for work

Or sleeping late when weekend’s on.

But sunset coincides with time when work’s done.

Sunset Over Perth City from Perth Hills

As I look out towards the city

And behold the sunset in all its glory

Streaks of red, orange, yellow and gold

The magnificence of colours gradually unfold.

City lights below slowly twinkle on

Seeming to respond in a song

As the sky slowly darkens

The multitude of lights brighten.

Like all good things twilight soon fades

Darkness and night come in their wake

How fleeting must all this be

Like all the wonders that we see.

Sunset precedes the dawn of a new day

Brave yourself, be glad and pray

The dark hours will soon pass away

Dawn and sunrise will be on their way.

Paul Chong

A Chinese by Descent

An Australian by Consent

 

Gardening

Gardening

(By Paul Chong)

Perth is most fortunate, weatherwise that is, for gardening.

It’s a love & hobby one can pursue throughout the year.

Gardening is both refreshing & fulfilling. The gardener will find joy in watching the plants grow, the flowers bloom, the changing hues & colours through different seasons of the year. For the organic fanatics these days, nothing like planting your own greens, herbs or vegetables. Gardening provides an avenue to good health & wealth.

Through the years, I have found that you have to establish a good daily routine when it comes to tending to your lawn, flowers & plants. Any neglect or deviation from that routine, the war against weeds & wild growth will result. As it’s said, you reap what you sow.

Spring Blossoms

Been experimenting with some guidelines of my own and came out with this helpful formula in establishing good habits & routine. There are seven days in a week. I always like to reserve a day when I can really do something different or play my favourite golf.

To get by this time-table formula, I have established an ACRONYM for the word GARDEN:

G Grass Cutting                            Monday

A Attention                                  Tuesday

R Revitalisation (Fertilization)  Wednesday

D Digging/Weeding                      Thursday

E Elegance & Beauty                  Friday

N New Plants, Flowers                 Saturday

Everything works according to a system, the engines or our bodies. Working in a haphazard way will not generate efficient results. Once a system is established, it becomes naturally easy to follow through, especially when it’s simple and basic.

Things always seem insurmountable when you attempt to tackle them all at one go. But if broken into bits, then it’s relatively simple to accomplish most things. Bit by bit, no matter how huge, they say that even an elephant can be consumed! Have a work list itemised in terms of priority.

Natural wildflowers to delight!

On the whole, nothing beats a good work system. Take one day at a time for each activity above and ENJOY it.

Autumn: Dwarfed Mulberry – Bare & Beautiful

Gardening should be pleasurable

In more ways than one enjoyable

It should not be viewed as a chore

Lest you’d find the activity a bore.

Paul Chong

A Chinese by Descent

An Australian by Consent

Saturday, 30 August 2008

 

Capitalism – The Sense of Morality

Capitalism – The Sense of Morality

This poem of mine was initially written in the 80s

at the time when Australia was plagued with economic

recession, ‘Bottom of the Harbour Schemes’, political leadership struggle

between John Howard & Andrew Peacock . . . nothing like the scale & magnitude

of the present global economic crisis.

“Capitalism creates a rational frame of mind which, having destroyed the moral authority of so many other institutions, in the end turns against its own.” – Joseph A. Schumpeter

CAPITALISM is good: it generates a lot of food

Growth and progress begin to shoot.

Materialism and consumerism grow

Discontentment and greed get out of control.

Disillusionment and immorality are sins of the century

When aims and energy are directed essentially towards prosperity.

Ethics and morality are no longer strong

Thus the nature of things just go wrong.

The song of the century hits your mind:

“When you hang your soul on the line,

Is it worth the price you pay for the money you make?”

Certainly creates the disillusionment for the day.

Sins occur here and there and everywhere

All sense of value and morality fly through the air.

Delinquency and street kids multiply in folds

When every action and freedom can never be told.

There is decay in every facet of society.

Nothing good can be guaranteed.

Fast Buck rules in politics as in business.

Loyalty, morality, trust and faith are silenced by greediness.

We are drifting away from the proper way,

Indulging in escapism, sex, drugs and alcohol as we sway.

In our search for fulfilment

We are lost in our apparent contentment.

There’s a way and it’s God’s way:

Search your heart and soul and pray.

There can be no other way

Having Jesus in your heart will not make you sway.

Paul Chong

A Chinese by Descent

An Australian by Consent

 

The Day Of Small Things

In school we used to learn these memorable poetic lines:

“Little drops of water

Little drops of sand

Make a mighty ocean

Make a mighty land.”

Beauty in Both Big & Small

Despise not the small little things in life. They could amount to something more gigantic than you ever know. Abraham Lincoln was born in a log cabin. Who would have thought that he would turn out to be one of American’s greatest presidents? Or what of the little acorn that grows into a gigantic oak tree. It’s in the nature of things that the due process of growth and maturing must progress its course. We say “Don’t grow old, but grow up” for we are supposed to acquire wisdom, patience and understanding through our life’s experiences which should hold us steadfast in the adventures of life.

The Son of God, Jesus, spent 30 years of His early life learning and acquiring His skill as a carpenter, identifying Himself with mankind through work. This is all in preparation for His public ministries, when He could relate to all aspects of human life. Speaking from personal experiences give you that creditable authority which is not acquired through academic learning. Jesus could relate Himself to the farmers, fishermen, landowners or tax collectors. The simplicity of Christ’s teaching sells, whereas complexity often repels.

As in nature, we must realise that life is a journey of one great preparation. To be a doctor, we need to spend six long years of learning plus another year of internship. Even to be a teacher requires two to three years of study. Moses spent 40 long years in his preparation as the leader of the Israelites. Paul, one, who is credited with spreading the Gospel far and wide, was likewise not spared the period of apprenticeship. Nothing can substitute your life’s experiences, big or small.

We’ve got to learn the daily lessons of small things before acquiring the experiences of big things. Whatever jobs you’re holding, learn from it and master it. As you learn and progress, greater tasks and responsibilities will be placed upon you. God may put you in all kinds of situations to test and train you – preparing you for greater things ahead. Be steadfast and faithful for your life to be full.

“Who despises the day of small things?” – Zechariah 4:10

Paul Chong

A Chinese by Descent

An Australian by Consent

 

Travelling – Historical & Progressional

Travelling- Historical & Progressional

Man is constantly on the move, never staying in a fixed place ever since time immemorial. Historically, people moved conquering new territories, discovering new land, changing habitat or establishing new homes. The discovery of the American continent is attributed to Christopher Columbus, whose faith and belief that the world was round wrote his name in perpetuity. Another such historical well-known figure, Marco Polo, made his way to the central world of the Chinese, possibly popularising the consumption of spaghetti and other pastas after the Chinese noodles. Knowledge spread, products exchanged, new discoveries made – much as a result of such travels.

RMS Queen Mary

Confucius would say, “A journey of a thousand miles begins with the first step.” Indeed, we used to walk from place to place. There was no other way. It is the courage of brave men in the past that had opened up the world at large. These days it is no more just “hearsay” but more like “”near-say”, for the world we live in today is shrinking as time and space are no longer territorial barriers. You won’t continue to say “it is so near and yet so far.” Everywhere is within reach instantly, no more primitively but progressively.

From the Kon-Tiki that crossed the Atlantic Ocean to sail ships men have progressed to great ocean vessels like the unfortunate Titanic and Queen Mary which presently is claimed to be the single largest ship in the world, men have been moving on and on. Not satisfied with just staying on land or sea, men have taken to the sky, initially with the attempts by the Wright Brothers. Having conquered the sky, the new frontier is space and extra-terrestrial travel. Where do we proceed hereafter?

You know every conceivable idea or dream begins in the mind. If it’s at all possible or believed to be, then the realisation is always there. . . for “whatever the mind of man can conceive and believe, it can achieve”. Ancient men used to pray to the moon . . . we discovered and landed on the moon . . . it’s just another frontier to be reached and conquered. The quest of men goes on and on. I dare say, the next stage of development may seem inconceivable – human “tele-portation” as in Star Trek. Our presence could be instantly here and there at command . . . like wishing yourself to be in paradise and really be there not virtual reality!

Paul Chong ©

A Chinese by Descent

An Australian by Consent

 

Qualitative and Quantitative Service

Qualitative and Quantitative Service

A Typical Self-Service Store

We are living in a time when the question of being personally attended to seems such a rare treat. The old adage of consumer being king is no longer fashionably true. Gone are the days when your pint of milk was delivered to your doorstep or your personal physician making house calls. The worst is being attended to by electronic recording over the phone. Everything is so impersonal. In time we are likely to be replaced by machines. As it is, the computers and calculating machines are functioning in our place.

In retrospect, the corner store is fast disappearing, engulfed by giant supermarkets. Onto the stage of marketing, online buying and selling is evolving to be part of our daily lives. The most prominent and frustrating aspects of the Internet era will be a world devoid of humans. In highlighting the automated age, its scenario will evidently be:

• the phobia of dealing with ghostly machine

• the absolute challenge of making contact with the human face or voice

• big bucks are channelled towards the objective of making sales rather than helping solving your shopping problem

• modern systems keep customer service at arm’s length

• speaking to a machine programmed to understand human speech

• to access information you’ll face the daunting task of punching or typing in a sequence of numbers

• the exasperating experience of wearing out your human patience

• the frequent endless waiting of being served by a human.

  Last Time When – wind screen wiped, water & oil checked, tyre pressure pumped?

As a starter, try calling up your neighbours or friends, and increasingly you’ll get the answering machine. Taking a step further, with large commercial establishments or departments, you’ll be confronted with the labyrinthine menus that accompany most phone-based systems. The maze and impersonal instruction will infuriate your patience and load you with frustration.

Increasingly, it is the phone and the Internet that engender the frustration. Everything is digitised. Sales items are bar-coded. The human brain is increasingly functioning less and less and no doubt robots will replace humans. You and I must be prepared to be bar-coded or fitted with “smart card” and be treated as mere digitals in this fast changing world.

Last but not least, there is nothing you can  label in terms of qualitative & quantitative service with the like of such  tradesmen as the electrician, plumber & carpenter. Even the smallest  job is measured out by the hour. They’re just minting gold much more than would any professional. Discounting good will & customer relationship, it’s a one-off kill!

Don’t look back to the good old days . . . brave yourself to the GREED of this corrupted world.

Paul Chong ©

A Chinese by Descent

An Australian by Consent