Kim-Trump Historic Meeting in Singapore

Haha, this meeting is too historic to not make parody of!

Done a few days before the meeting.

Interestingly, the colonial era barracks that make up part of Capella Hotel - where this historic USA - North Korea meeting took place was where I had organised a midnight treasure hunt for my graduating engineering classmates in the late 80s. It was an abandoned and decrepit place then. No running water, no lights, piled with rubbish, fallen beams, etc.. which made for a very suitable horror-type of treasure hunting place. Surely many of my coursemates were scared shitless, but that was part of the fun. We went about with candles and flashlight. Back then Sentosa island was a place where local folks went over to swim, camp or rollerskate. Later this Tanah Merah barracks (so-named) was spruced up and used as a set for Masters of the Sea, both Asia's and Sg's first TV series in English in the early 90s.

A Life In Jade (Gallery)

Hi, here are more pieces of my mom's handiwork of jade, gemstones and others...below.

She usually buys pieces such as clasps, strings, beads and crystals from wholesalers to enhance her jade and gemstone creations. As a kid I used to accompany her to both North and South Bridge Road to source for stuff, including trips to goldsmith shops to "seong" - put on gold - on jade, either as a loop (for necklace) or clasp (jade bangles) or brooch, etc.

When we kids (7 of us) were busy with school as teenagers, it was my eldest sis Alice who helped my mom in these chores, often carting back bags of stuff to begin "work". It was my mom's hobby as well as means of earning income. By then my eldest sis had already started work (first at BATA, then Amigo Trading), which was a relief! According to my sis, there were many such wholesale costume jewellery shops along Carpenter Street and Circular Road (that stretch of North Bridge Road) that catered to this industry. Now there's only one shop left.

Here is a recent picture of my sis with the last surviving wholesaler of costume jewellery and parts. Yeo Ho Seng Trading, soon to relocate as well due to high rents. (An eatery opposite is paying $19,000 a month.)

Last surviving shop. Over 40 years in business.

My mom only liked working with real jade and gemstones. She liked their feel, color and lustre. Below are her some of her creations meant for selling. She has passed on leaving behind a cache of finished and unfinished work. Enjoy, and if you see a piece you like, let me know. My mom would be happy that it made you look good or pretty. ;-) Well, some pieces are worn for posterity and are auspicious in nature (especially the carving theme).  

For previous story, do click here A Life In Jade

Thank you once again,

- TC

Note: Some shots look like double-take but is actually showing other side of jade carving. Some merely show different sized beads. Many of the pieces are cool to the touch (real stones by nature, no plastic beads).

(For previous story and more pics (e.g jade bangles), do click here A Life In Jade)