I will officially be forty five in September this year. There’s another five more months to go. I have not been in a very good health this couple of months. Imsonia and fatigue to say the least. I had to change medications a few times since the last one gave me a very bad side effect that made my life pretty miserable I would say. Even talking on the phone for too long will eventually make my head dizzy (friends now you know why I seldom answer your call).
But through all that, I try to be positive and look on the bright side. Sometimes you need to go through pain to feel alive. Few things that I’ve learned while going through these episodes of my life, is to count your blessings despite all the adversity life throws at you. You can be mad. But don’t stay mad.
With this tests and challenges, it will definitely make me stronger as a person and I also get to learn new things about myself that I’ve never known before. I am grateful for each morning when I wake up, my family are safe from harm and danger. I live in a peaceful country and we are able to go anywhere we like without fear. And this is just a tiny blessing. I can list out a thousand more but this is perhaps the most important of all to me. Family is life’s greatest blessings.
All the images below were captured in Muar or Bandar Maharani in Johor, Malaysia, a historical city that is famous for its food, coffee and pre-war buildings. We spend our day here before sending my third daughter to her college in Melaka. I always look for the opportunity to spend my time in this beautiful city because I really love the atmosphere and the old buildings. People here are more relax and life is slower compared to life in the city.
Welcome to Artifact Motherhood. This is a collaboration of artists from around the world who have come together to share our stories of the joys and struggles of our journey. Through our writings and visual records we want to create memories that are more than photographs with dates written on the back. These are the artifacts we are leaving behind for our children and for generations to come. Up next is the amazingly talented Hollie Stokes click here to follow the link.
You can also read more about Artifact Motherhood by clicking here.
So sorry you have been feeling unwell Min. You are so right though family is the greatest blessing and the greatest motivation to get well. The storytelling in your images is exquisite I’m constantly drawn in. thank you for this beautiful post. x
Thank you so much Abigail. I appreciate every word! xx
These images are so evocative and rich in tones. Love the storytelling and colourful neighbourhood. Sorry to hear that you have not been feeling well and hope you’ll feel better soon, my friendxxx
Thanks so much friend. We had to stop and take a 5 minutes break every now and then during the outing but it was worth it when you are with your loved ones. The heat is not so friendly here (;
I am blown away by your work, Min. Every single image is powerful. I could look at this all day.
You are too kind Lauren. Thank you so much for the kind words. I appreciate it very much.
As always beautiful storytelling, every single image is so beautiful, I love the colours and your beautiful tones. Also I’m sorry you havent been feeling well, Hope everything improves for you soon.
Thank you so much Ann. Taking it one day at a time and always looking on the bright side of life (:
So sorry to hear you’ve not been feeling well lately Min, I hope it passes soon. You are so right, the best blessing is family and I’m so glad you got to spend a day in this beautiful place to see your daughter off. Your imager are full of story and colour, beautiful as always <3
Thank you so much for your kind words Carla.
May ALLAH SWT give back your health yer kak. Love your photos much especially the soto!
Terima kasih Nany. Amin ya rabb.
Oh Min, your words resonated with me so. Pain and suffering do teach how to be more alive. How to count our blessings and hold our loved ones closer. It brings me joy to see that despite your aliments you can still go out and capture the beauty of your family. Your life’s greatest blessing.The vibrant colors and tones you paint with light and your art, really do reflect this outlook of yours.I hope you start to feel better soon. Much love and hugs, Min.
Thank you so much Hollie. It was really great to go somewhere outside the city, see and experience new things and also plenty of good food to try. Hahaha.
Dear Min, I would accept your hug and give you an even bigger one. I so regret not making more efforts to meet you. Life was busy, especially the last few months in KL, but I had time. inshallah life makes our paths cross again. You look after my friend and keep capturing life as you do, which is so, so well xx
I feel the same way too Caro. Hopefully one day, we will meet and I bet it’s going to be a very long coffee session!
Thank you!! Xx
What a gorgeous set of documentary style photographs, Min. I’m so sorry to hear you haven’t been feeling well. You are so right that the struggles of pain make us stronger… you are so strong. <3