A story in a copper spoon

“Why not you use my coffee spoon?” My father’s line sounded like a sweet surprising melody to my ears. I never heard it coming from his mouth before.

copper spoon. A long slim brassy spoon. It looks like it was made for a perfect coffee spoon. It is sturdy and stirs well, easily reaching to the bottom of any coffee glass/mug. My father is quite possessive about it. He never lets anybody use it, even though I – the only child in the family who shares his love for coffee – secretly used the spoon without his knowing several too many times. Continue reading “A story in a copper spoon”

Does Tempe have politics

[This edited version is published by the Jakarta Post on February 2nd, 2008)

What is this thing called tempe? / This tasty thing called tempe…/ Just who can solve its mystery?/ Why should it make a fool of me?

I saw you there one wonderful day/ You made me drool but now you’re gone/ That’s why I ask you guys in Jakarta’s throne../ Why take this thing from me….

– adapted from “What is this thing called love” by Cole Porter, 1930

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That ‘thing’ is called tempe. No, it’s not the big Tempe in Arizona where I live. It is something that is so dearly familiar to almost each and every Indonesian. Continue reading “Does Tempe have politics”

Who are you not to be brilliant?

In my salad days, I was a self-assured, optimistic upbeat creature. I thought I could do anything in this world. Be superlative in everything I do.

My parents never bought me any books. But I never felt any lack of knowledge. I went to libraries a lot instead. My parents never took me to any swimming pools, cinemas or shopping malls, but I never sensed any lack of fun. I found playing with my kardus (cardboard box) doll-house truly amusing. My parents only bought me one doll in my life, but I thought it was more than enough.

Never considered that any lack of materials would hold me back from climbing to the top. Continue reading “Who are you not to be brilliant?”