Well, I guess we all made it alive through the Mayan apocalypse isn't it But down here in Jakarta where I am living right now, there has been a heavy downpour of rain that causes floods almost throughout the whole nation, literally crippling it, if you are living in New York, its worse than what hurricane Sandy does, people are evacuating and lending a helping hand everywhere. If it happened last year, I might just believe that the apocalypse is coming .

So for those who has lived life in 2012 as if its their "last" year, you might need to come up with new goals and resolutions, for those who lived life as usual, don't take it for granted, know that you have been given another precious chance at life, leap at the opportunity. I guess I am the latter, but if anything, this flood has taught me many precious things, such as the cliched but no less obvious "life is precious" and so on, but I won't bore you with all that. Not that I am traumatic or something after the event, but I guess living on the edge actually makes you feel more alive, it fills you with energy for survival that you will never have while living on paradise. You are more alert to your surroundings, opportunities and push you to think more and do more. I use to live in in Singapore for a very long time, and things are definitely more peaceful and orderly, its almost a paradise where your next concern would be "when can I change a new iphone". But then, life seems more boring and the brain get more dull too. Of course, I should not blame it on the environment, every place presents a different challenge and opportunities. But down here in Jakarta, sometimes you just have to be quick on your feet to response to the situation, and learn to be calm amidst sudden chaos. At first glance, it is a crazy place (...well it still is!), but eventually you realize it sharpens you, molds and toughen you up, and then you grow to appreciate the growth it brings you unlike when you live in paradise.

Long story short, without too much babbling, the Chinese has a saying "when you overcome great difficulties and emerge alive, then assuredly there is a great breakthrough afterwards". I believe this is the year of breakthrough for me, and you too, where careers will soar, miracles happens and obstacles overcame for those who are willing to take a risk. 2012 we survived didn't we? Flood throughout the nation? No problem Submitted first 2 paintings of the year and get more than usual faves [link] [link] , excellent. Its a great start, but I shouldn't get too proud, it can be better, try harder. As for you, I hope you will not shrink down in front of adversity and turn your back when you meet a wall, but rather go, go break it, and have your breakthrough this year!

Sincerely,
Edric "The Legendary Artist and Designer" (I know I shouldn't be so shameless but I couldn't resist putting it hehehehee)