kai.zola.adey.ellie (2025)

13/05/2025

Meet the Tree Shrew Prince We Never Asked For!

A few weeks ago, our condo gardener found this tiny drama bean soaking wet in the drain, barely 3–4 days old, all skin, bones, and attitude. Eyes shut, tail like a limp noodle, ears still sealed, and lungs? Oh, fully operational.

So naturally, my neighbor and I became his round-the-clock shrew nannies. No different from neonatal kittens, it was milk every two hours for the first couple of weeks before weaning him. And let me tell you - this tyrant has flourished. He now lounges on his cushy towel like royalty, screams if his fruit isn't cut up just right, and glares like we've personally offended him if his worms aren't served in a ceramic plate.

We wanted to raise him, rehabilitate him, and eventually set him free to live his best wild tree shrew life. But honestly at this point, that seems more and more unlikely.

Release him into the garden? Please. He’d file an inconvenience complaint by sundown and die of starvation before dawn.

He’s bougie.
He’s high-maintenance.
He’s a full-time diva.

We may have rescued a tree shrew…
… but we raised a drama king.

I do still hold out a little hope that he can be eventually set free. Guess we'll find out in the next week or so.

What do you think?

13/04/2025

Today I had lunch with an old friend. We met when we were just 13 -- awkward, curious, and full of the kind of restless energy that only early teenage years can bring. It didn’t take long for us to become friends in the chaos of secondary school. We bonded over our hatred for Additional Maths, the occasional truant just for the thrill of it (sorry, Mum), and Saturday detention classes. We weren’t rebels exactly -- just looking for something more interesting than textbooks and homework.

One memory that still makes me laugh is the day we got caught passing notes in class. The teacher’s shadow fell across our desks, and there we were, mid-smirk and halfway through writing about how much we disliked this very teacher. Without hesitation, she snatched the note and ate it. Just chewed and swallowed like it was the most normal thing in the world! I was frozen in panic, but she looked the teacher dead in the eye with a completely straight face. That moment -- so ridiculous but SO loyal -- sealed it. She wasn't just a friend. She was my tribe.

Since then, life has taken us in wildly different directions. We’ve lived in different cities, fallen in and out of love with different people, worked jobs we love and jobs we hate. But somehow, we’ve always kept in touch.

Our friendship isn’t loud or dramatic -- it’s the quiet, steady kind that knows how to wait. It’s been stitched together with inside jokes, honest conversations, and mutual understanding. We’ve grown up, grown apart in some ways, but never away from each other. After all these years, she's still the one I’d trust to have my back -- and probably the only person I’d trust to eat the evidence. 😆

07/04/2025

I posted this photo I took of one of the last few cormorant fishermen in Guilin, China, in an iPhone photography group, and this guy wrote this poem in response. I thought it was beautiful, so I'm sharing it here.

Cormorant Fisherman at Dusk

In twilight’s hush where river bends,
A lone boat drifts as daylight ends.
Its timbers creak, the water sighs,
Beneath a blaze of ember skies.

Upon the prow, a figure still—
Old as the wind, sharp as its chill—
He casts no net, nor lifts a pole,
But waits with patience, calm and whole.

Beside him, cormorants in black,
Like shadows poised to not look back.
Each bird a partner, trained and free,
Bound by an old-world symmetry.

The lantern sways, its golden flame
A trembling heart that speaks no name.
It paints his face in lines and shade—
A map of every choice he’s made.

No engines hum, no voices call,
Just dusk, and water, and the fall
Of silence deeper than the blue
That gathers stars and morning dew.

A moment caught—a world, a breath—
Where time sits still and dreams forget death.
A photo framed in fading light,
Of man and bird, and coming night.

- Christ Stuart

20/03/2025

There’s something about deep, meaningful conversations that resonates with me far more than small talk ever could. While casual chatter may be necessary at times, I often find it empty and unfulfilling. I’d much rather pick depth over surface-level interactions, authenticity over convenience, and connection over mere politeness.

I had one of those soul baring conversations with a friend recently, and something she said stuck with me. She said, "You can take no higher road than the path your heart is showing you. You just need to be silent enough to perceive it."

There are moments in life when we feel a little lost, unsure of which direction to take. We seek advice, analyze every possibility, and sometimes even follow the expectations set by others. But deep down, our hearts often whisper the answers we are looking for. The challenge is not in finding the right path but in quieting the noise around us so we can truly listen to ourselves.

Silence is powerful. In a world filled with distractions, taking the time to be still allows us to connect with our deepest desires and values. When we are constantly seeking validation or comparing our journey to others, we risk losing sight of what truly fulfills us. But when we step away from external pressures and tune in to our inner voice, we often realize that the right path has been in front of us all along.

Following our hearts does not mean taking the easiest or most convenient route. Sometimes, it leads to uncertainty, risk, and even discomfort. However, the path that aligns with our true selves is always the most rewarding. It allows us to live with authenticity, passion, and purpose, even when faced with obstacles.

Ultimately, the highest road we can take is the one that feels right in our soul. It requires trust, both in ourselves and in the journey ahead. If we can cultivate the silence needed to hear our hearts, we will find the courage to walk the path meant for us, no matter how winding or unconventional it may seem.

01/03/2025

Someone who has been following my account since it first started asked me recently if I've lost any followers since I've taken a break from rescuing and fostering. I honestly don't know.

My goal has never been to chase numbers, but to share knowledge, spark conversations, and hopefully make someone say, Huh, I didn't know that! Whether it's one person or a thousand, as long as someone walks away feeling a little smarter (or at least mildly entertained), I'm happy. What truly matters is creating content that informs, educates, and maybe even inspires.

I spent this morning at Immersify KL, a giant playground of creativity, culture, and technology. A wonderland where art meets innovation.

It's not your typical event where people awkwardly nod at paintings or pretend to understand abstract concepts. No, this is an immersive experience of interactive installations and mind-bending digital art. In fact, some of it was downright trippy!

So, back to my original point. Whether one person reads this or a thousand, I'll keep sharing what's on my heart and mind. Besides, social media fame is fleeting, but a truly mind-blowing experience? That sticks with you.

11/02/2025

I love the way words can capture emotions, thoughts, and moments in time. Writing has always been a source of comfort for me, a way to process the world and express myself without fear. Writing gives me the space to be honest and free. It's something I cherish deeply, a passion that has helped shape who I am, just like photography has done.

Recently someone sent me a reel that said, If I were to ask you to name all the things you love, how long would it take for you to name yourself?

That got me thinking.

Self-love is writing your own name. It should be effortless, but sometimes, it's not. There are days when we doubt ourselves, when our names feel unworthy of being written with pride. It takes practice, just like anything else, to say our names with love and recognize our own worth. We must remind ourselves that we are deserving of kindness, especially from ourselves.

Loving yourself means accepting the imperfections, the mistakes, and the growth that comes with that. It's about treating yourself with the same patience and understanding you would give to someone you care about. It's recognizing that your name, your identity, holds meaning simply because you exist. No external validation is needed for you to matter.

So, take the time to write your name amongst all the things you love, and maybe in the process, you should also take the time to appreciate it. To appreciate yourself. To say your name with confidence and love, knowing that no one else in the world carries it quite like you do.

And in those few seconds, we can remind ourselves that we are enough, just as we are.

(Photo taken in Daxu, an ancient town in Guilin, China)

09/02/2025

I AM ALL SOCIAL-ED OUT!

As much as I love the festive vibes, I am thankful that Chinese New Year is finally wrapping up. The endless rounds of visiting, the constant barrage of questions about my life choices, and the expectation of having to feign enthusiasm for the same conversations year after year is all a little too much. 😅

The thing is, I am introverted to my core, and socializing drains me faster than a phone with 2% battery on a cold day. I can manage about one conversation before my brain starts buffering, and by the third small talk exchange, I’m mentally staring into the deep, dark, despondent void. I have nothing but awe for people who can do this! Where do they find the energy to discuss the weather, distant relatives I don’t remember, and the latest conspiracy theories like it’s breaking news?

Sadly, I have absolutely zero aptitude for small talk. If we’re not discussing deep existential dilemmas, baring our innermost thoughts, or ranking the best ways to disappear into the woods and live off the grid, I’m out. The moment I hear, “Wah, you’ve gained weight!” or “Doesn't a tattoo hurt?” or "So, what do you do for work again?", my soul temporarily leaves my body.

But hey, the end is near. Soon, I can retreat into my cave, eat my leftover snacks in peace, and recharge - until the next major holiday comes to torment me again.

Any fellow introverts out there? 😄

27/01/2025

This evening, I went to 's latest art installation, specially created for the Chinese New Year, titled Bountiful Blessings.

Capturing photos is one of my greatest passions, a creative outlet that allows me to connect with the world around me. It’s not just about the images; it’s about preserving moments, emotions, and stories that might otherwise go unnoticed. I find myself drawn to the beauty in everyday life - whether it’s the way sunlight dances through leaves, the quiet vulnerability of a candid moment, or the vibrant colors of a lantern display. Photography feeds my soul by reminding me to pay attention and see the extraordinary in the ordinary.

Each picture I take is a reflection of how I view the world, and through it, I can express emotions and ideas that words might fail to convey. These moments not only nurture my creativity, they also bring me immense joy. In every shot, there’s an opportunity to create a meaningful connection - whether it’s with the subject, the viewer, or myself.

Photography has taught me to embrace life with curiosity and wonder, always looking for moments worth capturing. It’s not just about the photos themselves but the process of discovery and self-expression that make it so fulfilling. It enriches both my creativity and my spirit, and for that alone, it is worth intentionally carving time out for, like I did tonight.

20/01/2025

When I introduced kindness and inclusivity to my students as our theme for the year, I wanted to go beyond just teaching values. I wanted them to feel the impact of these virtues in their daily interactions. We began with simple discussions about what kindness looks like and how inclusion means making others feel they belong. Watching their eyes light up as they shared stories of helping friends or welcoming new classmates reminded me how deeply rooted these concepts are in our shared humanity.

Teaching these themes encouraged me to reflect on my own actions and mindset. I realized that while I often strive to be kind, there are moments when I might overlook opportunities to extend inclusivity. Thinking about the courage it takes for someone to feel included in unfamiliar situations made me more mindful of my words and actions. It became a personal mission to practice what I was preaching, whether in the classroom or in my everyday life.

It has only been two weeks, but the ripple effect of kindness and inclusivity became clear as the kids began to actively practice these values. I saw them reach out to peers who were sitting alone, speak up for each other, and celebrate differences with curiosity rather than judgment. Their efforts were small but profound, reinforcing how these simple acts can transform the atmosphere of a community. It struck me how often we underestimate the power of such gestures.

What surprised me most was how this process created a sense of accountability in me. I started to notice moments where I could lead by example - listening more intently, offering a kind word, or making space for voices that might otherwise go unheard. The experience became a mirror, showing me the gaps in my own behavior and challenging me to grow alongside my students.

Ultimately, introducing kindness and inclusivity to my students reminded me that fostering a compassionate and inclusive environment is a continuous journey, one that can inspire positive change not only in others but also in ourselves. I now approach each day with a renewed sense of purpose, knowing that these small acts of humanity truly matter.

19/01/2025

This morning, I attended my first ever handpan workshop by the handpan maestro .

Learning the handpan has been one of the most soul-soothing experiences of my life. The sound of the instrument is something I’ve grown to treasure. There’s something profoundly grounding about it, yet at the same time, it feels like it lifts me to another plane - a space where my mind and emotions find balance.

The community itself is an interesting one. They are a laid-back, hippy-esque, come-what-may group, and the whole 'love everyone, peace to all, goodwill to men' vibe is a huge part of the draw.

Playing the handpan has become a form of therapy for me. The rhythmic act of striking its surface and feeling the gentle vibrations through my fingertips is calming in itself, but it’s the emotional release it provides that feels so healing.

If you're not the touchy-feely type, there is actually a science to this. The resonance created by the handpan is of the same frequency as the sounds of nature - 432 hertz. Think flowing water, leaves rustling in the wind, the chirp of crickets and birds.

Science aside, there is a magic in how the handpan seems to communicate with the soul. It’s not just about making music - it’s about expressing what words can't. It feels like the handpan reaches into the depths of my emotions and transforms them into something beautiful, something I didn’t know I needed to hear until it was played.

For me, learning the handpan has been as much about inner growth as it has been about mastering an instrument. It’s taught me to slow down, to listen - not just to the music, but to myself. Every session feels like a reminder to be present, to embrace imperfection, and to let the music guide me wherever it wants to go. It’s more than just an instrument. It’s a companion on my journey toward peace and self-discovery.

05/01/2025

Just like that, we are in January! Instead of resolutions for 2025, I find myself reflecting on the importance of self-care, and how often I’ve let it take a back seat. Life has a way of pulling us in a thousand directions, and in the chaos, I’ve realized how easy it is to neglect my own needs. This year, self-care is going to be a non-negotiable part of my life, as opposed to just an afterthought.

I spent December of last year asking myself what truly refreshes my soul. What are those moments that make me feel alive and at peace? For me, it’s sitting quietly with a good book, or being out in nature, or losing myself in a creative project. These simple joys are like fuel for my spirit, and I know I need to make space for them. It’s not about grand gestures or fleeting distractions, but about intentionally choosing the things that restore me and make me feel whole.

This new year also feels like a chance to get clear on what truly matters to me. I’ve been thinking about my priorities - my values, my relationships, and my goals - and how they align (or don’t) with the way I spend my time. I want to let go of the things that drain me or don’t serve a purpose in my life anymore. There’s a quiet freedom in realizing I don’t have to carry it all.

2025 will be for me about taking small, steady steps - saying no when I need to, carving out time for myself, and showing up for the habits that nurture my well-being. Each choice to prioritize myself, no matter how tiny, is a step towards building a life that feels more aligned and authentic.

It is deeply personal, this journey of self-discovery and renewal, but it’s one I know I need. And with each intentional moment, I know I will feel closer to the version of myself I want to be - one that is present, at peace, and deeply connected to the life I’m creating.

28/12/2024

To 12 new chapters and 364 opportunities to make them count.

Wishing you a New Year filled with joy that brightens each day, peace that calms your heart, and hope that inspires your journey ahead. May we embrace the beauty of each moment and find contentment in the present. Here’s to a year of growth, gratitude, and much grace!

❤️

kai.zola.adey.ellie

13/05/2025

13/04/2025

07/04/2025

20/03/2025

01/03/2025

11/02/2025

09/02/2025

27/01/2025

20/01/2025

19/01/2025

05/01/2025

28/12/2024

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