Perspective ~ 視角

對事物的觀點掌握適當的視角後，許多事將能水到渠成。

When you get a proper perspective of your perceptions, you may be surprised how many other things fall into place. ~ Roger Birkman 

Appreciating Goldfish from the side view

It should be the effect of global warming that Singapore is getting very extreme weather nowadays. Scourging heat waves and heavy rain took turns to rein on our little island country. Floods brought by torrential downpours, stalling vehicles and falling trees are the talk of the town.

My fishes should have no complain about the weather mayhem except that they are given much lesser feeds than usual. In fact, growing them slower at appropriate juncture is another perspective of the art of Goldfish grooming. It is a very common perception for Goldfish hobbyists to equate good growth of their fishes to good keeping skills. However, pushing for growth too aggressively may affect the aesthetics of the fish; there are also more health related problems associated with overfeeding than underfeeding.


   Another perspective to appreciate the Dragon Eyes Pearlscale - from the top view 

In this time of the year, I have almost completed sorting out the TVR and Pearlscale breeders by their gender. While the relatively cooler weather this year is beneficial for nurturing good eggs in the female fishes, my only concern is, there may be too little rain next year to trigger the spawning. All the rain for next year seems to be pouring this year.

More Haste Less Speed ~ 欲速不達

物極必反
Things driven to extremes will backfire.
~ A Chinese proverb

I wish I have been distracted by the celebrations of the World Cup but regrettably, I have never been a big soccer fan. Moreover, it is my day job that has been keeping me so busy lately that I need to pull back a little on the hobby. All my fishes are put on the low gear for growth to ease my task on water change.

This year's whacky weather seems to suggest that it is still goldfish breeding season in Singapore but I am not collecting any spawns. Over the years, I have learned better than to rush in this hobby. Tempting it may be, getting myself overwhelmed unnecessarily with goldfish breeding right now will leave me with no space and energy to engage the crucial breeding seasons for next year.

Work is really killing me but luckily I have the hobby to keep my sanity. Strangely, I don't know why the aftermath of MFGC 2010 leaves me feeling a little languid... the kind of feeling when your favourite clown has quited the circus... I know I will feel better again in the next goldfish breeding season ;P


Picture:
Two of my new breed Dragon Eyes Pompom Pearlscales 2010. Probably another two or three iterations to stabilise the strain.

Mirroring ~ 以人為鏡

以铜为镜，可以正衣冠；

以古为镜，可以知兴替；

以人为镜，可以明得失。
~唐太宗

Mirror our image to adjust our attire;
 

Mirror history to understand the rise and fall of empires;

Mirror others to self appraise.

~ Emperor Tai Zhong, first emperor of the Tang dynasty

1st prize "Mirror Image"# entry of MFGC2010

Most of us use the mirror everyday - when we wake up in the morning, we wash up in front of the mirror; before we get out of home, we check ourselves in the mirror to ensure that we are neat and appropriately dressed.

We all know too well of this mirror that reflects our external self but few know of the other mirror that reflects our inner self. The latter is none other than us - human beings. We can always self-appraise from others' failures and successes.

It is not difficult to see our true self especially in competitions where our pride is at stake. Have we been objective to see our own weakness when we lost? Have we been humble to see more room for improvement when we won? The flying eagle and the well frog see the same sky very differently - the eagle feels small and humble as it soars in the vastness of the sky; the frog feels big and arrogant looking at the "small" sky above the well. 

The 2nd prize "Mirror Image"# entry in MFGC 2010 by
Dr Wee is one that I admire very much.

#The "mirror image" is an interesting category introduced in My Fancy Goldfish Competition (MFGC) since 2008. In this category,  winners will be judged on how close the duo entry resembles each other. Since all goldfish are unique, it is indeed a great challenge! Check out the MFGC2010 updates in the Vermillion Goldfish Club website now!