Butterfly Pea (Clitoria Ternatea)

The Butterfly Pea flower is what I call the "Beauty and Brains" flower!

Its scientific name sound rather mischievous... sexy maybe!!! Other than being seductive and stunning in color and shape, this is one of the most versatile flowers I know that God had created.

Are you a versatile person?

Are you someone who is capable of changing or adapting to different situations?  Are you willing?

Why is versatility so important?

The measure of intelligence is the ability to change (Albert Einsten)

Being versatile is a challenge to many. When we are used to doing things our way, it's a pain in the behind to have to learn new things in order to keep up with the race. The most difficult step is the first: You struggle, you make mistakes, you learn, and unconsciously things becomes easier. Then, when you look back, you begin to wonder..."How in the world did I do it?"

We first make our habits, then our habits make us. (John Dryden)

I totally love this quote from the legendary Bruce Lee. Simply put but contains a deep meaning.

You must be shapeless, formless, like water. When you pour water in a cup, it becomes the cup. When you pour water in a bottle, it becomes the bottle. When you pour water in a teapot, it becomes the teapot. Water can drip and it can crash. Become like water my friend. (Bruce Lee)

THOUGHTS...

Common sense tells us that to mature and gain knowledge, we must be open, receptive, and positive to new and unknown experiences, and apply the lessons learnt to our lives in an honest and just manner. Strictly speaking, we must stand in another's shoes and see from another's eyes, and, more importantly, challenge not only another's beliefs, but our own. We should practice demonstrating versatility in our perspective and mindset.

With inspiring vision and versatility... we become better leaders to our own lives, and to others. 

You are what you love, not what loves you. (Charlie Kaufman)

Very nicely put Charlie Kaufman because I LOVE FOOD! This blog entry is a unique one because I incorporated food photos this time.  Perfect opportunity to share the magic of the Butterfly Pea flower with all of you. 

May I present to you a culinary flower named Butterfly Pea.

Dried butterfly pea flowers

How the blue rice is made

One of my favorite traditional Malaysian dishes: hailed from a state named Kelantan with its signature blue rice, and known as the Kelantan Herb Rice Salad or in the Malay language "Nasi Kerabu." The particular one (photo above) which I enjoy locally comes with salted egg, prawn crackers, a salad that consists of coconut, chopped long beans, bean sprouts, and spices, chicken kurma and beef rendang.

Below are some photos of Malaysian traditional desserts or "kuih" using the Butterfly Pea flower natural coloring, courtesy of my buddy Google! Most of the "kuih" are made with sticky rice or "pulut".

Rice dumpling

Kuih Talam

Kuih Serimuka

Kuih Salat

Pulut Inti

Kuih Lompang

Kuih Inti

Pulut Tai Tai

Rempah Udang: Savory "Dried Prawn Spices"

Pulut Tai Tai

Butterfly Pea tea

Blue Pea Mooncakes

Going Western now...

Blue Pea cheesecake top with raspberry syrup and garnished with strawberries and blueberries.

Blue Pea Chiffon Cake

Blue Pea Cake

Turk's Cap

A little history which is fascinating to me so I hope it is for you as well. This unique flower, scientifically known as Malvaviscus arboreus var. drummondii, was named after a Thomas Drummond in the 1700s. He was a Scottish botanist who travelled to Texas and Mexico to collect specimens of plants and birds.

The name Turk's Cap transpired from a fez, a red felt hat worn by Turkish men in the olden days.

However, I do not understand, yet, what's the connection between Thomas Drummond and turkish hats! To me, this flower looks more like an epee, a fencing sword... don't you think so?

So today... as this rare beautiful flower carries a name which symbolizes protection, let us journey on to the subject of Confidence: Today's most important virtue of life. 

Confidence... thrives on honesty, on honor, on the sacredness of obligations, on faithful protection, and on unselfish performance. Without them, it cannot live. (Franklin D Roosevelt)

We all learn our virtues at home before we hit the schools and society.  Amongst the many important virtues of life, self-confidence is today's most important virtue. Confidence encompasses other virtues such as courage, discipline, and diligence... which directly shows society you are also someone who is kind, patient, and respectful.   

You were born with 100% confidence and as life goes on, our confidence bounces up and down because of good and bad experiences. Have you thought about your own level of confidence? Have you gone astray or backslid a bit? Or, have you advanced up the ladder?

Protect your confidence. 

The only person who can pull me down is myself (C. Joybell)

Defend what you believe in.

As long as you have life and breath, BELIEVE!  Believe for those who cannot. Believe even if you have stopped believing. Believe for love.  Believe to keep your heart beating. (Mark Helprin)

Safeguard your heart 

"May your heart keep fast hold of my words. Keep my commandments and continue living. Acquire wisdom, acquire understanding. Do not leave wisdom and it will keep you.  Love it and it will safeguard you." (Proverbs 4:4-6)

Own your confidence...

Live positively. 

Boost strengths. 

Steer clear from doubt. 

Ignore when necessary.

Integrity is first. 

Above all, know who you are, accept you, love yourself unconditionally!

Lollipop Plant (Pachystachys Lutea)

 What a cute name for an exotic flower! Lollipop!!

When one hears "lollipop"... it's always associated with fun, adventure, surprises, childhood experiences, or simple pleasures in life.

Have you ever noticed that it is often the small comforts, the simple pleasures, that soothe us the most and make us feel that everything is okay, or will be?

Enjoy the little things, for one day you may look back and realize they were the big things (Robert Brault)

Simple pleasures is recognizing tiny gems of joy that is right there with you at that moment. It would be a pity if you fail to see them come and go, especially when you are so caught up with the rush and clutter of life.

We spend too much time making a living and too little time living and making. (Rachel Dillon)

 Go ahead! When was the last time you enjoyed a lollipop?

When was the last time you took off your flip-flops and walk along the beach without worrying the dirt sticking to your skin or your hair?

When was the last time you had a glass of wine with a precious friend and just talk about anything under the big blue sky?

These little yellow Lollipops make me look back and smile because I have lived... and will continue to do so.

Every moment has its pleasures and its hope. (Jane Austen)

The little things? The little moments? They aren't little.  (John Zabat-Zinn)

Nope! Life's simply pleasures are not meant to be taken for granted. They are little opportunities for you to grab so you may live a more quality and meaningful life; in thoughts, dreams, hopes, and love.