Coming Soon

Hi...long time not updating this blog. I'm too much busy with my own project jakartakita.com and writing for screen play. Yeah, I promise this year will be the perfect year to realize my dream be a full time writer. Where the passion can be the money.

Finally, my fifth book is going to launch at the end of February 2012. The book is still in bahasa but will be in English one day. Here is the cover! Yeah....finally this is my first book which use my own picture. How is that?

Okey, will give you all the summary of this novel soon.

THANKS MY BELOVED FRIEND

Hi all. This is the video that my friends created when I was leaving from Metro TV. I love it so much. Thank you my friends, will always love you all forever. I am leaving a very comfort zone for something that's called passion. Here is the video:

ME & ERYKAH BADU

A friend of mine in office always told me that my style looks like Erykah Badu. Firstly, I didn't really care about that. Then i today I browsed to find out who's the hell of Erykah Badu? Is she a model or actress.

And here is what i found on internet:

Erica Abi Wright born February 26, 1971,better known by her stage name Erykah Badu. She is an American singer-songwriter, record producer, and actress. Her work includes elements from R&B, hip hop and jazz. She is best known for her role in the rise of the neo soul sub-genre, and for her eccentric, cerebral musical stylings and sense of fashion. She is known as the "First Lady of Neo-Soul" or the "Queen of Neo-Soul".

Early in her career, Badu was recognizable for wearing very large and colorful head wraps. For her musical sensibilities, she has often been compared to jazz great Billie Holiday. She was a core member of the Soulquarians, and is also an actress having appeared in a number of films playing a range of supporting roles in movies such as Blues Brothers 2000, The Cider House Rules, House of D, and the documentary Before the Music Dies.

Okey so, Erykah Badu is a truly talented artist with eccentric style. colorful head wraps is her icon. And she loves fashionable glasses.

Then I really found some similarity between me and Erykah Badu. We are Pisces girl who love fashion. If she is song writer, I'm book writer. If she is an actress, I'm a screen writer wannabe. And here our pictures. But I still don't understand why my friend said i remind her of Erykah Badu.

THE PATH OF MY DREAM

Since I was kid, I always dream one day I’ll be superstar in writing. I keep convincing myself, the dream will come true.

When I was kid, I had a delay in learning to read. Even I couldn’t read when I was 7. Of course it was biggest problem when I was in the first year of elementary school. I got very bad score in the class, and teacher almost said I was stupid. No I wasn’t. I was just dyslexia. My mom taught me how to read and write patiently every day. And when I was turned to 8, I did it. Finally, I could read and write. Although, I still found missing letters in my writing.

Soon after I could read and write. I began as a rising star student in the class. I always be the best student with very good mark. After finished my study in elementary school, I continued in one of best state junior high school. After that I continued my study in one of best Senior High School in Jakarta. In Indonesia, you have to be smart and diligent to enter state high school. And my high school (SMU 70) had the second highest passing grade in Indonesia. The most favorite high school in Jakarta. All students were smart students with at least average score 7.5 (from 10 scale) from their previous junior high school. Yeah, I was not always the best in the class, but I was still the best five in the class amongst smart students.

When I graduated from high school, I had offering for scholarship in abroad. But my parent didn’t allow me to take for simple reason. I’m the only daughter that my parent has. In our culture, most parents will be more overprotective with their daughter (less than 25 years old or unmarried). And I buried my dream to continue my study in abroad. I chose Bogor Agricultural University. It’s one of best university in Indonesia. More than 1000 high school graduates are competing every year to get one seat. Only the smartest and the luckiest from 1000 candidates will be enrolled, after national test. And I did.

Why agriculture?

Although I was dyslexia, I have good talent in writing. Since I was in elementary school, I always enjoyed language class, where I could express my imagination in long writing. I wrote poems then I presented it in some of stage performances. I also wrote drama and then directed my friends for small stage performance. It was awesome experiences.

In High school, I found more excitements. Not only writing for poems or drama, I also joined in school magazine. I enjoyed my job as columnist and reporter. I dreamed one day I would work in media as a journalist.

In Indonesia, we study many subjects. But in the last year of high school, we have to choose one from 3 option; science, socio-economic, and language. Science for those smart students, especially for them who have almost excellent score in math, physics, biology, chemistry. Socio-economic for them who have not good score in science subjects but have good score in economic, accountancy, history. And the last one is language, for them who don’t have any competency in both of (science or socio-economic). Teacher will select us based on our score not our passion.

That time I know, my passion was language. I planned to continue my study in literature faculty to be real writer or in communication faculty to be the journalist. But unfortunately, I was categorized as smart student with excellent score in science. My math score was above the average score (9.7 from 10 scale), biology 9, physics 8, chemistry 8.5. And I had no choice, I joined science class. In here, joining science class is pride. Every parent proud if they children are submitted in science class, especially in the most favorite high school.
And the reason why I chose Bogor Agricultural University was because that university has blue jacket. And blue is my favorite color. That’s it. No matter if I have to study not following my passion as long I love the jacket. I knew that was ridiculous reason. That time I was thinking my future was so blur. Being an author and working in media was only dream. I passed my university without passion. But I graduated with honor predicate as bachelor of agriculture.

As soon after I graduated from university. I worked in shipping company. I was a junior researcher for their business development. And there finally I published my first book. A novel “Surat Cinta Saiful Malook” (Saiful Malook’s Love Letter). It’s a love story with socio-cultural background. Saiful Malook is a legendary lake in Peshawar Pakistan.

That the first time I proved to the world that I have talent in writing. Soon the novel became so popular. I was covered in some media. That was the first time I met with Metro TV. I was interviewed for a live morning talk show regarded my novel.
After that I kept writing. Another book was published. Then destiny brought me to my dream job. I started work in Metro TV on Sept 2007. Although not as journalist, but I’m enjoying my desk job; making proposal of creative communication campaign, the concept of media management.

Then my third book, “The Chosen Prince”was coming out in the beginning of 2009. My fourth book, “Nasi Goreng untuk Obama” (Fried Rice for Obama) for more than 400 pages published on March 2010. Not only for book, I wrote for several blogs and media.
At the end of 2010, I felt my life ended after worst traffic accident. I almost lost my right hand. I stopped writing for a while. I learned how to type and write to speed up my recovery. And another book done, waiting for publish. While I have another more than 200 pages book ready to be finished.

I really love my job. I love the place and people there. But suddenly i remember with my own dream. I'll use the moment of new year to start my new life. Its hard, but i have to. I need more challenges.

And here I'm. Soon, you'll not only read my books or articles. You may see my writing on screen. I'm gonna be a full time screen writer. I'm happy finally i can decide my own future.

*picture is taken from www.dream-symbols.com

Just Say Hello

Dear all,

Its been long time since i posted the last article last year. I was a bit busy nowadays. And I'm getting more love with the office I work. Working on News TV channel was one of my childhood dream. But then when finally destiny forced me to study in agriculture. That dream was blur. And Who knows, now I'm here.

2010, was not really a good year for me. After worst car accident at the end of 2010 and made me almost lost my right hand. And some issues that happened in 2010. But Alhamdulillah, I'm OKAY. The most important thing, all people love me so much.

I'm still writing. Even you couldn't read my writing in here. You may read my articles and essays in some medias.

Good news, In a very close time I'm going to launch my 5th book. Whats that? I've written the synopsis on my another blog. May be will translate it here.

I still have another book projects. And may be the biggest scandal that ready to be exposed ;-0

Anyway, this year I've decided my career. I'm going to rock the world with my awesome writings. A full time author...

DON'T TOO MUCH ASKING

We always ask and Quran has answered it.

1. We sometimes ask: WHY i'm tested?

QURAN answers :
"Do men think that they will be left alone on saying, “We believe”, and that they will not be tested?We did test those before them, and Allah will certainly know those who are true from those who are false."
[Surah Al-Ankabut ayat 2-3]

2. We ask: Why this calamity is so hard?

QURAN answers:
"ur Lord! Lay not on us a burden greater than we have strength to bear. ,"
[Surah Al-Baqarah ayat 286]

3. We ask: Why we don't get what we want?
QURAN answers :
"Fighting is prescribed for you, and ye dislike it. But it is possible that ye dislike a thing which is good for you, and that ye love a thing which is bad for you. But Allah knoweth, and ye know not.."
[Surah Al-Baqarah ayat 216]

4. Why I feel frustrated.

QURAN answers:
"So lose not heart, nor fall into despair: For ye must gain mastery if ye are true in Faith."
[Surah Al-Imran ayat 139]

5. How should i face this calamity?

QURAN answers:
"Seek help in patience and prayer; and truly it is hard save for the humble-minded,"
[Surah Al-Baqarah ayat 45]


6. What will get from this?

QURAN answers:
"Allah hath purchased of the believers their persons and their goods; for theirs (in return) is the garden (of Paradise): they fight in His cause, and slay and are slain: a promise binding on Him in truth, through the Law, the Gospel, and the Qur’an: and who is more faithful to his covenant than Allah? then rejoice in the bargain which ye have concluded: that is the achievement supreme.
[Surah At-Taubat ayat 111]

7. Who should I expect?

QURAN MENJAWAB:
'But if they turn away, Say: “Allah sufficeth me: there is no god but He: On Him is my trust,- He the Lord of the Throne (of Glory) Supreme!”"
[Surah At-Taubat ayat 129]

8. I cant stand by anymore!!!!!

QURAN answers:
"......“Send him with us tomorrow to enjoy himself and play, and we shall take every care of him.”."
[Surah Yusuf ayat 12]

9. Why my heart isn't comfort?

QURAN answers
“Those who believe, and whose hearts find satisfaction in the remembrance of Allah: for without doubt in the remembrance of Allah do hearts find satisfaction.
[Ar Ra'd ayat 28]

NASI GORENG UNTUK OBAMA

Coming soon in the middle of March, my newest novel to welcome President visiting to Jakarta-Indonesia (20-22 March 2010).

President Obama has excited Indonesians around the country, just as it has people around the world. But for many people here, Obama's personal connections to this diverse country bring special meaning, such as his first-hand experiences with Islam and knowledge of Indonesian culture. More than once President Obama has said he misses the country's signature dish, nasi goreng, or fried rice.

NASI Goreng, who doesn’t know with nasi goreng? One of Indonesian delicacies that use rice as raw material. Everybody loves nasi goreng. Even Mr. President Barack Obama.


SUAEB BIN NGATMO, a poor young man who leaves his hometown to Jakarta to get job. Suaeb wants to collect money as much as he can get to continue his higher study. But unfortunately, Jakarta is not beautiful as he imagined. Get job in Jakarta is not easy. But Suaeb never stop to dream.

Nasi Goreng has made Suaeb meet with the first man in US, as well brings him to his dream. Hows the dramatic meeting between Suaeb and Mr. President?

Some facts in this simple idea of novel make it’s not only a fiction. You’ll get a lot of information that may be you’ve not known yet, e.g.; Obama’s favorite food is cheese burger with Dijon mustard and French fries, John Favreau is an important guy behind Obama’s speech, etc.

There are funny, touched, and some that will make you smile. And the most important is these 420 pages of novel teaches and inspires the readers how to reach their dreams without limitations. Even it’s only your impossible dreams.

"Indonesians have a genuine affection for Barack Obama, and Risma's story
captures that quite nicely. I think the former Jakarta resident, now U.S.
president, will enjoy reading this book himself."
- Dalton Tanonaka, Metro TV news anchor

Dont forget to check it up on your nearest book stores in Indonesia, start from 18 March 2010.

MOUTH CONTROL

(picture by wikimouth.wikidot.com)

One of its disaster is that it looks very light but is very heavy, that is why Prophet Mohammad's laid much stress on taking care of it because more of the disasters come due to of the tongue only. Until tongue does not start, there is no quarrel or litigation with anybody, when it starts, every such things is there. Pious religious scholars have collected these disasters of tongue at one place after extracting them from Hadith. These disasters according to Imam Ghazali (Radhiyallaho anho) :

1. To talk about the thing which has no benefit.
2. To talk more than needed.
3. To talk about nonsense things like telling stories of women, transgressors or tyrants with interest.
4. To indulge in (useless) debates and discussions.
5. To quarrel.
6. To talk with formality and artificiality.
7. To talk obscene language and to abuse.
8. To use fool language.
9. To say La'anat.
10. To sing and to read such poetry which is against the Shari'ah.
11. To chat and laugh more.
12. To laugh at others in which others are looked down, upon.
13. To reveal some body's secret.
14. To make false promise.
15. To tell lie unless it is extremely necessary and nobody's right is being snatched, there it is allowed.
16. Ghibah (Backbiting/Gossips):- This becomes one's food and gives rise to many evils. many people say that they are speaking truth, how is it Ghibah? This doubt is silly as Geebat takes place only when it is true, otherwise it is slandering. Of course, if there is a possibility of some Deeni or worldly harm to someone, then it is allowed to reveal his condition.
17. Double faced:- To say yes to everyone and in every group.
18. Flattering someone at his face. If it is felt that the listener will not feel proud instead may get more inclined towards virtue, then there is no harm.
19. Not to take care of minute mistakes during conversation as people say "above is Allah and below you." This is a bad thing, in it there is sort of equation between the creator and the creature.
20. To ask Ulama such questions which are not related to you.

So whenever you have to say something, don't say it abruptly, first think for two or three seconds that whether this thing which I am going to say, may not displease my real owner Allah. If one is fully satisfied that it is not so, then one should say without hesitation but only whatever is needed (not more than that). If there is slightest doubt, then keep quite, Insha Allah, you will get saved from all the disasters of tongue easily. Then if you make mistake by saying inadvertently bad words, you should say ASTAGHFIRULLAHALADZIM (I ask Allah forgiveness). May Allah forgive you.

Then what do you do when somebody say bad words to you? E.g.; asshole, bastard, monkey, etc.

1. Don’t be sad or feel angry/ insulted! Why should angry if it’s not yours.

2. Say ASTAGHFIRULLAHALADZIM and Smile.

3. Time to pray and lets see & wait your dua will be granted as soon as possible. Because Allah has guaranteed will grant all dua of people who helpless/ sad/ desperate/ hurt/ insulted/ sick/ etc.

Is He [not best] who responds to the desperate one when he calls upon Him and removes evil and makes you inheritors of the earth? Is there a deity with Allah? Little do you remember. [An-Naml (The Ant) 27:62]

I always feel happy when people try to make me sad/angry. It means I’ll have the best opportunity to ask something from Allah. The more people try to insult me, Insha Allah, I’ll be happier, because Allah will make me happy.

I’ll not reply what people do badly to me with the same think. If people say something bad to me, I’ll never ever reply with the same things.

Do you know a pot? If we pour tea-water into the pot, the pot will only pour out the tea water. If we pour coffee-water into the pot, the pot will only pour out the coffee water. If we pour pure-water into the pot, the pot will only pour out the pure-water. And if we pour dirty water into the pot, the pot will only pour out the dirty water.

If your mouth only can say bad things, means inside your heart only bad/dirty things as you say. Whatever that you say will measure the quality of your personality. Bad people will only say bad things. Good people will only say good things.
So if people say something bad to me, I prefer to smile. If I can I will say thanks to him/her who say that to me. Means he/she has gives me very good opportunity to let my prayer (dua) be granted by Allah.

4. Pray for them who say something bad to you or spread bad gossips to you. “May Allah bless you….”. Insha Allah, angels will pray the same for us.
Islam is Rahmatan Lil ‘Alamin (Blessing for all). So as a muslim you should spread peaceful life to all (other people, animals, trees, etc).


P.S. Alhamdulillah I’m the happiest woman in the world.