Moonriver Lodge, Sigar Highlands
FOR OUR CHILDREN'S CHILDRENWhat’s in a Name?
I believe you can’t really begin until you know your name. Once you know your name, the rest follows.
My first visit to the site was 3 months after groundbreaking. I didn’t bring with me anything except an open heart. I watched my parents’ enthusiasm and excitement, worried about the toil it is taking on them, wondered about the economic rationality of it all, and I watched them again – their enthusiasm, the twinkle in their eyes. I watched my mum sweep dirt off the porch of a construction site. I watched my dad plant roses for what I was told was the workers’ quarters. And it hit me - they are building a HOME. With everything that they have always held true. With great passion, adventure, and love. Always love. And I thought of the lyrics of Moon River and how the house is an amazing physical expression of my parents’ pioneering spirit and relationship as a couple. And suddenly, I couldn’t help but be swept by the energy and dive in to swim the skies with them. To me, Moonriver Lodge will always be the home of love and courage for those who are in need.
I chose as the banner photo a picture of myself looking into the unknown and staring at much, much unfinished work, holding my son who is bestowed with an extra chromosome 21, wondering where to start. I stand here first as a mother, then an artist who is now called upon to be a keeper of the forest. I wonder at the immensity of the call. Where does one begin the work of several lifetimes? I start where I know best: the gift of name. And poetry.
If you know Audrey Hepburn and know the song, sing along with us and our dreams:
Moon River, wider than a mile,
I’m crossing you in style some day.
Oh, dream maker, you heart breaker,
wherever you’re going I’m going your way.
Two drifters off to see the world.
There’s such a lot of world to see.
We’re after the same rainbow’s end–
waiting ’round the bend,
my huckleberry friend,
Moon River and me.© 1961 Paramount Music Corporation, ASCAP
Jan 1, 2010. The Second Decade.
-Poet-artist Forestkeeper PEK
“I spit out my sword and swallowed my name.”
4 Comments»
d wrote @
moonriver is 1 of my favourite songs ever in all the world! i suspected (hoped) it was the inspiration behind the name chosen for your lodge … 
a lovely story!
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Peter Lade wrote @
Hello, We are a family of 5 (2 adults, 3 children (9B, 5G, 3G) enquiring about a 3N stay 7 – 10 Nov. We will be on train from Sing to Ipoh on 7th and then back to Ipoh for train to Penang on 11th. Is there availability for those nights and if possible to arrange package for transfers to/from train as well as visits to local tourist places as well as activities on the farm. Warm regards Peter
This is amazing you run the unique lodge. Wish I will be there sometime
)
We’ll wait for you, Riama!