Kupu-Kupu Barong Butterfly

My friend Rudy Aslee Kedizan received an unexpected visitor today at Yayasan Senang Hati - a Kupu-Kupu Barong Butterfly! The triangular shapes edged in black are see-through, and the wingspan is about 8 inches!

For more photos, check his facebook http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=1241354236

12 Handicapped Divers Unfurl the Indonesian Flag

Red and White Beneath the Blue
12 Handicapped Divers Unfurl the Indonesian Flag at the Bottom of the Ocean.

(8/21/2010) Twelve handicapped divers from the Senang Hati Foundation successfully unfurled the red and white Indonesian national flag on the ocean's bottom to mark the 65th anniversary of the Republic's founding on August 17, 2010.

According to Beritabali.com, the 12 divers were accompanied in their patriotic quest by certified divers who witnessed the unfurling of a flag at a depth of around 7 meters below the waters of Tulamben, off the shore of the northwest regency of Karangasem in Bali.

Determined to demonstrate that physical infirmities are no impediment to the vigorous display of patriotic spirit, the flag was delivered to the deep by two divers – Dayu Wiadnyani and Wayan Parwati. Then, four other handicapped diver – Gusti Lanang Wirawan, Komang Astawa Aris and Wayan Sugiarto took responsibility for flying the colors of Indonesia below the waves. Also participating in the ceremony were Sang Ayu Nyoman Puspa, Kadek Candrawasih, Ketut Sudianti, Nyoman Rudiawan and Nyoman Budiarsa.

Shortly after resurfacing, one of the participants, Aris, shouted "Merdeka" or "Liberty" - the traditional greeting of Indonesian patriots.

Prior to the independence day event, the participants underwent several weeks of training provided by Afandi Junaedi, the Dive Master who has been training the group over the past three years.

This is the second time that the Senang Hati Foundation has undertaken a similar flag ceremony. The first event took place on Independence day in 2008 off Sanur beach in Bali's south.

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Knitting Lessons at Yayasan Senang Hati

Attendance at the knitting group ranges from 4 - 8, a mix of men and woman, plus one boy. Ibu Ayu has attended and participated every time, and practices between lessons. As you can see from the photos, she is already doing lace patterns! Her husband has joined us for 2 of the classes, and has also continued outside of class. Both of them speak and understand English relatively well. And Ibu Ayu's husband taught himself and Wayan (the 9 year-old boy in the photos) a cast-on from notes.

At first, young Wayan observed - and then started coaching some of the others on technique! The first time he tried, he chose small needles and thin acryllic yarn - and was determined, but struggling. Recently he got knitting worsted-weight yarn and larger bamboo needles (donated by Rotarians from Australia) and it was much easier for him! He understands it, just needs some more practice.

I am enjoying visiting very much. We are having fun and learning together. Yesterday, Gusti Ayu accidentally created her own technique - inserting the needle from the top and wrapping the yarn backwards from the way I do - but the result looked like a knit stitch - and seems more comfortable for her!

Yayasan Senang Hati - Gallery

Several members of Yayasan Senang Hati (Happy Hearts Foundation) are artists who do painting, ceramic, cross-stitch, wood carving, sequined batik handbags and more which are sold in their gallery:

DPEX Heart of Bali Bike Tour

A group of cyclists came from Singapore to raise money for charitable organizations in Bali. Kupu Kupu and Senang Hati both assist people with handicaps.

Starting in Sanur, their path included Kekeran, Lovina (optional dolphin viewing), Amed, Candidasa, Ubud, Gunung Batur (Kintamani), Tegalallang, Tanah Lot, and back to Jimbaran - over 450km!

Arrival in Ubud and lunch at Batun Waru:



More photos:

The Gala dinner included a performance by dancers from one of the beneficiaries:

And then the donation checks were presented:

Sponsors were: