BACK IN THE WRITING GROOVE AGAIN

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Sometimes writing becomes a struggle between ‘will I’ or ‘will I not’. Yet it really doesn't take much (as anybody would know that) if a bit of passion goes along with the writing. It comes easy when you love what you’re doing. As in other things whether that be cooking, singing, dancing, acting, playing an instrument, traveling, reading, teaching, painting, and many more. Not even a hundred horses or a thousand can take you away from that, right?

Yet sometimes too I can think of three good reasons NOT to write….

Top on that list ----- the absence of an idea for writing or in more romantic terms – an inspiration. Some call that the writer’s block. There may be dozens of ideas churning inside my head but nothing seems to stay still long enough to make some sense of it. That’s why inspiration does play a great role (to my mind at least) because it is able to sort out things and knit them together to form a better-understood-whole.

Secondly ----- the excruciatingly hot weather makes it impossible to sit on the chair longer than I can say the word ‘supercalifragilisticexpialidocious’. And I don't even know if I spelled that correctly. My butt’s on fire more often than I want it.

Thirdly ----- there’s something I’d like to do too. Have you an old pair of jeans lying somewhere inside your closet? I do. So why not sew a bag out of an old pair of denim pants. Yup an idea that caught my mind when one day I saw that I had about 3 or 4 worn out denims lying inside the closet for ages now. Since ‘tote bags’ is another passion, I decided to put the denims to better use and at the same time find out if Mom's creative sewing talents rubbed off on me. Been toiling at it on certain days... the measuring, cutting, and the final sewing – by hand and not with a sewing machine. I have a portable sewing machine here but I prefer not to work it. You see, I'm bad with machines although I have managed to drive a car before. I hope that counts. Well, the bag is now ready with only the zipper and the handle to attach. Now I'm figuring out how to do the zipper because it looks like a tricky thing to do on a bag. Or maybe use Velcro instead of a zipper...... hmmmmm... (Took the photos below of the finished items for you, ladies, to see that you can do it too.) 😃

But there's a fourth one ----- Oh well, it's got something to do with great movies and TV shows – if there's a good one in town my family and I go see it. Too on television there's The Voice, CSI, NCIS, The Good Doctor, Hawaii 5O, MacGyver, CNN Philippines (and our local news too), Discovery channel, How'd They Do That, Amazing Race, Ellen DeGeneres .. And all those other interesting stuff like reruns of great movies (old and new) which gets your eyes glued to the box. And along with that perhaps a nice cup of coffee, or maybe iced tea, then again a lemonade, or some ice cream and chocolate cake while sitting on a nice comfy couch.... and too have your family around you.

And a fifth one ----- read a book! Oh never mind if it’s an old one, if it’s good I will take it down from my tiny library and read it again. And again if need be. There’s The Purpose Driven Life, 1000 Stories, Tuesdays with Morris, Dare To Fail, Laugh Again, All I Really Need To Know I learned In Kindergarten, Jacob the Baker, The Alchemist, The Aladdin Factor, Traveling Light, and other books too that didn't make the best seller list but are just as engaging to read.

 

So maybe what I'm trying to say is there's life outside the writing and blogging. And truthfully, I'm saying that I'm having the best of both worlds. The writing gives me so much pleasure indulging in such a rewarding activity with the added bonus of wonderful friendships found in that journey. It’s a good life and creates my greatest of blessings. Huge thanks to the Big Guy upstairs.

I guess it would be alright to say that with this post I'm back into the writing groove again after a brief hiatus. Love to be here with you again, lovely people. Sending you big hugs and generous blessings from the heart of God. ❤️🌹

MY PAINTING --- MY FAMILY

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This took several sittings before I got what I wanted from it. A good friend remarked ... "Wow! Isang upuan lang... painting na agad." (A painting in just one sitting. Wow!)

Well, that's not how it happens. Painting like any other effort or project takes time. Further, when inspiration comes it can also disappear into thin air without the slightest notice. Just like that. So sometimes it stays there on the table untouched until you're ready to take up the brush again. This can happen a few times more.

I work with inspiration; I don't paint for painting's sake. The result may not be a Van Gogh or a Picasso (from my tiny untrained hands) but certainly it will be one which would make my heart happy. I think that matters. :-)
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Allow me a few thoughts about this (watercolor) painting.
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That body of water there represents my family. Calm and serene waters. Of course it can be rough and unruly at times in rain and in storm. But that passes soon enough and goes back to its tranquil state. That place of peace is bounded by a mountain range, huge rock formations, and lush trees.These three things represent the three essential parts of our family life..... faith, love, courage.
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FAITH (the mountain range)
---- in a God whose great love makes all things possible.

LOVE (the lush evergreen trees/forest)
---- which lends all things its freshness, happiness, harmony, joy.

COURAGE (strong rock formations)
---- which keeps together the hope and belief that everything has its reason for being but that which faith and love can always conquer.
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God bless you, friends. Have a lovely and blessed weekend

WHAT YOU FOCUS ON, EXPANDS

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Was cruising down my notes..... oh yeah plenty of them... squeezed between the pages of a book... resting at the bottom of my basket tray.... inside the pockets of my bag (alongside pen and notepad which goes with me anywhere I go).... or beside the telephone in the living room... etc. wherever you see paper with scribblings on it --- it could possibly definitely be mine.
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Why the penchant for notes? Why not!? Life presents so many opportunities or subjects for the writing. We can't simply pass up the chance to see the many details life provides us which can bring color, majesty, diversity, enchantment, enlightenment to our mundane lives. We could be missing it all if we don't or won't pay close attention. It may never come again.
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It's just like a composer of music ... his inspiration can come at the slightest object seen or experienced or encountered, insignificant or grand. He doesn't see things as other people see them..... he sees more and beyond the object. (Maybe we should be as that composer -- with eyes that truly 'see'.) Or maybe he sees with the eyes of his heart.
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Somebody once said....... 'What you focus on, expands.' That ..is the intent for the note-writing and, more often than not, is achieved. With a little nudge from above.
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Below was what I found. Two separate quotes but actually complement each other. Read and know why................
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1) 'Life is not lost by dying; life is lost minute by minute, day by dragging day,  in all the thousand small uncaring ways.' --- Stephen Vincent Benet
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2) LIFE IS A GIFT
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Today before you think of saying an unkind word–
........... think of someone who can’t speak.
Before you complain about the taste of your food–
........... think of someone who has nothing to eat.
Before you complain about your husband or wife–
........... think of someone who is crying out to God for a companion.
Today before you complain about life–
........... think of someone who went too early to heaven.
Before you complain about your children–
........... think of someone who desires children but they’re barren.
Before you argue about your dirty house, someone didn’t clean or sweep–
........... think of the people who are living in the streets.
Before whining about the distance you drive–
........... think of someone who walks the same distance with their feet.
And when you are tired and complain about your job–
........... think of the unemployed, the disabled and those who wished they had your job.
But before you think of pointing the finger or condemning another–
........... remember that not one of us are without sin and we all answer to One maker.
And when depressing thoughts seem to get you down–
........... put a smile on your face and thank God you’re alive and still around.

Life is a gift – Live it, Enjoy it, Celebrate it, and Fulfill it.

~author unknown~
....and unquote.
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And while you're at it celebrating, say a prayer for every worthy cause and reason you may see, too. (That is worth more than all the gold in Fort Knox.) God will use your prayers for good far more than you ever realize. Pray unceasingly. Blessings to you and your dear ones.

WE MAKE A LIVING BY WHAT WE GET -- WE MAKE A LIFE BY WHAT WE GIVE

 

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I'm not done yet with the sorting of books since yesterday. It's a modest collection of books I found interesting through the years, not necessarily best sellers, but stuff which lent me wisdom or insights into life and living. Some of its authors are unknowns and as a good number are famous writers. The books have turned brown on the edges but I don't mind it. They have stayed good friends who have stood the test of time and have stood as silent witness to my dreams.. one of which is to have a book out in my name. Ahh but what is life without dreams!!

Here's a tiny book I found by author Maya Angelou " Wouldn't Take Nothing for My Journey Now"..  a pocketbook with just about 139 pages. I would like to share with you these lines (my favorite) lifted from page 15.......  to quote

'............ giving liberates the soul of the giver. The size and substance of the gift should be important to the recipient, and more important, that intangible but very real psychic force of good in the world is increased.

     When we cast our bread upon the waters, we can presume that someone downstream whose face we will never know will benefit from our action, as we who are downstream from another will profit from that grantor's gift.'

--Unquote.

Giving need not necessarily be on a grand or grander scale. It can even mean a tiny act of kindness, the happy thought you cause in another person's life, the comfort you add to another person's painful existence, the encouragement or strength or inspiration you cause to spark in a weary soul... and so much more. Neither does it require applause or need the spotlight on you standing on center-stage. Giving does not require thank you's either.

Giving, one which Maya prefers, is that which comes naturally. It gives without thinking, as a familiar phrase goes. It's giving from where it matters most.... the heart.

A heart that cares can do wonders not just to the people around him but farther down the line and beyond. Its good flows like a happy stream running merrily  through its winding course nourishing every living thing it passes as it continues onwards and out to the sea. It doesn't stop for a hug, appreciation, or someone's thank you. It's happy with its own thought that it's doing someone-something-somewhere some good. And the universe is made even happier with that one unselfish act. How much more happier with many more!! This can create a happier world.

A giving person is content with the idea that it is doing what it is supposed to do. By God's design. And the prayer is to be transformed into that divine design by God's guiding grace.

Wishing you all a pleasant and blessed day.
Keep looking for blessings;  expect it.
God bless you, lovely people.

MUCH LEARNED FROM SOLITUDE

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This was written in the blog a long time ago. But I'm bringing it here as the perfect platform for my return to writing after a brief hiatus which, by the way, was certainly enjoyed much.

THE INDEPENDENCE OF SOLITUDE

The independence of solitude... ahhh that's a beautiful phrase and thought. And yes, it's perfectly sweet. Knowing where you are, knowing that things are temporary and will pass, knowing that people will come and go in anyone's life, and knowing that anything that happens will happen because they happen for a reason, including love. Everything has its own place, time, season, and reason. (Ecclesiastes from the Book) -- All these are better understood in the presence of solitude.

Never deprive a man of his solitude because there he grows in self with self. He learns well when left to his musings, reflections, and insights. There he is restored to his core and once again regains his balance and true perspective. There he comes to terms with his inner demons and learns to sift through the grain to find his true gold. There he will argue with his God and who in turn will show him where he is right or wrong. There he sees himself without sham or masks and exposes his weaknesses as well as his strengths. There after all the battles fought he will finally come to a rebirth of self -- a renewed creative shining powerful version of his old self.

The independence of solitude confirms and affirms the independence of that person not only for his good but hopefully for the greater good of which we all must serve.

"It is easy in the world to live after the world's opinions;
it is easy in solitude to live after your own;
but the great man is he who in the midst of the crowd
keeps with perfect sweetness the independence of solitude."
~ Ralph Waldo Emerson

-End-

Wish you all blessings for a lovely day!

HAVE BRUSH - WILL PAINT

Today was just one of those lazy days when nothing seems more enticing than just lounging on that comfy couch with a book. Yup taking a break from the writing. But on another thought this could also be the right moment to try something different. Any place I can put my gear is my workshop. Living room, dining room, bedroom, or garage. Haven't tried the last two though. Might try the garage and enjoy an occasional breath of fresh air at the same time. Sounds like a good idea, right?

And so I painted.... the result of which you may see above.

The inspiration for this piece was provided by several landscape photos of Stephen Baird in his blog 'Nikon Sniper'.

Hope you're all having a lovely and blessed day.

BEAUTIFUL WORDS FROM A STRANGER

I would have narrated what transpired in full but decided not to. Because I want to direct your attention to what this wonderful old lady said. Her words kept ringing in my ears long after she had gone and I was back home in the house.

Well, I sat at one of the chairs lining the wall opposite the receiving counter. We were inside the parish office of this particular church. My daughter was talking with the clerk in charge of records when a heavy pleasant looking lady came in and approached the same counter wanting to buy a mass card for her dear departed. She was attended to by another clerk while all the time through the process she was carrying on a monologue about parents and children. It seemed like a monologue to me because I noticed that the employee simply did nothing but smile.

But I liked what she said although I didn't know what prompted the nice lady to speak on the subject as I heard no questions asked of her by anyone in the room. Anyway here's what she said.

To quote:

"I tell my children to make the most of time spent with me. I tell them to buy me the prettiest of flowers, take me to the nicest places, treat me to the best dishes, and see me everyday. Everyday. I tell them to make everyday special while they can and while I am here able to enjoy it all.

They should not wait for later or tomorrow or next month. They should not leave me to the maids to care for my needs or when I am sick. They should not buy me things to silence or entertain me because they are too busy to ever give me their time. They should call me on the phone or write me letters or text me --- they should talk to me. They should ask about me at every chance they get. Find out if I am well or not, have eaten or not, happy or not, or ask me if I want some ice cream or 'chicharon bulaklak'! (a local delicacy) Or maybe want to take a nice long walk in the park. It feels so good when they see me as a person and not as a figure close to extinction.

I don't need flowers when I'm gone; I want them all now. Now where I can smell it, appreciate it, hold it in my hand, kiss its smooth petals, put it in a vase so that I can gaze at it all day. I want those flowers now offered with their hands because it is now that I want to feel their love, see their smiles, enjoy their presence, and relish the idea of being treasured and adored and made to feel that I exist wonderfully in their lives -- all that and more as it warms every beat of my aging heart.

Don't bring me flowers when I'm gone -- I don't need it. Bring me flowers today --- I want it."


Her name? Letty. An amazing lady! She meant to impress on her listener, the clerk, (apparently an unwilling listener lols) that the aging of a member of the family should not be an excuse to break down the family unit in pockets of isolation. The family should always stand connected with one another, supportive with one another -- all these and more in the midst of the pressures of our modern world.


And because life is short...
she meant to say that we with our families should TREASURE ONE ANOTHER WHILE WE MAY. And why she said -- "Don't bring me flowers when I'm gone. Bring me flowers TODAY."


I am hoping that she will be understood in that light. She's one amazing and remarkable lady, no matter that I've just met her and in such a brief and yet precious encounter. Beautiful words from a stranger!

NEVER UNDERESTIMATE THE SPIRIT OF MAN

There lies in the heart a real but silent wish that one day we would meet or have beside us our super hero, big brother, guru, life coach, inspiration, or mentor. Somebody who would give us that push when we need it, explain things to clear our muddled brains, beat us to the ground when we act like jerks, take the bigger brunt of mean criticisms thrown upon us, defend us when we're unfairly pushed to the wall, and tell us we're still okay even if we messed up big time.

Well, sometimes we find that person - and we become our better selves because of him. He becomes in our life the proverbial ‘wind beneath our wings’ ... (to quote Bette Midler's song). We soar to greater heights, master the intricacies of the game and come out champion, unveil abilities and talents we thought never existed within ourselves. We are transformed to a better version of our selves and applauded, celebrated, copied, idolized, fantasized, and adored. And all because of this one person who took time to make us see our good and our best and helped us work it towards a big or bigger dream.

But sometimes... we do not find that special person.

So then here we stand alone feeling so small gathering up our own might-be-feeble strengths, energies, abilities, resources trying with all our might to leap over that huge hurdle or break down that menacing wall which resolutely separates us from our goal. We face up to the enemy of disappointment, frustration, and failure with a hard learned one-two-three punch. Sometimes we win, sometimes we don't. We fall many times, get up and stagger, far more confused and muddled than we were when we started. Then something happens taking us off the track and soon enough we begin to lose sight of our goal.

And yet …

Maybe nobody is or would be there for him... but certainly he is there for himself. Never ever underestimate the spirit of man.

"I was thinking one day and I realized that if I had somebody behind me all the way to motivate me, I could make a big difference. Nobody came along like that, so I just became that person for myself." -Unknown