Roadtrips Through Life

Lazy Sunday

2012-01-29T15:38:00.003-05:00

seemed today i can't stay

my mind just fly away

some place glorious

some place vicious?

body is restless

can't fathom the distress

both eyes losing sights

do i have fore sights?

but mighty blurry

riddled with worry

will i sit still in silence?

pondering deliverance

so tired of indecisions

lots of protestations

yet it's very easy

to just accept ....be lazy?

We are what we Eat

2012-01-26T19:05:00.000-05:00

Dawn of a New Day

2012-01-26T19:02:00.000-05:00

Sunset Hues

2012-01-09T17:42:00.004-05:00

"Peace...is seeing a sunset, and knowing who to thank."

-----Anonymous

The setting sun displaying a myriad of sunset hues just behind O' Rourke Bridge over the Merrimack River. It's just the perfect ending of a beautiful cold winter day.

Got home from work feeling restless and excited to see this beautiful sunset. I don't know what it is about the sunrise or the sunset. There's something about it that just keeps giving me the feeling of peacefulness, awe and utmost respect for Mother Nature.

Derby Lighthouse

2012-01-08T19:48:00.002-05:00

We had a nice evening walk with our little princess, Daisy, here just a few hours ago. It's a bit cold but no wind so it's not that bad especially when we're all bundled up. Winter can be enjoyable season if you know how to dressed for it. It's like going to a party, if you are not comfortable with your attire or not dressed appropriately you'll be out of place and won't enjoy yourself. The place isn't crowded this time of the year and finding street parking is a breeze unlike during the summer time when everyone is here to enjoy the weather, fishing and boutique shopping. Been here so many times in the past but will never get tired of it's ocean ambiance and appealing surroundings that echos with witch's trial, bustling commerce and romantic interludes.

Boston Skyline

2012-01-07T07:40:00.000-05:00

New Year Promises

2012-01-07T06:43:00.005-05:00

Well! here we are again! Another year rolling in with great promise of endless opportunities and more chances. What are you going to do about it? I started the year being sick and thankfully recovered from it although the remnants of a dry cough is lingering this past few days. The previous year hasn't been that nice to me so I am hoping that this year things will be a little better. But that's always the case with us, always hoping for a "better" whatever that is. It seemed we always live in regret, of not fulfilling a promise, of not being able to do, of failing to accomplished. No matter how you think you have been successful there's always that lingering feeling of regret. So we always hope, we look forward to what tomorrow will bring.Yet, when tomorrow becomes today, it's not always guaranteed that it's going to be perfect. Just when you think it's smooth sailing, there's always some storm in the horizon that's just waiting to tip your sail. And sometimes you are ready for it but then more often than not we are caught off guard. I sometimes wish that I can foresee things happening but where would be the fun of that, right? Yet I can't see myself going through the same roller coaster again. Time and time again I come to believe that promises are made only to be broken. So why make promises that you can't keep? There won't be any promises for me this year. I will live "my" today as I see it and though we are always fueled by hope, I will not let that change my course of where I'm heading this year. We can always live in hope but I think that's just a distraction for what is supposed to be enjoyed for today. Today is what tomorrow was and yesterday is past. I will live each day and that is a New Year promise...

Don't Be in a Hurry

2011-12-26T09:07:00.001-05:00

Christmas Blessings

2011-12-25T11:49:00.007-05:00

Today, I thank the Lord that,

I have the blessing of family around me to always be my strong foundation of support when life seemed rough and for keeping me grounded.

The blessing of a beautiful friendship with friends who brighten up my life with smiles, laughter and continues lively conversations.

The blessing of hope that makes me look forward to what's ahead with a smile and my head held up high.

I thank the Lord for the blessing of Love that surrounds my life; the love that I am able to share with HIM, my loved ones and friends.

I am also thankful for the blessing of Joy this Christmas season brings to my heart.

The joy of knowing that His overflowing and never-ending Love for humanity brought His Son to Earth to bring Peace and Goodwill to men.

""""""""""""""""

Sparkles on Black Sands

2011-12-24T11:59:00.005-05:00

The sun is peeking through the curtain of coconut leaves swaying with the warm breeze while the soft sound of the oncoming tide kissing the sun-drenched beach makes it idyllic ambiance for another beautiful day in paradise. She was busy picking up shells, pebbles and running through protruding corals curious if there are any small crabs hiding or fishes that's trapped underneath them when the tides went out. It's not a rocky beach but when it's low tide the corals tend to come out and would make for a great adventure of hide and seek for a little girl so curious to see if the hermit crab she saw the weekend before have already outgrow it's shell and changed into another one. Or if today would be the perfect time to riddle the starfish on its life underneath the ocean. Or if today would be the day she'll get to learn to swim and be not afraid of going underwater. No one really teach her how to swim so she stays close to the beach when she decides to enjoy the water splashing around and chasing some of the little fishes that hover around her ankles. She would sometimes just stand waist high in the water and stare at the horizon; wondering what's on the other side of her world where she's standing. She's heard a few stories but at a tender age of 7 it's not really something that sticks to her mind. She just wants to enjoy being a kid for now. She already worry a lot about school being the youngest and having teachers that expect you to do well, if not better, because your siblings before were high achievers. The pressure is too much so, for now, she'll not worry about what the future holds for her.

"Tata!", her father called from across the beach. "It's time to go! C'mon, your mother will be looking for us very soon." She ran across dripping wet and dragging her pouch of beach treasures towards him. She made sure that she picked up her flip flops upon reaching her father waiting where they parked the bicycle. She loves these bike rides to the beach with her father. It's a time where she feel happy to see that through the imposing facade of toughness therein lies the love that a father and a daughter shares. These are the times where she feels that she could talk to her Dad, express herself and talk about things that they both were interested in. She will cherish these memories of bike rides to the beach with her father and will never forget. It's been a long time since that last bike ride to the beach. Years roll by and lots of things have happened in between. She got married and moved halfway across the world and they only saw each other every so often when vacation time permits her to hop on a plane; spend what little time she has to be with them. Everyone is aging and along came the things that go with it. Her father isn't in the best of health now and it's been killing her knowing this situation that she's stuck with. She's torn on what to do, the implications on her decisions and if she can live with what she'll decide to do. How she missed those simple times in her childhood. When were young we all aspire to be grown up, to be somebody, to know, and be able to decide for ourselves. But as we reached that stage of being "grown-up" there are times when we wish someone will make the decision for us. It's how she feels right now. She wish she's back on that beach right now, to walk hand in hand with her father where the sparkles on the black sands are as sure as the sun is shining on them.

Merry Christmas!

2011-12-24T10:59:00.001-05:00

Merry Christmas to all my family and friends wherever you are; far or near and in-between...
May the blessings of hope,love and joy fill our hearts and lift our spirits.

2011-07-05T10:04:00.002-04:00

2011-06-26T19:17:00.001-04:00

2011-06-12T07:06:00.005-04:00

The St. Anthony de Padua Parish Church of Sibulan, Negros Oriental, Philippines
Plaque inside the Shrine Of St. Anthony de Padua

The side view of the church where the separated shrine was located

Tanon Strait, where the Fiesta procession-at-sea happened every year..

This plaza where hubby, Christian and Mama were standing is always full of people every Sunday and will be so much more during Fiesta celebration of St. Anthony de Padua. At the back of the Church is Tanon Strait where the procession-at-sea happens with all the faithfuls riding in bancas along with the statue of St. Anthony de Padua.....the smell of foods wafting through the air, the noise and merriment, the litany of prayers spoken in honor of the St. Anthony de Padua --- a few things that I missed and of course the family togetherness, relatives that comes down from the mountains once a year to celebrate with us. Different culture, different time but I wish I am there now...Magsadya!!!!, Maghudyaka!!! Pista ni San Antonio de Padua!!!Panamtangan unta ta sa mga balatian sa lawas og sa kinabuhi!!!!

Mine Falls Park and Nashua River

2011-04-17T16:00:00.002-04:00

Today is Palm Sunday and waking up this morning to the rays of sunshine through my bedroom window makes for a promising day ahead. After going to church and having a quick lunch at home, we went to go for a hike and enjoy the beautiful day. Although the sun is doing a hide and seek game with the clouds, it's a perfect day to walk among the giants, that is, the tall pine trees lining up the trails of Mine Falls Park. It's a very enjoyable walk with our ever energetic little Daisy. And as we go along the trail we also saw some wildlife along the way, among them are sun turtles which I have caught with my camera lens, lots of fish swimming in the water and even a muskrat taking a dive into the water too shy to interact with the humans. There were plenty of people walking with their dogs as well. Daisy have her share of adoring fans but she's none too friendly with the other dogs. She got this notion that she's too human to socialize with them so she put up a few paws to some unsuspecting and trying to be friendly dog. All in all the day turns out beautiful and as always it's great to spend some quality time with my whole family on this Holy Palm Sunday.

Sun Turtles.....enjoying the first rays of the Spring sun. Mine Falls

Hiking trails by the banks of the Nashua River

Nashua River forming the Mine Falls

right here

2011-04-13T19:59:00.003-04:00

i think of you all the time

in sleep,you occupy my mind

my restless soul, searching..

of your arms , comforting

dreams of your embrace

of blissful memories

of happiness, laughters

we have shared tears

of joys and sadness

right here,i will wait

standing where you have left

that special place we sit

on the dunes....

...to watch the sun sets!

2011-04-09T16:19:00.004-04:00

The best birthday gift I can get for his birthday is the time we spent watching the sunset. The moment is fleeting and each sunset is rarely the same as the other day or the next day. That's something to be said about Mother Nature's constant evolution and change. These things should not be a cause for despair or fear but rather an opportunity to experience different perspectives. As we aged and we celebrated birthdays each year we must welcome change. We must not be afraid of what is going to be.

What You Thought You Need

2011-03-20T10:57:00.005-04:00

"What You Thought You Need"

Jack Johnson

I can't give you everything you want

But I could give you what you thought you need.

A map to keep beneath your seat, you've been to me in time I'll get you there.

I fold it up so we don't find our way back soon, nobody knows we're here.

We can park the van and walk to town

Find the cheapest bottle of wine that we could find

And talk about the road behind how getting lost is not a waste of time.

The water moor will take us home in the moment we will sing as the forest sleeps.

Well it's all for the sake of arriving with you

Well it's all .. for the sake of arriving with you

Well, I will make the table into a bed

The candle is burning down its time to rest.

I can't take back things already gone, but I could give you promises for keeps.

And I would only take them back if they become your own and you give them to me .

And it's all for the sake of arriving with you.

Well it's all for the sake of arriving with you.

We could make this into anything

We could make this into more than words we speak.

This could make us into anything

It could make us grow and become what we'll be.

Mmmmmm...How and we really know

It's just like it feels.

Love Lines

2011-03-07T16:48:00.000-05:00

2011-03-07T16:40:00.002-05:00

Don't judge a book by it's cover. It's always great to learn and read about the contents before drawing conclusions. Often times, being open-minded has great rewards....

Happy New Year 2011!!!

2011-01-01T07:18:00.002-05:00

The Year of the Rabbit

Wishing everyone a wonderful new year full Peace, Love, Good Health and Prosperity!

2010-12-26T21:46:00.002-05:00

Matthew 6:2-4

So when you give something to a needy person, do not make a big show of it, as the hypocrites do in the houses of worship and on the streets. They do it so that people will praise them. I assure you, they have already been paid in full. But when you help a needy person, do it in such a way that even your closest friend will not know about it. Then it will be a private matter. And your Father, who sees what you do in private, will reward you.

Enlightened

2010-12-26T21:34:00.001-05:00

Happy Holidays!

2010-12-26T14:48:00.002-05:00

I want to wish everyone a very Merry Christmas 2010

and a very happy New Year 2011.

Happy Halloween 2010

2010-11-01T20:51:00.002-04:00

Hey-how for Hallowe'en!
A' the witches tae be seen,
Some are black, an' some green,
Hey-how for Hallwe'en.

Scottish Traditional

2010-10-25T19:40:00.001-04:00

Food for thought as we go through life's busy streets...

2010-10-25T19:29:00.001-04:00

Beautiful wildflowers as I walked through the woods one summer day....

friends

2010-08-17T20:33:00.004-04:00

someone once said, " in order to find a friend, you have to be one" and i certainly believe in this . one can't express friendship if she or he isn't capable of being in a friendship with anyone. and I also believe that it's true as in any other relationship, friendship has to be cultivated. there must be compromise and it's a two-way street. One must listen while the other talk and vice versa in order to have a smooth communication flow. if one must criticize, this should be done with regards to each others feelings. don't hesitate to apologize if needed and don't let feelings get in the way towards forgiveness.

Cathedral of Saint Paul

2010-08-07T18:06:00.005-04:00

When praying don't give God instructions.

God listens to prayers not advice.

Nothing lies beyond the reach of a prayer except that which lies outside the will of God.

Life's road is rough, but you can make it;
hold out your hand and God will take it.

I have been driven many times to my knees by the conviction that I have nowhere else to go. My own wisdom, and that all about me, seemed insufficient for the day.

---Abraham Lincoln

Courage is fear that has said its prayers.

Life is fragile ---- handle with prayer.

Do not pray for easy lives. Pray to be stronger men. Do not pray for tasks commensurate with your strength. Pray for strength commensurate with your tasks.

---Phillips Brooks

Chasing the Olive Leaf

2010-08-07T17:41:00.002-04:00

When you are running out of ideas to help cure what's aching, sometimes you resort to some unconventional way of healing or maybe just to lessen the intensity of the pain. Today we literally went out to chase some olive leaf. Why? I have read that when you drink the olive leaf tea; it's really good for helping the immune system and I can definitely benefit from this beverage which is believe to be great in the following:

Combats Viruses, Inhibiting Them From Replicating
Helps Lower Cholesterol
Helps Lower Blood Pressure
Has Anti-Fungal Properties
Has Anti-Bacterial Properties
Helps Prevent Cold Sores And Herpes
Maintains A Strong And Balanced Immune System
Can Help Prevent Shingles
Fights The Common Cold And Flu Bugs

Granted I don't have some of these problems mentioned above, i definitely just need an immune system boost.We took a ride and went to a Mediterranean store to see if they carry these olive leaves tea that I can drink. Unfortunately, they don't have any because they haven't heard about it. Oh, well! Maybe I have to go to Italy for my olive tree and pick my leaves for tea? I think that will be a journey I will enjoy but I don't think it's feasible right this time. Someday....I'll get there....

Cloud Watching

2010-08-07T17:21:00.004-04:00

Another glorious summer day in August! This seemed to be the best summer yet weatherwise. It's been sunny day after sunny day with only a few drops of thunderstorm just to make it interesting enough. After running a few errands and taking care of things, we went for a short ride to the western part of the state. I love this particular day because the sky is blue and littered with white puffy cumulus clouds. I love cloud watching and as we zipped through the highway and into some country roads passing by horse farms and grazing horses on rolling hills; it makes for a great game of "guess-what-shape- that clouds-looked- like?"

These pictures are taken from Wachusetts Reservoir during one of our stops to admire the wide open sky out in these parts of the area. The place is not open to the public and is strictly no trespassing(as the signs have pointed out) but I guess it's okay to admire the view and take a few pictures:D...

http://www.mass.gov/dcr/parks/central/wachRes.htm

Rediscovery

2010-08-07T17:14:00.003-04:00

The real voyage of discovery consists of not in seeking new landscapes but in having new eyes.

---- Marcel Proust

Garden Prose

2010-07-16T19:10:00.004-04:00

"Gardening is a way of showing you believe in tomorrow."

"There's a whole lot to be thankful for if you take the time and look."

"Learn from yesterday, live for today, hope for tomorrow."

"You don't need to know all the answers. No one is smart enought yet to ask you all the questions."

----Anonymous

"Friends are flowers in a life's garden."

"The flowers of all tomorrows are in the seeds of today."

"You can bury a lot of troubles digging in the dirt"

Middlesex Canal @ Faulkner Mills

2010-07-08T20:37:00.002-04:00

The difference between the impossible and the possible lies in a man's determinations.

Providence sends food for the birds but does not throw it in the nest.

A successful man keeps on looking for work after he has found a job.

Concord River and Dam

It was just a short after dinner ride en route to our ice cream run for the day. We've passed the signs for it by the road on the way home so many times unnoticed. This time we followed the signs; ends up appreciating the place and what it used to stand for. It's mother nature and man united to keep the industry alive and people with jobs for centuries. It's fascinating and reviting piece of history that envokes a lot of questions in terms of labor as well as slavery.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Middlesex_Canal

Spring Point Ledge Lighthouse

2010-07-08T18:10:00.002-04:00

(Portland, Maine)

Enjoy what you can; endure what you must.

--Goethe

A Toast

2010-07-08T18:04:00.002-04:00

May the roof over us never fall in, and may we friends gathered below never fall out.

Cheers to a great summer!

Red Wagon Rider

2010-07-01T20:38:00.002-04:00

Sometimes, in life, we just need a lift or a little pull or push to keep us feeling like we matter. Or most likely all we really need is just a little bit of Tender Loving Care.....

OUELETTE BRIDGE

2010-06-30T20:03:00.002-04:00

"We give dogs time we can spare, space we can spare and love we can spare.

And in return, dogs give us their all. It's the best deal man has ever made."

---M.Facklam
"If there are no dogs in Heaven, then when I die I want to go where they went."
--- -Will Rogers

"A dog teaches a boy fidelity, perseverance, and to turn around three times before lying down."

-----Robert Benchley

Runners and walkers on the bridge

Thanks to a grateful nation...

Riverwalk along some Mill buildings converted into condominiums...

Lowell, Riverwalk

Beaver Brook and Mill Dam

2010-06-29T21:36:00.002-04:00

Thought by many to be America's First Textile Mill, Beaver Brook and Mill Dam located in Dracut, Massachusetts is another piece of the city's mill history that can easily be missed when you are driving through Lakeview Avenue in Dracut.

Falling Water

Joseph Mayo Wristen

The nights are lonely here without her,

I will be with her soon;

Our happiness.

She is, in my life,

the shining light,

in the days of my struggles,

a loving child,

for me to admire.

I met this young woman,

and fell in love.

Time lost all significance.

My life found a new meaning.

The knowing of her love,

is like the soundof falling water.

These kids went down here climbing up and down that stone wall bridge. They were just sitting there and talking when we first saw them. They got ansty afterwards and decided to climbed back up.
Waterfall at Lu-shan

Li Po

Sunlight streams on the river stones.

From high above, the river steadily plunges--

three thousand feet of sparkling water--

the Milky Way pouring down from heaven

Cooling Off

2010-06-29T21:25:00.002-04:00

After dinner sunset ride culminated with ice cream dessert at Shaw Farm.:D

Butter Pecan Vanilla Ice Cream
Maple Walnut Vanilla Ice Cream

Shaw Farm, Dracut

http://www.shawfarm.com/

Kittredge Park

2010-06-29T21:00:00.003-04:00

Blue Hydrangea FlowersDaddy and Daisy by the Hosta Flower

A man's courage can sustain his broken body,
but when courage dies,
what hope is left?
Proverbs 18:14
Kittredge Park, Lowell
A 1.8 acre park with benches, a gazebo, and a playground. It's a neat little nook in the city where one can bring a book to read while sitting on a bench. Located in the crossroads of Rt. 133 and Rt. 38, it is hidden within lush green trees in the summer. It can easily be missed when you are in a hurry zipping through the city traffic so the perfect time to be here would be late afternoon or early evening in the summertime and during weekends on a daytime. We took a walk here today and we are quite surprised to see it neat and orderly. The bed of flowers are kept up and are blooming the grass are neatly cut and it's unusually serene inside; when just outside the hustle and bustle of life can be seen.

First Day of Summer

2010-06-21T22:35:00.002-04:00

He stands best who kneels most;

he stands strongest who kneels weakest;

he stands longest who kneels lowest.

Bent knees means strong backs.

"Life's road is rough, but you can make it; hold out your hand, and God will take it."

Happy Father's Day

2010-06-20T20:22:00.003-04:00

It's such a glorious weather for Father's Day and I am so happy that I am able to spend this day with my family especially with my dear Bob. He's a really great father to my son and I am forever grateful of him for the wonderful son we have together. I can't ask for a better father, husband and bestfriend. My dearest, I am thankful for having you in my son's and my life. I pray that God will continually shower His Blessings and Guiding Light to our whole family. I hope that this Father's Day is full of great memories for you to keep inside your heart.

A Day with Amanda

2010-06-15T20:44:00.002-04:00

Dinner with Amanda and here friend Rhiza last Sunday was great. I am glad to meet Rhiza which is actually kind of funny??...we both came from the same island of Negros in the Philippines. She's from Bacolod City in the western part of the island and I am from Dumaguete City located in the eastern part where the sun always rises...:D
Sushi Boat good for two people is what the menu said but we actually had a hard time finishing this one up.And there's 3 of us!^_^ It was so much food and sushi/sashimi are so filling. Amanda and I spent the whole afternoon going from one store to the next hunting for bargains and sales. It was fun hanging out with her because she was just as thrilled as I whenever we find something that we like for a good price. :)

We have not seen each other for two years, a really long while, and it's always great to catch up with each other and reconnect. Jobs, distance and time have separated us again and again but somehow we manage to find some time to meet last Sunday. It was a rainy, cloudy day but I thought it was just a perfect day to spend with a friend.....or two....:D

Daisy Makes Three

2010-06-09T22:22:00.005-04:00

Anybody who doesn't know what soap tastes like never washed a dog.

---Franklin P. Jones

Money will buy a fine dog but only kindness will make him wag his tail.

You are what you are when no one is around.

Confidence is keeping your chin up; overconfidence is sticking your neck out.

He who cannot obey, cannot command.

---Benjamin Franklin

Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow

2010-06-08T18:10:00.001-04:00

Yesterday is a cancelled check;

Tomorrow is a promissory note;

Today is the only cash you have---spend it wisely.

---Kay Lyons

Reputation

2010-06-08T17:58:00.003-04:00

If you must choose, take a good name rather than great riches; for to held in loving esteem is better than silver and gold.

Proverbs 22:1

Reputation is built in a moment; character is built in a lifetime.

Possibilities

2010-06-06T19:51:00.001-04:00

The place where you lose the trail is not necessarily the place where it ends.

--- Tom Brown, Jr.

Cure-all for the Dejected Soul

2010-06-06T17:20:00.002-04:00

Some things are just not that easy to accept. And finding out that there's nothing you can do to make it go away can really make you feel dejected. Questions swirls around your head with no answers in sight. Life can be sweet but it also can be a bitter pill to swallow. I have tried to slowly accept these things that are affecting my soul sending me into an abyss of unanswered questions. It does helps when you have someone holding your hands and standing by your side when you see things crumbling down.
I am lucky to have that someone who'll take me out of my moping state and invert my frowns into smiles. Although the pain is still there; getting out and finding other things to look at helped to take my mind away from it, numbing, sort of-- to let you see that the world have other colors other than steel grey. The day is cloudy which seemed to mirror how I felt but all around me are colors, smiling faces and the ocean breeze. The flowers with their vibrant colors welcoming the change of season, soaking in the sun's rays filtered through the clouds and swaying as if to take a bow to it's admiring audience. People young and old are passing by with smiles on their faces enjoying each other's company and of it's surroundings. The ambiance around me is enough to lift my spirit, almost as if it's a cure-all to what I am feeling and makes me look at my life at a different perspective.

Maybe I just need to get out of myself to see me and what's around me. When we start focusing on what's debilitating and affecting our way of life we arrive at a dead end --- we are stopped on our tracks. But if we look ahead of that obstacles and focus on what's beyond all of this, we are rewarded with a much better outcome. It's hard and it's not easy but it will be a journey that's full of surprises, how we overcome and pass it, without losing ourselves or the people we love will be a lesson that stays in our lifetime.

I am still feeling dejected and the questions that I have still doesn't have any answers but I think I'll be okay. I have people to love and people that love me back. Health, things, people and all these around us will come and go. It's the lesson we learned, the feelings we've shared and self-discoveries we gathered through it all that will remain for me. There can be many ways to look at life and sometimes there will be steel grey skies above. It's always up to us to make a rainbow after the rain, to share a smile instead of a frown and to start our days with the right attitude and positive outlook that it's going to be alright.

"There's no thrill in easy sailing,

When the sky is clear and blue.

There's no joy in merely doing,

Things which anyone can do.

But there is some fulfillment

That is mighty sweet to take,

When you reach a destination,

You thought you couldn't make.

Note: Photos taken in Rockport, Massachusetts

Tea from You to Me

2010-06-04T18:14:00.002-04:00

It's Friday and I am in need of a lift-me-up comfort food because it's been a rough short week. What perfect time to enjoy a cup of tea and some "bear claws" treat that hubby brought! I would have love to share it with a friend but of course, I am thinking of her, who's so thoughtful to send me tea bags from across the miles. I felt so special for having such a person in my life, for having such a friendship even though we are in different continents. We have grown in our friendship through our letters and I feel as though we have known each other for a long time. And as I enjoyed this tea from her, I can't helped but smile and imagine what would happen if she were sitting next to me enjoying a cup of tea with me.:D What are we going to talk about? I definitely would want to thank her for the gift of friendship she shares with me. And I hope that our friendship will have the longevity that can withstand the test of time.

Lowell Nooks: The Acre

2010-06-03T21:32:00.002-04:00

St. Patrick Church is found in the little nook of the city called The Acre. I am fascinated by it's architecture and building design as well as the materials being used such as the granites and stain glass windows. During those times, it's interesting how buildings are being built without the use of sophisticated machineries we have today. And most amazing to me is how they have stood the test of times throughout the centuries becoming an icon for the new generation of immigrants that has come to live here.

Lowell became a bustling mill city several centuries years ago and it's in these mills that people from different places came to work and have come to settled in the area.
The Acre came to be when one of the mills donated a land the size of an acre to be used as the space where the St. Patrick Church is going to be built.

Once the church was built people started to settled in and around the area near the church and communities of immigrant became known to live in The Acre.

St. Patrick Church was established in The Acre on 1827 and became a part of the National Register of Historic Places on March 17, 1984 -- St. Patrick's Day.

Lowell Canals: Old Blood Veins of an Industrial City

2010-05-31T11:05:00.005-04:00

Swamp Locks.....to the right is Hamilton Canal

Merrimack Canal (1823)

Merrimack Canal

Western Canal (1832)...flowing towards Hamilton and Merrimack Canals

Pawtucket Canals (1796)...converted to power canal, 1823

Flowing from the back of Pawtucket Dam through Francis Gate Guard Locks and connects to the Merrimack and Hamilton Canals.

Belle Isle Marsh

2010-05-30T13:38:00.002-04:00

Daisy with the field of daisies....

A nice visit with someone who's loved and is never forgotten...

Path that connects to the viewing deck overlooking the marsh...

Rosehips, lined parts of the path with its lovely scents wafting through the air....

Belle Isle Marsh Reservation

Wamesit Falls Overlook

2010-05-29T11:11:00.003-04:00

Daisy with her tongue hanging out after a nice run,... pause for a pose:D...

Who looks upon a river in a meditative hour, and is not reminded by a flux of things?

---Ralph Waldo Emerson

This is a little nook tucked away from the hustle of the city and is perfect for Daisy to run and exercise. The path is paved and is long enough for a short run or a short walk. There's no crowd because not a lot of people is aware of this place yet.:D .......or maybe they are just not that interested to explore the city.

Lowell, Massachusetts

Commitment

2010-05-23T19:14:00.002-04:00

Until one is committed, there is hesitancy, the chance to draw back, always ineffectiveness. Concerning all acts of initiative and creation, there is one elementary truth the ignorance of which kills countless ideas and splendid plans: that the moment one definitely commits oneself, then providence moves too. All sorts of things occur to help one that would never otherwise have occurred. A whole stream of events issues from the decision, raising in one's favor all manner of unforeseen incidents, meetings and material assistance which no man could have dreamed would have come his way. Whatever you can do or dream you can, begin it. Boldness has genius, power and magic in it. Begin it now.

--- Johann Wolfgang Von Goethe

Promise

2010-05-23T19:08:00.001-04:00

Don't put a promise in my ear; put it in my hand.

---Russian Proverbs

Happiness

2010-05-23T17:58:00.002-04:00

"The thing that counts the most in the pursuit of happiness is choosing the right travel companion." This statement is not mine but it holds to what I truly believe in experiencing that happiness we all wanted in our lives. Life is so much better when you have somebody that loves you for you and not for the external aesthetics that we surrounds ourselves. I count myself lucky to have that imperfect guy beside imperfect me that can bring me down to Earth ; let me realize what truly matters. My husband makes me realize that the Earth is perfect because of all the imperfections in it.... but most of all, is that we are in it. So don't spend your time chasing that perfect happiness by yourself. Grab someone and enjoy the ride...!

Someone asked me, " How's marriage going for me?"

I replied with a huge smile, " So far :D,so great! I am happy and it's been a great ride that we are looking forward to getting old together."

To which he replied, " Wow! your the first one I heard say that in a really long time."

I guess there might be some out there that can share his sentiments because as marriage years roll by couples sometimes tend to forget what really matters. Sometimes couples grew apart and starts drifting away in search of that happiness they once had together. Whatever the case maybe, I wish that no one will ever be lonely and alone in the pursuit of happiness.

The grand essentials for happiness are:

something to do,

something to love,

something to hope for.

---John Chalmers

Another year, Another Milestone

2010-05-21T20:08:00.002-04:00

Today is a very special day for me and my hubby. It's the beginning of our 15th year being married to each other. While it might not be full on Edenic bliss, I am confident to say that we love each other even more than when we first met. We have encountered plenty of hills, mountains and valleys through the years and getting to know each other deeply on the process. One thing that we're sure of is that no amount of love and devotion can survive without key communications and keeping in touch even when we're sitting beside each other, shoulder to shoulder. It's not always about the destination we must focus on but the learning enjoyment of the journey. It's been a great ride so far, and we are fully committed to another set of fun and adventures...after all, life can never be at a stand still.

JOY

2010-05-19T21:18:00.002-04:00

Here are a dozen ways to celebrate JOY:

:D Complete what you start.

:D Enlarge your interest.

:D Laugh a lot.

:D Express gratitude to a friend.

:D Be kind, thoughtful and caring.

:D Read the Bible everyday.

:D Accent the positive.

:D Tell a friend you love her/him.

:D Extend a helping hand.

:D Jot down, every morning, five reasons to be happy.

:D Overlook pettiness and jealousy.

:D Yield your life to God.

Liam's Baptism

2010-05-18T19:46:00.002-04:00

May 16, 2010

St. Anna's Church, Leominster

A child is a precious gift from God

And baptism is God's gift wrapping.

May 16, 2010

At the reception after the baptism ceremony with my girlfriends and the kiddies.

Daisy, the helper...

2010-05-13T19:34:00.002-04:00

sunning in the garden
watching us plant some peppers

telling her Dad to space them out well so they will not get crowded once they grow.

Cuddly Daisy

2010-05-12T21:12:00.001-04:00

"If your dog is fat, you aren't getting enough exercise."

---Unknown

A few might beg to differ but it is what it is:D.... Being a couch potato can be a great thing but having a balance and promoting an active lifestyle for your dog is a must. Daisy can be a cuddly stuffed toy but she's also crazy when we're outdoors.

Happy Mother's Day!

2010-05-09T21:00:00.004-04:00

The weather is a bit windy and there are so many clouds that shields the rays of the sun which makes it feel more like Fall weather. In spite of, we decided to go for a walk right after church and brunch. We went to the same bike path that we used when we are biking. It's not that crowded for us to walk today, probably because it's mother's day and it's a bit cold and windy. We had a great time walking while my son rode his bike. Seeing that it's springtime, I am enjoying the sounds of the rustling leaves and the singing of the birds while we were walking. One particular bird has really caught our attention because not only is it loudly singing it's also very bright orange in color. It's a male Cardinal, singing and attracting the females I guess:D...It's a really great thing to hear and see, I am not an expert bird watcher but I was in awe looking and listening to this guys. It seemed he doesn't have a care in the world as the wind blows and sways the branch he's sitting on. He's cheerfully singing this lovely tune to our delight. I think this was the highlight of my Mother's Day this year. An ordinary , cold and windy day turned into a delightful and cheery experience for me. I hope you have had a wonderful Mother's Day.

Slow Down

2010-05-04T19:17:00.002-04:00

There is nothing like walking to get the feel of a country.

A fine landscape is like a piece of music;

it must be taken at the right tempo.

Even a bicycle goes too fast.

----- Paul Scott Mowrer

Dicentra spectabilis

2010-05-03T19:38:00.006-04:00

My heart bleeds because you are not here,

Holding my hands and lending me an ear.

It's been so long since the last time we talk,

I seemed to forget how and I simply choke.

You are there beside me yet so far away,

It's hard to reach you when you're that way.

My heart bleeds because of you ...

Tell me, do I fight or just let it go?

---NonetteSummer

Boston Public Garden

2010-05-02T15:53:00.003-04:00

This is one of my favorite space to hang out with my family in Boston. No matter what time of the year or however the weather maybe, it's a great place to unwind and enjoy the flowers, the cityscape around and people watch.
The plants and flowers are changed every so often that each year it's always a delight to see different colors and flower varieties. Each time we come here there's always something different and it seemed to be getting better and better which is great.

The famous Swan Boats used to be a free ride around the little pond in the middle of the garden. But now for the first time we have to pay 7 dollars for the three of us to ride on it. It's a leisurely ride along with the ducks swimming on the pond.Today must be special because they are swimming in pairs. They are mating and by the summer there will be eggs or egg nests along the banks of the pond.

Yellow Tulips flower beds lining up the path towards the bridge that goes over the pond.

White Tulips flower bed with the pond at the background.

My beginning of May

2010-05-02T07:26:00.004-04:00

Yesterday was the 1st of May and the weather couldn't be more appealing for a slew of activities for me starting when I got off bed. I must have slept good because I woke up and felt like dancing!...lol..yeah! I was dancing and twirling around in my living room breaking up a sweat and feeling like I am going to have a great day. I felt great!...lol..I hope you had a great one too!

We also went bike riding for an hour and it's quite a trip. I thought we went for miles and miles but overall it's only about 5 miles. However, I can feel the burning in my thigh muscles as I willed myself to catch up with my two boys. LOL...I never thought that it's going to be an unofficial race.:D We had to leave Daisy at home for this trip because I still have not gotten a basket for her to sit on my bike.

We end our day with a leisurely walk in Acton Arboretum just a few miles away from the house. It's a beautiful place for dogs and humans alike. There were trees and gorgeous flowers that's blooming along the path ,as well as, wildflowers. I thought this is a treat for Daisy seeing that we left her while we were out riding our bikes. I think she enjoyed herself and of course anytime we hop on the car with her, she's always excited because she knew that we are going somewhere and she's included. She thinks she's human too! Although she met her share of dogs in this walk, she's passively friendly and continued on with her walk....too funny!...:D

Wildflowers along the path

Magnolia Tree Blossom

The very sweet smelling Lilac flower

In the midst of the Hosta flower pathway

The path that winds around the trees and ponds going to through the whole area in the arboretum.

Stuffed Peppers

2010-04-30T21:15:00.002-04:00

One of my favorite food to eat:D....My hubby always make a good one and this is no different. It's made with ground beef, brown rice, tomatoe sauce and season to taste. Hubby topped it off with extra sharp cheddar cheese.Hmmmm....Yummy in my tummy!!

Night Musings

2010-04-26T20:51:00.002-04:00

I really wanted to sleep now but I am thinking about you....

You said you are my friend but we don't talk anymore....

the corner is our solace from the broken promises....

it's dead and it will take both ends to meet and make an effort...

why do we missed someone right after losing them and why do we keep losing them when they are right in front of us?

you said you are busy but really now...!

the more advance technology we have, the more we are far apart...why?

where did all the human contact went?

why is it easier to talk to a stanger in an elevator?

as much as I can, I try to put a smile on my face most of the time....

and you accused me of being flirtatious?

why do we let men think they are smarter than women?

i open the door and you ran away....

You're so much nicer when I didn't know you...

masochism, I don't even know why we bother....

the jingles in my pocket reminds me of you....

can you really fly?

what will happen when we vacuum water with Kirby?

I guess it's a round and a circle..

I don't know. ...

try asking Mrs Mirriam Webster...

Dog Lessons

2010-04-24T09:03:00.004-04:00

A dog is the the only thing in the world that loves you more than himself.

---Josh Billings

JD
Tim's Dog
(Nephew)

The reason a dog has so many friends is that he wags his tail instead of his tongue.
---Anonymous
DAISY II
Dad's Dog

The average dog is a nicer person than the average person.
---Andy Rooney
DAISY I
Our Girl

Dogs are not our whole life but they make our lives whole.
---Roger Caras

Aerosmith and J Geils Band in Fenway Park!!!

2010-04-22T17:06:00.002-04:00

THE BAD BOYS OF BOSTON

August 14, 2010 is the big day and I can't wait for it to come. I've always love listening to music of these two bands and it will be a dream come true to finally watch them live in concert at one of Boston's famous landmark---the Fenway Baseball Park.

These bands are so hot even before my teen years. Growing up in an island in the middle of the Philippine archipelago doesn't really bring much but simpler lifestyle and the luxury of having transistor radios. Listening to their songs on the radio seemed to liven up my teen years. Even up until now, nothing has changed and no matter how much ups and downs these bands have gone through I will still be listening to their songs and maybe reminisce when I will reach old age??
The picture of me below was taken just this past weekend at a restaurant that Steven Tyler has been to. I am sitting at exactly the spot where he sat enjoying some good old burgers....:))

Pretty soon, I'll be watching him or them in concert!LIVE!!!

The Pineapple: Fruit with many eyes:)

2010-04-17T12:11:00.003-04:00

It's amazing that some people don't have any idea how the pineapple that we see in the market grows. Well, they don't grow from trees but instead they are low-lying -almost -bush plant. You could say that's the best way I can describe it. They don't grow tall and the edges of their sword-like leaves which are hard, are full of saw-like thorns.

Their flowers are a pretty shade of purple and they can grow fruits from the side of another fruit as you can see in the picture above. The Pineapple fruit is one of my favorite. I really love the taste of a ripen pineapple and it can also be made into pineapple juice which is great source of Vitamin C.

Legend has it that the pineapple is actually a girl.....read on!

The Legend of the Pineapple Fruit
There was a pretty little girl called Pina who was pampered by her mother as an only child. Everything that Pina asked for, Pina got. Everything that Pina scoffed at was taken away. No one in her village was ever so spoiled as Pina. No one was ever such a snobbish child. She was so lazy, and she had never stirred a finger to work in her life.
Pina’s mother was perfectly happy that way, for Pina remained dependent on her as a spoiled child. But one day, Pina’s mother fell ill and there was no one to take care of Pina. She resolved that she would get well immediately for Pina’s sake – but she knew she would need help.
"Pina, Pina," she called weakly, from her cot. "Come here a moment. I have something to ask of you."
Pina had never been asked to do anything in her life, and she was quite prepared to refuse, but she said anyway, "What is it, Mother?"
"Pina," said the doting mother, "I am too sick to make you anything to eat. I am too sick to eat anything solid. I need you to cook lugaw for me, Pina. It is very easy: just put some rice in a pot, pour some water in with it, add a pinch of sugar, and leave the mixture to boil for a while."
"Oh, that’s too hard! I won’t do it," Pina said firmly.
"You have to, Pina!" her mother pleaded. "What will your poor Nanay eat?"
But Pina was immovable. At length her mother resorted to shouting if only to catch her attention. Moping, Pina dragged her heavy feet down the stairs to gather the things she needed to make lugaw. She managed to find the rice, the water, the bowl, the sugar – but she could not find the ladle anywhere. How was she supposed to cook lugaw without a ladle?
"Nanay, where is the ladle?" Pina shouted.
"It is beside the other kitchen utensils, Pina, you know where I keep them," her mother weakly shouted back.
But the ladle was not anywhere near the other kitchen utensils, and Pina was too lazy to look for it elsewhere. "I can’t find the ladle, mother," she complained. "I guess I won’t be cooking without the ladle."
"Oh, you lazy child," Pina’s mother wept. "You won’t even look! I hope you grow a thousand eyes so you’ll be able to find it!" After saying these words, Pina’s mother noticed that the house had fallen silent. Pina was no longer griping downstairs! That was a marvel. Perhaps she was already cooking. Pina’s mother would be happy if the child would cook her anything, even if it were burnt.
But a long time had passed, and still the house was silent, and still Pina’s mother could not smell the cooking coals burning. She began to get worried. With all her meager strength she called out for Pina. Pina did not come, but the neighbors heard her pitiful cries, and they decided to drop by to see what was wrong. They took care of Pina’s mother in the child’s place.
"Where is Pina?" Pina’s mother asked at once. "Where is my child?"
"Oh, you know that girl," they assured her, "she must be in some friend’s house, having a good time. She hates responsibility. She may only be a little angry at you because you had asked her to work. It will pass, and she will come home."
Pina’s mother rested easily with that thought, and she recovered quickly. But she was up and about and asking all around town for her precious little child, and still Pina had not returned.
One sunny day, while Pina’s mother was cleaning their back yard, she saw a strange yellow fruit about as large as the head of a child that had sprung up from the ground. "How curious!" she thought, and bent to examine it. The strange, spiny yellow fruit, she saw, had a thousand black eyes.
"A thousand eyes...!" she gasped, remembering a mother’s curse carelessly let out. "My Pina!"

NOTE:
Lugaw is actually what westerners refers to as porridge.
To this day the Filipinos call the yellow fruit pinya, after the pretty spoiled child.

Papaya Fruit Cocktail

2010-04-17T12:05:00.002-04:00

Great way to start my morning:D

Papaya fruit with banana, mango and strawberries
Peeled Papaya and ready to be eaten.
I will try to plant those seeds here but I am not confident that it will grow because of the climate difference. It would be nice to have this fruit tree in my back yard, very low maintenance and will bear fruits almost year-round.^_^

Dear Lord, I thank you for this day...

2010-04-13T13:43:00.002-04:00

Dear Lord, I thank you for this day. I thank You for my being able to see and to hear this morning. I'm blessed because You are a forgiving God and an understanding God. You have done so much for me and You keep on blessing me. Forgive me this day for everything I have done, said or thought that was not pleasing to you. I ask now for Your forgiveness. Please keep me safe from all danger and harm. Help me to start this day with a new attitude and plenty of gratitude. Let me make the best of each and every day to clear my mind so that I can hear from You. Please broaden my mind that I can accept all things. Let me not whine and whimper over things I have no control over. Let me continue to see sin through God's eyes and acknowledge it as evil. And when I sin, let me repent, and confess with my mouth my wrongdoing, and receive the forgiveness of God. And when this world closes in on me, let me remember Jesus' example -- to slip away and find a quiet place to pray. It's the best response when I'm pushed beyond my limits. I know that when I can't pray, You listen to my heart. Continue to use me to do Your will. Continue to bless me that I may be a blessing to others. Keep me strong that I may help the weak. Keep me uplifted that I may have words of encouragement for others. I pray for those who are lost and can't find their way. I pray for those who are misjudged and misunderstood. I pray for those who don't know You intimately. I pray for those who will delete this without sharing it with others. I pray for those who don't believe. But I thank you that I believe. I believe that God changes people and God changes things. I pray for all my sisters and brothers. For each and every family member in their households. I pray for peace, love and joy in their homes that they are out of debt and all their needs are met. I pray that every eye that reads this knows there is no problem, circumstance, or situation greater than God. Every battle is in Your hands for You to fight. I pray that these words be received into the hearts of every eye that sees them and every mouth that confesses them willingly.. This is my prayer.
In Jesus' Name, Amen.

Wind Beneath my Wings

2010-04-05T19:04:00.003-04:00

There are people in our lives that comes and goes but those that do stays sometimes become the wind beneath our wings.

---NonetteSummer

It must have been cold there in my shadow,
to never have sunlight on your face.
You were content to let me shine,
that's your way, you always walked a step behind.

So I was the one with all the glory,
while you were the one with all the strength.
A beautiful face without a name -- for so long,
a beautiful smile to hide the pain.

Chorus
Did you ever know that you're my hero,
and ev'rything I would like to be?
I can fly higher than an eagle,
'cause you are the wind beneath my wings.

It might have appeared to go unnoticed,
but I've got it all here in my heart.
I want you to know I know the truth,
of course I know it,
I would be nothing with out you.

Chorus
Did you ever know that you're my hero,
and ev'rything I would like to be?
I can fly higher than an eagle,
'cause you are the wind beneath my wings.

Fly, fly, fly away, you let me fly so high.
Oh, fly, fly, so high against the sky,
so high I almost touch the sky.
Thank you, thank you,
thank God for you,
the wind beneath my wings.

Dr. Jose P. Rizal Boulevard

2010-04-05T18:52:00.002-04:00

After our early dawn trek to the market for some chocolate drink and sticky rice dish, this is the perfect place to walk off all the calories. It's long enough of a walk that when done briskly, it won't be long for the sweat to start pouring out of you. Usually temperatures are in the mid 70's in the early morning and humidity can be felt by then. So a little bit of exertion and you will be sweating right away.
I like to sit here to watch the sunrise every morning. It usually rises on time everyday even if there's a thickening storm clouds in the horizons. The rays can still be seen through it all and by midday the sun can be seen when the clouds melt away. Each time is a beautiful picture created by Mother Nature and it really sets the tone for the day. How you look at it is depending on how you feel and vice versa. I particularly like the sunrises here because it reminds me of when I was little, sitting by the beach, unknowing of what's on the other side of that horizon and wondering if there ever was someone special that will make my dreams and wishes come true.

Spring has Sprung

2010-04-03T22:10:00.002-04:00

The birds are singing and the flowers are blooming,

Time to get together with family and friends a-calling.

The cold howling winter wind has passed,

Time to enjoy the warmth and have a blast!

With Bob's childhood friend and his wife along with Dad and Daisy :D
My Easter Basket of flowers from Bob;))

Tree Blooms

Are you going Bananas?

2010-04-03T14:47:00.002-04:00

Banana Split

1 whole ripe banana

3 favorite flavor icecream scoops

Hot fudge

Whipped cream

crushed nuts for toppings

This is the heart or the flowers of a banana fruit tree. The flowers can be also eaten as a salad.

For sure if you go and search the web you'll find all kinds of recipes on how to prepare and make them. I don't have a clue on how to make the salad because my Dad always does it and i can't replicate how good he makes. It's always a mess and a disaster when I try to do it so I won't even bother. Sometimes I have to pick my battles and cooking isn't one of my best show.

Bananas comes in different varieties and they can also vary in taste. I happen to like all kinds of them and I will miss some of the varieties we have back home. Some of them are not exported because they don't travel well with the exception of the Plaintain variety.

Blast from the Past

I used to walk this path when I was a little girl. This is the path that we have to go through everyday going to school and back home. When it's rainy season, puddles and mud is everywhere here and being kids we jump from puddle to puddle making ourselves dirty and muddy to the horror of my mother who has the unfortunate job of washing our dirty clothes and giving us baths. The banana grooves is still the same as it was before and when it's dark or dusk is fast approaching this place can be a horrifying place for a little girl running back home scared because of all the noise that the rustling dried leaves makes.

Siquijor: Isla del Fuego

2010-04-03T13:33:00.004-04:00

The trip to this island is much anticipated for and I am so happy that I am able to bring my family here to see the beauty and mystique of what the Spanish colonizers dubbed as "Isla del Feugo". The reason for the nickname was due to all the fireflies that lights up the blackness of night; it seemed to looked like a fire was burning in the island then....

Salagdoong Beach

It's a remote little cove that has its rewards. The warm water and the ocean vista is sure to lull your soul to relaxation and forget about life's stresses. There's not a crowd to disturb your reveries and the sound of the lapping waves kissing the shoreline is music to the ears.

Cambuhagay Falls

Sprouting from a cold spring in the middle of the island this lush waterfalls is the perfect paradise on Earth. The cold clear water seemed to cleanse the body and the soul from all worries. Gazing at the falls is entrancing, it's always a surprise for some people to come down here and be rewarded with such refreshingly cool water to swim in or just be standing there and be amazed.

Salagdoong Beach

Another shot from the beach and how the clear warm water is beckoning for you to jump in and play in the waves. We stayed here for a lunch picnic before going to our other destinations. There were several old churches that we visited and we also saw some ancient church artifacts that are remnants from the past when Spanish colonizers once inhabited this island.

All around the island are white beaches, some with mangroves plants in them while others are just miles and miles of white powdery sands. These photos are just a peek of how beautiful this island really is. The people are nice and though this island is also known for it's voodoos, I don't think there is any harm of anyone being voodoo'd by the the locals when one comes to visit. There are no big shopping areas or big transportation vehicles. The road around the island is both shared by pedestrian and motor vehicles alike. Most people from this island go to other neighboring island for nightlife entertainment or mall shopping. But these things doesn't bother me, if I have the chance to pick a place to retire, this will be it! The pictures don't do justice to how the place really is and you have to experience its ambiance and the island life to really appreciate the simpler things in life.

Black Saturday

2010-04-03T12:06:00.002-04:00

This picture was actually taken yesterday, Good Friday,but it reminds me of when I was little during dusk on a Black Saturday. Holy week and the celebration of the Passion of Christ is very big in the Philippines. I remember when I was little, my parents used to tell us not to go anywhere other than stay inside the house during Black Saturday because it's the day of mourning. Christ died on the cross and His mother Mary is in mourning and we should all be in mourning as well. Our Savior died and was buried on Saturday or the day of the Sabbath. During this time we are forbidden to play outside or in the woods because this is the time when all the devil's spawn and supernatural beings are out and about ;in other words this is the perfect day for them to come out and create havoc and do evil deeds because Jesus Christ is presently missing and is entombed this day. No one can save us if in fact we are taken in to do bad deeds of is we are taken by supernatural beings and will never be heard from again. The Philipine folklore is steep in tradition and legendary in characters. There are people that will say this happenings are true and others think this is just a bunch of stories with no truth in them. Either way, it makes for a really good and angelic person out of us even for just a day, a week or two...We didn't dare go against our parents and we stayed in the house or close by, to keep away from trouble.

Happy Birthday, Honey....

2010-03-28T16:45:00.002-04:00

Happy Birthday to the best man that I could ever have by my side through the years.
I wish nothing but the best for you, Honey .... and may this year be filled with more happiness, love and contentment for our whole family. Honey, I love you and I am still in love with you. Thank you for everything...you are a great Dad, a great husband and a great partner. You complete me.

Cuernos de Negros

2010-03-26T19:38:00.004-04:00

Welcome to Negros Oriental, Philippines

When you land in Dumaguete City National Airport, this is the first thing that you'll see along with the welcoming heat of the sun on your face as sweat starts pouring out from you like you are melting.
This was about 7 in the morning and usually clouds cover the top of the mountain and will eventually dissipates as the day wore on. One of the many things that my husband loves in my island is the mountain vista that greeted everyone just after stepping out from the plane and onto the tarmac. It's a breathtaking mountain view that is uniquely ours and one can't help but notice the beautiful Mt. Talinis that serves almost like the mother of all looking out to sea and of the people below. This pictures doesn't do justice to the real view, but these mountains looked so closed by when your standing on the end of the airport by the beach. Mt. Talinis has never erupted due to the fact that it's been use as geothermal power source for parts if not all of Negros Island and its neighbors. The other Mt. Canlaon is on the northern part of the island and that has been spewing smokes and lava as of late. I wanted to go see that but we did not have enough time during this vacation break. It's been really scary for a lot of people because it hasn't erupted in a very long time, so it's about due to erupt in the near future....
My family lives a few miles closer to the beach than the volcano and so I don't think they are in any danger of the eruptions. Although the island is not really that big either that I will not be worried about them in case of calamities like volcanic eruptions. For now, it's a beautiful place and a magnificent view, gazing at it from the distance, it seemed harmless enough....

Mount Talinis, also known as the Cuernos de Negros (Horns of Negros), is a stratovolcano in the Philippine province of Negros Oriental. At about 1,903 meters (5905 feet) above sea level, it is the second highest mountain in Negros Oriental after Mt Kanla-on.

Cuernos de Negros is a potentially active volcano, with a base diameter of 36 kilometres, and has many volcanic lakes and solfataric or volcanic sulfurous steam vents. Main rock types are andesite and basalt. It is located 9 kilometers southwest of Valencia, Negros Oriental, forming part of the Negros Volcanic Belt.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mount_Talinis

Just another day....

2010-03-26T19:27:00.002-04:00

For this fisherman, it's just another ordinary day at the office. This was taken during one of the many sunrises that greeted us during our vacation in Dumaguete City, Negros Oriental, Philippines. From our vantage point, Rizal Boulevard, you can enjoy every morning watching the sun rising from the horizon like clockwork. It rises on almost the same time everyday, the only difference are the cloudscapes that can vary from day to day. Watching the sunrise makes you realized that the Earth is moving and that, life moves as well.... no matter what....

Family:They are there, no matter what...

2010-03-20T21:50:00.003-04:00

Family Matters

2010-03-20T21:37:00.006-04:00

"Like branches of a tree we grow in different directions, yet our roots remain as one. Each of our lives will always be a special part of the other's." ---Unknown

My niece, Ezrah

Nonah Georgina and Daniel Carlo
(my niece and nephew)

My sister, Maribel and her husband, Miguel

"Some friends come and go like a season. Others are arranged in our lives for good reason."

2010-03-20T21:22:00.003-04:00

Coming home this year has been great and it's also an opportunity to see some old familiar faces and catch up with dear friends from way back when...

With my childhood friend and former classmate, Olga...:)

With high school friends Michelle and Julie

With Julie, Michelle and Joali

Lunch with my childhood friend Nathay and her husband Louie

With Stephanie and my Aunt Nenie

2010-03-20T21:17:00.004-04:00

"Sometimes in life, you find a special friend. Someone who changes your life just by being a part of it. Someone who makes you laugh until you can't stop. Someone who makes you believe that there really is good in the world. Someone who convinces you that there really is an unlocked door just waiting for you to open it. This is forever friendship. When you're down and the world seems dark and empty, your forever friend lifts you up in spirit and makes that dark and empty world suddenly seem bright and full. Your forever friend gets you through the hard times, the sad times and the confused times. If you turn and walk away, your forever friend follows. If you lose your way, your forever friend guides you and cheers you on. Your forever friend holds your hand and tells you that everything is going to be okay. And if you find such a friend, you feel happy and complete because you need not worry. You have a forever friend, and forever has no end." ---Unknown

Childhood Ambiance

2010-03-14T19:33:00.006-04:00

For some of you who might have known, I just got back from a three week vacation to visit my family in The Philippines. It a long tiring journey but I always consider anything in my life an adventure and an experience so for what's it worth I enjoyed every last minute of my time there with all my family and few friends that are able to meet me inspite of their own busy schedules. It took more or less 20 hours of air flight time to reach my home island of Negros Oriental and by the time we landed I was ready to dug in my toes in the sands and frolick in its tropical weather; but of course first things first! I had to meet my family and this being a surprise visit I wanted to relish the moment and the look on their faces when they see me again after 5 years of infrequent phone calls and occasional letters. You might say I am the prodigal daughter and I always say what's in my mind so needless to say I wouldn't be surprised at all if they'll think..oooppss! the bitch is back! Okay, I don't think they will really think of me that way..:D...I guess I relish the fact that I am the rebel(in a good way) daughter and I don't really follow what my parents told me to do but I have tremendous respect to both my parents. I think they did pretty good if not great raising 5 girls and seeing to our well-being when we were young.....and even up to this day. There are some things that we don't agree on and I think that's just a natural occurrence for parents and kids. I come to that realizations now that I have also become a parent. I miss my family very much and I couldn't wait to see them so after checking in our hotel we hopped on a pedicab(motorbike with attached cab) and went home..... to my childhood home. I have mixed emotions on my way there because I don't know who's going to be there seeing that my mother is always busy with her church activities and my dad is also busy tending the farm plants.

I was very happy to be home once again embracing the ambiance of my childhood and reconnecting with my family after so many years of my absence. I would love to go visit them every year but the life that I have now is so different and far, it's just not possible. It's great seeing my 4 sisters, the neices and the nephews and also my grandfather who is turning 95 years old this year. A lot have changed since I left, some for the better others are not but I'd like to remember this trip for its happy moments, laughters and the great times together with them however short or limited. I don't know for sure when's the next time I will be able to visit them but I do hope that everyone will stay healthy, alive and well. Time is always the enemy but I hope it will be a fair one.

Back on the saddle again....

2010-03-02T02:23:00.001-05:00

This is my father's speedy ride:D....I learned my first bike riding lessons on this old piece of hand-me- down metal.I have fond memories of running through banana grooves along with several cuts and bruises from the fall I took being so short and smaller than the bike then. There's no breaks so I had to stop by using the foot pedal putting them on reverse. Either that or hit a banana tree to stop:D...lol...Over 2 decades later, here I am , back on it's saddle and I have the funny feeling that I am taller now and can reach the ground without falling.....great memories of my childhood and I wouldn't change it for anything....^_^

It's been a while...

2010-03-01T04:38:00.003-05:00

It's been a while since I have written anything here. I am presently with my family in my homeland and it's been great so far. I don't really have unlimited access to internet here because it's pay as you use and sometimes it's connection is not good. But I am hoping that I can post some pictures of our adventures pretty soon.

The above picture is taken this morning. The view from our hotel window. I am going to miss this place when I get back to the real world. This have been surreal and I don't want to wake up from this dream. Unfortunately, reality bites and we have to move one....

How I Love you

2010-02-13T19:56:00.002-05:00

This is an oldie favorite of mine sung by the most romantic voice I've ever heard ---Engelbert Humperdinck.The lyrics of this song serves as my Valentine sentiments to my dear Husband, Bob. I love you, Honey! No matter what.....

----NonetteSummer

You hold me in your eyes

In your own special way

I wonder how you know

The things I never say

I can't imagine life

Without you by my side

The power of your love

Is all I need tonight

I know there have been times

That I have caused you pain

I'd turn them all around

If I could start again

There's something

I must say I know it's overdue

The sweetest thing I've known

Forever called my own

Begins and ends with you

How I love you

The softness of your lips

The colour of your hair

The memory of your touch

Remains when you're not there

The echoes of your laughter

When I'm feeling blue

The meaning of my life

It all begins with you

So come into my arms

Lay down by my side

The moon is always there

To keep our love alight

I've reached so very high

For everything that's mine

And at the top is you

I want you for all time

A dream forever new

How I love you

The softness of your lips

The colour of your hair

The memory of your touch

Remains when you're not there

The echoes of your laughter

When I'm feeling blue

The meaning of my life

It all begins with you

So come into my arms

Lay down by my side

The moon is always there

To keep our love alight

You know me like a book

You've read a thousand times

We know each other's hearts

We read each other's mind

This feeling's always new

How I love you

The softness of your lips

The colour of your hair

The memory of your touch

Remains when you're not there

The echoes of your laughter

When I'm feeling blue

The meaning of my life

It all begins with you

To Romance by Lord Byron

2010-02-12T19:59:00.000-05:00

Parent of golden dreams, Romance!

Auspicious Queen of childish joys,

Who lead'st along, in airy dance,

Thy votive train of girls and boys;

At length, in spells no longer bound,

I break the fetters of my youth;

No more I tread thy mystic round,

But leave thy realms for those of Truth.

And yet 'tis hard to quit the dreams

Which haunt the unsuspicious soul,

Where every nymph a goddess seems,

Whose eyes through rays immortal roll;

While Fancy holds her boundless reign,

And all assume a varied hue;

When Virgins seem no longer vain,

And even Woman's smiles are true.

And must we own thee, but a name,

And from thy hall of clouds descend?

Nor find a Sylph in every dame,

A Pylades in every friend?

But leave, at once, thy realms of air

To mingling bands of fairy elves;

Confess that woman's false as fair,

And friends have feeling for---themselves?

With shame, I own, I've felt thy sway;

Repentant, now thy reign is o'er;

No more thy precepts I obey,

No more on fancied pinions soar;

Fond fool! to love a sparkling eye,

And think that eye to truth was dear;

To trust a passing wanton's sigh,

And melt beneath a wanton's tear!

Romance! disgusted with deceit,

Far from thy motley court I fly,

Where Affectation holds her seat,

And sickly Sensibility;

Whose silly tears can never flow

For any pangs excepting thine;

Who turns aside from real woe,

To steep in dew thy gaudy shrine.

Now join with sable Sympathy,

With cypress crown'd, array'd in weeds,

Who heaves with thee her simple sigh,

Whose breast for every bosom bleeds;

And call thy sylvan female choir,

To mourn a Swain for ever gone,

Who once could glow with equal fire,

But bends not now before thy throne.

Ye genial Nymphs, whose ready tears

On all occasions swiftly flow;

Whose bosoms heave with fancied fears,

With fancied flames and phrenzy glow

Say, will you mourn my absent name,

Apostate from your gentle train

An infant Bard, at least, may claim

From you a sympathetic strain.

Adieu, fond race! a long adieu!

The hour of fate is hovering nigh;

E'en now the gulf appears in view,

Where unlamented you must lie:

Oblivion's blackening lake is seen,

Convuls'd by gales you cannot weather,

Where you, and eke your gentle queen,

Alas! must perish altogether.

Icecapades

2010-02-04T19:38:00.001-05:00

Henrietta Lacks’ ‘Immortal’ Cells

2010-02-01T20:33:00.001-05:00

Henrietta Lacks’ ‘Immortal’ Cells
A must read and a really interesting piece of article. I thought this will be an eye opener for us who don't have any ideas or clues as to what is going on in a laboratory full of cells just waiting to be used up and turned into therapies and cures for all types of diseases that we have not fully understood. I think the book is going to a great read as well! Check it out!

Love is.....

2010-02-01T19:24:00.003-05:00

1 Corinthians 13:4-7
Love is patient,

love is kind.

It does not envy,

it does not boast,

it is not proud.

It is not rude,

it is not self-seeking,

it is not easily angered,

it keeps no record of wrongs.

Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth.

It always protects,

always trusts,

always hopes,

always perseveres.

Boston City Skyline

2010-01-31T19:30:00.002-05:00

Photo taken today with my Nikon D5000, while we were driving by the coast of East Gloucester. This is an amazing silhouette of the city which usually can be hard to see on a hazy day. The sunset added the beautiful hues that makes the sky looks breathtaking.

Amazing Sky Drama

2010-01-28T19:40:00.003-05:00

The winter squall swept through that left the road sleek, icy and undesirable temperatures. As I was driving home from work, I am greeted by this amazing sky drama between the clouds, the setting sun and the cold spell that's here to stay for the next few days. As the remaining days of January is slowly exiting; the hope for a warmer weather coming up seemed to be coming nearer and nearer. But for now, I am staring in awe at this beautiful sight on this rather long and tiring day. Funny that I did not mind the usual traffic crawl ;instead, I was inspired to take a picture or two , hoping to capture this breathtaking moment to share with you.....:D

Winter Sunset

2010-01-25T17:33:00.002-05:00

A lovely sunset over Annisquam River and the Annisquam Light. It's amazing to see the sun slowly dips into the horizon. The stillness of the moment couldn't mask the Earth's movement as it revolves and rotate to bring each of us night and day.

what I learned this past few tormentous days....

2010-01-19T18:09:00.006-05:00

(Watercolor painting by Christian B., circa 2004)

Listen up and listen well.

Most often than not, it pays up to listen more and talk less. Be open-minded.

Wait for your turn.

Don't be in hurry, it will cause you to miss everything. And then you will feel regret.

Don't judge others without first looking inside yourself.

Usually what you see through your eyes is not what your heart is seeing. And what your brain thinks is not what your heart feels. It's complicated, I know! But I think that's what makes us a better person.

It's okay to cry and feel upset.

In order to feel intense happiness we have to cry our eyes out. No matter how stupid it might look or sound it's important that we feel and learn from our feelings. Remember that Anger can be a disease and like Love it can be contagious.

Forgive

It must be from the heart, unconditionally and undoubtedly. Forgive yourself and forgive others. It's not a perfect world, mistakes will be made and trusts will be broken. The important part is forgive....without questions.

Forget

This can be the tricky part. This have been misinterpreted for so many of us. Although the circumstances might hurt and wound us deeply we must forget it because we survive it no matter how hurt we are. But we must NOT forget the lessons we learn from it all.

Say you're Sorry

It doesn't matter who or what is wrong or right. Feeling sorry and acknowledging it is important. We must not disregard the other person's well-being just because....

Acceptance

I am now sure that life is full of surprises that even I surprised myself sometimes. Accept what life hands down to you. Never question its intentions and always rise up to the challenges.I've learned that acceptance can also free our soul. It's liberating and can actually reward us some peace of mind.

Plumbush Sunset

2010-01-16T20:27:00.003-05:00

We took a sunset ride today just before dinner. It's such a beautiful Saturday and so happy to be able to see the setting sun as its glow paints the skies salmon pink, red-orange and yellow. Dusk is settling over in this side of the world but somewhere; it's another brand new day.