Humility in Humans is Always HOT

FATHER ANGELO's favorite line in his preachings is this, "Because He is God and you are not" we need to be humble always and no matter what. Great, the best, the master of whatever discipline you're good at...that makes sense. For talent, or beauty is just God given, it will be taken away from you anytime if He wills it. So to be aware of this all the time makes all of us to be of notice of our nothingness or of our being nobodies :) Or just think the obvious that things have their ends either sooner or later. You'll be basking in glory today but you will never know if you gonna be crying tomorrow...sad isn't it? It takes away the fun, but at least you know where you stand. Just a mere human being, a small speck of sand, that can be blown away by the wind at any time...so pls. don't think at any moment that you're 'great' for He is that, not you :>

On Top of a Hill, a Cross, a Crown and Calvary and On Kings and Queens

CONNECTIONS AND CORRELATIONS. This is really weird and come to think of it, it's the most holiest of weeks. I was googling the lyrics of "The Old Rugged Cross" to come hand in hand with my holy week music blog entry of the same title but lo and behold, check this... http://synergy_2.tripod.com/lyrics/ruggedc1.html I don't even have to post my music for it came with it, pls. CLICK the link, and wait for a few seconds for the tune itself :) The saddest music I've ever heard in my entire life, "The Old Rugged Cross" and this was dating back in the elementary grades, right the same year I was crowned a Queen for a night, laughs. See the pic? I have proof :> And Percy was the King. This pic was given to me just not too long ago by my teacher Mrs. Casiano, Percy's mom also. That 'remembrance' penmanship on the pic is hers, my teacher's handwriting :)

Now if you look at the bottom of the lyrics, if you've CLICKED the link, this music was written HERE in Michigan of all places, laughs. And now to make the story more complicated, Mrs. Casiano dressed me in a blue semi- Maria Clara outfit then, I still remember that dress clearly :) like I was the Virgin Mary in that play when we went downtown to show it one Holy Week, a long time ago. Jesus was dead, nailed on the cross and I was in distress as His mother. With this music being sang in the background. Gosh! What a very nice memory! And up to this day, me and my teacher still writes to one another. She had four sons and she said she does consider me as the daughter, she never had. She always ends her letters to me as "your mom" funny isn't it? She is on her 80's now and her husband just died this year, very sad. But truly this song's melody is so melancholy, mournful and mesmerizing at the same time. It touched my heart like no other song did, very fitting for this week entry on my journal. And in the process I've gotten more. Memories that no money can buy...plus that feeling that I've been a queen even for a moment and even for just once, however short of a period that is, maybe. Truly a treasure to keep... in my heart, in my mind and in my memories. I truly consider myself very lucky indeed. And thank God for that :) Aside from "O Holy Night" I have another inspiration to go back to the piano, laughs. If I can find that tape I'll let you listen to me playing this lovely X-mas song, which made my piano teacher then gasped in dismay for it's a level 3 piece and I'm only starting, meaning me jumping or escaping the basics when I told her that this is the music or first piece that I want to learn and I did, laughs, believe it or not. In fact I sent that tape as a gift to my Madonna like benefactor awhile back. The nerve of me isn't it? laughs. Just want to give her an original thing from me, that's why, laughs, for originality counts big time for me, look at my blog's name :) Not a copy cat :> Oh well...the truth.

The King of Kings, Jesus, wore a crown made of thorns. That made me feel so little and ashamed wearing a tiara on my head in this pic then, but I do share His cross in my life as I see Michael everyday, not only during Lenten season. And with His help I'm doing my very best to carry it. I know I needed His help all the time...to lift this heavy burden on my shoulders, emotionally and physically too, this if you've noticed the purplish bluish marks that Michael made on my arms :) but as I've said life goes on and it could have been a lot worst, like if he is wheelchair bound and besides there are a lot of others besides me in this very challenging predicament. So no time for self pity here, for life goes on. "Smile even though your heart is aching" as that famous song goes, so that is what you see in my pics :> A cheat? I don't think so, just making myself feel a little better here, laughs. Hope you agree :)

Songs, Sentiments and Serenades

Sad tunes ringing into your ears
Glum, unhappy faces you can tell
Wailing cries permeate the air
Heart breaks like a bitter pill

One's life is always marked by
The serenades and songs they buy
Like jeans, round rings or lullabies
Of Coltrane, of others or by Miles

Sentiments embedded in these words
Will want one's body to burst
In tragic tears one lass laments
Or in jaded joy as one girl sleeps

Serenades echoing in balconies
As a strumming guitar plays
Touching a honey's heart and ears
Where sincere smile or happiness reigns

Songs, sentiments and serenades
As flowers of roses and chocolates
Makes one felt loved and truly cared
Blessed as that of a picture perfect scene...

Moods, Music and Memories

Drifting, bellowing in the air are sounds
Sweet or sad melodies of love
Dressed in wonderful or weary words
Arousing as in rhythmic pleasant verse

Requests called for on the air
Tunes wanted to be played
Of one person's favorite piece
Ballads, lullabies or other else

How about you dear friend
What's your story to tell
Can music express it forever
In sunny or in sad serenades?

Moods, music and memories are intertwined
As life, time, the wind and us
Sad or glorious sounds or drudgeries
Forever frozen and sealed in melodies

Words translated into sounds
From a superb song writer's hand
Full of emotions expressed and sang
By an angelic nightingale's sweet tongue

Musical lyrical hymns or mainly just hype
Illusions, delusions or realities of one
Traveling and floating freely in the sky
One's spirit, one's soul, one's magical mind...

There's Hope

Born poor and scantily clad
Meals not comparable to the haves
Even with both mom and dad working hard
Living in a small house, only a nipa hut

With just a wick lantern for a light
All lessons done and memorized
With high hopes for that better life
Or for a future that is burning bright

Sweats and hardships never mattered
Stomach churning at times with hunger
Financially strapped, with money not enough
Remedies here and there, a help from an aunt

A working student, sponsored by a lovely lady
In a private and prestigious Catholic University
No time for fun, void of vacations, nor rest
Still gladly taken, with a sunny smile, no complaints

Miracles do happen in this world and it's true
As my humble life on earth had to show
Never lose hope, pray hard and always be true
To God, to others, to your work, and to the person that's you...

ALMOST

Adrift abandoned and lost
A man floating alone afar from coast
Body parched and baked
By the sun's scorching burning rays

Rescuers above passed him by
A tiny speck of sand, a faint muted cry
Down in despair he closed his eyes
'Almost' he said but that's just not enough

Leaning in a tree in a church backyard
An old battered poor woman carries a child
Disfigured, dirty, sick and tired
Their arms thrown out reaching for alms

Countless nameless faces gently walk
Passing these hapless creatures as they talk
Amidst silent sobs but full of hope
But no one even 'almost' dare to help or stop

Almost there, if this could have only been that
Anyone of us may have help a life
Almost, just isn't really enough
To save a life or to change a life...

And I'm just as guilty as the rest, at times, sad...

Just Simply Passing By

Floating silently in the sky are poems
Expressions of thoughts, one's own
Vivid descriptions, just quick summations
Life lived by a single solitary person

Jaded joys, happiness and awe
Wonderful question marks or so
Bathed in sadness, sullenness or two
Intertwined with words and by that color blue

Answers, stories, responses
Biting, loving or of nastiness
Timing to throw it is of the essence
To match what was there to deal with

But poems that pierce the heart
Should only be what we want
Like an odyssey in one's chart
Admired, remembered, for all times loved

Just what these lonely lines impart
"Farewell dear father, my sunshine, my love,
Why did you have to depart?"
"By this, you've broken my precious heart"...

Very melodramatic but I love it. Makes me smile :) But this is just only me...

Bright Smiles Come with Spring

It's official... spring is HERE, hurray! :) The scent, the sights and sounds of renewal, revival or renaissance, take your pick. For me it's the season to be smiling, laughs. Too long for me to wait to see my tulips again, can't wait. Spring cleaning, gardening and listening to the tons of birds I have in my backyard. That red colorful cardinal is my favorite. Oh well, really. It's the second time for me to be jolly, the first is Christmastime of course :) So, one more month, by the end of April, the sprouts of tiny leaves start to peek out of those trees. Then on the first week of May comes the bright and the colorful spring flowers that light up our neighborhoods, and my red bud tree is right out there on top :> So pretty and rainbow like. Tsk! If only that there could be a pot of gold that comes on every spring, then no more room for any pouts from non gardeners, unlike me...too bad. But for me the time to have that wide smile is...you've guessed it! Now. :>

That Extra Crucial Mile

Life is a series of winsome wonders
Being flashed in front of nowhere
Piles of accumulated pathways and trails
That this kind earth has to offer

Life also is an endless struggle
Of the good and of the devil
And it's up to you to decipher
Which path would you like to conquer

Sunny days, glorious days
Sunshine that will last forever
Or sad and moon less darkness
In agony, desperate and truly hopeless

Actions, relations and reactions
Smiles, laughter and pouts
Quarrels, makeups or breakups
What does one truly wants?

The good will want the wise
The bad, the devil will do otherwise
Just as that good Samaritan
The kindhearted will walk that extra mile

That extra leverage, that needed length
To touch a human's heart
That extra compassion and crucial walk
That opens its door to God...

"Miracle in Many Ways"...a favorite poem of mine :)

Have you ever prayed in private?
Wishing wishes late at night
Hoping dearly that God will touch you
In His mercy and graceful ways

Have you closed your eyes in earnest
Thinking some magic makes your day
With that extra love and goodness
Will be showered on you today?

I have dwelt in dread and dark despair
In much agony that is unreal
I have suffered uncalled for humiliation
You named it, it was on the air

But God in His rightful ways
I found courage to prevail
I've felt I am always loved instead
By that power sent by Him

If this is not a miracle tell me what it is then
For I could have folded like a wet umbrella
Not to be opened once again
Or I could have been an schizophrenic or mindfully insane...

In Tune with the Times

POLITICS is all in the horizon here and in the Phil. Come to think of it, it's my hidden interest, my secret love if you will. I follow every presidential debate here in the U.S., listen and tune in on programs that deal with this topic. For my philosophy is I'd like to be informed with what these politicians are up to, besides enriching their own pockets of course. They hold the key to policy making which directly or indirectly involves or affects my life, that's my reasoning. So I'm really very wide eyed and awake at this time of the year, laughs. Mitt Romney seems to be a very capable presidential beat here, but too bad for he is a Republican. So he is not the best person to look out for my interest, a working class, a middle class person. For these conservatives are just instruments of the rich, whose agendas are to become more like them, what else? the rich and the greedy. This after they woo you and your votes are taken. The difference here though compared to the Phil. is that most votes are counted here in the U.S. and votes can't be bought by money, which is the exact opposite in my country of birth. If a candidate even brainless have money, then he or she can be "smiling, and basking in sunshine" on the senate floor, or "in a hot house harmony" with the rest? of them there, laughs. Oh well, that is Phil. politics. Very very sad, indeed. And a myriad of intelligent, sarcastic "writers" mock this arena I observed with their tools of "metaphors" tons of it, here and there :> What a life...although I'm impartial. To those that I like I close my eyes, laughs. Oh well. And I'm not particularly fond of "weather" forecasting in the political turf to make that clear, alright? This is only me my take, and who cares? Only me, that's for sure, but this is my blog, so there you go, the REASON :> So please excuse me if you will, that is if you're truly offended. Don't mean to hurt your feelings now. Would you believe that? laughs.

Surprise! Actually Snow is Still Here

Tsk! I mispoke too soon. Lo and behold, the next morning... here is the view. Here in Michigan, March weather is very unpredictable. You're wearing your shorts the day before, next you know you're in your long john, laughs. Oh well. Can't wait for spring and summer to see my flowers again :>

Sense and Sentiments

Why do you care if I'm a maid
Making your bed everyday
As long as your sheets are all pluffy
And your floor is clean and spiffy

Why do you care if I am old
Bones rickety, fragile and cold
With face wrinkled and loose
Hand tremors and all

Why really care if I'm poor
With no roof and no food
Begging alms in those roads
Streets of filth and rats full

You must care for I'm God sent
To test your character and will
To show our only God up there
What you're made up inside "here"

"Here" means your inner heart
That red organ of true love
For if you treat me just right
God will smile wide and bright

Be thankful and be smart
Better not you but us?
But if we were 'you' it will happen that
You'll be kindly respected and loved...

In that Far Corner of the Earth

Tired, no more trembling hands
Flat, a non beating heart
Quiet under that cold earth
Alone lies a man not to ever forget

Deep silence sears the place
As a dove soars and reigns
Manicured grass over ground
Only a skull can be found

Is this all there is to it?
Of a life full of joy and zest
Too short, not enough
Taken abruptly in a flash

What is there to hope?
When someone bright is lost
No more laughter, no more smiles
No more sunshine no more stars

Tomorrow is just another day
As we humans work and play
Never the same, different always
Since my dad passed away...

Politics Philippine Style

How much money do you have?
How many movies did you make?
How much fame did you acquire?
This is Philippine politics

Throw away those computers
They're just in the way
Put some dough in those pockets
Of these gentlemen who run this gimmick

Then you'll be a governor
A congressman or a senator
Or worst you'll be the president
What a very sad predicament

My poor countrymen, what have we've done
Always and forever we'll be in the dumps
Why can't we learn from past mistakes
And give us all that much needed break?

With an eye trained to see
And an ear marked to hear
With a mind to decipher
What is true and what is real

Vote for the one that is bright and smart
Not for their fame nor financial cart
Write those names and cross your heart
And hope to God that no cheating will start...

Miracle in Many Ways

Have you ever prayed in private?
Wishing wishes late at night
Hoping dearly that God will touch you
In His mercy and graceful ways

Have you closed your eyes in earnest
Thinking some magic makes your day
With that extra love and goodness
Will be showered on you today?

I have dwelt in dread and dark despair
In much agony that is unreal
I have suffered uncalled for humiliation
You named it, it was on the air

But God in His rightful ways
I found courage to prevail
I've felt I am always loved instead
By that power sent by Him

If this is not a miracle tell me what it is then
For I could have folded like a wet umbrella
Not to be opened once again
Or I could have been an schizophrenic or mindfully insane...

Word Play

Presently jaded but wiser world
Joyful playful past unfurled
Countless pages of paper turned
Slipped in thy hands that burned

Letters of life looking at us
Only to be deciphered by several eyes
Funny verses full of delight
Wait beware don't be trapped

Humorous hellos lots of happy faces
Which one could be the easy target
Here there or everywhere
Pick one choose do not forget ever

Words count, letters may not
Today right now and only just that
Tomorrow certainly is another day
True topic with a different story

Too many words, typed and cast
Only for play always remember that
Words that matter, those that last
Matched with proof, true and fast...

CHANGE means SPRING

Summer time seems so far and so long ago
Early morning walks and bike rides for two
Brisk and crisp scent of fresh and sweet air
With chirping birds by bursting a lullaby

Floral perfumes fan your nose as you talk
Green grass adorned all gardens as you walk
Children playing by in their bit of backyards
As dogs wag their tails and occasionally bark

As autumn leaves fall beneath colorful trees
Reds, oranges and browns, beyond bright buzzing bees
Callously trimmed twigs swayed by that wayward wind
Ripe harvestly primed as apples and strawberries' sweet

Wintry days come as summer and fall pass
Bone chilling cold not so good for the eyes
Piles of powdery snow and blocks of slippery ice
Adorn every roads what a beautiful sight

Then comes that change, so alive and so well
Sprouts of thin leaves and pretty flowers will tell
Spring is now here and the change that we crave
In our daily lives and of the weather as well...

Somewhere, Sometime, Someday?

With eyes gazing upon that endless sky
Up above that soaring sun on high
Where all stars twinkle and all planets run
Beyond our reach, not on the palms of our hands

Muted memories dancing in the head
Mind mesmerized, can't ever comprehend
Guts and glories, all cares and complexities
Left for tomorrow to shuffle and to bear

Dreams do come true, maybe
Wishes will, if you believe really
As smiles shine hope hinges see
Truly wondering when will it be

Walking all alone under a tree lined road
Thinking of houses in different forms
Where is the best, which and whose abode
Will capture ones' heart's spirit and soul

But somewhere in that distant sea
Or sometime when the clock strikes three
Someday soon it will be
Our wants, our desires our dreams would set us free...

To Dust and to that Dirt

An Ash Wednesday reflection: Mortality, an end, that inevitable death. To that dust and dirt we all shall return. At anytime, anywhere. At any age, rich and poor alike, young and old. We won't know if it's our turn to be called, today or tomorrow or 100 years from now, laughs. To be one of the so many skulls that went before us. Sad that we all succumb to this destiny. But it's just the beginning of a journey to that eternity. Where no more sadness nor sufferings. No more demeanings and belittlement that we take from unsavory and uncaring hearts. A deliverance if you will. But my wish is not until I'm 110 years old, laughs. So I'll take those anytime :) Yeah, life is such that. I'm happy for that chance though given by me to be able to live and experience love in this earth. Love that I gave which is the same love that I've gotten :) Thanks to God foremost and thanks to all who cared :) We need to give love to find true happiness. For hate is just the opposite, that bringer of sadness that nobody really wants. So before all of us become dust and dirt, would it be better to have happiness first? Just another thought :>

A Very Rare Spectacle, a Beauty of All Time

BEAUTY, this word where most women would like to be associated with. Either remade, recycled or natural, no one cares as long as they have it. Some will go even into the extreme of going under the knife spending considerable amount of financial assets just to look good and be their very best. Yeah, I know, can't blame these ladies. Who wouldn't want to be the center of every ones attention, right? But wrong. For outer physical beauty is merely skin deep, shallow and superficial to be exact, always remember that. You're hot? today? but God knows what will you be or how will you look like in the future, say in your golden years. Will you still look like a golden doll? :) Beauty fades, let's never ever forget that. But good CHARACTER will stay forever in any ones' mind. This is for the intelligent and I hope you're one of them, laughs. Just another intriguing thought, this I would like to believe. For the very few who happened to hop into this very humble journal of mine :) So ladies and gentlemen, you know where to put your bet is. It's defined on who you are really, in the premises of alike goes hand in hand, as in birds of the same feather flock together sort of. So, is it in the beautiful fake that won't last? or in the naturally born beautiful with inner beauty that is ageless and timeless? Your pick, laughs...The winner is... inner beauty of course which is that very rare spectacle for the soul and the spirit and of course for the eyes as well. The one that possesses that inner glow, that ultra genuine goodness and that extra gentle kindness of the human spirit. Ultimately at the end, it wins the past, the present and the future, simply put...and no one will ever wonder why...

Good Luck Charms

Taken in a favorite Chinese restaurant, their display of the Dragon fish, the lucky fish for them. I remember J.C. saying, "Mom, I wonder how does a lucky fish taste like" eyeing on that fish...then he said, "Lucky fishy in my tummy, yum" laughs. Funny boy, he does really cracked me up so bad sometimes :>

Then the pic of Our Mother of Perpetual Help taken from Our Lady of Fatima Parish where J.C. plays in the Bell Choir, our church here. I remember in Baclaran with my apron in tow I never missed going into this most wonderful church so often that my wishes have came true bec. maybe of my persistence, laughs. "Never give up" my motto :) And coupled with the Bible, the crucifix and the rosary, my ever truly good luck charms...:) Thanks so much, my sweet God, I truly love you...always and forever :)

The Purity of Winter

Cold but really just totally wonderful, pls. don't let me drive, laughs. Too slippery for me :) Calling... for a taxi :> Taken on the Day of Hearts, 2-14-07 :) Click to enlarge image...

A Reading of No Measure

Gospel: Lk 6:27-38

Jesus said to his disciples: “To you who hear I say, love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you. To the person who strikes you on one cheek, offer the other one as well, and from the person who takes your cloak, do not withhold even your tunic. Give to everyone who asks of you, and from the one who takes what is yours do not demand it back. Do to others as you would have them do to you. For if you love those who love you, what credit is that to you? Even sinners love those who love them. And if you do good to those who do good to you, what credit is that to you? Even sinners do the same. If you lend money to those from whom you expect repayment, what credit is that to you? Even sinners lend to sinners, and get back the same amount. But rather, love your enemies and do good to them, and lend expecting nothing back; then your reward will be great and you will be children of the Most High, for he himself is kind to the ungrateful and the wicked. Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful. “Stop judging and you will not be judged. Stop condemning and you will not be condemned. Forgive and you will be forgiven. Give, and gifts will be given to you; a good measure, packed together, shaken down, and overflowing, will be poured into your lap. For the measure with which you measure will in return be measured out to you.”

I want myself to be always reminded of this reading at church today, as well as of others who took the time to read it :)... thanks...so here it will stay in my very humble journal...:)

Goodbye Wicked Winter, Welcome Sweet Spring

Shivering silently this battered body of mine
Clothed in thick layered coat, hat on and gloved hands
On snowy and slippery roads, as chilly winds dance
Keeping me away from that bone chilling ice

Summer, fall, winter then sweet spring
Can't wait to smell the roses and my other flowers again
After droplets of rain, a bright rainbow is born
New dreams new chances new hopes adorn

Old friends, brief acquaintances sadly must go
Change course to that hi-way that's heartfully true
Memories of fake smiles and happiness then
Shelved in that garbage of false and forever bin

Lost tomorrows and could have beens
For the best and life's future sheen
With God's guided hands I bid adieu
Head held high and with a heart anew

Hello sweet spring what's taking you so long
This tired torn spirit always welcomes you
Pls. hurry life's quickly turning over and fast
Come now, stay long, hope you'll forever last...

Heavenly Hands

Come down softly at thy throne
Up in that blue sky and beyond
With blinding light, and mighthy sword
Drive all sadness in our world

Cherubim's wings went passing by
As angel's army approaches fast
Landing lightly on everyone's house
Through rusty rooftops, on closed door knobs.

Hearts in agony, silent wailing sounds
As footprints paint, amidst painful sobs
Hard calloused, bruised and beaten hands
From fearful faces, tears pouring down

Light of the sun sadly long gone
Love of one's heart true and divine
Touch us, love us, pls. don't tear us
But always mend our broken hearts

You are the strong and the most powerful
Who knows everything on earth and all
With your holy hands, and their gentle caress
Lost sadness, less bitterness and bright smile comes...

Favorite Blooms, Batch, 4

Can't find my pink rose, so this pink flowering cabbage will do. Of lillies, cosmoses and cabbages, my special favorites, bloom wise. Love is sharing so here they are for everyone to see :) Now let's add a nice favorite song also... for all lovers in the world who are about to upgrade :> Playing "From this Moment On" by Shania Twain...hope you all like my garden blooms, batch 4...and this special music as well...:)

A Fun February Song, my Garden Blooms, batch, 3

With flowers, this Donna Summer's disco melody, "I Feel Love" plus the food of the Gods... what else? the chocolate of course...every sweetie should have a blast this coming Cupid's Day :)

My Fun Heart Shaped Semi- Ruby Ring

Music: "Flower of Carnage" by Meiko Kaji... let's go Japanese this time :)
Red hearts...in celebration of "love" which this month of February represents...

Love is ....

* * *

LOVE is like a rose

Rich in color

Radiant and bright

Red as blood

Flowing from the heart

* * *

Love is sharing and giving

Love understands and is kind

But most of all

Love is faithful and sacrifice full

Like Jesus' love for us all...

* * *

HAPPY VALENTINES DAY TO EVERYONE!!! and if I can find my nicer pink rose I'll post it, :) Ray Charles is in piano playing "I Can't Stop Loving You"... then a solo by Martina McBride, singing the same song...:)