BLISSFUL FRIDAY, AHEAD!

"Good character is not formed in a week or a month. It is created little by little, day by day. Protracted and patient effort is needed to develop good character." - Heraclitus

I thought my weekdays went well. Encountered normal moody 'thingys' but thank God for Everything! It passed! It's weird but I'm feeling more content on weekdays. The little stuff that i am able to finish each day makes me feel pretty spectacular and it's motivating. It's just lifting me up! All is about being grateful at the end of the day.  

Im totally grateful for everything, life, love, family, name it..  and this time, i like to say that I'm so grateful to have good friends around me. Really appreciate them a lot. Some comes and some go but totally, when you are surrounded with good friends, its flipping your negative energy to positive energy. It’s a different vibe!

I am feeling more positive than I have in awhile, and I think it has helped me to read and getting back to my regular routine. Journal in the morning whilst having my coffee and blogging whenever, then of course, committed responsibility is the priority.

It feels great when you feel, ALIVE! I don't pressure on myself to write on my journals and blog because, i thought it is fun thing to do and yes, I'm like you. I don't pressure myself because I'm not in the quest for perfection, i'd rather do things one at a time than pushing myself to the limit, that's failure at the end. I try not to skip my journals, photos and blog because I just want to feel lighter, happier and more balanced.. if possible... lolz. 

The last four days was such a positive and productive days. As always, I guess when you try to ignore the negative energy, you will achieve more like most things in life…two steps forward and one step back. I make some progress, realize some things, think rationally about how I have chosen to live life fully... entertain good vibes and yes, i keep pushing myself to go the gym.. lolz.. I don't know if I'm making sense here... but yeah, I feel grateful for everything! 

Oh well, everyday is a struggle but i've learned that when you do things and it comes from your heart, you will feel slightly more prepared to deal with those dark encounters the next time around. 

Thank you to You, who reads my thoughts, as well as those who share their notes and blogs. It's good to learn from the bad and the good. Cheers and Enjoy your Friday and the weekend ahead. 

Sharing you my blissful Friday!

(photo borrowed from google search)

...JUST DON'T HAMMER MY BACK, PLS...

...funny thing is that, you are so damn nice infront of me, as if you carried the sympathy of the whole wide world but by the time you turn your back, OMG... you're so lame...  amazing!!!!

oh well, i agree that we all are like that sometimes, unaware that we say things that we all agreed at anyway... we are humans, we are unique.... but to over do it? c'mon! 

If we can see that someone has a fault and just say that there is nothing wrong, then that is pointless and does not help at all. If we tell the person that what they are doing is not too serious and later speak badly of them behind their back, that is not good, either. We should say what we think to their face. we should clarify what is necessary and separate truth from falsehood. If we have doubts then we should express them. Even if our words are a little harsh, we should say them anyway. ( i think im frank, im like that sometimes but other people always misunderstood me from being so frank, i mean, i really speak my mind.... di naman ako mayabang and why should we go mayabang anyway, in fact, i have nothing to ipagmayabang.... lolz..)

anyways, it will always clarify our thinking and any gossip will be unfounded. I learned that now that if we confine ourselves to smooth-tounged and polite remarks, there will always be a basis for distorting rumour because even when i say things the nice way, it will always come out the bad anyway, so why being so polite all the time, lets do direct talking... better!

I always believe that if our intentions are good, i think no matter what happens, you will always achieve your goals but if our intention is pure selfishness and pure self "lifting"...  you may achieve a little but we will never achieve that goal.

OUR VISIT TO DOMED RODRIGUES GIANT TORTOISE

Another wonderful experience when we were in Rodriguez Island... After the 3 days cyclone, thought to take the tour and see what the place has to offer.. Nothing much to see apart from the calm sea and of course the tour around Rodgrigeuz Island. 

The island is really charming. We stayed at the Tekoma Boutik Hotel Rodrigues. Its really beautiful and romantic place because of its serene ambience. The staff and the food and the location is totally a winner. It is clean too! 

Upon arrival, we were welcomed with the customary home made cold lemon juice. I was all excited because the lobby is overlooking the sea. Sooooooooooooo blue and sooooooo beautiful. All and all, the excitiment was really in the air. lolz.. 

The next day, we received a cyclone warning. We were brief on what to do and all... but lets cut the story out because we were both WELL after three days of that cyclone experience. lolz

Our last day of the island:

Waking up to the sounds of the sea, splashing waves! Just perfect to sip that hot coffee watching the view. The sun was up and its wonderufl to walk around by the sea side after the storm. I've seen some local people cleaning the seaside. Lots of dead seaweeds and etc...

Oh well. I have so much to tell but to sum it up. We enjoyed our trip to the Rodriguez Island, Its good to visit a place where you've never been before. Hightlight of our tour was the walk with the giant tortoise. The tortoise sanctuary is well kept and definitely worth a visit, which incorporates one of the caves and some captive local bats.

Right now, this is my favourite destination and I can't wait to go back and do a bit of walking and photography of this beautiful island and it's people.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

"Goodbye for Now" to my Cousin, Jenny

Im sure most of you know me, or for those who are not familiar with me, I am Jennifer’s first cousin Lorna. Unfortunately, Im here in BKK that’s why its not easy for me to just take the plane and come home to spend the time with Jen BUT believe me, my heart aches too but i do believe that Jen will understand.. before i started to type my lines, i spent hours to meditate, reflect and went back to the old lanes and prayed after… 

But let me put things thru my timeline: back when we were like 6 or 7 years old, whenever its a school holidays, my auntie, auntie Ester always take me and sometimes with my ading Nora or ading July (Juliet - uncle John’s daughter) to Sagada for long holidays. I must say that only when its school holidays that we had the chance to see and spent time with Jenny. Honestly, Jen and I were not that very close, but we both know that nevertheless we are very important person to each other. When I heard of her passing few days ago, I was speechless, heart broken and a sudden feeling of guilt, guilt and regrets that i should have gone seen her the last time i went back home. I cried and cried to express these feelings that i have inside. It took a while for me to compose back myself and i lay my hands to God and prayed… I wanted to buy myself a ticket and come up here and stand here today and say a few words about how she meant to me.

My cousin Jenny grew up in Sagada and because of the distance between us, the time we spent together was limited. Growing up, my mom would tell me stories about my cousin Jenny and how proud she was of her. We were about the same age, meaning we go to school at the same time and we managed to meet a handful of times over the years when we would take family vacations to visit my father’s relatives.

“Memories, that’s what life is all about as we share them with the ones we love. Remembering others, as they pass on those pearly gates above.”

It wasn’t until we began University that we really got to know quite a bit of each other. I chose to go to the University of Baguio (UB) and Jenny was at the Baguio Colleges Foundation (BCF). I remember too how auntie Esther was so gracious enough to let me stay (sometimes) for a sleep over at their place. (diay Brookside idi). This part, was when i started to get more closer to Jen. 

Years had gone. It was between 2002 or 2003 when i went back home from Cambodia. We had our small family gathering at the Country Club (Lanie’s place before – Lanie is manong Juliu’s wife). We invite family to join us. During that time, Jenny and I planned something, like she will take a vacation leave from work and she will come and visit me in Phnom Pehn, Cambodia. She was working for the government office back then, (that was at the BPP, CAR regional office). We had a great time that day, i remember we were outside the house and enjoying the sun, chatting about life… Something that registered to me was the part when she said, “life is good. GAWIS!”… I never did tell her that those words that came out from her mouth meant a world to me and to this day, i still hold them preciously because i know that at that moment, Jen was not joking, she was sincere. I was looking at her and before going inside the house, we both hugged.

Life moved on.. until one day, in year 2006 - i received a call… Jenny was at the hospital. I remember i called my auntie Belen and asked how’s Jenny. She explained to me that she’s going thru some bad illness. (they don’t know yet the reason why, only when the doctor told them that she was diagnosed with kidney disease.) I was shocked too when i heard the news. I couldn’t do anything but to pray that time and to offer my emotional support.

Jenny, over the last 8 years, i spoke with you only a handful of times and have a special grip on memory. You may not hear me now saying things but I will always be thankful for everything that you taught me. It is painful to suffer illness and with what you’ve been thru. You’ve teach everyone what defines the word, STRONG means! For me, Jenny was an incredibly intelligent, caring and a brave mother and a woman. I feel so honored to be related to her and will never forget her. She will be my model for living my life.

You will forever be in our hearts. You will never be forgotten and you will forever be loved.

Ps. BIG HUGS and KISSES from me and the Family. Lots of love!

 thIS photo was taken in our Grandsparents house in Demang Sagdada, I think we were about 7 or 8 years old here.

 When I think of Jenny, one story keeps replaying over and over in my mind was this picture.

 THANK YOU so much manang Maria for this. Heart a lot!

BLISSFUL TUESDAY!

BLISSFUL TUESDAY: "Never forget the three powerful resources you always have available to you: LOVE, PRAYER, and FORGIVENESS." - H. Jackson Brown, Jr.

Hi my Beau-Friends! Hope all is well. Another Monday is over and Tuesday, here it is. Sun's up, blue skies plus the clouds that create arts up there. Just beautiful! It was a fruitful and healthy day yesterday though it was a pretty slow start but it pulled up after. yeah, i know.. nothing is perfect, right? -- sharing you my good start of the day! 

(photo borrowed from google search)

MY MONDAY COFFEE!

MONDAY (my daily grind): "Be more concerned with your character than with your reputation. Your character is what you really are while your reputation is merely what others think you are." - Dale Carnegie  

Started with my hot Kenya coffee this morning with my toast! beautiful! Sun is up! and yes, sharing you my good start of the day... blissful day ahead my Beau-Friends! 

      (photo borrowed from goggle)

SUNDAY!

“Do not believe in anything simply because you have heard it. Do not believe in anything simply because it is spoken and rumored by many. Do not believe in anything simply because it is found written in your religious books. Do not believe in anything merely on the authority of your teachers and elders. Do not believe in traditions because they have been handed down for many generations. But after observation and analysis, when you find that anything agrees with reason and is conducive to the good and benefit of one and all, then accept it and live up to it.” - Buddha

Sunday thoughts: I'm not gonna argue on whatever your beliefs are but one thing i know for sure is that... there's only the One, that we all cling unto... Blessed and blissful Sunday my beau-friends!

(took this photo when i went to visit, one of the temples here in Bkk)

WEEKEND!

...thought my week went very well, was able to finish work deadlines, find time to meet some friends (after work)... looks like my timeline is working pretty good! oh well, few things needed some updates of course, but that will happen soon. Sharing you love and blissful days my Beau-Friends! - enjoy your weekend, ahead! Chatuchak, here i come! yeeehhhbaaa!..

LET'S TALK ABOUT SELFIE! --- ♥ º ☆.¸¸.•´¯`♥

"Sooner or later we all discover that the important moments in life are not the advertised ones, not the birthdays, the graduations, the weddings, not the great goals achieved. The real milestones are less prepossessing. They come to the door of memory." - Susan B. Anthon

Normally, you stretch your arms, (just in front of you), look at your phone lens and smile with your best superfluous smile ever, then click that bottom and then, you go to your app where it will adjust the colours, the skin tones to your satisfaction THEN... post it or share! One very good example is when you have something new to share. New hairdo, new phone, new make-up, new dress, whilst in the gym, in the car or even some when asleep? or of course.. visited new places and etc... (oh yeah, i won't deny that too.. lolz..)

oh yes! It does exists! you might be wondering where did selfie started.. surprisingly, it all started in 1839 by Robert Cornelius! Exciting isn't it? Mr. Robert Cornelius (1809–1893) pioneered the first self photos. Image of The first “selfie”

I was laughing a lot a while ago when i received a PM from my long time friend, (anonymous)  talking about her face online (selfies). Of course, i LOVE selfie photos and i admire people by doing so, why? because they are so brave and free! --who cares about the way you look, you are just being yourself!  In a world where photo-sharing is on top of the web, where a new app is easily downloaded to rectify photos to become the best that photography has to offer.. SELFIES! 

For curiosity, i tried to find out more about the selfie picture that my cousin tagged me. I found out that the selfie picture i received was taken in 1920. Made me smile now because i really thought SELFIE pics are introduced this 20th century but apparently, not.  Here, you are looking at the very very very old picture of selfie.

"Snapped in New York on the roof of the Marceau Studio on Fifth Avenue, across the street from St. Patrick's Cathedral, this picture features five mustached photographers holding an antediluvian analog camera at arm's length. Because this camera would have been too heavy to hold with one hand, Joseph Byron is propping it up on the left, with his colleague Ben Falk holding it on the right. In the middle, you have Pirie MacDonald, Colonel Marceau, and Pop Core."

Yes, i understand why some people dislike 'selfie' because sometimes its annoying thing once could do but at the end of the day, when you do a 'selfie' you probably gonna give yourself some good dam laugh. I took few photos of myself and one time, i was quoted that I'm addicted to myself, i laugh like nobody else because when i went to visit her/his page, she/he has more selfie photos than me! lolz

It’s JUST SO FUNNY to bring to light things we do all the time and don’t think for a second, others MAY find it annoying or ridiculous. It’s the age in which we live. With all this technology, we are each given the opportunity to offer others a glimpse into our lives, no matter how boring or exciting they are. We used to be able to just take the photos. But now, with Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Myspace etc. it makes it that much easier to share these photos so instantly, that sometimes it’s just so hard to pass up! It’s harmless. But, when you come across a post like this, it’s a reminder of just how funny and/or stupid some of these so called ‘selfies’ come off.

So, you still think that people who take selfie photos have mental problem? I think you better think twice, don't forget that not all people taking 'selfie' pics are crazy, they are just FREE! but other than that, just don't over do it.. otherwise, it will become like a selfie addiction and you may end up posting EVERY SINGLE activity of your life.. no privacy! 

THE DIFFERENCE --- THE ATTITUDE

"There is little difference in people, but that little difference makes a big difference. That little difference is attitude. The big difference is whether it is positive or negative." - Robert Collier

TOTALLY! --- "If you took two identical twins, you would think they are very similar with little difference between them. But if one of them has a negative attitude and one has a positive, you will notice that the difference is actually enormous. One of them will be quite pleasant to be around, and one won't. These small differences are actually huge differences. Be positive, because not only do people want to be around you more, but it sets you apart from the majority of the world. Being different is usually a good thing! Be unique! Be special! Be yourself."

Awesome meeting this morning! motivating! yeebaaah!

LIVE LIFE

"If you abandon the present moment, you cannot live the moments of your daily life deeply." - Nhat Hanh

Today has been a lovely Tuesday and it will continue for sure. As a way to spend some time. [since its a one day, holiday] I came up with the idea of working with my photos then do make my necklaces and yes! totally enjoying my comfort zone! I was so pleased and so happy with my new creations and for sure will be using them soon.

Sometimes, its feels great when you've done something productive even little things in a day. Yes, we went out for some air and sooooooo hot outside but life can be exciting if you get out there and actually do stuff!

For now, wishing you a great evening. Hope you had a great day today!

NEGATIVE HAPPINESS

"Happy people get a lot of joy from receiving benefits from others while people leading meaningful lives get a lot of joy from giving to others," explained Kathleen Vohs 

Some say, that NEGATIVE HAPPINESS define as -- miserable people who love to watch someone fail. Some will gossip stories about you and will put you down and will never be aware of their wrong doings and assume they are right. Some will use your words to destroy you... so determined to PUT YOU DOWN... I think that's just a few understanding about the NEGATIVE HAPPINESS. 

I happened to asked few friends on what they think about NEGATIVE HAPPINESS and some don't literally understand what it means, some say --  people bunch of crap! and some say... "perhaps, one feels happiness when there is jealousy, competition and bitterness in ones heart, the feeling you get when that person fails to accomplish things or just simply failed..." 

There are probably lot of opinions when you start asking about NEGATIVE HAPPINESS. You must be wondering why I'm into this. How do the happy life and the meaningful life differ? Happiness, they found, is about feeling good. Is it true that people who are happy tend to think that life is easy, when they are in good physical health, and they are able to buy the things that they need and want... WHILE not having enough money decreases how happy and meaningful you consider your life to be, it has a much greater impact on happiness. The happy life is also defined by a lack of stress or worry.

Does it means that transcends the self while happiness is all about giving the self what it wants. I do agree that sometimes, people who have high meaning in their lives are more likely to help others in need whilst some, will probably believe that not helping or being selfish is one of their key to happiness. 

In contrast to the other's happiness, the most sensitive part when you help is when you are expecting something in return, OR when you intended to make yourself known as the the kind of giver and get recognitions. Here comes the part where we see the difference between animals and human beings when pursuing happiness.. 

There are many examples of achieving happiness: Giving a part of yourself away to others and making a sacrifice on behalf of the someone else; In other words, the whole meaning of your life is to be a "kiss ass" talent in order to pursuit your purpose. "using your highest strengths and talents to belong to and serve something you believe is larger than the self."  - i've seen when people try to please other people beyond their limits when achieving happiness. (self-happiness). People whose lives have high levels of meaning often actively seek meaning out even when they know it will come at the expense of happiness, maybe because they have invested themselves in something bigger than themselves, they also worry more and have higher levels of stress and anxiety in their lives than happy people. 

"Partly what we do as human beings is to take care of others and contribute to others. This makes life meaningful but it does not necessarily make us happy," My friend, Bhea from Sri Lanka shared that when i asked her too.. 

Meaning its not only about transcending the self, but also about transcending the present moment. While happiness is an emotion felt in the here and now, it ultimately fades away, just as all emotions do; positive affect and feelings of pleasure are fleeting. The amount of time people feeling good or bad correlates with happiness but not at all with meaning.

On the other hand, Happiness is also enduring. It connects the past to the present to the future. Sometimes, we go beyond thinking about the present moment, into the past or future. Is this a sign of the relatively meaningful but unhappy life? Do you think, happiness is not generally found in contemplating the past or future? I really believe that people who thought more about the present are happier BUT people who spent more time thinking about the future or about their BAD SUFFERINGS or STRUGGLES from the past felt more meaning in their lives but they are less happy.

Lastly, when you invest yourself thinking about the negative events happened to you, this will definitely decreases your happiness but will eventually increases the meaning you have in life. THIS combination should not be mix with your sad emotions but instead, will clearly defined your purpose. 

Like what Frankl wrote... "If there is meaning in life at all, then there must be meaning in suffering." 

“Happiness cannot be pursued; it must ensue.”  ― <a>Viktor E. Frankl</a>, <a>Man's Search for Meaning</a>