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The future

*(This was inspired by a post of Farmgirl entitled* *Some Impactful Encounters**. Click on that link to read about the wisdom she has learned from others.)* https://read.cash/@FarmGirl/some-impactful-encounters-1186421c I know you are familiar with the song Greatest Love of All popularized by Whitney Houston. The first line goes *I believe the children are our future...* I'm not going to talk about how to raise your children for I don't have any. I only have nephews, nieces and cousins. I'm not going to talk about the song either. If you don't know the song or the artist, you can check the song in You Tube. Over the years, I have accumulated photos of children and I just want to share to you some of those photos. I was looking for a particular photo for I originally planned to write about a certain place that we have been to. However, I can't seem to locate it. I might have deleted it in my social media account. Also, I can't remember if I posted it in other platforms. Since I can't find what I am looking for, I shifted my attention to other subjects that I can post here. Let met start by saying that the lead image was one of my nieces. I have no idea what to photograph then. At that time, I just bought my camera and I was trigger happy. I don't have other equipment at that time, just my camera and the kit lens that came with it. We played with the curtain and took shots. That photo was the only one I was satisfied with.

Back in 2014, we met this boy in Bagan. Bagan is a temple city located in Myanmar. Can you imagine 1,000 temples in one place? How about 3,000? How about 10,000? There were originally over 10,000 temples here in Bagan but over the years only a about 2,000 temples remain. In one of the temples, this boy approached us showing their collections of different denominations. They must have collected them from different tourists they met. I think I have read a blog who mentioned boys with collection of different bills. I'm not sure if that blog was talking about these kids.

I asked to take photos of them and they willingly obliged. If you notice the marks on their faces, that is called *Thanaka*. You can see it on the faces of the locals. I even tried it when we visited one village. It is a paste made from a bark of a tree that grows in Myanmar. Sun protection is one of the many purposes of this paste. ***This taught me to be resourceful.***

Night market in Harrison Road here in the City of Baguio is one of the things that tourists and locals look forward to. One lane is closed to vehicles. At both ends of the lane are food stalls and what's sold in the middle are new and/or pre-loved items. I took this photo when me and some friends went here and checked some of the items that are sold. One of our companions is a friend we haven't seen in a long time. We met for coffee and then dinner and after that walked to the night market. I did not buy anything that time but I believe my friends did. That photo above was one of the photos that I took. I like how the boy seemed to be lost in his products of mobile phone accessories. ***This reminded me to work hard and not complain. This kid worked even late at night. I admire his effort.***

My friend asked me to be his backup photographer to his best friend's wedding. I willingly obliged for it was a perfect moment to practice my photography. I think this is my first time covering an event. I was busy taking photos when I turned around and saw this cute little girl. She was innocently standing all by herself happily eating that cupcake. Icing on her face. Perfect! I clicked right away. That expression of hers tells everything. ***This taught me to enjoy what you have. Value the blessings you receive. Do what you love. It doesn't matter if it is messy as long as it makes you happy.***

When me, my partner and Jaytee went to Agoo, we met these kids. I was busy taking photos when I noticed these kids running. I noticed them swimming in the water when they suddenly got out and started running in my direction. I thought they were going home or saw something that made them so excited. I was surprised when they stopped in front of me and asked to be photographed. Their excitement and eagerness is infectious. I did not think twice and took this photo. I showed them what I took and they were like given the best gift in the world! They ran back to the water with glee. I was happy that even in that simple thing I was able to give them a bit of joy. This has become my favorite photo. It may not be the best photo but I love the story behind it that's why I like keep sharing it. It is a humbling experience. ***I will never forget them for giving me the lesson of finding happiness in simple things.***

I asked my niblings to join me for a jog one morning. I usually end my jog at the BAPTC or around the strawberry farm. When I said it was more of a walk. I think this was the third time that we went for a jog. We were on our way home and decided to check the big strawberry landmark that they saw from a far. This was located inside the compound where souvenirs are sold. It rained the night before and water had settled on the ground. My niece then asked me to take a photo of them. I thought she was referring to the sun in the background but when I sat down to take their photo, I noticed their reflection on the water and that's when I realized what she meant. ***This taught me to listen to kids for suggestions. They opinions matter. Their creativity and imagination are something to be nurtured.***

Here is a bonus for you. Meet Taylor. This is one of crazybeautifulfurmom's dogs before. She asked me to take photos of her dogs with a Christmas theme. This is one of the shots I took and it's the photos I love from all the set. Her eyes just draws you in. She seems to be smiling even and saying look at me. Many of us still don't consider dogs or pets as family but to most, they are family. We may not understand why they give more importance to them than humans but it takes a true dog/pet lover to understand.

What lesson have you learned from children? or your pets? We shouldn't dismiss children just because they are kids. We should encourage them, listen to them, have patience with them, educate them and understand them better. Instill in them the characteristics you want them to have.

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