Recovering the Lost Art of Grit
Grit is the binding fabric that ties our mind and body together during the most disintegrating circumstances. It fuels our soul to defy obstacles along the path that impede our progress to acquiring our goals - the driving force that allows us to surmount any obstruction. However, as indispensable as it is, grit doesn’t always show in people. Some already have it, some think they don’t, and some had it but lost it in the long run. The presence of grit in our lives may be questionable right now, but grit is an inherent strength. It is always there. Some just have it buried within the depths of their soul.
In school, students are allowed to fully utilize their potentials and maximize themselves to the highest possible extent. However, along with this is granted the freedom that we lose our sense of direction; because we bear the tendency to exploit the given liberty of freedom. In Jean-Paul Sartre’s Being and Nothingness: A Phenomenological Essay on Ontology he asserted: “As stated, freedom is not about wanting to do things but the being-for-itself acting upon autonomous choices. You make your choice and you take responsibility for it. So, it is either you awaken the sense of grit in you, or bury it deeper into the point of oblivion. It’s your call.
Synthetically, school is a battlefield in which the fight for a better future is constantly taking place. In this battle for success, intelligence and talent will not suffice. I can vouch for that. More often than not, we measure intelligence through numbers and labels in the form of grades or a scale of ranks, but intelligence is nothing without grit. Harry Potter’s standing on academic intelligence is comical to Hermione Granger’s who had mastered the standard book of spells. Harry was barely in Hermione’s stratum, he flunked most of his exams, got either passing or failing grades. When he was thrust into the wizarding world, his life automatically became a target but he refused to live on his toes. Harry Potter never reduced to his opponents, he wasn’t the most intelligent who had known of the most powerful spells but he had the grit to persevere through his battles, Harry pushed through to work towards defeating Voldemort because he saw the bigger picture - that what he wanted to achieve is bigger than himself, but he took ownership over doing so. He didn’t accept that it is his responsibility because people tell him to; in the end, he made it his responsibility because he saw the importance of what he is doing. One could be of the highest caliber but without the presence of grit in their life, one will not be able to endure the price they have to pay for having such quality.
True intelligence is fueled and sustained by grit, and in that sense, everybody can be a genius. Say, for example, think of someone you know who is successful. What comes first in your mind? I’ll take a guess: their achievements. What else? Perhaps you preconceived knowledge of them. But have it ever occurred to you that these people spent sleepless nights, went through excessive caffeine consumption, or even fought emotional instability just to get to wherever they are right now? Did you ever wonder what they had to compromise and at what expense? Or are you confined within limitations of the visible reality? Many times we fail to acknowledge the fact that beneath the tip of the iceberg is a massive composition of invisible privation, asperities, and compromise. Beyond the visible reality are the prerequisite factors to success that we love to overlook because we would always prefer to sail the calm seas over troubled waters. This is the truth universally unacknowledged. Now take heed of the following words: The easy way won’t get you anywhere. Navigating troubled waters may be strenuous and uphill but once you get around it, nothing feels better than a great sense of satisfaction. It would take up a great deal of grit to overmatch the troubled waters, and it would take nothing more than cowardice to sail through calm seas. The route to success is not designed to go downhill. Rather, it is the complete opposite. I wouldn’t want it the other way because it is in this sense that we can fully grasp the feelings of satisfaction and fulfillment once we acquire the success we’ve long wanted. Grit is indispensable in life’s overall composition; it is necessary. Why? There are only three constant things in this world: change, death, uncertainty. Within the context of uncertainty are life’s mystery and our inability to foresee what lies in store for us. Tomorrow is no guarantee and whether we acknowledge it or not, it induces fear and anxiety which could greatly affect our perspective in life, nonetheless, grit allows us to bear a steadfast vision of our ultimate ends. Ergo, equipping us with the strengths of determination and perseverance to stand up against whatever life throws at us.
It is important to bear in mind that in the pursuit of our dreams, we are the wheelmen who manipulate the pace and the path we venture into; but grit is the fuel that mobilizes the vehicle. Without it, the expedition towards our goals and ends will not be possible. It cannot continue. In the literal sense, your intelligence and talent will remain to be potentials unless complemented with grit. The grit in you isn’t entirely gone, you may have lost track of it, but it will be found.
Thank you 👇👇👇👇👇👇👇👇👇👇👇👇
Me and My Thoughts about Marriage
Marriage is a beautiful thing shared by two people in love with each other. It is a sacred union and a promise to hold that two people will be together, in the end, no matter where life would take them.
My parents have been married for more than 25 years now. I can see that they are still in love even for the long time that they’ve been together. For sure they have encountered hardships and different casualties in life, but still after all the years; they’re still together, which I’m very much proud of.
I am 22 years old now. Working as a school teacher I haven’t experienced yet having a long time relationship. Well, I’ve been to some relationships back at college but nothing lasted for years. With my experiences, I have realized that the problem was on me like I don’t know how to keep up a relationship. I just think that I’m still young for all of these. But, whenever I go to family reunions, questions like, “Who’s your boyfriend?,” “Are you dating now?” bla… bla…bla… Why do I get to answer those questions? Can I not enjoy my single life?
When my sister got married, she moved out of the house. Since their house is still under construction, she lived with her in-laws. She told me that at first, their treatment was fair and she could really feel belongingness not until she heard her mother-in-law talking about her behind her back. It’s not that she doesn’t help to do the chores in the house, in fact, she does all of it, from cleaning to cooking. Her husband’s family found her as their rival on the packages and allotment that they receive monthly.
One time, she came home crying because she argued with her sister-in-law. It was just a very small matter but their family made it big. I felt pity for her. I told her to tell her husband about it so she could go back to our house while waiting for their house to be done. She refused because she doesn’t want her husband to worry about her knowing that he is working abroad. It would just lead to more ruckuses to the issue.
So then I thought I don’t like to mess with in-laws. Well, lucky for those who have understanding and supportive in-laws. It’s like it doesn’t matter how respectful of the kind you are, if they find you a threat to their family, you will find no peace living with them. I don’t like to deal with other family matters.
Aside from the issue about dealing with in-laws, I also don’t want to move out of the house. I don’t like to live far away from my family. I am also considering living with my parents if ever I get married. But that would be another issue if my husband doesn’t agree with the setup.
It’s a very complicated thing. As for my sister, she has already moved out from her in-laws' house since their house is almost done. Her relationship with them is not as good as the first time she was introduced to the family. You will really know the real character of those people, once you lived with them.
As for me, I’m not for marriage. As of now, that’s what I’m thinking. I don’t want to live a complicated life and I don't like to be away from the freedom that I am enjoying. But, who knows, I do not know what's ahead of me, there could be someone who will change my thoughts about marriage.
What about you, what are your thoughts about it?
Note To Self
Suddenly you're 22 and even though three years ago you swore to yourself you'd have everything figured out at that age, but what happened is that it did not go to what exactly what you wanted, well it's not the case. At all.
You still cry your heart out over to someone who does not deserve a single one of your tears; last year you cried for two different people because they hurt you in different ways. You thought of avenging yourself but you chose to be in silence because you wanted your peace of mind protected. You still struggle to let go of things and people you already said yourself you were done with. You still remember the times you were in good. Sometimes you thought of ignoring them to have your first step of letting go, but you can't seem to do it because you are weak when it comes to them.
You don't speak up for yourself or people who deserve it. You live in the background even though you've been fighting for it to change. Life passes you by and you're never in control- you're always stuck in the passenger seat.
You promised yourself you'll learn to drive that two-wheeled vehicle so you can say to them you're independent. You want to go to a place alone but you're stuck in the passenger seat because you were too nervous to meet big buses along the road. You're always that scaredy-cat.
You wanted to feel the waves of the sea on your skin but you're too afraid to drown. Swimming is a basic skill you need for survival. That should be what you're practicing instead of drowning your mind to unnecessary things. You're too good in overthinking but you're too bad in going back to the floor of your senses.
There are times when you feel like you're a warrior, and some days you're a broken mess. Most days you are a bit of both, nevertheless, you're there. Praying, standing, fighting, trying.
You told yourself, "I'll be happy in a year" but you're not. Happiness is always something that waits around the corner for you, but you're never fast enough to catch it and close your fingers around it so it doesn't escape. You always think of solitude was your only happiness that's why you always throw away people out of your life.
You don't know what your life will be like in another three years, you have absolutely no idea, and it scares you senseless, not knowing where you're going, where you want to be. It's like you're walking around with a blindfold covering your eyes.
You know what? It's not too late to get your life together. It's not too late to take that test, to write that letter, to send that application, to say goodbye to the people who do you no good, and to be who you want to be, whether you're 15 or 22 or 45. As what they always said, we all have different timelines.
Three Beeps for Goodbye!
During Christmas vacation since there were no electricity and no internet, I actually had the best times with my family, friends, and relatives. The aftermath of the Typhoon somehow made a good impact on us. There were no gadgets at the gatherings and even if there are no pictures, it is a moment that we can picture in our minds forever.
My cousin from Manila visited us, to check how we’re doing after the occurrence; she cannot hold any contact with us so she decided to fly from Manila to our province.
After attending the mass on Christmas eve, we celebrated Christmas simply in our house. It was raining so hard. Before the sound of the rain is soothing to the ears, now, it’s terrifying. It’s very traumatic. We played Uno cards in my room to somehow divert our minds. It was fun having quality time with them.
My cousin went to the terrace after everybody decided to go to bed. I sat with her and she told me the saddest Christmas story.
When she was still in high school, they used to live in Cebu. When my uncle was transferred to Manila, their whole family immigrated. Her room in her new house has a widow that is athwart to the neighbor’s window. She was always curious about who lived in the house next to theirs.
She was transferred to a nearby private school. She just walked going there and when going home too. When she got home early from school, she was able to meet the person that lives in the next house. My aunt got close to the parents in the next house. She learned the boy was his schoolmate, a senior, and a member of their school’s basketball team. She just heard the information from her parents.
One time, she overslept and was almost late for school, as she stepped out of their gate, timing the neighbor’s car pass by and she waved on it, hoping they could give her a lift to her school. She was shocked when it was the boy who’s in the passenger’s seat and his mom in the driver’s seat. She felt shy but she put it aside because she doesn’t want to be late. That was the start of their friendship.
They go together to school and walk home together. Until they grew feelings together, confessed, and became in a relationship. Their relationship at first was hidden because my uncle was very strict. They always spend the night exchanging sweet nothings on the windows of their rooms. As the saying goes, no smoke can be held in reserve, their relationship got exposed but both of their parents were supportive since both of them are doing great at school.
He graduated and moved to college. She was left in high school but even though they still give time to each other. The kind of relationship they have is a mature one. They are both understandings of each other. They fight but they resolve their problem. That’s why they lasted for long. When he leaves for school, he will beep his car twice as passed by their house and beep once if he will take him whether going to school or getting her from school.
When my cousin graduated high school she took nursing in college. They got a lot busier in their studies. Up until she graduated and passed the licensure exam for nursing while he proceeded to law school. They both knew their priorities that’s why fighting over petty things doesn’t have room in their relationship. He will beep twice in front of their gate, letting her know, he got home or will go to school and he will beep once his car to let her know he’s out of their house. That was their routine.
It was in 2018 where they got engaged. He proposed on Valentines’ Day. It was then time she realized that he is the only one for him. They are both each other’s first and they shared many first things.
Christmas eve in 2018 she got off early from her shift because they promised they will have a Christmas date. She was done preparing herself. She waited for him in her room waiting for that one beep from his car. The night is getting deeper and it’s almost Christmas. She checked her phone there were no calls or texts from him. It was raining hard that time. Instead of getting annoyed she just thought that maybe something came off and probably its traffic since it’s raining. She just waited for the two beeps from him to make her at ease that she got home safely.
She was about to sleep after finishing the movie she watched on Netflix when she heard him beep his car thrice. She got confused and looked at the window to check on him, she saw him in his car window smiling and mouthing her words “I love You” and he parked his car in their garage. She checked the time it’s already 1:15 a.m. She slept soundly knowing that they will have their date tomorrow.
She woke up with the loud ringing of her phone. It was not too long since she fell asleep. The news she heard on the other line, sober her up. She dropped her phone and rushed to the hospital.
She was supposed to ask him what the three beeps mean. Then she realized, it was meant for goodbye. When his mother told her that he died in an accident that happened at 11:00 pm, she cried and she told everybody what she saw at 1:00 a.m. Everybody cried hearing it. Even until the end, he makes time for her; he even said goodbye knowing that he can’t be with her anymore.
Being resilient amidst life challenges
Hello, read stars! I would like to greet all of you belatedly, a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. I can’t count the days I was off on this platform. I missed writing and I missed interacting with all the friends I made here.
The last time I checked in here was on December 15, 2021, that was before Typhoon Odette knocked our region. People were mostly prepared and some from the coastal areas evacuated in case of a storm surge. The authorities did not lack in giving information and updates to the people.
December 16, 2021, at 1 p.m., we felt how strong Odette is. Branches are swaying along with the wind, roofs are clanking, and the sound of the wind is making everyone terrified. So far in my life, that was the scariest 6 hours in my life. There are three of us left in the school, though we feel safe the strong wind made the building tremble. One of the glass windows, we had at the back portion of the room we’re staying at was hit by a roof that we do not know where it came from that caused the glass to break and shatter. We immediately, cover it with a tarpaulin and other hard things that can cover the open window.
I can’t stop thinking about my family. Were they okay? Did they even evacuate? My conscience doesn’t let me sleep, I can’t contact my family since networks are disconnected and my phone’s battery is about to shut down and there’s no electricity. All that I am wishing at that time was that the storm to stop and the wind to be at peace.
A lot of people lost their houses, livelihood, and worst a loved one. The next was a fair day not suited for the wrecked view of the whole city. Good thing people from the coastal areas listened to the advice of the authorities, if not they will be washed away together with their houses. Looking from the faces of the people as we walked through the city, my heart crumpled like a piece of paper. It’s almost Christmas that time and those people will not have homes to celebrate Christmas with their families.
It was three days after I was able to know the situation of my family. God answered my prayers, my family was safe. There were minor damages in or house that were immediately managed. Due to the havoc brought by Odette, we spent the holidays, Christmas, and the New Year having candlelight dinners. It was literally candlelight because there’s no electricity.
Instead of having a grandeur celebration, we decided to make it simple so we could help others by giving them relief goods. Gladly, we were able to make other people smile and see hope in their faces.
This will not be the last typhoon that we will all experience. It may be scary, dreadful, and terrific, we will stand firm. God will not give us challenges that we cannot suffice. May this year be hopeful to many people. HAPPY NEW YEAR EVERYONE!
After how many weeks since slammed by Typhoon Odette, I was able to connect again with the internet. I miss you all. Happy New Year everyone!
Sogod Town Fiesta
December 15, 2021
Fiesta is one of the most awaited celebrations of the year. It is a community’s collective way of expressing thanks to the Lord, through a patron saint, for the bountiful harvest and good fortune. It has been a part of our rich tradition.
Practiced since the Spanish era, fiesta is celebrated in every city, town, and barangay (village) in the country in honor of a patron saint, in which the patron saint and fiesta date were assigned to the community either by the priest or chosen by the townsfolk themselves.
I woke up at the sound of the marching band playing on the early morning street of our road it's Diana. The early morning band playing called “Diana” is to signal the start of the 9-day novena or it's waking up the people to know it's already fiesta.
I could hear the wailing of the pigs and shrieks of chickens as they are being slaughtered. Then the air was filled with aromatic scents as different dishes are being cooked. But before these were served to visitors, everyone in the house prepared in going to church, dressed in their Sunday’s best. Families would troop to church to thank the Lord for all the blessings and to La Purisima Concepcion the town's patron saint.
Today is considered a local holiday, so we do not have classes. Even though there's no class, we still have to report at school.
To make use of our time. I and my colleagues decided to decorate for our Christmas Party. We installed our Christmas tree which was kept in the storage room. The work was easily done as all of us did certain tasks.
While we were busy doing tasks, we received a notice coming from our school administrator that classes are suspended on 16 and 17 due to the typhoon that will hit the province. We immediately sent notices to the parents so that they will be guided on the suspension of the classes.
At lunchtime, Miss Donna, one of the stakeholders of our school, who lived just near the school, invited us over to her house. Good timing, because we were also about to have our lunch. We gladly went to their house and we are welcomed warmly by her family.
We were served delectable foods. We even had dessert right after eating.
We felt so full and crammed. We are grateful to her family for serving us delicious foods on their table.
We continued decorating our classroom right after we got back to school from miss Donna's house.
Around 3 pm we finished decorating our classroom ready for our Christmas Party this Saturday. I just hope and pray that everything becomes fine on that day.
If it weren't because of Covid-19, probably there are lots of activities done. Well, the safety of the people is the priority. Hopefully, by next year, all will go back to normal and we could enjoy all the activities done every fiesta.
I am also excited about the first Misa de Gallo. I am willing to finish the 9 dawns of Misa de Gallo. They said, when you can finish it, you can have your wish granted. I have a great wish for next year. But also, I'd like to offer the remaining days of 2021 to the Lord.
That's all for today folks, Odette is already here. We are already in Signal No. 2. Praying for everybody's safety.
Thank you, everyone :)
Meet You Again for the First Time
Do you ever wish you had a second chance to meet someone again for the first time? I've always doubted if second chances really work. Or does it even happen in real life not just in movies? If God only permits, I will go back to the times that I regretted not being good to the person who treasured me the most.
Ella was my first love. We were classmates and she was my best friend. We are so compatible with each other that we agree from the smallest things to major things. At first, I thought, I only cared for her as a younger sister but little did I know, I am already in love with my best friend.
Falling in love with my best friend is the last thing I will ever do in my whole life, that is what I promised myself. I tried to avoid and neglect my feelings towards her because I don’t want to make things awkward with her. Until, one of my teammates in the basketball team, confessed and courted her. I was the first one to whom she told about her real feelings about the guy. She said he likes someone else. I knew that time, that I am not someone comparable to the guy he likes. For sure he is smart, popular, and all the girls at school swoon over him. It's not me.
It was the town's fiesta and she was chosen to be the festival queen. My heart melted away when I saw her. She was elegantly dressed, she really looked like a queen. She acted naturally to me, but I don't understand myself, I am so awkward with her. Probably it's the feeling that keeps on growing.
That night, I cannot hold up myself anymore, I confessed to her, I did not care at all if I will be rejected, what's important is that I want her to know that I love her.
Heavens must have been listening to my heartbeat, that night I was not rejected nor friend-zoned, but our relationship moved up to another level. I was the happiest when she told me that she feels the same way. We became lovers that instant. We both don't want to waste a single time because all along we already have the feelings, we just kept on denying it because we both don't want to risk our friendship. It's a risk but we bravely took it.
After five long years of being together, finish both high school and college as lovers. I am now a registered engineer and Ella proceeded to med school. We fight, we argue but we never break up. We are each other's first in everything.
While she's at Cebu achieving her dream to become a doctor, I went to Manila and joined a company there. Luckily, I was accepted. LDR is difficult, but we both tried. We will be celebrating our 6th anniversary in two months, we planned on celebrating it in our hometown. Everything in our relationship went smoothly. Not until I met Diane.
Diane was a colleague. She's been in the company for two years already. She was outgoing, bubbly, and friendly in a different way. It was something new to me. Something awakened inside of me, and I can't deny the fact that I got attracted to Diane.
Our company organized a team-building in our town. It was good timing because Ella will come home for our 6th anniversary. It was a one-week team- building and I already asked permission from our boss to extend my stay in the town for three days, which was automatically granted.
Our team building ended successfully and of course, there were times Diane and I would come in contact I am drawn to her for unknown reasons. We all went bar hopping, we got danced the night away, got drunk and I fell on the trap that night.
They said when temptation gets near to you, all you have to do is pray so it will not come near you. What if the temptation seems to be a blessing to you? Would you pray to let it go away? I did not know how did I manage to go home with Diane. We made love on the bed that Ella and I made. It was so strange I knew at that moment that I'm cheating on Ella, but I did not feel any guilt. Diane's touches were different, it's different from what I used to feel. I can't deny the fact that I enjoyed it and for sure I'll be thirsty for it.
How could I forget that Ella will arrive today? I checked the phone and she's been calling all night. Now, guilt crawls on me. Diane moved lightly. I immediately dressed when the door suddenly opened, and there came Ella with her trolly wearing her beautiful smile and it faded right away, as she saw me buttoning my shirt and the girl on the bed who was sound asleep. Her smiling eyes were watering and her hands covered her mouth. What have I done?
To be continued...
Lead image from Google.
Thank you so much 👇👇👇👇👇👇👇👇
Simply a Music Genius
**December 13, 2021**
A music artist (referred also as a recording artist) is considered to be a risky profession. They face an intermittent period of unemployment, spending long nights in the studio recording music, traveling constantly performing music, and many more. But the music following the genre they created made people made us feel the rush of intense emotion.
There are many popular music artists, local or international, spreading different types of music in this entire world. Taylor Swift is considered as one of the virtuosos because of her songwriting styles that made her hits phenomenal-like “Blank Space” and “All too Well.”
Taylor Alison Swift a.k.a Taylor Swift is one of the most admired and loved country-pop-rock female artists in this generation. With her bestselling hits like “Love Story,” “Shake It Off” and more, her songwriting strategies were based on her experiences that made her songs appealing to people all over the world.
This gorgeous lady started at the country music when she moved to Nashville, Tennessee at the age of 14. She signed at the independent label Big Machine Records, under Universal Music Group Distribution, and became the youngest songwriter appointed by Sony/ATV Music Publishing House. The release of her self-titled debut album in 2006 established her as a country music star. Her third single, “Our Song,” made her the youngest person to single-handedly write and perform a number-one song on the Hot Country Songs Chart. She received the Best New Artist nomination at the 2008 Grammy Awards.
In 2008, she released her second album Fearless. It became successful in the record sales. The hits “Love Story” and “You Belong With Me” received four Grammy Awards including the “Album of the Year” award that made her the youngest receiver of the said honor.
In 2010, her third album, Speak Now, became a phenomenon (over 1.3 million copies were sold in just a week) and received two Grammy Awards, two Teen Choice Awards, and one American Music Awards. In 2012, when she released her fourth album, Red, it sold more than 1.7 million copies again in a week and made her hits “We Are Never Getting Back Together” and “I Knew You Were Trouble” rank first in the Billboard Hot 100.
In her first Yahoo! Worldwide Stream to her fans last august 2014, she revealed that she was creating pop music on her album 1989. It was released last October 27, 2014, and it sold more than 5 million copies in just 16 weeks. The hits “Shake It Off” and “Blank Space” ranked top 7. In addition, the album ranked at number 1 on Billboard Top 200 albums for ten weeks.
As a songwriter, she has been honored by the Nashville Songwriters Association and the Songwriters Hall of Fame.
In 2017, After a year of hiatus from the public spotlight, Swift cleared her social media accounts and released "Look What You Made Me Do" as the lead single from her sixth album, Reputation. The single was Swift's first number-one U.K. single. Reputation was nominated for Best Pop Vocal Album at the 61st Annual Grammy Awards in 2019. At the American Music Awards of 2018, Swift won four awards, including Artist of the Year and Favorite Pop/Rock Female Artist. After the 2018 AMAs, Swift garnered a total of 23 awards, becoming the most awarded female musician in AMA history, a record previously held by Whitney Houston.
Swift released her seventh studio album, Lover, on August 23, 2019. Lover was Swift's sixth consecutive album to sell more than 500,000 copies in one week in the U.S., making Swift the first female artist to do so. All 18 songs from the album charted on the Billboard Hot 100 the same week, setting a record for the most simultaneous entries by a woman.
During promotion for Lover in 2019, Swift became embroiled in a publicized dispute with talent manager Scooter Braun and her former label Big Machine, regarding the acquisition of the masters of her back catalog. Swift stated that she had been trying to buy the masters for years, but Big Machine only allowed her to do so if she exchanged a new album for an older one under another contract, which she chose not to do In April 2020, Big Machine released Live from Clear Channel Stripped 2008, a live album of Swift's performances at a 2008 radio show, which Swift did not authorize. In October, Braun sold Swift's masters, videos and artworks, to Shamrock Holdings for a reported $300 million. Swift began re-recording her back catalog in November 2020.
In 2020, Swift released two surprise albums with little promotion, to critical acclaim. The first, her eighth studio album Folklore, was released on July 24. The second, her ninth studio album Evermore, was released on December 11. Swift wrote and recorded the albums while in isolation during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Following the masters' controversy, Swift released the first re-recording of her back catalog, Fearless (Taylor's Version), on April 9, 2021. The second re-recording of her back catalog, Red (Taylor's Version)—the re-recording of her 2012 album Red—was released on November 12, 2021. Its promotional single, "All Too Well (10 Minute Version)"—an extended version of Red's track "All Too Well"—debuted at number one on the US Billboard Hot 100, becoming the longest song in history to top the chart. Hopefully, she will be able to finish re-recording all her albums to claim what is rightfully hers.
This wonderful soul just turned 32 today. For sure there will be more achievements and good creations in the music industry under her name in the coming years. She has inspired many people and will continue doing so. There’s still more to write about her because that’s how amazing she is.
Happy Birthday, Taylor Alison Swift ✨
Lead Image from Google.
Thank you, everyone, 👇👇👇👇👇👇👇
Amy's Wish
For me, true love can be seen in our mom’s eyes. Their look upon seeing their newborn child is very priceless. The baby’s cry will fade all the pain and struggles. It's like everything doesn’t matter as long as the baby is good and healthy.
By the way, I am Amy. A registered nurse. And yes, as I have said earlier, I have watched countless moments about giving birth. But the feelings I get are still the same. Sad but thankful.
If I could turn back the time, I will go back to the time when I was born. Why? To see what could be my mom's reaction when she see me. How I wish our lives can move backward even for a moment.
My mom died after giving birth to me. All I have is her picture in the frame that I hold close to see her face every day. So I don’t feel to celebrate any of my birthdays since I get older. I miss her so much.
Well, my dad showered me with all the love that he could give to me. I knew he loved my mom so much that he’s still hurting. I once saw him sobbing while embracing my mom's picture.
Sometimes I kinda feel that I hope I was not born so that my mom and dad will have their happily ever after. But fate wasn’t that good to us.
Christmas is just around the corner. And this is the time when I always felt jealous of all the complete families in the whole world. Because December 25 is Christmas, the day I was born and the day my mom sleep eternally.
You will never know how I feel unless you were in my shoes. But life must go on. I already graduated from college and got a stable job. My dad didn’t fail in taking good care of me that I grew up into a God-fearing woman. Despite everything that happens, I am so thankful for what I have and what I am today. I owe Him still a lot.
Since Christmas is coming, Simbang Gabi is coming too. I also believe that if you completed the 9 dawns then your wish will be granted. But ever since, in my 24 years of existence, except for the worldly wish, there is only my great one wish that still God hasn’t granted it yet or He has a greater wish for me than that. Well, I hope so.
I didn’t fail to complete all those 9 dawns. And I don’t lose hope that maybe this year, my great one wish will be granted. As long as I am still living, I won't lose hope.
Time flies so fast and tomorrow is Christmas Day, my birthday, and my mom's death anniversary. This is the last day of Simbang Gabi, and I’m glad I completed it again. I hope tomorrow, that time God will give me my wish.
Since it's just me and my dad, every year we just order my mom's favorite food from a famous fast food restaurant and have a picnic with her at the cemetery. Before I sleep I have already prepared everything for tomorrow.
I am in our porch’s house staring at the starry sky when a shooting star suddenly appeared. I immediately close my eyes and wish. The weather is cold so I’ve got a lot of hot chocolate in my hand. I wish my mom is here beside me. I knew every mother is the warm that every child needs even though they get married and have kids too. Nothing compares with the mothers' warmth.
How I wish I could embrace my mom even for once in my life. So I’m almost done with my hot chocolate and decided to get inside when suddenly the rocking chair I sit started to rock. I feel nervous but when I look at it, it's my mom rocking the chair.
My tears feel like racing. I couldn’t believe what my eyes are seeing right now. She's all in white and has a very warm smile. “Mom,” that’s all I can say. I wish the time will stop.
“Oh my darling Amy, what are you doing there? Can you hug mom? It is very cold here.” My mom said.
I'm still crying that I don’t hesitate with my mom's request. Since the rocking chair is good for 3 people, I sit beside her and hug her. This is the moment when I feel my mom's warmth. I just enjoy the moment.
“Look how fast you grew up, Amy. Moms sorry for not being with you through your journey in life. I am happy your dad didn’t fail to do all his responsibilities to you.” My mom said again. I only want to listen to her. I feel like when I talk she will be gone again.
“Oh stop crying, Amy. Are you not happy to see me? I want you to remove that burden your heart is carrying. Be with someone and get married when he’s the one. Get yourself a family to be happy.” My mom said with the warmest smile I have ever seen in my life.
“I miss you so much, mom. I love you very much!” this is what I have wanted to say to her.
“Mom too.” She said and kisses my forehead. And then I wake. It feels surreal. When I touch my face, there are even dried tears.
I can't help but cry. But this day, it's tears for joy. Thank God for granting my wish. I could not ask for more. I am very lucky.
When I went downstairs, I saw my dad preparing our breakfast which is very unusual. He got also a very bright smile that I haven’t seen for a very long time. We happily eat our breakfast without talking about what happened but by the looks of it, I think we both have the same dream.
Life can be cruel at times but always remember God won't let that happen without reason. Everything happens for a reason.
“To my mom, Merry Christmas. Thank you for visiting us. I love you so much. I hope you will continue to be our guardian angel.”
Lead image from Google.
Thank you everyone 👇👇👇👇👇👇👇👇
Thank you @Bloghound. You're amazing 😊
Thank you @Bloghound. You're amazing 😊
So, how about me?
A few days from now, we will all be celebrating the coming of a new year. Have you made up your new year's resolution, or you'll still stick up with the old one? As for me, just like the previous Christmases and New Year, I will do the same and be with the same people. I cannot deny the fact that I am still waiting for the greatest plot twist in my life. I am waiting that not until we use the new calendar, there's still a chance that someone or something good will come.
It was not that long that I had someone I met online. We had a good conversation we clicked easily and honestly, I really thought that he could be the possible plot twist that I had been waiting for.
We shared a lot of common interests, aspirations, and goals in life. I could say that I enjoyed exchanging ideas with him. He's not someone who talks about nonsensical ideas but he's someone who utters words carefully and is very admiring.
After two months of talking online and I fell in love with someone I only see virtually. At first, I was confused because I knew all along that it was unreasonable. How could someone be in love with someone whom she never met personally? But, I decided to bravely accept my feelings and be open about them. Life's too short to have regrets in life.
We talked every night and that specific night of the 10th day of December, I bravely took the chance to tell him all about my feelings. I am afraid of rejections but, I experienced a lot of rejections in life so probably this will sting just a bit if it doesn’t go right.
One of the reasons that I fell for him is because he is showing some signs. I don't know if it's just me but I feel like those are signs that he also has feelings for me.
I could've waited for him to confess first but I cannot make this connection and attraction belong if, in the end, nothing’s gonna happen. I just want to know where this connection would lead us. I don’t want to settle anymore for any talking stage. I’m so done with it.
Unfortunately, the feelings I had were not reciprocated. But, I’m fine. I understand where he is coming from. I don’t understand after reading his message I feel ashamed and disappointed in myself again, wherein the first place it was I, who decided to confess, and now that I am being rejected I feel so low of myself haha.
So, this year, to all the people who I’ve lost or stopped talking to for any reason, maybe we’re friends or we had something romantic connection before, I just hope they’re doing fine. We might not be interacting anymore but I still wish the best for them.
We’re back at being strangers again but I’m really glad that he shared a bit of the time of his life with me.
So, so much for plot twists. It doesn’t happen after all.
Images are mine.
Thank you everyone 👇👇👇👇👇👇👇👇
Hugot sa Pasko
Lanug na karon sa mga mall ug uban pa nga mga tindahan ang mga kanta ni Jose Mari Chan. Gibati na jud sa mga tawo ang kabugnaw sa hangin og ang pagka-excited para sa Pasko. Ug daghan na usab nga mga party; Christmas party, Year-end party, Children’s party… pero ang pinakanindot nga party, kanang mahimo kong “party” sa imong kinabuhi. (chour)
Ang panahon sa Pasko, mao usab ang panahon nga atong ipang-display ang atong mga Christmas tree ug Christmas Lights, atong gina-sirado ang atong mga pultahan aron dili ta masamok sa mga bata nga nanaygon sa gawas sa atong balay, og ang panahon kung diin adunay dakong “magic” nga mahitabo. Kay basta pasko na, si ninong ug si ninang mawala na.
Dili nato ma-ispeling ang “Pasko” kung walay “Pas” (Past). Ambot kung ngano, nga dili man unta ko ganahan og History, pero nganong kanunay man ko makahinumdom sa among love story? Ang gugma ug “Hugot” init na kaayo karon labi na sa mga batan-on. Pero kabalo ba ka, nga ang “pasko” adunay “hugot” usab? Ay anah! Nagtuo ka nga inyong relasyon ra ang naay hugot? Selfish jud diay ka, kay gihigugma man nimo ang tawo nga wala kay sure kung higugmaon ba ka forever, nga naa man unta kay ginikanan nga bisan wala nisaad, wala man pod ka gibiyaan.
P - Paglipay! Ayaw pagsige og mug-ot kay ang kagahapon dili na mabalik. I-enjoy ang imong kinabuhi karon, kay basin ang ugma, dili na moabot.
A - Ayaw na og asa. Ayaw isuksok ang imong kaugalingon sa tawo nga dili ka gusto, kay dili man ka isda nga gipugos og sulod sa lata, dili baya ka tinapa.
S - Salig sa imong kaugalingon, ayaw isalig imong nawong sa sabon, unsa diay na imong dagway, labhunon?
K - Kalimti ang past. So, if naa ko’y utang nimo, I’m sorry.
O - Otot gani, dili makita, “True love” pa kaha? Maong ayaw’g tuo anang ilang giingon nga “Love is in the Air,” umatubang anang electric fan, imong “true love” wa gihapon nimo makit-an. Ang uyab, pwede pa ilisan, pero ang atong ginikanan, dili na, busa ampingi sila; kay sila ra ang mga tawo nga andam buhaton ang tanan, malipay lang ka.
Ang pasko dili lamang panahon sa paghinatagay, kon dili, panahon usab nga padakuon ang atong pagtuo ngadto sa naghimo’g rason sa Pasko ̶ Si Hesukristo. Ang atong atensyon natabunan na sa dagkong butang nga atong nadawat sa panahon sa Pasko, og tungod niana, atoa ng nakalimtan ang Ginoo, ang atong mga kaigsuonan nga nagkinahanglan sa atong pagtabang ug pagbarog isip usa ka igsuon diha sa pagtuo.
Sa mga pasko nga nilabay, nakasinati kita og mga pagsulay nga nagtudlo ug nagmalig-on kanato. Daghang mga butang nga nahitabo sa atong kinabuhi nga wala nato damha, labi na gyud sa gugma. Sa relasyon, dili sukdanan ang pagsige og uban, kay naa gani uban, gi-uban nalaman, sila gihapon ang nag-uban. Ayaw huna-hunaa nga ikaw nag-inusara, hangad lang, kay naa ra siya. Karong Pasko, pili-a tong tawo nga mo-ingon nimo nga, “Kung mahigugma ka, dapat tulo; Ikaw, Ako ug ang Ginoo.” Bisan pa man og ikaw ang permi mabiyaan, salig lang, naa gihapon ka’y ginikanan. Nga bisan pa man og wala na ka’y maadtuan, naa man gihapon ka’y mabalikan. Ayaw kabalaka kung daghan kanng mga problema, salig lang sa Ginoo, siya na’y bahala nimo. Mao kana ang “Hugot sa Pasko."
Lead image from Google.
Daghan Kaayong Salamat 👇👇👇👇👇👇
Love is an Art
Love itself is abstractly beautiful and awful
It is either serendipity or a feeling of regret
Love bears the hideous mask of sins and faults
And unravel one's excrescence and flaws
Love isn't only about falling for someone's eyes
After you have met his/her face for the first time
Love, love is painting a canvas of you and all your enigmatic idiosyncrasies
That even the oxygen of your soul is anatomized majestically
Love, love is about waking up in the morning,
Making coffees and pancakes,
As you feel like in nirvana with the one you cherish dearly
Love, love is about dancing on air happily,
As if your moments together are played on repetition
Love, love is the composed song of his words
And the beat of your pumping heart
Love, love is when you've come to realize
That home could actually be a person and not a place
Love, love is how words never elucidate the vastness of your adoration
That even the fragments of metaphor used will never justify your emotions
So, love.
And do not be frightened if it will wrench your whole fiber into pieces
Because that's what love is,
Abruptly filled with ligatures of exaggerated
Ecstasy and melancholia
So love.
Love until you ran out of breath
And cry graciously while your heart is sinking at the bathroom floor
Because love is never perfect,
And art has never been perfectly perceived
Love itself is art,
And the two would who are meant to love each other are the foundations of it.
Lead image from Google.
Hello everyone! Apologies for my absences. I have been busy at work. I will try to cope up with all your comments and read some of your articles here. 😊
Thank you, everyone 👇👇👇👇👇👇👇
@Greatwolfman Thank you for your generosity 😊
@Greatwolfman Thank you for your generosity 😊
Last Christmas
Every year, our town lights up the park for the Christmas Season. People will go to and fro enjoying the lights and the foods stalled on the sides.
Couples are everywhere, holding hands giving each other warmth in the cold nights of December. Just like any other year, I am just on the side taking pictures of beautiful smiles lighted by the Christmas lights.
"Excuse me," I turned around to see who's talking to me.
"Can you please take a picture of me?"
Without a word, I positioned myself to take her a good shot. There I've captured the most beautiful smile I'd ever seen. I thought it was just her pose that I captured, but she also captured my heart at that very moment.
Her name is Angela, the name I will always mention in my prayers. For a very short time, we fell in love, and for the very first time in my life, I was able to spend Christmas with someone that holds my heart.
I am no longer the grubby boy on the side that silently takes pictures of happy couples, I am now with someone whom I can hold hands with and kiss to every mistletoe we passed by. My heart is now happy with my Angela. She said I was her answered prayer. I just realized God keep me single for many years because someone is secretly praying to have me in their life. That was the most beautiful thing I've ever heard.
New year's eve we were in each other's family. I missed her so bad that I couldn't stand to without her in this marvelous time. I hurriedly go to her house and saw her on her way out of the house. I get out of the car and ask her where she's going.
"I'm going to your house. Because I missed you."
I grabbed her and kissed her passionately. This person is definitely the person I'm going to spend my life with in 2022 and for the coming years.
We went to the park where we first met. We just blend in with the other couples in the park. We were like kids giggling on the side. I wish this will never end.
Then people started to count down... We stood where other people are waiting for the fireworks display as the new year comes. 5... I looked at her beautiful face, 4... I can't help but smile with the thought inside my head how lucky I am to have a girl like her, 3... Forever I will be by her side, 2... She will be the only love I will always remember, 1... I love you, Angela. HAPPY NEW YEAR! People shouted while I kissed her tenderly.
Euphoria. It's the feeling I always had in our relationship. It's the kind of feeling you don't want to last. I have been thinking already of forever if not just for a lifetime. I had so many plans for our future. For the last 11 months, I've never been so happy. I wish life did not intrude on our love story. I wished God was not cruel. It's Christmas again and I am on the side again. This time, I don't have the camera with me. I'm just capturing every bit of memory she had in my mind. I wish she was here. A few days from now should be our first anniversary. She would be here if cancer didn't take her life. I lost her last month and I felt like she had just gone far away. Away from life and away from me.
Last Christmas I was the happiest. Sometimes, I just wish, I never met her so I would never feel this sadness. I can't handle this too much pain. But then again, the happiness I felt with her is incomparable. So, even just for a short while, God sent an angel to feel what love like is and love as if there's no tomorrow. I will just go back to everything to last Christmas when I still had her.
Thank you everyone 👇👇👇👇👇👇👇
Thank you for your generosity @foryoubtc09. God bless you 💙
Exposing myself challenge
Hello dear read stars, how is your December going so far? How time flies so fast, it's like yesterday we just greeted the first day of December and now we're on the 5th day. So probably tomorrow we'll all be shocked that it's already Christmas Eve. Are you excited? Me too. It's the most wonderful time of the year. I'm so excited to leave work, go home, and have fun on the holidays.
So I've come across to @McYusuf article about exposing oneself. While reading his article, I got excited for no reason. Probably, because I have never tried exposing myself to others and now I'm gonna be doing it.
Lock screen Photo
I got the picture on Twitter. A fan posted it and said that it was her favorite picture of the group. It was taken on their first-day concert at SoFi stadium in LA. I made that my lock screen because I'm a huge stan of this group and I hope to see them soon. For now, I'm still working hard to earn and save money for all the possible expenses I could spend on attending their concert. Well, if I become lazy one day, and BTS comes to the Philippines and will have a concert and I haven't had enough money saved, I think it's time for me to sell one of my kidneys. These pair of kidneys are properly taken care of for future purposes hahaha. Please refer me to a sure buyer, not to a bogus buyer. Pa mine na lang ng left kidney ko hahaha.
Screen Wallpaper
It's me and my baby nephew. I so love this boy that if ever in the future I will have my own, I always think of him as my firstborn. We call him Fruity just because it's cute but his real name is Jules Ezekiel. Surely, when he grows up, he will regret having me as his aunt for naming him fruity haha. There are times when I think of not getting married and having children because for sure my siblings will have and I doubt if they will not share it with me. I just want to become a hot, rich, single tita 😎
Last Song Listened To
Aside from being a BTS fan, I also stan Taylor Swift. I am a swiftie since the Fearless era. I learned to play guitar because of her. One of my favorite from her songs is Lover from her Lover Album. I was just okay with being single, I'm already happy with myself but then this song came up. It makes me feel like wanting to have a lover but at the same time, I don't want to. This song just makes people in love. It's perfect for couples having dinner dates, especially in December.
Last Video Watched
Game of Thrones is one of my favorite movie series. I already watched it but I watch it again to prepare myself for the upcoming prequel in 2022. I am very much excited about this. Been waiting for it since last year. This is already on the last season episode 5 where Missandei of Naath was held captured by Queen Cersei and beheaded her. Khaleesi will make sure to get revenge for killing her most loyal subject. Arya is my favorite character there because she has a fierce soul and she killed the Night King. I fight for House Stark, how about you? What house do you fight for? Valar Morghulis.
21st photo in my gallery
This is one of my favorite shots of our baby Fruity. Look how adorable he is. Actually, my gallery has more pictures of him than his mom's gallery. I really feel like I'm the original mom, not my sister. Well, that's because I'm the best aunt ever haha. My sister's so lucky to have me, it's just so sad how can she not return the favor hahaha 🤡
So that's all for now. I might be exposing some more of myself because I really enjoyed this challenge 😊
Thank you so much 👇👇👇👇👇👇👇👇
Rehas
Dinig na dinig ni Lora ang bawat pagtunog ng orasan sa bawat segundong nagdaan. Hindi niya akalaing ang isang kaganapang hindi niya magugustuhan ang mag-uudlot sa kanyang mga pangarap para sa kanyang anak. Sa bawat pagpilantik ng orasan ay siya ring pagdaloy ng kanyang luhang puno ng hinanakit at pighati. May labindalawang oras na lang ang natitiranng oras para masilayan pa niya ang mundo na sa ngayon ay puno nan g karahasan…
Magtatatlong buwan pa lamang mula ng humayo si Lora sa ibang bansa dala ang pag-asang maiahon ang kanyang anak sa kahirapan at mapag-aral ito. Kahit na masakit sa kanyang kalooban na mahiwalay nito, hindi pa rin siya nagdalawang-isip na maging “OFW” at manilbihan sa mga dayuhan. Kasambahay siya sa mag-asawang dayuhan.
Unang araw pa lamang sa kaniyang paninilbihan ngunit pait na ang kanyang nadatnan. Pang-aapi, diskriminasyon at pangmumolestiya ang mga tanging naranasan niya. Gusto man niyang lumaban, pero minabuti na lang niyang magtiis para sa kanyang anak.
Subalit, ang pinakamasaklap sa lahat, hindi lang pang-aapi ang kanyang naranasan lakip pa ang pang-aabuso sa kanyang katauhan. Ilang gabi ng pinagsasamantalahan ng amo niyang lalaki ang kanyang pagkababae. Pilit man niyang magmakaawa ngunit balewala lamang siya nito.
Hanggang isang gabi nang hindi na mapigilan ni Lora ang pang-aabuso, napatay niya ang dayuhang lalaki sa kadahilanang hindi na niya matiis pa ang lahat. “Panginoon, patawarin niyo po ako, hindi ko po sinadya ang lahat… hindi kop o akalaing mapapatay ko siya,” mga katagang nabitiwan ni Lora habang tulala itong nakatitig sa duguang dayuhan. Ilang minuto pa ang lumipas nakita siya ng dayuhang babae.
“What happened? You killed my husband, you’re insane!” ang sabi ng galit na galit na dayuhang babae nang makita ang duguang asawa. “You must die!” sambit ng babae habang tumawag ito ng pulis, na tuluyang dumampot kay Lora papuntang prisinto.
“Wala akong kasalanan, he raped me!” paliwanag ni Lora sa mga dayuhang pulis. Subalit kahit anong pilit niyang paliwanag at pagmamakaawa hindi pa rin siya pinakinggan ng mga ito. At sa mga ilang araw na nagdaan tuluyan na siyang hinatulan ng kamatayan. Pilit man siyang tulungan ng pamahalaan ng Pilipinas nngunit na natinag ang desisyon ng mga dayuhan sa parusa niyang kamatayan.
Tatlong oras na lang ang natira subalit hindi pa rin nagawang pumikit ni Lora sa kadahilanang natatakot siya at sinulit niya ang oras na makita ang mga bagay ditto sa mundo na pili tinakpan ng mga bakal na rehas na bumalot sa kanyang pagkatao.
“Ma!” gulat na gulat si Lora nang marinig ang boses ng kanyang anak. Hindi niya maipaliwanag ang kasiyahan nang makita ito. Pilit man niyang yakapin ang kanyang anak ngunit ‘di niya magawa dahil sa rehas na pumagitan sa kanila. Hindi na nakapagsalita pa si Lora nang hawak-hawak niya ang kamay ng kanyang anak. Tanging mga luha lang niya ang nagpahiwatig sa kanyang kasiyahan na makita pa niya ito sa huling pagkakataon.
Sa limang minutong natitira, bahagyang nagbukas na ang rehas na tuluyang naglamon ng kadiliman sa kanyang katauhan. “Ito’y isang panaginip lamang, alam kong sa isang iglap tuluyan nang mabubura ang lahat ng mga hinanakit na aking naranasan. Masaya ako, dahil sa oras ng aking kamatayan nasilayan ko pa rin ang maamong mukha ng aking anak,” mga katagang binitiwan ni Lora nang ito’y tuluyan nang humarap sa kaparusahan na hindi naman niya kagustuhan.
Lead image from Google.
Thank you everyone 👇👇👇👇👇👇👇👇
Christmas in our Hearts
December 1, 2021
It’s definitely beginning to look and feel like Christmas. Our parks and benches are decorated ever so beautifully, the children are filled with a sense of anticipation and excitement and the smell of mangoes and cherries fills the air. I wish we could bottle this feeling and sense that surrounds us. A gorgeous time of the year is right upcoming.
As I woke up yesterday morning, I felt a different vibe knowing that it’s the first day of December. I felt like I was a child again feeling all the excitement that Christmas is coming. Who can argue about Christmas not being the best time of the year? Yes, Christmas triggers strong emotions which many cannot ignore. From the emotion of love to the emotion of pity; Christmas never fails to bring it out. Christmas is the magic that everyone believes in. From little children who stay up in the wee night of Christmas Eve to hear Santa’s sleigh to adults whose hopes and dreams were once shattered are restored. Even though it is rather difficult to argue about Christmas, there are actually some people out there who dare to bacon the call.
Our town is known as the Christmas Capital of Southern Leyte as it beautifully decorates annually the giant Christmas Tree and the most anticipated Tunnel of Lights. This year is made special as we are in the middle of the pandemic; the government was still able to fulfill the people’s desire to see the gigantic Christmas tree.
The program started at 6 in the evening. I was with two of my colleagues and we were shocked to see the thick population of people in the venue. There’s a sea of people around the giant Christmas tree. So, we just managed to stay in the area where there are only a few people stayed. The program lasted only for 30 minutes.
After the program there we see the beautiful fireworks lighting up the sky. I can’t remember the last time I’ve witnessed a fireworks display that’s why I just can’t contain my happiness. It lasted five minutes displaying beautiful formations and colors in the sky. I was really amazed.
We got hungry so we went to check the stalls displayed and find something to eat. It’s too difficult to decide what to eat because most foods are ravishing. We just settled on rice, egg, with chicken teriyaki in a cup and Blue Lemonade for drinks, since there are still many people coming back-and-forth; we are trying to stay out of the crowd for safety purposes.
I enjoyed watching the people looking so happy with their family, taking pictures, lurking around with smiles painted on their eyes because lips are covered with facemasks.
This giant, blue-colored Christmas tree is a symbol of hope to everyone. That no matter how far this pandemic went to our lives, there’s still hope that one day everything goes back to normal, that one day, we’re no longer be needing the face masks that cover our smiles. We will get through all this. I have also met familiar faces which made my heart flutter. It was a night of blast and hope.
The Christmas season is like no other. It is a season of excitement, joy, hope, and anticipation. Many things make Christmas unique for me. I define Christmas by the sights, sounds, and smells that I associate with the season. There are many beautiful sights you see only at Christmas time. People are everywhere, rushing to and fro to find that perfect gift. The whole world seems covered in tiny white or colored lights; they are winking from almost every house on every street. Let us all be hopeful and be grateful to God that we were able to reach this beautiful season amidst the unending turmoil of COVID-19.
Advance Merry Christmas, Everyone 🎄🎉
All images are mine.
Thank you everyone 👇👇👇👇👇👇👇👇
One True Love
He tells me almost every day that he won’t leave me and that he won’t find any other woman aside from me. Our love was unconditional and we were very happy for more than five years. Who could have thought we’ll end up that long? He asked me to marry him. I said yes. I was so happy and I don’t have anything more to ask. I felt complete and fulfilled. It was my greatest dream and it happened. But I didn’t know that it would be so painful. It started when he changed a lot. He became dishonest and he’s no longer the person I loved.
I didn’t want to let go because I don’t want to waste all those times and the company we had shared. We remained engaged, and yet, sometimes, I think of breaking him up but I just can’t. Our engagement reached one year and finally, the day has come. But on the day of our wedding, my maid of honor, who was also my best friend, came up. She pulled me back to talk and told me that the wedding should not be continued. She told me she was pregnant and the father is my husband-to-be! I started crying and I ran away from the embarrassment and all the pain. I went to the place I often go to when I feel bad and he followed me. I slapped him and I took off the ring and threw it to him. He embraced me but I fought him, but still, he held me tight especially when our tears started to fall. I sat down in distress and he sat beside me. He held my hand and started to talk.
“I don’t know how it started, but, I got drunk that night and just got up in her bed. That was when she told me she had feelings for me, but I ignored her. The next days, she kept running after me, but I hid from her because if I will face her I might do something ill. Regretting, she came up one day and told me she was pregnant and her parents would kill her if I won’t marry her. They’re afraid their name would be destroyed and threatened me they can take away everything we own. So I tried to push you away so you will break up with me. It hurts seeing you get hurt, especially if I'm the reason for your pain. I don’t know how to say sorry because I know it isn’t enough. I don’t know what more to do. Just secure your stabled life right now because I know you’ve earned for it. I know I’m stupid for this and maybe it ain’t even a man for it, but it’s the best I know to save you. Losing you is the most painful happening in my life and I won’t get over this for the rest of my life. I love you and I don’t know if you would still believe me. Just remember, that every time you fall, whatever pain you’ll have, whenever you’re ill, I’ll be here… even if you push me away. I’ll still keep running after you. Forgive me for my mistake. I would understand if you won’t talk to me forever, but I have learned from this and I guess I’ll just have to pay the consequences of my actions. Take care and I love you.”
After that night, I went to a faraway place to ease the pain I’ve felt inside. I left everything behind including my work, I had to start all over again.
Three long years passed, I decided to go back and found out that I wasn’t totally healed yet and I still love the same man who hurt me.
I heard that they didn’t end up together. My ex-best friend had an ectopic pregnancy which caused her baby’s death. I found out that they were not on good terms and that he was with her only because of the baby. Sad to say, he went to Spain after she lost her baby.
I decided to stay for good because my heart had already forgiven them. And after a year he came back and started courting me again. I accepted him as I believed in love is stronger the second time around. We started a new beginning and left all the pieces of baggage we had in the past. Now, that we're back from each other's arms, we know that this love that we have is the kind of love that will last for a lifetime, if not forever.
Lead image from Google.
Thank you everyone 👇👇👇👇👇👇👇👇
If you write a book about falling in love with someone you can’t have, what would that be?
It was the summertime of 2018. I was with my friends when we decided to fly to Hawaii to spend our summer there. Hawaii beaches are much known for their beauty, especially during sunset. I’ve been traveling abroad for work and vacation but that was my first time going to Hawaii.
I was amazed by the beauty it presented to us. It’s like no other in this world. What made my trip to Hawaii memorable is that I met someone who touched my heart like no other.
We were bar hopping, experiencing, and enjoying our first night in Hawaii. Everybody is happy and unbothered by what they are doing. People are dancing, making out, drinking, and I don’t know if there’s somebody out there who’s just trying to blend in carrying a heavy heart like mine. It’s not just about summer why I went out of the country. I want to escape life, the pressure my family and work are putting me under, I don’t think I can bear it anymore. Good thing I have friends who brought me to heal myself out.
My friends were having fun at the center aisle of the bar dancing and flirting with some foreigners. There’s no doubt that I would be sleeping in our room alone tonight. Well, they too have lives to enjoy; I don’t like them to drown with me with my negative self-talk. They’ve done more than enough for me to overcome my developing depression.
I was just at the bar counter enjoying the cocktail that the cool barista offered me. I cannot forget the smell and the timbre of the voice that awakened my inner-goddess. He ordered the barista to give me the same kind of cocktail I’m drinking. We were introduced to each other and I’ve learned his name was Liam, he’s an Australian who was also spending his time for the summer. We talked a lot about random things. I felt so secure when I was with him and even for the shortest time, I didn’t realize I could be comfortable with a stranger telling him my story. He listened without judgment and told me things that motivated me. We danced the night away and when the dusk is over we went to the beach, we shouted words that made us feel heavy moving on with life. Right there and then, I looked forward to seeing him for the rest of my stay in Hawaii.
I couldn’t remember the last time that I laughed so hard. But, with him, I laughed like there’s no tomorrow. Two days of seeing him made me fall for a stranger like him.
But, we were just tourists, like other tourists, no one stays long in a place. There’s still life that waits in the real world. And that day came. If I had a chance to stay, I would in a heartbeat. The last month of May was the saddest, we bade goodbye to each other. We made a promise that if ever we see each other to someplace or in the same place again, we will continue the feelings that developed during the time we spent together.
Every summer, I go to different places just to take some chances if I could see him one day in the crowd. It’s been three years, but there’s no sign at all. I should’ve considered exchanging social media accounts. Maybe I got so drooled with the idea of serendipity if it really does work.
This year’s summer I have finally given up. I will not go anywhere else just to find a ghost. Well, I think I’ll still enjoy summer; my sister’s coming home from London with her husband, which I will meet for the first time. I am not very much active with my family affairs because my sister and I were not on good terms for years and now we are trying to catch up.
Maybe the world is too cruel for me. I wonder how serendipity works for other people because mine worked but differently. I couldn’t believe my eyes seeing him again after years of looking for him. He’s the husband that my sister is talking about. For sure, he can’t believe it too. He was a short-lived creation of a poem I made but do not match. They said that every story has its happy ending, guess ours isn’t a story but just a chapter. We ended up without even starting.
So this is my ending on the story of falling in love with someone you can’t have, “on the exhaustion of the ink of my pen, I admit that I am not destined for you.”
What about yours?
Lead image from Google.
Thank you everyone 👇👇👇👇👇👇👇👇
A Letter To Santa
The bells are jingling and Christmas songs are dillydallying in the air. The essence of giving and familial bonding is coming into a full circle. I feel an impulse of the Christmas spirit gushing through my senses like wildfire, and so I immersed myself at the moment. The surroundings were glimmering with the green, red and yellow lights. At the sight of these, I felt a sudden rush of excitement. Thereafter, I found myself reflecting and thinking of writing a letter to the benevolent man of Christmas. As I was writing it, I kept thinking if he would be able to read it. I perished the thoughts and focused yet again on writing my letter; and with every line, I poured my heart out. As I sealed the letter into an envelope, my thoughts kept looming over the fact that Santa may not be real. I took a deep breath before I boldly slid it into the mailbox.
A week passed by and the winds have gotten chillier. I gazed at the window, with a bittersweet smile on my face. My heart is longing to join the masses, to go and have fun outside, but I cannot do so. For I am now lying bedridden, afflicted with a fever. I sighed audibly as a tinge of envy clouded my vision.
I closed my eyes and willed myself to sleep. I dreamed of a faraway land where Santa is laughing in a jolly manner while he was holding my hand. When he was about to whisper a secret, I woke up abruptly. I am now screaming as tears stream down my face. My parents came rushing in to check on me. And they hugged and soothed me back to sleep, I felt safe and secured.
A few days passed, and my fever has abated. Coincidentally, Christmas is here! I dressed in my best clothing as I went down the stairs to wait for mommy and daddy. I sat down on the sofa and saw that they were reading a letter. I asked them what it was about but they said it was nothing and that we should go now. I saw dad put the letter on the table and hold my hand while mom held the other. We were smiling proudly as we made our way to the church.
On the table lies a letter. The same letter that the kid has written to Santa, and the content goes like this:
Dear Santa,
This Christmas I will not ask you anything of material worth nor will I ask of you any presents. Instead, I have written something personal, something from the heart. I thank you for the blessings that you keep on giving to other children. The gifts that you have given them which made them happy. I thank you for the joy of giving and am aspiring to become something like you. My mommy always said that ‘To give is better than to receive’ and dad always reminded me that we are blessed. Blessed in love and safety and familial bond.
Oh, Santa I wish that you will read this. I know that you're a busy fellow, daddy said so. I ask of you to ask to say to Papa God that I am grateful that we eat three meals a day. That we have a roof to shield us from the rain and sunlight. That even though we may not be as rich as Jenny, my best friend, we’re rich in love and bond. That even though I was not at the top of the class, my parents are still proud of me. I feel blessed Santa. And I hoped it will continue just that way. I just wish that everyone in this world will love and be happy.
Wishing you a Merry Christmas Santa sir and even dad and mom are not perfect, they are the best parents in the world to me, and I love them with all my little heart can convey.
Sincerely,
Nelly Jeon
In another life
The time that I admitted to my best friend that I got pregnant by his teammate on the football team, he got mad but he accepted it. He helped me get through it all and supported me all the way. My parents got disappointed in me, they almost disowned me but my dad accepted the situation. Francis was there with me in the park while I’m regretting the things I did. We’ve known each other since childhood. Many would have thought that we will be each other’s end game but we’re not. I got pregnant after finishing Senior high School.
Everybody went to college, while I was left in the neighborhood. My child’s father was nowhere to be found. I am very much regretful and down, aside from being left behind, my heart was also broken because the man I trusted left me hanging while I’m having rock-bottom in my life.
I stayed away from social media because I can’t bear to see my former classmates enjoying college. My daddy said I will pursue college after my pregnancy phase. Then I became hopeful again.
I haven’t heard anything about my best friend, since the day he left for college. It was not him but me who shut him out of my life. I am insecure and not happy about him going to college. I was too selfish to think that he should be here with me when he is not the father of the child I’m bearing.
After nine months, I gave birth to a healthy baby boy, which I named Lucas. He is my everything now. The moment I saw him, everything felt light and strange. I fell in love at first sight.
My family decided to migrate for us to have a new life with the new member of the family. There are four of us now. I love to see how my mom and dad accepted Lucas. I was thinking, what if Francis came back and look for me. We did not tell anyone in the neighborhood where we moved for privacy purposes.
After a year, I decided to go back to school. I enrolled in the nearest university which luckily I passed. I got a busy life, which I forgot, my bitter past and the people in it.
One day, I came home late because I attended an affair at school. I noticed a black BMW across our house. I wonder who parked there. When I entered the house, I was very much surprised. As if I saw a ghost, well literally a ghost from the past. He was carrying Lucas in his arms, and smiling from ear to ear. I wanted to ask my parents why did they let a scum enter the house even to touch my son. Only to find out, he talked sincerely with them, asked forgiveness, and promised to make up with what he did to me and his son.
It took him months before I gave him another chance, I just thought, I should not be selfish anymore because my son is growing up and sooner he will be looking for his father. Now that Oliver’s back in my life, I would gladly accept him again for my son’s sake. He promised that mistake he did will never happen again. He said that he became a coward that time because he was afraid his father who owns a company will disown me if he knew that he got me pregnant.
Months after, we became legal and we decided to get married.
I thought I’m not gonna have my happy ending. I did not think of seeing Francis at my wedding. My husband invited all his teammates from football to high school. I don’t know why but I can’t look at him in his eyes. That was supposed to be the happiest day of my life but with the presence of Francis, I can’t seem to enjoy the moment of being the bride.
Everyone is having a good time at my wedding, I saw my husband almost drunk with his friends. Francis went to me and talked for a while. He asked me questions that I expected to hear from him. We exchanged apologies that night and just like when we're still children, we made pup easily. He talked about his college life, girls he dated and I knew that he was dating the popular girl in high school. Until our conversation got deeper and deeper. It was a good night for us to be able to catch up with all the missing days.
I thought if I get married I will have the satisfaction for me and my son. Oliver tried to become a good husband and a father to Lucas. He was. Then I graduated college, find a job of my own and Lucas started his days at preschool. I thought of having a second child. Probably that would heal the itch that Oliver and I are experiencing.
Not until I discovered his affair with his secretary. Without a word, I moved from his house, I bought a condominium for me and my son. I felt heartbroken for my son. The person I thought of first is Francis so I called him. I told him everything that happened. He went to me and comforted me just like in the old days.
I ended all my connections with Oliver, I even filed for divorce. Francis was with me all the way. When I thought I will be alone this time again, but he was with me.
We were having a drink one night and Francis got drunk and he kissed me. I was swayed by the light touches of his lips but I realized it was wrong so I pulled away and run away from him. That night, I flew together with my son back to my parents’ house. I received a voice message coming from him, telling me how much he loved me since then. I got so mad, because, why is he telling me just now. After all the bad things that happened to me, all of it could have not happened if he was just honest with his feelings. I am being selfish again for blaming him for all the misfortunes I had in life, my teenage pregnancy, delayed college, and my divorce.
Two years. Two years from running away from all the misfortunes I had in life. In two years I realized that the person I loved so much was there with me all along. I realized, the reason why I was not happy in my marriage is that I was with the wrong person. Sometimes, the right person is right under your nose. You just don’t see because you’re busy looking at someone else. I admit I was young and too innocent to like boys who are attractive and very much active. I will forever regret this lifetime.
Two years since Francis died while chasing after us. He was driving and he was drunk that led him to a car accident, which I found out the day I arrived at my parents’ house. I blamed myself for his death. I was not even able to tell him how I really felt for him.
Francis, in another life I’ll promise I’ll make up with everything like what you did to me. In another life, it will be you and me.
Lead image from Google.
Thank you everyone 👇👇👇👇👇👇👇
Hanggang sa Huling Musika
Sa hindi inaasahang pagkakataon, nakasalubong ko ang isang talentadong mag-aaral sa aking paglalakbay. Isang mag-aaral nna masayang bumabati sa akin tuwing umaga, habang nakaukit sa kanyang mukha ang mga ngiti sa labi, na nagsasabing, “Masaya ako. Napakasarap mabuhay sa mundo. At walang dahilan para simulan ang umaga ng malungkot.” Malaki ang pasasalamat ko kay tadhana at pinagkrus niya ang aming landas. Siya kasi yung tipong estudyante na tiyak gugustuhing maging kaibigan ng lahat, yung tipong gusto mong makatabi sa oras ng klase. Lalo na kapag nayayamot na ang pagtuturo ng guro. Sa panahong ganoon, wala kayong ibang gagawin kundi tumawa lang nang tumawa ng palihim.
Sa loob ng dalawang taon na nakasama naming siya sa silid-aralan, ay hindi na naiba sa akin ang mga bagay na kaya niyang gawin. Sa galling at husay niya sa paghataw at pag-indak, maituturing siyang “Prinsipe ng Sayaw.”
Bukod diti, isa din sa mga porte niya ang pag-awit. Siya ang “Musikang Andromeda.” Naaalala ko pa noon, nang minsang abala ang lahat sa pag-gawa ng proyekto, output, at takdang-aralin. Yung mga panahong wala na kaming imikan ay bigla-bigla na lamang siyang kakanta ng napakalakas, sa istilo na maririnig ng lahat. At sa puntong iyon, sino ba naman kami para hindi mapatigil sa kanyang mala-Ed Sheeran at John Legend na boses; ang pagkanta niya na may halong choreography pa! At kami na nakikinig sa kanya ay hindi mapigilang mapaindak at makisabay sa kanyang pagkanta, kahit palihis-lihis man ang tono. At sa sandaling iyon ay unti-unting napapawi ang aminng mga pagod at stress sa buhay, lalo na sa pag-aaral.
Siya rin ang kadluan ng kaligayahan. Siya ang clown ng samahan. Siya ang nagbibigay good vibes sa oras na nakakalimutan na naming tumawa. Sa mga jokes at pambubully niyang hindi mo magawang mainis kasi, nakakatawa pa rin. Lalo na kapag nag-umpisa na siyang mang-asar. Hindi pa dito nagtatapos ang mga abilidad at talentong kaya niyang gawin. Isa rin siya sa mga mahuhusay na mag-aaral pagdating sa pgluluto. Sabihin na nating siya ang “Hari ng Kusina.”
Pangarap kasi niyang maging isanng chef baling araw. Nakahiligan din niyang mag-imbento ng sariling recipe. Iba kasi siya mag-isip ng konsepto kung paano gagawinng mas masarap ang kaniyang niluluto. Yung tipong pagkatapos niyang ipresenta ang kanyang mga niluto ay mapapatanong ka “may natira pa ba?” Ang kanyang hilig sa pagluluto ang nagdala sa kanya sa entablado upang tumanggap ng parangal.
At nang minsang napagawi ako sa kanilang tahanan, nakita ko kung gaano niya kamahal ang kaniyang mga magulang at kapatid. Ngunit, sa hindi inaasahang pagkakataon, hindi ko na sya nnakasalubong sa daan at maging sa apat na sulok n gaming silid-aralan. Hanggang isang araw, isang mabigat na balita ang yumanig sa tenga ng lahat. Na ang mag-aaral na may bukod-palang talent at ang mapagmahal na kapatid at responsableng anak ay dahan-dahang ginigiba ng kanyang karamdaman. Siya ay may meningitis. Nang minsang hindi ko na siya nakitang umindak sa entablado. Nang minsan wala nang pumupukaw sa aming atensyon tuwing abala kami sa pag-gawa ng mga aktibidad sa paaralan. Nang minsang nagtampo na sa kanya ang mga kagamitan sa kusina. Nang minsang namimiss na namin ang mga tira niyang luto sa tuwing may performance siya. Nang minsan wala na kaming makitang “Johnny” na napakaresponsable sa bahay. Nang minsang wala nang mga pambibiro at pambubully. Hanggang sa ang “minsan” ay nagging “madalas.” Hanggang sa ang musika ay tuluyan ng nawalan ng tunog. At hanggang sa ang hulinng liriko ay natapos na sa napakaagang panahon.
Masakit man ang iyong pagkawala, nais naming malaman mo na mananatili ang iyong musika sa aming puso’t isipan. Ikaw na musika sa aming buhay , ay mananatili sa amin magpakailanman. Hanggang sa huling musika, kaibigan.
📌 Lead image is from Google.
Thank you everyone 👇👇👇👇👇👇👇👇
When will love come back?
Hello dear read stars, If you have noticed I've been away for some time. It is due to some health issues. Good thing my immune system is still great and now I'm trying to get back in shape.
I was at rest for days, I was not able to go to work because of the terrible flu I had. My loving aunt came to nurse me. She was a nurse in Canada before. Now, that she aged, she's staying in the country for good.
She lives 5 km away from my parent's house and 3 km closer to where I'm at. She knows I'm all alone that's why she came to me. She's like our second mother. She cared for me and my siblings as she own us. Maybe because she never had a child her own.
I was happy that she visited me. She planned to stay until the day I get better. She cooks porridge for me which is very delicious, makes my milk, and does the other chores. I am already ashamed but she tells me it's fine since I'm not in good shape.
I often wonder why she never get married. As I can see, she is a very responsible woman. She's beautiful, kind, and educated. For sure a lot of men swoon over her every time they see my aunt during her younger days.
I know for sure she will be a very loving and caring mother if she only had a child. Every time I asked my mom about my aunt she will just always tell me that the story should be told by her. At first, I was afraid and I'm having second thoughts to just not ask at all, the question might offend her or there could be tragic memories she doesn't want to hear and remember anymore.
One night, we just finished dinner and I was getting ready to be, she called me to stay in the living room first to let the food we had just eaten be digested. I turned on my laptop and decided to watch a movie.
After an hour we finished the movie and I don't feel drowsy yet the same as with my aunt. We talked about random things. Until she asked about my love life. I grabbed the chance to ask her.
"Auntie, if you don't mind me asking. Why did you not get married?"
She took a sip of her coffee and sighed heavily. Then she told me her story.
She had a boyfriend before. They were each other's, first love. They met in high school and started dating in their freshmen years. He is a very ideal guy, according to my aunt. He was handsome, smart, responsible, and came from a rich family. My mom's family is just of the middle class. My grandfather was a regular employee in a company while my grandmother stays at home with them.
They were so in love that they were inseparable. She was in her third year in nursing when she got pregnant. My grandparents were very much disappointed but were not able to do anything but accept her fortune. The guy promised him to marry her which made my aunt very happy.
He brought her to his house to tell the news to his family. My aunt already knows that ever since his mother doesn't want her for him. The woman never tried to know and talk to her. That is why there is no surprise that she overreacted upon the news.
They were still students at that time but they decided to move out of their respective houses. My aunt quit school while the guy continued. They experienced real hardship while living together. His family did not give any support that's why he got a part-time job as a waiter every after school. My aunt would just wait for him every dinner time when his shift ends.
One day, she woke up alone in bed. It was Sunday, with no school for the guy and a part-time job. She was just left with a small piece of paper with a note,
Tessa,
I'll be back. I promise.
Ron
My aunt waited for days, weeks, and months. No one came back for her. The money he left is almost used with all the important expenses she had. She decided to go to his house, only to find out that he was already engaged to a woman that his whole family approves.
She left without talking to him, seeing him happy that he's no longer suffering made her heart was stabbed by a hundred sharp knives.
She packed all her things and decided to go home. There she cried her heart out on my grandmother's lap with grandfather comforting her. Every day she just always cries. She skipped meals and sometimes she doesn't sleep. I felt the pain of my aunt as she wiped her tears as she was telling me the story.
Her depression and stress caused her miscarriage. She lost her baby in its third month. She blamed herself for the death of her baby. It's a good thing her family was there to help her stand again.
She continued nursing and was able to graduate. She moved on and forget everything she lost.
"But, Auntie why didn't you love another?" I asked her curiously. Like she could have been married to a decent man.
My aunt smiled at me and she answered, "Because he said he'll come back."
Lead image from Google.
Thank you, everyone, 👇👇👇👇👇👇👇👇
The night is dark and full of terrors. But, @Eylz2021 brought the light. Thank you so much 💕
Valar Morghulis!
Are you sure you're "Just Shy?"
You’ve been invited to a gathering in your new neighborhood. Most of your neighbors are strangers to you. As you approach the door where the party is being held, your stomach feels jittery, your breath is shallow, and you feel like bolting for your car. Do you have a case of shyness or are you a social phobic?
Nearly everyone is uneasy in situations where making a good impression is important - among new friends, at work or school, in front of an audience. If you’ve ever spoken to a group of people, you know how to be comfortable it can be to have everyone’s attention focused on you. This kind of social anxiety is normal and even healthy. For example, the fear of embarrassing yourself ensures you thoroughly prepare your speech. Once you start talking, your fears, generally ease, and the next time you give a talk, you’re not so frightened.
Some people with social phobias experience fear only in certain settings. For instance, someone is afraid of eating in public. As long as they stay away from these situations, they are fine. At the extreme end of the social phobic spectrum, however, are what health experts call “avoidant personality disorders.” To avoid feeling unsafe and insecure, these individuals do not form any close relationships.
Furthermore, health experts suggest that a jittery stomach, fluttering heart, sweaty palms, and shortness of breath related to social phobias may be an inherited trait. In addition to professional help, if you have a social phobia or are just socially a little shy, try these strategies to help yourself. It does works on me.
Know you’re not alone.
Don’t expect perfection.
Go easy on the alcohol.
Stay focus.
All images are from Google.
Thank you everyone 👇👇👇👇👇👇👇👇
@Fyangzee24
