wear a poppy to remember...

Every year, on the eleventh hour, of the eleventh day, of eleventh month, Canadians pause in a silent moment of remembrance for the men and women who have served, and continue to serve our country during times of war, conflict and peace. They gave their lives and their future so that we may live in peace.

I have always wondered what the little red poppy stands for and what’s the connection between poppy flowers and remembrance day. And so I have researched a little bit and found out that generally, poppy means eternal sleep and sacrifice. The connection began during the Napoleonic wars, when it was noted that "fields that were barren before battle exploded with the blood-red flowers after the fighting ended.

It was observed that the poppy flourishes in a war-disturbed ground, and they are the first to reappear on a barren landscape of a battlefield. The presence of these attractive red flowers around the graves of the soldiers and the heroes reminds of the bloodshed and their heroic deeds. From then on, poppy flower symbolizes the sacrifice of soldiers in war who fought for our peace and freedom. Most commonwealth countries particualry Canada use artificial paper or felt versions of this poppy (see the above photo that I have taken). These are worn to commemorate the sacrifice of veterans and civilians in the great war, world war two and even the ongoing war in Iraq and Afghanistan…

But why must we remember? I think, if we don’t remember, the sacrifice of those hundred thousand Canadian lives will be meaningless. They had died for us, for their homes and families and friends, for a collection of traditions they cherished and a future they believed in-- they died for Canada. The meaning of their sacrifice rests with our collective national consciousness. As we celebrate Remembrance Day, let us wear poppy to express our respect and honor for them. Let us pay homage to those who respond to our country's needs.

I read this caption somewhere before...."without freedom there can be no ensuring peace and without peace no enduring freedom."

mommy's moments

You are probably familiar with the proverb: "A woman's work is never done" And that's especially true when it comes to being a mother. Throughout time, no one has done so much for so many with such grace. She is selfless. She is patient. She is resilient. She is strong and compassionate, loving and protective, generous and courageous. She is a nurturer and a confidante. A leader and a queen. And when all else fails, no matter the circumstances, she's the one you can always count on. She is dedicated and resourceful, a shoulder to cry on and reservoir of hope and inspiration. But of all the characteristics that combine to make a mother so special, perhaps the greatest of all is her innate capacity to give of herself, not hesitating to sacrifice to make life better for her family. There's nothing like a mother....

To me, 'Mother' is undoubtedly the most beautiful and lovable word in any language. Mother stands for millions of things she gives to her children; it also stands for hard works and sacrifices which she has to undergo to keep her children happy and secure. No joy can match the joy of a mother looking at her child ..... "A mother carries a child in her womb for nine months and in her heart for the rest of her life" -- these words are enough to sum up the meaning and significance of the word Mother.

So......it’s time of the year again when Mother's Day is celebrated, when we pay respect to our dear mothers and our children express their love to us through their supposedly-surprise breakfast in bed and their school art works... It's time to pamper our mothers for all she has done for us over the years. You can tell your mom that she will always be important to you, that you appreciate all the things they’ve done for you and that you will continue to love her for ever. It's a pity, I don’t get to tell my ‘nanay’ these things anymore as she’s gone home and already resting in peace…..but in my heart, she’s still the BEST mother ever. And I’m glad I had the chance to tell her that when she was still alive…

To all super-moms! Put some fun on your to-do list this week! All work and no play is not good for you. Each day make time for you, not only on Mother's Day. Put your feet up. Phone a friend. Treat yourself for no reason at all. Take a friend to lunch. Daydream. Do whatever makes YOU happy. Give yourself permission to do it. There's goes the saying......"when Mom is happy, everyone is happy!"

Happy Mother’s Day to all my beautiful mommy-girlfriends!

xoxo

it's my birthday and i'll write if i want to--

Today, it’s my birThDaY again and I turned 42! Take note everyone, 42! {sigh....} I wonder where have all those good-prime years have gone? you know, silly questions like -- what did I do on my twenty something? what about my thirty-something? it's kinda hard when I do a mental recollection by decades - haha! and the thought of hitting the big 5-oh is a bit interesting thought! but I must admit though...I do have couple or more memorable birthday memories...very memorable indeed!

So what is birthdays anyways? Generally I thought what’s the big deal? Why some make a big fuss about it? Everybody has them anyway, they happen whether you like it or not. So what makes it extra special then?

I had never received so many birthday wishes and greetings up until now….from text messages, emails, cards, phone calls and FB greetings—coming from my siblings, cousins, family and good friends….. and even from my former university dorm mates and work colleagues all over the world! …..

Early this morning, I have received a very affectionate and touching message from my husband, it almost bring a tear to my eyes…. It goes this way……" Happy birthday my love. I don't prepare any card nor a grand birthday bash but I give you my life and undying love. You're the best thing that God have given me. I hope to celebrate our birthdays together for as long as we live. I love you." I just felt so loved and cared.... and I guess that’s how one feels ‘extra-pretty-special’.

Birthdays is supposedly a very special event filled with surprises, sweet nothings, celebrations, foods, friends, family and the sense of gratitude for the gift of life. Birthdays comes every year marking an end to one year and a beginning of another. It’s almost like the big day begs for a reflection while on the other demands new benchmarks.

For me, birthday is --not just about to celebrate the inevitable passage of time but something more…..it’s the blessed life that I had. I really thank God for the gift of life and for allowing me to have a “time of my life” -- for enjoying His goodness and love with my family and friends in so many countless, beautiful and joyful ways. On my birthday I’d like to reflect on the things that I’ve learned in the past years….you’re never too old to do that. I could say that I’ve been there…..done that….and really, down the road, I’ve learned some good stuffs.

So what I have learned?

I’ve learned that I can learn. (Ashley thinks this sentence doesn’t make sense at all)
I’ve learned that I can dream big, really big.
I’ve learned that I can actually cook a hearty-sumptuous-gourmet-food.
I’ve learned that I can multi task – think, read, talk, work, eat, pray, love and smile all at the same time :)

I’ve learned that I can forgive and put bitterness behind.
I’ve learned that I can laugh and be actually really funny.
I’ve learned that I can be happy, incredibly happy!
I’ve learned that I can give and be selfless.

I’ve learned that I can change and make a difference.

And most of all I’ve learned to love others beside myself and to be loved by others too….unconditionally.

So earlier today, we had our favorite meal and of course-- I had a piece of cake with me and my family, the closest ones that I hold so dear in my heart and celebrated this grand forty-something-year with happy thoughts and prayers in my heart.

love is in the air

I totally support anything about celebration of love. Valentine's Day to me is a day to celebrate the spirit of love. It is a perfect occasion for a romantic date, proposals, wedding, etc....a perfect occasion to shower your love one with flowers, diamonds, chocolates, perfume, books, watches, jewelry and others. February 14th with its enchanting magic, charisma, and scarlet color of roses painting the shops across the city, brings love in the air and makes every heart come closer and eager to say these three little words aloud "I Love You"!

Every February, throughout the world, lovers express their love by sending cards, offering confectioneries such as chocolates, presenting flowers, and giving glittery gifts, all in the name of St. Valentine. And why do we celebrate this holiday? So many stories have been told and the history behind is shrouded in mystery, but we all do know that February has been long a month of romance not to mention the one day of the year when florists grin and sales of anything red and heart-shaped rocket.

Different continents have different traditions and ways of honoring love. Some celebrate it to a large extent, and generally a lot of people just take time to eat a romantic dinner with their spouse/partner/lover, send card, or simply give a red rose. But whatever ways it's celebrated, romance always fills the air.

When my husband and I started dating, I realized he is not that romantic type, although, in fairness, he is very thoughtful. He would give me gifts on my birthdays, Christmas and anniversaries, even with no occasion at all but not so much on Valentine's day. Even when we got married, every year seemed the same, we waited, we got busy, we couldn't decide and whatever the reason for the delay, none of us seem to have time to prepare for Valentine's Day.
For the last couple of years, I did plan of a romantic night at home. I prepared a hearty dinner - a succulent sirloin steak, grilled mushroom and asparagus as side dish, tossed with green salad, paired it with Red Merlot and finished it off with to-die-for dessert. I remember setting the table with flowers, candles, strawberries, lot's of truffle chocolates being the mainstay of romance that is, and a Reisling icewine poured alongside in an elegant glass, just the best combinations to draw a romantic dinner to its delectable taste. I also remembered shuffling in our DVD player some old-fashioned classic love songs like "Unforgettable" by Nat King Cole and Ipanema Girl by Astrud Gilberto and also best of Nora Jones album. After that dinner, my husband and I decided to watch a romantic comedy movie "My best Friend's Wedding" and the rest of the night was history...

This year, we had the chance to have a romantic dinner at Westwood Plateau Golf Clubhouse. We shared the romantic night with some of our close friends. It was such a lovely evening. Food and drink were superb, the ambience was great as what was expected, it was dominated by the west-coast interior design, low-key lighting and the soft music and the service was excellent. We had a great time. My friends looked stunning in their little black dresses and matching stillettos. So with our spouses, they looked stunned when they saw us!

There are really a lot of ways to celebrate February 14th, one can always uncover last minute ideas and come to rescue the gifts you can pick up for your other half (with all the pressie suggestions of course! like silk scarves, bracelet, or LV purse that you've been eyeing for). Unless you can come up with something quick, you may end up spending the night sulking and regretting. So next Valentine's Day, don't wait until the last minute if you plan on getting special someone something special. Well I don't know about you but I'm horrible at last minute things.