books i must read for 2010

Have you been thinking of what books to read for year 2010? I did, I thought I'd share a list here with you...these are the books that had been reviewed or that I've somehow discovered in one of my bookstores' wanderings and on-line browsings, which I personally think are most popular and considered “must-read” ones. Some of these titles were bestsellers, some critics' pick of the year, while few were award-winning books. The books below were not necessary listed down in order, or for that matter.

I would like to enjoy more books this 2010. I have already bought most of these books, (can't help it), they were carefully stacked on one of my bookshelves, while a handful were neatly piled up on my bedside table, pages waiting to be flipped and fine prints are ready to be savoured....I think this list stood out by far as per my genre's preferences, as far as the bookstores' recommendations and top bestsellers' list is concerned. These are combinations of easy read, contemporary lit books, epic drama, memoirs/biographies, historical fictions, debut novels and inspirational …..I am sure there are books I've left out unintentionally as I had narrowed it down, too many good ones to choose from.. ....so common, grab one or two from your favorite bookstores nearby and enjoy a good read! Remember, reading matters!

1) Book of Negroes, Lawrence Hill – i'm totally captivated by this fictional account of the life of Aminata...I am almost at the end of it, 60 pages more to go out of 487...I could have finished the book by today but apparently, it's taking longer than I have expected, I wish I have all the leisure time to read, so many books....so little time....(big sigh)
2) Handle with Care, Jodi Picoult
3) The Gathering, Anne Enright
4) The Space Between Us, Thrity Umrigar
5) Wolf Hall, Hilary Mantel
6) Time Traveller's Wife, Audrey Niffenegger
7) The Sea, John Banville

8) Long Walk to Freedom, Nelson Mandela
9) The Cellist in Sarajevo, Steven Galloway

10) Push, Sapphire

11) The Audacity of Hope, Barack Obama

12) So You're One of Them, Uwem Akpan
13) The Road, Cormac McCarthy
14) The Last Lecture, Randy Pausch
15) The Help, Kathryn Stockett
16) Dear John, Nicholas Sparks
17) Julie and Julia, Julie Powell
18) Exodus, Leon Uris
19) Classic Parenting, Dr. James Dobson
20) God is No Laughing Matter, Julia Cameron

21) Beauty for Ashes, Joyce Meyer

22) Atlas Shrugged, Ayn Rand - I have to add this as per highly recommended by my BFFs Terrie and Binky, a novel considered a magnum opus in the realm of fiction writing.

terrific thursday!

Today seemed to be the craziest and busiest day of 2010! I have to say it is because it's only the second week of the year after all..haha!

What made me say it's the busiest? Thought you never asked...

Earlier today I completed my year-end reconciliations of variances, comparative analysis and reports, adjustments to comply with the audits, federal and government policies and on top of that do the necessary backups in our server before I can proceed setting up the new fiscal year 2010, not to mention emails to respond, 2010 budgets, plans, and forefasts, phone calls to make, and other deadlines to beat.....these list goes on and on...

But thank God! my year-end jitters turned out to be a successful one without going through a single glitch and free of any further painful process. As usual it took more than just couple of runs to Starbucks for my lattes for the last few days....times such as this needed full-focus, undivided attention, increased brain power, boost of energy and clear-cut concentration...I tell you, just few sips of latte increases my blood-flow and so with my work pace, I was all fired up at the same time!

I took my lunch a little late but then again I was relieved. It was such a delight and a big relief that at the last sipped of my last cup of coffee – it coincided the exact time when the prompt message or the dialogue window said : Back-up was successfully completed! Tada!

But that was not the end of it all...I have to do the next step, which is altogether was not that bad.

When I came home I thought I could do some relaxation knowing I don't have to fix supper today, I thought I could just warm up some LO from last night's (left over) and maybe just throw some greens and toast dinner buns. I always love the feeling of coming home when I am greeted by Ashley and Andrew's sweet hugs and kisses..... but guess what??? I am also greeted with the last minute homework, book report and social studies research works - all are due tomorrow!!! And not to mention, my iCalendar reminded me too of Andrew's skiing lesson tomorrow, I need to pack this and that, I was like, whew! God help me, I could use some help here please....(big and long sigh)

I was panicking a little bit, stress level was just about to raise, then I remember what to do. I have to breathe in and out and told myself to calm down and everything will be just fine.......and it's a good thing, both of my children are not so needy and can practically handle school stuffs with very minimal supervisions and instructions. But of course kids are just kids, they still need grown ups directions.

And mostly, all the 'mommy's I've known do all the worrying and at the same time think all the problem-solving :-) Do I hear "Amen"?? So, I have to do what I have to do, you know, take charge and use the skill that most moms are good at –- guess what?? multitasking! I must admit, I am so lucky enough, my husband is such a big help and he takes care of the dishes, the garbage, recycling and other stuffs too ((wink wink ;-)). I wouldn't know what I would do without Noel! Am I so lucky or what? It's true though, without my husband's full support system and my children's inpiration...it'll be harder for me to deal my daily chores and challenges...I owe it to Noel and so here's my hat totally off to him...and I don't even call that 'smooching'.

Though, I am quite disappointed because aside from missing my favorite show "Grey's Anatomy", I thought I could read few chapters today, as I have yet to finish the book I am reading...and since I am totally drawn to the characters especially the protagonist named Aminata...

But anyways, I am just thankful really and very appreciative that I get to accomplish tons of things today without feeling exhausted and stressed and in fact still have the time to be connected with myself. Writing or blogging whatever you call it seem to give me the winding down and time that I call my own.

That's about it. My terrific Thursday! I look forward for Friday which is tomorrow. It is a fun-filled day for sure. There's got to be more things to do, things to think about and things to be decided upon and challenges to deal with! The important thing is I am coming along pretty well and positively happy about it!

To all juggling super moms out there - give yourself a good pat on your shoulder, you are doing just great. The best is yet to come for 2010! And it's gonna be as terrific as you are!

thinking of Hawaii...

It's raining cats and dog here in BC and today seems to be the gloomiest day ever! It's damp, murky and soaking wet everywhere...

Times like this...my thoughts drifts away...I am so wanting to go somewhere I can watch the sun goes down, and walk in flip-flops or even barefoot.....I am thinking of Hawaii....where I am kissed gently by the warmth of the sun's rays....where I can hear the soft waves of the blue ocean, where I can lie on the beach, read "Wuthering Heights" and forget my cares away.....just soaking in the sun........life would be such a bliss!

Soon oh soon aloha!

i love NYC!

{This blog was actually so overdue………..I thought to myself...nah ---there are just too many things to write about, don’t even know where to start and how to end it.....but after hearing the song "Empire State of Mind" by Jay Z and Alicia Keys being played on FM live-stream radio ....I am reminded of NY again...the fun and the experience I had there was too good to ignore, so there you go, I want to share it with you! }

Last summer, I was in New York with my family for our much awaited vacation. We normally take a good 10-days vacation trip every summer not just to have a break but also to build beautiful memories with my children. Memories that we can look back when we are 80 something years old or so, when we are all gray, wrinkled and all, something old and something beautiful. And that, what we had done in the past were actually cool and awesome…besides who doesn’t want to spend quality time with your loved ones in a different and more interesting settings beside your own backyard?

Anyways, on our 5-hour flight to NYC, four of us --myself, Noel, Drew and Ash had this anticipated excitement and adrenaline rush all over us, my kids were excited to see and identify the buildings they are so familiar with in their favorite movies and TV shows, while me in particular, was just as excited to see and take numerous photo shots of all the famous landmarks, museums and modern architectural designs of the buildings. I remember, I had some doubts too at that moment...Will I ever feel intimidated? Will my family be safe in this city? Will I be lost or something? But the moment I set my foot on JFK airport, all of my doubts were proven wrong. I immediately felt the city’s most welcoming-warmth, as if it is my own home, as if I belong there....... I thought to myself, "oh, I love New York City......this city is so me!"

New York is probably the greatest city in the world. It is a city where unusual is commonplace. The dramatic expected. A series of neighborhoods that are real melting pots of America. Art and artists are a way of life in New York from the small studios to the magic of Broadway....

I love New York simply because of it’s diversity and how busy and full of life it is! Where else can you find such diversity? --– of food, culture, style, art, architecture, music, fashion, people? It’s hard to imagine who could never love New York. It’s the most exciting, vibrant big city on the planet earth. There is just no place like it.

The city is known as the "Big apple", maybe because it is a city of superlatives.....America's biggest, highest, largest..... The city seems to pull in the best and the brightest from every corner of the country. In fact NYC is the nation's trendsetter.

I think every individual who first set their foot in New York have their best NY moments and experiences. I for one have some to share. Here’s some of my best New York experiences and moments; --

FIFTH AVENUE

Shop ‘til you drop in the magical stores of Fifth Avenue. Just walking along this famous strip makes me feel rich. There are the uber-rich stores like Gucci, Bergdorf Goodman, Hermes, LV, Tiffany and Cartier but you can make a wise budget purchase at the likes of H&M, Abercrombie & Fitch, Hollister and Gap, and others. You cannot visit New York without setting foot on Fifth!

STATUE OF LIBERTY

Prior to my visit, I thought Statue of Liberty is just a hollow colossus statue made of thinly pounded sheets of copper and bronze that symbolizes international friendship between France and American people. I tell you, Liberty is more than a statue. She is almost like a beloved friend, a living symbol of freedom. She is a tribute to the ideals she represents, and to the hopes she inspires...as I looked up to her face and took this photo, I was totally left in awe...

CENTRAL PARK

There's just too much to single out in this beautiful 341-hectare park in the heart of New York City. I love Bethesda's Castle, and the Shakespeare's garden..one would easily spot a soloist performing Vivaldi's 4 season symphony.

MACY'S

Macy's world-famous department store has 10 floors of shopping heaven, with just about all the big designers housing...I was so overwhelmed, I couldn't make up my mind..LOL. You'll definitely experience the old cliché “shop 'till you drop”! All the same, I love the Starbucks lounge there, it's so cozy I could take a quick snooze.

BROOKLYN BRIDGE

It will take you about 20 minutes to walk across it – and right underneath, on the Brooklyn side in Water St, is the Brooklyn Ice Cream factory. On the wired fence, I spotted these phrases of words carved on it….”Splendor me or men”. Here, happens to be where you will get the best view of Manhattan, so it's a good excuse to indulge a cone of ice cream.

BROADWAY SHOWS
This is one of my favorites. My family enjoyed the Billy Elliot musicals a lot. There is nothing like it. It's worth every penny we paid for the tickets! The experience was something I would cherish for the rest of my life. I would definitely watch broadway shows again when I visit NY in the future...

SAKS & Company

Two words. First Floor. It's about the only words I can afford. But if buying purses isn't your aim, just walk around and watch the filthy-rich spend up a storm. The place is always full of people in high fashion, even the shop looked so lush and all but the sales attendants were very cordial and friendly, it has never been intimidating experience at all as compared to other designer shops that I’ve been to in Asia.

GRAND CENTRAL TERMINAL

This is a major terminal and is also full of history and attractions itself. It's got fine dining and casual restaurants, market, high fashion shops...and the food! oh boy....I still can taste up to now the BEST and the most sumptuous barbeque-chicken I've ever tasted! And guess what? I've actually set foot on the spot where the climatic shootout scene in 'The Untouchables' movie...only couple of yards away from the landmark Oyster bar & restaurant.

EMPIRE STATE BUILDING

NY's original skyline symbol. The ride alone is an adrenalin rush. I felt I am at the top of the world and that I can literally conquer it all, including my biggest fears. It is overlooking the whole Central Garden, Ellis Island, Manhattan and Jersey City. The 360 degrees view is so mind-blogging. We were so lucky to have the chance to tour this building in VIP-entry, our close friend Dominic works for a reputable engineering and construction company somewhere in 30th something floor....we were spared of more than 2 hours wait in the line-up.

TIME SQUARE

Times Square is the most bustling square and THE major intersection in Manhattan, at the junction of Broadway and Seventh AvenueTimes. It is so bright and colourful. My whole family including myself of course, had lots of stop and stare moments in awe at the massive billboards amid the neon lights, towering hotels, and high-priced souvenir shops that define Times Square, which is Midtown's leading attraction. The sheer energy of this neighborhood is exciting; the pace, the sidewalks, the hotdogs, the coffee, desserts and ice cream shop usually packed. I’ve never seen so many people in one place but the experience is so unbelievably surreal. You might not believe it but we we went to that square almost everyday just to sit on the benches while sipping our javas and just enjoy watching other people who are probably came from other part of the globe!

NEW YORK PUBLIC LIBRARY
I've never seen like it. I was totally amazed by the most scenic architectural design of the Main Reading Room. If you do need the best research library there is, the New York Public Library is waiting for you with ten million books and ten million manuscripts, including George Washington’s farewell address drafted in his own hand.

I love New York! I really do. Reasons why I love New York? Let me count the ways…

The city that never sleeps. I personally experienced right before my very eyes why on any given day in this Crazy City- - anything unusual, out of the ordinary or overall just super interesting and inspiring can happen on the daily basis...24/7!

It carries the torch. I think, no city gives a better welcome than New York. The Statue of Liberty leaves the light on for you, no matter who you are, no matter where you've come from.

Hustles that bustle. I love the fact that every corner in Midtown is packed with people waiting to cross the street. Everyone is rushing to get to the meeting, the java fix, the subway. No stopping to smell the roses here—just grab a bunch of flowers from one of the many vendors and smell them as you hurry on to your next destination.

It curbs my enthusiasm. NYC's energy absolutely fires up my enthusiasm!

The icing on the cake. It's one of the only places where a pink cupcake, covered in sprinkles, is actually cool.

My kind of city. No matter where I came from, there's a neighborhood that'll make me feel at home.

I am at the top. I got goose bumps when I set foot on the cool, granite foyer of the Empire State Building. From the observatory, if I look closely, I can see my dreams come true….

The coffee lingo. At the Starbucks near Times Square, I can hear a dozen languages spoken at once.

The last word. Overall, New York is so beautiful to me and yet a little bit inconvenient. It makes people there work a little harder, but you probably heard the song “if I can make it there, I'll make it anywhere, it's up to you New York, New York” anyway.... It forces you to interact—with taxi drivers, street musicians, people riding the subway, people talking on cell phones, people talking to themselves. But with..... “LIFE” . And I just love it!

The remarkable thing is--New York looks even better up-close, in person....."it's just like the movies!". Whether you want to call it spontaneity or chaos, there are a million different New York moments that can catch you off-guard and sweep you off your feet. You could spend weeks in New York and still barely scratch the surface, but there are some key attractions that you won't want to miss. The best thing is -- in between sights, you can eat just about anything, at anytime....

....because New York City is a city that never sleeps.

Welcomes 2010 with a Big Bang!

HaPPy NeW YeAr!

How was everyone's new year so far? Well, I have been doing great actually, so far so good....I am so excited as I welcome and embrace this new decade...I have a very good feeling that it's going to be a good one this year if not a better one! However, in order to embrace the new year, one must release the old, we cannot swing from one bar to another unless we let go of the other!

Admit it... You made a few resolution this year, just like the last. In fact, you may have even stuck to a few of them. Year after year, you commit to make changes. Stop doing this... start doing that... and you know what? You're not alone!

Several of you would probably say “here we go again, another year and another stack of resolutions down the proverbial drain” But No, not this year - all excuses have expired...and mind you, life is getting shorter plus clock is ticking away....so let's put it this way--this time it will be different, and it's all about a 'good plan' that really works anyway.

Generally, tradition almost dictates that every 365 days, one has to kick bad habits and should start life anew. Most peopleto try to make the dreaded New Year’s Resolution, a solemn promise for themselves to completely change who and what they are.

Personally, that's not really the case for me-- it's more of a reflection of the past and a projection of the future sort-of-thing for me. I do make my own check list, though it's always easier said than done you know, but I try to look back and see what has been done and what's not been done and that includes my personal, professional, health and wellness and most importantly spiritual aspects of my life. Before the past year unfolds and the new year begins, I sort of gather my thoughts, mull over and then look forward to a newer plans, conceivable projections, and bigger dreams, and perhaps, raise the bar more higher, as I'm sure most of you do the same thing. Overall, I try to be a better person that I can be, thriving to live a more healthier, happier and fulfilling life.

I am happy to say that the most part of my wish lists were carried out and even succeeded with flying colors, and that took a lot of prayers, practice and perseverance, though few of them, the ones that I considered not conceivable anyways for that matter were unfulfilled and I am usually inclined to bring it forward for the next year's.

I am inspired and more encouraged when I realize that I have the chance to reflect upon on what I did, how I felt, what I didn't liked and what I have learned every year. I can look at myself and my experience with as much objectivity as I can. I got to start thinking over the past year or perhaps over the past decade...to learn from it and to go where I wish to go and be whom I wish to be...and to check once again what my priorities are.

There are endless questions that comes to mind...such as --What did I accomplish? Would I have done it differently? What were the most significant events in the past decade? the biggest challenges, toughest roadblocks, my biggest contributions? Did I make any difference at all? ....or for what I am particularly grateful?

What about you? Have you thought of this year's 2010 wish list? Whatever is your new year's wish list, hope you set a far more specific and achievable goals this time. As for me and my family, we will aim for things that are truly important to us, not what we think we ought to do or what others expect of us.

And so dear friends........as we start the year, it seems particularly fitting to devote ourselves sometime to reflect and give thanks for numerous blessings we have received and let our hearts process and prepare us for a more positive and fruitful new year ahead of us.

And remember to fully enjoy every single moment (or year) of your life's journey! :-)

Live, learn and love!

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.

remembering nanay

The moment I heard about the dreadful news, I was deeply saddened, not because she had left us so soon but because I won’t be able to hear her gentle voice again, I won’t be able to look into her gentle and teary eyes and never be able to touch her wrinkly lovely face again.

As I was remembering how my mother aged, her wrinkles and her hands were aged by years of loving service, these were the hands that raised and nurtured eight siblings, through a painstakingly hard work and enormous labor of love against the difficult storms in life. My mother’s hands had done their best to feed a big family. Hands that were always thrifty and never wasteful. Hands that gave us warmth, disciplined blessings and taught us good values and virtues. Back then we had so little, we were struggling with difficulty, but we had lived our lives with dignity.

And now my hands sometimes look just like hers, square palms, blunt fingers, the same lines, around the knuckles – a small detail only her own daughter would notice. I am a little bit disappointed at the loss of my smooth hands but quite delighted to find that my hands looking just exactly like my mother’s rough, hardworking hands.

As far as I can remember, my mother had not motivated us vanity but the value of honesty, dignity and humility. My siblings and I were so proud of our mother that we will be carrying off her legacy. My mother strongly advocated the value of education. She absolutely believed that a good education is a step for a successful and fulfilling life. She just knew exactly what’s best for us.

Nanay was a very hard working mother. She earned every single penny by working diligently and dedicatedly. I still remember so well….from dawn to dusk, I would hear the sound of the sewing machine, almost sounded like a soothing rhythm, as she meticulously and quietly adorned a brightly colored embroidery, such a humble work of art. A very noble and decent occupation that supported us all in our college education. I asked her once why she would not teach me how to do embroidery and why she was just assigning me the task of bringing and picking up the 'binordan' (textiles, threads, designs and other materials) from barrios of San Jose and San Francisco...she would answer me softly, "neng, (short form of nene) I think you should focus on your studies only because if you are educated, you can get better job and have a better life".... I do remember so well with delight when she used to sew beautiful dresses for myself and my niece, as we had to wear identical new dresses every Easter Sunday.

She had always been very slender, she had a fine lovely features, beautiful set of eyes, natural wavy black shoulder length hair and fairly long legs. She was tall, in fact way taller than me, almost same height as my father. It is such a pity that I did not take any of my mother’s good looks, not even a slightest resemblance. My mother always preferred simplicity over vanity. She was very minimalist. She would rather choose a plain and less intricate blouse over a high-priced couture clothing. She refused to wear almost natural lip gloss as opposed to the natural sheer of her own lip balm. But I am impressed at how good her own style and tastes were. Her simplicity showed a touch of neatness, elegance and grace. She wouldn’t wear too much jewelry simply because according to her, it would only show self-indulgence, vanity, arrogance and extravagance. I remember her saying this — “Too much of something is not good as it outshines the natural beauty that comes within”.

She had a very sensitive and generous heart. She would feel so sorry for other needy and unfortunate ones, almost deprived people who can hardly make ends meet, who painstakingly working so very hard to earn a living and merely surviving to get through the day. She would rather give her last piece of bread to others whom she knew and refused to indulge in a very simple luxury of a meal. She was very frugal and had always been wise in spending her money sparingly. However, she won’t even think twice when a person in need comes to her and ask for help.

My mother was quite a lady, though you can never under estimate her silence, she was a street-smart, sharp-witted one, always made a wise decisions in life. She can do a mental math calculations without using a calculator not even a pen or paper, though she won’t remember where exactly she put her bunch of keys or her pair of spectacles. Yes, I do recall her always carrying a bunch of keys…and I always wonder why…..but now I come to realize that it really has a meaning to it after all. For her, the key signifies hope – as it unlocks and open doors , it is a representation of a chance, an opportunity, or perhaps, a decent future ahead of us and a much awaited abundance of blessings. It also gave her a sense of security and safety, but literally speaking, somehow, she constantly reminded us – “One must save something for rainy days.”

I always remember her constant reminders up until now….even the day when I decided to go farther and taken a greener opportunity, I had to leave Philippines to work abroad. She would write me frequently and always include this in her letter “May God always bless you with good health, wisdom, strength and peace” and she would end her letter with her usual P.S. “Don’t forget to pray to God”. My mother had a very strong spiritual faith. Her fervent love and obedience to God served as an inspiration to me. She would wake up early in the morning, and started her day with a prayer and ended her day with devotions.

Now, it would have been too late to say that we dearly love her and we terribly miss her a lot. And so, through my writings, I can lovingly and openly say, wonderful words that she deserve to hear.

Somehow, the day she passed away was a very significant time as it was more of a celebration of life than death. It could have been irrelevant or too late to say “I Love You”, and “Thank You” for all the things she has strived for me and my family, but I’ll say it anyway. Because there was nothing like my mother’s special “golden rule” reminders. There was nothing like my mother’s naive affections, encouraging words, enduring patience, and her delightful smiles. She deserves more than a thank you, as she had brought eight of us into this world, and carried us all in her womb, changed our diapers, spent sleepless nights, and sang us endless lullabies. But she had been proud of what we become now as she molded us into an upright person we are today. My mother may not be the ideal parent but she and my father had worked their fingers to the bone, just to make our house into a home. And I am so proud for both of my mother and my father.

So in a most simple way, I’d like to dedicate this simple tribute to a wonderful mother - just like the way she would want it to be. She was the most remarkable and amazing person I’ve ever known. Thus, she deserves more than just a tribute, she deserves –respect, honor and a loving memory.

For the past couple of years, I still find myself in a verge of sobbing away my grieving feelings and tears just flows every time I think of her. I totally miss her so much that it really breaks my heart at the thought of her being gone, totally gone. I know it will take time, a very long time for me to heal that emptiness and sadness. But nothing and no one in this whole wide world can ever replace her presence.

Losing somebody so significant in your life takes a huge amount of pain. But somehow, as I seek God’s comfort, I had felt His peace flowing through me knowing that she has finally gone home to heaven where she really belong - back in God’s hands. And now…all has left is a good memory…a wonderful memory that I will cherish forever.

“Nay....., I know that you are now resting peacefully in heaven with our loving and Heavenly Father, and enjoying the company of tatay...., I love you and I miss you so.....”.

sweet melancholy of autumn

the heart

the blush
the scarlett
the maple tree
the maple leaves

the confettis

the kaleidoscope

the blur

the butterflies

the foliage

the patchwork

When I think of AUTUMN season, I associated it with being melancholy -- of winding down energies before the bleakness of winter. And as the chill of winter is in the horizon, the weather turn into murky, and this makes some people turn gloomy and inwardly as well. In spite of this melancholic mood, autumn -- also brings out and emphasizes a peaceful, and beautiful lush abundance of the season. You would agree with me that the sight of a fall foliage at its peak is like a lovely patchwork of art and it is such a wonder to behold!

I have always loved autumn season. Couple of decades ago, back in Philippines, (I was very young then )…. I have always dreamt of experiencing the wondrous of autumn season. I’ve only seen fall foliage before in movies, paintings, Discovery channel, National Geographic magazines, have read in books and I had always wished to see these breathtaking sceneries in person. And coming from Southeast Asia, I am not familiar with this attractive fall coloration phenomenon at all. Here in BC, and throughout much Canada, the cool fall weather usually brings us spectacular and dazzling displays of colors, and autumn is the best time for me and anyone to enjoy and admire Canada’s best sceneries and landscapes.

I have not thought much about leaves until autumn comes. While I am taking these photos, for a brief moment - I marvel at the multitude vivid colors that emerge from these leaves what was previously just a plain green background. Of course, there were subtleties of shade and texture in the greenery that surrounded us all summer, but after the first flush of green in the spring, we quickly grow accustomed to the green backdrop of plant leaves and focus our attention elsewhere.

But when days shorten, weather gets cooler, skies turns grey, and trees grow crisper, colors are changing and leaves fall into their own. Funny it seems, but it is only when they are about to ‘fall’ that they finally attract our attention. As the golds, yellows, reds and browns of autumn emerge we come to realize the diversity of the plants that once made up the summer greenery. The green background is transformed into a mosaic of individual plants in varying hues. For a few short weeks before winter's white coat arrives, Mother Nature shrugs off her dowdy greens, throws fashion sense to the wind and bursts forth with a season ending an explosion of color.

One thing that always amazes me about fall foliage is the natural variations of the rich colors of the trees. As shown in the photos, some trees turns to an almost-impossible-to-believe-shade of blazing red every fall. I think certain colors and the timing of the color change are characteristic of each tree species. Oaks turn reds, browns and russets. Some trees turn into golden yellow, some purplish red and some just light tan. I can easily tell maples trees, being pre-dominant of all trees, and because that’s the only one I am familiar with. They turn fiery-scarlet-red or brilliant orange-red. These trees are being offset by the rich emerald greens of pine.

I have always wonder what causes this fall splendor? I also wonder where do the yellows, golds, reds and browns come from? I am pretty sure that the answers to these questions involve some pretty hefty science, with lots of plant biochemistry and physiology. I don't pretend to fully understand the myriad of processes involved, but I think I've got a little bit grasp of it and just enough to handle the nature’s wondrous phenomenon.

I think God's wondrous creation is so immense, that it is incredibly hard to fathom, and yet, is likely easier to marvel the beauty of it.

books you can't put down

Everybody loves that feeling you get when you find a book that is just perfect for you. It feels as if you will never be able to put the book down. I mean those kind of books you start reading but cannot put down until the last page is turned? Have you ever missed work because you slept so so late, or you have not slept at all because you couldn’t stop reading? I did! There's nothing like being carried away by a great read. It can take you to places you've never been, to meet the people you'll never know….

Everyone has those experiences where they can't put a book down because the book is a page turner and it's just so good and so engrossing. I've occasionally been unable to put a book down when it is so perplexing, yet timely and critically acclaimed, and I keep thinking, "This has got to be going somewhere…”

When I read a wonderful book, there's that bittersweet pleasure as I approach the end. I want it so badly to discover the conclusion, and I just dislike the idea and the experience of being completely engrossed in a story to be over.

I have quite a list of books I can’t seem to put down. Some of these books were really very well written and brings-up some great issues that really hold my interest. The books listed below were the best as far as I’m concerned…the list is not in specific order though….and by the way, I have only listed books that I have actually read and enjoyed. Some were classics, contemporary fictions and non-fictions, novels, memoirs and biographies, some are so poignant, bleak, powerful and moving, some are narrative-style, but they are guaranteed great reads and I personally hand-picked them. I know, there's something specific genre for everyone - and every occasion. But whatever you choose, you can be sure that once you start reading, there is no way stopping!

At any rate, the next time you ask yourself, "What should I read next?" I hope this list will prove helpful.

1) Khaled Hosseini, Kite Runner
2) Khaled Hosseini, A Thousand Splendid Suns
3) Wally Lamb, She’s Come Undone
4) Wally Lamb, I know This Much is True
5) Billie Letts, Where the Heart is
6) Dan Brown, Da Vinci Code
7) Dan Brown, Angels and Demons
8) Dan Brown, The Lost Symbol
9) Michael Ondaatje, The English Patient
10) Bernhard Schlink, The Reader
11) Ian McEwan, Atonement
12) Jung Chang, The Wild Swans: Three Daughters of China
13) James Frey, A Million Little Pieces
14) Sydney Poitier, The Measure of a Man
15) Steve Lopez, The Soloist
16) Stephanie Meyers, Twilight Saga Series
17) Leo Tolstoy, Anna Karenina
18) Arthur Golden, Memoirs of a Geisha
19) Gustave Flaubert, Madame Bovary
20) Greg Mortenson, Three Cups of Tea
21) Asne Seiertad, The Bookseller of Kabul
22) Charlotte Bronte, Jane Eyre
23) Frank McCourt, Angela’s Ashes
24) Jodi Picoult, My Sister’s Keeper
25) Truman Capote, In Cold Blood
26) Elizabeth Gilbert, Eat, Pray & Love
27) Elie Wiesel, Night
28) Alice Sebold, The Lovely Bones
29) Michael Cunnigham, The Hours
30) Carol Shields, Stone Diaries
31) Anne Rice, Christ the Lord-The Road to Canaan
32) Anne Rice, Christ the Lord – Out of Egypt
33) Andrew Morton, Diana
34) Robert Ludlum, The Bourne Identity Series
35) Amy Pastan, Martin Luther King
36) Anita Shreve, Resistance
37) Thomas Keneally, Shinder’s List
38) Wladyslaw Szpilman,The Pianist
39) Anne Frank, The Diary of Anne Frank
40) Ruby Wiebe, The Stolen Life
41) John Grisham, The Pelican Brief
42) John Grisham, The Firm
43) Toni Morrison, Beloved
44) John Steinbeck, The Grapes of Wrath
45) John Steinbeck, East of Eden
46) E. Annie Proulx, The Shipping News
47) Paulo Coelho, The Alchemist
48) Jane Austen, Pride and Prejudice
49) Edith Wharton, The Age of Innocence
50) Azar Nafisi, Reading Lolita in Tehran

things i am thankful

Because of our busy lives, we barely have the time to reflect on the good things that we have, so when Thanksgiving Day comes, we get the chance to reflect on the things we are most thankful about. There are a lot of things I am thankful about, here’s few of them; --

I am thankful for our great God who enables me when I can’t bring about things on my own, a God who upholds me and keeps me going, a God who fills me up when there’s an empty space in between. I thank Him a lot for He holds me close and carries me every single step of the way. I’ll forever thank God for having had the chance to meet few special people who walked me through and introduced me to Jesus.

I am thankful for my family. I am thankful for my husband and children, they are always been my inspiration, my great motivations and my biggest cheerleaders. They believe in me when I gave them the reasons to do so. In return, they bring out the best in me.

I am thankful for my health, while I could certainly spare to drop a few pounds here and there and do a bit of exercise regimen, but that’s not about it. I haven’t been well before, I have dealt with couple of health issues, splitting-severe-migraines for one, but I thank God that I haven’t had any episode for almost a year now, and that overall, my body, mind and spirit are in one accord. I am thankful that God gives me the strength I need to cope up and overcome such difficulty. I am grateful that God has been so gracious to me.

I am thankful for job, a job that suits my needs and preferences. A job that makes me excited to go to work, ready to face the challenges of the day and be able to deliver what I am expected to do. This job helps my family a lot in as much as my siblings back home to enable to support the education of my nieces and nephews. Most of all, this job allows us to be able to save some for my kids’ college education, travel and retirement.

I am thankful for a bunch of good and true friends, old and new ones, who’s been truly incredible. Without them I wouldn't have close people to talk to when times get tough or have someone to share good news with. I've had some wonderful times with my friends and will keep on having wonderful times in the future.

I am thankful for my church, wherein my family and I can be connected and feel the sense of belongingness, and be able to meet other people that share with the same purpose, that is to praise and serve God.

I am thankful for my everyday challenges, big or small, without my struggles there is no learning and therefore no progress. Failures make me humble while mistakes refine the rough edges in my character. So, for the times I've failed and that I've been wrong, I'm thankful as they'll help me do better in the years to come.

I am thankful that I have been given a gift that no amount of money can buy. I am thankful for love, inner peace and for life.