Sky Watch Friday: Paradise Island

sunset at Paradise Island Resort, Samal Island, Davao del Norte

Most of us miss out on life's big prizes. The Pulitzer. The Nobel. Oscars. Tonys. Emmys. But we're all eligible for life's small pleasures. A pat on the back. A kiss behind the ear. A four-pound bass. A full moon. An empty parking space. A cracking fire. A great meal. A glorious sunset. Hot soup. Cold beer. Don't fret about copping life's grand awards. Enjoy its tiny delights. There are plenty for all of us.

~ United Technologies Corp. ad

For more Sky Watch photos, please visit Wiggers World.

One fine day

One Fine Day by Natalie Merchant

There are days when I feel my solitude expands and the surrounding noise passes through me without disturbing my equilibrium. It feels like standing on top of the highest mountain, the inconceivable vastness of the world embraces me. I am filled with hope, even when I don’t understand the depths and surprises of fate. All I know is that there are always new dreams, new friendships, new loves, and beauty still undiscovered by these eyes.

These are the days that I hold dear. Everything is clear, and I am unafraid. Like a deep-rooted and drought-tolerant tree, I stand confidently under monsoon rains and hot suns.

We are all in the gutter, but some of us are looking at the stars.

~Oscar Wilde

I am continuously humbled by an unexpected joy, by a resilient spirit, by a child’s simplicity, by an unwavering faith, by the changing of the seasons, by an unconditional love, by an ever-renewing gratitude, by an unsolicited tenderness, by life’s possibilities.

Like bees gathering honey, I collect the sweetness out of people---the simplest gesture of kindness, a kind word, a smile from a stranger, a sympathetic ear, a warm hug, a sincere compliment, a small act of caring, open arms, and an open heart. They sustain me when it's raining in my soul.

In life, there are disappointments, failure, tears, loneliness, betrayal. But there’s also happiness, friendship, successes, laughter, love. I relish the days when I can appreciate the joy of breathing, or walking on a bright morning. I delight with whatever remains in me.

My Father, the greatest

I wrote this poem almost 20 years ago in honor of my father who passed away in 1979. This was published in a national women's magazine for their Fathers' day issue. I am sharing this with all the fathers---the men of our hearts, our champions, our biggest admirers.

On your shoulder lies

the burden of the world

as you struggled against the odds

to make me live.

The life you bravely faced alone

the battles you fought and won

are like a candle in a dark room

giving me hope to carry on.

I know you wouldn't surrender

though your brow grow damp with pain

you never flinch, wince nor groan,

but bear in silence and drift to dream.

You were unconquerable, my Father

until Death soothed your weary mind

you didn't resist nor try to fight

instead, you embraced Death so tight.

You are the greatest, as you lay triumphant

for what is to die, but to free life

from its restless tides,

and to seek God unencumbered?

All you have to do is ask...

For the past three hours, I have been trying to concentrate on Milan Kundera’s novel called “Slowness” but my mind is somewhere else. I am haunted by last night’s ironies---Joan Armatrading’s raw, edgy, impassioned voice suits my mood.

I said I'm strong

Straight

Willing

To be a shelter

In a storm

Your willow

Oh willow

When the sun is out…

Her unmistakable voice and the rhythmic riff of guitar echo in the stillness of the early morning.

Thunder

Don't go under the sheets

Lightning

Under a tree

In the rain and snow

I'll be your fireside

Come running to me

When things get out of hand

Running to me

When it's more than you can stand…

I first heard Willow in a movie called “Boys on the Side”. That movie by the way has a great soundtrack. Willow is one of my favorites. Listening to each word, in a voice that is affecting somehow calms my troubled mind.

And if you want to be alone

Or someone to share a laugh

Whatever you want to do

All you got to do is ask…

Yeah, all you got to do is ask. I am not psychic, after all.

PhotoHunt: Emotion(s)

This is my first PhotoHunt. For this week's "emotion" theme, I'm posting photos of my 3-year old niece, Eliza. These photos were taken during a family get-together in our grandmother's home in Bulacan. Eliza was in her usual happy self, showing off her dance steps, and her beauty-queen wave.