Before and After (November 30, 2008)

The almost daily showers and thunderstorms had prompted me to stopped visiting the garden as there was no need for watering. The plants became greener, bushier and had grown to their unexpected heights. The shade was good during midday but the coming of the snakes and other bugs and creepy crawlies signaled the end of this forest-like habitat.

In come the gardeners armed with their machetes and lawn mowers. It took them almost six hours just to completely transform the once secluded sanctuary of uninvited guests to a bright and airy garden of my choice. Now, the entire place is more inviting to humans where a simple meditation or a ride on the wooden swing offers a safer environment to walk through.

Some changes are not welcome but there are changes we need to do in our lives so that we can free ourselves of our guilt or bondage. There are decisions to be made, choices to weigh and things to execute. If we continue to live in the past or in our own shadows, we can never go beyond our dreams to find a better life. Just like the garden, the change was a welcome change.

Olivia (November 28, 2008)

Olivia is a story about a pig who knows what she likes and works for it. She has a wonderful persona typical of children but with an adult like character to boot. She is funny, demanding, witty, adventurous, fashionable, and pure adorable. She is my current fave though this book had been out for a long time.

It was lent to me by a friend from New Zealand as the story is also a favourite of her child. After that initial encounter with Olivia, I became obsessed in finding a copy for myself to add to my growing collection of children’s literature. I searched high and low, at every bookstore I can find. I even asked a friend who will be taking a vacation to the United States to get me one. She came empty handed. The book was out of print.

And when one is not looking for it, you finally managed to find one at a bargain price. It was even the hardcopy type. I grabbed the book and held it dearly up to the counter. I felt so lucky.

After reading the three series of Olivia (the first, then the other two series), I managed to put another perk in telling a story. The characterization and voice in reading a book, the enthusiasm in invoking attention, and the attitude of a pig with a human persona captured my audience without doubt. Olivia is a winner!

An Approach to Life (November 23, 2008)

It was a pleasure to have a solid hour of peaceful moment at Café de Tu savouring on their cakes and teas with a friend. My friend is visiting Thailand and we had the opportunity to meet and chat about various things. Of interests were the photos he took from Vietnam and our stand on teaching.

As I looked at the photographs, it reminded me of my week stay in Ho Chi Minh many years ago and thus missing two other good friends of mine. Also, the photographs introduced me to some of my friend's friends, the hospitality they extended and the friendship they unconditionally give. However,the smiles and the clear happiness within the faces of those people in the photographs fascinated me. My friend, along with his companions, is enjoying life.

Going back home, it was way too long for a short trip that usually takes me half an hour. After deciding to take a cab at a busy roundabout, it was near impossibility to find a ride be it a bus or a cab. There were people everywhere all hoping to get a ride and be home. Their faces were of angst, worries, sadness, and even anticipation. It was a complete contrast of what I saw earlier in the photographs. Though there was no point of comparison, I just wanted to show that we approach life in many different manners.

It took me two hours to reach home transferring from a bus to a Skytrain to a subway train and in the end, a cab. I can curse all throughout the trip because of wasted time or I can reflect on the smiling faces and the happiness those photographs shared with me. I chose the latter.

My friend shows me that happiness is within reach, that it is always there. His genteel manners and approach to people are something I will emulate. He has plentiful of friends. Two hours on the road is nothing compared to the mentorship I get from a well-educated person. His visits are always welcome. His presence, recognized. And today is his birthday...Happy Birthday Stephen!

Emily Waits For Her Family (November 22, 2008)

Emily the Chickadee’s Emily Waits For Her Family tells about a little girl’s discovery of a bird who decided to build a nest right in a flowerbox next to her window. The anticipation to see what will become of the eggs, the discovery of new lives in the form of the nestlings, the imagery of a family growing together and the delight of seeing the transformation of the birdies make this story a pleasant and joyful read. It is a fine example of growing, caring and friendship.

The students in my class enjoyed the illustrations, the easy-listening rhyme, and the narration. As the students in my class do not read, the illustrations themselves are self- explanatory clearly showing the sequence of events in order. The easy-listening rhyme makes it appealing to young readers and listeners as they can anticipate the words and helps me finish the sentences. The narration is told in simple words making it interesting to listen to rather than struggling to comprehend the texts.

Our class is immersed into the project of growing and thus getting hold of this book in my hands was like an unexpected find. From plants to animals, the children had been differentiating growing within those realms and thus suggesting hypotheses and generating conclusions as to how growing takes place among plants, animals and later, humans. Within the book, it showed the children the beauty of nature, the life cycle of a bird and the concept of family. Within the book, they also discussed with curiosity and interests on why there was no daddy bird. Someone even said, "Waiting for her family means the arrival of her children (the birdies) and the coming back of father bird to their home."

A great book! A delightful addition to my library of knowledge.

The Past Remembered (November 21, 2008)

I am the kind of person who keeps memories intact: keeping letters, cards, small items, big presents, a piece of drawing, an art work done by a child, a book, and not to mention pictures. It is very useful after some years as I like to reminisce about old and good times.

The souvenirs I have collected from friends around the world are prominently displayed in three showcase glass cabinets in my residence. They were meticulously wrapped throughout these many years until it was time for me to put them on display. The items where from trips abroad, new friends, acquaintances and a few I purchased as a remembrance of a place I visited. I have a paper weight from Netherlands, a star from Israel, a dream catcher from Mexico, a pencil box from Indonesia, a pen set from India, a brooch from New Zealand and other more interesting stuff.

Holding on to memories does not restrict me from growing. Holding on to these material things does not make me a prisoner of wealth as their value does not come from the price of the items but from the memories they hold. Holding on to the past does not contribute to my decay but brings forth a scaffold to eventually learn and move. Holding on these seemingly childish collections is simply a way to say that I treasure my friendship with the people I have learned to love and still remember.

None of my friends will probably remember who amongst them gave me a wooden Pinocchio from Italy or a small replica of a cottage house from Scotland. The giving away was their way of showing their appreciation but remembering them is my way of showing my bond and love to these friends of mine.

The Ultimate Color Test (November 15, 2008)

The Ultimate Color Test

When you are at peace, you are: Deeply stable When you are moved to act, you are: Giving and warm When you are inspired, you are: Spontaneous and adventurous When your life is perfectly balanced, you are: Totally in the moment Your life's purpose is: To find contentment

The Ultimate Color Test

Lost (November 14, 2008)

I used to have this plant that blooms flowers the whole year. It was one of those easy to maintain kind of plants. However, since the growth had become rather big, I took it out of its original sunny spot and transferred it to a semi-shaded area. This move made the plant weak, stopped its flowering mode, withered and eventually died.

My grandfather was one of the popular member of the community when we he was still alive. Since he owns a restaurant, many people visits and eats in this place. A good bond had been established between him and his customers. The restaurant was a venue for communication, seeing and meeting people and living a fine and simple life.

Though basking at the company of his peers, it was suggested that he move to another place because of a relative's need. It was difficult as the transition was not so smooth and there were many neglected things that surfaced. One was the lost of friends which had resulted in unhappy feelings and longing for company. Another was the separation amongst his grandchildren as they had been very close till that move. Lastly, was the change of surrounding for what was once familar, became a strange place to be in.

My grandfather's health became a problem. He grew weaker and weaker until one day, he succumbed to death. During his last breathe, he uttered his farewell, closed his eyes and died peacefully. His colleagues were not there to mourn as they had passed away before him. His family was there but only during his last minutes.

I came to understand that someone who is poor but happy in his place means more than being rich but longing and miserable. Good decisions can bring good results. It is always in our hands. Make good choices. Make life good.

Not Dictated (November 10, 2008)

A friend I met this morning told me that according to our horoscope next year, our lives will be a happier one. I paused momentarily to let that line sank in and answered, “Wow!”

Now this is something to think about or maybe dismissed but I just cannot understand how a horoscope can actually dictate what my life will be for the coming year. I knew for a fact that my life is going on a certain road because I made it that way. It was all about choices, about opportunities, and about accepting what was in store.

I can think of morbid thoughts and be glum for the entire day or wake up with a smile and face the day with bright spirits. I can go on living with no direction or give myself a chance to try new things. I can just move towards the current of everyday affairs or stop to clear the things that are bothering me. I can always just breathe and live or be mindful of my breathing and live a fruitful life.

My existence in this world is not dictated by horoscopes or fortune tellers. So if I am happy, it is because I have a choice. If I am happier, it is because I made it so.

An Intriguing Question (November 08, 2008)

While seated together and having snacks, a student of mine asked a question right in front of me, “How come everyone likes T. Jonathan?” I was surprised to hear the question as it was my first time to actually hear someone asked his peers about me. Also, the question was coming from a four year old child.

Nobody answered his questions but the two people seated beside me gave me a hug and a smile each. The reason for the questioning stemmed because everyone was scrambling for the only vacant space as they knew that I will be taking that spot. So he saw how each and every student tried hard to be first to get the only seat beside a vacant spot.

The question is a reflective question for me. It is time to think why children enjoy the company of their teachers a lot. One possible answer is because children knew what honest feelings are. They feel when they are loved. They feel when they are supported. They feel when they belong.

As I nurture the friendly and intelligent students I have in my class, I look into this life as a lucky strike. That I had been involved in rearing lives and in making these children feel at home when they are in school. This opportunity to work and be with children is possibly what makes me strive to live and be better. Their support and love are unmatchable. You can’t buy them from a store. It is given free.

Losing Hope (November 04, 2008)

This book tells the story of a lone mountain who had been just rocks and stones for a long time. It long for some company and became friends with a bird. As the story goes, the mountain became sad for the absence and tears came flowing from its surface and thus the start of life.

I consider the bird as a messenger of friendship. A bird that promises a visit once a year. A bird that offers support and reassurance to the lonely mountain. Just like friendship, our hope to grow with people is an endearing feeling. It starts with doubts and insecurities but when honed, can lead to beautiful events and memories. Just like love, our hope to grow in love and be with a special person is a journey. It may be difficult in the beginning but with perseverance, a new hope arises.

This book showed me the virtue of waiting. Time will always be on our side when it is the right moment for itself to reveal its glory. The waiting might be daunting for friendship or love but it surely pays, to wait.

Honour (November 01, 2008)

Felipa and the Day of the Dead is about a little girl who misses her beloved grandmother, Abuelita, who passed away. She missed her so much that she decided to find her soul. In the end of the book, the celebration commemorating the Day of the Dead became the focal point where the little girl honoured her grandmother and in the process finally finds Abuelita's soul.

In my life, I have three people that I honour as still living in my heart- my grandfather, my grandmother and my mentor, Lin Laoshi. They had been instrumental in my life and whatever I am having now, was a learning process I had with them when they were around.

My grandfather's hard work and determination to succeed keeps on running in my mind whenever I am faced with situations I feel I cannot bear. He taught me at an early age to work hard by asking me to do marketing for him, cleaning the kitchen and assisting him in cooking. We had a restaurant before and it was in the kitchen that his words were transferred through actions and daily meets.

My grandmother gave me the opportunity to continue with my studies. She gave me the resources to pay for my school tuition and gave me precious advices at the side. Though she wasn't educated, she tried her best to help me with my homework in Chinese. I wasn't able to get high grades and I knew that she was also lost in assisting me with my school works but it wasn't a big deal. It was her effort and she was indirectly telling me how important education was.

My mentor gave me the opportunity to teach. She took me in her arms and trained me to become a teacher. She supported me in my ideas and guided me throughout the process of becoming a good educator. She accepted me as the first male preschool teacher in her school, maybe, in the whole Chinese community. When I left the school, she continuously gave lectures and talks to aspiring teachers and always presented my case as a model for others to follow. She was very proud of me.

Reading the book Felipa gave me the inspiration to write something about the three people who had influenced me as a person. Remembering these three people gave me the courage to write about them so I can share a bit of my beginning. Honouring these three people is something I will be doing forever.