Unfurl

As I write my life stories and everyday dealings with challenges and triumphs, I am making myself vulnerable in the eyes of those who read my posts.

As I listen to my colleagues about her dilemma at present, I suddenly encapsulate her stories with relation and connectivity of my own experiences. I open up myself in a more sensitive way.

When I speak my thoughts to someone I care for and open up my heart to what I am deeply feeling inside, I make myself open to rejection or acceptance. 

When things do not go my way and prayers seem not working, I let myself wallow in despair. The feeling of abandonment at that moment having no answer to a fervent prayer nullifies my faith, wavering at that instance. I become hopeless. 

But life is a wonder and no one can make a prediction of its various blessings. When we make ourselves vulnerable, we can gain strength. When we open ourselves to others, we become true to our convictions. When we allow ourselves to be rejected or accepted, we experienced love. When we become hopeless, we could dig in to a more deeper faith.

As the leaf of a fern plant unfurls, it offers a beginning.

Not So Nice

Tell me if she is only three years of age.

Student: I like the way you do your hair.

Teacher: Thank you.

Student: I like your bracelets too!

Teacher: Thank you. How about Mr. Jonathan? What do you like about him?

Student: He has nothing but a broken foot! 

Me: Is that nice? 

Student: And if you break your other foot, you will have two broken feet! 

Me: Thank you! 

And the Achmed in me wanted to shout-

uncyclopedia.wikia.com

Silence! I kill you! 

Oh yes, I had an accident AGAIN! And I am on a cast and walks with crutches. What a year! Anyway, here's wishing you a...

Happy Lunar New Year! 

Somebody Loves You

Dreaded or loved, Valentine's Day has no meaning to me. It is just an ordinary day but can become special if I wanted it to be. I remembered reading a short book for children written by Eileen Spinelli about a man whose life turned unexpectedly when he received a box of candies from the mail with a note that says, Somebody Loves You.

From being an introverted person, that special day gave him a different perspective in life. He changed into a vibrant man greeting everyone along the way to work, sharing the candies to others, helping his acquaintances, and eventually organizing a get-together with the neighbours complete with brownies and music. 

But the day came when the post officer arrived and apologized for that BIG mistake of sending the parcel to the wrong person. Mr. Hatch, the man who was fleeting on air everyday with enthusiasm and love, became heart-broken. He went back being a loner, aloof from his acquaintances and neighbours, and led a simple and routinary life just like before. 

The book has a very good ending and the neighbours decided to give him support and let him feel the love of the many somebodies who love Mr. Hatch. And just like me and you, there is somebody loving you (or cares for you!)

Happy Valentine's Day to all!

Senses, Fields of Strawberries

Green, with scattering of orange

patterns, space and immense shapes

over the fields filled with growth

my eyes feast.

Silence, an expanse of quietness

reverberates the air with stillness

no flapping wings, no winged creatures

my ears deafen.

Freshness abound

the air of its purity

characteristic aroma

my nose breathes.

Fresh, cold and delicate 

not as smooth to the touch

yet firm and bumpy

my hands caress.

Sweet, sour, never bitter

small bites, crunch, munch

devilishly tasty

my mouth waters. 

(Photos taken from my trip to Mae Sot)

Weather the Weather

It was late afternoon and the weather was not in good terms with a vacation I was having. The sun was cast away while the clouds blanketed the entirety with gloom. Yet, when I looked up in the sky, a familiar sight welcomed my wandering eyes.

Up above was the majestic palm tree swaying its fronds as if waving its arms to me. Welcome, welcome as nobody dared to come on this lonely and dreadful bed weather day. The palm's joyous invitation was enough to give me a bright and cheery disposition at that time.

My school where I work is my second home. This is where I give my heart and soul everyday. And in every household, there will be bouts of loneliness and desperation when things does not run smoothly.

Nevertheless, in my everyday dealings at school, there are plenty of palm trees that welcome me with delight as I see them. They are the small children that I teach, an extension of a family I don't have. I get to be hugged by my little friends. I get enough thanks from my angels. I received smiles and morning greetings from parents of my students and other parents around the campus.

Then a dreaded day mollifies and a dull moment brightens up. A day filled with dark clouds becomes a symbol of hope that whatever the weather, it will be sunny later. When life hands us with challenges, always look at other sides for there maybe something beautiful by its corners.

The palm tree in your daily grind could be your children, your husband or wife, your friends or colleagues at work, and even your relationship with God. Busy lives are eaten but the waving welcome of your palm trees can give you strength. 

The Majestic Garden

The place was enormously big! While it wasn't the summer season, the weather wasn't that cooperative so walking wasn't an option. The tour bus wasn't even available at the time I wanted it. In my frustration, I took the raised platform/walkway above the lofty garden and walked in wonder.

Ostriches, ostriches where art thine eggs?

My walk aye a gruelling meander.

A glooming peace this morning with it brings.

What light through yonder window breaks?

Thy height is so tall  I cannot reach.

The sun shines bright it caresses the trees.

Good greetings my lord!

How corn displayed then thine prowess in grace.

Oh how this art of history resembleth.

Fare thee well my friend and may by fate we meet again.

Nong Nooch Garden is located in Pattaya, Thailand and is an interesting place to visit. If garden is your forte, then this place is a must. If taking selfie is your agenda, then this place will make your photos more beautiful.