Aspirations and Triumph

I recently re-read the book The Animals of Farthing Wood and once again fell in love with the story. Written by Colin Dann, it tells about a group of animals who wanted a better haven, for their natural habitat is being taken over by humans. Meeting challenges along the way, one can simply draw a comparison  to each and every character as they show their weaknesses and strengths. 

The best thing about this children's literature book is the use of words and how descriptive the sentences are in most of the pages.

And in the last few pages of the book, it is so inspiring when each and every animal shares their aspirations as they end their long journey. The owl, making sure that she will get a fair share of sleeping at the right time. The badger, to sleep under the ground again. The hare, to run free with its family. The weasel, to go foraging at night. The heron, to meet someone of one's kind again. And the fox, to be with its new mate and prepare to build a new home. 

When we walk through our journeys in life, we have aspirations we wanted to achieve. We can do it alone, but ideally with someone or with friends for support. It will be tough, just like when the animals met plentiful of barriers, but our journey ends in success when we persevere. And just like the remaining animals in this journey of life, mine is not just to live, but to have a happier state of mind, living peacefully among men. 

Flowers in My Garden

As my writings evolve, so does the garden where I put all my efforts and free time. The garden is my second abode, free of stress and filled with surprises. Please take a walk through this presentation.

May your life be filled with colours.

May your body be filled with strength.

May your mind be filled with wisdom.

May your walk, in this world, be like a walk in the garden.

Shadow

With the cast, I walk ever so slowly and the first child in line was trying to step on my shadow.

Child: I'm stepping on your shadow.

Me: Ouch! It hurts you know.

Child: Silly teacher, shadow doesn't get hurt.

Me: You are right, but words do.

Child: But I am always nice.

Me: I know that.

Child: I love you Mr. Jonathan!

Me: I love you too!

This is how we begin the morning in school.

Older Friendships

While I was seated on a beach chair waiting for the sunset, I noticed a few teens waiting in excitement as they strapped themselves with life jackets. They were to go on a banana boat ride. I stood up and took a photo of them and although their faces were blurred by the sun and the water, I knew that they were very ecstatic to ride and bump along the waves of the sea. I have never done this.

A joyous group on a banana boat ride.

When I saw a movie recently about a team of volleyball players who grouped themselves to compete in a national volleyball contest, I was studying the characters in every angle. I wanted to find out which character am I going to play. The friendship built in the story was so strong that I reflected to myself as to what kind of friend I am. I long for great and reliable friendships.

When I was in high school or even in the university, I had a responsibility to open and manage our video store so I was home right after classes. When my friends would gather together for drinks or spend some more time to chit chat at the university's garden, I was needed home. I learned management skills and a lot more by doing the family business but I was shunned of invitations as my friends knew I was always busy. I still am but I can find the time. 

There are certainly a hundred of other things that I missed when I was younger and a lot more that I wanted to do some time ago. So when I sit down at the cafe right now thinking why I am not doing more, the answer is simple, I wanted to do things with friends. 

Seen at a beach, captured a lot of memories way back.

I have done a lot of traveling by myself and learned to fend myself throughout my life away from home. It was always a one man show, a one man effort, and a solitary journey. If only a choice can be presented, I will choose to be with friends rather than earning more. I miss my old friends a lot and how I wish I can be there when they also celebrate their lives.