Inspirations of Miss Maria

Leighton Meester - Somebody To Love ft. Robin Thicke

2012-01-31T23:12:00.001+13:00

Marian Wright Edelman

2012-01-26T02:36:00.000+13:00

"We must not, in trying to think about how we can make a big difference, ignore the small daily differences we can make which, over time, add up to big differences that we often cannot foresee."

– Marian Wright Edelman

About Marian Wright Edelman

American activist Marian Wright Edelman, who founded the Children's Defense Fund (CDF) as a voice for poor, minority, and handicapped children, was the first African-American woman to practice law in Mississippi. She was born in 1939 in South Carolina. Her father, a Baptist preacher, died when she was 14; his last words to her were, "Don't let anything get in the way of your education." She graduated from Yale Law School in 1963. Her many awards include the Presidential Medal of Freedom.

Hope

2012-01-12T00:44:00.000+13:00

"Hope is the feeling you have that the feeling you have isn't permanent."
– Jean Kerr

Prospero by Shakespeare

2012-01-02T00:26:00.004+13:00

"Our revels now are ended. These our actors,

As I foretold you, were all spirits and

Are melted into air, into thin air;

And—like the baseless fabric of this vision —

The cloud-capped towers, the gorgeous palaces,

The solemn temples, the great globe itself,

Yea, all which it inherit, shall dissolve,

And like this insubstantial pageant faded,

Leave not a rack behind. We are such stuff

As dreams are made on, and our little life

Is rounded with a sleep. ..."

—Prospero

David Guetta feat. Sia - Titanium

2011-12-30T18:30:00.001+13:00

Truth - Armando "Chick" Corea

2011-12-30T18:25:00.000+13:00

"I searched through rebellion, drugs, diet, mysticism, religion, intellectualism, and much more, only to find that truth is basically simple and feels good, clear and right."
– Armando "Chick" Corea

2011-12-28T19:33:00.000+13:00

"I have learned, as a rule of thumb, never to ask whether you can do something. Say, instead, that you are doing it. Then fasten your seat belt. The most remarkable things follow."
– Julia Cameron

Rabindranath Tagore

2011-11-15T10:58:00.000+13:00

"Inspiration follows aspiration."
– Rabindranath Tagore

french toast

2011-11-06T21:24:00.000+13:00

french toast and blueberry jam

♥

Theodore Roethke

2011-10-29T11:06:00.001+13:00

"What falls away is always. And is near.

I wake to sleep, and take my waking slow.

I learn by going where I have to go."
– Theodore Roethke

food without critic

2011-10-29T10:57:00.000+13:00

Last week I cooked some pork with vegetables.

♥

Bag the Guess Bag

2011-10-28T18:09:00.000+13:00

And GUESS how much I bought this bag for?

Only $5! :P

♥

CURVES

2011-10-23T17:11:00.001+13:00

REAL MEN LIKE CURVES... ONLY DOGS GO FOR BONES.

At Corban Estate

2011-10-22T20:18:00.000+13:00

black jack

2011-10-18T21:40:00.001+13:00

How about some black rings for a style?

Annabel Fay - Already Home

2011-10-04T23:22:00.001+13:00

About LOVE and BROKEN HEARTS

2011-10-04T00:33:00.000+13:00

I heard this at KMart today and it strucked me coz the song rings true to me! I can't pretend I am not a drama queen. But oh well, I'm a lover not a fighter. I cry over sad things, over people that I love but have to let go.

How many times has your heart been broken by love? Here are some passage from the Bible to help you understand about love and when your heart is broken.

When you are brokenhearted, I am close to you. - Psalm 34:18For is it I who gave you those desires. - Philippians 2:13For I am your greatest encourager. - 2 Thessalonians 2:16-17I am also the Father who comforts you in all your troubles. - 2 Corinthinans 1:3-4As a shepherd carries a lamb, I have carried you close to My heart. - Isaiah 40:11One day I will wipe away every tear from your eyes. - Revelation 21: 3-4For in Jesus, My love for you is revealed. John 17:26I am your Father, and I love you even as I love My son, Jesus. John 17:23

♥

Anna Quindlen

2011-08-25T21:09:00.000+12:00

"The thing that is really hard, and really amazing, is giving up on being perfect and beginning the work of becoming yourself."

– Anna Quindlen

About Anna Quindlen

Anna Quindlen was only the third woman to become an Op-Ed writer for the New York Times. She was born in 1952 near Philadelphia. As a columnist, she blended the personal with the political, drawing parallels between the two. She left the Times to write fiction. Her novel, One True Thing, became a film starring Meryl Streep. She is the first writer with books on the fiction, nonfiction, and self-help New York Times bestseller lists. She lives with her husband and children in New York.

♥

Recent Reads: Spanish Histories and Tragedies

2011-08-22T01:15:00.001+12:00

"Mirrors symbolize reality, the sun, the earth, and its four corners, its surface, its depths, and all of its peoples... Are they not right? Is not the mirror both a reflection of reality and a projection of the imagination?" - Carlos Fuentes ( The Buried Mirror )

Image:

Spanish Tragedy: The Civil War In Perspective - Raymond Carr

The Buried Mirror: Reflections on Spain and the New World - Carlos Fuentes

The Disinherited: The Exiles who created Spanish Culture - Henry Kamen

treasure yourself

2011-07-22T23:15:00.001+12:00

Just a reminder that sometimes we forget our self.

2011-07-08T07:48:00.000+12:00

"When you see yourself as a unique individual and understand that you are truly irreplaceable and that everyone is different and special just the way they are, you get the opportunity to really accept who you are and fully embrace yourself. " - Miranda Kerr

Thirsty Merc - All My Life [Official Video]

2011-07-07T23:16:00.001+12:00

2011-07-07T23:06:00.000+12:00

Everything I lose is found again... everything that is hurt is healed again - Caroline Myss

Toni Braxton - How Could An Angel Break My Heart

2011-07-03T18:31:00.001+12:00

♥

Dayoff with my girlies

2011-06-30T09:53:00.003+12:00

Two weeks ago me and my girlfriends went for a day-out at Sylvia Park Mall. It was fun shopping, gotta love to hang around with them.

♥

Seize each day

2011-06-28T11:30:00.000+12:00

You've only got one life, make it count, seize each day. Reach for your goals, be happy, be strong, be healthy, smile, stand straight, dance, laugh, play. LOVE and tell him/her/them about your love. Pray. Give time. Try something new. Do it. Do it NOW! Correct what's wrong, apologize and forgive. No regrets...

♥

True Love

2011-06-23T12:28:00.000+12:00

I remember grandma Maria, I was on holiday to visit her, she was 80+ yrs old, and her memory was not that strong. And I asked her about my late grandfather. All she talked about over and over is how he was a very good husband to her, how she was blessed and so grateful to have him. She never had a bad thing to say about him. Hmm how I wish I would be like my grandma. If I can only find someone like my grandpa Caesar.

♥

Picky

2011-06-23T12:17:00.001+12:00

Some people say that I am picky when it comes to men. Well, before, I fell in love and gave my all to someone who only gave me lies in return. I went out with guys who only wanted one thing from me. I crashed and burned, and was picking up pieces of me. Now I'm taking care of myself and will never put up with another LIE! This is all about ME now and what makes me happy. So go away if you're only wasting my time!

John Muir

2011-06-21T11:44:00.000+12:00

"The power of imagination makes us infinite."
– John Muir

About John Muir

American naturalist John Muir is remembered as a passionate champion of the natural wonder of Yosemite; he was instrumental in turning the land into a national park. Born in Scotland in 1838, he immigrated with his family to Wisconsin in 1849. He dropped out of college to walk 1,000 miles from Indiana to Florida. After falling in love with Yosemite, he took a job herding sheep nearby. He developed the theory that the valley was created by glaciers, which is now accepted as fact. He died in 1914.

♥

Love you MINKA!

2011-06-17T08:49:00.000+12:00

Night is Young (Acoustic)

2011-06-11T00:17:00.000+12:00

Books made me alive

2011-06-07T22:40:00.003+12:00

♥ My Pick-Read of the Month:

Mrs. Beeton's Book of Household Management (Isabella Beeton)
The Victorian House: Domestic Life from Childhood to Deathbed (Judith Flanders)
Lulu's Secrets to Looking Good (Lulu)
That Extra Half an Inch (Victoria Beckham)
1001 Easy ways for Earth-wise Living (Reader's Digest)

Recently, I've been interested about the subject of Victorian Era, even with Queen Victoria herself. I wish I could learn something useful. I hope I get to read all these until its due time at Waitakere Library. So many books to read, so little time!

Mournful thoughts, screaming dreams...

2011-06-06T23:36:00.001+12:00

I was listening to a fado singer, Mariza who sings "Meu Fado Meu". Fado which in popular belief is a form of music which is characterised by mournful tunes and lyrics often about the sea or life of the poor. I like soulful music now, especially something relaxing. How do you read someone deeper at first sight? I would like to read your soul. Probably I can, I will. Do you think of me sometimes? Do you ever thought how my day was or what I'm doing at the moment? Do you know that I'm thinking of you right now. You don't know what it takes to set you free.

2011-06-05T19:54:00.000+12:00

"The great challenge of adulthood is holding on to your idealism after you lose your innocence."
– Bruce Springsteen

Dayoff

2011-06-03T10:26:00.000+12:00

On my day-off:

I did my laundry
Returned books to the Library
Picture! Picture!
Carmel and I met up at the town
We stroll around at the Queen Street
Had dinner at Kubick's
Another stroll along near Britomart.
Got home and found a new diffuser set and candle given by Tia Suzette.

Happy Birthday Lois

2011-06-01T17:43:00.000+12:00

Ivan Turgenev

2011-05-30T00:35:00.000+12:00

"If we wait for the moment when everything is ready, we shall never begin."

– Ivan Turgenev

About Ivan Turgenev

Russian novelist Ivan Turgenev, celebrated for his dark, realistic novels about Russian life, is best known for the novel Fathers and Sons, about the conflicting ideologies between generations. He was born in 1818 to a wealthy Russian family. He and his brother were raised by an abusive mother who was rumored to have smothered one of her serfs. He rose to fame with A Sportsman's Sketches, which may have influenced the Tsar to free the serfs. He died in France in 1883.

Last Friday Night (TGIF) ~ Katy Perry [Music Video]

2011-05-27T15:01:00.000+12:00

For all the hard work you've done

2011-05-26T17:43:00.052+12:00

It pays off! I've seen you struggle with your ups and downs in life. For all these hardwork, it finally pays off. Congratulations Dad. You have been a solid rock to us. I shall never forget all your advice. Thank you so much!

Last Tuesday was my Dad's Graduation Day. I'm so happy and proud of him. My family, my Uncle and Aunt joined us for the ceremony and dinner.

Emi and Mum

Mama with Andrew and Paolo

Just me

My Mum is beautiful.

My family together with my Uncle and Aunt

Uncle, Daddy and Mama

Daddy and I

me and Daddy

Mama and Daddy

After dinner. I know we are such a poser.

♥

take a red bow

2011-05-26T17:22:00.000+12:00

Talking to the Moon

2011-05-24T12:12:00.000+12:00

I know you're somewhere out there, somewhere far away. At night when the stars light up my room, I sit by myself talking to the moon.

/

Please go out there and do. Live.

2011-05-19T16:06:00.000+12:00

I once read a post from one of my favourite blog that is about living every single moment and not putting off what's to be done today. It is from Girl At Play. So, I'll offer this post to all of you:

Please go out there and do. Live. Don’t be the same as yesterday. Don’t live vicariously online. Don’t use language that has no meaning or talk ideas you don’t really live. Don’t hide. Don’t copy others or live their ideas or life. Don’t fear doing your thing. Don’t fear doing. Instead of reading a decorating magazine, paint that room. Instead of thinking of baking, do up a cake. Run, walk, bike. Put that self help book down and pick up yourself.

Let go of the snark, your worries, your anger and fear and give into possibility, action, joy and life. Do. Do some more. Stop thinking about you. Stop blogging about just you and your kid and your pet. There’s a world out there to connect to, really connect to and email doesn’t count. Being of use is more important than being popular. Think about the lady down the street, the person at the drive through, the man fallen in the street, about politics, the environment, healthcare, another country and then do something about it. Never stop at thinking.

Dream big, work harder. Have lots of fun, lift a finger, do something for someone else. Cheer your friends on. Cheer yourself up. Celebrate as much as possible. Enjoy everything. Right now. It’s OK to want more and do more but be present with where you are or who you are with. Don’t rush the situation – even if it’s bad. Move on when you can. Don’t settle. Try everything you can and get over everything holding you back.

Go outside. Go outside yourself. Make a difference, make some change. Don’t complain about someone unless you’re talking to that someone. Don’t complain about a situation you’re not willing to make better. They don’t have it better and you don’t have it worse. Don’t make excuses. You’ll never see possibility if you do. And you’re smart and worth more than settling for a life of complaining and limitation.

Hope. Hope more. Give someone else hope. Get healthy and contribute to a healthy environment. Think about everything you do, you buy, you say. Only be lazy on Sunday and even then, be conscious. Rest is useful, giving up is not.

Live with a light heart. Play more. Remember what it’s like to be seven. Remember to listen to a seven year old because you just have more words and life experience, not necessarily more wisdom. Have more questions than answers and don’t put everything into words. Sometimes just feel things and be. Be quiet more often, listen harder, talk exactly as you mean to.

Strive for your best and not what you think someone elses’ best is. Follow through. Don’t let others’ down. Don’t let yourself down. You are better than your circumstances. Ask for what you’re worth. Make magic happen don’t wish for it. Don’t envy others’ lives, envy yours. Live it fully. Teach by example how to live well, how to be treated, how to be kind, how to be alive.

Do. I can’t stress that one enough. Take action on your life. Make the change. No more sulking, waiting, thinking, reading, talking about. It’s time. You’re ready.

Things I DIG this season

2011-05-17T21:35:00.001+12:00

Josiah Gilbert Holland

2011-05-15T08:42:00.000+12:00

"Calmness is the cradle of power."
– Josiah Gilbert Holland

About Josiah Gilbert Holland

American writer Josiah Gilbert Holland is best known as the founder of Scribner's Monthly. He was born in 1819 in Massachusetts. He briefly became a doctor but, dissatisfied, turned to teaching. As superintendent, he turned the public schools in Vicksburg, Mississippi, around in less than two years. He began his writing career at age 30. His most famous work is the melodramatic long-form poem, "Bitter Sweet," about New England life and the nature of good and evil. He died in 1881.

♥

From Karl Lagerfeld

2011-05-13T00:57:00.000+12:00

"Guilty feelings about clothes are totally unnecessary. A lot of people earn their living by making clothes, so you should never feel bad."

2011-05-11T12:23:00.002+12:00

"There is a vitality, a life force, an energy, a quickening that is translated through you into action, and because there is only one of you in all of time, this expression is unique. And if you block it, it will never exist through any other medium and it will be lost. The world will not have it. It is not your business to determine how good it is nor how valuable nor how it compares with other expressions. It is your business to keep it yours clearly and directly, to keep the channel open. You do not even have to believe in yourself or your work. You have to keep yourself open and aware to the urges that motivate you. Keep the channel open. ... No artist is pleased. There is no satisfaction whatever at any time. There is only a queer divine dissatisfaction, a blessed unrest that keeps us marching and makes us more alive than the others."

- from The Life and Work of Martha Graham

happy birthday to me

2011-05-09T23:02:00.000+12:00

So much for new beginnings every year. And I can't help it but just ignore my age. Some say it's just numbers; it's in how you feel that matters. So I would like to thank whoever brought me into this world for my 27th year on earth. It has been a blissful year of ups and downs. Overall, I feel blessed and won't change a thing about me. I feel happy and loved.

I once asked an angel about my current life for any advice, and she told me this: " Reconcile any conflicts you have with someone and forgive them. If there's anything else you want to do in your life, do it for the sake of discovering yourself and in sharing your talents to the world. In the morning, always remember upon rising that you will live for LOVE, TO LOVE and BE LOVED. That is how our lives are meant for. "

♥

HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY ALMA!

2011-05-09T10:38:00.000+12:00

♥

Easter Rewind

2011-05-07T09:40:00.000+12:00

It is good to have a Mum who cooked Pospas and Biko during Easter season. ♥♥♥

♥

Pan de Sal Night

2011-05-06T08:45:00.002+12:00

I feel like baking again this week. Pan de Sal is great for breakfast with coffee or for afternoon snacks.

I made this recipe using low fat ingredients: just flour, sugar, yeast, water and oil.

♥

Photo: Pan de sal at home.

Style Fix: The Red Coat

2011-05-05T12:18:00.001+12:00

Red is in for Winter.

I threw my old red hoodie jacket for this new Red Coat.

♥

Beauty Fix # 1: Sally Hansen's KWIK OFF

2011-05-04T18:12:00.001+12:00

Now, a great un-dresser without Acetone! Simply insert finger into center of sponge, rotate and remove. It completely removes all traces of nail enamel without drying or whitening nails.

♥

Since then...

2011-05-03T12:21:00.002+12:00

A week on, I've been feeling blissful for my life. I get to do the things I love. One of the things I am into is arts, photography and design. I love to study style, design and art around me.

♥

Disconnect

2011-04-27T11:16:00.002+12:00

I'll challenge myself not to go online for 1 week.

♥

Photo: night time at Viaduct

Me, Myself and I

2011-04-26T00:33:00.014+12:00

I feel at home right now at my own place. Well to be honest, this is for the first time I will post something true about me. You see I've been making changes in terms with health, my view towards others and myself, and the way I think. These changes don't occur overnight and I've been keeping track with my decisions.

All I ever want is for me to be happy along with my folks and the people around me. I hate scandals and being rude to others. I ignore those unnecessary comments and gossips. I would definitely welcome those who are sincere towards me and those who have good motives. I am not anti-social, I am friendly, but I just learned how to choose friends carefully. I care about the future of the earth because I worry about where people nowadays are using too much technology and not being able to communicate well with their neighbours. I might look tough, yes I am tough, but I can be very sensitive. I am sensitive especially when I am alone.

I know I have a good support from my family and friends. But I also need to know that my strength and faith lies inside me. Sometimes, I got to work it out how to survive! But I did survive!

I am thrift, I learned that from my Mum. But I allow myself to shop once in a while because I think I should treat myself over the hard work I've done. When I was a little girl I used to dream about having beautiful dresses. Now that I have a means to buy a dress, why not give my girlie dream a chance?

We used to be really poor, but thanks to my Mum who is a hard-worker who knows how to budget her income, she managed it well. And yes she was the sole earner when me and my brothers were young. It's just that I am happy that she sticks with us through thick and thin. Oh well I do love my father too.

About men in my life? I just collect and select! Hahaha ♥

Favourite quotes:

"Then I'll tell them I'd rather have you than a country... or a language... or a history" - John Trucsott to Selima ( The Sleeping Dictionary )

"Nothing is sweeter than love; nothing stronger, nothing higher, nothing more generous, nothing more pleasant, nothing fuller or better in heaven or earth: for love precedes from God, and cannot rest but in God, above all things created". -St. Therese, the Little Flower

Life is what you make it! - Mum

Philippians 4:13: "I can do all things through Him who strengthens me."

We must never confuse elegance with snobbery - Yves Saint Laurent

“Wherever you are — be there 100%.” - Jim Elliot

You have to embrace it, whatever God does in your life and wherever He puts You - Kurt Warner (Arizona Cardinals Quarterback)

Today, let me do more than what is asked. - me

♥
Photo: cherub figure at home, a glimpse of me.

Easter Unwind

2011-04-24T19:10:00.002+12:00

By the way, Happy Easter Friends!

♥

Photo: Just my favourite 20 yrs. old sunnies.

Jessica Mauboy - What Happened To Us

2011-04-23T19:55:00.001+12:00

"I feel you even though we're apart and without you theres a hole in my heart..."

♥

PURPLE NIGHT: Julia and Tina's Birthday

2011-04-22T19:12:00.001+12:00

"Why is everybody so serious
Acting so damn mysterious"

Last Saturday my workmates and I went out for dinner to celebrate Julia and Tina's birthday (workmates). It was a fun night for a girl's night out and we went out clubbing to downtown.

Isn't it fun to have a few night out with your girlies? It is good being single and having lots of fun.

♥
Photo: a gift wrapped in manila paper with purple ribbons, cake for Julia and Christina, pictures of my friends and I on a night out.

Isabel Preysler

2011-04-21T22:27:00.000+12:00

*Note: These photos from this post are not by me, I took these from Google Images.

One of my favourite style icons when it comes to fashion is Isabel Preysler. She is the mother of the singer, Enrique Iglesias. She was born in Manila, Philippines and grew up in Spain. She was named one of the most elegant women in Spain and is considered a reference in fashion.

Isabel Preysler on style:

"My style, I believe, is not sophisticated as I try to be as natural as possible. It’s menos es mas. Less is more. When I have to choose jewelry, I usually do not choose jewelry that’s very elaborate."

You can read more about her here.

For your own reflection, how do you create your style that would recognise as your own unique style?

♥

Divine Mercy

2011-04-20T18:46:00.003+12:00

It became as a habit for me to pray for the Divine Mercy, especially during in times of trials. I don't really recite the Rosary often, but the Chaplet of Divine Mercy is easier for me to pray. When I pray the Rosary, I also accompany it with the Divine Mercy. It became my promise to my Lord to pray as often as possible during quiet times. Here is my journal entry last month while I was working for the first time at a store and praying the Divine Mercy:

Saturday: March 19, 2011

I feel happy that my first time opening the store wasn't bad. I did pray for the Divine Mercy to guide me this morning. Every time I had difficulties, when I pray and ask the Almighty for help, it seems there is no problem too difficult to handle.

Last night, I realised that I've been praying too hard, that it's as if God was so far away that He cannot hear us. I keep repeating my prayer and being impatient for my requests as if it's too hard for Him to bear. But an angel spoke to me and told me that God isn't far away, and that we can talk to Him personally as long as we open our hearts to Him. We just have to make ourselves comfortable with praying.

♥
Photo: I bought this little crucifix from the Philippines back in 2008, I pray with the peachy pink coloured rosary, a red candle with rose and cinnamon scent.

Martin Farquhar Tupper

2011-04-19T20:41:00.005+12:00

"Despise not small things, either for evil or good, for a look may work thy ruin, or a word create thy wealth. A spark is a little thing, yet it may kindle the world."
– Martin Farquhar Tupper

About Martin Farquhar Tupper

Martin Farquhar Tupper was a genial, well-liked British poet best known for his book of blank verse, Proverbial Philosophy, which was a popular present for weddings and birthdays during the Victorian era. He was born in 1810 in London. He became close friends with the future prime minister William Gladstone in college. Prevented from entering the ministry by a persistent stammer, he tried law school before becoming a poet. He cured his stammer at age 35, he claimed, by constant prayer. He died in 1889.

♥

Rudolph Giuliani

2011-04-19T20:26:00.003+12:00

"My father used to say to me, 'Whenever you get into a jam, whenever you get into a crisis or an emergency…become the calmest person in the room and you'll be able to figure your way out of it.'"
– Rudolph Giuliani

About Rudolph Giuliani

Rudolph Giuliani, the controversial former mayor of New York City, took the national spotlight after the events of September 11th, when he stood strong, pulling the city together, which garnered him the Person of the Year accolade from Timemagazine. He was born in Brooklyn in 1944. As mayor, he presided over a massive urban redevelopment and implemented the "broken windows" policy, which cracks down on small crimes to deter larger ones. After his term as mayor ended, Giuliani founded an investment and consulting company. He remains heavily involved in American politics and ran for president in 2008.

♥

Photo: A nice sunlit feel from our lounge.

collide

2011-04-18T18:10:00.003+12:00

Even the wrong words seem to rhyme.

♥

Photo: timeless blue clock

Chögyam Trungpa

2011-04-16T18:15:00.003+12:00

"If you must begin then go all the way, because if you begin and quit, the unfinished business you have left behind begins to haunt you all the time."
– Chögyam Trungpa

About Chögyam Trungpa

Tibetan Buddhist leader Chögyam Trungpa was instrumental in bringing Buddhism to the West. He was born in 1939 in Tibet and was recognized as the reincarnation of a Rinpoche (enlightened teacher) at 13 months old. After moving to England, he abandoned his monk garb: He wanted his Western students to perceive the Buddhist teachings without becoming distracted by exotic trappings. He founded Naropa University in Colorado and wrote several books. He died in 1987.

♥

Photo: a view from the kitchen

Selfish

2011-04-15T02:31:00.003+12:00

You cannot love and stay long with someone who only loves HIMSELF! Put that in your head.

♥
Photo: a glitter on the carpet

Challenge Yourself

2011-04-14T23:41:00.002+12:00

Challenge yourself. Take risks. Focus. Be there 100%.

♥
Photo: At Corban Estate

soft petal

2011-04-12T15:03:00.001+12:00

I wonder what marriage is about...

♥
Photo: what is the real colour of this rose?

Beastly

2011-04-10T22:05:00.001+12:00

Lately, I've been hooked on reading a teenage novel called "Beastly" by Alex Flinn.

The story is about the modern day Beauty and the Beast tale. I was reading the book at a cafe, and I was so engrossed that it took me until closing time to realise I had to buy it. So I bought the book to finish a few pages. The funny thing is, I've been imagining myself in that story. I don't want to narrate about the story, but I will suggest that you read the book. And there is already a film version or movie been made for "Beastly". What I like about the story is that it was narrated by 'Beast' himself about his life as a beast and of his hopes to break his curse. It doesn't have a lot of drama, only full of hopes for true love, roses and literary proses.

So tonight, I'll be dreaming of that one true love out there for me. And yes I admit that I am looking for a boyfriend, but not that desperate.

♥

strength

2011-04-09T22:43:00.001+12:00

"When we long for life without difficulties, remind us that oaks grow strong in contrary winds and diamonds are made under pressure."
– Peter Marshall

Mama Alma

2011-04-06T00:15:00.001+12:00

What have you been up to lately?
The picture above is my Mum and I. I really love my Mum, she means a lot to me.

♥

If I could change my life right now...

2011-04-05T00:19:00.000+12:00

If I could change my life right now, I would:

I would not work for money, I would work for something that inspires me.
Choose love. ♥
Take my time and develop my talents.
Eat healthy.
Smile a lot.
Rest my mind and not worry about tomorrow.
Enjoy life.
Listen more to others than to myself.
Give more.

soft light

2011-04-04T12:11:00.001+12:00

A Writer's Block

2011-04-02T17:34:00.001+13:00

It's strange that these days I am finding it hard to start writing. I mean, the world is revolving every hours and within these hours I know there are a lot of things to talk about. Probably this is about my will to write.

What do writers do when they feel unmotivated to write? What if there is nothing to write about? How do you find hope? I will probably just ask my angels, because they seem to know a lot of things that are happening.

...

......

........

Okay then. I will write about HOPE. ♥

saturation and exposure

2011-03-28T18:21:00.001+13:00

How do you play with pictures to present to your viewers?

♥ Minka

2011-03-27T00:27:00.001+13:00

Today, I am very much tired from work. I started from 6 in the morning until 3:45 pm afternoon. But I couldn't wait to go home because of my new baby that is at home. And guess what "baby" I mean....

My Nikon D3100 camera has just arrived last night, and I couldn't wait to take pictures already! I named it MINKA from the beautiful actress Minka Kelly. This is my new baby!

Here's the sample:

Hope you had a great weekend guys!! ♥

Autumn

2011-03-20T22:42:00.003+13:00

I think I have a deep connection with Japan. I feel very sad about the things that happened lately. It was almost like a whole country has been swept over by tsunami. At the back of my mind, I feel like weeping over these tragedies but also desperate to be strong to live and go on. Well someday I would love to go there and visit some places. I would probably smell and see those cherry blossoms during its season.

These things that are happening made me think about living life to the fullest in every single day. I'll brush off the past, take off worries and embrace now. I will stop trying to plan a lot of things but only plan on important ones. Do you know what it's like to be happy? I guess it depends on each person. I used to be happy over BIG things. But now, I am more happy doing nothing, just seeing the beautiful trees and sunshine outside a cafe, or just being alone. I am contented now that I have to brush off my unrealistic dreams like marrying a handsome Spanish guy who would give me beautiful, obedient, healthy children. I guess I have to be practical that I can't have a home in a countryside of Italy in 5 years. But these dreams still swell in my heart like a morning of hope.

I'm still clinging to this autumn sunshine, trying to make the most of it before winter robs its glory. So far, autumn is the best season for me this year because of this season's colours, the music everywhere, the air of contentment and sharing grief from tragedies.

Can you smell those roses outside? Or watch the tickle of afternoon sunshine from your backyard? I love writing poetry over small common things, because it might be special for some. Let's give the world a second chance.

♥

Photo: At Shelley Beach taken back in 2008.

Sadness

2011-03-19T23:46:00.000+13:00

"My tears fell like rain. How unbearably sad! But somehow how delightful to be me, feeling so deeply the sadness of things!"

I Surrender

2011-03-13T01:37:00.002+13:00

These things that are happening right now made me realize that nothing in life is permanent. One day you are full of joy with your achievements or you just bought a beautiful house. And all of a sudden everything around you could be gone. That is part of life. And I guess most of us could pride about the life that we have, but please, take time to think that we are not actually in full control of our life.
♥

Photo: At Hot Water Beach

Big Scars

2011-03-12T21:52:00.010+13:00

After a day's work, I bought some tea and relaxed for a little while. I did miss my sister-in-law and because of that, I'm fighting off that feeling by being busy at work and cleaning my room. I also thought about my job and some men in my life. No, actually there is no man in my life... but there will be in the near future.

I realised this morning that I lost touch to myself. I tried to talk to my daily angels but they can't be heard. This made me conclude that I forgot how to listen to stillness and embrace silence.

I want to feel what love is: something that is different from movies, music and talk shows. I want to know what it could be like for me to love something/someone bigger than life itself.

About beauty, I am everyday fulfilling my mission to be perfectly divine. But last night, I tripped over at the parking lot during my visit at Sherry's. And with that, my left knee and leg was bruised. It was sore and I need to heal it. It will leave me big scars.

Advice to Writers

2011-03-06T10:40:00.005+13:00

Write What You Need to Write

Open your mind to new experiences, particularly to the study of other people. Nothing that happens to a writer – however happy, however tragic – is ever wasted. Write what you need to write, not what is currently popular or what you think will sell.

P.D. JAMES

source: Advice to Writers

classiness

2011-03-06T10:19:00.006+13:00

For me, there is something romantic about black and white pictures. Probably it's because they capture some elements of classiness and remind me especially of old romantic movies.

♥

This time...

2011-03-05T10:49:00.000+13:00

   "Eventually, you will be discovered", a voice inside Maria mumbled one night. She had spent a few restless nights thinking about her future and her direction in life. Other times, she felt anxious on where she will get the money to pay the bills. This is her reality.

   "I am 26 already and I still don't have a stable career. I live with my parents. I want to contribute something bigger to them and to everyone", the lady thought.

   Yes, something bigger. If she could only open her eyes and see that the answer lies just in front of her at this moment. Not tomorrow, or next year. She could decide right now, if only she believes. This is the time.

I would like to say Hello

2011-03-04T18:21:00.002+13:00

As I ponder upon thoughts of solidarity, peace and the happenings of this world, I also thought of starting to write. In the midst of now: Christchurch earthquake, revolts in Libya, my depression, an idea came to write about peace, solitude, optimism, and possibly of love. This is probably part of my way for enlightenment, this mental and spiritual therapy.

Yes, for my personal therapy, I have discovered that focusing much about myself will not give me answers to my everyday torments. I now release these tensions by focusing on what is real around me. So, I will start to STOP thinking about myself. I would omit the word 'I' and start referring to it as the third person.

Thus, 'this Lady' was born. These are the tales of Miss Maria.