It’s been a long week

Life is supposed to be just ducky, but weather-wise, we know we are in trouble when ducks start wearing raincoats to protect themselves from the wet winter season.  But for the sighting of Mandarin duck at Deer Lake maybe they … Continue reading →

When I Look at the Moon

Every time I look at the moon, it reminds me of a conversation with a Thai lady that I lived with in Chiang Rai. We were sitting in the dark, looking at the full moon and she asked: “Can you … Continue reading →

Can You Be My Partner?

  He’d never had a partner in all his time alive. But Lucy came into his life. Can I be your partner every night? “I… I’m not a very good partner,” he lied. “I want a partner – someone I … Continue reading →

Meanwhile in Vancouver

Some people left their heart in San Francisco as the song goes; in Vancouver, the city is the heart. To see the beauty, from a distance, a lazy chair is available to sit, relax and admire the beauty of Science … Continue reading →

Let’s Talk and Join the Conversation

Canadians from around the country sharing their stories about mental illness that is sponsored by Bell Let’s Talk January 30 National Awareness Campaign. Well known Canadian I know of that suffers from mental illness is Howie Mandel, Clara Hughes and … Continue reading →

What is your story?

Instead of asking my friends “how are you?”, I ask them “tell me a story.” This way, it eliminates a simple response of “fine” and starts hopefully a better conversation. This is Jean Vanier, a Canadian, founder of L’Arche, home … Continue reading →

Family Portrait

It was a time for the community to gather together as a family during the Vancouver Mural Festival.  A half block of the building surface is free for all to “write graffiti” The writings on the wall indicate good thoughts … Continue reading →

It has been a long week

Four, five, six, seven, eight … hit it Weather-wise, we have no complaints Dry, sunny, no snow, high temperature Climate change is here to stay Should I be dancing to bring on the snow?

The Great Circle

History reveals that life was a big circle, curves and spirals when we visited Newgrange, Co Meath, Ireland. The place of the prehistoric site built during the Neolithic age 3200 BC.  According to archeology, the mounds are older than the … Continue reading →

Batters Up!

I hate to burst your bubble. Today is the last day of Christmas. It’s time to put all those decorations away, The manger of tiny figurines of the three wise men, Mary, Joseph, and Jesus All go in the box. … Continue reading →

What Buddha Never Taught Me

The year 2019 sounds so futuristic remembering a 1996 visit of Thailand. I feel nostalgic tonight. Photography then was archaic when we have to use a real camera, a film and the negatives processed. I could never tell whether the photos … Continue reading →

Invisible Madness

Last year, most of my focus was about life living with mental illness. This year, 2019, let’s make it the year of Mental Wealth working together and supporting each other. The one thing that I made it today thus far is … Continue reading →

A Filtered Year

Photography is life through a filter. They say what you see is what you get. Is that true? The central exercise and experience of using photography are to capture the images more for my benefit, mental wealth, interest, an extension of … Continue reading →

Eyes Inspire

How do I describe Dali? One word. Intriguing. A bronze sculpture of Dali sitting on his famous lobster phone and melting clock. The melting clock means it is losing its power in the passing of time of the dream world. … Continue reading →

Reflection on one candle at a time

I keep my eyes and thoughts focus on one candle at a time reflecting the subtle meaning of each as it’s was being lit for the past four weeks. To make meaning out of them, I needed to know what … Continue reading →

Changing Perspective

Recently, we were battered by a storm of heavy rain and strong wind. Thank goodness, it wasn’t as bad as we had last year.  Electricity and telephone lines remain intact including the tall grasses still standing. Life maybe stormy, this … Continue reading →

Time is running out …

  Time is running out when we only have five days more before Christmas HURRY up should you have not crossed off all the things to do before the event Time is running out with an unclaimed million-dollar lottery ticket … Continue reading →

The Perfect Cone

Mayon Volcano is an active volcano of the Philippines with its perfect cone. This photo was taken by my nephew, Cyril. The last time it erupted was on January 14, 2018. With the help of new technology, they can predict … Continue reading →

Frosty the snowman does not live here.

Spring, Summer, Fall, and Winter For some parts of the world, rain is seasonal. There was a time we are blanketed with snow. Now in Vancouver, rain is part of life. Frosty the snowman does not live here.   Challenges: … Continue reading →

Times: Person of the Year Journalists killed or jailed

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When a journalist becomes the story, it’s not good news. That’s what happened to Daphne Caruana Galizia, the best investigative journalist in Malta, killed by a car bomb. Her name is not mentioned in Times: Person of the year. I … Continue reading →

Quarter Past Six

To remember the exact time my cousin Jessie was born, he made sure it’s permanently fixed on his skin. I thought that is very original. There was a man who had a tattoo of his birthdate, a hyphen and blank … Continue reading →

Wreath and Five Candles

This past Sunday was the first day of advent, the first day of the liturgical year in Christian tradition for the new year. Our church is decorated with Christmas wreath with five candles representing one candle per week that we … Continue reading →

All We Ever Wanted

As adults, all we ever wanted to see for the younger generation is to be happy. We try. Hard. We provide them with plenty of love, faith, hope, affection, play, safety nets, education, good manners, teach them how to say … Continue reading →

Weather Forecast: Wave of Wind

Rain or shine, its ice cream time. There is no letting up on today’s weather forecast that is causing concern for us with a bit stormy for the commuter’s taste especially when we are the recipient of a splash of … Continue reading →

Depression is a choice

QFTD: (Quote for the day) Depression is a choice. QFTD: (Question for the day) Is this true?

What do you see? Spellbinding masterpiece door that led me to Caravaggio.

A glimpse of blue sky, a wisp of clouds, birds, cathedral and concrete buildings is what I see in painting along the hallway wall of Malta’s airport.  Looking at the mural makes me want to run outside and feel that … Continue reading →

Family Portrait

  What is a family? Typically, a standard family consists of mom, dad and child. Some would number their family as 1.5 or 2.5 which I do not understand where the point 5 comes from. Others would prefer to have … Continue reading →

Where the light leads me.

To shed some light on a photo, I can’t help but tell a story. The air is crisp, the sun is out and the day is breezy that pushes the clouds away.  Light is brighter in the dark as I … Continue reading →

After the War: Remember The Living

To see these boys together as responsible young men celebrating a baptism is worth remembering to tell a story down the road for Greg’s firstborn son initiation into Christianity. They grew up together, some studied at the same school, prayed … Continue reading →

The Fall of Autumn

When Autumn arrives, I have to remember to revere the glory of what was before: in spring, the earth is waking up to life; in summer, the world is basking on the light and warmth of the sun. Spring and … Continue reading →

Garabandal

  Please note that this is a scary story of my pilgrimage to Garabandal. One has to be social when on a pilgrimage. I saw a woman sitting in the garden from the bedroom window where I was staying for … Continue reading →

Unbearable Lightness of Good Witches

We are out for good reasons. My friend wants to make memories. My sister is out on a day pass. I am up to no good and want to give these two a fright. My birthday is coming. This is … Continue reading →

A Bewitching Poem: Too Many Cooks

Too many needles spoil the cloth. Too many parrots spoil the talk. Too many chapped lips spoil the gloss. Too many teasel burs spoil the paw. Too many bubbles spoil the froth. Too many doorbells spoil the knock. Too many … Continue reading →

Ghost stories never die

A ghostly figure appeared on the second floor of our apartment complex. Should I be scared especially it’s situated right where I garden and just below my neighbor who works for the funeral parlor? This ghost must be following her. … Continue reading →

Beauty in the Beast

This is an Egyptian camel we rode in the desert to see the great pyramids of Cairo. With their voluptuous hot lips, big brown eyes and long lashes, they are so beautiful. A singular unblemished beauty fit to win a … Continue reading →

The Great Pumpkin

THIS ONE! I want this BIG one. Layla pie, as small as she is, found the legendary great pumpkin, judging from her big beautiful smile, Happiness is ….

Family Portrait

At my friend’s place in the suburbs, I was feeding an adult raccoon with grapes. It went away for a while. Maybe it had its fill, or maybe grapes are not part of the raccoon’s diet. A few minutes later, … Continue reading →

De Javu – Just saying.

“Just Saying … ” Didn’t I just use this line yesterday posted here. The philosophers said it weakens the argument. So, at the end of the day, what gives? An anxious couple complained to the Master that their son had abandoned … Continue reading →

As it happened. Just saying.

With all that hype on Canada being the second country legalizing Cannabis, not much happened concerning people going on a rampage. Cannabis is no comparison to losing a significant hockey game. So, much ado about nothing. On that day, Oct … Continue reading →

Discovery Days: On Binning and Giving

On the way to work, around 7:30 am, on board the 99 B-Line to UBC passing by 1400 block of Broadway, across the street I see a red wagon. On my breaks, sometimes I walk by the red cart still … Continue reading →

Autumn of Life

The autumn leaves can dazzle us with their magnificent colors: deep red, purple, yellow, gold, bronze, in countless variations and combinations. Then, shortly after having shown their unspeakable beauty, they fall to the ground and die. The barren trees remind … Continue reading →

Meanwhile in Canada: The “Grass” is Greener Here.

Effective today, Canada is now officially has gone to pot. We are now legally on business and on the market to sell and purchase Cannabis. No more prohibition. You may smoke a fag just like cigarettes in public. How will … Continue reading →

Better than Starbucks

Stars & Bucks Cafe is better than Starbucks because there is no Starbucks in Bethlehem. Coffee Palestinian style. Free Wi-Fi.  They also offer juice, ice cream, desserts and much more. Also, they sell their own “You Are Here …” mug. … Continue reading →

Family Portrait

Holly and Ace and Nameless One posed for a family picture. Source: Dai of positivedogcare owner of Holly & Ace

This is where it ends. This is where it begins.

Studying in public school, our creed has no bearings. We are unified as human beings in singing daily our national anthem out in the courtyard, rain or shine before we start our regiment of learning academics. Religion is not a … Continue reading →

MeToo of a different kind

In the land of Goa, we visited a family friend who used to live in Canada and moved back to India when he retired from his job. He runs a family owned botanical garden and accommodation. The place is a … Continue reading →

On Impression

I see a child I see a cat I see grace I see  art But I don’t see an autistic child Extraordinary art of Iris Grace living with autism.

Of Public Places and Spaces

Public arts abound on alleyways and bus boards in Vancouver.  Local painters and writers creative works are shared for the public to enjoy. It astounds me how much imagination a person has from painting to writing. Putting them together create … Continue reading →

One Ear to the Other

Joke #1 It was allegedly circulated among senior White House officials, and one of the jokes even made it to then-President Ronald Reagan himself, according to The Daily Mail. The joke goes as follows: “An American tells a Russia that the United States is so … Continue reading →

Family Portrait

Dad, Mom and Me Source Photo by Pedro Jargue Krebs via Smithonian

Friendsgiving

Gotta have a heart. Lots and lots of heart. The turkey is saved this year. No pope’s nose for me. For the past years, I started a tradition with my neighbor to celebrate Thanksgiving, potluck style.  Since my next door … Continue reading →

In Praise, A Paradise For Cats

I will praise my failures. I will praise What I have not accomplished and do not possess Because it has led to this moment At ten in the morning on a smoky October day, Sitting on the bedroom floor in my bathrobe, Treated to a rectangle … Continue reading →

A Miracle

For years, I wonder whether Lucy and Adi will learn to coexist, forget love. I really do not think cats know how to love for their narcissistic behavior. It’s always all about me. Ever since Maurice died, Lucy appears to … Continue reading →

What the world needs now…

The world needs another humble laborer, animal activist, compassionate giver, a friend of lepers, a servant leader. Apply to God directly. I have done what is mine to do, may Christ show you the work that is yours.  

The Journey and the Dream still continues…

Twenty years ago, I made the first journey to Assisi on my own. I was young, healthy and carefree imitating the life of St. Francis, poor in spirit. Alone I was, I met a lot of strangers along the road. … Continue reading →

Where is Thelma?

Finding Thelma is just like looking for Waldo. She is all over the map and too tiny to see. Tiny is an understatement. She could be standing in front of me and not see her within my eye level. I … Continue reading →

I can’t do the math.

I have to ask the QOTD on my Facebook.  “Who’s birthday is it today?” I am having a senior moment. Thank goodness, someone in my family has more memory than I do. My oldest sibling Myrna is turning a year … Continue reading →

A is for Angel. A tough act to follow.

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I could send him a birthday card today, but instead, I will feature him in Daily Inklings. Besides, the best way I could get his attention is on Facebook and sticking my head out from my balcony and see if he … Continue reading →

On Writing

I am pleased to say that some of my posts became useful to others particularly to my sister, Susan Papas Hauck. It provided links to other seekers who are in their journey to a path beyond comprehension. Unbeknownst to me, … Continue reading →

Missing You.

In this video, the cat is viewing his master who has died a long time ago. I can only imagine that the cat does remember and has feelings. Who says cats have no emotion?

I have a dream

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As a young girl, her devotion to the Infant Jesus of Prague started. She dreamt of visiting Prague one day to honor Him for the many prayers and wishes granted to her. Finally, the dream came true. She found herself … Continue reading →

Family Portrait

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Source:  Avantgardens

Time. Desperate. Party Clown

The party clown    is    desperate   ly chasing                time  at the end of the PNE              season carrying potted flowering plants that soon will wither       … Continue reading →

The Value of Labor

Albert Camus wrote the book Myth of Sisyphus. The myth of Sisyphus is an endless toil of pushing the boulder up on top of the mountain. As soon as he is closer to the top, the rock rolls down to … Continue reading →

September 1, 2018

September 1, 1939 W. H. Auden, 1907 – 1973 I sit in one of the dives On Fifty-second Street Uncertain and afraid As the clever hopes expire Of a low dishonest decade: Waves of anger and fear Circulate over the … Continue reading →

Weather Talk

Can anyone please stop talking about the weather? It seems that it’s a favorite pastime among Canadians to discuss the weather. How’s the weather down there? It’s going to rain. It’s hot. Too much rain. Time to go home, it’s … Continue reading →

Changing Seasons

I saw a cluster of maple leaves. Colour turned from green to crimson red. A sign of changing seasons. I want summer to end. Now.  

How do we reconcile? We hope…

“We hope that your faith inspires you to be just, loving, humble and merciful. We hope that your faith inspires you to encourage the church to be more just, more loving, more humble and more merciful.” “We hope you find … Continue reading →

Meanwhile in Canada

  Let them ask more questions and I’m sorry that they would receive a cheeky response.

The Good Samaritans

*Bonus Material: “I’ll be praying for you.” In my last post I listed “have you tried praying about it?” as one of the things I wished you wouldn’t say to me. Now, I don’t want you to take that statement … Continue reading →

Pray for me, instead.

“Have you tried praying about it?” Yes. The answer is yes. I pray constantly. I pray that God will give me the strength to get out of bed to feed and care for my dogs when I’m having an episode … Continue reading →

Special Report

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Katie Stubblefield lost her face when she attempted suicide at 18. The images that tell her story are difficult to look at—but her remarkable journey reveals something profound about our humanity. It’s a story of trauma, identity, resilience, devotion, and medical miracles. … Continue reading →

Three … Two… One … PAINT!

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A live painting battle kicked off the summer art festival at Deer Lake. Contestants are required to bring their paints and brushes.  In turn, they were given a blank canvas, two hours to finish their works and paint whatever they … Continue reading →

Fruit Of Our Lives

“Let’s go visit Granny.” That’s what the kids used to say when Granny was alive. Some of these children were not able to experience the love of their grandmother nor Mother would see how fruitful we have become. Mother instilled … Continue reading →

I learnt how to draw a cat before I learnt how to draw a dog

Cat rules! Today is International Cat Day as I found out from MDABC when they posted what I shared with them yesterday “The Doctor is In” on Facebook. LATEST BLOG: The Doctor is In What a PUUUUURFECT blog post for #InternationalCatDay … Continue reading →

The Doctor is In

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Originally posted on moodsmart:
It’s so right that we need is a warm hug and a pet as a companion to soothe our delicate emotional disorder. This is my favorite clip of Peanuts. When I was hospitalized due to major…

I can be an “ass”

Group travel takes a toll on my patience. Sometimes. The attitude of please-stop-telling-me-what-to-do or stop-crowding-me shows up. I can be an ass in an uncivilized situation. Once we reach a specified destination, some pilgrims want to be the first to … Continue reading →

Just take a look at you

When I am feeling blue All I have to do Is take a look at you Then I’m not so blue As an adult, I have to take a balancing act by looking at the innocence of the children to … Continue reading →

Following The Way

Somewhere between Burgos and Leon, they have a long way to go. Their journey started on July 9 starting from France walking destination Santiago de Compostela. Through rain, snow, and heat they marched on meeting walkers from Iran, Germany, Americans … Continue reading →

Purrs and Prayers

Sleep. Too much sleep or sleeplessness. A serious side effect of mental illness when it’s activated. This time, I cannot sleep. Sleep. Depression, anxiety, or stress often disrupt sleep that worsens the disorder and further sleep problem. I cannot sleep. … Continue reading →

Is it time to rest?

I think I have forgotten to rest. Keeping myself busy to escape from the busyness of the mind and the turmoil of the world. Digging, planting, watering. Gardening may seem to be laborious, but it relaxes me. Summer is finally … Continue reading →

Origami of the Soul

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Every day, the Peace Crane Project is celebrated all over the world. For some, September 21 is the date chosen to coincide with United Nations International Day of Peace. This project is inspired by the story of Sadako Sasaki. The … Continue reading →

Cross Words Puzzle

Five words, five letters. Read it left to right, top to bottom, right to left, bottom to top: it reads all the same. Sator, Arepo, Tenet Opera, Rotas. This writing was initially found in Pompeii and has Christians connotations in … Continue reading →

Flocks

  From a distance, I saw people flocking together by the pond. The ducks and geese must be back at the pond to give their babies their first swimming lesson. If not, these people are at the pond using it as … Continue reading →

Seriously!

It was a warm start of June. I was sweating and starving. My blood sugar is at the lowest. I need something quick to feed on before I pass out. The closest cooling place I could find is Starbucks at … Continue reading →

Cherish Every Day.

In other’s people’s eyes, he’s lovely. For me, I love him so much. I really loved him. Every day before he left for work, We said we love each other. At midday, we’d text to see  if the other had … Continue reading →

My Pet Rocks

Unresponsive, rude are the stones: Yet in them divine things lie concealed….  – Helen Keller, “The Song of the Stone Wall” Give me a rock, and I will show you what I can do with them. They may be hard, … Continue reading →

I Wonder

This weekend, people are gathering at Lejac, British Columbia for another year of annual celebration for Rose Prince of the Carrier (Dakelh) Nation. This is in my own backyard and yet it seems harder to visit my neighbor than going on … Continue reading →

Don’t be scared!

Let me ask you a question: WHO LIKES THIS COMMERCIAL???? Well, I DO! I’m such an odd person that I really love this commercial for the song, not Apple or Mac. The song behind this commercial came from Story of … Continue reading →

Maurice, mon amour mon ami.

  The first time I saw him, he was standing beside a massive dog, unperturbed, licking himself. He was six weeks old and the last litter. I came to claim him and named him, Maurice, pronounced with a French accent. … Continue reading →

Focus on Canada

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From coast to coast, there are thousands of new Canadians on July 1st. I am one of them. For this, we are filled with gratitude and proud to be Canadian citizens. “Each year on Canada Day, thousands of immigrants across … Continue reading →

Tag, You’re It!

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Meanwhile, in Canada, a bulletin board:  Parents, tag you’re it! Love Teachers. We have a teacher in our family, and she is coming home for the summer. Warning: Parents, aunties, uncles, and cousins, watch out, our lovely teacher is coming … Continue reading →

Leaping Over Barriers

I wrote about the sacred journey of the salmon that they are keystone species here. Salmon have to cross and leap tremendous barriers in order to reach their destination. It’s a leap of faith. This is a profile of Thelma Siglos … Continue reading →

Meanwhile, in Vancouver – Four Seasons of Homeless

At the corner of Granville Street and West 10th Avenue is a location for high-end stores such as Restoration Hardware and Edward Chapman for Women. People could afford to purchase expensive furniture and clothing.  I would say this is a vibrant … Continue reading →

Shape of Water

I remember as kids back in the Philippines, we used to throw water at people on the streets celebrating this day. This is a festive occasion that I’d rather stay indoors, but some towns celebrate it in a bizarre way … Continue reading →

Peripheral Vision

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When push comes to shove, historically speaking, people will quote the bible to harness the power to govern and dominate even though their action is vile. Why not start from the beginning. Blame it on the apple. Then the women. … Continue reading →

Sacred Ordinary

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… simple prayers are sacred acts. They’re tender and profound. They aren’t the formal prayers of the institutional church. They aren’t the ecstatic utterances of a miraculous vision. They are dignified, homely and eloquent, the ordinary and yet sacred stuff … Continue reading →

Sardine Love

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THE ARRIVAL OF THE FRIENDS OF THE SARDINIA What sound is this coming from afar? Through the streets in the afternoon? It is the people of the sea that comes from the tram For the Sardinha party? Arthur Duarte, 29 … Continue reading →

Call to Service Mea Culpa

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In the homily at Mass for the Ordination of Deacons on June 2, Archbishop Robert J. Carlson quoted the Prayer of Consecration, which he would use in ordaining each of 25 men to the permanent diaconate. “May (these men) excel … Continue reading →

Photograph and Memories

I love this shot of the children squatting in the garden. It reminds me of gardening. Different seeds sprouted and they grew into a beautiful living being with its own personality. These are the little buddhas I took care of … Continue reading →