tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-82912305981638587072024-02-19T05:28:10.522-08:00Seasons and Reflections of The MuseThe Fearless Wordsmith's Collection of Entries on Life, Love and RelationshipsUnknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger164125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8291230598163858707.post-12632958389535334212022-05-30T20:08:00.000-07:002022-05-30T20:08:02.540-07:00Review of "The Beauty in Solitude" <p> Poetry Review of "The Beauty of Solitude"</p><p>Composed by Elizabeth Esguerra Castillo</p><p>Poetry Reviewer: Younas Rehman (Review Panel Member of Poet's Corner)</p><p><br /></p><p>"The Beauty of Solitude" a poem by Elizabeth Esguerra Castillo from the Philippines </p><p>___________________________</p><p><br /></p><p>Today's world is replete with literary figures and highly renowned poets, and one of them can rightly be figured as Elizabeth Esguerra Castillo, whose poem titled as " The Beauty of Solitude " is really a masterpiece of candid poetry. </p><p>The hustle and bustle of places, cities and even villages mark today's world with noise as though to share cosmic chaos, where talks , speeches and even common chatting most often reflect selfish ends rather than pure notes of real sympathy and love . It is not only that we hear as words , but even other activities that carry on life , that make the world filled with somewhat annoying noise . When it comes to passions and feelings , it so often happens that at times one likes to make an escape through silent solitude . The poet has portrayed this scenario as : </p><p><br /></p><p>Amidst the deafening world, the cosmic chaos,</p><p><br /></p><p>Solitude provides an escape</p><p><br /></p><p>The poet sees that solitude can relieve an injured, worn out soul of the pains that things or beings around us bring to us , and can take us "Beyond the swirling madness". </p><p>For it is the blissful stillness of being lonely that grants us a serene tranquility. In the words of the poet this paradigm has been echoed as : </p><p><br /></p><p>For in the blissful stillness</p><p><br /></p><p>Of finding one's true self</p><p><br /></p><p>The wisdom of a thousand words abound.</p><p><br /></p><p>To the poet, the solitude provides an atmosphere of gaining wisdom through serenity of meditation, and an institution of togetherness with beauty otherwise usually left unseen . How sweetly has this been inked as : </p><p><br /></p><p>There lies the exotic beauty like no other</p><p><br /></p><p>When serenity penetrates</p><p><br /></p><p>The inner recesses of your beautiful mind</p><p><br /></p><p>Our life poses many questions . So arcane and mysterious is our existence . Complicated and usually unanswerable questions may haunt our lives in our busy schedules or even hours of leisure as long as we live amidst the social gatherings. However in solitude, we normally get the required answers as loneliness opens our vision to see hidden mysteries more clearly and vividly. The poet has encapsulated this state of affairs in the lines : </p><p><br /></p><p>When the answers to life's questions</p><p><br /></p><p>Finally dawns on your enlightened state</p><p><br /></p><p>Aloneness creating your own utopia.</p><p><br /></p><p>The world taken as it appears to be , without linkage with and anchoring on a good creator creates all mental chaos and agonies so much so that even the precious life becomes just meaningless . To assign a beautiful meaning to it necessarily requires its being linked with divinity . The poet has stated this narrative as : </p><p><br /></p><p>When one claims silence,</p><p><br /></p><p>Embraces the Divine Core of his being</p><p><br /></p><p>The day when he becomes the Master and Guru</p><p><br /></p><p>Of his spiritual journey</p><p><br /></p><p>Finding his Personal Legend</p><p><br /></p><p>Like the mystical aura</p><p><br /></p><p>In the throes of ecstasy.</p><p><br /></p><p>All accolades to you, Elizabeth Esguerra Castillo for this poetic masterpiece.</p><p><br /></p><p>"The Beauty of Solitude"</p><p><br /></p><p>Amidst the deafening world, the cosmic chaos,</p><p><br /></p><p>Solitude provides an escape</p><p><br /></p><p>Beyond the swirling madness</p><p><br /></p><p>For in the blissful stillness</p><p><br /></p><p>Of finding one's true self</p><p><br /></p><p>The wisdom of a thousand words abound.</p><p><br /></p><p>There lies the exotic beauty like no other</p><p><br /></p><p>When serenity penetrates</p><p><br /></p><p>The inner recesses of your beautiful mind</p><p><br /></p><p>When the answers to life's questions</p><p><br /></p><p>Finally dawns on your enlightened state</p><p><br /></p><p>Aloneness creating your own utopia.</p><p><br /></p><p>When one claims silence,</p><p><br /></p><p>Embraces the Divine Core of his being</p><p><br /></p><p>The day when he becomes the Master and Guru</p><p><br /></p><p>Of his spiritual journey</p><p><br /></p><p>Finding his Personal Legend</p><p><br /></p><p>Like the mystical aura</p><p><br /></p><p>In the throes of ecstasy.</p><p><br /></p><p>Elizabeth Esguerra Castillo</p><p><br /></p><p>Philippines</p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8291230598163858707.post-57414681623156949522022-04-24T22:12:00.001-07:002022-04-24T22:12:48.254-07:00Review of "The Bewitching Hour" by Shahid Abbas from Pakistan<p>This is my first poem review which I published here on my blog site. Let me introduce to you the beautiful verses of Shahid Abbas, an International Author and Poet from Pakistan:</p><p dir="ltr">Shahid Abbas' mystic/romantic composition is reminiscent of the poignant and alluring verses of Pablo Neruda. A wonderful cascade of rhythmic and metaphorical interludes, "The Bewitching Hour" is a captivating masterpiece. A piece that warms the heart, with lines characterized by one who patiently and faithfully awaits for the return of his Beloved. The poem takes you to a another realm where only two hearts can understand each other. When mere words are not enough to say what the heart feels. Watch out for this alluring poem which will be included in his upcoming book "Words from Nature."</p>
<p dir="ltr">Elizabeth Esguerra Castillo<br />
International Author/Poet/Visual Artist<br /></p><p dir="ltr"><br /></p><p dir="ltr"><br /></p>
<p dir="ltr">"The Bewitching Hour"</p>
<p dir="ltr">Deep in the dark of night <br />
lying awake <br />
your image burned into my imagination <br />
eyes closed as dreams of you descend like warmth deep in the cold of winter <br />
as the bewitching hour approaches thoughts flash back to our first meeting <br />
when universes collided that fateful day.</p>
<p dir="ltr">recalling the mysteriousness of it all<br />
I smile, <br />
then hearing a whisper <br />
urging me to write a poem <br />
honoring the great gift of generosity given to me <br />
a gratuitous offering made by the heavens. </p>
<p dir="ltr">let a million twinkling stars bear witness to our joy<br />
our gratitude to a kind universe </p>
<p dir="ltr">As sunlight rises over the horizon <br />
thoughts turn to love's enigmatic nature <br />
suddenly I experience a compelling urge to dance <br />
with my back to the wind <br />
serenade clouds <br />
hiding smiling angels <br />
listening closely hearing their joyful sound <br />
harmonizing the last note of your name.</p>
<p dir="ltr">then I pray my urgent prayer that angels sing my name to you, <br />
sweet melodious music lifting you to the mountain top <br />
where I impatiently wait your coming.</p>
<p dir="ltr">my beating heart speaks only to your eyes,<br />
your love is my buoy<br />
let my name be yours <br />
I am the poet who lives in you<br />
and you <br />
my love, <br />
the constant inspiration alive in me.. </p>
<p dir="ltr">©® Shahid Abbas from karapla Pakistan</p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8291230598163858707.post-78139337593449773492022-03-13T17:11:00.000-07:002022-03-13T17:11:19.568-07:00My Other Side as a Visual ArtistI believe that dreams don't have an expiration date.Becoming a painter was one
of my dreams before when I was in gradeschool (the other one was becoming a
Writer which I pursued first). Drawing and doodling was just a hobby at a tender
age using a ballpen and then shifted to crayons and oil pastels. There is
something very liberating when I get to sketch or paint. Like a muse in a trance
expressing this raging storm inside me letting the paint create a masterpiece on
paper or canvas.I can create worlds that can only exist in dreams. Surreal
pieces transcending time and space. A piece of art has its own life as the
artist pours out her heart and soul into it.The rendering process is more than a
mere display of varied brushstrokes and splashes of paint all over a canvas.
It's more exciting than the Big Bang Theory.Truly a gift from the Divine as He is the Master of Creation.
I just started selling my paintings last year, November 2021 after joining ARTipolo Group, a group of local artists in the Philippines.My first buyer was actually a cousin living in Camarines Sur, Philippines. The first painting I sold was my abstract painting, "Reverse Genesis" which is a depiction of the ill effects of global warming and climate change.It was in mixed media created using old magazine clippings, watercolor, and acrylic.Even the hand of Angelina Jolie was featured there!
I had other buyers who were friends and people I knew personally from different provinces. It is a great feeling learning that other people do love my artworks and I can even earn money from a once hobby.My art brand Art Heals by Elizabeth Esguerra Castillo was hence born for I believe that art can heal us emotionally, mentally, psychologically, spiritually,and physically. I became an advocate of the use of The Creative Arts as a tool in the therapy of neurophatic pain management.
Art is an escape from the harsh realities of life. When the world seems to drain you and you feel burnt out from your daily routine.Rekindling my love for the Arts during the pandemic helped me to cope up with stress.Being highly creative is really indispensable for you will not feel bored and idle.
Fast forward to 2022,I received a Rising Star Award from Talentila Foundation based in India for their International Virtual Art Contest in celebration of International Women's Day 2022.My painting entry "Tres Mujeres" in mixed media 19 x 29 inches on illustration board made it to the Finalists then was given a Rising Star Award.
Before winning this award,I became a Participating Artist in a local all-women group art exhibit "Mujeres del Artes 4" by ARTipolo Group last March 6 held at LeBlanc Hotel and Resort in Antipolo City.My abstract painting "Orion" is now on exhibit at the hotel's Reception Area until April 9, 2022.I was also a Selected Artist in Luna Galleria Philippines' TransMISSION International Virtual Art Exhibition with my painting entry "Mystic Forest." Two of my other paintings are also parts of an Online Art Exhibit organized by Art Show Philippines.Luan National Museum based in Mexico City, Mexico also featured two of my paintings for their "Show Your Fire" International Exhibition.
I look forward to creating more paintings and artworks and joining other local and international art exhibitions to share my gift of art to the world.
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8291230598163858707.post-2194221957970280802021-03-12T19:46:00.000-08:002021-03-12T19:46:06.444-08:00Discovering the Collateral Beauty<p> </p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">I chanced upon this movie “Collateral Beauty” starring Will
Smith and I came to realize how profound the message it wants to impart to the
audience. In the said film, the three abstractions of life were depicted: Love,
time, and death. Will Smith lost his 6 year old daughter in the movie and his
colleagues were helping him to start over with his life after his loss which
resulted into a clinical depression. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">A beautiful coincidence amazed me when I came to watch the
movie right after the death of one very special person in my life last year who
incidentally gave me a copy of it 2 years ago. I just thought that our
connection was never broken even after death for he was still sending me
messages beyond the grave through this film and other things. Truly, things
come at their designated time and place. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">This blog was not meant to give spoilers for those who haven’t
watched the movie yet which was shown last 2016. It rather wants to express how
all things are interconnected and that no one and nothing is ever an accident.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">The film was described as a big, emotional, drama which is
both imaginative and intriguing. But what is the real meaning of “Collateral
Beauty”? Simply put, collateral beauty is the search for meaning in heartbreak.
When we lose something or someone, we always look at the dark side of things,
the lingering pain and hurt, the roller coaster ride of emotions as we grieve
for their loss. It’s natural for us to feel literally broken from the inside
after someone died but we often fail to recognize and discover the “beauty”
behind our loss. We hold on to the sadness, we may feel that the world has
ended. But there is a definite reason for everything that happens in our lives.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">I’ve experienced losing important people in my life several
times and I know how that emptiness feels. I've sunk into depression but I
thank God He gave me the gift of words which is both therapeutic and healing. I
write to heal myself and others. I believe masterpieces emerge after one has
gone through some darkness. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibuFeWMEJzaCs0K5jZXIxJ7eZPJgHXP9J1kOLDMk8x4apHMqQcfZgocxHE-GPNOc5ISckTxEuTLYYAdOIyVm3WjAvbrtgm9wSMuT1BasmPUHGZVvN9D4waZOegcvZOKj-8fWb0wRs0LHs/s800/cda2358c321cdc78622d9007f3ff4cde.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="800" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibuFeWMEJzaCs0K5jZXIxJ7eZPJgHXP9J1kOLDMk8x4apHMqQcfZgocxHE-GPNOc5ISckTxEuTLYYAdOIyVm3WjAvbrtgm9wSMuT1BasmPUHGZVvN9D4waZOegcvZOKj-8fWb0wRs0LHs/s320/cda2358c321cdc78622d9007f3ff4cde.jpg" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">The movie is like no other which makes it different because
the author of the story has a powerful imagination. A film that will make you
think.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A film which comes as a gift.
Coincidentally again, my dearly departed very special friend indicated “Gift
Movies” for the folder of the film in the USB he gave me. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">And this is one beautiful quote from the movie: “You’ve been
given a gift, this profound connection to everything. Just look for it, and I
promise you it’s there, the collateral beauty.”<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Perhaps we must discover the collateral beauty in every
tragedy we experience in our journey. As one dialogue in the movie goes, “…notice
the collateral beauty…”<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">***Photo courtesy of Google Images</span></p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8291230598163858707.post-37226101330060208722019-04-04T01:13:00.000-07:002019-04-04T01:14:53.413-07:00The Warrior of Light and Peace in Synchronicity<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 17px; white-space: pre-wrap;">The Universe manifested again another magical serendipity, March 26, 2018 as I was reading “Chicken Soup for the Writer’s Soul”. This time, the angels wanted to send me a message pertaining to being a “peaceful warrior” aside from being a Warrior of Light through Dan Millman, the author of “The Way of the Peaceful Warrior.”
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 17px; white-space: pre-wrap;">It was just last March 25, 2018 that I had this prompting again to watch “The Peaceful Warrior”, a film adaptation of Dan Millman’s timeless book. It tells of a story of a U.C Berkeley student and a troubled gymnast who crossed paths with a spiritual guide whom he fondly called, “Socrates” because of his wisdom. The old man first appeared in young Dan’s dream as a faceless janitor, clad in mismatched shoes sweeping off pieces of crumbled ice which came from the young gymnast’s smashed leg. And after reading 3 stories of different authors under the Chapter on “Finding Your Voice.” I caught myself smiling and saying to myself, “Oh, hi Universe, here is your “joke” again huh?”
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 17px; white-space: pre-wrap;">The story of Dan Millman was entitled: “Writer, Teacher, Peaceful Warrior.” So, what was the message of the Universe to me after such serendipitous manifestation took place? It was not just a message for me alone but for the whole humanity that is why something prompted me to share this to my readers.
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 17px; white-space: pre-wrap;">In the film adaptation of Millman’s “The Way of the Peaceful Warrior”, “Socrates” taught Dan Millman the philosophy of “living in the now.” He advised the young Dan to throw out the “trash” or to empty his mind of unnecessary thoughts and just focus on the present moment. Most of the time, we can find ourselves totally immersed with worries even before they happen. We are often engulfed with negative notions about ourselves and of other people letting our emotions control us most of the time. We fail to live in the moment. We fail to enjoy what is happening NOW. Man can be unmindful of the many beautiful things happening around him at the same moment in time. Of children playing in the park. Of the sweet laughter of a baby cradled in the arms of his loving mother, of lovers cooing sweet nothings to each other, of the sound of crisp pages of a book being flipped while a young man reads his favorite novel sitting under the shade on a spring season. “There’s never nothing going on.” “Everything is happening at this moment.” The old man also taught him that there is an appropriate time for fighting as well as a proper time for violence. This reminds me of quote which says “We must choose our battles wisely.” We must use our precious time and energy wisely for once it is gone, we cannot make it go back again.
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 17px; white-space: pre-wrap;">The spiritual guide also mentioned that there is no higher purpose than serving others. He treats his job as doing service to people. Towards the end of the movie, while Dan was performing his routine at the Still Rings, Socrates talked to him in his thoughts asking him three questions: "Where are you, Dan?" "Here." "What Time is it?" "Now." "Who are You?" "This Moment." He was able to perform a flawless showcase of his talent as a gymnast which wowed the audience. Dan was able to do this all because he focused and enjoyed the moment without any distractions.
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 17px; white-space: pre-wrap;">In Dan Millman’s story in the book, “Chicken Soup for the Writer’s Soul,” he wanted to impart to other writers that we could write for self-expression, but to become an author, we must not only develop our craft of writing but empathy for our readers. He also mentioned and I quote that “All writers have to do is simply write, sow and reap with pleasure and gratitude whatever harvest is given.” As a writer, I have this responsibility to light the dark paths of my readers by finding the light myself first. And through my words with touch of magic, I can help create a change in the world and even of the whole universe.
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 17px; white-space: pre-wrap;">As a Warrior of Light, we are all here to fulfill our personal legend, to quote Paulo Coelho. And that is to discover our higher purpose or to what others may know of as one’s calling or one’s Divine Calling. The moment our Higher Calling reveals itself to us, we must concentrate on fulfilling it with both love and passion. And we must also remind ourselves that we are not just doing it for our own but for the good of others. We are all here to be of service to others.
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8291230598163858707.post-43201920123996203732018-03-20T18:43:00.000-07:002018-03-20T18:43:00.275-07:00The Magical Serendipity of a Poem<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin-bottom: 4.5pt;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Are
you aware of the miraculous manifestations of the universe? We are all
witnesses to every single one each passing second but we may often if not
ignore it totally because we think they are just mere coincidences. There are
no slight nor little coincidences or accidents in this world. This is what we
call magical serendipity and they can manifest anytime and anywhere to anyone. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">One
of my favorite stories in “Chicken Soup for the Writer’s Soul” is entitled: “A
Serendipitous Visit to Revelation
Island”, a true story that happened to
Noel Phillip Rodriguez, described as a true blue troubadour who loves
collecting beaches likened to people who love collecting shells. Rodriguez is a
poet, novelist, painter, architect, and
so much more. Let me tell you his beautiful story in my own words:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">There
are poets and artists who leave pieces of their work in public- like in cafes,
in restaurants, inside the train, the bus or anywhere. Noel leaves pieces of his compositions in
cafeterias and calls them “public poetry”. <o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">In
one of his exotic escapades, he visited the exquisite British Virgin Islands
and stayed in what he described as an opulent hilltop hacienda. While roaming
around the quaint room together with the owner of the posh villa, Noel chanced
upon an array of classic and impressive art collection: Matisse paintings,
Degas, Dali, and Chagall. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">He
was stunned when something caught his eye. A calligraphic poetry neatly placed
in a gold plated frame hanging on the wall. The manuscript of the penmanship
was reminiscent of Fourteenth Century Firenze but the only difference was that
it was written in English. He read the word line by line, captivated and then
when he got to the 10<sup>th</sup> verse, he knew in his heart, the composition
seemed familiar to him. And when he was reading the last stanza, it finally
dawned upon him who wrote the poem. A magical serendipity is about to be
unraveled in front of his eyes.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">The
hostess of the house instantly noticed the surprised expression on his countenance. She asked Noel if it was special to him to
which he replied: “Yes, very”. He then asked where did she get it, who made it,
and the woman narrated that there is a bit sad story attributed to the piece
and that unfortunately she doesn’t know who was the poet behind such beautiful
composition.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Our
troubadour poet told the woman that he will tell her who wrote the exquisite
piece if she will tell him how did she get the composition. Noel then learned that the hostess of the
villa got the gold plated antique frame from a friend and the captivating
calligraphy was done by a pair of artists based in New York City after she
requested them to make one out of the poem she found at a cafeteria tossed away
among the dirty dishes. She was stunned when the poet asked her if she got the
piece from Ford Café at Victoria Cove located in Laguna Beach, California
during the summer season of ’76. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">The
collector of beaches then confessed that he had left many poems in his travels
but this piece she found was special to him and it tells of a story of a tragic
loss, redemption, and a defining moment in his personal life history. His composition sparked something out of the
woman who was suffering also from a traumatic loss when her own fiancé died in
a car accident that time. After reading the poem, she found herself being
deeply moved emotionally and then she started asking people who wrote it. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Her
life then made a complete turn around, she moved somewhere else where she met
her husband and she kept the piece until
she was able to move to the Carribean Islands with her family after she
inherited quite a fortune from his grandfather.
(There is another serendipity to my story since while reading the
Chicken Soup for the Writer’s Soul book, I was also creating a composition
about the Carribean Islands for a monthly international poetry magazine.)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">The
composition of Noel was laid out by a prominent calligraphic penman and
magically transformed it into an “Illuminated” page ala Florentine Renaissance
style by a famous museum restoration artist. The woman admitted that the piece
became the catalyst for the most dramatic metamorphosis of her life and that it
sort of gave her good luck in all areas in her life. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin-bottom: 4.5pt;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">And
this was the serendipitous saga of what we can call as an odd chance meeting of
two souls connected by a piece of timeless poetry. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">There
are countless stories of beautiful coincidences and magical serendipitous
events in this universe and we are witnesses to them. After all, we are old souls connecting the
cosmic dots traversing our journey meeting each other at the crossroads,
learning from each other, teaching one another. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8291230598163858707.post-81801145246696009872018-02-08T07:08:00.001-08:002018-02-08T07:11:13.405-08:00Defining Moments<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">"Defining Moments." I encountered this
phrase a few times over the past two months already. When I was reading my “Daily
Meditations Book”, I flipped through the pages and stumbled on the story of St.
Ignatius of Loyola and his defining moments at the “Battle of Pamplona” when
his leg was shattered by a cannon ball. It was during his darkest hours that
prompted him to make a key discovery of his true vocation. Then, the second
instance I saw the phrase again was when I was reading "Chicken Soup for
the Writer's Soul" on its 3rd Chapter: "Defining Moments". There
is a story there which was entitled: "Writing Can Be Magic." I
believe that the Universe is giving me "subtle" messages that I must
write something about "Defining Moments" and so, here I am taking me
weeks upon weeks to write down the final draft of my blog on this day. I
believe all things happen in Perfect Timing- always. And today, I heard another
soft whisper of the Universe prompting me to publish this writing at this very
moment.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">How can we describe defining moments? Each one of
us may have experienced this period in our lives in one way or the other. It
could be a time when we had to make a life-changing decision affecting our
career, our personal lives, or any endeavor or vocation we are engaging in which can affect the other areas of our
lives. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5mNUHfzjG-e9useEKd5XyXnDKumWHMGaH-ILa-9IgiCRn_PM2pWcgMTcaYMFEja_MAgN55aTOahRaSsMR3QX09eYHk-oyZ0xJTMWFC4dxXxe2Hm_jyo6i5wHSySEPkfBjJDENYOB49wU/s1600/003.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="284" data-original-width="432" height="210" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5mNUHfzjG-e9useEKd5XyXnDKumWHMGaH-ILa-9IgiCRn_PM2pWcgMTcaYMFEja_MAgN55aTOahRaSsMR3QX09eYHk-oyZ0xJTMWFC4dxXxe2Hm_jyo6i5wHSySEPkfBjJDENYOB49wU/s320/003.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">To some, it can be a defining moment of
conversion, breaking up the chains one is trapped in and obtaining freedom.
This breakthrough can also happen after one undergoes a certain kind of
darkness achieving a complete turn around from previous ways and habits. It may
come in different forms but it acts like a catalyst for one to metamorphosed
into his Higher Self, to live in tuned with his inner self and to be able to
carry on his ultimate calling or purpose in life.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">A defining moment then is that time after going
through some kind of darkness that one finally sees the light and can actually
feel total alignment with all things. He can already see the clear road ahead,
the path to his penultimate redemption.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">That precious moment is when you feel that all
seems to make perfect sense and you will have this realization that you had to
go through some things, learn the hard way in order to bring you where you are
now. To be able to mold you into having a better version of yourself. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">Each day can be your defining moment for we learn
a lot of things about life every waking hour. From dusk ‘til dawn, we are given
wonderful opportunities to be students of this world and to be teachers to
those who need our guiding light. I believe that “nothing goes away without
teaching anything.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8291230598163858707.post-87316885377643136332017-12-06T07:13:00.001-08:002017-12-06T07:13:55.847-08:00An Ocean Full of StoriesYou are not a mere accident. The Universe won't be complete without you. You might view yourself as just a speck of dust but as they say, "even a tiny pebble on the shoreline makes a difference."<br />
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You are part of the Great Creation. The Universe being made up of an ocean full of stories already told, waiting to be told, and about to be told- an epic waiting to happen. As you see different people walking about their own lives each day as the sun shines mightily during daytime and dethrones himself selflessly to give way to let Your Highness Velvety Moon to exude her exotic and elegant beauty, you actually are a witness to a thousand fold of stories which can give birth to a hundred more raw stories as they days pass us by.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNuq1nsJa2kwxVEvSofnS40Ifwpc-MT9yyqODDZ5oEap6cvN9TlgrT2MC0Es7w5vzFv-QfcUYF16ehNOWV2XDMEgZBdP7m6r2E1LyIV04ruyV9AEUfShE2cS-RL5rjjWfMv-hH6gTRktI/s1600/stargazing-seeking-journey.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="310" data-original-width="620" height="160" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNuq1nsJa2kwxVEvSofnS40Ifwpc-MT9yyqODDZ5oEap6cvN9TlgrT2MC0Es7w5vzFv-QfcUYF16ehNOWV2XDMEgZBdP7m6r2E1LyIV04ruyV9AEUfShE2cS-RL5rjjWfMv-hH6gTRktI/s320/stargazing-seeking-journey.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
***blog photo courtesy of Gabriola Ecunemical Society<br />
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We are all part of the love stories of our parents and long before they were born, the existence of another love story of your grandparents, great grandparents, and so forth. The world is made up of beautiful stories as seconds, minutes pass by in the blink of an eye. And, I do believe that the oldest and greatest, most beautiful mission there is, is none other than - a storyteller!<br />
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An ocean full of stories and the Universe is not just merely made up of atoms but of intricate and classic love stories, for without stories, we cannot define our existence.<br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #006621; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 16px; white-space: nowrap;">***Blog music: "Return to Innocence" by Enigma (one of my favorite music) </span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #006621; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 16px; white-space: nowrap;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #006621; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 16px; white-space: nowrap;">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rk_sAHh9s08 </span><br />
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8291230598163858707.post-22712769387054505692017-11-30T19:43:00.003-08:002017-11-30T19:48:02.452-08:00Fragments of ForeverSometimes, words fall short even if the heart already feels something. Sometimes, words are not enough to describe one thing just like when the mind cannot contain itself- thoughts come afloating, the mind wanders far away perhaps where the Beloved could be at that precise moment in time. Sometimes, digging deep into some memories takes you back to a place your soul recognizes where you've been in the past.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkfDSTh8o9g1-uysmBpLVje_pdd6Z2JEnRMPkgeQcUijjSu7ZQp4XyD9IEfs9XFpEPhPdWfRa-rXhnc8zalCCKtu1PfutiCCzFK_wAWXXSbMhEkIqjOKfiWTlG4VarA8tR518E5hqonmQ/s1600/Eifeel.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="683" data-original-width="1024" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkfDSTh8o9g1-uysmBpLVje_pdd6Z2JEnRMPkgeQcUijjSu7ZQp4XyD9IEfs9XFpEPhPdWfRa-rXhnc8zalCCKtu1PfutiCCzFK_wAWXXSbMhEkIqjOKfiWTlG4VarA8tR518E5hqonmQ/s320/Eifeel.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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***Blog photo courtesy of Google Images<br />
Fragments of forever - when you enter a deja vu remembering familiar faces, familiar conversations, familiar feelings and emotions. We are forever entwined in this swirling madness. When different earthly bodies are inhabited by the same soul but takes them back to the Source. I saw you countless times, centuries upon centuries, different faces but still owning the same soul. For the soul recognizes its Twin Flame when it's time.<br />
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"Most of the time, the brain denies what the heart already feels." - Author/Poet Elizabeth Esguerra Castillo<br />
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Blog background music: "Can You Read My Mind by Maureen McGovern, theme song of "Superman"<br />
<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YVBoReq2kUw">Can You Read My Mind</a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8291230598163858707.post-3804526490865397392014-04-29T21:02:00.000-07:002014-04-29T21:02:36.673-07:00Man of the Hour:Madiba<span style="background-color: white; line-height: 19.31999969482422px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The Nelson Mandela Poetry Collaboration</span></span><br />
<div style="background-color: white; line-height: 19.31999969482422px; margin-bottom: 6px; margin-top: 6px; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Inspired by the selfless deeds of Nelson Mandela, writers/poets/artists coming from different nationalities around the globe unite their pens to honour Mandela and inspire others to greatness. TNMPC is a collection of tribute poems, essays and artistic works- all revolving around the life of the great Madiba.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This much anticipated international anthology is scheduled for release this April 30. Make sure to grab your copies!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">"<span style="line-height: 18px;">The Nelson Mandela Poetry Collaboration" is a fusion of poetry, commentary, and artwork from some of the finest minds in the literary-artistic world.</span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDKqRaO6fyerSHaZSz1YpH3PwX68BCHBjKHnT32alfM-RAfutHwc1nxBAXfhxZIzAEnfZD69X5tyTYcKFYvXC57klc-Y7zkInAN3RyjaAETehEInBUfp-CrWaNeb3sh40K4HlvXhUpO-Q/s1600/MandelaCollab.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDKqRaO6fyerSHaZSz1YpH3PwX68BCHBjKHnT32alfM-RAfutHwc1nxBAXfhxZIzAEnfZD69X5tyTYcKFYvXC57klc-Y7zkInAN3RyjaAETehEInBUfp-CrWaNeb3sh40K4HlvXhUpO-Q/s1600/MandelaCollab.jpg" height="320" width="235" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 18px;">It is a great honor to have my poem "A Man Named Madiba" featured in the anthology together with the masterpieces of my fellow writers/poets/artists from around the world. This is a great endeavor undertaken by inspirational wordsmiths from all over who all aim to pay tribute to a great man, Nelson Mandela. </span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrmAsBnhoWOrG-JJW9zM3Sgc6j5pd3fZEwCmEBvxHYDOw90mSbEkelzOdqqezkYZMjCdaTk3Sf9H9OSTPqLO723EDNaT7ZJh_tDC2H2YqeiA77w5EWyWSV1028EPt3JIxXEfXVyx_3fss/s1600/nelson-mandela-quotes-1-2-s-307x512.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrmAsBnhoWOrG-JJW9zM3Sgc6j5pd3fZEwCmEBvxHYDOw90mSbEkelzOdqqezkYZMjCdaTk3Sf9H9OSTPqLO723EDNaT7ZJh_tDC2H2YqeiA77w5EWyWSV1028EPt3JIxXEfXVyx_3fss/s1600/nelson-mandela-quotes-1-2-s-307x512.jpg" height="200" width="320" /></a></div>
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"I have walked that long road to freedom; I have tried not to falter; I have made missteps along the way. But I have discovered the secret that after climbing a great hill, one only finds that there are many more hills to climb. I have taken a moment here to rest, to steal a view of the glorious vista that surrounds me, to look back on the distance I have come. But I can only rest for a moment, for with freedom comes responsibilities, and I dare not to linger, for my long walk is not ended." - "A Long Walk to Freedom", Nelson Mandela</div>
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8291230598163858707.post-55175419628535331252013-11-22T22:48:00.003-08:002013-11-22T22:52:00.982-08:00My PENTASI B Experience<div style="text-align: justify;">
Another dream come true dawned on me one fine day, my dream of meeting some fellow local and foreign poets, writers and artists in a world class poetry event. A rare opportunity and a once in a lifetime experience as a published international poet was given to me via the PENTASI B Historical Forum and <a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/World-Friendship-Poetry-Celebration/1466130466945595">World Friendship Poetry Celebration</a> 2013 held last November 15, 2013 at the National Museum of the Filipino people in the Philippines. Months before the said event, the Father of Visual Poetry, <a href="https://www.facebook.com/DocPenPen?fref=ts">Doc Penpen Takipsilim</a> told me about the upcoming international forum and a formal invitation was sent by October wherein it was stated in the letter that I was invited to the event and that I would be receiving a medal award as "Inspirational Poet 2013" for my contributions in the in the literary world, here and abroad. I was elated at the mere thought of receiving my first medal as a published poet. Wow, another dream come true to be recognized!<br />
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The PENTASI B Historical Forum and World Friendship Poetry Celebration were sponsored by The National Library of The Philippines, The National Museum of the Filipino People in collaboration with The National Commission for Culture and The Arts.<br />
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Anticipation combined with nervousness and excitement enveloped me while the event was coming near. The though of meeting my fellow local and international poets was also overwhelming since we all just met and chatted on a social media platform - thanks to Face Book! </div>
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I really started my once hobby which now I consider a career as a poet through my connections on Face Book in which I was first and foremost exposed to international groups and organizations. I have established my niche and status as a professional writer and an international published poet having been featured in more than 30 international anthologies which includes global charity anthologies in the USA, UK, Africa, India and Canada. It was also through this social networking site that I get to join in some international poetry competitions, receive international awards and had a chance to get my first international poetry book <a href="http://www.lulu.com/shop/elizabeth-castillo/seasons-of-emotions/paperback/product-20615522.html">"Seasons of Emotions" </a>by Destiny To Write Publications, UK be published last January, 2013. My second upcoming book entitled "Inner Reflections of The Muse",a collection of poetry, prose, articles and quotes will be released January, 2014 to be published by <a href="https://www.facebook.com/innerchildpress">Inner Child Press, Ltd.</a> USA.</div>
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A month before the forum and awarding rites, I prepared myself, what wardrobe to wear, one that has that "artistic look " and so I came up with a printed maxi dress and had a black blazer worn over it. I don't usually attend to much events before, being just a low profile and quiet type of person. But God had magnificent plans for me and they are unveiling right before my very eyes!</div>
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Friends, my family and colleagues at work were too excited also for me and I really felt they are surely supportive in all my endeavors as a writer. As if they are the ones who will be receiving the award that day! They all gave me moral support that helped me develop my self-confidence more. I thank all my supporters, fans and mentors for I will not have gone this far within them backing me up throughout my journey.</div>
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At the hallway of Marble Hall of The National Museum of the Philippines, our tribute poems for the Father of Visual Poetry were displayed. The color of the canvass of my tribute poem entitled "Poetry Magic" complimented my printed maxi dress that day.</div>
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My tribute poem, "Poetry Magic"</div>
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So what is PENTASI B? It goes way beyond modern poetry, transgresses all kinds of poetry and goes back into the ancient times as old as The Egyptian hygrolyphics. It is not block nor free verse style of poetry and works beyond languages and words. It stands for P- Philosophical Evolving, Extraordinary N Genre Technology (4 Ms - Multi-modal, Multi-sensorical, Multi-angular and Multi-dimensional) Arts and aesthetics Science (essence of The Father of Visual Poetry, Doc Penpen Takipsilim's work as a pathologist) Invention and innovation Bio or the life definition.</div>
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The PENTASI B Historical Forum launched a Filipino invention, PENTASI B, an innovative invention by The Father of Visual Poetry, Doc Penpen Takipsilim , a different form of visual poetry book that goes beyond languages with a mission "to inspire, to heal and to awaken" for the betterment of Humankind. The panelists elaborated on the new poetic form for better understanding and judgment. VIPs who attended were international delegates from different countries and local panelists which includes Ms. Zayra Yves, a multi talented poet and creative writer from the USA, Sir Ashok Bhargava, founder and President of WINS (Writers International Network Society) of Canada; Sir Rogelio Ordonez, multi awarded Filipino writer and Ms. Lily Rose Tope of the Department of English and Comparative Literature of the University of the Philippines. The PENTASI B was first displayed at the University of British Columbia. </div>
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It was truly an exciting and very enriching world class literary event honoring poets who made their heartful contributions in literature, talented, artistic individuals who made their marks in this world through their immortal poetry works. I had a surprise that really caught me off guard during the awarding rites. Instead of giving me a medal, they gave me a heavy weight, glass trophy! It literally left me in awe being on stage after my name was called and felt I was floating seeing myself there, Ms. Ceri Naz and Doc Penpen handing me the trophy and giving me a handshake! I was just speechless at that time, can't really open my mouth to say something to them!</div>
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Group picture with the awardees</div>
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The glass trophy presented to me is dedicated to my Dad, the late Roberto N. Castillo who celebrated his supposed to be 70th birthday last November 21st, days after the event. At first I thought it was a medal that I can bring with me when I visit him at the memorial park but then it was a heavy trophy so I wasn't able to bring it to him there for it was fragile. Here now is my first glass trophy, my certificate of recognition attending PENTASI B Historical Forum and my first international poetry book "Seasons of Emotions" along with his photo- these are my gifts for my late Dad who is in heaven now.My Dad who is one of my Number One fans! </div>
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I am proud to be a Filipino and was really happy having been a part of this spectacular historical event as I answered one of the hosts during the event when he asked me how did I feel during that time.Truly poets, writers and artists affect eternity! Touching moments and irreplaceable, memorable moments with my fellow artists left a special mark in my heart that I will always cherish.</div>
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Me and my poet friend, Beng Nicdao</div>
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Me and fellow local and international poets</div>
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Me with my fellow local poets!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhshH4naV-KY9e-NJYm0DHzANTCu6cLjFtGowB9b2boYPmFeSJqvUlVaMQNMogAF5O3AIakvG1bWzbS4AZ2khXRJBfqTem7TBcD5XxFeVEiBBiOEhxq0jRDQ023OJbsMWJ9QHSvbP_NIF8/s1600/pentasiprayer.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhshH4naV-KY9e-NJYm0DHzANTCu6cLjFtGowB9b2boYPmFeSJqvUlVaMQNMogAF5O3AIakvG1bWzbS4AZ2khXRJBfqTem7TBcD5XxFeVEiBBiOEhxq0jRDQ023OJbsMWJ9QHSvbP_NIF8/s320/pentasiprayer.jpg" width="212" /></a></div>
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A shot during the opening prayer</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6BT7MN8L-Hfbvaaa20FPHDD6sJYrGglztPDPd_0x7Js_bNzxQ0Weolco038C4IZSSwAiafvibDuZmStGwFnKQAAo2P6lppDtFTjlUj-EFdjM6daLcCobNVF6tYWOxWMzJceas0c2zsak/s1600/pentasicry.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6BT7MN8L-Hfbvaaa20FPHDD6sJYrGglztPDPd_0x7Js_bNzxQ0Weolco038C4IZSSwAiafvibDuZmStGwFnKQAAo2P6lppDtFTjlUj-EFdjM6daLcCobNVF6tYWOxWMzJceas0c2zsak/s320/pentasicry.jpg" width="212" /></a></div>
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Me teary-eyed during that touching moment that happened during the awarding rites</div>
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Imagine a world without poetry - a dull, lifeless world for poetry gives life and energy to all things around us.</div>
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Long live the poets, writers and artists who rock and affect eternity!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitH0YK0Yjzc8nrZCiR7VdpouE97EhbM01WuvGPkH7B8ac2RAxDCuh5oRnJg1Sp4Y03xsRK07qn1Zhk-3Cd7bWeiuybKXpLdjJficOWfM_oOWc5p3Sm28zUSbMZ7exJ2U0zBvpAb367A9M/s1600/pentasinationalmseum.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitH0YK0Yjzc8nrZCiR7VdpouE97EhbM01WuvGPkH7B8ac2RAxDCuh5oRnJg1Sp4Y03xsRK07qn1Zhk-3Cd7bWeiuybKXpLdjJficOWfM_oOWc5p3Sm28zUSbMZ7exJ2U0zBvpAb367A9M/s320/pentasinationalmseum.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Our PENTASI B Group Picture In front of The National Museum of the Philippines</div>
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I would like to thank Ms. Ceri Naz and The Father Of Visual Poetry for giving me the opportunity to be a part of this historical event and poetry celebration and for recognizing my contributions as a wordsmith and poet. More power and blessings to you both! See you all in 2015 for another world class poetry event!</div>
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Note : Photos courtesy of Ms. Ceri Naz, Beng Nicdao, Doc Penpen Takipsilim and myself<br />
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8291230598163858707.post-43504137787469521122013-08-21T15:03:00.001-07:002013-08-21T15:03:46.045-07:00World Healing, World Peace Advocate<div style="text-align: justify;">
I am an Official World Healing and World Peace Poetry 2014 Sponsor! My Sponsor's Badge is up now here on my blog site.This great advocacy is spearheaded by William S. Peters and Janet Caldwell of Inner Child Enterprise Ltd., USA with their mission to elevate consciousness, effectuate change, work collectively and leave a legacy worthy of their presence. I am a proud member of the Inner Child Family!To be part of this great family is truly an honor for they have given me many opportunities in my writing career and they are a group of caring, loving and talented, amazing people.</div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">Please consider becoming an Official Sponsor of "World Healing World Peace Poetry 2014" and claim your Sponsor's Badge. Have your Name or Organization and Web Link Advertised Globally for FREE !!!! There is no obligation except your Consciousness. ~</span><a href="http://www.worldhealingworldpeacepoetry.com/sponsors.php" rel="nofollow nofollow" style="background-color: white; color: #3b5998; cursor: pointer; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;" target="_blank">http://www.worldhealingworldpeacepoetry.com/sponsors.php</a><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9rqOQzSDJjZ0eQI9nn8TEcORRd_ezUDyvdtzTDiFwcUfYheWp8MYgEHV1sjofL_YEO4ACdF1yAJyA1HcXON4CtIUFk5MhpdfOAvpBrN_WymMOvG6Thf9icb_g69dGUzi83lv74oEaze8/s1600/1098280_10201856166509926_2128691905_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9rqOQzSDJjZ0eQI9nn8TEcORRd_ezUDyvdtzTDiFwcUfYheWp8MYgEHV1sjofL_YEO4ACdF1yAJyA1HcXON4CtIUFk5MhpdfOAvpBrN_WymMOvG6Thf9icb_g69dGUzi83lv74oEaze8/s320/1098280_10201856166509926_2128691905_n.jpg" width="219" /></a></div>
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You can also find the Facebook Page of World Healing, World Peace at https://www.facebook.com/pages/World-Healing-World-Peace/696415040374526 to get updates.</div>
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"We are all children of the universe."</div>
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8291230598163858707.post-52585877346417218452013-07-05T21:12:00.000-07:002013-07-05T21:12:09.077-07:00Fate, Passion and CompassionI was fortunate enough to have been featured in more than 30 international anthologies so far, some of which are actually for global charities. Some of my international advocacies have been for cancer research, for the children in Africa, for the victims of rape and domestic violence, etc. And you know what, here is something I'd like to share with you my constant readers and supportive friends, I gain much fulfillment doing global outreach anthologies than those that just give me opportunities to expose my craft. Yes, it does matter that I get to share my works with people around, gain recognition and even get royalties in the sales of my own international poetry book (which by the way goes also to donations, one of which is UNICEF) but there is nothing compared to the feeling of being able to help those in dire need through my writing for I also don't have the extra money to donate directly. Another truly important and enriching experience is my chance to collaborate with fellow writers/poets/artists from around the world! I have learned so much working with these people who share the same passion and compassion to help the unfortunate. I am proud and happy to be a member of the Indies In Action (IIA) group spearheaded by Stephen Wilson, a group composed of talented and compassionate authors, poets, artists from around the globe working as a real team for various charitable anthologies for the benefit of those victims and survivors of tragedies.It is the same group that gave you "Angels Cried" for the benefit of the Sandy Hook Elementary School tragedy victims. As I have mentioned in one thread posted on the Facebook group of IIA before, nothing can compare to the teamwork Indies In Action members exhibit each time we are working on a project. The other anthologies I am in simply let us submit our contributions and await for the release of the book. The contributors are not given opportunities to collaborate behind the scenes before the production of the anthologies. With IIA, you can truly feel you belong and that all of you give your best efforts for the fulfillment of a great advocacy- to help. "Distance, beliefs and culture are not barriers if one really wants to help the unfortunate and get involved in global charities." (this is my own quote). Kudos to Stephen Wilson and to my co-authors, co-members in Indies In Action! (IIA).<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Official IIA Logo</td></tr>
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And now to bring you the good news- the other reason this blog feature was written. Indies In Action has once again produced yet another love offering "Twist of Fate", for the benefit of the May 2013 tornado victims in the city of Moore, Oklahoma, USA. 60 kind-hearted, talented authors/poets/artists from around the globe from 9 various countries collaborated and contributed their pieces to bring you this global charity anthology. It is now available in paperback edition via Amazon. You can get your copies at <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Twist-Fate-Various/dp/0989002683/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1373027902&sr=8-1&keywords=twist+of+fate+navigator+books">Twist of Fate</a> (simply click on the text "Twist of Fate" and it will take you to the Amazon page where you can buy the book) <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Book Cover Courtesy of Navigator Books</td></tr>
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The anthology is also available in ebook versions also on Amazon, Barnes and Noble and Smashwords. For more details, you can visit the official site <a href="http://indiesinaction.blogspot.com/">Indies In Action</a> . All proceeds go to <span style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">May Tornadoes Relief Fund, managed by the United Way, which in turn is used to help the victims of this tragic display of nature's fury. </span>Grab your copies now and make a difference! Thank you for your support in all our advocacies!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8291230598163858707.post-55142819739961819162013-03-26T16:49:00.001-07:002013-03-26T16:49:03.557-07:00Gina McKnight: Elizabeth CastilloMy feature interview in another international blog site: <a href="http://ginamc.blogspot.com/2013/03/elizabeth-castillo.html?spref=bl">Gina McKnight: Elizabeth Castillo</a>: From Rizal, Philippines, Elizabeth Castillo is an international poetess. Her first book of poetry, Season of Emotions , was released in...Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8291230598163858707.post-34366930346367548272013-03-10T14:58:00.001-07:002013-03-10T14:58:52.118-07:00ShahSight: Elizabeth Castillo<a href="http://shahsight.blogspot.com/2013/03/elizabeth-castillo.html?spref=bl">ShahSight: Elizabeth Castillo</a>: Shah Fazli Elizabeth Castillo , Thanks for coming to our show today, one more poetess from the Angels Cried Anthology and one more day of...Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8291230598163858707.post-34532279144620198692013-01-13T04:05:00.002-08:002013-01-13T04:43:33.040-08:00A Journey Through Seasons of Emotions<div style="text-align: justify;">
It used to be just a childhood dream from the past of seeing not just my byline in some magazines and newspapers but of gracing the front cover of a book - of my very own book! Yes, I was this once unassuming lass from way back who dreamed of becoming a writer and of ultimately publishing my own book that would be my gift to the world. I am currently a professional feature writer/blogger/poet/contributing editor/columnist and have experienced featuring my articles in both the local newspapers as news correspondent in the Philippines and in a corporate magazine as feature writer and also for 2 international magazines, Inner Child the Magazine and Winning Strategies Magazine. Poetry then was just one of my well-loved hobbies.I started posting my compositions on a social networking site's poetry groups and from there I started to contribute pieces to international anthologies by the year 2011.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoo21IxxhUtRC8gNVLVQSK6wcwIfgdQxnY4-tsFRzRDr5Txga0nWQHbLac1pPQggrck26mWGUMl4_s2rIKmfjdGo97bOaUqNkK-DWji0mcx9B4AvZp-GSYuIGQejkCDpcIQB4H9H3sgps/s1600/snowyspoetry.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoo21IxxhUtRC8gNVLVQSK6wcwIfgdQxnY4-tsFRzRDr5Txga0nWQHbLac1pPQggrck26mWGUMl4_s2rIKmfjdGo97bOaUqNkK-DWji0mcx9B4AvZp-GSYuIGQejkCDpcIQB4H9H3sgps/s1600/snowyspoetry.jpg" /></a></div>
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I have been scribbling poetry since my elementary days up 'til now and how they have evolved through the years! I started composing love poems and now has gotten into deeper, more meaningful pieces ranging from feel-good poems, nature poems, love poems and even dark poetry as well as poetry-prose. Yes, as I also wanted to be a flexible writer and poet to make masterpieces that depict various feelings that come from the deepest core of the human heart. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxX0rxHpRVKOXJR_eydr40kE3dLL0zRtn6MwU87TRyPhgP0plNWGZDlagm7ULupOsUPMRyac7518sj3KgardupL3l5D0vNbPHAybyZDntPU5sCZzSpwuGa2LIqvnobkwBr8CnZC5Hs_qQ/s1600/bookshelf.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="268" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxX0rxHpRVKOXJR_eydr40kE3dLL0zRtn6MwU87TRyPhgP0plNWGZDlagm7ULupOsUPMRyac7518sj3KgardupL3l5D0vNbPHAybyZDntPU5sCZzSpwuGa2LIqvnobkwBr8CnZC5Hs_qQ/s320/bookshelf.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My Virtual Bookshelf of the International Anthologies I Was Featured In (not updated yet)</td></tr>
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I have been featured in almost 20 plus international poetry/prose anthologies in the USA and UK and winning the Best of 2012 Poems free book publication contest by Destiny to Write Publications, UK of Barry Mowles, paved the way for me to finally have my own book - "Seasons of Emotions". The book title was originally an idea of my significant other Bry which was "Emotions of Seasons" at the first stage but I changed into "Seasons of Emotions" - a collection of poetry depicting a roller coaster ride of various emotions just like the changing seasons. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxzN51KM2nF6x3KQnTXvvWETFCyVhZtGFYSvvqFAbvTWs-cQDftinpcMl0ebG4lTLxYRZIY9ujvyyyDsygooCkkn0TrSS5MMTDCLnslhrB0TOU3kWLoLK3Ws0Td_4V5AUfGbA0eevT1ms/s1600/Bestof2012+Contest2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxzN51KM2nF6x3KQnTXvvWETFCyVhZtGFYSvvqFAbvTWs-cQDftinpcMl0ebG4lTLxYRZIY9ujvyyyDsygooCkkn0TrSS5MMTDCLnslhrB0TOU3kWLoLK3Ws0Td_4V5AUfGbA0eevT1ms/s320/Bestof2012+Contest2.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRSIQO1ZClqLlc68fXODrfUOH61XIGNup79wwiryWzi7v8UEbKWWBqmHcWlr3X_TN4TqAatB-RQ-wBtHnEcpugeE6SsjGjqX5XTFJ1HT5LQ8nYYZkPPZytalxBu6tAM1ZB0u8tkccjk3E/s1600/first+intl+interview.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRSIQO1ZClqLlc68fXODrfUOH61XIGNup79wwiryWzi7v8UEbKWWBqmHcWlr3X_TN4TqAatB-RQ-wBtHnEcpugeE6SsjGjqX5XTFJ1HT5LQ8nYYZkPPZytalxBu6tAM1ZB0u8tkccjk3E/s320/first+intl+interview.png" width="211" /></a></div>
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Winning Strategies Magazine, an international magazine where I am one of
the columnist also got to feature me in an interview after winning the
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To make the book more personalized I asked the publisher if we could provide the cover design and so Bry also made 2 book cover samples at first and we agreed on the final cover which seems simple but mysterious with the quite "creepy" branches of the lone tree in what seems to be a deserted land. As the famous cliche, "Simplicity is beauty." We also got to learn that most people loved the final cover than the first book cover sample so a decision was made in favor of the second design.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilIW3mvi-kJ6ugQmBPi4RuIjCvHC0JeOqzJrb5StJ_NzOfXMyBXwis_3AX3k1YwUiELKNPedjyrgtE3BAPNcu1MQvc7fX7-odZS9aSuphyphenhyphenPNdnuzkL_WSHFKacLiAje0RGvGDqsJWcEa0/s1600/book.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilIW3mvi-kJ6ugQmBPi4RuIjCvHC0JeOqzJrb5StJ_NzOfXMyBXwis_3AX3k1YwUiELKNPedjyrgtE3BAPNcu1MQvc7fX7-odZS9aSuphyphenhyphenPNdnuzkL_WSHFKacLiAje0RGvGDqsJWcEa0/s320/book.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">First Book Cover Sample</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhM76axL1Lsa-eyDHAlc07dpixtG7rK2PX7J_ssTTe_vw_osIIVHqWMhOhMxwjM44JhUuJo_qQ4SvRwz0WgLUPxaSgE0bMl9i24u2vT1voCa1T1no1JDr_vJGZMFr4UtAzbCo8JegQmxog/s1600/bookcoverfinal.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhM76axL1Lsa-eyDHAlc07dpixtG7rK2PX7J_ssTTe_vw_osIIVHqWMhOhMxwjM44JhUuJo_qQ4SvRwz0WgLUPxaSgE0bMl9i24u2vT1voCa1T1no1JDr_vJGZMFr4UtAzbCo8JegQmxog/s320/bookcoverfinal.jpg" width="221" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Final Book Cover</td></tr>
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I am now a Goodreads Author and it is also a helpful tool for me to promote my first book as I also have made also a Goodreads book page for "Seasons of Emotions".<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My Goodreads Author Page</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Seasons of Emotions Goodreads Book Page</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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"Seasons of Emotions" is first and foremost a book dedicated to my dearly departed Dad, the late Roberto N. Castillo who died just last year succumbing to liver cancer. I got my being poetic from my Dad and I have included 2 of his immortal love poems written for my Mom circa 1960s.<br />
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I have broken up my book into 12 Chapters where you can get to read and experience different reflections of the muse in different stages of her life depicting the changing seasons. Some of the most-loved pieces I created are included in this special book and so lovers of my poetry will find this a nice collection worth keeping and or be given as a gift to a loved-one. Another thing that makes this poetry book special is that part of the proceeds of my book sales will be donated to charities particularly in helping street children, sending a child to school through World Vision and helping cancer patients. This book is not just all about me but my gift to the world- the gift of words! Please help me with this noble cause by purchasing your copies of my book.<br />
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You can now purchase paperback copies of "Seasons of Emotions" online at http://www.lulu.com/shop/elizabeth-castillo/seasons-of-emotions/paperback/product-20615522.html<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Seasons of Emotions Lulu Link</td></tr>
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"Seasons of Emotions" can also be found at Goodreads : http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/17230847-seasons-of-emotions<br />
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Visit me at my Facebook Fan Page at https://www.facebook.com/pages/Snowys-Secret-World/233536796670543?ref=stream<br />
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My Goodreads Author Page : http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6869749.Elizabeth_E_Castillo<br />
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8291230598163858707.post-29803053601985767902012-12-28T20:49:00.002-08:002012-12-28T20:49:40.415-08:00Hearing The Angels Cry<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAt_noa7CdOyvh0aYP2nTS4IiU2_ocPcjXcJRpH4rE9KWPxgDkdzCtYpt_zlJBYQo5RrpyScAJCgc9pJ70s71VR-QbnyAT_lEqjZmzpk8HcVTllshYkpNHU-HivCQJDhzv7l6RoGZDvzU/s1600/Angels+Cried+Cover.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAt_noa7CdOyvh0aYP2nTS4IiU2_ocPcjXcJRpH4rE9KWPxgDkdzCtYpt_zlJBYQo5RrpyScAJCgc9pJ70s71VR-QbnyAT_lEqjZmzpk8HcVTllshYkpNHU-HivCQJDhzv7l6RoGZDvzU/s320/Angels+Cried+Cover.jpg" width="212" /></a></div>
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"For children are innocent and love justice, while most of us are wicked and naturally prefer mercy.” </div>
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<a href="http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/27973.G_K_Chesterton">G.K. Chesterton</a> </div>
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In a grim day of the 14th of December, 2012 just less than two weeks before Christmas, a mortifying tragedy struck Sandy Hook Elementary School in Connecticut, USA. All were in shock and deep sorrow learning of this terrible fate that fell on innocent children and martyr individuals. </div>
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With a collaboration spearheaded by Author Stephen L. Wilson, a global charity anthology was born out of the contributions of kind-hearted and talented authors and artists from around the globe. </div>
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In this global anthology, we bare our heartfelt sympathies by expressing our souls through literary works and art pieces hoping that in our own little ways, we could offer comfort if not ease the sorrow being experienced by the families that were left behind. </div>
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"Angels Cried" is a fund-raising anthology for the victims of the Connecticut tragedy with proceeds going to the Sandy Hook School Support, managed by United Way. We maybe comprised of various races from across the globe but we have one common voice - to help.</div>
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Me, as one of the authors in this collaboration together with my co-authors look forward to your support for this noble cause. You could purchase your e-copies of the anthology through the following :</div>
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Amazon:</div>
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Angels-Cried-ebook/dp/B00AT95EDK/" rel="nofollow nofollow" target="_blank">www.amazon.com/Angels-Cried-ebook/dp/B00AT95EDK/</a></div>
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Barnes and Noble:</div>
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<a href="http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/angels-cried-stephen-l-wilson/1045497709" rel="nofollow nofollow" target="_blank">www.barnesandnoble.com/w/angels-cried-stephen-l-wilson/1045497709</a></div>
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Smashwords:</div>
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<a href="https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/268589" rel="nofollow nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/268589</a></div>
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You can also find us at Goodreads:</div>
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<a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/17183181-angels-cried" rel="nofollow nofollow" target="_blank"></a><a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/17183181-angels-cried" rel="nofollow nofollow" target="_blank">http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/17183181-angels-cried</a></div>
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<span class="userContent">***blog pic courtesy of the </span><span id=".reactRoot[288].[1][2][1]{comment452650754794582_454493887943602}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0].[0][2].0.[0]">cover for the anthology "Angels Cried", contributed by award-winning cover artist, Gretchen Steen</span></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8291230598163858707.post-39154848226625059242012-10-28T00:32:00.000-07:002012-10-28T00:32:21.444-07:00What Scary Movie Gave You The Creeps?<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: #e0eef5; color: #333333; font-family: Tahoma, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px;">This is an updated entry which was posted last year. And since Halloween is coming, might as well write about some eerie stuffs though I know some don't dig them and just cringe at the mere thought. (some would even maybe try a <a href="http://www.easystoragesearch.com/" style="color: #c95f5f; text-decoration: none;">self storage</a> to hide themselves first)</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: #e0eef5; color: #333333; font-family: Tahoma, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px;"> I composed this post just out of the blue after having a horror movies marathon yesterday. I have watched " Death of A Ghost Hunter", "The Legend Of Sorrow Creek" and "The Nun" and will continue to still see some more today.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: #e0eef5; color: #333333; font-family: Tahoma, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px; text-align: justify;">Not a goth or something, I simply love frightening flicks and even adore the Master of Terror, Stephen King's masterpieces! </span><span style="background-color: #e0eef5; color: #333333; font-family: Tahoma, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px; text-align: justify;"> Got a cd of his classic "Salem's Lot" and a multitude of his bestselling books in my room cum mini library. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: #e0eef5; color: #333333; font-family: Tahoma, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px; text-align: justify;">I have read somewhere that some people who are crazy about horror flicks simply love scaring themselves and immersing themselves in another dimension with encounters of the third kind along with other spine-tingling adventures. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: #e0eef5; color: #333333; font-family: Tahoma, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px; text-align: justify;">I am also into paranormal phenomena maybe because I got this third eye that I don't wanna develop, though. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: #e0eef5; color: #333333; font-family: Tahoma, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px; text-align: justify;"> I'm too sensitive to feel things around me. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5uozKVC84T9n_PapdeMFSMbnaI0y8l47pi08DPinj2Iu4nHW79H_33dyfq3SNMkY20T_04SZhMd2AczjxdUOrxYG77mwvclMuCN6eV3cD7HDKNzXAv6KU6YdQxCXGfEELmVwHEGJzfh4/s1600/photoblendingportrait.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5uozKVC84T9n_PapdeMFSMbnaI0y8l47pi08DPinj2Iu4nHW79H_33dyfq3SNMkY20T_04SZhMd2AczjxdUOrxYG77mwvclMuCN6eV3cD7HDKNzXAv6KU6YdQxCXGfEELmVwHEGJzfh4/s320/photoblendingportrait.jpg" width="284" /></a></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: #e0eef5; color: #333333; font-family: Tahoma, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px; text-align: justify;">Some here might know about the infamous "The Exorcist" starring Linda Blair, well youngsters may not have heard of it but I'm sure some of your parents have watched it too. ( it's not that I'm "old", though</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: #e0eef5; color: #333333; font-family: Tahoma, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px; text-align: justify;"> ) The film is quite a scare, really. I guess that one gave me the creeps and was all goose-bumpy! </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: #e0eef5; color: #333333; font-family: Tahoma, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px; text-align: justify;"> When I was younger, my family and I used to watch Christopher Lee's vampire movies in Wednesday Shockers.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: #e0eef5; color: #333333; font-family: Tahoma, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px; text-align: justify;">I also dig mysteries in the "Twilight Zone" and Alfred Hitchcock's "Are You Afraid of the Dark? " Some would find it weird but then each one of us is weird in some ways.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: #e0eef5; color: #333333; font-family: Tahoma, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px; text-align: justify;">The Japanese horror flick, "The Ring", I don't find that frightening though, just surprising when Sadaku suddenly appears from inside the well or right through the television.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: #e0eef5; color: #333333; font-family: Tahoma, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px; text-align: justify;"> I'd rather find it amusing. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: #e0eef5; color: #333333; font-family: Tahoma, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px; text-align: justify;">When you get to see our some of our local Pinoy horror films, they are not that scary too and some you would find somewhat funny. (in the tradition of Scary Movies) </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: #e0eef5; color: #333333; font-family: Tahoma, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px; text-align: justify;"> I'm not much into zombie thingys, less on vampires now but I prefer those based on true stories like "Grave Encounters" which makes it even scarier for the scenes are based on actual videos of a documentary done inside a haunted hospital in the USA. I also had a chance to also watch this Korean psycho-thriller film, "The Sisters" which I really don't find scary at all.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: #e0eef5; color: #333333; font-family: Tahoma, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px; text-align: justify;">So folks, which horror flick gave you the creeps and kept you at the edge of your seat?</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: #e0eef5; color: #333333; font-family: Tahoma, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px; text-align: justify;">Happy Ghost Hunting! </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: #e0eef5; color: #333333; font-family: Tahoma, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px; text-align: justify;">Morticia Addams in behalf of my hubby Gomez Addams </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: #e0eef5; color: #333333; font-family: Tahoma, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px; text-align: justify;">**blog pics courtesy of my Prince Bry's mystic photo art blending</span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8291230598163858707.post-26554071854147770702012-09-13T03:31:00.002-07:002012-09-13T03:31:45.486-07:00When Artists Unite For A Cause Not Just For Applause<div style="text-align: justify;">
The God-given talents one has are not merely for his own disposal and enjoyment. These are placed on your custody for a definite and meaningful purpose which maybe beyond what you see with your naked eyes and can comprehend. They were given not only for your own selfish motives and mundane desires but to share and spread the message across that the world can be united by showing our compassion as well offering our amiable efforts to help our unfortunate brethren. The world today is plagued with numerous global concerns heeding our immediate attention. Famine in less than blessed countries, drought and lack of food supply rendering children to get sick with lingering illnesses and much worst scenario is dying helplessly all rooted in one common denominator- poverty.</div>
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I believe engaging one's self in charities need not be necessarily confined just within one's own country for we all are connected - black, white, yellow or brown as the case maybe- we are One. We are each other's responsibilities similar to the infamous saying "You are your brother's keeper." And I believe too that this is one of my callings from above - to share the talents I am gifted with not just for gaining fame or getting a lot of bucks, even getting <span style="background-color: white; font-family: Tahoma, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;"><a href="http://fastonlineloan.net/">fast payday loan</a></span> being published as a writer/poet. I have been lucky to get myself involved in some international poetry anthologies with fellow foreign poets from all over, the books having been published on Amazon, Blurb, Lulu and Booktrix. 3 global charities to date, the first one being the prestigious "Live Life: The Day Dreamer's Journal:</div>
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(<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Live-Life-The-Daydreamers-Journal/dp/0615605907/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1335368497&sr=8-3">http://www.amazon.com/Live-Life-The-Daydreamers-Journal/dp/0615605907/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1335368497&sr=8-3</a> for the benefit of the American Cancer Research and was a "World Record Holder For Most Artists Contributing To The Cover Of An Anthology" and the most recent was a tribute to 9/11, "World Trade 9/11 Tribute" released on Lulu with all proceeds from the book sales going to a chosen charity for the families of the horrifying terrorist attack of 2011.</div>
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The Song of Sahel Anthology (Poetry, Art, Music Photography) spearheaded by the <span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans', Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;">award-winning social entrepreneur, an environmental campaigner and a singer/songwriter, </span>Dr.Niamh Clune,<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans', Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans', Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;">the author of the Skyla McFee series: "Orange Petals in a Storm", and "Exaltation of a Rose" as well as author of "The Coming of the Feminine Christ" and "Every Child is Entitled to Innocence",</span> is yet another global charity project I am very much honored to be a part of together with fellow talented and wonderful writers and artists from around the globe. To be launched on September 15th, the proceeds of this charity project will go to SOS Sahel, an NGO in the Sahel region of Africa which helps African children in the said area. Click on the link to know more about the anthology and meet the contributing authors, artists and photographers who chose to make a difference in this world by collaborating their talents, time, hearts and efforts to make this good endeavor into fruition! </div>
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<a href="http://ontheplumtree.wordpress.com/2012/09/12/song-of-sahel-anthology-coming-to-amazon-on-15th-sep/">http://ontheplumtree.wordpress.com/2012/09/12/song-of-sahel-anthology-coming-to-amazon-on-15th-sep/</a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7xwjQrs8HQ6DCNY_DV81JvCTMjvQ42a2gVuUiV0ei5scrf982lx53M0QMsIlzC8aGUwhbfVxEdcGTdI0b-A3G3vY2fquI8s1VBTKA1Yg_8FDPBrgJF9Gd96TAoWzfTKyFiaSWieiewww/s1600/anthology-cover-small.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7xwjQrs8HQ6DCNY_DV81JvCTMjvQ42a2gVuUiV0ei5scrf982lx53M0QMsIlzC8aGUwhbfVxEdcGTdI0b-A3G3vY2fquI8s1VBTKA1Yg_8FDPBrgJF9Gd96TAoWzfTKyFiaSWieiewww/s320/anthology-cover-small.jpg" width="265" /></a></div>
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**enclosed picture (anthology cover Source : <a href="http://ontheplumtree.wordpress.com/2012/09/12/song-of-sahel-anthology-coming-to-amazon-on-15th-sep/">http://ontheplumtree.wordpress.com/2012/09/12/song-of-sahel-anthology-coming-to-amazon-on-15th-sep/</a> )</div>
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This anthology is close to my heart for the fact that I am a witness of the plight of some street children in my country, the Philippines- lack of proper meals and a decent home to sleep in. I am quite excited about the event like what the others feel too I know and exalted at the same time that I have become part of this global project and that in my own little way, I can somehow make a difference in the world together with my fellow artists! In the future, when my dream of getting my own books published, I will still engage myself in these good endeavors for my less fortunate brethren for I believe it's one way of showing God my appreciation for the gifts He has given me.</div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8291230598163858707.post-54135481111383937352012-08-19T03:47:00.004-07:002012-08-19T03:55:33.740-07:00Adjust Your Sail<div style="text-align: justify;">
"If you can't change the direction of the wind, adjust your sail." And so goes one quote. I overheard over the radio this morning from the preacher in blue jeans, Bo Sanchez about adjusting one's sails if the winds are going in the opposite direction.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWS9IJc4G6NE4Gec4OXm94dfBb-AwTC18UcbpOVj6E4r8XdI3KbzAZv3bdAFP79cs0GLkI9_b6tZof4YF_DWn5fyfy7Z08GyjLS7GHTOneAc7tHaxer7gAdtIzgQgEYnAsbH-6kTNnN-g/s1600/boat+4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWS9IJc4G6NE4Gec4OXm94dfBb-AwTC18UcbpOVj6E4r8XdI3KbzAZv3bdAFP79cs0GLkI9_b6tZof4YF_DWn5fyfy7Z08GyjLS7GHTOneAc7tHaxer7gAdtIzgQgEYnAsbH-6kTNnN-g/s320/boat+4.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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In life, accept it or not, not everything we desire goes the way we want them to be.Yes, even if you're the most powerful and influential person here on earth, you can't control what's meant to happen in the universe. And so we are left with nothing but to adjust, adapt in such new environment, new situation, new relationship. But does adjusting have it's own limit? When do we call it quits or when do we wave our white flag signalling our surrender?</div>
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Adjusting to any given circumstance is synonymous to going with the flow of things and not going against the current of life. The more we push ourselves at the opposite direction of the waves, the more we can be on the verge of drowning. Acceptance of things that are happening and of things to come because of our own actions and of the natural order of things is but essential to maintain an equilibrium. The more you succumb to self-pitying and wallowing about your miseries, the more your vision is crowded and your mind cluttered, unable to process and see what's beyond life's mishaps that were thrown at you. Unless you are practicing a predilection of negativity, these way of thinking won't really take you out of your rotten state.<br />
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If the will of the wind is to take you in an island far from what you have imagined, make the most out of it rather than feeling miserable. Remember: not all things are within your grasp. One's fate is incomparable to yours. We were made to grow in gardens by God because He knows it's the place where you can use your full potential. (a place which can be dreamy made even more beautiful by a <span style="background-color: white; font-family: Tahoma, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;"><a href="http://photocanvasreviews.net/">photo canvas service</a>)</span> You just have to know which garden you belong to.<br />
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***photo courtesy of my Prince Bry's photography "Boat" (Australia)<br />
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8291230598163858707.post-34521917721598128692012-08-05T03:42:00.000-07:002012-08-05T03:49:24.760-07:00Happiness Is A Choice<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4kjSYT5NV3M7MyqeJ5HdcHFY65ElFCNqrX4yjGuGKN_uMApdotDCmLoswfUHSe7e3mQeZT34b35ipvbwVgBRrDAwk7zPJtXeI3yfKhaIa29idTo6x42VoBquExsrj1m5XBKEV49kLEPU/s1600/heart2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4kjSYT5NV3M7MyqeJ5HdcHFY65ElFCNqrX4yjGuGKN_uMApdotDCmLoswfUHSe7e3mQeZT34b35ipvbwVgBRrDAwk7zPJtXeI3yfKhaIa29idTo6x42VoBquExsrj1m5XBKEV49kLEPU/s320/heart2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Life is a beautiful, constant struggle. A roller coaster ride with up turns, down turns, slides and cross roads. A gigantic maze, an enormous labyrinth bringing us excitement, heartaches, hope, sorrow and memories worth reminiscing. In this journey, we humans search for that authentic happiness all our lives. Some turn to some mundane things (money, fame, material things) to feel complete while others depend too much on other people to fill that emptiness within themselves. </div>
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But how do we really attain that elusive happiness which we pilgrims are dying to experience? For each and everyone of us being HAPPY can be defined individually. While others feel happy simply being themselves, others aren't yet contented to what they already have and still want some more. ( I guess humans aren't really contented.) But what if the HAPPINESS we are longing just resides within ourselves and was there all along? </div>
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Learn to make yourself happy. In this way, even the simplest things would really make you ecstatic about your life.Being contented with what God has given you with, sans the envy we often feel when we get to see other people's luxurious estates, those who can afford to go to the <span style="background-color: white; font-family: Tahoma, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;"><a href="http://winterresort.net/">best winter resort,</a> s</span>ums of money and gorgeous sport cars. Being happy doesn't also mean being in a romantic relationship or coupled up like what desperate ones strongly think. We don't get happiness from another person, love is given freely and not primarily just to feel happy and "saved" by that other person. It would utterly be unfair to that other person to just be an "escape goat" of someone who can't find joy in her proclaimed miserable life.</div>
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The real truth: we create our own happiness and it starts from within ourselves.Another factor preventing one from experiencing the bliss of being happy: cannot let go of past hurts. Forget about the horrible things that have happened to you in the past. Learn to let go and free yourself! Holding on to bitter-sweet things that have disappointed you would be a great barrier towards attaining everlasting peace, contentment and ultimate happiness.</div>
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** blog pic courtesy of my Prince Bry's photography (Australia) </div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8291230598163858707.post-21953331385267339982012-08-02T03:39:00.001-07:002012-08-02T03:39:53.154-07:00Let Go Of the Shadow of Fear<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHijKSQWWGg59Dn5z6XF9-t-rJWBAlAdQDfQXi5vpLlsbzoxJfBrYBotNDZ6VxMAJ9L7i0QvP6QgA7a0kNy7GrxxyS7MHQ3haGjIf9XpY5LS8IngOWD08Dq6_8Bv3SWMT7-lOFusRR4n8/s1600/Green_Fairy_WP_by_Pygar.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="256" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHijKSQWWGg59Dn5z6XF9-t-rJWBAlAdQDfQXi5vpLlsbzoxJfBrYBotNDZ6VxMAJ9L7i0QvP6QgA7a0kNy7GrxxyS7MHQ3haGjIf9XpY5LS8IngOWD08Dq6_8Bv3SWMT7-lOFusRR4n8/s320/Green_Fairy_WP_by_Pygar.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
How can we truly or authentically love other people if we are always living behind the shadow of an unknown fear? "We first have to overcome fear if we truly want to experience love." <div>
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Some might have traumatic experiences from their past love lives that affect their present relationships. Close the old chapter of your past and turn the pages to a new and fresh beginning. The bad chapter of your life story doesn't necessarily define your present circumstances. Embrace the dawning of a renewed plot of your prospective love story and don't live a life full of fears and doubts stemming from flawed and broken chains from a time long gone. Crisp, fresh pages are created for you by the heavens just waiting for you to welcome them with open arms and enjoy the wonderful new experiences yet to unfold. Remember : God will publish your love story but you must help Him compose a beautiful script full of life and lovely fond memories instead of always sorrows and strife.(how lovely it is day dreaming of a wonderful time with your significant other in a <span style="background-color: white; font-family: Tahoma, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;"><a href="http://winterresort.net/">winter resort</a>, right?)</span></div>
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There are other factors which deter a prospective love to unfold. Let me share these below as pointed out by Relationships and Life ReInvention Coaching (Philippines) :</div>
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"With men - they're afraid to try; always afraid of getting rejected</div>
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With women - too afraid to encourage men; they're always afraid of being judged."</div>
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Who likes to be rejected anyways? Rejection is but natural in our lives since we really cannot have all things which we desire no matter how hard we try. The problem in this case is acceptance of disappointments and still have that drive and motivation to carry on and try again. If one guy blows up the chance to propose to a girl he likes, that could be one of his regrets - of not trying. He will just be bugged of asking himself "what if" questions. But what if the girl likes him too but was just waiting for him to make a move? </div>
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Some women are really afraid of encouraging men for the fear of being judged. They always think of what will the guy or other people say if she makes the first move or be too friendly which can be misinterpreted as being aggressive. "Subtle flirting" can be applied maybe or what one preacher coined as "flirtsoming". You make him feel special without being a pushover or throwing yourself at him like a desperate one.</div>
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Men and women are wired differently that's a universal fact- one is from Venus, the other hailed from Mars. So what is then the key here but to TRY and experience life. Without these disappointments and trials, one cannot be made strong to face whatever would still come their way. This does not apply only in the love department but in all aspects of our lives. Life involves risks - and they help shape what kind of person you would become. Having fear take charge of your life is like quitting even before you have tried doing something just because you feel discouraged or lack the drive.</div>
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Let go of your fear and move out of your comfort zone and experience how it is to really be alive! Try, fall down, get up and try again 'til you find your ultimate happiness.</div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8291230598163858707.post-82557649642015803172012-07-01T04:36:00.000-07:002012-07-01T04:36:52.333-07:00ScarsHow deep can a single scar get? Some run deep while others are just shallow but still, a scar is a scar out of a wound that awaited itself to be healed in due time. Is it then true that people who have experienced the deepest hurts turning into remarkable scars all their lives emerge even more stronger than those who don't?<br />
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As the old adage says, "Experience is the best teacher" and one actually being in that toughest of situations can relive in his memory the most vivid of scenes the rest of his life. Time heals but I guess it will not simply erase the memory of how painful it used to be. No matter how long time ago it was, time won't let you forget<br />
the struggle of overcoming such physical, emotional or psychological pain inflicted on you.<br />
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For every scar, there was suffering. For every suffering and grieving, there are corresponding stories behind those anguish, the desperate cries and longing for loved-ones lost separated by either life's circumstances or worst is by death. The pain caused losing someone by death is graver than just physical separation from another person whom you know still breathes life. At least he is still there and anytime you can still see and call and speak to him. But when one is the afterlife already, no matter if you have a <span style="background-color: white; font-family: Tahoma, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;"><a href="http://backupcellphone.net/">backup cell phone</a>, you can't hear his voice anymore, can't touch him once more and just hope you meet again one day in heaven.</span><br />
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In losing a loved-one, each has his own coping mechanism. While some may go through their lives normally, deep inside they grieve out of other's sight and carry on with their daily routines for life still goes on. Some others succumb to depression and desolation, self-pity as if it's the end of the world when one leaves them. They cannot function well at work, may become a nuisance or worst is they might not have the drive to live anymore out of their lonely state. <br />
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The grieving or mourning stage maybe the worst part for it may sap the energy out of you when you give in to your emotions but is necessary to go through this phase before quickly moving on to the next. At times when I go through losing someone, I wish to just skip the in-between stages so I can move on in a fast phase but then how can my "wound" heal properly if I just pretend that I am already OK, alive and kicking once more?<br />
Now my family's wound is but still "fresh" with the sudden loss of our dear father Roberto but it has made us stronger than before with God's grace as braver souls have we become facing the tragedy together that has befallen us.<br />
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I guess it will take years to heal this kind of wound that can leave the deepest scar in our entire lives, losing a prominent figure in our family. Along with my grieving, is the denial phase when at times I still can't get myself to believe that my dear Dada has really left us but I know all of these shall come to pass. Yes, a scar would then emerge from the wound but even if that scar shall have to peel itself over in due time, he would always be remembered and will always have a space in my heart.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8291230598163858707.post-68129501120939572242012-05-27T01:13:00.001-07:002012-05-27T01:14:07.968-07:00What's Your Glory?"Everyone belongs somewhere." "To be able to understand the essence of your existence in this world, you have to "do for others". Do not only be ecstatic of what worldly things can give you temporarily but learn to understand the pains of those people around you and those close to you. We are our "brother's keepers". Only by then can you perceive and answer the question, "What's your glory?" -Elizabeth's Quotes<br />
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The latter quote I just made up was inspired by the movie adaptation of Mitch Albom's book, "Have A Little Faith". Too often when we are at the crossroads of our lives, we ask ourselves what is our purpose in this world? How come we are here and what is our ultimate mission? There also comes a point when we question why do we have to experience sufferings, failing to vividly see there are other people carrying far heavier burdens than us. That we ought to feel blessed and be thankful at least that we are luckier than some unfortunate souls. If you haven't experienced the dreaded pain yourself, you will not be able to understand the sufferings of others as well as the beauty and essence of living. "It is only through suffering can we see the light after some realizations have kicked in."<br />
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In the movie "Have A Little Faith", the main character was actually Mitch Albom himself but portrayed by an American actor, a Jewish sports journalist who was requested by a pastor to write a eulogy for him that he found rather absurd at first but did it anyway. He was able to meet also a pastor from another religion who was a former drug dependent and criminal but whose life had a turn around after choosing to offer his life to God. One rainy night the man was supposedly be ambushed by his former drug Lord boss but he prayed to the heavens earnestly and made a pact that if God save him from this mess, he would serve Him in church. It's true that God listens to each everyone's prayers and forgives those who repent from their sins - either a criminal or not. He looks into the hearts of each one no matter how dark their pasts are.<br />
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The pastor who requested for a eulogy from Albom wrote this book "What's Your Glory" and that's how my blog title came to be. During the last days of his life he was provided with the<a href="http://www.blogger.com/goog_1798687419"> </a><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Tahoma, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;"><a href="http://homecarereviews.net/">best home care</a> of his wife and </span>said his glory was "teaching" people how great God is. Th ex-criminal who became a pastor himself's glory he only got to realize after experiencing his "pains" too. From a family whose Mother was a convict to a father who was irresponsible to having a messy life, losing his child from his wife's miscarriage and succumbing to worldly things that are but temporary, he finally landed in his own glory- to proclaim God's goodness too. So what was Mitch Albom's glory then? Of course to write and touch people's lives using the gift of words God has given him. Religion is not a question here in the story but rather our FAITH.<br />
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So how about you? Do you now know what's your glory? Each and everyone of us has a mission we ought to discover."Everyone belongs somewhere."Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8291230598163858707.post-79825043107823125122012-05-06T02:18:00.000-07:002012-05-06T02:18:53.367-07:00The Last Three Leaves<div style="text-align: justify;">
This blog is inspired by the movie I have recently watched starring Eddie Murphy- A Thousand Words. The words we utter leave a profound impact to the universe. As the self-help guru Dr. Signia played by Cliff Curtis in the movie have said, we are all connected. The power of our words greatly affect our destiny. </div>
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Murphy known for his stand up comedy did justice to his character in the film and what's more interesting is that there's a mixture of drama and not just all gags we are all used to seeing him in. In the movie, Jack McCall, a literary agent portrayed by Murphy was somewhat connected to a magical Boddhi tree which sheds off its leaves each time he says a word. Yes, he was put under a strange curse.(ain't all curses weird?) A thousand words were left for him to speak and so must be careful in opening his mouth. Even if he plays deaf mute or writes them down, all are counted to the 1000.When all of the leaves have fallen off, he will also die. This tells us to carefully choose what we utter for words have the power to either lift people up or hurt them.Words also have the power to solidify or strengthen one's relationships. Jack in the movie has an unresolved conflict with his deceased father and his forgiveness was the one which saved him on the brink of death.</div>
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The last three words he used for the last three leaves hanging on the tree branches- I forgive you. This is a kind of a spoiler, pardon for those who haven't seen the movie yet.(and the disclaimer was purposely placed at the middle of the blog) Expressing and affirming our love for those dear to us is also vital and not just mere words but coupled with actions. Also in the movie, McCall's wife is yearning for affection and affirmation which also mirrors why some relationships break at times with one partner who feels taken for granted while the other is busy with other things. If you love someone, say it but mean it! Spend quality time together and let them feel they are special while they're still alive.</div>
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How long do we hold on to grudges? It could be the one eating us up all this time. We often search for inner peace somewhere which could transform our lives when we just have to examine our inner selves first and find out what it is. "A <a href="http://lifeisokay.com/">life</a> well-lived is one in which we only not have lived fully but one that is inspiring and have lead us to our inner peace."</div>
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So I leave you with this question : What would be the last three words you would choose to utter before you bid good bye to this world?</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0