Category: Personal blog

  • Age 53 : From here to there, the chase never ends…

    photoWho would have thought at fifty and beyond I still have dreams to chase?

    Yes… I am a dreamer…a chaser of dreams… be of mine or my son’s dream.

    When my youngest son’s decided to pursue his passion in Culinary in Switzerland, some of my friends raised their eyebrow to the tune of why???

    Why in Switzerland? Why to spend a lot on just a Culinary course?

    First of all, it is not a “just culinary course” it is a Bachelor’s degree, If he wants to be a chef..let it be, but I will support him to be the best of chef. His education and training in the best facilities and institution will surely give him an edge and a good foundation to begin with. I will give him that opportunity and the rest will follow.

    Now, my eldest son wants to pursue his passion in photography, he already has a Bachelor’s degree in Multi Media (a hundred eyebrows raised) why??? he is officially enrolled in Santa Monica College in California, USA (another hundred eyebrows raised) why???

    It’s all about love

    I am not rich but I have profession that can support my son’s dream. I can buy my dream house and probably live like princess but I rather help build their future than build a big beautiful house. Education is the best lasting gift of love I can give to them.

    During our years (not too long ago 🙂 ) we were taught: in order to succeed and be respected in society,we should pursue a degree like Engineering, nursing, medicine. Doing something you enjoyed or passionate about were not encourage or even discussed unless you were passionate about having MD or DMD at the end of your name.

    A different approach

    Thank goodness! Society had changed, colleges and universities offering more choices. Culinary and photography is now in demand courses. Money perhaps is one of the biggest factors that affects in choosing a career. But money will not give all the happiness if you are not passionate about your job. I am blessed to have chosen a career I am passionate about and at the same time, earned good money enough to send them to college.

    Where to go from here

    I am a registered Nurse, worked for a year but Dentistry is my passion…my dream. If my parents were not supportive, I wont be practicing Cosmetic Dentistry today. It wasn’t an easy journey, I have made a lot of bumps along the way but I was determined to follow my own map to reach my destination. Yes! a road map of where I want to be. It is like getting the entire tourist brochures, mapping out what I want to see, Where I want to go, calculating my time and money so I can enjoy the journey reach my destination and enjoy the place.

    Don’t limit yourself, dream big

    One day, I saw both of my sons mapping out the places they been to ( a lot of pins); who would not dream to see the world? I, too dream that one day, I will have the chance to see it all. Would it be great to make your own “map”of life? See where you are, decide where to go and pin your course? Don’t limit yourself; consider all areas of your life: relationships, financial, professional, physical and spiritual health.

    ” If you can’t dream or envision it, you probably won’t be able to have it.”

    Try to envision your path, what kind of life are you heading at? What it feels like? What challenges? What do I want to experience? Dream a lot…dream big! The “what”would lead you to “why”and “how”will follow. Knowing the reasons why will lead you to better accomplish the “how”.

    Giving them the opportunity to study abroad is my dream and we shared the same dream, then why to limit it? Their father’s dream is to have a business of his own and he did it! He wanted them to have a business of their own too, yes! why not? But they should have that dream too! Owning that dream will let them accomplish something on their own. What about when I got old or got sick? Who would take care of the rest? Honestly, I don’t think of that scenario because when I dream, positivism comes within.

    ” It’s my road map..Want it,dream it,live it! “

    Never ending chase

    I remember the old days, when my youngest son was in the toddler stage and the eldest was only ten yrs old (their father was out of the country,looking for a greener pasture) the elder one could barely carry the groceries bag and the younger one was running around, chasing other babies of his age. I have to hold his hand and my other hand is holding the rest of the groceries bag while keeping an eye to the elder one too. The days that I have to chase them while making pasta for dinner or running away from taking a bath, oh! I miss those days too! And when they turned to adolescent, I got to follow-up where they are, what time they are coming home, who are with them etc. And now that they are grown up and we are all in different part of the world, I go to chase them too, travelling to Europe and USA while working in the Middle East. Huh! come to think of it, my dream of seeing the world comes true!

    So ladies, you can now put your eyebrows down, the chase is on… Dream big, take the challenge and hit it!

     

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  • Just look into my eyes…

    Is being alone synonymous to loneliness? Sometimes life is so hard when you are alone but sometimes life  is too good to be alone.sketcharabi1a

    Just look into my eyes..tell me what you see…

    emptiness…nothingness..

    silence of my tears echoed my loneliness

    but look again…feel my happiness

    contentment is all that I seek for…fulfillment is what I look for

    Just look into my eyes…

    fill it with dreams…unlock the truth

    fill my solitude…give me strength

    take me into your heart…

    your love is all what I needed the most

    beyond misery…beyond loneliness…

    just look into my eyes

    beyond reasons…beyond life.

    mi

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  • Weekly Photo Challenge: Fleeting

    While visiting Pike Public Market in Seattle, I saw an old lady teaching her daughter how to paint, I can’t help but take a snap shot of them. A fleeting beautiful moments of togetherness.

    town-53a

    actual painting
    Art is long…Time is fleeting
    Life is fleeting…It is to be enjoyed
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    the proud recipient of that fleeting moment

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  • Sleepless in Seattle has been retold otherwise

    seattle-42a

    “Destiny is something we’ve invented because we can’t stand the fact that everything that happens is accidental” from 1993 movie – Sleepless in Seattle.

    From Jeddah to London to Seattle is 17.5 hrs. flight. It is my first time in Seattle, as usual before I travel, I did some research about where are the best places to go, hence I’ll be coming to attend an annual conference of American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry (AACD) my time is a bit constraint. Really? ??

    Nope! For those who knew me, you can’t keep me from roaming around and taking photographs. So here’s my bucket list (before touch down) Of course, I expected that “Sam”will be there with a yellow tulips in his hand, with an open arms and wide smile on his lips, waiting patiently , Ohh “Annie” I miss you so much!,,, Dream on! 🙂

    Seattle has music history of each own so Jazz club is on my list, Symphony orchestra and Paramount theater, yes! I heard New Jersey boys are performing. What about a dinner in Revolving restaurant on top of the Space needle instead of Empire state building where “Sam and Annie ” met. I love “sunset”what about a dinner cruise with a little of dancing.Or just an afternoon stroll along Kubota Garden.Oh no! what about the Tulip festival? Let’s twist (for lack of a better word) the story of Sam and Annie.

    There was no Sam, no flower and definitely no cab waiting, She was alone, checking in at Sheraton Hotel, the afternoon was breezy, decided to stroll downtown and the first destination was Public Market, romantic isn’t it?

    seattle-12aPike Place fish market where fishmongers throw fish and visitors had fun! It would be more fun if Annie kissed the fish and  wallah!  prince charming “Sam” appeared with a bouquet of tulips in his hand. Well. Sam was nowhere near, but  there was music everywhere and there is even the fat pig looking at you, inviting to save some pennies for the sake of community market. Obviously,along the area was a lined up of seafood restaurant, forget the revolving restaurant in the bucket list…, this is real! Cracking the crabs with a wooden hammer, scooping the meat out and dipping it to a lemon sauce, hmmmm yummmy! And suddenly Sam hands, swell in red whoa!, allergy?? there goes Annie’s seafood cravings..:-)

    Moving on…Prince Sam has no intention of being romantic, they continued to stroll, explore the places and alas! decided to go on cruise on broad daylight, what’s in the list?? sunset cruise with dinner and dance,hahahaha you’re not lucky Annie. He is  not in his sweet mood!

    The cruise connects the salt water of Puget sound and the fresh water of Lake union. Would Annie brings freshness to the salty life of Sam?

    Let’s try one more time to be romantic.. yey! Hope in to Seattle monorail to an elevated glide to downtown Seattle,Chihuly garden and glass art  work… to a  spectacular 360 degree view of Puget sound from space needle, and finally lunch at the skycity revolving restaurant, having buttered fresh salmon on the plate and the famous Lunar orbiter dessert…hurray at last  one of Annie’s bucket list is on!

    Well, I guess Sam wakes up finally, took Annie to Music Experimental Project where live band plays to the tune of 80’s but Annie was just a fresh maiden who can dance the night away took Sam by surprise and poor guy, a few steps on the right and left, a little of back and sides steps, hands up and down and finally the night is over.

    And so the story is short leaving the reader to make a conclusion of their own just like how the movie ends in “Sleepless Seattle”.

    ” Choice not chance defines your destiny “

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  • I am your secret Admirer!

    I have known you since my childhood days. This is the perfect timing to let you know how I admire you.atemila

    Remember the good old days? … I used to go to your house.. for a short holiday and even stayed with you for a semester.

    I used to see your dresses all marked with the days of the week, so as not to wear the same clothes on the same class your teaching in college. With matching bags and shoes. You are so beautiful, with or without make up.When I was growing up, my pimples were also in a hurry to fill up my face, while your face is so clear, devoid of any irregularities. I am so jealous and wish I had your skin too!

    You move so fast, four children, three stories house to manage, teaching jobs and yet you manage to have a small business every Wednesday in Baclaran. Huh! How do you do all that?… Multi tasking is the name!

    I remember, I went twice with you in Baclaran. Taking all sacs of different kinds of bras (yes different sizes,different styles) putting it all in one Jeep (Philippine made vehicle), we left your house around 2:30 in the morning and came back late in the evening. And yet, I didn’t see any trace of tiredness in  your face, still full of energy and I can’t help but to admire your diligence.

    I have seen your ups and down, I’m too young to comprehend but I felt your strength,  you smile even in times of sadness, your determination surpasses all the mishap and yet you remained humble.

    Many years have passed and I saw you again with a dreadful news that you got Cancer and yet, I saw the same woman, full of courage, wit, grace and humility.

    Ate Mila, I am your secret admirer! I am grateful to have met you, beside my mom, you are the only woman who was close to me when I was growing up , I got no big sister to look up to but you were there. Thank you!

    Happy Mother’s day!tulip-95a

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  • Daily Prompt: Hi mom!

    Hi mom! I have written a lot about you… today it would be different, I would like to share to you what my first son had written about me. Yes about his mom! (that’s me, with a capital M and a broad smile). For without you, I would not be receiving this kind words from him. You have made me what I am today. Thank you so much!

    momandmea

    “After 7 years in college. After countless mistakes. Learning the hard way. After all that, all you had to say was “the past is gone and done with. You learned from it and it made you stronger. Now, go and chase your dreams”. Okay, maybe those weren’t your words but I think I got the gist of it. This was the day you took me to Hawaii. You helped me cross off the first of many places I want to go to before I die. And the same way you introduced me to drawing when I was a kid, this was also the same day you bought me my first camera. Thank you mom, for letting me learn the hard way and sticking with me through those days. Thank you for pushing me to keep chasing my dreams. I love you so much.”

    Isn’t it wonderful mom? I owe you a lot of things, a lot of wisdom, a lot of beauty (in and out) but most of all, I owe you an infinite love that only mothers can give and this is pay back time… HAPPY MOTHER’S DAY!!!

    “A Mother is not a person to lean on, but a person to make leaning unnecessary “- Dorothy Canfield Fisher

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  • Coffee ART anyone?

    Have you found yourself at times, alone? drinking coffee? reading while drinking coffee, chatting while drinking coffee? have you ever wondered, your day will passed by doing nothing? oh well, i am a person who will always look for something to do, learn and try new things, so here’s one of my favorite pastime – painting using coffee inspired by my trip in Petra-Jordan.

    lined the border with a paper tape
    my paraphernalia
    watercolor brushes
    my coffee table

    Here’s some of my finished painting using my favorite coffee.

    coffeeart-18 coffeeart-17

    camel look
    camel look

    coffeeart-8 coffeeart-6

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  • How to wear Spring’s colorful trend when you are 50 and beyond?

    I have a conference to attend in less than two weeks…you bet I’m in a shopping mood! But how can I wear all those colorful dresses? Lemon Zest yellow, emerald green, Monaco blue,nectarine orange? Shall I stay with white and black stripes?… What?… no problem? Come on, I am fifty-three years old! 😦

    It seems that fashion industry forgot that there are women beyond fifties who are still working and loving every shopping moment. I have suffered enough to choose my jeans, those dreadful lowest hipsters where I hold my breath so as not to show my bulging tummy 🙂  Oh well, let us be brave ladies!

    My fashion mind says, YES you can! all you have to do is choose the color that will match your skin tone. After all women today are more flexible, more resilient and yes! we will survive the trend. Isn’t it enough to say “no”to every dinner invitation because you wanted to have those jeans? Life is too short to say “no”, enjoy every moment, enjoy every fashion, you will never know what you gonna wear when your six feet below the ground.

    Well, let me show you what color I choose this spring time:

    White trouser looks better, dont you think?
    White trouser looks better, dont you think?

       Tips:      

     1) Choose colors that match your skin tone.

    2) Mix and match, gone are the days when you have the same colors from head to foot.

    3) If you can’t find the right color of dress, accessorize with bright colors.

    4) Conquer your fear of color, be trendy who cares if your fifty and beyond, just add your “POISE”!

    loving the white lace skirt, paired with shades of blue silk top
    loving the white lace skirt, paired with shades of blue silk top

    So ladies, Let’s go…shoppingggg!!!

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  • My food trip with Chef Kevin

    My Kevs with Ashley and Alexis Gabriel
    My Kevs with Ashley and Alexis Gabriel

    Spring break here he comes…my dear chef Kevin. I was excited to see my youngest son, so eager to know what had transpired from his 6 months studies in Culinary Arts Academy of Switzerland. I was looking forward for this moment, to see the changes, physically, mentally and gastronomically speaking.

    I also braced myself by going to the gym everyday and get a balanced diet before this moment comes, because I know very well that our common ground is …FOOD! huh..eating is fun but gaining weight is not 🙂

    So here it is, Enjoy our Food Trip:

    salad preparation
    salad preparation

    First stop: Our Kitchen, though I have 4 burner stove at home, only two are working, with 16 guest on Friday “brunch”, I was thinking he wont make it on time but I was wrong. First ,only one stove works because one of our friend decided to show his expertise in Lebanese cuisine. Chef Kevin was very cool, answering all our questions, teaching us how to cut and do simple plating. At the same time he was also learning how to do lebanese dish “wara en áb”(grape leaves with rice and meat). It was fun working with family friends and most of all-seeing chef kevin doing his thing with gusto, I am relieved that he is happy where he is at this point of his life.

    homemade sauces
    homemade sauces
    chicken/beef risotto
    chicken/beef risotto
    beetroot salad
    beetroot salad
    lamb chop with pasta
    lamb chop with pasta

    We are grateful to our family and friends and of course,to our guest server, Ashley Gabriel. Yes, they did survive all,… kidding aside, it was an enjoyable day!

    homemade vanilla ice cream with kiwi sauce
    homemade vanilla ice cream with kiwi sauce
    kevsshowcase-5a
    Ashley – server of the day

    kevsshowcase-15a kevsshowcase-14

    and this how preparation of Wara enáb looks like:

    kevsshowcase-13a
    improvised cooking…only in Jeddah

    kevsshowcase-19a kevsshowcase-21a kevsshowcase-10a

        Second stop: Being away for six months who would not crave for “Shawerma” ? An arabic sandwich stuffed with chicken or beef mixed with arabic garlic sauce,parsley ,tomato, pickled cucumber and french fries.

    Shawerma
    Shawerma

    Third stop: Business Lunch at Outback steakehouse, situated along thalia road in Teatro Mall. The bread crust is dark chocolate brown in color , hard  but so soft inside was delicious, though Chef Kevin was not amused completely, he went along eating his steak. He commented that the soup is like an instant soup out of maggi bouillon cube.:-)

    refreshing
    refreshing
    Outback steakhouse
    Outback steakhouse

     

    Fourth stop: Raj- Finest Indian Cuisine, located at Thalia road serving indian and continental cuisine. We opted for indian super spicy meal! yummy and chillin hot!

    mix kebab,chicken tandouri, nan and beryani
    mix kebab,chicken tandouri, nan and beryani

    The fifth and last day of eating out, feeling already bloated and can not imagine the hours I will spend in the gym, once this is all over, huh!

    Mayrig resto
    Mayrig resto

    Mayrig, is an armenian restaurant serving armenian and mediterrian cuisine. He asked, Where is Armenia? oh well I really don’t know but according to my research :Armenia is landlocked in the South Caucasus. Located between the Black and Caspian Seas, the country is bordered on the north and east by Georgia and Azerbaijan, and on the south and west by Iran and Turkey.(Wikipedia)

    Armenian Cuisine
    Armenian Cuisine

    Anyhow, the place is along Andalus district, it looks like a private villa restaurant, a refreshing site along the corniche area.I like the Armenian tabouli as cold appetizer.

    Well that’s all folks, till Chef Kevin comes again!

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  • Beautybeyondfifty meet sweet sixteen’…JS prom

    jsprom32
    Queen of the night

    Yes, the beauty beyond fifties, made their way to the JS prom of sixteen and below. A reminiscence of the past comes rushing back; I guess mothers are more excited as their daughters/son to look for their own attire of the evening. This is the night to wear the best suit, gown or dress, be the king/ queen or prince/princess of the night and be the Star and shine!! : Young and adult are all excited.jsprom31

    I came late from work and hurried up to the venue, I decided to wear casual, anyhow, my mission was to take my photography in different level…Wow, what level? ZERO level, my D7000 first prom!jsprom14

    Kidding aside, seeing the faces of the mothers, their eyes bewildered to what will happen to their daughter/son. As I looked around, I remember my own JS prom, back then, Miss junior and Senior was already chosen, I was Miss Junior and Miss Alma Mater but I haven’t seen my mother so excited to what I should wear on that particular night, all I heard from her was.. ”ikaw na naman?”  (You again?) so for me, that was not a big deal! Whether I wore pink gown or white gown, I still have the crown. I am not in the cotillion either because I was on the stage as the Muse of the Junior and Senior.jsprom25 jsprom24 jsprom22 jsprom27

    Oh well, I don’t have daughter to experience the shopping mode to get a gown and jewelries to match the occasion, although when my first son went to JS prom, I was more than thrilled, I was there to choose his suit and be excited for his moment…from flowers and corsage, to picking her up from her house, his first dance with his first girlfriend..That was the magical moment!jsprom33

    mother and daughter
    mother and daughter

    jsprom19And so what’s new Jeddah, I had the opportunity to be invited four years ago to the JS prom and last night was not a different one. Parents were present to support their daughter and son, School staff and the guards are on look out too, after all we are in a very conservative country. JS prom was like a beauty pageant where there were judges to decide who will be the King and Queen, Prince and princess etc. I did not witnessed the turnover ceremony (I was late), but I heard it was great!

    There were a lot of pretty young ladies, wearing nice gown, make up, long fake eyelashes and flashy hairdo. The young men were also equally elegant in their suit. It seemed they were not bothered by the heat, all smiled and poised! And when the winners were announced, parent’s faces are overrated of joy, all the effort were vindicated but of course, there were “ah” and “ oh” (positive and negative feedback) but who cares, free dance was announced, this is the moment the junior and senior are waiting for but wait… what? Please take your parents to the dance floor…Come on you’re kidding!!!jsprom10

    So there you go …when beautybeyondfifty meets sixteen and below… it’s hilarious!

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