Teresa's Tapestry

Here's paying homage to a woman whose faith shines through. Though you are in the October of your life you have taken with you only the good distilled from your dark days. We sat around you last night in awe of the purity of your heart and your child-like trust. Your words were struggling to be understood but your heart conveyed much more, so much more --- of love, of piety, of understanding that is deeply rooted in a strong connection with your Maker. To you everything is His gift. We are humbled by how you have woven into the fabric of your being the names of your children, their lives, your life, your love, your devotion.

Thank you for showing us how to live in the wisdom of embracing God's tenderness.

Bloom Where You Are Planted

Last night my youngest son and i went to a quaint cafe with a 50's vibe with the purpose of taking pictures for his blog. I am happy that he is venturing out into the world of "publishing," taking leaps of faith in disclosing to the public his perceptions of the world as he sees it --- something i had the courage to do just late last year. I have encouraged my two other older children to do the same: my daughter with her artwork, and my son and his "compulsions." It is my wish that they be able to meaningfully integrate their life experiences into their chosen pursuits.

Chasing Serenity

It is another Monday. A new morning. A new week.

Looking back at the week that just came to a close is bittersweet -- the highs, the lows, and all else in between. Can't have enough of talking about the recent upheavals in nature and the sweetness of humanity arising from it -- heartbreaking stories that pinch the soul. Then there's big unrest in the Middle East -- the stories there are equally jolting.

I can concern myself with global issues yet my local concerns can be at par in degree of disturbance. And if i get selfish (which is more often than not) all i am affected by is solely the sphere within my immediate reach, not wanting to share in the pain (and misery) of others.

Then there is me. I get distressed with myself for getting easily offended, easily hurt -- then catch myself being self-righteous and puffed up with pride. Very cunning and seductive this is. It steals my joy and prohibits me from caring, making me judgmental rather than compassionate.

Lest i dwell on the ugly things that have already passed -- deals done and best learned from, i must celebrate the miracles of life -- those who have survived the rubble, the collapse and the wash out of everything secure. I rejoice in the success of projects. I am thrilled to always hear the early morning twitter of birds. I look back with fondness at the rare glimpses of egrets in the countryside these two weekends we had. The week that was was not a wash out, not a waste.

If i look closely, through the filter of gratitude -- i can be serene.

It is my choice.

Taking in Hope

The past days' occurrences make me feel as if i am walking on a tight rope. Even if i am far removed from any danger --- i shudder at all the images shown on tv of the earthquake and tsunami in Japan. The magnitude of horror is hard to grasp. Life is a mist, so the bible says. Here today, gone tomorrow.

Yet i must cling on to hope. With every new day i am blessed. I must make sure i do not miss out on grace that is always available, overflowing, and free. This i tightly wrap my heart with.

Staycation

Hit the space bar. Press the pause button. Take time out for yourself.

I grew up with a family who lived simply. Going out of town in summertime called for much budgeting and planning. Those trips were much awaited and were always memorable --- mostly because we spent our vacations in the northern part of the country with our cousins.

Today, having a family of my own -- we have our share of memorable trips to different places with our kids and friends --- that takes a considerable amount to stage. I love checking out must-see sites. Long leisurely drives are fun for me. But mostly I enjoy the lazy mornings, afternoons and evenings with no agenda --- free-wheeling --- sleeping, eating and chatting up with friends. Even now, the image of the beach, and the memory of wind in my face pops up.

Vacations need not be expensive. Or few and far between. Between me and myself, i can always schedule one.

All i need is a bed with clean sheets, a good book, a cup of tea, some soft soothing music, and solitude. And with grace, some rain. Perfect.

In My Hair

My trip to the salon yesterday to get a not so new haircut was satisfying enough. Prompted by my husband who seemed to get tired of my growing hair i decided to get the tresses chopped off. We made a quick trip to the nearby mall, did a cursory check on the salon's catalogue of hairstyles and chose the shortest one in it. It's been a while now since i was really pleased with a hairdresser. Through the years i can count on my one hand hairdressers i really liked and follow to wherever salon they transfer to. Yes, i am picky in that way. But they whom i count on my one hand have either moved to another country or that i have moved away making them impractical to go to.

As for my rebellious whites which i used to be so affected by -- i have now embraced them and relish the way they make those handsome streaks of platinum wisdom accent my crown. Glory.

Movie Treat

This morning i woke up feeling my arms sore all over. Must be due to my trying to keep them clipped to stave off the cold breeze blowing through our windows last night. Sore as they are, my mind and my heart are refreshed --- which i owe to one beautiful movie: The Time Traveller's Wife. Watched it on late night cable. This one's from 2009. Just caught it now by chance.

There are so many things about this movie which gets me: I love the thought that one has the chance to express love to people who have long passed on. In the area of romance: I'd love to see my husband as a child and be able to spend time and talk with him, a very young boy. It would thrill me to take on multiple lovers in the form of one and the same person yet they all still would be my husband. Now that's a thought.

It also portrays the blessing of having best friends who are there for you, given a physical condition, regardless of not being able to comprehend it all...a giving of the heart.

Breaking Through

“Do not become paralyzed and enchained by the set patterns which have been woven of old. No, build from your own youthful feeling, your own groping thought and your own flowering perception.”

-Lotte Lehmann-

Just came back from a couple of workshops where participants had the wonderful opportunity to get in touch with their essential goodness, and appreciate the unique and beautiful in each other. It is heartening to witness an overflow of joy --- a letting go of negativity that hinders --- and allowing one's self to be open to possibilities, start fresh, and move forward.

There is a lot to learn from the world around us. When i feel stuck in a negative pattern in my relationships or trudge wearily along life's paths --- i need to pause and just take note of the natural order of things. After a dark night i find that "Morning Has Broken" --- that's an old Cat Stevens song. Always i am amazed when the tomato seeds that i have planted or rather, cast haphazardly on the ground are now tiny seedlings eager to reach upward. Then there are my husband's bonsai trees which went through a recent pruning leaving only a few branches that were bound by wire for shaping --- they now are like new plants, stunning with healthy new leaves that have sprouted as if with vengeance.

What are you stuck in right now? What patterns, or what thoughts are not working for you? This could be a wonderful environment for growth. As the old adage goes: bloom where you are planted. Here's to your breakthrough!