If These Do Not Make You Smile, I Don't Know What Will

There's something so beautiful about trees and flowers. They instantly uplift a person's spirit. When we take a moment to soak in our surroundings, nature can help us come to great realizations about life and its adversities. I bask in the beauty of spring and the new beginnings it brings. When you look out of the window, the sun is almost bright, the trees are almost budding, and the fragrance of flowers fills the air. Ahh, what could be more beautiful than spring?

Below are some of the flowers or trees I've photographed while going on a walk either here or abroad.

Yosemite National Park

South Fork American river, a stop we made on the way to Reno, Nevada

Lake Tahoe

Gumamela or hibiscus grows aplenty in the Philippines

white hydrangeas taken in Ogden, Quebec 

Can you tell I love them? If I could only fill my house with hydrangeas.

so colorful, so lovely

One day, my husband went home with these tulips. He earned himself a good meal for dinner. <3 

perfect for my phone's wallpaper

tulips are everywhere in Montreal

I make sure I have fresh flowers for my mother. <3

Take a pose and smile. Life is short to be weary. 

What are your favorite spring photos? :)

This Time Two Years Ago

I remembered going out with my friends this time two years ago. We braved the cold weather and we even had iced milk tea while catching up. We talked about many things and shared laughter between sips. 

Wishing you all a bon vendredi or happy Friday! Cheers to a relaxing weekend Xx

How Lovely Is Your Dwelling Place

"How Lovely Is Your Dwelling Place O Lord Mighty God," no words are ever truer than these. When my mother was very sick and laid on her deathbed, I would constantly play this song to her. It was a really comforting moment for all of us. I told her if her parents are waiting for her at the end of the tunnel, then it's the most beautiful time to go and follow the light. It will be so hard for us to see her go and the grief will always stay but I would like to see her free from pain and all suffering. On her last few days, she was out of consciousness, barely responding to any stimuli. Out of nowhere, I felt her tight grip and I saw tears from the corner of her eyes. It was the most powerful thing I've ever experienced. I was moved to tears. I felt God's infinite love and mercy. I felt it through my mother's effort to convey her love. She passed away peacefully in her sleep. It was the way I'd imagine her to go, quiet and devoid of drama. 

Almost two years since her death, I believe she is with the Lord. I take comfort that my mother, although a sinner, tried very hard to become an apostle of Christ. She was a faithful follower. I may not see or feel her anymore but I hold her so close to my heart. She will always be my life's missing puzzle.   

I would forsake a thousand

Other days anywhere

If I could spend one day in Your courts

Belong to You alone

My strength are You alone

My glory, my King and my God!

Wake Up with a Happy Heart

Last night, I slept early because I was nursing a headache. It didn't take long before sleep consumed me. I woke up feeling 100% better and as always, I thanked the Lord for a brand new day. 

- I am grateful for the snow and the weather today, a little less colder than it was yesterday. The cold was extremely frigid and biting at -28 C yesterday. Snow blanketing the entire surrounding, including the trees, makes up for a beautiful picture.

- While driving on a curve, even though I slowed down, my car swerved to the left and right. I panicked but I immediately tightened my grip on the steering wheel, thereby regaining control of the situation. Thank you Lord there were no cars ahead or behind me, and more importantly, there were no pedestrians present.

- I have a light workload today, and that means I am under no stress. I know tomorrow will be different that's why I am basking in the beauty of today.

- I have a husband who genuinely cares for me. He made my coffee today and even offered to make a wrap to go. 

There are countless of things to be thankful for. What are yours? Xx

March Says There Are Better Days Ahead

It's the 1st of March and that means nineteen more days until it's officially spring in Canada. I know it's still going to be cold, but it will be a whole lot better than several weeks of snow, above -10 C of temperature, and freezing rain. When spring comes then that means it won't be long until it's summer. Finally, the days are longer and ohhh the smell of barbecue, one of the season's defining scents. :)

I have always loved nature--always have and always will. I grew up with my Mama regularly taking us to the farm, abundant with Mahogany and Narra trees. I remembered always getting my hands dirty because I'd help plant or harvest mango trees and other vegetables like alugbati or spinach, malunggay or Moringa, okra, and eggplant. After our afternoon nap, we'd all run to the shore that always looked inviting. The sea waves glistened even more as the sun prepared to set. It was a very beautiful childhood memory. I thank the Lord for giving me a mother that has always put our happiness her top priority.  I cannot wait to make another set of wonderful memories with my husband as we prepare to enjoy my favorite season, Spring.

*All photos taken before the year 2020

all taken in Mont Tremblant

rediscovering Old Port of Montreal

I always take the time to lie down on the grass, with or without a mat and just stare at the trees and cloud. So peaceful, so nice to be alive. :)

early Spring, with ice still floating on the lake behind me

always making sure I have flowers at home especially because they're cheaper during this time

May we all enjoy and live in the moment. May we find reason to go on with life no matter the problems and burdens we carry on our shoulder. God is good all the time, all the time God is good.

Love and light Xx