Friday, March 5, 2021

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

Thursday, March 4, 2021

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!

Wednesday, March 3, 2021

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


Monday, March 1, 2021

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

Sunday, February 28, 2021

It's Still February

I believe my Blogger page is following Philippine time zone, but it's still February in this side of the world. What? Where did the the first two months of the year go? That went by really fast!

Today, I took some time off from house chores (hello, winter cleaning). I made sure to allot a moment's time for reflection. Did I spend my days on things that mattered and contributed to my mental well-being and self-peace? Hmm, I hope so. Now, most days have temperature above zero. We actually went out for a walk today not wearing thick, heavy winter coats. Spring is just around the corner. My plants really need a break as they're barely hanging on for dear life.

Joke time:

Me: Jan, I realized I really love the color yellow. I love yellow shirts or anything yellow.

J: How about yellow leaves? 

Hahaha, you can just imagine how hard I laughed. Please no yellow leaves for me. I've had one too many plant heartbreaks that I cannot bear another one.

Nothing much going for me here. Just another day in a winter week. Wishing everyone a beautiful week ahead. Xx

Friday, February 26, 2021

Smile, It's Free :)

Earlier this morning, on a stoplight, I caught myself staring at a bus 100% Ã©lectriques. It amazed me how the city is slowly adapting to a technology that reduces greenhouse-gas emissions (hello, air pollution). It may come at a very steep price for the city, but if it means being more environmentally friendly and sustainable, then that is something worth looking into and investing. Surely, the well-being of every tax-paying citizen must be the utmost priority of the government. However,  this post isn't about the technicalities of such. Before our light turned green, I saw the bus driver smiling at me, a smile so warm and wide it made my morning. I waved in exchange of his thoughtful gesture. My husband, although sitting on the passenger seat, missed all this. I told him how that gesture was appreciated. Some people say Canadians are generally friendlier that Americans, but I'd like to say that in this situation I just viewed it as two people trying to start their day with kindness. After all, it's always a good idea to start our day smiling. 

Bonjour from this sunny side of Quebec! Xx


Wednesday, February 24, 2021

Hello!

Good morning, rise and shine! It's a brand new day. Today, I thank the Lord for the opportunity to sleep and gather energy for another day at work. It's only -2C here in Montreal but there is a forecast of snow that will start later in the afternoon. I arrived an hour earlier than usual at work because I have to rush to a dental appointment at the same time as the snowfall. I'd expect a bit of traffic and some delays, but hopefully I'll make it on time. Hmm, what to do now? I'll have me some cup of coffee and maybe a slice of banana bread.

I wish you all a beautiful day ahead, wherever in the globe you may be. X