Journal Scribe

Haiti: In the Face of Tragedy, Heroes Emerge

noreply@blogger.com (The Scribe) — Wed, 10 Feb 2010 14:07:55 PST

Search and rescue teams from Florida and New York save 2 under supermarket rubble after 126 hours.

We can be so detached and just feel compassion via TV and the internet. Watching this video, isn't enough. Caring is not only compassion nor is it just mouthing out how tragic this incident was. What we have to have in mind is how to help those affected. How are we to help them get up and resume life?

These people need food, clothes, protection from the elements, clean water and facilities to stand on their own feet again after the earthquake.

Help empower your neighbor to stand up and lend a hand, one good deed daily can make the place a better world.

Trust & Respect (and the fine line in between)

noreply@blogger.com (The Scribe) — Sun, 15 Nov 2009 21:42:42 PST

The word trust has given me a bad weekend and right now frustrating week ahead.

You Versus the Sea

noreply@blogger.com (The Scribe) — Sun, 25 Oct 2009 21:18:28 PDT

Going out to sea against strong and forceful waves is not done by choice of one with a sane mind. In terms of analogy, we've all been there battling rough currents and strong wind that threaten lives and limb. Life has its moments when you face a situation bigger than the Biblical Goliath.

Between you and I (whoever comes across this blog), if there was a blueprint of my life I could request some less Tsunami-like challenges. Alas, life's blueprint is only available after one bites the dust.

I don't know what today brings, it's been half a day already and I find myself going farther from the shore and struck down by wave after wave...No much that I can do...yet. Finding solace in Daphne Loves Derby.

"Was it hope that kept you alive through the years and should I even call it living?"

You Versus the Sea, Daphne Love Derby

How to use the Rainbow Pass

noreply@blogger.com (The Scribe) — Thu, 15 Oct 2009 14:48:07 PDT

Someone once told me if everything was moving so fast and out of control, I should STOP! Today while updating our company MeMe for Yahoo the graphic art from Isabella Simms put the breaks on the all too busy days I've had since January 14, 2009. Her yellow road sign diamond read:
UNIVERSE CLOSED (...) USE RAINBOW
All of us have a case of "What would happen to the world if I just left?" a sense of self-importance so misplaced since we just lose ourselves in the Universe. For those who come across my Rainbow, get a Rainbow Pass. Here's how you can spend it and enjoy the colors of life.
How to use the Rainbow Pass

Think of the times when you knew you were in trouble and got lucky to escape narrowly. Be doubly happy and thankful because there IS someone watching over you.

Walk where there is less concrete and more greenery or buy a plant for your home.

Relish doing the unexpected for your loved ones, friends and strangers- in a positive light, okay.

Invest in the talent you've had since you were young. Dance, sing, draw, whittle or shoot some hoops...Nothing can replace the smile of relief and blush of good memories they bring back.

Take an imaginary broom and sweep your mind for unwanted clutter. Anger, sadness, regret, suspicion, worry, hatred, vengeance and combat need to be thrown out. Some think they are driven to the top because of these negative energies. People just don't realize how much a negative is made up these negatives.

Redefine your vision and wear your rose-colored glasses again. Keep in mind there is as much good in others as there is in you (no matter how hidden).

Endeavor to instruct and reprimand with assurance that the experience is a process for growth.

A Rainbow Pass keeps your feet on the ground and reminds you of who you are and your purpose for being here.
“Nobody can go back and start a new beginning, but anyone can start today and make a new ending.” - Charles R. Swindoll

*links are books I recommend

The Measure of a Man

noreply@blogger.com (The Scribe) — Wed, 14 Jan 2009 10:48:57 PST

We were throwing around an idea the other day about wrong doings- nobody seems to get enough of talking about human imperfections or incompetence. Pointing out the wrong and maliciously expect the worse out of people is getting to be a hobby.

Browsing through print and on line newspapers, we get updated on the hottest news and those who have made the headlines. One way or the other, being the news can only mean 2 things. One, you’ve either done something wrong, like getting involved in a scandal or a eww moment (Paris H. and starlets) uploaded on YouTube OR you’ve done something great that is so humanly impossible- how about being the 1st African-American President (President-Elect Barack Obama)? How about losing billions and still have your business running (Bill Gates lost billions yet Microsoft is the leading OS standard to any desktop, lap top and iPod)?

The discussion concluded with the idea that success can be measured by numbers is way off the mark from the truth. Success is what those who strive to be better people get. Like, c’mon if you had a good heart and concern for your fellow men would you ever think of selling something that is free (Blagojavich)?

Lose Yourself...

noreply@blogger.com (The Scribe) — Mon, 05 Jan 2009 09:19:42 PST

Factual if not on point... someone, somewhere and somehow a reminder about opportunity knocking once in a lifetime reverberates your mind as a new year creeps up on us all.

The bittersweet internal struggle is what happens when a totally insane opportunity presents itself and often find myself taking the step. Younger years, I recall losing myself in the steam, full throttle, pedal to the metal ...sometimes foolishly ending up more like Jimmy Dean's Porsche Spyder-a tangle of mangled mass.

Now aged and smarting from the arrogance of youth, every opportunity welcomed and decisively taken yet with less steam on the get go. The holidays puncuated my aging and I see time now like that eerie Indiglo on a dashboard that shows you all the measurements of the distance traveled, speed expended, direction...all screaming that your tank will be running on empty soon.

The first few hours on New Year's Eve gave me a preview of how alone one could get, which got me to think of what I'd ideally do when that time comes (kids all grown up and having families)...The time I spent mulling over the inevitable and feeling heartbreak in advance, one still voice in my head says I'd be doing what I do love most-writing. I guess that book that I've been putting off will be in a series by the time my kids have branched out. Wistful thinking never was harmful...

Just like most events in my life that most would react to right away, I do so belatedly. Call it denial or just a default setting before I am brave enough to come to terms with it. I guess this 2009, marks the last year I'd be in my 30's...My sister just turned 40 last year...so far no side effects haha-she's prettier than ever! Shall I get my move on or spend the eve of my 40th year in static????

So much to do and 360 days to lose yourself !!!

*Garfield and all characters included in the cartoon is created by Jim Davis*

A Toast To The Future...with clicks of time-lapse photography

noreply@blogger.com (The Scribe) — Fri, 02 Jan 2009 08:23:47 PST

Like every blog owner, posting for the first time for 2009 is faced with a gaggle of ideas and topics. For most choosing what to post ain't that difficult yet for little old me, it's like a multiple choice question with more than 7 possible answers. Reminds me of an e-mail I'd sent my sister before she came over for a Christmas vacay, I typed the words "lots of kwento (small talk in Tagalog)". They came and I barely filled in 2 hours of her time with small talk. I guess it's just me so used to clacking away on the keyboard and also the only one of 3 siblings who is fascinated with Internet marketing and SEO (line of work).

Anyway, I digress... The video posted just above is the best I can come up with to sum up 99% of everyone's year. Seasons of the year come year after year, yet the effects of these are felt a hundred different ways from any day. In the Philippines for example, not having a beau on Valentines Day or Christmas is synonymous to your heart being frozen. Happy days are when you can just raise your face towards the sky and enjoy how the sun's rays shine down on you. Losing a part of yourself, pitfalls and heart break is the season when your life turns upside down and when you wish the ground will swallow you whole. While weathering life's storms and surviving by the teeth...when you look back you amaze yourself that you've 'been there, done that' surviving with barely the skin off your back .

In both good times and bad, time is fleeting...Life happens and everything passes, I guess we just have to appreciate the life's little surprises-despite the nicks and bumps .

Bottoms up, shrug -off the hang-over and pick up where we've left off...Life awaits...

Fantabulous New Year to You all !!!

New Year Comes, I Dare Ya T' Move...

noreply@blogger.com (The Scribe) — Mon, 12 Jan 2009 09:40:05 PST

DARE YOU TO MOVE lyrics by S W I T C H F O O T

Music does play a big part in getting any job done. Yup, I do zone out when I work (I think I've mentioned it before in another post). Before I take my much awaited vacation, copying my desktop's Mp3 on my thumb drive got me listening to the first songs that kept me company almost 2 years ago when I started this job.
This was way before I had a healthy respect and discipline for blogging and hearing the Switchfoot song "Dare You To Move" just made me want to share why this song's video got me up on my feet at the lowest point (okay, one of the multiple "lowest points") getting to start over again.

The video has this one guy running hard and taking time to catch his breath...then he starts getting his second wind again and ground pounds once more... this time it seems more difficult, with people rushing to where he had come from...the man was running against the crowd then after what seems like an endless scene of running he gets to where he expected to be...

Lyrics to DARE YOU TO MOVE

The whole point to this post is a lesson...there are times when decisions have to be made not according to what others may think. A good example is today's bullying goes beyond juveniles and has upgraded to adult bullies (mudslinging:the tenure of the campaign could've been different IF Obama agreed with town hall meetings with McCain...ha!). Unlike when truth, honor, trust and integrity were priceless we have made these adjectives options and not natural characteristics. Everytime I read dailies on line, no matter how the stories may be different cases of violence against the weak, the innocent and peace loving people are flooding the headlines. Peer pressure, taunting parents or being labeled a ninny or whatever twisted thinking are the reasons why bad things happen.

It is hard sticking to what is right when everyone is weak...this song just reminds me that after the long and tiring run to make life right, I can't just give up. Sheer exhaustion can never be a reason to sit in the corner and wait to shrivel or die. Everyday is 24 hours of striving to be a better human being than you were a few hours ago.

Dare you to move like today never happened...

DARK BLUE

noreply@blogger.com (The Scribe) — Fri, 12 Dec 2008 11:58:02 PST

"I don't know what possibly you expect on under this conditions... "

One of the things that keep me sane aside from books and a computer is music. Most times while I do some writing projects thinking is mostly done with music blaring in my ear. Like most people whose creativity is locked in a corner in their mind zoning out is difficult with outside noise. In my unit's Mp3 there are almost a hundred songs left from my 1 year and 11 month collection. The songs are a mixed up lot yet they've served their purpose.

In my earphones now are selections from Jack's Mannequin...I stumbled upon them while reading Stephenie Meyer's blog. Yup, I am going through my obssesive Twilight phase right now...So far in Stephenie's blog I have read through several chapters of the Twilight series (New Moon, Eclipse and Breaking Dawn) and would like very much to see what the new director will do with Edward and Bella. Though the latest Twilight movie is entertaining, it pales in comparison with the book. But hey, how much can anyone squeze several hundred pages of literature into 2 hours huh?

For what it's worth...click on the links to see where my 'mouse' has been...Besides, break-time is very over...

Am Still On The Piano...and boredom

noreply@blogger.com (The Scribe) — Thu, 11 Dec 2008 09:35:08 PST

Scanning Huffington Post a few minutes before lunch break got me viewing the latest MeMe... Furry critters or even the scaly ones (depends on preference) are a great source of entertainment. Network wars, movie flops and blockbusters and page rank = n/a are proof that despite being the supreme being we over think things (guilty!) and ruin spontaneous fun... We turn to other sources such as the wee Hamster who don't care much about anyone except his popcorn.

Great laughs to all...or whatever...am bored...

My Pocket Full Of Sunshine

noreply@blogger.com (The Scribe) — Mon, 08 Dec 2008 15:07:25 PST

Natasha Beddingfield's song "Pocketful of Sunshine" is one of my favorite songs...

"I got a pocket, pocket full of sunshine...I got a love, and I know that it's all mine..."

I am an avid reader and I usually read some stuff while doing routine work - you can imagine several windows opened before me. A blogger in Arriana Huffington's Post effectively riled people to posting action with her entry that encourages people to have a Happiness Project- not bad huh? Until she writes to do acts of kindness BUT not to do the random kind...

"Oh, Whoa..."

Uh, niceness and the happiness you'll get from being 'kind' must be scheduled and subjected to being bound by time? Happiness through kindness must be the kind you can anticipate the outcome? Be cautious in dong acts of kindness so as not to make others be suspicious of kindness?

"Do what you want but you're never gonna break me...Sticks and stones are never gonna shake me..."

I've read from an inspired article from our church president, happiness is a choice and it is freely given and taken...what I understood was it can never be taken away from you- the choice to be happy. Happiness is a gift and like all gifts, it must be given with a eager and willing heart...A gift given with expectation and heavy heart is not a gift at all...

"Take me away a secret place...a sweet escape take me away..."

In my experience acts of kindness done by my family, friends, strangers were never planned and most came at the time that one had to choose between a rock or a hard place. I bet those of you who have done acts of kindness are thankful you were given a chance to be helpful or a source of happiness.

"Take me away to better days..."

It's so sad that some have been hurt that they feel acts of kindness must be a cautious deed. Everyone has experienced when an act of kindness may seemed to have back-fired...This is what I believe: Goodness does not result to anything bad...Personally, never expecting ROI on an act of kindness will sustain that feeling of kindness. What the receiver of the kind act is totally up to him or her. It all goes back to happiness being a choice...shall I be happy someone helped me up when I tripped? Will I appreciate the advice I knew would change my life? Shall I rejoice that people took time to lend a helping hand even if I were a stranger?

"Take me away to a higher place..."

Those who know me, have a glimpse of how life can be hard and yet the choice to be happy is the road I take. Despite the cares I have upon my shoulders, an act of kindness at any time is a personal pocketful of sunshine.

*Gretchen Rubin: Happiness Tip: Don't Perform Random Acts of Kindness.

A Day That Started Out With A Vacancy...

noreply@blogger.com (The Scribe) — Thu, 04 Dec 2008 08:40:51 PST

On my way to work I used the time to be grateful for life...When I got to my unit and doing the warming up stuff, i come across a message from Alberto...

"Pensa alle prossime vacanze (lontane)."

Italy fascinates me, that's why when Alberto Faccini's name came up for an add-a-friend I clicked the agree button. Anyway, loosely translated (as in word by word) this means :

"i think of a possible vacancy (far distant)."

As much as I'd like to be intrigued (break-up or moving out???) , this statement does apply to my being. Even at the age of 38 and counting this is the point in my life that I am open to what life may bring.

Now as I write, this day is steadily moving along with new paths to leave prints on and people to take interest in...This open to anything frame of mind has brought me to another page My Thoughts In Daily Living I got this Blog Award from there and am about to give it to Macky That Doesn't Exist, Survivor Insights, Roy Van Rivero, Tricia's Musings and David Salmoni's A Season With Lions...

Want one of your own and have several friends you'd like to award? Read on...

Here are the rules:
1. Put the logo in your blog.
2. Add a link to the person who shared it with you.
3. Pass this award to your BLOG LOVER Friends.
4. Add your link to the list of participants below.
5. Leave a message for your nominee on their blog.

BLOG LOVERS:
1. My Passion
2. Insurance an Assurance
3. Hopeful

YOU'RE NEXT! Add your blog to the list above.

For a day that had started with a vacancy, things are starting to look great!

noreply@blogger.com (The Scribe) — Wed, 03 Dec 2008 09:54:13 PST

They say when your life spins out of control, the best thing to do is to stop and drop on your knees. For several times, this advice works the best. As much as I know I have the blood of heroes and brave ancestors in my veins, there's no denying that relying on my own strength is the biggest ego-buster.
This entry is written in midst of introspection and reflection ... for once with the thought that powers beyond anyone or anything is at work in life, I just stand where I am and wait for the pieces to fall...until then, it would be me in Sept. 05, 1782.

When Dark Turns To Light...

noreply@blogger.com (The Scribe) — Sat, 06 Dec 2008 19:53:02 PST

I find myself peeling off the warm bed at 30 minutes past 9 pm, it is time to go to work in the Winter Palace...Working graveyard puts your body out of whack and for th past 3 days I am whacked! Hmmm...it also doesn't help when there's guilt riding my shoulders (read prior post). I got to the office and a team mate of mine says I need a break, and that the best thing to do is to watch the movie Twilight.

With the newest Vamp flick to hit the screens, Twilight is said to be a better way to see vampires-hah! Adventure and action movies are great to watch just to get out of the box once in awhile. What I can't take though is when some just cross that fine line between fact and fiction...I guess the guy playing the Brit vampire Edward is just what a girl needs to unwind-wish there was a foot rub too.

Ain't he vampirish?
*have watched it and corrected the name of the vampire playing Brit: Robert Pattison as Edward...

Person in the Mirror

noreply@blogger.com (The Scribe) — Tue, 25 Nov 2008 07:55:36 PST

The Garden House at Devon

There are always days like this, when you'd just like to shut everything off and take a long walk...letting whatever ill feelings or darkness bottled deep inside just exhaust you to surrendering to THE Higher Power.
I have been functioning on default settings for the past few weeks, exchanging smiles and ideas yet with every 'sensible' word uttered a mocking voice inside says I am a fraud. A quote attributed by Gloria Steinem hits the spot dead-on :

"The truth will set you free. But first it will piss you off."

There has never been a more dreadful necessity than that of having to face yourself and your imperfections you know will haunt you over and over again IF you don't get your act together. More like what an addicted person must feel facing the problem yet not being strong enough to turn away...Or a convert to Mormonism who is compelled to have coffee to stay awake graveyard shift...or an obviously negative person who just can't stop peering at the image in the mirror looking at the wrinkles and flaws and not remembering why the laugh lines exist...

It's a quirk for me to go looking for a quote that can get my message across and somehow share words from a famous person...Just under Ms. Steinem's 'truth pisses then frees' words, were several from Pope John Paul ll...

"Consult not your fears but your hopes and your dreams. Think not about your frustrations, but about your unfulfilled potential. Concern yourself not with what you tried and failed in, but with what it is still possible for you to do."

Reading and thinking long and hard about this...it does make sense. And so does the first quote...Consider me pissed off right now and in time will concern myself with what to do.

Right now, I am looking for a long winding road to get lost in.

The Ties That Bind

noreply@blogger.com (The Scribe) — Thu, 20 Nov 2008 15:03:59 PST

I started off this post and restarted once more to unload my brain of some idea about family connectivity and the way science just skims the surface on explaining about family ties.

What made me think of posting this entry is because everyday that I check my Facebook account and read or see photos and entries shared by members of my family who have Facebook a feeling of lightness of heart and now awe come over me. Several thoughts run through my mind like how was I assigned to this family or is the human race grouped in Sudoku style where the combination of numbers depend on the other squares?

As much as I want to post the answer to my question, I can't...This much I just know, families are gifted with each presence, each member is not misplaced or mistakenly put, even children adopted into a family are meant to be there...

One thing I've experienced is that no matter how much I'd disagree or not like what a family member has done, the love and humility or concern about their welfare still surfaces.

I guess the invisible ties that have us bound to family is often strengthened in love .

Music Prompts

noreply@blogger.com (The Scribe) — Wed, 29 Oct 2008 14:23:17 PDT

There's a T-shirt design that says "I come with my own background music..." with a beatbox image. Sometimes it takes music to help thoughts become profound and absolutely clearer. Which brings me to "See It My Way"- Cabin Ghosts, last week onto the weekend marked the days it took me to be on the last stretch going home. In a previous post, "Death by Ballpoint 2", I anticipated the worst which did happen. Yet as in all things in life the good does triumph.

"but i can see a million miles through the dark when the lights are on you... ill make it back to your door...let me back in the boat, let me back in your arms and let me cry like til the wind I know you need me babe..."

I guess the need is mutual in all families...every leaf or branch that falls away in estrangement or natural causes is less of the family you started out with. Remembering my distress, I know how it feels to be angry at family. But I do understand how it made me feel more alone than ever and how much my need defines my place in the world of family ties.

The whole album of Cory Chisel is a modern day Bread-type of sound that just inspires you to have it in the background while toiling away...

Beyond You...

noreply@blogger.com (The Scribe) — Wed, 26 Nov 2008 12:59:12 PST

One can name a few popular journal entries that have marked ordinary peoples lives then and have very strong impact on people in the present. One of the famous daily accounts was that of Anne Frank, who has shown the world how the human spirit can not be broken easily in times of extreme hardships. Personally, Anne Frank's diary is a reminder to all that race should never be taken against anyone at anytime.

Another series of accounts through letters were made by Ernest Hemingway. Unlike several romance novels written from a point of view of a woman, the book that included accounts and pictures of Hemingway's recuperating during the war was enough to melt a woman's heart. Of course he looked dashing and was described as being good-natured and polite. The book took me 2 reads to fully picture Hemingway at a different light.

Last September, remnants of a journal that survived entering the Earth's atmosophere was presented in an Israeli Museum. The pieces of the diary was found in a field in Palestine, Texas. The journal was owned by the first Israeli astronaut, Ilan Ramon, one of NASA's Columbia crew. Restoration of the said journal started in 1993, most pages remain unreadable and burnt in the edges. The readable parts that had accounts of life in space were displayed while the pages containing personal entries have been given to his wife.

These are 3 of my favorite journal/diary keeping stories that bring out the value of jotting down notes and personal musings. Though for the ones who have written the journals and entries touching others beyond their lives was never realized until after their deaths.

I close with a quote from Carol Shields,

"There are chapters in every life which are seldom read and certainly not aloud."

Run for the Impressions

noreply@blogger.com (The Scribe) — Thu, 16 Oct 2008 14:45:15 PDT

On line Journal writing has its perks and accessories too. Just as I can jot down on my dream Moleskine (soon, my dear!) and decorate with images from my favorite metallic pens and stickers my kids give me, having this on-line Journal makes information sharing 3 dimensional. Web users share information and great content topics to give you a leg up when your own creative juices are on the low. For the time being, forums and getting my opinions about lots of things occupy my time. This is how I stumbled upon dNeero site.

The "OM*" impression I put down was the eye-popping one, very much used by the Ghost Busters toy Egon action figure my brother used to have. Next to smiley's, verbal impressions are very much word and wit play...

Doggone it ...Joe six-pack, what say yous?

noreply@blogger.com (The Scribe) — Thu, 16 Oct 2008 14:29:39 PDT

There are several ways to answer a question. After seeing this video and several after this has made me watch closely the Battle for the Next US President. Let's face it both camps made sure everyone in their ticket and the undecideds got a whiff of what their approach would be to winning points. The noise about the Obama/Biden and McCain/Palin reverberated to the South East and coming from a rabidly soap opera watching and reality TV voyeur-ing country, I just got hooked.

Before I get comments(finally get another one!), my interest on the US elections are more for self preservation rather than to ridicule (McCain/Palin maybe...Obama, Biden, no!). What America doesn't see is how we 3rd worlders look up to super powers and since we're never happy about our own President, we might as well root for the best people who would be the nation's allies.

I don't know what it takes to be a Democrat nor a Republican, being Pinoy means you get to choose your candidates according to how less blurry their platform is for the public...Meaning our fundamentals are as clear as Palin can put it,and also...

Watch CBS Videos Online
My thoughts are more along the Democrat side since they sincerely put the public first, and besides their approach to politics is what we expect from the US and nothing else.

Now for the McCain/Palin camp (the folly of John & Sarah can't be the folly of all Republicans), they have exhibited the kind of politics that I am very familiar with. Since I could legally vote, my thoughts on who to vote for were often muddled by exposé and dirty laundry that what any politician can bring to the table was not talked about much. The only difference is that McCain/Palin never had to join in a dance number or go whitewater rafting in jeans or even wear hideously colored flack vests. What made the McCain/Palin campaign "tenor" so 3rd world was when they started off by scaring people and talk about lives not going to be easier and more wars to be started...the best line of campaign "tenor" was the way they played to ignorance and God fearing people who were also racists.

The Democrats, now that's what I call showing how to lead. From my backyard I can't say I see any of our neighboring countries but what I do know is that they Malaysia is very ready to give billions for our president to hand over some Philippine soil -part of which is the soil I am writing from! So as I said off the bat, knowing who our current president's ally will be in the US is assurance that objective solutions for OUR economy and governing will come from one who understands how it is to live needing yet striving.

I have never posted comments and video blogs until now, nothing left to say for me today...only Obama/Biden '08!!!

Blast From the Past

noreply@blogger.com (The Scribe) — Fri, 19 Sep 2008 15:36:09 PDT

Uncanny how in 13 years (1995 weblog), technology has made possible what man took centuries to improve. Imagine messages in a bottle from people marooned in an island or etchings on rock or wood had to be found years later to give a clue in where or what had happened?

The past week with only the desk top for consolation and refuge, several e-mails were sent, read and lost friendships were found or come across again. Nope, no more littering the seas or plotting the tides to make sure you get in touch again. The happenings of the last week reminded me about Brendan Fraser's "Blast From The Past" .

Opening the trap door connecting the past to the present is like opening the door to a musty old room or attic. I imagine being happy with the great treasures I've missed having or finding out the old drawing studies reminding of who I was then (weird artist) or rifling through the ribbon tied love letters and diary entries that are a testament to your idealism and foolishness...it feels weird because the memories don't seem to match who you are at present...I reluctantly open the door to the past, thinking it jimmied and picked knowing there I shall find the chest where old hurts lay locked but needing to be cleaned for better use of space...

As a kid I liked exploring old rooms and helping anyone who ventures in a cobweb and dusty room. At a young age one is in awe with people and their secrets or the sides of them you rarely see or the history attached to the sash and tiara found in an old wooden box or even a scrap book with pictures of young school kids you never will meet since they are either dead or have relocated to a better country.

Now, with more than a third of my life spent, I am now bearer of the mysteries that I'd take the last stretch of my life sharing to my kids. They had a dose of it already with the chronicle of the aunties, uncles and cousins on my father's side whom without Facebook I'd never get to validate that side of my genealogy...the trap door opened also gave my kids, specially the girls a peek on how care-free and foolish I was- hard to imagine parents as being young. Admittedly, I feel blessed that my children are interested in who I was as a child. I never had that for my Mom or Dad who shared how they were as young ones rarely and only in family gatherings.

Right now, inner spring cleaning is giddy, I am at the part of answering and telling about how I was as pre-teen...Since my girls are at an awkward stage, I opted to edit some incidents and stupidities until they would get to have greater understanding and stronger convictions to just learn from other's mistakes (yup, wistful thinking! lolz!).

I wonder what page gets opened tomorrow?

Death by (electronic) Ballpoint 2

noreply@blogger.com (The Scribe) — Mon, 22 Sep 2008 00:23:49 PDT

There never is the right time to burst anyone's bubble, whatever means you use never really justifies the emotional distraction a mere comment can cause. I live in a country that had 330 years of serfhood so it is very much common to hear to let your offended sensibilities "cool it" in deference of an elder or just a down-right bull headed person.

Today, I am centimeters from the bottom and since there is no other direction to go (but UP)I use the last of my reserved self-respect to spring myself from this place I'm in.

Last month, when my present predicament was simmering, I e-mailed SOS's to (2) of the closest family. Instead of a reply or just a call or any floating device there was just silence so profound that I even doubted I existed. For one month up till last week one of those I've e-mailed responded, bottom-line saying it is bad-taste to ask for assistance if your life is not patterned to how they want to run my life.

This month, the simmering problem is now a boiling over...and just a few hours ago, I sent out an e-mail detailing and appealing my case and in turn frankly put down my thoughts on the 'shabby' treatment I got for my past e-mail.

I guess the 2nd death by ballpoint I have caused was that of my own in the eyes of my blood whose sensibilities which are offended by today's e-mail...

"Death by (electronic) Ballpoint"

noreply@blogger.com (The Scribe) — Thu, 18 Sep 2008 11:28:38 PDT

I think I just "shot" two people.

Today, technology is such a remarkable perk and a wonderful weapon for protection if you put your mind to it. I started this blog with the illusion of giving meaningful and instructive advice on journal writing...Just like cheeseburger with no burger on it! Journal writing instructing is meaningless if the 'instructor' ain't putting out.

Anyway, I have had this quote from Thomas Jefferson in draft since I found it amusing...

" Go on doing with your pen what in other times was done with the sword."

I have always been passive and the thought that all is basically good leaves me struck with barbs of verbal assault and high-handed people to deal with. Frankly, always willing to see good in everyone, most attacks on me are rarely felt. It is when I re-read the entry or mail that I just feel un-easy.

With this, I shall get on with my confession...after years of burying in memory my 1st ever boyfriend gets in touch with the sincerest intentions (basically good thoughts so far) of catching up. The e-mail exchanges and the call I got from him were cordial and had all the ear to ear grin of catching up with the past was good...

Until, that e-mail showcasing his pursuits and success and fattened 'bank account'...Hmmm, me thinks there is something that is beneath the e-mails...Then just yesterday I get another e-mail that had him reminiscing about being the best in all he does and girls (in college)wanted a piece of him! Talk about Britney's song and paparazzi!!!

It took me a whole day and consultation (like I may be reading it wrongly) and confirmed that a proper reply is forthcoming. My first dastardly deed with my electronic pen was to just wish all the happiness in the world- even the happiness his bank account can't buy...okay its not as drastic as an "wtf" or an "up yours mate!" but it's just me to point out and stress that the older one gets the wiser one should be...call it shooting with kindness...

For what it's worth the second confession will take another post...and another take on Thomas Jefferson advice to Thomas Paine.

*Thomas Jefferson sent a letter to Thomas Paine in 1796...

Funny How Things Happen...

noreply@blogger.com (The Scribe) — Fri, 12 Sep 2008 19:36:41 PDT

more animals

Writer Aggression is Adviced

noreply@blogger.com (The Scribe) — Wed, 27 Aug 2008 14:09:14 PDT

The night before, my eldest was mimicking the warning made before an episode of a crime thriller played. The warning was supposed to be "Viewers discretion is advised..." and instead of my NiKkI said "aggression". Anyway, the word stuck and I decided to use it in today's journal scribe post.

The art of journal keeping impresses and inspires yet in most cases when it comes to facing a blank page, it is one of the most intimidating actions. Writing your thoughts down and affecting a reader either by gaining admiration, hate or no-reaction ever extinguishes the desire to just 'JOT IT!'. Seeing that page utterly empty and needing some stuff on it let thoughts like "What if no one likes it?" or "NO ones going to want to know what I think!" intimidate one to put the pen down and crumple the page.

Let's get things straight first, journal writing is all about YOU. As far as the readers or posterity are concerned they are given a gift of sharing snatches of your life that has meant a lot to you. In my book that is a privilege and not negotiable. Why would anyone invest time and brain cells on journal writing? The answer would be the same for "Why should people talk?". Communication is one necessities man can't do without, even without the use of the voice and just a touch or a hand-sign, its is vital. Communicating through means of parchment and ink bridges gaps in time, provides a continuity and a short peek at how a worldwide concern has affected a person and those close by. Communicating a scene or even a rare appearance of a new specie of animal or an outline of a figure an artist thought of rendering- these are invites to witness and validate their existence by reading.

Getting the past the misplaced and imaginary inferiority complex, journal writing will be easier and free-flowing. Some journal writers also depend on journal prompts to jump start their entry writing.

Just like my fixation to the phrase coined from what my daughter said, it provided me with a writing prompt to get my thoughts on the subject out and posted. The same goes for pen and paper journals- a record of time, feeling and thoughts can be generated this way.

Getting the nerve to start and nourish a journal writing life requires aggressive belief in what you can do without caring. Before it gets misinterpreted, all this is in positive light. To be clearly a journal writer for the sake of the future that will not have any idea of how you'd look like or how you think as.

They say practice leads to routine which in turn leads to habit...journal keeping is just that.