Reflections

Woof Contest Winners - November 20, 2009

2009-11-24T05:07:00.000-08:00

WOOF Contest – Top PicksPoetry

Jena Isle – “Terminus” - "Parting is such sweet sorrow."

dragon blogger – “Last Great Battle” - Fantasy poem about the battle of Ragnarok.

Zorlone – “Twin Souls” - Finding the other pair of an otherwise incomplete soul.

Jennifer M Scott – “Excuse me While I Unload” - A stream of conscious poem.

About Writing

RasoirJ – “Johnny Mercer and the Art of Reticence” - What fiction writers can learn from the great lyricist Johnny Mercer.

Brought to you by PlotDog Press with the Serial Suspense Screenplay "Intervention"

(WOOF participants should re-post all the links above by next Monday. The following links may be excluded as long as you include all the above links.)

Presenting the finest of the writer’s blogs by the bloggers who write them. Highlighting the top posts as chosen by the November 20, 2009 WOOF Contest participants. Want in to join the next WOOF? The next contest ends November 27. Submit a link to your best writing post of the last 3 weeks using the form on this page. Participants, repost the winning link list within a week and you’re all set.

Other WOOF Contestants for 11/20/09

Poetry

Roy – “Chapters” – “A short poem about different chapters in our life.”

Sire – “The Child Of God” - A poem of religion and zealots.

Jennifer M Scott – “Thanksgiving” - A poem for thanksgiving written in acrostic.

Jennifer M Scott – “Excuse me While I Unload” - A stream of conscious poem.

A new chapter unfolds

2009-11-19T07:14:00.000-08:00

After a series of disappointments and discrimination for my age, which was cleverly hidden in the word "overqualified," I finally got hired.

My previous poem Chapters was actually a prelude to this... not that I was expecting... but I was hoping.

and now, a new chapter unfolds. I don't know how it will affect me, my family and my blogging, but I hope it's for the better... and I really wish that this time, it will be for keeps.

I better psyche myself up... "I am still efficient... my employer made the right decision for hiring me... I can still deliver... I am"

Tomorrow is the big day... the day I will write on the first page in my new chapter.

Chapters

2009-11-12T03:56:00.000-08:00

there is no end
a new page is turned over to reveal the next one
life is a continuing process

of pains and joys
of lessons and learning
of looking forward and looking back

every loss, every triumph
are nothing but episodes
as we continue to write
our own book of life

and when one chapter ends
another one begins

there is no end
life is a continuing process

------------------------------------------
Roy
November 12, 2009
7:53 PM
Angeles City
Philippines

A possible job interview

2009-11-07T14:20:00.000-08:00

I don't know if I would be excited or not. Next week, there is a possibility that I might be called for another job interview.

Since my sister arrived last week, they have been calling friends and contacts from their previous employment here, asking them if they would have vacancy for me. Yes, they have trying to find work for me.

I am not a complete bum as I've been earning quite a decent amount from the internet. Not big, but enough to sustain our daily needs. But my sister and my brother-in-law feel that I should find a real job, so they've been trying to find one for me.

So next week, I might be called for another interview.

Interviews don't intimidate me, but it seems I have grown tired of them. Maybe because I dread going through the process of meeting people who can't see passed beyond my age - my credentials notwithstanding. In fact, my credentials seem to be a disadvantage as they always say I'm overqualified, which I always believe was their courteous way of referring to my age.

But hey! What's another rejection anyway? It's not like the first time I'll be discriminated for applying for a job beyond 40 years old.

Looking good... literally

2009-10-31T16:57:00.000-07:00

To look good - your eyesight, I mean, you don't have to look nerdy. With the New Arrivals from Zenni Optical, you can have more choices from the wide arrays of stylish frames. Check out their Holiday Fun Eyeglasses. Of course, the $8 Prescription Zenni Glasses they have been popular with are still available.

Things don't always go our way...

2009-10-30T11:20:00.000-07:00

Isn't is frustrating? You ask for something and then you are given another?

I seek respite for my father... and it was given... permanently.

Can I complain? I'm afraid I can't. Maybe because I wasn't too specific in my request. I forgot, it can go both ways and still have the request granted.

I can't curse. I know there's nothing more I can do.

It's too late... too late to bridge the gap... too late to build a bond... too late to establish anything... it's just too late.

It's really is frustrating when things don't go our way.

Now, I can only wish and pray... that my father will have eternal peace...

Woof Contest Winners - October 23, 2009

2009-10-26T20:32:00.000-07:00

WOOF Contest – Top Picks

Poetry

Zorlone – “Storm” - A voice to the storm's awesomely destructive power. This was written in admiration and respect to its might.

Dragon Blogger – “Ghost Whispers” - Poem about ghosts of the past, read aloud by the author.

Jennifer M Scott – “Open Book” - Losing oneself.

Fiction

Roy/Angel – “Modern day Cinderella story” - An original adaptation of my 11-year old daughter of the Cinderella story.

Lauren Salkin – “Dead Mice Don't Eat Cheese” – This post is based on a true story. So, what is actually true? The mouse, the cat, and me, of course. I did grab the cat with the mouse in its mouth, tried to shake it from the cat's mouth, succeeded in doing so, then subsequently stepped on the mouse, killing it.

Brought to you by PlotDog Press with the Serial Suspense Screenplay "Intervention"

(WOOF participants should re-post all the links above by next Monday. The following links may be excluded as long as you include all the above links.)

Presenting the finest of the writer’s blogs by the bloggers who write them. Highlighting the top posts as chosen by the October 23, 2009 WOOF Contest participants. Want in to join the next WOOF? The next contest ends October 30. Submit a link to your best writing post of the last 3 weeks using the form on this page. Participants, repost the winning link list within a week and you’re all set.

Other WOOF Contestants for 10/23/09

Prose / About Writing

Roy – “How do you prepare for death?” - How do we want death to come to us? Can we really be prepared for it?

Fun and Fearless – “We Filipinos Are...” - It is about an encounter with someone who thought negatively about Filipinos and how a Filipino writer helps me gain pride for my people.

Fun and Fearless – “Have You Got Style?” - It is about a person's comment on how writers should write.

Poetry

Roy – “Dreams do come true” - We just have to keep the faith... cause dreams do come true.

Dragon Blogger – “The Intruder” - Poem about an invading virus and defensive measures, crafted with random words.

Another hurdle...

2009-10-26T06:07:00.000-07:00

I won't lie. I am not that close to my father. I don't have memories of piggy-back rides nor weekend afternoon kite flying.

Still, he is father, and I do feel some attachment with him, one way or another.

Yesterday, we took him to the hospital. He has difficulty of breathing and an on-and-off hiccups. As expected, he was admitted. They were planning to take him to the ICU at first, but I didn't approve.

They were planning to insert a tube in his nose, I believe they called it the GNT, because he no longer eats. We refused because knowing our father, he might pull it out which could cause more trouble.

Fortunately, we were able to make him take his medicines. At least we can justify our decision not to allow the tube insertion. HE WAS TAKING HIS MEDICINES.

This afternoon, I arrived at the hospital and found the hospital personnel taking him out of his room and transferring him to the ICU. As he passed by me, I saw him - unconscious, weak, with tube in his mouth for the oxygen... a picture that I've seen before.

His body organs, as the nurse explained to me, can no longer perform their duties. He no longer breaths by himself, that's why they need to take him to the ICU where the oxygen machine is. When they finally allow me to see him, they have already placed the GNT through his nose.

With the oxygen tube in his mouth, there is no way for him to take the medicines orally, the nurse explained.

I was just silent... not knowing what to say... not knowing what to think.

By some stroke of miracle of miracle, maybe he can pull through this one...

I hope... I pray...

Her father's daugther

2009-10-17T19:12:00.000-07:00

I have written in a previous post about my baby being a scriptwriter, Here I am making a follow-up post about it.

Her story, a modern day Cinderella story is now a guest post in my Short Stories Blog, and I couldn't be any prouder. It was the first time that I read her story actually, as I was posting it on my blog.

Save for some required polishing on grammar here and there, I can say that she got a good storyline... or maybe because she's just my daughter?

I don't know. But based on what I read, I am now contemplating on finally putting up her own blog. The only problem though, is that she's not really too excited about it - having her own blog that is.

But how I wish I could really develop the writer in her, without being pushy.

Why not visit my short story blog and read her story to see if she indeed has the making of a writer.

Call me a proud father, I don't care... because honestly, I am.

Dreams do come true

2009-10-15T05:28:00.000-07:00

Dreams do come true
Believe me
They do

Maybe not when we want them
They come true when
They needed to be

Not how we want them to be
But even better
Isn’t it swell?

Dreams do come true
I hope that mine
Will inspire you

-------------------------------
Roy
October 15, 2009
8:20 PM
Angeles City
Philippines

Inspirational Thoughts and Stories from Bloggers All Over the World

the fullfilment of my dream... a dream shared with 26 great writers from the blogosphere... a dream made possible by the geniune faith of our Jena Isle to our writing

31 inspiring thoughts and stories from 27 bloggers...

share with our dreams... share our passion...

Visit Jena Isle's post to order your copy of the book...

.... and believe... that dreams do come true....

How do you prepare for death?

2009-10-10T10:31:00.000-07:00

How do you want death to come?

Can we really prepare for it?

When my wife passed away last year, we were in a way prepared for it. We knew it would come, so it wasn’t really a surprise.

But, were we prepared? I thought we were.

We were prepared and accepted the fact the she has to go… that she needs to rest. Later on, we realized that while we were prepared for her ‘departure,’ we weren’t really prepared to live our life without her.

It was a long bout, and every now then, the pain of that reality still hurt.

But we were aware of it coming.

Yesterday, my mother called to tell me a bad news. The eldest son of my cousin died.

He was only 19 years old.

I haven’t seen the boy before really as I seldom see my cousins, but I knew he was healthy.

The boy was on his way home.

He was just crossing the street in front of the subdivision where he lives, when he met an accident – he was run over by an oncoming vehicle.

That was instant. No warning.

I can only imagine the pain that my cousin felt when he heard the news. And I don’t think they were prepared.

How should death really come? Is there really a way to prepare for it?

I don’t think we can.

This only means that we should treasure every living hour that we have. Make it worthwhile. Take every opportunity to show and express our love for our family… because I believe, that is the only way to prepare for death…

…pre-paint it with beautiful memories.

Reflections through songs

2009-10-02T10:15:00.000-07:00

Aside from my poetry book being published, another dream of mine is hearing my songs being played on air. No, I don’t necessarily have to sing them, other singers can do better justice to them. That is if they do want to sing them.

Yes, aside from poems, I have also written some songs. I’ve been writing since I have learned to play the guitar. Call it self-admiration, but I’d like to believe that my songs are decent enough and worthy of being played on air (compared to more nonsensical songs polluting the air waves now)

Whenever I have an opportunity, I join songwriting contests in the hope that I might get the breaks. I also sent samples of my works to recording studios that I hear of. But all these efforts really proved futile. Not even a feedback nor an acknowledgement from recording companies that they have received my songs… as for the contests, when professional songwriters are included, can you really expect to be noticed.

Now, 41 years old and running out of time. This dream of mine might remain just like that… only a dream. Maybe some things are not really meant for some people. Getting recognized through my songs may not be for me it seems.

But I know, getting the breaks or not… songs will surely get written.

Definitely they will.

Angel, the script writer

2009-09-28T06:23:00.000-07:00

Finally, I was able to get hold of the PC. Well, because Angel was writing a script for their school club's play since she arrived home from school this afternoon. It took her almost three hours to finish it. She have actually written a draft of it on paper and just polished and typed it now on the computer.

I was tempted to peek, but I didn't. I'm afraid I could be of any of the two - an overacting stage father or a overacting critic. So I just let her be. She do ask me from time to time while she was typing though.

When she was finished, and while printing the script, she was happy and even dancing. I took it as a sign that she was satisfied with what she wrote. It was by the way a script for a modern day version of Cinderella, which was the theme required for her (I couldn't write anything myself when I am given parameters).

Her only concern now is that her classmates are not that really appreciative and cooperative. I hope that they do work on the play seriously so my daughter would get encouraged in her writing.

Maybe someday I'll post her script in my blog, or maybe she'll post it in her own blog. But until then, I won't take a peek... unless she asked me to, of course.

Breakfast today

2009-09-18T21:00:00.000-07:00

It's Saturday, another weekend. Unlike the previous days, cooking breakfast was always done in a hurry... so I need to wake up earlier (4 a.m.) to be able to cook breakfast and prepare the children's packed lunch.

But today, I still woke up early (6 a.m. is still early for a Saturday) so I had time to prepare the breakfast that I have been planning to prepare for a long time - fried rice, 'tuyo' and scrambled eggs... and since I was also able to buy some tomatoes, I added 'sarsiado' on the side.

So there I was, working in the kitchen by my lonesome while the children were still enjoying their sleep... and cooked (in the following order) eggs, tuyo, sarsiado and finally, the fried rice.

I have only one frustration though, I still haven't perfected the 'art of making tutong' on fried rice. I love that crunchy rice at the bottom of the pan... I wish I could make it without burning the fried rice ;)

and finally, at 8 a.m. I called the kids so we all can have our breakfast together... why wait for September 28 for a family meal? When it should be done at every opportunity available?

tuyo, scrambled eggs, sarsiado, fried rice, tutong
complete set up... and of course, coffee for me ;)

I really don't know how long they can keep with my cooking :)

*cooking for weekdays' breakfast of course is a different story ;)

*more pictures here

First Bundle of Joy

2009-09-13T17:05:00.000-07:00

First Bundle of Joy

I never thought I'd feel
The joy I felt when I saw you
I never thought I'd see
A face as beautiful as yours

So young and so innocent
Yet so full of love
I held your hands and then I feel
All the love flowing inside

You're my first bundle of joy
And you bring me so much happiness
You're my first bundle of joy
You bring me so much love

And when the day is blue
All goes well when I see you
And with your sweet smile
You wipe away the tears in my eyes

And there's nobody else
Who can make me feel
The love and joy that I felt
Since the day you came

---------------------------
Roy
January 1993
Angeles City
Philippines

A song I wrote for my son Ralph Emerson when he was just 3 months olds... today, he turns 17... how time flies...

Ralph at 4 years old

Ralph at 12

High school graduation

always the playful one

at the EIB 2009 awarding

Ralph and his new cellphone

Happy Birthday Ralph!

My Angel is ranked no. 8!

2009-09-10T02:25:00.000-07:00

The report card for the first grading period was finally released, and I was surprised and glad that my Angel is ranked no. 8 in the class.

Yes, I know it's still a big leap to the top spot, but hey! My baby is included in the class Top 10, and this she did by herself, because I wasn't able to really teach her in her studies nor do her brothers can help her all the time.

I am really glad that she is self-reliant and would do her studies even without prodding. She would be doing her homework the moment that we arrived home. At least all her efforts paid off.

She could do better, I know. I told her that, but there's no pressure.

Whether she gets to the Top 10, I'm still proud of her, because I can see her efforts.

She's my Angel.

WOOF Contest winners September 4, 2009

2009-09-09T05:27:00.000-07:00

WOOF Contest – Top Picks

Poetry

Dragon Blogger – “Burning Alive” - A dark poem about burning alive.

Roy – “I cried again...” - Crying for no reason at all... but later, I found out why.

Zorlone – “Unafraid to Love” - A dialogue between extraordinary characters about love, sacrifice, and loyalty.

Creative Non-Fiction / About Writing

Holly Jahangiri – “Interview: Thoughts on Blogging” - I decided to throw a relaxed little virtual get-together with some of my “Jedi Blogger” friends, just to have a chat about blogging… So although we live oceans apart, imagine us gabbing at a little table in an open-air café, enjoying a beer, a cup of tea, or maybe sharing a great big bowl of Bulalo.

Fiction

H. Benjamin Petrie – “The New House” - A boy meets a girl he knows in town and shows her his new house.

Brought to you by PlotDog Press with the Serial Thriller Web Novel "Dead Play"

(WOOF participants should re-post all the links above by next Monday. The following links may be excluded as long as you include all the above links.)

Presenting the finest of the writer’s blogs by the bloggers who write them. Highlighting the top posts as chosen by the September 4, 2009 WOOF Contest participants. Want in to join the next WOOF? The next contest ends September 11. Submit a link to your best writing post of the last 3 weeks using the form on this page. Participants, repost the winning link list within a week and you’re all set.

Other WOOF Contestants for 09/04/09

Creative Non-Fiction / About Writing

Jennifer M Scott – “Bull Fighting with the Vortex” - My current woes with writing.

Poetry

Roy – “I'm out of rhyme” - A poem about the time I don't know what to write...

Zorlone – “A Wizard's Sympathy” - Taking Jenn Scott's poetry challenge: Use the line “On salvation’s road laden with lavender lollipops” in a poem.

Jennifer M Scott – “Soul's Contentment” - A love poem.

I adopted another "baby"

2009-09-03T17:57:00.001-07:00

I can't believe it! I adopted a new "baby" and now there's an addition to the family!

I named him Benz, from Benjie, the boy who was looking for his mother in the latest story on my Short Stories Blog.

While Angel and I were in the public jeepney on our way to her school, she saw Benz on the side of the street wandering all by himself. She took pity because he was so small and all alone. She wanted me to get him and take him home so we could take care of him. He seems so fragile when we saw him.

If only Angel won't be late, we could have gotten off the jeepney and took him right away.

On my way back, I went to the place where we saw him... he was gone. The place where we saw him was in front of an office and I saw a security guard at the side... and behind him, in the corner I saw the dog.

I asked him if it was his and he said no, he just found him there when he came in. Apparently somebody left the dog there. Then I asked him if he would take care of the dog, if not, I'll take him home so we can take care of him... as I promised Angel.

Luckily, he gave the dog to me.

As I picked him up, he was shaking... either from the cold or from fear or both... but I whispered him not to worry, he will be taken care of.

When I arrived home, Ralph, my eldest, immediately took care of him. We gave Benz milk and Ralph tended to him while he was eating/drinking. He would whine whenever he is left alone. So Ralph stayed with him for a while.

Here he is, staying right beside my son Ralph

I can't wait 'til Angel gets home from school and find Benz... my only problem right now, I don't think I have baby-ready Chuchi... she's outside the house now, while Benz, because of his size is staying inside for a while.

Excited for Christmas this year

2009-08-31T20:53:00.000-07:00

It’s too early, I know… but I’m in the Philippines and the start of ‘ber’ months signal the coming of Christmas here… it’s the longest celebration of the holidays that ends in January of the following year.

I don’t know why, but it seems that I’m too excited for Christmas this year.

Sure, we were able to celebrate it last year, we had our traditional Christmas party and the kids were happy… but I know in my heart that the spirit wasn’t with me then.

This year, I’d like to make it up with my kids… perhaps, make it one of the best, if not the best Christmas that they will have… even if there are only four us.

Does that mean that I’m through with the ‘emotional rollercoaster ride’ I was in? Have I overcome the feeling of loneliness and longing for my wife?

I don’t know, but what I know is that, the best way for me to show my love for my wife now is through our kids… and that I’ll do.

After going through a lot of firsts without her, I’ve come to realize that we were ‘not really without her.’

I see her through my kids… I even see her in me! Our ways, our actions… our relationships.

And this year, I’m going to celebrate it with her -- through our kids. I gave them a so-so holiday last year, and this time I promise to make up for it.

With the newfound zest and learning to know who I am and what I can do… I can make this year a better Christmas for them.

Yes, I really am excited for Christmas this year.

WOOF Contest winners August 28, 2009

2009-08-31T20:23:00.000-07:00

WOOF Contest – Top Picks

Fiction / Short Story

Zorlone – “The Night Duty” - A night like any other night at the Emergency Room, but not for Madelin. She is an extraordinary nurse with a generous heart.

Poetry

Jennifer M Scott – “A Night with Jupiter” - Another surreal poem on life.

Dragon Blogger – “Vagabond Murder” - A dark night where a homeless person's life is taken.

Roy – “This Too Will Pass” - A short poem about holding on...

Brought to you by PlotDog Press with the Serial Suspense Screenplay "Intervention"

(WOOF participants should re-post all the links above by next Monday. The following links may be excluded as long as you include all the above links.)

Presenting the finest of the writer’s blogs by the bloggers who write them. Highlighting the top posts as chosen by the August 28, 2009 WOOF Contest participants. Want in to join the next WOOF? The next contest ends September 4. Submit a link to your best writing post of the last 3 weeks using the form on this page. Participants, repost the winning link list within a week and you’re all set.

Other WOOF Contestants for 08/28/09

Fiction / Short Story

Roy – “So close...” - About a son's search for his mother...

Poetry

Zorlone – “The rat was a goner” - Finally, a clean house! Find out how a pest was rid of by a determined boy.

Do I really need glasses?

2009-08-29T10:46:00.000-07:00

It's almost 2 a.m. and I'm still blogging. No worry I feel my eyes strained most of the times. Do I really need to get eyeglasses? Can those $ 8 Rx eyeglasses from Zenni Optical really help me? I know, they're stylish and all, but what about performance?

I've read some reviews, maybe they are what they claim they are. Don't know really, cause I haven't tried it yet... maybe soon, when I can no longer read what I'm typing here.

But as for designs, these are My favorite high fashion eyeglasses:

Next to performance, another consideration is the price. With Zenni's $8 price, I guess that makes it practical.

Speaking of practical, here's an interesting article featuring practical tips from the interview of Greg Karp, author of Living Rich by Spending Smart. He even mentioned Zenni in the interview because he was one. The article is called How You Can Start Spending Smart. Nice read, do check it out.

I'm out of rhyme

2009-08-27T06:21:00.000-07:00

I'm out of rhyme, and what a time lose it
'thought I was on fire and my keyboard was smoking

I'm out rhyme, could it happen just like that?
Like I was just singing and my notes all went flat

I'm out of rhyme, now what could be worse?
Oh, did I mention I also have a running nose?

I'm out of rhyme, should I call it a day?
and hopefully tomorrow, things will be okay

I'm out of rhyme, isn't it obvious?
typing lines here like I'm feeling delirious

I'm out of rhyme, now where is my muse?
I can't find it, and it's giving me the blues

I'm out of rhyme, so I better just stop
as I step back... can you believe what I got?!

I got seven rhymes!

--------------------------
Roy
August 27, 2009
9:40 PM
Angeles City
Philippines

*an attempt to write a list poem, in

The Paluwagan at home

2009-08-24T07:28:00.000-07:00

With the prodding of my son Edgar Allan, we just started with our 'Paluwagan' today. This isn't actually the first time we're doing it. We did way back 2005 or 2006, when Mama was still with us.

What motivated to have Paluwagan at home then was that my eldest son, Ralph, joined a Paluwagan in school with his classmates. Based on experience, we know at most Paluwagan die after the first few members already received their 'salary,' to the disadvantage of other members.

To discourage him from joining, we had our own paluwagan then at home. It was only stopped because of the vacation from school, and we never got to start it again.

This past few weeks, Edgar has been egging each one of us to start with Paluwagan anew. Ralph and Angel, for some reason isn't really hot on the idea, but Edgar just won't give up.

So, to make all those begging and teasing stop, I finally decided to start it for them. I guess he needed money (cell phone load, I suppose). With only P5 per day contribution until Friday, the designated payee would receive P125 on Saturday (or Friday night).

Well, if it can teach them finance and savings, why not?

This Too Will Pass

2009-08-18T07:55:00.000-07:00

feeling down and so low
but I know it won't be long
like all the problem that has befallen me
this too will pass

like a storm that comes at night
destroying everything in its flight
but in the morning it gives way to a day so bright
this too will pass

for every night, there will be day
for every darkness, there will be light
for every doubts, there'll be assurance
for every pain, there'll be healing

the anxieties, the loneliness,
the burdens and the pain
pressures and all the tensions,
they too... will pass

----------------------------
Roy
October 12, 1999
4:00 PM
Subic, Olongapo
Philippines

The Truth

2009-08-10T16:44:00.000-07:00

In my previous post, I wrote about the poem “I'm not afraid” and said that it was written by my 14 year old son, Edgar Allan.

That was true, although, only partially. I also said that it was my daughter Angel Liza, 11 years old, who puts the poem into writing because Edgar Allan only commits the poem in his memory… unfortunately, I didn’t understand the last part of Angel’s declaration.

It was only when I talked to her again that the poem turned out to be a “collaboration” of sorts. Because Edgar Allan doesn’t know how to finish the poem, and it actually my daughter, Angel Liza, who provided the last two lines.

Here’s the poem again, with the correct credits provided:

I’m Not Afraid
By: Edgar Allan dela Cruz
and Angel Liza dela Cruz

I’m not afraid of flying
I’m just afraid of falling
I’m not afraid of water
I’m just afraid of drowning
I’m not afraid of fire
I’m just afraid of burning
I’m not afraid of dying
I’m just afraid you’ll cry

The authors

Angel Liza and Edgar Allan dela Cruz