“Let us be grateful to the people who make us happy; they are the charming gardeners who make our souls blossom.”
― Marcel Proust

I only have a week left in my trip and had little expectation of anything else that would make it more special than it already is. However, my sister had one last trick up her sleeve. Spoiler.

The Road to Happy

The Road to Happy – Scrapbook made by Shai Coggins esp for me

My heart. Big sis had taken time and effort to make me one of her awesome scrapbooks as a farewell gift. MELT. I go cry nao.

I’ve always admired her artistic skills and enjoyed looking at scrapbooks she’d make for her kids. We’d talk about the how’s and the why’s, sharing bits about my own foray in the arts, i.e. recent penchant for doodling, but, unlike her, I’ve never taken it seriously.

Then the other night, when I saw her working on her mix-media art journal (IRL, I might add — seeing that I’ve also been following stuff she’d share on her Instagram (@shaicoggins) or Facebook or her blog), I teased her by asking if I can have her art journal because I want to have one but can’t make it myself the way she can, haha. I knew she won’t give in to my request so I added that I’d settle for her making me a scrapbook.

Lo — “You jumped the gun,” she laughingly said as she handed me their farewell gift a week early.

When I turned to the first page, I was greeted by a 5-year old me. Oh, hai!

“a pocket full of happiness”

Inserted in the page pocket, my sister photocopied the handwritten message at the back of the photo which was from me (but twas my mom, really — hey, it IS her handwriting and it’d look weird that a 5-year old would address herself in the 3rd person and in cursives no less, haha) addressed to my dad, telling (showing) him that this is “[Sasha] in her Montessori uniform.” Photo dates 21.09.1982. <3

Let's pause a bit to commemorate a historical moment: first time to post a very old photo of myself on my 8-year old blog, haha. I believe I can even call it vintage knowing how old the photo is! AND I reckon it can actually be christened as my first sartorial. Lulz.

“Life’s aspirations come in the guise of children.”
- Rabindranath Tagore

“Buckle up… Life’s a trip. Enjoy the ride. Celebrate Memories. Remember.”

Speaking of sartorials — I was so moved by the gift that it inspired a blog post (hint: this is it — surprise, surprise) which will be accompanied by a recent hobby of mine: pairing experiments and outfit photos. Old news, I know. Ha.

After 3 decades mucking about this world, the 5-year old grew up to look like this crazed woman in her mid-thirties wearing an outfit inspired by the “Montessori uniform,” styled out of a suitcase. Lucky.

What can I say? I matured rather late, if at all, since I still play dress-up and would prance around in mommy shoes.

UPDATE: Outfit breakdown – Montessori over at StyleManila.com

Hold on. Those are my shoes and I ain’t no mommy yet, haha. Must find me one of those husbands first — hoping he comes packaged in intelligent geekiness with a ribbon of romantic bad-assery around glittery wrappings. /wink

Can’t help it. Like most little girls, sparkle is a key ingredient to the recipe of life’s appeal.

Older version of the 5-year old me has this uncanny ability to crack me up ALL. THE. TIME.

“Whenever you wish to change yourself, but find it difficult, start as children do by pretending that you already are.”

Dear sis, Thank you. But words can never really express the very feeling I had felt when I held the scrapbook in my hands the first time. I reckon ’twas one of the rare times I had felt visible and thought of and loved. And yes, I will fill it up with other things chronicling my time on The Road to Happy.

I love you, sis! /bear hug

“Hope
Smiles from the threshold of the year to come,
Whispering ‘it will be happier’…”
― Alfred Tennyson

xo,
Sasha <3

P.S. Let’s play catch up by reading this post: HAPPY for 2013.

P.P.S. Breakdown for the outfit will be posted on StyleManila.com, so if you’re interested, you can go and have a visit. Will update this post with a link shortly!

Salmon Fishing in the Yemen stars Emily Blunt and Ewan McGregor
image: thesargontimes.blogspot.com

Salmon Fishing in the Yemen. A charming story about a journey of faith to make the impossible possible.

For the longest time, I haven’t watched a movie that made me say, “I love this movie,” unabashed. The story is simple, somewhat predictable, but when the credits started to roll, I found myself hating the fact that it’s a sign that it’s all over. It’s the sort of movie that I would want to watch again (and again) but putting a bit of space might help in reliving the experience of having watched it the first time.

And my experience was marvelously exceptional, if not magical. Carried me off to memories of making impossible things possible, of questions on chance encounters and opportunities lost; to thoughts of finding love in a foreign land, of dreams of ribbons and promise rings.

Have you seen this movie? You should if you haven’t.

Quite alarming astounding that it sort of echoed a zing (referencing Hotel Transylvania there, haha) that a Dr. Seuss quote I recently shared on Facebook gave me:

“We are all a little weird and lie’s a little weird, and when we find someone whose weirdness is compatible with ours, we join up with them and fall in mutual weirdness and call it love.”
~ Dr. Seuss

It’s always amazing to find a vision of life that speaks to your soul in the only way possible.

I’d also like to let you know that a definite addition to my list of favourite actresses, joining Cate Blanchett, Marion Cotillard, Vanessa Redgrave, and Judi Dench to name a few, is Emily Blunt. Happy to have seen a few of the films she acted in: The Devil Wears Prada (2006), Charlie Wilson’s War (2007), The Jane Austen Book Club (2007) — of course! — The Young Victoria (2009), and, quite recently, Your Sister’s Sister (2012) and Looper (2012).

Also, you can expect me to get a copy of the book, Salmon Fishing in the Yemen by Paul Torday, soon. Have any of you folks read it?

Salmon Fishing in the Yemen by Paul Torday
image: jenniferpooley.com

Anyway, should he ask again, I’ll definitely make him watch this movie the way he made me watch Midnight in Paris and The Artist with the hope that he’d learn to appreciate the sort of films I like the same way I did having watched his favourites.

So. What’s your favourite movie?

This just might be the reason why I take lesser photos now than I used to. Or that I prefer using MrForest (an iPhone 4S) over MrSixty (a Canon 60D) apart from the more obvious reason: size. Over the holidays, with countless things going on and my entire being fixed on vacation mode, i.e. spending less time in front of the computer, et al. So, come the time I had to update my camera uploads (thanks, DropBox!), I’m buried with loads. THEN I get too lazy to work on them.

Work-around: I try to come up with themes either for a Facebook album upload or a blog post as I work through stacks.

Animated NYE x NYD photo set

I found a bunch of photos I took using a remote and with MrSixty fixed on a GorillaPod to record us waiting for the NYD countdown and fireworks display in Sydney on telly. I didn’t really know what to do with a photo set with no “money shot” among them. I was too sentimental to scrap them SO I thought I’d make a gif file out them instead.

FUN!

NY Resolution #2: Spend more time getting to know my equipment for better photos, haha.

If you missed reading resolution #1, best check out: HAPPY for 2013. Lulz.

How’s the new year for you so far? Y’all doing resolutions this year?

This reminds me of a similar post I did a few years back for a photoblog project wherein I had to choose a word for a photo and I had chosen the word, HEART painted with light. Making an immutable choice can tough but if you’re wise to act when a distinct inspiration strikes, you’re sure to end up going where you’re supposed to go.

Just said goodbye to 2012; welcoming a brand new year with a word.

“Don’t cry because it’s over, smile because it happened.” — Dr. Seuss

HAPPY for the next 365 days.

The word, HAPPY, wasn’t a clear-cut choice but the moment I made the decision to sit down in front on my computer at quarter past the second hour of the 1st day of the new year, it was the word that made perfect sense. Thoughts were clearer. Happy memories, magnified — made me think of Bluey (my sister’s cavoodle) following me around and resting his little head on my lap at every opportunity he gets, reminded me of the words of Charles M. Schulz, “Happiness is a warm puppy.” And, yes, serendipity came into play.

.. create HAPPYness
.. do what makes you HAPPY
.. live in a HAPPY universe
.. pursuit of HAPPYness
.. be HAPPY with who you are, where you are

“Happiness is when what you think, what you say, and what you do are in harmony.” — Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi

I am quite pleased with the prospect of letting the word shape my 2013. However, as to how this entire thing will pan out exactly, I’m not certain. I’ll try to share with you folks HAPPY posts as best as I can esp with upcoming travel plans that I can start with and all.

Anyway, I hope your 2013 will be filled with HAPPY stories we can tell each other. <3

“People are just as happy as they make up their minds to be.” — Abraham Lincoln

xo
Sasha

Melbourne

Melbourne, Victoria, Australia

I’ve been in and out of Australia five times since 2005 and I’ve been to Melbourne twice; last time was last year. But it’s still one of the most beautiful cities I’ve been to so I’m looking forward to this trip. If I got the itinerary right, time there will be very interesting. I’m also looking forward to catching up with an old friend.

Sydney

Sydney Opera House, New South Wales, Australia (photo by sydneytheatre.com.au)

Ah, Sydney. I’m definitely excited to experience the city’s much-gushed about vibrant cityscape, electric atmosphere and epic landmarks, particularly the Sydney Opera House. It would’ve been awesome if the trip included a night at the opera but I reckon I’m happy with the thought of finally being able to visit the place after all this time, haha.

Sydney Harbour Bridge, New South Wales, Australia (photo by harbourrocks.com.au)

And there’s the Sydney Harbour Bridge. Visualising myself scaling the height of it seem appealing but I’m still not quite decided if I should. Seeing it, being on it, or going under it may just be enough to satiate the tourist in me, haha.

Oh yea, I’m also hoping that I’d get the chance to meet up with a few people while I’m there. Any takers?

The Great Ocean Road

Great Ocean Road, Victoria, Australia (photo by ebookers.com)

The Great Ocean Road in the State of Victoria, Australia. This is one bit about this upcoming trip that I’m really looking forward to. Plan is taking a interstate road trip from Adelaide, SA to Melbourne, VIC (then fly to Sydney, NSW and back to Adelaide — Amazing Race-esque experience minus the stress AND the million dollars, haha), and we’ll be taking this famous road on our way to the State’s capital.

Twelve Apostles on the Great Ocean Road, Victoria, Australia (photo by lightroomtutorials.blogspot.com)

Point of interest along this already picturesque road is the Twelve Apostles that’s rumored to have been trimmed down to 10 due to natural reasons. I vote that the apostles that got booted out are Judas and Thomas (you do know that I’m only teasing, yea?). After seeing all the photos I can possibly look at online, I’m psyched to see this in person.

Port Fairy Lighthouse on the Great Ocean Road, Victoria, Australia (photo by 123rf.com)

And with my fascination with lighthouses, I’m also hoping we’d be able to stop by and check out this one: Port Fairy Lighthouse. I’ve been itching to take photos of a lighthouse and this one is a perfect subject.

Since we’re on the subject, this trip will be an excellent opportunity to take photos and, yes, experiment. Esp after looking at spectacular photos, I’m now inspired and impatient; counting down the days till I’m looking through my viewfinder, capturing images of each moment as every place opens up and speaks to my soul.

4 more sleeps to go!

Thirty

Quietly welcomed it through writing, music and coffee at Starbucks. Blogged about it here: Celebrating A Birthday.

Random trivia:
My birthday should’ve been 14th of December had I decided to come into the world on time. I reckon I was such a good little girl even before I was out of my mother’s womb since, due to certain, er, let’s just call them inconveniences at that time, my mom had asked me not to come out yet and I didn’t. Lulz. So yea, I was culled 1 week longer than her due date.

According to my mom, birthing me (normal) was painless due to an accidental overdose of anesthesia. She ended up having difficulty standing afterwards and that my dad had to carry her from the car to the sofa when they got back to their new home. Yes, the house I still live in is as old as I am. It was my parent’s first property investment which was valued at around a hundred thousand.

My mother was an activist while she was pregnant with me. Her stories include joining rallies, marching to Malacañang, handing out pamphlets. Of course, I clearly wasn’t around then so there’s no use wracking my brains for a memory. What I do remember was them joining the EDSA rally (People Power) in ’86 ousting the Marcos regime.

Thirty One

First time to spend it outside the country. Blogged about it here: Oz Welcome and Celebrating 31 Years.

Random trivia:
I ran away from home at age 5. Of course, I was just right across the street, hiding somewhere at the basketball court, checking the house if someone would find my letter and come looking for me. Also, as a kid, I have this reputation of making up words that sounds like the actual word, e.g. “Anong ebidente mo?” or “Pasan ko ang digdig” referencing a Sharon Cuneta movie.

Thirty Two

Hosted a wine party at Lusso, Greenbelt 5 with a few good friends.

Random trivia:
I went to several preschools — one (I forget the name) in Tahanan Village, GOAL Montessori in Sun Valley (Kindergarten), Village Pre-school in Marcelo Village (Prep), before spending 11 years (loyalty awardee, huzzah) in Benedictine Abbey School (now San Beda Alabang) in Alabang Hills Village. I actually had the option to go to Colegio de San Agustin but I chose to be a Bedan like my older sister and older brother.

Thirty Three

Memories of my birthday that year were overshadowed by a more significant event: Holidays with the entire family complete in Manila. <3 Blogged about it here: Family, Friends and a Season of Reunions.

Random trivia:
I was informed that I only started to read properly when I was 7 years old. This is still under debate tho. It’s because of the letter I wrote when I ran away. I wouldn’t be able to write a letter without knowing how to read now, can I?

What I do remember when I was in first grade, I spent a month away from school and was visiting a lot of hospitals: Bago Bantay General Hospital (now J.P. Sioson General Hospital – owned by relatives), Chinese General Hospital, and PGH. No, I didn’t really drop out of school to look into getting into medicine, it was a leukemia scare (yes, I was subjected to a bone marrow test at a young age) and I’ve ran out of fingertips they can prick for the blood test. I got a Barbie worth 700 pesos (can you imagine how expensive that doll was back then?) out of that ordeal.

Thirty Four

Celebrations were kept private and limited to a few good friends at my favourite watering hole, Bugsy’s Makati.

Random trivia:
Celebrations were annual Christmas parties for family since my birthday usually falls on a school holiday. I only got to celebrate it in school just one time (’twas during my 3rd year in highschool), came to school for the Christmas party, haha.

5 Wishes for my 35th Year

Well, get on with it. I can take it. I’m certainly old enough. I think.

1. I wish that my mom will let me keep a bunny wabbit. Pleeaaaase.
2. I wish that I’d develop amnesia and forget that I’ll be, technically, turning 36 a few days from now. If that’s not possible, let me celebrate my next birthday in one of the countries on my bucket list.
3. On a related note, I wish for more opportunities to travel. Seriously considering a post on places I’ve been to. Maybe I should find time to do just that. Anyway, I’ve got a year to make that wish come true.
4. I wish I’d own one of Intel’s Ultrabook convertible thingamajigs. OMG. This is my sister‘s fault!
5. I’d wish for the guy who sent me the song you’re about to listen to (if you get around to it, that is) but I’d settle for a guy who’d have it in him to do something similar. Wait, scratch that. Make it that he’d do something better — amazingly mine. Now, that’d be lovely. <3

I could’ve gone on telling you three decades worth of memories but I reckon sharing 5 general bits is long enough. Thanks for being a part of it somehow and taking the time to read this year’s birthday post. Throwing in one last wish: I wish most of what I’m about to experience from today till the rest of my life will be littered with great discoveries and endless learning.

Cheers to a good life!

A few days spent away from the city was received with delight. It’s expected that I will take photos but I wasn’t really planning to conduct a photo project on my own. It was simply a case of losing sleep due to the cold, fascination with the sunrise and horses, and the guilt over not spending more time with MrSixty as I should.

A humble effort to capture the beauty I saw, here are a few of my favourites from the trip: (you can click on any of the images to see the full gallery)

These past few weeks in Australia have been interesting for me, particularly when it comes to photography. Though I do try to find time to take snaps whenever I’m traveling, there are specific trips wherein I find myself more inspired than the last. I can’t say I take the best photos but I do try to look at the place through my viewfinder with a pair of eyes with freshness and wonder. I reckon, trusting fundamentals such as light and that personal story won’t make the photos I take great, only special.

Have you been taking photos from your recent travels lately? Would you mind sharing them with me, too? I would love to see them. <3

Meet Yvonne, the set of wheels I got my hands on.

My sister’s pink Ford Festiva

It was a trip around the corner sort of drive; a short 2-3 km-ish distance from the garage to the house but I was glad I had the opportunity to do it. My sister did offer me free use of her car if I want to, however, I’m a bit unsure if I should. I did try to drive on Oz streets before (both A/T and M/T types), also drove in Yangon with its crazy right-hand driving on the right side of the road, and I’ve been driving for almost 15 years now (and I am a car person and I know I’m a decent driver) BUT I need a refresher on Oz road rules since I don’t want to get awarded with that high-priced traffic violation ticket. I’d rather spend that money (300AUD! What.) on shopping or a plane ticket to Sydney.

Intersection of Diagonal and Oaklands Roads in Marion, South Australia

As much as I’d like to see how it’s like to go on the main roads, I’m happy cruising on the back roads for now. Perhaps after a little more time with Yvonne, orienting my brain that I should stay on the left side, remember which direction the cars are coming from, review the roads where I have “right of way” plus consider speed limits like they’re part of the 10 commandments like a little good Christian girl would, then I’ll be more confident to get behind the wheel more often.

Head gear for driving: The Chick Flick Twistband (Visit StyleManila.com!)

‘Twas a cool thing that on this short drive, I got to do it on my own and, I mean, I was alone in the car with just my music on. Less pressure. I can relax and imagine I was navigating the streets all by myself instead of being in a convoy, haha.

Anyway, ended the day with a quick convo on food when my sister served a hacked Katsudon for dinner. Interesting alternative to prepping a typical chicken schnitzel. It’s another highlight of my day.

#FoodHack by Shai Coggins: Katsudon (with chili flakes and coriander) + Miso soup

I reckon if I am to learn how to cook, I’d want to learn how to #foodhack. Can you imagine being able to cook a fancy dish out of common ingredients? That’d be awesome and economical. I told my sister to blog about the Katsudon on her food blog, Dash Food. And I want my own herb garden, too.

Oh, yea. And there’s this mini-masterpiece (we made this on Free Draw over at NickJr’s). It’s a definite highlight of my day as well.

H and Tita on the Beach, Free Draw on the Nick Jr website

According to my niece, I’m the one surfing on the pink surf board and she’s the blond girl sunbathing on the shore, haha.

I’m enjoying exploring art with my niece. <3

Your turn. What were the highlights of your day?

P.S. Yea, I’m currently in Australia btw. I’ll be here for a few months, particularly for the holidays. Also, check out StyleManila.com if you want to know more about the Chick Flick Twistband!

P.P.S. Definite low is when I ruined my sister’s outdoor coffee table. I feel horrible and stupid for being so careless. I think I go cry nao. :’(

However, I am rooting for the will to win over the heart. I believe choices mold your life.

“.. if [she] would be beautiful and happy in her November of life, she will cherish all her present powers of mind.” — Jane Austen, Persuasion

Wrapping my head around the thought that I live a life wherein there are no mistakes. It may appear so, most of the times, but if I examine the choices I’ve made in the past, I can attribute my present to them. Makes me think that it is true that regardless of the pain you had to go through, you won’t change a thing in your past. It wasn’t because something you’ve done is wrong, it’s a choice to go a different way or to forge your own path.

Friends know me to be someone who thinks too much. Yes, I have to admit, I spend too much time inside my head to the point that I’ve become, ironically, too clinical. I wrap myself in a harrowing cocoon of melancholy. Might even be the reason why among the (western) seasons — for its allegorical significance, romantic imagery, and picturesque transition of elements — Autumn is a personal favourite. This is one of the reasons why I started to write.

Eventually, one will tire of all the supposed soap opera-like drama they’ve managed to build around them. I am. I’d like to have the Dementors, that seemed to have volunteered their services shadowing me, go on an indefinite leave. I need some a truckload of cheer in my life. So evoking the Patronus Charm — holding on to the happiest memory I have that will even make Mr. Potter proud — I’m choosing Summer.

Spring brings hope. Summer glories in it and equips you for all the Novembers of life.

Summer in Australia. I’ll find cheer.

And dreams. And family. And eureka moments. And love.

P.S. Both photos were taken April 2011 (Autumn-Winter season) in Australia, hence the long straight hair and layered clothing, haha. Also, didja know that the film Rent’s screenplay is by Stephen Chbosky? Interesting trivia.

Hard-bound, sterling paper, gold-trimmed pages, it’s own ribbon marker, and best bit, it’s only a few pesos over a thousand. So, knowing it contains 3 books, it would mean they only cost a little over 300 pesos each. I reckon, I got it at a real bargain.

For those who aren’t familiar with the Vampire stories, with the first book that came into cinematic fame in the 90′s — fresh off watching Louis (Brad Pitt) and Lestat (Tom Cruise) — the Chronicles are composed of the following:

Interview with the Vampire (1976)

The Vampire Lestat (1985)

The Queen of the Damned (1988)

Have any of you read any of these? Save the spoilers, I’d love to hear your thoughts on them!

I know, I know. I was at NBS on a Christmas shopping errand done early due to a trip scheduled this coming week but I then remembered why I’ve been steering clear of bookstores — I just can’t help myself sometimes, haha. I know I’ve been doing my part in going through the unread books and I know not to buy more books but like a kid in a candy store, I sheepishly queued up at the counter with an armful of new books, errand momentarily forgotten.

Stardust
Neil Gaiman
I absolutely love the story as adapted on screen. I watched that film a number of times and wouldn’t mind watching it again. I reckon it’s time to experience it as how it was originally written. Last Gaiman book I read was American Gods.

The Time Keeper
Mitch Albom
I have to admit that I know of Mitch Albom because of the book, Tuesdays with Morrie. I saw the movie version of that book but never read it. This is my first trek into his written work. I’m quite hopeful that it will be a wonderful read.

Sputnik Sweetheart
Haruki Murakami
It was Connie’s comment that lead me to consider reading this book. Do you also get into a mood wherein there’s something specific you would want to be reading? I get that sometimes and one particular mood I was in a few weeks ago was I wanted to read a Haruki Murakami book. Though, I do have this odd habit of re-reading books if I want to, I didn’t want to go back down the well in The Wind-Up Bird Chronicle. I had this strong need to read a new Murakami book.

What a dilemma. Here I am, with a 20 kg limit looming ahead of me, staring at a fresh stack of new books. How am I to choose which book to bring? Sorely tempted to bring the Anne Rice book but it seems heavier than the Gutenberg Bible. If only my reading habits evolved into the digital like how it is with my bestfriend who uses an e-reader / iPad to read but, heck, must be the old fart in me. I love reading books the conventional way: holding it in my hand, feeling the paper, turning the pages, and have you noticed the scent of books, both new and old?