Girls Just Wanna Have Fun...

Our first get-together for the year! Always special to spend time with high school classmates, some even from grade school. Nothing beats that! The bond, the friendship, the love and support, it's unspeakable joy! It's beyond expression, beyond explanation. That's why we try to have these get- togethers as often as we can.

And today at Dulce's beautiful home was simply special. She hosted the party with great Filipino food and desserts. No pot-lucks today. It's all Dulce&Rene's generosity - WoW!

One of the things we did today was watched a free movie from a computer hooked up to TV that Charrie introduced us to. We watched UNBROKEN, a World War II true story about survival, resilience, and redemption directed by Angelina Jolie.  Since most of them have seen it, there were only about 4 of us who watched it. But we couldn't hear so well as... well, the guys sitting by the dining table we called the loge, (like in a movie theatre), behind the living room, were loud enough. But the gals, in the kitchen, at the back, we called the balcony, behind the dining room, were even louder and noisier... What do you expect from, well... Girls?! They're having fun.

Anyway, we got as much as we could from the movie and it was really good. One of the best films of 2014!

There was one word that hit me at the end of the footage about the soldier, Louis Zampereni, who was treated inhumanely at the Japanese war camp. Instead of revenge, he chose FORGIVENESS...

So befitting Zamperini! 
Rest in peace, Sir...

And for those who were boisterous on the balcony, ladies, girls... I forgive you.

A Side Story

Beside the book was a bright-colored mosaic-designed ceramic plate with the words -
Just when the caterpillar thought the world was over, it turned into a butterfly.

BEAUTIFUL!

BLESSED VIRGIN

The other night, I dreamt of me and 2 musician friends, Sandy and Annie, watching a concert. And the artist on stage, instead of playing music, was talking about the Blessed Virgin. And I thought, "She's like me."
Then yesterday, I passed by work to drop something and pick up some stuff, too. The gift shop was open so I came in and what did I see on one table? Amidst all the gift items, I saw one lone small book, THE ROSARY OF OUR LADY. I bought it. Simple as that. My connection with the Blessed Virgin continues...

Miraculous.

Hello Again, Indeed!!

2015 has just started so here's to a 

HAPPY HEALTHY BRIGHT NEW YEAR!!!

I'm back. I miss you, guys. Welcome back.

QUEEN VICTORIA'S EMPIRE

Watching QUEEN VICTORIA'S EMPIRE on PBS, this is really nice. Having had such a deep nap, feeling calm, I just find the documentary simply informative, no excitement involved, thus, simply easy on the nerves. I like it. I'm still on it. Haven't changed channels. I don't want my moods to change. I'm content just being like this right now.

Enjoying the moment...

Fortune Cookie for the Day

Do not rush through life.
Pause and enjoy it.

Just what I needed! I've been rushing, rushing, rushing lately, I'm a nervous wreck!!

SLOW DOWN...

On God and Buddha

Last night, I watched BUDDHA on PBS, and wow, what a way to end a night, easy, calming, especially having been almost sleepless the night before.

And right now, there's a marathon of Joseph Campbell and Bill Moyers on PBS again and just now, Bill asked, "Do you believe in a personal God?"

Campbell said no because he claims if you do, what's the value of faith?

The universe, or however else we call God, is impersonal to me.  But there's a personal God. And I believe in a personal God. I do. In Jesus, God the Son, the closest we have, the most human, to be closest to God, the Father, and God, the Holy Spirit. Thank God for that! With it, I don't need faith. I just know. And on circumstances that arise that need faith, I'm up close and personal with Jesus... and there's Mother Mary. What a plus! Yes, I believe.

Before I formed you in the womb I knew you,
Before you were born I set you apart, says the Lord.
                                                                        Jer. 1:5