New Slice of Life

New year new episode of my daily experiences will be jotted down here and nothing elsewhere. It feels happy to do what pleases you. Whether that's the new skill that I'm trying to learn or the part that makes me look deeper into myself. The old values vs new influences are forming me everyday. I am beyond grateful of the past. Trusting the future will be as rewarding in knowing that He is always with me.

Food Photography :: Choco Cupcake

My Birthday treat. Choco cupcakes with chocolate mouse toppings.

From time to time I like to treat myself with sweet delights. But yesterday seemed to be one of my well awaited day of the year. It was time to celebrate with extra special topping for my cupcake and for another great journey ahead. Glad I feel forever young... at heart and all =) Thank you Lord for my life!

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Learn how to bake this :: Cupcake Recipe

That You May Find

Everything happens for a reason.

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Nan River, Phitsanulok.

Simplicity

Simplicity is a virtue often ignored.
{Cécile Dias}

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I am a homebody or perhaps a nobody. (^_^) I only go out of the house if necessary. Like doing the grocery or engaging on some outdoor exercise. Just this week, T had to go for a dinner meeting and so I was left alone. At times I would watch DVDs but now that we gave it away, since we felt that it wasn't too useful for us, my second option was to experiment new menus.

I'm getting a bit conscious of my bulging tummy so I chose to prepare a quick salad for my dinner. The ingredients consisted of cucumber, iceberg lettuce, crab sticks, cheese, raisins, almonds, diced crunchy bread and Caesar's salad dressing.

A good friend of mine, Cécile noticed my FB shoutout and she left those words above which gave me the idea to look for a possible relevant photo. I took this shot during one of my visits in my hometown. It has always been a habit of mine to go for an off-road adventure with family and meet simple people when I am around M-town. I love talking to them because they are full of stories about life's lessons.

Life is Fleeting Indeed

"I do believe in life after death, but I also don't think it's that important. What is important is to understand that we are also living this life after death NOW."
Paulo Coelho

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Questions came rushing to mind upon the sudden demise of a close-knit family member last week. Though I may not be able to see and understand God's designs as of now, as what my mother-in-law have said, yet we trust He has the best plans for us all.

In this season of lent I am being reminded once again to continue to do better. Let me be the change that I want to see by God's grace.

Aliw's Life Begins at...

10, 20, 30, 40? It's up for you to know and for me to find out.

Have you ever wondered about the meaning of your name? Or have you ever asked your parents why they picked that name for you when you were born? If not, then it's time to inquire or ask uncle Google about it.

As a child I was so curious with my name and my parents gladly explained that they took it from the Christian dictionary that we have at home. So I scrambled to find that dictionary and was happy to see the result of my quest. It says, Aileen is from an Irish origin and a term for Helen which means 'Light'.

Few weeks ago, a good friend of mine celebrated her natal day in the presence of several wellwishers. Fortunately, she's one of those persons I have known with a lovely name. (Just don't mind the Visayan equivalent of some words below.)

Aliw al´iw n. consolation, comfort v. to console, to comfort.
n. entertain v. 1 to interest, to please, to make fun for: maglibang, lumibang, makalibang, libangin, mag-aliw, umaliw, makaaliw, aliwin; 2 to provide entertainment for guests: umistima, istimahin.

Aside from being the best in all these aspects, she continues to inspire others with her simple ways. Praying for a more grace-filled years ahead of you sister.

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I really thought that my quest would end that day. Yet it hasn't.

Let this be my aim each miraculous day among all others. "To live with abundance and joy as I connect with the light and create powerful intentions."

Congratulating the Baldomans

We wish Ayen a safe delivery and a fun-filled baby shower celebration organized by Lynette and Therese (^_^)!

New Beginnings

SPRING.

New life and new beginnings.

When flowers bloom and photographers' lenses zoom.

Sun kissed and bursting trees.

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A few random thoughts upon seeing the richness of colors around here. This was taken on our photo session with the lunch mates two weeks ago before the farewell day came for L.

Another Day Has Dawned

by Kit McCallum

"Positive action begins in our own backyards;
Positive action flows through your own neighborhood;
Positive action can encompass your own small town or city;
… And through this, we are all connected.

Be a mentor when others fail to counsel;
Be a counselor when others fail to listen;
Be a listener when others fail to notice;
… Be a positive experience with every child you meet.

For yesterday, someone looked the other way;
Yesterday, someone pretended they did not see;
Yesterday, someone passed by without offering help;
… But today, it is not too late.

Today, you can make a difference in someone’s life;
Today, you can offer your love and guidance;
Today, you can choose to be a positive influence for another;
… And then maybe, just maybe, our world will change with you. "

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They call him Prof. Mig, if I'm not mistaken, a conservatory of music professor. He's a good friend of Fr. Joe who comes to visit him often at Mercy Center to share his talent. I am always amused at how powerful his voice is, and his music--- rich with inspiring stories from countless generations. It's a nice feeling to be around with inspiring people. You tend to care less what tomorrow may bring.

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Fr. Joe with the Papal Nuncio

About Me

Energetic, fun-loving, hard working, crafty, visual, observant, a good listener, sleep deprived, a photographer

Wife to Tony; a devoted and easy to please person, her critique and cheerleader.

Loves to bake goodies, create art, linger on street stalls, nightscapes of Bangkok

Uses Canon 500D and Nikon D40x for capturing life's beauty

Adores chocolates and vanilla equally, nature movies like Avatar, beautiful portraits

Feels joy in finding stuffs on sale, learning new things, seeing comments on my blog entries, scrapbooking memories, taking a nap while commuting

Shares her crazy dreams and favorite sports with her husband, baking escapades with friends, current events update from lunchmates

Dreams of overcoming fear of heights, traveling to other countries, having a home with rich foliage around it, spending old age with T.