This is a repost of one I made exactly a year ago.

Special days in the lives of people we love is one thing the heart never forgets.

Today I remember a special day in the life of my dear son Ian. It is his 32nd birthday - a day of thanksgiving to the Lord for everything life has offered him. Good times as well as trying ones, high and low moments, joys and sorrows. All these are part of living and my son had his own share.

For all that you have achieved and for whatever you have become, I am so proud of you my son. To God be the glory!

down memory lane with ian


still inside my womb
you chose to be different
breech baby you were

a happy childhood
people so drawn by your charm
such a darling child

as early as twelve
martial arts took your fancy
my anxious moments

challenging school life 

the leader in you blossomed

bound for greater heights

swiftly flew the years
an engineer you became
at age twenty one

first job lost flavor
tour guiding a good option
a job you enjoyed

with dreams soaring high
teaching math you tried and loved
two years as colleagues

down the aisle you marched
one sunny july morning
april rose you wed

adorable twins
gave much color to my life
sons of my own son

soon you had to leave
a brighter future in sight
away from us all

for thirty-eight months
a life without family
persevere you did

long years of waiting
at last with loved ones again
hearts glowing with joy

with heaven's blessing
bloom wherever you're planted
be a shining star

three decades and two
wish you all the best in life
happy birthday son!

the stillness of night

broken by exploding lights

fireworks in the air


oo0oo


like giant urchins
fireworks light up the night sky
a celebration

Watching television is a favorite pastime for most people regardless of age. Unless there's something pressing that  needs my attention, I do watch some shows. Motivations vary. Updates on what's happening here and abroad, thirst for knowledge, vicarious travel. And of course entertainment - a good dose of laughter and smiles, sometimes even tears.

Just like many Filipinos I easily get hooked to soap operas. I used to sit on my rocking chair watching a string of telenovelas after supper. Not now anymore. There's only one I'm following and it's aired at noontime on weekdays.

This particular telenovela has definitely that kilig element that attracts millions of followers. The scenes are wholesome even for kids. It has really taken the country by storm. In fact, even Filipinos living/working abroad look forward to this time slot on TFC channel.

You sure know what I'm talking about folks!

waiting for my fave show

a long string of commercials 

i click up button

oo0oo

yellow butterfly

flutters past the glass window

pleasant distraction

oo0oo


rocking on fave chair
eyes on fave soap opera
lunch is getting cold

Facebook is indisputably the most popular social networking site today. For many, a day is never complete without it. It shouldn't be shocking at all to know that there are young people who open and close their day reading/posting news feeds and messages on Facebook. 

While others my age may find it so unproductive, for me time spent on Facebook is happy, unwinding time. Through it I am updated of happenings in the lives of people who matter in my life. Links shared offer me insightful reads and moments of joy and laughter. And tears too if the story is so touching.

It is just so amazing how technology has made photo sharing so easy. A shot taken now can be seen by family and friends as close as a few seconds after it's posted on Facebook. No more waiting for the mail to come. Such a joyful relief to loved ones separated by oceans.

The photo shown below was posted by my son just a few hours ago. I so love it that I decided to make it the subject of my post today. How I miss this threesome! 

lazy afternoon

 sweet scene of cuddling threesome

papa with twin sons

oo0oo

lips caught in motion

a pout a frown and a smile

papa with twin sons

Time spent at the beach always give me a different level of joy. Simply gazing at the sea and the vast horizon has such relaxing effect on my being. So soothing it is to hear the music of the waves rolling to shore. So refreshing it is to be able to stretch my eyes far and wide where the sea meets the sky.

Having my twin grandsons with me at the beach spells a lot of fun. How they love playing on the sandy shore - running around, digging mini swimming pools or building whatever they fancy. But nothing beats the experience of enjoying the shallow sea water with granny!

A smile is on my lips as I recall this happy moment.

midday at the beach

grandsons enjoying the ride

waves and granny's back

oo0oo

cute waves of laughter

 playing horsey with the twins

midday at the beach

After a long chat with my son today I felt drawn to open old albums. Leafing through the pages was like walking down memory lane. There I was, lovingly looking at every picture and reliving in my mind the moment associated with each one. Happy moments they were.

Pictures of my three sons in their childhood years are just so precious. They make me smile. They make me laugh. And they make me cry.

For this post I have chosen a photograph so dear to my heart. 

from an old album

a pic that stirs memories

missing my dear mom

oo0oo


faded photograph
sweet smiles of mother and son
my eyes get misty