The Pursuit of Happyness

“The Pursuit of Happyness” is a biographical drama film that’s been on my movie rental queue for the longest time.  I kept moving it down the list because I thought that it would be a very depressing movie.  I don’t know about you, but I prefer watching films that leave me with a feel good feeling.

Then on Saturday night I had no choice but to watch it.  It was the featured movie on my favorite television channel.  As it turned out, the story based on Chris Gardner’s life was most uplifting, especially to folks out there who are having a rough time making it in this world.

Chris (portrayed by Will Smith who received an Oscar best actor nomination for his role)) was a portable bone density scanner salesman who invested his family’s life savings into a business that he thought would get his family ahead.  Scanner after scanner sat in their apartment and disposing of each one didn’t turn out to be an easy sale.  The scanner was a bulky machine that Chris had to carry around and take on the bus.  You see, in the course of his sales routine Chris got into the habit of parking his car where he ended up getting multiple tickets.  One day he got arrested for the unpaid tickets and spent a night in jail.  Then a few of the scanners got stolen, but luck was on his side because he eventually recovered them.

Because the bone density scanner business wasn’t making money quick enough, Chris and his live-in girlfriend (Linda) were behind in rent payments, even the payments for the daycare where their son Christopher stayed while the parents were at work.  Linda worked long hours at her drycleaners job to make ends meet and eventually, the financial struggle overwhelmed her.  She decided to walk away because she was no longer happy with Chris.

Although Chris worked as hard as he could, he couldn’t come up with the rent money, resulting in his eviction from their apartment.  Father and son ended up living for a while in a motel where they got evicted also because Chris was behind in the payments.  They became on-and-off homeless living on the streets, in a homeless shelter, and even in a metro station bathroom.

While all this hardship was going on, through his persistence Chris got an unpaid six-month internship at the Dean Ritter brokerage firm in San Francisco.  He got extremely interested when one day he saw a man park an expensive car on the curb.  Chris asked him what he did and the response was:  "Stockbroker."  He noticed that every time he passed by that building that housed the Dean Ritter brokerage firm, people coming out looked happy. 

His homeless situation wasn’t known to his superiors and associates at the firm.  All his fellow trainees spent long hours working on their list of accounts.  Because Chris wanted to make sure that he and his son could get a place to sleep in at the homeless shelter (which meant being there by 5:00), he learned to work on the accounts that were assigned to him within the time frame that he could afford to spend.  With self-confidence and the will to succeed, Chris proved his mettle and after the training period, was offered a full-time salaried position, the only one available to the 20 trainees. 

Eventually, Chris Gardner formed his own brokerage firm, Gardner Rich, which made him a Wall Street millionaire.  This real-life story is an inspiration to anyone who find themselves down on their luck and getting kicked by one misfortune after another.  It is a testament to the fact that hard work makes even an impossible dream become a reality.  

The film left me with a memorable quote which Chris said to son Christopher:  “You got a dream…  You gotta protect it.  People can’t do somethin’ themselves, they wanna tell you you can’t do it.  If you want somethin’, go get it.  Period.”  Yes, indeed, just the way father showed his son.

The irrelevant Red Carpet

Not too long ago, Grammy fashion was the talk of the town.  Tonight it’s the Oscar red carpet fashion parade.  Tomorrow what the stars wore will be the no holds barred buzz.  Newscasters, the tabloids and magazine editions will be examining what the celebrities wore, from which designer their jewelry was loaned, and who flunked the best dressed criteria.

Quite honestly, like many folks I’ve had enough of this irreverent display of Hollywood eclectic opulence.  We’re not out of the recession, Corporate America is still in a layoff mood and people have lost or are losing their homes.  Flaunting thousands of dollars worth of clothes and jewelry is totally out of fashion, if not downright insensitive, when the masses are hurting.

I know that the networks are just doing their job, but those red carpet television coverages are always over the top.  It’s become a live advertising for fashion designers whose merchandise are beyond the average person’s budget, not to mention, the promotion for unreasonable enchantment for shallow glitter and glamour.  A gown worth thousands of dollars?  The incredible amount can buy someone a year's worth of living!

Come on Hollywood, we know that you folks are outlandishly compensated.  But must you rub it on our faces?  It’s time to tone down the extravagance.  I know that you’re sending the message to the Universe that success brings all things beautiful and expensive, but the unemployed and barely making it among us aren’t buying the hype.  Your message is lost on the members of the population who have a hard time finding jobs and are behind in their mortgage payments. 

What I personally hate post-Oscars is the “Best and Worst Dressed” coverage which takes up so much media time.  No one cares if So-and-So wore a less flattering outfit that still cost a fortune.

These award shows only succeed in emphasizing the entertainment industry’s shallowness and indifference to the plight of the ordinary people.  Yes, the same people who patronize their work and put them on their pedestals.

Hollywood, it’s time to downsize the flashy materialism.  If you haven’t noticed, money is tight these days and everyone is forced to go on a budget.  Maybe the celebrities can afford to wear thousand dollar shoes, but we’d rather spend that kind of money on food for the body and soul.

Dancing in the rain

"Life isn't about waiting for the storm to pass...
It's about learning to dance in the rain."
— Vivian Greene

It’s often been said that there are no accidents in life.  Every event that we experience happens in a predetermined order as soon as we made our entrance into the world.  The family we were born into…. the continent and country we grew up in…  the friends and others we meet… the special someone we end up growing old with… even the cause and exact time of our death.

Therefore, when adversities come into our life, succumbing to depression and asking, “Why? “ or “Why me?” is a total waste of precious time and energy.  The best way to handle everything that comes along is to look at it as yet another learning curve in our never-ending process of collecting knowledge and experience.

We should graciously learn to flow with the wind, listen to the tempo, feel the rhythm and enjoy the dance.

When we dance, don’t we feel carefree and liberated?  Don’t we just love the rush of adrenaline pumping through our veins as our feet get in step with the music beat?  For just one moment, doesn’t every nerve in our body forget whatever pain it once felt?  Doesn’t every brain cell in our head scream... This is goood... I’m feeling it… bring it on?

It is when life deals us with innumerable setbacks and challenges that we should remember to dance... physically... emotionally... and most important of all, spiritually.  Get into the moment, shake every part that can move in our body and dance with abandon.  Don’t just sit there and wallow in rejection and self-pity!

Although we love sunny and bright days, the rains come every now and then to dampen our spirit.  Sometimes, we not only get showered with gentle drizzles, but get attacked by violent storms.  In many cases, this temper tantrum from the heavens can cause serious worry and unproductive downtime.  Most of the time we may not be sure that we can weather the storm, but if we just sit tight and populate our minds with bright, hopeful thoughts, before we know it, the rainy day is a thing of the past. 

The rains are like the depressed stages in our life.  We should treat those occasions with the same attitude we have on a rainy day:  even this will pass.  And before we know it, another dawn comes, another reason to feel hopeful that things will get better than yesterday.  Maybe it’s wishful thinking, or even feeding our mind with a false sense of hope, but remember, our thoughts become our reality.  It’s best to feed it with lovely nurturing ideas, positive enforcement that can absolutely wonderfully impact our life.

Life is good.  It is also quite unpredictable and short.  Let’s enjoy it while we can.  Dancing to our heart’s content is the only way to spend a lifetime.

Dance happy!

Good luck, anyone?

Have you ever had the unfortunate experience of bird droppings falling on your head?  If you felt totally disgusted, you might be glad to know that such messy inconvenience actually brings good luck.  Believed to be a major sign of wealth coming from heaven, those unpleasant droppings are auspicious indications that good fortune is just around the bend! 

When you see birds flocking to your house and building nests, feel blessed.  Birds are believed to bring good fortune.  Birds not only bring good news and opportunities, those feathered creatures are powerful protectors and guardians. 

The Irish swear by the four-leaf clover as an omen of good luck.  Finding a four-leaf clover is propitious because it represents God’s grace.

Carrying a rabbit’s foot on a chain around your neck or in your left back pocket is a favorable practice.  This lucky charm is believed to not only bring good luck, but ward off misfortune.  It is also believed that the older a rabbit’s foot gets, the more auspicious luck it brings.

A horseshoe symbolizes good luck, good fortune and fertility.  Hanging it over the door with the open end up will protect the home and attract good fortune.  Some legends say that a horseshoe with the open end pointing down will shower luck; pointing up will gather luck.

Regarded by the Chinese as symbols of abundant wealth, red bats that nest in your home are a powerful indication that you’ll become incredibly rich.  In the absence of living bats, feng shui recommends that you hang symbols or pictures of this creature in your home to attract serious money.

It is believed that elephant figurines placed by doorways and on shelves will attract luck and longevity.  Elephants are a symbol of power, strength, loyalty and wisdom.  Elephants with their trunk raised upwards represent good luck, prosperity, and victory.  Elephants with their trunk downward symbolize conception and longevity.

Another sign of good fortune is meeting up with a snake, be it inside the home, in the garden or on the trail as you’re walking along.  It is believed that the more poisonous the snake, the better the good fortune coming your way.  The king cobra is believed to bring extreme good fortune.  Snakes are associated with spiritual presence and it is not recommended to harm or kill a snake.  Snakes, when they sense human presence, usually slither away.

Also considered good luck is a cricket in the home.  In some Asian countries like China, the cricket is regarded as a watchdog because at any sign of danger, the chirping stops.  It is considered a bearer of good luck in many North American tribes and imitating a cricket's chirping is considered irreverent. 

A cow is highly revered in India where this animal is allowed to roam on roads and highways.  It is the symbol of fertility and prosperity.  If you happen to be driving in the countryside and meet up with one, feel blessed because good fortune is smiling at you!

If you’re gifted with a puppy or a stray dog comes knocking on your door, welcome it with loving arms.  A dog entering your home means that sincere and faithful friends are in your life, supporting you in your time of need and helping you survive obstacles of any kind.  White dogs symbolize love and romance.  Black dogs represent wealth and protection.  Golden dogs bring happiness and prosperity.

Creatures in your garden that bring good luck are insects and frogs.  Ladybugs represent good luck and prosperity.  It is believed that if a ladybug lands on you during an illness, you'll soon become well.  Dragonflies are also lucky insects as they symbolize strength, prosperity, peace, courage, purity and harmony.  Frogs jumping into your home means money is coming to you.  In many cultures the frog is the symbol of wealth, prosperity, friends and abundance, and in others, it represents fertility. 

In some cultures, the dolphin is a sacred animal and its image brings good luck.

Pigs symbolize wealth and riches.  Charms in the shape of pigs have the power to bring good luck among the Chinese and the Europeans.  In Chinese mythology, this animal represents honesty, initiative, diligence and tolerance.

Turtles symbolize longevity and the hope and wish for a long life.  In feng shui, tortoise decorating brings good luck.  The tortoise is among the four sacred animals which include the dragon, phoenix and unicorn.

Inadvertently wearing clothes the wrong way round is a sign of extreme good fortune.  Some favorable news or windfall will be received.  If you’ve been suffering from a streak of bad luck, this is a good indication that your luck is about to turn for the better. 

A new moon or full moon day is considered a lucky day.  Money you receive on such a day is “good luck money” and must be kept. This practice will allow you to enjoy a significant increase in money luck.

If you find your initials on a spider web, you’ll enjoy everlasting good luck.  Just like the spider, food and money will be a magnet in your life.

If two people pull apart a dried turkey or chicken breastbone after making a wish, the one who ends up with the longer end will have their wish come true.

When your left palm itches, a windfall is on its way. Your left hand tingling means serious money is approaching.  The right hand tingling means money is leaving you.

If you see the simultaneous appearance of the bright sun and a shower of rain, the rainbows are not far away.  As we all know, if we find the end of the rainbow, there will be a pot of gold.  Catching this auspicious omen means that any project you have will be met with success.  The birth of a child on such an auspicious occasion is an omen of a great life.  Getting married on such a day promises a very fortunate and financially blessed partnership.

There’s a saying, “Find a penny, pick it up.  All day long, you’ll have good luck.  Give it to a faithful friend, then your luck will never end!”  This is based on an ancient belief that metal was the gods’ gift to man for protection against evil.  Therefore, the belief that any form of metal brings good luck stuck throughout the ages.  Another belief is that if you chance upon a penny lying face up, and the date marked on it matches the year of your birth, you can expect an amazing year ahead.  Don’t pick it up if it’s lying face down.  The luckiest coins are bent or have holes in them, more so if the coins were received as change after paying for a purchase.  The luck is enhanced if the coin is worn around the neck or carried in the left-hand back pocket.  If you chance upon a penny with the face up, pick it up and keep it as it is a sign of good luck.  Better yet, put the penny in a metal box and bury it in your garden so that your luck will multiply.

Pollyannaish frame of mind

Let there be peace on earth

And let it begin with me.

Let there be peace on earth

The peace that was meant to be.

With God as our father

Brothers all are we.

Let me walk with my brother

In perfect harmony.

Let peace begin with me

Let this be the moment now.

With every step I take...

Let this be my solemn vow.

To take each moment

And live each moment

With peace eternally...

Let there be peace on earth,

And let it begin with me.

The husband and wife songwriting team of Sy Miller and Jill Jackson (the brains behind the lyrics of this beautiful song) envisioned a future of world peace.  The words of this song express what they believed each one of us can do to create it.

The song was first sang by a group of teenagers of various races and religions on a mountain top in the summer of 1955.  Since then the song has travelled around the world as though it had wings of its own, creating a universal atmosphere of peace and understanding for humanity. 

Wouldn’t it be awesome if “Let peace begin with me…” becomes every human being’s personal goal?  Then we can say goodbye to violence, racial discord, irreconcilable differences and every negative force that has prevented our world from enjoying the benefits of pure peaceful existence.

Although it seems unimaginable, it is never too late to embark on a peace mission.  If everyone, and I do mean everyone, will only commit to allowing their minds to experience freedom from everyday annoyance and distraction, and maintaining harmony in their corners of the world, the big picture of world peace can be attainable.  Monumental accomplishments are the results of little things working together to create the magic.

My thinking is that bad news keep popping up all over the globe because the citizens are restless... demotivated... unbalanced... uninspired...and peace-deprived.  Clearly, an Invisible Supreme Being is not at the forefront of their lives nor a major force in their daily existence.  Serenity of the mind contributes to the achievement of tranquil environments.  If everyone will become God-fearing and respectful of boundaries, the world will be transformed into an amazing universe. 

Sy Miller and Jill Jackson couldn't have expressed a peacemaker's vision more profoundly...  "Let there be peace on earth, and let it begin with me…” 

Let's second the motion.

Bachelor Brad: Now there are three…

From where I sat, it was quite obvious who Bachelor Brad really felt romantic feelings for.  You see, body language is a very honest giveaway.  The interaction between Brad and that particular girl was always comfortable and animated.  No pregnant pauses that typically bode disaster.  In fact, he and she already behave like a couple.  Unless Brad is a good actor, there was no way he could mask the telltale emotions he felt for that girl.

What I loathe about “The Bachelor” is the mad process that the lead has to pursue like a religion before picking the girl.  After sending 26 Mrs. Womack wannabes home, he went to four hometowns, met four families, then at the Rose Ceremony, dumped someone who by then had not only fallen for him, but was probably already envisioning herself in a white dress at the altar.  I guess the producers enjoy causing every rejected woman's heartbreak expecting a waterfall of tears streaming down the exit limo.  In the next episode, the merciless procedure repeats itself until there are just two women to choose from.

If Brad was already feeling it for someone early in the "journey", why can’t he simply skip the farce of "having feelings" for each of the four girls and go straight to the point?  The first time he went on a search, he strung along two innocent girls and dumped them both in the end.  Although Brad looked painfully torn at the Final Rose Ceremony, it was cruel to the girls, but did anyone even care?  Not the producers, I’m sure.  Not when they can claim bragging rights to the "most shocking Final Rose Ceremony ever."  All they cared about was the ratings and the fact that it would be the talk of Reality TV universe.

The final four women are nice, lovely girls who say they’re ready to commit.  From the looks of it, each girl is living very well in America, specially that Chantal O. whose parents’ living room is bigger than the size of my whole house.  In fact, their home is bigger than the church I go to!  Are the four hometown dates really necessary?  Does anyone really want to see how Shawntel N. embalms dead bodies as a way of life?  Ashley H. showed Brad what real-life dating was all about by having him taste her local delicacy poutine (fries with cheese and gravy).  It was painful to watch, not only single mom Emily's child interact with would-be stepdad, but Emily salivating over Brad and wanting him to kiss her so bad when it was obvious that his heart never left Seattle.

After so many painful seasons of “The Bachelor,” it’s time to re-invent this show.  The formula has become a bit predictably stale and awfully boring.  I’m sick of watching wild and crazy women behave like deprived citizens in a long line for a piece of bread.  Women should learn to put a high-end price tag on themseves. That’s the only way that the men will value us and appreciate our genuine worth.

If the show is about a love story, I wish that the people behind "The Bachelor" would make it happen in a scenario that every working girl in America can relate to. The trips around the world make finding love more mind-blowing than it actually is. 

With that said, I thank the producers for showing girls everywhere how lucky they are to be living a normal, authentic lifestyle.  The helicopter rides looked exciting on my TV screen, but, no thanks, I’d rather have my feet firmly planted on the ground.  That way it's easier to get up from a fall.

An all-embracing prayer

My brother forwarded a most beautiful prayer.  He received it in an e-mail from one of his friends and I'm probably the 1000th recipient on the distribution list.  The instruction was to forward the e-mail, but instead I’m publishing the prayer so that more people can read it and benefit from its lovely message.

Dear Lord, I thank You for this day,

I thank You for my being able to see

and to hear this morning.
I'm blessed because You are a forgiving God

and an understanding God.

You have done so much for me and

You keep on blessing me.
Forgive me this day for everything I have done,

said or thought that was not pleasing to you.

I ask now for Your forgiveness.
Please keep me safe from all danger and harm.

Help me to start this day with a new attitude

and plenty of gratitude.
Let me make the best of each and every day

to clear my mind so that I can hear from You.

Please broaden my mind that I can accept all things.
Let me not whine and whimper over things

I have no control over.
And give me the best response

when I'm pushed beyond my limits.

I know that when I can't pray, You listen to my heart.
Continue to bless me that I may be a blessing to others.

Keep me strong that I may help the weak.
Keep me uplifted that I may have

words of encouragement for others.
I pray for those that are lost and can't find their way.

I pray for those that are misjudged and misunderstood.
I pray for those who don't know You intimately.
I pray for those that will delete this

without sharing it with others.
I pray for those that don't believe.

But I thank You that I believe that God changes people

and God changes things.
I pray for all my sisters and brothers.
For each and every family member in their households.
I pray for peace, love and joy in their homes;

that they are out of debt and all their needs are met.

I pray that every eye that reads this knows

there is no problem, circumstance,
or situation greater than God.
Every battle is in Your hands for You to fight.

I pray that these words be received into

the hearts of every eye that sees it.  Amen!

To whoever authored this lovely prayer, a million thanks!

Please feel free to share with the people in your life.  Our endangered planet will benefit from all the prayers we send to the Universe.  If we pray unceasingly, there's a chance that the evil forces that have been causing the extinguishment of human joy will leave us alone.

Abundant blessings!

My octogenarian friend Down Under

Today, February 21^st, is a very special day.  Not only is it President’s Day in the U.S., it is Kenneth’s 80^th birthday!  KCT, as I fondly call him, was my long-ago boss across the Pacific. He was in his late 40’s when he walked into my life, a spring chicken, if you will.

The Philippine company I worked for was acquisitioned by a major U.S. company.  KCT, an Australian who was formerly based in Malaysia, moved to Manila to head our Pacific regional operations.  Right off the bat, the two workaholics (KCT and I) quickly bonded and for five years, we worked as an "unimpeachable" team.

KCT traveled a great deal in those days.  He was responsible for the Southeast Asian operations and trips to the Asian facilities he managed became the routine.  Thanks to his frequent absences, I had no choice but to be self-sufficient, not allowing myself to be the mouse that played when the cat was away.  It was an invaluable experience as it gave me ample occasions to think on my feet.

My fond memory of that time includes the telex machine operations.  Today’s generation won’t even know what I’m talking about.  It is an antiquated version of a fax machine that instantly sent messages to anywhere in the globe.  The process was painstaking because before any message could be transmitted, someone had to type the text into long strips of yellow tapes which ended up with punched holes.  Then those tapes were fed into the machine and that’s how any message could get to the receiving end. 

Because the telex transmissions were a huge part of our daily corporate grind, we needed someone full-time to manage its operations.  That employee's job was to stay in a room with the telex machine constantly making its peculiar sound and monitoring all incoming and outgoing messages.  But as it turned out, it wasn’t exactly a boring job for the employee we took on board.  She eventually met her American husband through that cumbersome equipment.  One day she heard the keys typing a message, someone in America saying "hello."  She responded and it was the start of their electronic romance. 
 

After I left the company, KCT’s wife (MLT) and I exchanged typewritten letters.  We corresponded for a while but when my life in America got really crazy, I fell behind in my letter-writing, not only with her, but everyone else in my life.  Many years later, I heard that she had a three-year battle with cancer which took her life five years ago this month.  When the news reached me, I regretted that I couldn’t be in her life at her most difficult time.  I felt sad that I didn't get the chance to tell her how much her friendship was appreciated.  On the third day of her passing, as I drove to work that morning I noticed the custom-made license tag of the 4WD in front of me.  We were stopped at the light, giving me a moment to notice it.  The tag had MIRIAM below a pair of stretched-out butterfly wings.  I didn't think it was sheer coincidence to see her name on the third day of her death.  You see, she and I had a special bond.  Right that moment, it hit me that it was her unique way of saying Hi and Goodbye.  I knew that her spirit was also assuring me that she was fine in her new heaven.  Nevertheless. I couldn’t help but feel heartbroken.  MLT was a special soul, a burst of sunshine, a bright and lovely spirit who always found something uplifting to say.  She had a vibrant personality and a witty disposition.  She was one class act and I’m sure that she is sorely missed by her family and friends. 

It is great to know that KCT has wonderfully moved on even without the love of his life.  To celebrate his 80^th, KCT and his daughter took a cruise to South America and Antarctica.  I'll always remember him as a wonderful boss who made sure that the people he worked with were taken care of.  Because he worked hard in his executive role to make his employer look great, he deserves to be rewarded with every relaxing vacation he can enjoy in his retirement years.

Today as KCT becomes an official member of the Octogenarian Club, I feel blessed that he touched my life, grateful for his friendship throughout the years.  He is an outstanding citizen and I wish him many, many more birthdays.  

I told him this on his birthday last year, and I'll say it again:  KCT is still my all-time favorite boss!

Sunday sloth

Wynonna Judd (American country music superstar turned novelist) and I share the same weekend sinful indulgence:  Sunday slackness.  Like Wynonna, Sunday is also my sacred day.  She thinks it’s divine to sleep until she wakes up, lounge in bed and stay in her pj’s.  So do I.  I love how she brilliantly justifies her sloth:  “I think it’s important to bask in the glory of nothingness.”  

Wynonna said it explicitly well.  Bask in the glory of nothingness.  In six words, she captured the essence of my Sundays.  Even I can’t phrase it any better.

I go to church on Saturdays so that Sundays are spent chained to my comfort zone.  Call it idleness… laziness…indolence… I don’t really care because this rare luxury puts my body at rest and my mind at peace.  Monday through Friday means incarceration in the work jungle, what many working folks call the corporate prison.  Saturday is spent running around like a mad woman doing errands.  Sunday becomes my automatic bolt from all the craziness of the week… my me-mine time to do as I please. 

Everyone should give themselves permission to have the same Sunday pleasure that Wynonna and I enjoy.  Do nothing… or if you must move your body, engage in pursuits that give you joy.  Actions that make you feel tinglingly whole.

I have realized that one day of doing absolutely nothing is what keeps me physically healthy and spiritually alive. Because I enjoy 24 hours of uninterrupted blissful laziness, I am able to heal from the work week’s battle scars and regain my fractured sanity caused by chaotic stress.  Idle Sundays allow me to get up five days of the work week feeling ready for combat duty in whatever the week brings.

Sunday is a blessing.  Doing nothing on this day is a Divine grace that everyone should take advantage of.  I can't thank my Dear Jesus enough for this precious gift.  But, honestly, I won't mind having more than one lazy Sunday schedule during the 52 weeks of the year.

Perhaps I should be careful what I wish for because I just might get it! 

Wishing upon a February moon and star

Coming home the other evening as I approached my front steps, a beautiful perfect moon caught my eye. Seldom do I see a full moon and that was an occasion to make a wish.  Before I made it inside my house, I backed out to give the moon a second wishful glance.

Then yesterday as I left my house, I saw a single star in the morning dawn. Again, I immediately made the same wish.  The sole star in my universe made me perfectly thrilled that it was there as I walked to my bus stop.

A full moon the night before… and a solo star the morning after?

Maybe it’s the constant child in me, but, in my mind that back-to-back moonlit and starlit appearance was auspicious.   Hopefully, what I wished for would soon come true!

No matter how old we are, it’s important to keep alive the child in our hearts.  That joyful spirit will keep us forever young. There are people who are serious about everything, and having a sense of humor seems to be a farfetched occurrence in their lives.

Children love laughter and so must the folks in the winter of their lives.  Laughter has been referred to as the best medicine.  I have to agree.  Laughing has taken my mind off really depressing happenings in my immediate world.  If God didn’t give me a healthy sense of humor, I might not have made it this far.  I am specially thankful to all the people in my life who keep sending me all those funny e-mails that always bring a smile even in my dark days.  In this sometimes bitter and cold universe we live in, every little bit helps!

Anyway, back to the full moon and single star…  If one of these days you chance upon either of these, MAKE A WISH.  Silently say the one (or two) life-changing good fortune that will send you to the moon and dance with the stars.  If you believe with all your heart that the moon and the star are paying attention, cross your fingers, your wish might be granted.

According to Yahoo… The full moon is said to bring about the fulfillment of desires. In modern pagan lore, spells done on a full moon have more power behind them and are more likely to be successful. A full harvest moon was considered lucky because it gave enough light for the harvest to continue even at night.

A shooting star also brings luck if you immediately make a wish when you see it.  A shooting star is not an unusual occurrence so it would be wise to have a wish handy.  It’s believed that if you’re sick, you’ll get well.  If something is lost, you’ll find it.  If you’ve been experiencing a streak of bad luck, your life will take a turn for the better.  If you had a falling out with someone, you’ll be friends again.  If you and your significant other broke up, you’ll kiss and make up, or you’ll find another love.

There’s nothing wrong in believing in good luck charms and omens.  Remember, what we feed our minds can bring good or bad consequences.  Our thoughts do become our destiny.   I don’t know about you, but I sure could use a lot of good luck right now!

Children lost in the crowd

There was a time when telling people what was in my heart was a rather difficult thing to do.  I think it was due to the way that I was raised.  I went to grade school in a convent school and the Catholic nuns and priests in their pious habits were a fixture of my childhood days.  My classmates and I were taught the importance of good manners and right conduct.  Even if my small friends lost their composure sometimes and became loud and rowdy, I always kept myself quiet and inconspicuous.   

All throughout my school years, I had a difficult time raising my hand in class to respond to the teacher’s question, or even to volunteer my point of view.  Although my young mind was filled with questions and opinions, I kept my mouth shut.  It was probably due to the fact that at home, my father was a strict disciplinarian.  That might have been the reason that I was rather timid in my approach to almost anything.  Writing notes and letters was the only activity I could pour my heart into.  It was a silent pastime where I allowed the walls around me to crumble.

Now in my golden age, I hold the opinion that early in our life, even before we can think for ourselves, the talent we are destined to pursue comes knocking on our door.  Many parents, or those who take on guardian or surrogate parental roles, might observe it and encourage the development of the child’s inclination.  Unfortunately, there are many others who don’t heed, or are too busy to notice, the rousing of young talent.  It is just too bad, because if more parents, or people who are responsible for the raising of children, will only take the time to do so, our world will benefit from the amazing wealth of human special abilities.

Instead we see so many young lives falling apart and descending into the gutter, unable to make anything of themselves.  Substance abuse has become their god and way of life.  They are quickly aging before their time.  Many such young people procreate and bring their own offsprings into the world, never mind that they themselves are children needing taking care of.  Sadly, the vicious cycle continues.  As a result, our world is getting crowded with human beings who didn’t wish to be born, but are forced to be in society where they are not given proper guidance, unsure of what their roles are.

If our world can have shining role models for the children to emulate, we can stop this oppressing cycle.  The people in the entertainment industry responsible for the films and shows that make their way for public consumption should ponder their responsibility in the education of the world’s children.  As we know, the young ones are like sponges, good at absorbing and copying what their eyes perceive.   It behooves the people who have the ability to influence the masses to be discriminating in their choices of public entertainment. Violent movies depicting the use of guns and gangs only serve to perpetuate the idea that it’s normal to kill people or that gang membership is the way to go.  Uninhibited nudity and graphic portrayals of sexual encounters inspire the young ones to perform the same, thus we end up with more babies in the population than we can handle. 

The music industry has a significant role, too.  Children pick up on their recordings and make them their tune of choice.  The “f” word has no special meaning and only succeeds in making young minds think that it’s alright to make it a part of their daily social discourse.  If we value our children, we will give them all the tools to grow up fine, nurturing, respectful... and HAPPY.  In the end the responsible and productive children we bring into this world become our most important contributions to humanity. 

We all have our roles in the Universe.  Let’s make ours something we can be very proud of, knowing that we were not responsible for a soul getting lost or staying in the mud.  Just like the global warming problem, the physical, mental and verbal pollution in our society is ours to resolve.  If the folks with the resources to make it happen will only do their part in the pursuit of common decency, our world won’t look and sound as sloppy as it does right now.

Grateful in failure

It’s heartbreaking to see young people’s American Idol dreams of making it in show biz get shattered during Hollywood week.  The tears were real and for many, the pain of rejection might have brought traumatic consequences.

I’m sure that many young people who have been singing since they were old enough to master potty training have aspirations of celebrity in their future.  It’s awesome that they’re able to manifest their dreams and have done something to fulfill the glory in their minds.

But dreams can be fragile and in one instant, can break into many pieces.  What I can suggest to the young AI visionaries is to be good at something else:  another money-earning skill that can support them as they go through life’s many ups and downs.  Call it their day jobs.  Also, they should be prepared to handle disappointment well and have the tenacity to move on. Gracious in defeat yet forceful in purpose.

Like singers, writers have many setbacks to overcome.  Many heartbreaking falls to get up from.  Sometimes it's very tough specially when people are unable to get up from a fall.  I can’t count the number of returned manuscripts I’ve received over the years.  I won’t lie that the rejections didn’t bother me.  But did that make me lose precious sleep…or keep me from writing?  Did I simply wallow in utter disappointment and never thought of writing again? On the contrary, I became convinced that if the time wasn’t then, it would be NOW.  So here I am…

It is my hope that today’s young people, those who think they have a talent and who are waiting for that one lucky break, will have the patience to spend time honing their skills.  It can be very frustrating.  As we know, champions aren’t made in a single day.  Many countless hours of practice factor into that winning moment when all the sacrifices make it all worthwhile.

Just as important as the time spent to master a skill is the attitude that accompanies the effort.  Humility is a very good posture to maintain throughout a lifetime, not only for beginners, but specially for those who have achieved a measure of success... even overwhelming good fortune. It is good to never forget that the gift of success in any undertaking is a cherished grace received from a Supreme Someone higher than any of us.  As a way of saying thanks, giving back to the community is an awesome gesture that merits continuous pouring of blessings from the Divine.

If any efforts of ours ever achieve favorable results, it is only proper to give thanks, not only once, but every day that we are allowed to breathe.  I believe that what is more appealing to the Universe is to say thanks even if our attempt at success is a failure.  That just proves that we are gracious, not only in victory, but all the more so in defeat.

Thank goodness, Bachelor Brad finally woke up!

It couldn’t have happened sooner.  Michelle, the woman who annoyed me nonstop with her on-camera self-flattering confessions, made her ungracious exit from the Caribbean’s Anguilla island in the last episode, giving Bachelor Brad a dose of her uncharacteristic silent treatment.  This is the woman who, from the moment she had a chance on camera, told the world that she was Brad’s bride.  She wanted all the women to leave because she would eventually end up with Brad anyway.  Well, her walk of shame to the “Rejected” limo made her look like a woman in a bitter divorce, not exactly the picture of someone who was heartbroken.  Since she talked her way through the episodes, her stinging silence on her final night was unexpected and uncomfortable.

I don’t wish to sound unkind, and I certainly felt her pain, but Michelle rubbed everyone the wrong way.  Maybe it was the ultra aggressive style she went about to catch Brad’s attention.  Or the fact that she had a way with words that simply irritated.  For the longest time, I believed that Michelle might be "The Bachelor" producers' "plant" to add spice, intrigue and conflict.  If the unsavory rumors now surfacing are credible, my suspicion was right all along.

The good news is that Brad Womack is now down to four spouse material women who will have him visit their hometowns and meet their families.  Hopefully, I will prove my hunch right because the preview for the next episode was very telling to me.  When he told one of the women that he was “looking at homes” in her hometown, I think I just heard the magic words.  Those three words I interpreted as looking for a place to settle down.  We’ll soon see!

After the last episode Anguilla should have tourists flocking to enjoy its pure, unadulterated, peaceful scenery.  The intoxicating blue and aquamarine waters and white sand beaches are food for the soul.  Even if the last episode disappointed with all the over-the-top drama from the women, the dating venues astounded!  “The Bachelor” may not have a good track record of long-lasting matched relationships, but the show is succeeding in promoting tourist getaways.

No matter how “The Bachelor” ends, whether Brad finds his lady love or not, the only sure winners in this television franchise are the network producers. They brought to our TV screens the lovely places from the tourism brochures and most likely got handsomely compensated for their advertising efforts.

I've been hearing many unlovely behind-the-scene news about this season of "The Bachelor," but until the information is proven to be gospel truth, I consider it merely pure speculation.  The juicy tidbits don't make Brad look good.  Until proven true, I'll watch the show like a hopeful romantic waiting for the fairy tale to unfold.

To Brad and the ladies:  May the taping of this season allowed you to enjoy the time spent wherever the network had taken you.  When real life takes over, it will be a completely different ball game.  Good luck to everyone.  I hope that “The Bachelor” experience wasn’t a waste of time for you all.  May it be the start of a really exciting future.  Thank you for keeping my Monday evenings entertained!

"Thank You" mantra

If there’s anything that should never go out of fashion, it’s the practice of saying “Thank You.”

Wouldn’t it be a very pleasant world if everyone… rich or poor… ordinary or outstanding… plain or beautiful… learn to utter these two simple words? Our society will flow with wonderful karmic energy and its people will harvest the fruits that habitual “Thank You’s” will generate.

There is a gazillion of reasons around us that deserve daily thanks to the Universe.  Let me count a few…

Clear Blue Skies

Rain That Provides Moisture To The Land

Clean Air For Breathing

Sheltered Homes

Heating For The Cold Months

Fireplaces That Keep Us Warm

Air-Conditioning To Cool Our Summers

Filtrated Water In Pipes

Plumbing In Our Bathrooms

Green Grass

Colorful Flowers

Pretty Landscaping

Verdant Valleys

Mountains That Delight

Windows With A View

Doors That Keep Our Homes Safe

Gates And Fences That Provide Home Security

Structured Streets

Paved Roads

Traffic Signals

Food-Stocked Supermarkets

Fuel For Vehicles

Well Constructed Highways That Take Us To Long-Distance Places

Air Travel That Brings Us Closer To Faraway Destinations

Reliable Public Transit System

Seasons That Inspire The Soul

Churches That Nourish The Spirit

Hospitals For Healing The Sick

Funeral Parlors That Honor The Dead

Cemeteries That Provide Resting Places For The Departed

Financial Institutions That Keep Our Savings Secure

Friends And Family Who Make Us Feel Loved

Libraries That Quench Our Thirst For Knowledge

Internet Information At The Tip Of Our Fingers

Prayers That Bring Solace

Pets That Give Joy
Leaders Who Work Hard to Help Humanity
Ordinary Citizens Who Do All They Can To Make a Difference

Motion Picture Folks Who Bring Mass Entertainment

Recipes That Give Us Meals To Enjoy

Law Enforcement People Who Protect Our Surroundings

Construction Workers Who Build Beautiful Homes

Wait Staff In Eating Places Who Serve Our Meals

Doctors And Nurses Who Make Us Feel Better

Dentists Who Put a Smile On Our Face

Volunteers Who Are Generous With Their Time, Talent and Energy

Writers Who Make Us Think

Religious People To Whom We Look Up for Spiritual Guidance
Songs That Make Our Hearts Dance

Dances That Make Our Feet Sing a Song

Feelings That Make Us Grow Younger
Our Good Health

Our Precious Sanity
Gainful Employment
Thriving (Sometimes Struggling) Economy

Organized Chaos

No matter what tomorrow brings, there is an abundance of reasons to keep the grateful spirit, if only we take a moment to pause and reflect.  The best time to do it is first thing in the morning when the mind is free of any stress and distraction.

Giving thanks 365 mornings a year is not only the right thing to do, it is a gift that will continue to give, a lovely deed that returns awesome benefits.  Try it and watch the magic it waves in your life!