...to sing about 'the shape of you'! =========================================================================== by PAM I know, I know, the past few posts were grim. OK, so let me make it up to you (assuming we have a 'you' here, that is) with this, and see if it doesn't crack you up like it did me...
"Come on, now, follow my lead... I'm in love with the shape of you..."
Hahaha.... oh, gosh! Now, isn't that fun? So hilarious!
But, really, seriously... what if, the great "Presidential Lecturer" himself really tried singing "Shape of you"? I'd wager he'd do really great. Are we ever going to find out? Ah, gosh... I wish we'd see the day when Pres. Barack Obama really gets the pop singing going, seriously!
OK, I wish I had more time here... but I gotta go. 'Daily grind', ya know... whatever.
***
Video credit: Thanks, YouTube, for the video link.
...and more 'pictures'! ============================================================================= by PAM I saw this 2012 'chick flick' on Star Movies called, "The Vow", just now. It featured Rachel McAdams and Channing Tatum in a sort of predictable plot that, to be fair, had a few quite touching moments. The happily married couple, Paige (McAdams) and Leo (Tatum), met a vehicular accident. This caused Paige to suffer brain trauma, resulting in her losing a few years of her memory, including how her life with Leo began and came about. For some reason, she remembered her past before Leo, including a past relationship. This caused her to reunite with her rich family, which she deserted before meeting Leo because of her father's infidelity in which he cheated on her mother with Paige's closest friend. But even this, Paige did not remember. Leo had never met Paige's family before the accident, and meeting them made him realize how different Paige's old life was compared with the one she lived with him. Rather than imposing himself to her, being her husband, Leo respected Paige's request for space as she traced her way back to her life with him before the accident. He tried to remind Paige of their love instead - by courting her all over again, which warmed Paige's heart as she was drawn to him naturally. I admit, that's sweet. 💖 All the time he was spending in making her fall all over again took a toll on Leo's financially precarious new business though. Paige's rich father, who wanted to take advantage of her condition to win her back, offered to save the business if Leo divorced Paige. Leo resisted, but then when Paige started to feel frustrated by how she was unable to recall her life with Leo, moving closer to her family and farther away from Leo, he let her go by agreeing to the divorce. Paige picked up the pieces, starting from what she can recall from old life with her rich family, including her old plan to study Law with prodding from her father. But, it did not work because she kept gravitating to her real interest, which was art - the same thing that led her to Leo, who was into music production and owned a recording studio. Later, when her best friend approached her to apologize for her affair with Paige's father that caused Paige to turn her back on her family in the past, she was shocked. She questioned her family on how they used her loss of memory to regain her favor. The same is true with her previous boyfriend, who used her loss of memory of her marriage to Leo and her memory of their previous relationship to his advantage. Realizing how she is being gently manipulated, Paige turned him down all over again. And then she realized Leo's patience and sincerity in helping her find her way back to her life - in her own terms. As she started to miss Leo's presence in her life, she found 'the marriage vow' that she wrote in her wedding with Leo. She realized his love to her... and she fell in love all over again. The End. I think there was very little chemistry between McAdams and Tatum. And, Tatum was doing 'his acting thing' again - the emotion not reaching his eyes. And because the eyes are the windows to the soul, that deprived the audience from looking into Leo's soul. The grief, the love, the frustration, the excitement, the joy - they simply lacked depth in Tatum's portrayal of Leo... although he seemed to try. It's a good thing that he is really good looking, 😅 otherwise, it would have been unbearable to watch. But McAdams... ah, she's great - as usual! 👏 She always brings the character she plays to life. She is awesome like that. However, in spite of McAdams' beautiful portrayal of Paige's character, the movie is not all that great. The best that I'd probably remember about it is hearing The Cure sing "Pictures of You" while the credits rolled. Oy! 💓
"Remembering you standing quiet in the rain
as I ran to your heart to be near...
Looking so long at these pictures of you
but I never hold on to your heart."
My goodness, what a song! How melancholy, but, man, so beautiful! They don't make songs this beautiful anymore these days. But then, even in those good old days of brilliance in music, The Cure was truly exceptional. So, yeah... past, pictures, memories. 🎵"There is nothing in the world that I ever wanted more." 🎶 And you wish you'd just drown in them for a moment... drown in the beauty of it all rather than stare at this present ugliness, this imposing monstrosity called 'reality'.
Then again, aren't we responsible of our own 'reality'? In that case, I choose to move on from this ugliness. WELCOME, HAPPINESS!
*** Video credit: Thanks, YouTube, for the video link. ***
...but not feeling lowly, thank God! ========================================================================= by PAM There are things in this life that are simply beyond our control. Many people make their choices based on what they see... as far as their eyes can see, without making an effort to peek at what their hearts do see. Love is blind, true love is... and it should be. And yet, unwise judgment stems from blinded and muted heart as well. Many people listen to their own counsel, no matter how skewed this is and with all the hallmarks of narrow mindedness; or to a saccharin-sweet tongue's twisted counsel, rather than to what the signs of times scream at their ears. And many people say what others wish to hear rather that what others ought to
Moving on to a 'place' where one can grow and flourish.
hear...to placate themselves, to win others' good favor regardless of what is on the line. In these situations, trying to do what is right is tremendously difficult. It is like finding a little mustard seed in a thick tangle of hay - a futile effort, indeed. Therefore, rather than insisting to look at things from a pair of pink-tinted spectacles, it's best to be pragmatic sometimes. To shield one from devastating disappointment, it's best to take things with a grain of salt... take a step back and let God work His miracle to 'untangle' things. In the meantime, life should not stop, the 'tangle' should not stop one from continuing to grow and flourish... somewhere else - away from the restricting trap of the 'tangle'... especially when one's own rope is free, and not a part of the incredible 'tangle' of malice and lies, nauseating falsities from shameless band of flatterers, unscrupulous actions to fulfill one's ambitions, and shocking acts of selfishness. Yes, observing how these things evolve to a great tangle of mess can make one feel really low in spirit... but one has a choice - always: to join the lowly tangle, or to move on and find a fertile ground where one's seeds of good intentions can grow and flourish to mighty trees with generous leaves of cooling shade, a respite for tired souls... including one's own tired soul. I have a choice... and I am moving on. May the good Lord guide and protect those who choose to steer clear of the 'tangle'. *** Photo credit: This is a photo of one little part of Burnham Park in Baguio City, Philippines, taken from the balcony of a hotel room across the park. ***
...to get back to the 'zone'. ============================================================================= by PAM Oh, boy, where did all the days go? February went by in a snap! Well, at least, that's how it felt like. One day, it was February and I was struggling to pack enough reasons to board the plane back to Manila from Italy... the next day, it's March! Naturally, in between, I had to damp a huge amount of energy into each day. Now, I'm just trying to keep flu at an arm's length... with just enough success to stay 'alive' and keep working. Music... I need music! That sound that takes one to another dimension... to let the soul wander somewhere peaceful and beautiful... somewhere where the imagination is not limited by the barriers of the sad realities around. I think they call it "La, la land" these days. But the allure of the 'land' is the sound... the songs, the emotion that they evoke, the soothing 'balm' that they bring to the soul... and the exhausted senses. And now that I wish to be in that land, this song comes to mind...
"Whenever I'm alone with you, you make me feel like I am home again
Whenever I'm alone with you, you make me feel like I am whole again...
However far away
I will always love you..."
It's a Robert Smith 'masterpiece', performed with his band, The Cure... recorded in the '80s. It was so beautiful then... and it's beautiful now. It feels like taking a nap in the middle of a chaotic day, and having a lovely dream.
And, imagine waking up from the dream with an Adele cover...
Ah, isn't that sweet? But a music tripping for me is not complete without the sound of a big fave of mine, the Style Council...
"I could run away, but I'd rather stay
in the warmth of your smile lighting up my day...
you're the best thing that ever happened to me or my world..."
My goodness, too beautiful! This never gets old for me - ever! And Paul Weller will always be my go-to love song vocalist. He is so talented... and his talent doesn't fade all that much with age.
Alright, I think I'm feeling a bit better now. Let's pick up the tempo, and take it up a bit then...
"Up in Memphis the music is like a heat wave...
...black velvet in the little boy's smile."
This is another song that never gets old for me. Alannah Myles' s voice is too awesome... so worthy of singing a song dedicated to 'the King'. That kind of kicked adrenaline pump up a notch. Too much energy dissipation there. So, let's slow down a bit with this...
"May I never miss the thrill of being near you...
...yes, I know what I feel to be right...
no more lonely nights, never be another...
...you're my guiding light."
Hmmm... okay, I think got my fix of "la la land" now.
***
Video credit: Thanks, YouTube, for the video links.
...of faith, history and culture. ============================================================================= by PAM It's been truly grueling four years and two months! Yes, I'm still counting. In the past few months I've been 'running on empty'... and the inspiration was seeping out of my slightly 'broken' heart. 'Broken' because I realized that none of the hard work mattered to most. Many people have their own agenda and personal motivations, and the workplace is just a 'spring board' to lift themselves up to reach their own personal prize. They have no qualms about picking the fruits of other people's hard labor, claiming the credit for ideas that are not theirs, and over-stretching the patience of those who indulge their ego-fattening whims. It's disappointing because, in this profession, one would think that it would be devoid of anything as nauseating as being self-centered and should be filled only with selflessness - in scholarly pursuits, in leading the young towards knowledge, and in mentoring younger colleagues who wish sincerely to do the former two. I've always thought that, with good intentions and good example in leadership, such unscrupulous behavior can be quashed... but I've been discovering that some people are simply made of stuff that is completely beyond anyone's good influence. While I know I shouldn't let myself be affected by such people, I can't help but be overburdened
Just when the place was all so frozen out, I chose to go and visit. That's alright, "because the cold doesn't bother me, anyway"!
with a heavily disappointed heart... that breaks a little, making inspiration seep out slowly, until it felt like I'm running out of inspiration. I know that inspiration comes from one's own convictions and faith, and that it should not depend on anyone else's actions. Inspiration is a choice - I believe that. Therefore, I chose to 're-fill'. So before I completely ran out of 'inspiration fuel', I finally mustered the courage and strength to 'let everything go' for a bit... to visit a place that my heart so longed to visit for so many years now. And, now, is the best time to finally visit it... when inspiration is running out, and it has to be replenished - in a way that is most dramatic and drastic. Therefore, I flew out, and visited a place teeming with inspiration: the Vatican City... and well, Italy itself. To begin my 'harvest' of inspiration, I decided to take a walk along the 'corridors' of the rich history of the Roman Catholic Church, I decided to visit the Vatican Museums first.
An incredible collection... awesome in its breadth and depth.
I was prepared to be awed, but I wasn't prepared to be so overwhelmed! Now, more than ten days later, I was still trying to understand what 'hit' me. It was quite impossible to fully comprehend... all that passion, all that commitment in perfecting one's gift in order to make a masterpiece of such timeless value that is worth offering to God. They are all so very overwhelming! I thought I was giving it my all - every single bit of what I have. And yet, there I was, with a dearth of offering in my hands... so insignificant, so very modest and scant. I felt utterly small... and yet, so inspired, especially in the midst of all that stunning work by Michaelangelo Buonarroti in the Sistine Chapel... the mastery, the intellectual prowess that was so apparent in how he showed the depth of God's wisdom through his artistry, the knowledge of the Bible that was quite beyond most men, and the faith that was nothing else but moving. It was an overwhelming experience to be engulfed in such beauty, such 'calm intensity'. As a real pilgrim, I proceeded to the St. Peter's Basilica... not knowing what to expect after a day of being awed in the Vatican Museums. I prepared to be amazed, but I was sure that amazement is too shallow an emotion for such an experience.
A deep breath, a sigh... and an incoherent prayer.
Indeed, there was no word to describe the experience. Therefore, I shall not attempt to describe it here. Suffice it to say that I'm glad I set this as a goal this year, and that I am overjoyed that God answered my prayer to be in the Vatican, especially at this point in time when all I need is to be closest to the most vivid manifestation of one's faith in God. I was looking for inspiration... I found it. Now, I just need to figure out where this leads me, and where such inspiration can be of best use - for God's greater glory. Therefore, the 'journey' continues. *** Acknowledgement: Thanks, YouTube, for allowing me to use your video creator in making the two videos here. ***
It has always been a dream of mine to see this Michaelangelo Bounarroti masterpiece, the Pietà. Many beautiful things were written about it, many words of admiration and awe were said about it over the many years that it has been featured in the St. Peter's Basilica at the Vatican City. And yet, when one lays an eye on it for the very first time, like I did, none of the words spoken and written about it seems to match the majesty of its awesomeness and the obvious passion that drove Michaelangelo to create it. Suddenly, there is a greater meaning in one's Catholic faith... just when one had decided that the skies, the oceans and the vast space will never ever hold the great mystery of this beautiful faith. I am glad that God has gifted me with this opportunity to see the Pieta - when my eyes and all my senses are still intact to attempt due appreciation. Of course, the attempt failed as the masterpiece is beyond just appreciation nor admiration. Indeed, it is an artistic manifestation of the mystery of faith... and so beautiful beyond words, too. ***
Just because we are back to work in the University, I, too, am back to my 'unbearable' work schedule. This simply means that I have been working, too, during the holidays... it's just that the work load is quite bearable then... well, I 'forced' it to be bearable, anyway. But now, as classes begin next week, I am pulling an 'all nighter' (again). :(
Therefore, I need to give myself a little consolation...and that would mean foodie-ing on something sugary and fatty... forget weight and all that! Well, at least, for now... because I have a big deadline to beat. Yep, deadline on the first week of classes! My life is beyond boring, I tell ya!
Oh, retirement, why won't you take the 'express way' to me? Please? Or... should I go to you instead? Now, that's an idea worth pursuing! :) Hang on....
...and he's great - as ever! ========================================================================== by PAM Yes, he is back! :) Ed Sheeran is back... not that he's ever left our lives though. We were just sucked into the Bruno Mars planet for sometime now with 24K magic and all that magical stuff that The Bruno weaves.
"Come on now, follow my lead. I maybe crazy, don't mind me...
...I'm in love with the shape of you.
...come on, be my baby."
That was a fun tune right there... kinda catchy lyrics as well. It's definitely a departure from Ed's usually heart-breakingly beautiful songs with cool and yet incredibly romantic lyrics. This new song does capture how commitment-phobic people these days use language... they are careful to not bind themselves with anyone and/or anything by correctly spelling their feelings, and use 'detached' language that allows them 'space', and leaves the back door open - for quick escape. Well, it's either that, or Ed is just singing about some boy just giving in to the peer pressure of being with someone... and "discovering something brand new" in the process.
Whatever it is, I'm one happy (big) fan listening to another hit from The Ed!
Hmmm... lower backache's gone, I think. Gotta 'love this body'.
***
Video credit: Thanks, YouTube, for the video link.
...and no! ============================================================================= by PAM No way, James (Corden)! You're not going to make me write a "Farewell post" on the passing of George Michael. I have written so many "farewell posts" in 2016 for people that shaped my life over the years, and were 'stolen' from me by death. So, no, I'm not going to write another one - and for someone that I spent most of my teenage days with, too - although, of course, he didn't know that I did. But no matter, it won't change the fact that I did - through records, music videos, photos, TV appearances that he did with Andrew Ridgeley in those many years when I believed in my heart that I will become a Rock Superstar! And now he's gone. It's heartbreaking. So, nope... there is NO way! But I do like your way of saying goodbye to him, James... based on an experience with "your man". It's good that you have an experience like that to talk about. No, I'm not envious or anything 'cause some people are luckier than most, I know that. But, man, aren't you lucky, James! You're raking good luck to your front yard like it's nothing at all, and that's awesome given that your 'front door is shut'. *sigh* But you did give a heartwarming farewell to our George though, I give you that...
"It was the weirdest feeling going to bed thinking that when I wake up it's gonna be...
...because George Michael is on the phone, and I'm gonna talk to him...
...and we talked about music, and I felt very privileged to be able to tell him
how much his music meant to me."
Oh, dear... my heart is breaking.
Ah, whatever! Thanks for the music and the memories, George. I won't miss you, no... because you will live in my thoughts and in my heart - that part that sings and adores music. For as long as I know what love is and what it's likes to be hurt in the name of love because love makes one vulnerable, too, I will be humming Careless Whisper with the heartfelt emotion that you helped taught me how to feel. Then and now, I will always be hopeful in love because I Knew You Were Waiting (for me), if there is not anyone else out there. And, of course, I learned that singing can be really sexy even when a dreadful feeling is being expressed through it with your Everything She Wants. Of course, you and Andrew were the 'original' singing-is-crazy-fun most effective advocates for me with Wake Me Up Before you Go, Go... even when I was too young to actually understand what you were trying to say then in that song. You bad, Bad Boys! ;) But you are my man, too, George. Ah, you did take me to The Edge of Heaven, which is also called the "golden era of pop music", and gave me my strong Faith in '80s music. So awesome!
But, yeah, a big 'drama queen' that you are, you chose to sneak out when people were planning a great Christmas holiday and preoccupied by all that merrymaking, did you? And you waited to be the last one to go in 2016's 'exodus' of stars... just to prove that you were the biggest star of them all? Ah, so typical of you, George! Well, guess what, mate, Princess Leia (and her Mom) beat you to it! Then again, slipping away on Christmas Day??? Megadrama! But, oh well, what can I say... I love you? Gosh, I do! And I'm so sad that Christmas 2016 was our Last Christmastogether. With David Bowie and Prince gone last year, too, what are we, '80s people, supposed to do? We're not done 'partying' yet, and you already shut down half of our lives' music theme! I hope you know that we feel miserable! But it comforts me imagining that you are now reunited with the Mega Drama Queen, Freddie Mercury... and singing your lungs out on the clouds, gliding and swinging like a dream - on bare feet. You lucky, lucky queens! Meoow.... Alright, let's get the whole James-George thingy here - for the love of all that's happily queenie...
"Let's be honest, you don't want me to come with you because you don't want
to be seen with a gay man."
***
Video Credit: Thanks, YouTube, for the video links.
