Saturday photos...

... because I need more than one photo to make a point.

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by PAM

A couple of months ago, I was going through my options - a necessary exercise before arriving at a hard decision.  I tried looking for answers, taking hints from family and other people's opinions, views and sentiments... and seeking God's will in prayer, of course.  This is the third time for me to make this decision, but unlike the first two times, choosing something else other than what I chose then was a real and plausible option.  And yet, I decided to go for my 'old choice' - for the third time.  And so, I signed on for a third Term as Dean of the first Engineering School in the Philippines - the Faculty of Engineering of the University of Santo Tomas (UST).

That decision meant that I had to continue leading the Faculty to this...

  

Joining the Engineering Education 'Big League'

I had to follow through the work that I put on with my Team for the past six years, and bring the vision to fruition. Of course, prior to making that decision, I finished my second Term with an all-system-go towards accomplishing the task.  All the buttons are set, we only had to turn the key to the button guards and press them when the time is right.  

After the decision was made, and while mingling with colleagues of equivalent designation from different universities in the United States of America and in other parts of the world, I momentarily doubted my motivation in deciding to stay.  I asked myself, what else was my motivation other than service?  Was it the prestige of being at the helm when this happened, even if I did build the foundation 'brick-by-brick' - at many points, against the current and against the direction of the wind - leading to this and, therefore, in all fairness, deserve to claim the credit?  I searched my heart... and no, claiming credit is not there.  After all, true credit is given, not claimed.  All I found was still the desire to continue serving, and making sure that, when the time is right, I can turnover the helm to someone with all the creases smoothened so that he or she, can begin to lay down a foundation for another monument of progress, building upon what we have built over the last six years and the three years in front of us.

My Team was off to a terribly busy start, and I was running and 'shooting' with my 'big guns' as I sprinted from one goal to another.  I was enjoying a momentary respite when this happened...

...132 new Registered Mechanical Engineers:

our gift to the society, the fruits of our collective labor.

No, there is nothing like seeing dreams coming true... keys turning, doors opening - for our students and their parents, and for all their loved ones; and knowing that, somehow, in the smallest of ways, you were instrumental in having them realized their dreams.  To know in your heart that you can do this, and choosing otherwise because your own dream is 'bigger' than theirs is, I can imagine, a lifetime without peace of mind. 

I choose peace of mind.  So, I chose what I do now: service.  And, I shall keep persevering in service.  Until when?  I'll keep searching for the answer because, I know that when you search, you shall find.    

***

Image credit:  The first photo was taken at the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET) Institutional Representatives Meeting in Baltimore, Maryland in July 2019 by an ABET staff; and the second photo is a collage of images from the website of the Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) of the Republic of the Philippines.

***

Had an urge to reminisce...

...and I just had to watch The Graham Norton Show!
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by PAM

All that driving around Idaho last week, before heading home to Manila, reminded me of my roadtrip with my family last year from Meridian, ID through Oregon to San Francisco, CA to Los Angeles, CA to Las Vegas, NV and back to Idaho - but in Boise, ID this time. And it was just as well as it was Thursday, after all... 'throwback Thursday' and all that.  

Anyway, yes, that roadtrip was awesome!  And what made all the reminiscin' so fun was the memory of the Extraterrestrial Highway (or 'ET Highway') amid the endlessly rolling desert of Nevada. The ET Highway was actually the Nevada State Road 375.  I remember how amazing the drive was that merely recalling how it was led to adrenaline rush!  

Now, I just have to find a way to dissipate all that energy packed by the memory of the ET Highway!  And so, Star Trek... and Jean-Luc Picard came to mind. I do remember that Graham Norton has had very good interviews with Patrick Stewart - the brilliant actor that gave life to Picard.  And, look what I found...

          GN:  'Cause you had nicknames, growing up, didn't you?

          PS:  Yeah, I did. "Stewpot" was one of my nicknames. "Stewie" was another one. 

                 It's different now, you know, social media... there's another one, "Beef Stew",

                which I rather like. (2:04 - 2:32)

          GN: Do you (go to the) gym all the time?

          PS:  No, sir, I do not.  I just think clean thoughts.  (6:27 - 6:35)

Totally hilarious, it made my evening... eventhough nothing about the interview had anything to do with ET Highway!  At least, there is some 'ray of sunshine' in this gloomy rainy August Thursday. Ah, talk about the 'ghost month' that is August!

***

Video credit:  Thank you, YouTube, for the video link.

*** 

Three Ps...

...because it is best to be hopeful. 
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by PAM

I was worrying about going to Church today because I am staying at my sister's in Caldwell, ID, which is about 27 miles away from the Idaho capital, Boise. While it is lovely here, the drive from the airport to her house was filled with rolling hills and farmlands, and there were many churches, too, but I didn't see any Roman Catholic Church along the way. Luckily, my sister and my brother-in-law are very considerate people that they thought about my plight, and they readily suggested that I attend the service at Our Lady of the Valley Catholic Church, for which, of course, I am very thankful. 

As I know that this region in the US is not huge on Catholicism, I thought the church would be a small one in the heart of a small community. But, no, my imagination cannot be farther from reality because the church was huge, and it was almost full for that one Sunday service of 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. - to my pleasant surprise. 

"Lord, teach us to pray..."

My brother-in-law very kindly drove me to the Church, which was less than 10 minutes away; and so very kindly waited for me as well.  

The service was very good - short and sweet... and the singing of psalms was very good, too.  And yet, what was best about the whole experience was the Mass celebrant's sermon. The Gospel was on Luke 11:1-13... "Lord, teach us to pray... ask, and it will be given to you; search, and you will find; knock, and the door will be opened to you" as we know, when one of Jesus's disciples asked him to teach them how to pray.  

The celebrant elaborated through what he called the "3 Ps": Prayer, Patience and Perseverance. He said that when we are setting out to fulfill a 'mission' that we believe is God's will, before taking the first step, it is best to seek God and his mercy - in prayer.  As we proceed, meeting obstacles along the way, forcing us sometimes to veer out of our path and lose our way, we can stay on track if we have patience - to enable ourselves to achieve balance and make good decisions as a result.  And, whenever we feel that the road we are taking is all uphill, and we experience weariness as we climb, it helps to stay focused on the mission in perseverance - knowing where we are headed, believing that we are pursuing God's will, and knowing that God is with us throughout the journey.          

It is always up to us to seek God in prayer, ask to be guided by his wisdom patiently, and knock in our hearts to be inspired by His love as we persevere to fulfill our mission. God is with us; we are in His heart, and He does love us so.  

***

About the photos:  I took the photos at the Our Lady of the Valley Catholic Church in Caldwell, ID, USA.

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Hello, July!

Good to see you again!
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by PAM

My 'birthmonth' started out with a very promising endeavor, in which God blessed me with the incredible opportunity to lead the Faculty of Engineering of the University of Santo Tomas (UST) in reaching a milestone.  On 01 July 2019 (East Coast time), our 'Team Engineering' submitted our Self-Study Reports (SSR) for our six Engineering Programs to the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET) of the United States of America (USA).  The UST Faculty of Engineering is the first Engineering School in the Philippines, and as such, it is a highly storied and historical School.  Therefore, it is incredibly special to be at the helm while the Faculty surpasses this milestone.

But that's work.  Yes, it does make the heart beat double time feeling God's love, and the soul sing with enormous gratitude, but it is still work.  So, let me talk about something else that made me want to sing praises to God because of the happiness that made my heart swell.  While the root from which these gems blossom from is still work, the joyful feeling that they invoke does not resemble the mere feeling of fulfillment from a job done well at work.

***
Being their second Mom...

Let me talk about this instead... because I'd rather talk about this, actually...

"Can you imagine no love, pride, deep-fried chicken

Your best friend always sticking up for you

Even when I know you're wrong?

Can you imagine no first dance, freeze-dried romance

Five-hour phone conversation

The best soy latte that you ever had, and me?"

I spent the last two days of the first week of my 'birthmonth' with 'my kids', and it was incredible!  The happiness was real... it was like being lifted up through the air to sit on the cottony softness of 'cloud 9' to watch the stars twinkle happily, and be overwhelmed by the awesomeness of it all.  It felt so good... so good that I just had to post something here - in this little corner of mine - to create a happy place to retreat to whenever life's challenges become too much to bear.  

Last July 5-6, my kids (thesis advisees and future business partners) and I went on Teambuilding/break/mini vacation at the Green Canyon Leisure Farms in Bamban, Tarlac, Philippines.  It was a celebration of the graduation from chemical engineering of five of them, the moving up to the next level towards graduation from the same Program of four of them, and the celebration of my 51st birthday.  The private atmosphere of the beautiful leisure farms was very apt for the bonding moment that we wish to have... to make good memories, and strengthen the bond of friendship and love that brought and hold us together.  The little memento of a video - a small compilation of photos and vide clips from our mini vacation - captured a fraction of the enjoyment and happiness that we felt while spending time together.  I just had to post it here for easy access whenever needed.

I may not have been lucky enough to be chosen by God to bear these kids in my own womb, to give life to them, and bring them into this world, but I feel fortunate that God entrusted them to me - all together - at a time when they are going through this critical transformation, enabling them to fulfill what God plans for them.  It is still very much less than being their mother, but it is enough to make my heart swell from true love.

***

Video and songs credit:  I made the video. Thanks, YouTube, for providing the online platform for the video. Thanks, too, to Train and Simple Minds for the loan of the songs.

***

Sunday night, movie night...

...and just about right!
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by PAM

Okay... so I am officially an 'old lady'!  Hooray! 😉🎉

I used to pass the time, or take a break from work, scanning clothes or shoe stores, or scanning songs in record stores, or checking out new restos, or adding to my Precious Moments collection. Lately, however, I'd rather just stay being cozy in bed. I feel tired... exhausted, even! 😫 I simply do not have the energy to do the things that I used to do... I've become really boring and 'uninterested' because all my braincells seem to be overloaded with concerns... that aren't even my personal concerns! I feel like I'm living the proverbial "spinster's life"! 😐I'm not in the stroking-the-head-of-cat-while-in-my-pajamas phase yet, I must say, but that's only because I am a... dog person. 😂

So, in bed, I stay this Sunday night. But then, I may have become boring but not completely so, that staring at the ceiling still drives me insane.  So, I had to do something without pushing my braincells to overheat!  Solution: movies!  The feel-good ones... naturally, Hallmark movies come to mind.  And, boy, am I lucky... 'cause I found one that really warmed the heart.  The movie was "The Last Bridesmaid", and it starred the talented and lovely, Rachel Boston as Becca, and Paul Campbell as Kyle.  It's a very well-acted TV movie.  The editing was good, too - short and snappy, but it seemed long enough to have that natural development of character, and the natural blooming of feelings between the two leading characters. Or, I guess the actors were just very good, especially Boston.

"Or, if you spend all your energy looking for something so specific,
you might not recognize it (love) when it arrives." 

The story was simple.  Becca, the 10-time bridesmaid-never-the-bride gal, was set to inherit a thriving Accounting firm from her retiring parents who built it from scratch.  With her focus and determination, everybody thought she fits the bill perfectly... until she met this wedding videographer of an inspired and inspirational artist, Kyle.  They were a very unlikely pair, until the kind and optimistic Becca, empowered by Kyle, found herself boldly letting her love and natural talent for jewelry designing and making come through through all those layers upon layers of Accounting Firm owner forced coat.  The naturally talented film maker, Kyle, in turn was positively influenced by Becca to allow his film making genius shine forth. It was a lovely movie... it wasn't an "Out of Africa" sort of a film, but it was enough to make being lazy in bed worthwhile.  I enjoyed Boston's Becca... her fashion sense, pretty face and stance, and her projection of this composed lady under pressure.

Sweet... but too short!  Therefore, a second movie is in order!  

I luckily found another one by just clicking here and there, and I am glad. The movie is called "Hearts of Spring", starring the talented Lisa Whelchel as Carly - single mother, florist and a Mom blogger, and the versatile, Michael Shanks as Andy - single father, pediatrician and an accidental blog nuisance to Carly.  What caught me the first time was what Carly said about flowers, in which she quoted Ralph Waldo Emerson, "the earth laughs in flowers".

Andy (Dad) to Troy (son):  "When did you get so smart?"

Carly (Mom) to Sadie (daughter):  "You've grown up to be an incredible person,

and a really great friend."

At about 1:20:00, my tears were flowing non-stop. And, it's a 'Mom-and-Pop' sort of a movie... a TV movie, too, at that!  Didn't I say 'old lady'?  And so, it's been perfect!  I saw in the movie what I am experiencing now... that you can learn many very good things from  young people - if you just open your mind - and heart, too - to what they have to say and what they wish to share on matters that involve them in the first place.  Sometimes, when you are open enough to accepting the validity - and wisdom - of their experiential learning, it might just add to your own learning as well, making you a better person.  

I may not be a parent to fully understand what the movie was trying to impart to parents out there, but I can relate based on what I have been experiencing with 'my kids' at School.  Those beautiful kids who make learning - about life - to be such a wonderful experience for me - addictive even... that I keep thirsting for more. 

So, yeah... we do not have to always struggle for sophistication in the things that we do and prefer.  We just have to know what we are looking for... or, at least, open to what life has to offer, and believe that every single life's 'package' that comes our way has a value... we just have to keep scratching the surface, and work our way down to the heart of it, until the heart reveals that grain of an invaluable gem of a message that can enable us to continuously transcend ourselves until we become what God has willed for us to be.

My rating:  If you have time to spare, these movies are worth your every minute.

***

Video credit:  Thanks, YouTube, for the links to the movies.

***  

And the excitement...

...of the waiting game approaches fever-pitch high!
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by PAM

One of the most awaited parts, if not the MOST awaited part, of that colorful phase in one's life - College Life - is Graduation Day.  It is the culmination of all things great, wonderful and unforgettable in the last four to six years! And yet, the equally abominable

challenges that push one to his/her limit can also be the reason why graduation is a 

Simulating the processional...

special occasion.  To many, it is the apex of self-discovery and the affirmation of one's many possibilities whether personally or professionally.  And so, in an Academic Institution, Graduation Day is given special attention.  As the Graduating Class is sent off to embark to a new journey, they are also armed with a degree - a testimony of their achievement and preparedness to take on the "real word".  They are given a certificate, a diploma, that declares as much to the world.  As such, the occasion is often called "Solemn Investiture Program".   

The Solemn Investiture calls for all officials, faculty members and all other stakeholders of the Institution to come together to ensure that the occasion is as special as possible to the Graduating Class. One such effort is the conduct of graduation rehearsals so that members of the Graduating Class will not be lost in the ceremony.
    

...trying to capture the solemnity of the actual ceremony
during the rehearsals.

Ah, it's so grand - the feeling is!  I felt the silent excitement!  I felt the quiet anticipation

The last few days of holding on
to the 'goofiness' of youth...

of what lies ahead... and the mixed emotions of having to peek at what is waiting for them beyond the four walls of the University.  The indescribable sweetness of seeing one's dearest dream so far become a reality mixed with the anxiety of having to start all over again soon... this time, without the comforting assurance of support that only deep friendship, forged throughout college life, can provide - I felt all that.  The mix emotions was so palpable, it thickens the air... until the eyes get blinded by the condensation of all the emotions as the rehearsals progressed. Still, they seemed to resolve to toughen their hearts, they braced their emotions with acquired maturity, and they cloak emotional vulnerability with the resilience borne out of the 'goofiness of youth'.   

...but they marched on, propelled by aspirations and hope
for great things ahead!

As for me, while we do this every year, and I have been a part of it for the past six years, this year, it is different. Our Class of 2019 is very special to me. There have been many wonderful experiences with them all throughout their stay, in which I benefited from their kindness, humility and love. Therefore, I braced my own sinking heart with the pride of seeing them march out to their success, as I harbored the numbing feeling of loss, and the deep anguish of not knowing when will I be seeing them all again. It is absolutely heartbreaking!  And yet, I am comforted by the fact that, indeed, "only love can break a heart".  I will live.   

***

Image credit:  I own all photos, which are all taken at the Quadricentennial Pavilion of the University of Santo Tomas during the Faculty of Engineering Solemn Investiture Rehearsals.

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"Maybe we'll learn to be kind."

"Noah"... a film for the Holy Week.

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by PAM

It took five years before I finally mustered the will to watch this two-hour saga of a film from 2014.  I wanted to see it when it was first shown, but the moment I learned about how grim and dark it was, both in storyline and film making techniques, from film critics reviews, I retreated.  I was not ready yet those past years to taint the Holy Week memories I had as a little child with my siblings and our deceased mother, huddled in our little sala, eating home-cooked merienda - mother's concoctions - watching biblical films,

The epic saga that was anything but...
...uhm, biblical?

such as "Noah's Ark", "Jesus of Nazareth" and other children's films, such as those depicting the lives of children saints in Lourdes and in Fatima who witnessed the apparition of the Virgin Mary. I was not ready to blemish those memories with a grim film that could ruin Holy Week traditions for me.

This year, it's been different.  I am trying to decide on something big... and I have been torn between love... and mighty annoyance (hahaha...); several years of inspired service that is begging to be continued until the 'time is right' to pass on the baton to God's chosen successor vs. a barren do-as-you're-told situation, in which I am coerced to abandon dreams and aspirations as a leader and follow instructions without much thinking - for the sake of uniformity just because one believes that uniformity is achieving order, and order leads to success; and sealing a meaningful legacy with a 'sweet kiss', so to speak vs. resuming an 'old affair' with intellectually stimulating pursuits that grow irresistible by the day because of a potentially life-changing experience that will benefit many... plus it leaves time for the self and loved ones.  Yes, it is truly tough... and it is, indeed, requiring deep contemplation.  And yet, it isn't up to me... it all depends on God's plans.  I am a mere servant, and so, I submit myself fully and completely to His will - as before, as now... as always. 

As such, I needed another perspective... while I actively pursued our usual family Holy Week tradition and practice, I thought I'd mix it up with something else - watching a Holy Week-themed film.  And I thought of "Noah" - the film by Darren Aronofsky that starred the fine, fine actor, Russell Crowe in the title role, with Jennifer Connelly (Naameh), Emma Watson (Ila), Ray Winstone (Tubal-Cain), Logan Lerman (as Ham), Douglas Booth (as Shem), Leo McHugh Carroll (as Japheth), and the brilliant Anthony Hopkins (as Methuselah).  But, I was wrong... I did not find utter enlightenment in the film.  I should have listened to film critics, religious and evangelists.  It was a lovely film, yes... if it did not claim anything related to the The Creation in the bible, that is.  The critics, and even Aronofsky himself, are correct - it was the 'least biblical' film there was!  I thought it was merely seeking to make a statement about taking care of planet earth, which was once destroyed because of man's folly, and was made to thrive again by 'The Creator', as referred to in the film, in a 'second chance' covenant sealed with a rainbow.

And yet, the film had its moments.  I particularly like the conversation between Naameh and Methuselah, in which Methuselah justified the impending destruction of all, including Noah's decision to make sure that the existence of man ceases with his family as the last men to live, as part of his obedience to the will of 'The Creator'.  The world must be given a second chance to flourish without the wickedness of man, Noah thought, and which 

Duty vs. love... what is greater? 
Why can't it be duty AND love?  Can they be one and the same?

Methuselah supported.  Therefore, Noah and Naameh's two other sons - Ham and Japeth, must not seek wives to reproduce; and that Shem, who was with Ila, must not be allowed to reproduce either.  Naameh was incredulous.  She said, "I can't believe that's true.  Not when I look at my sons.  All they desire is love.  Isn't that all their hearts need to be good?"

When Ham was visibly distraught for losing the girl he meant to make his wife, and whose death Noah allowed, adhering to his belief that man's existence must cease, Noah explained to Ham, "I'm very sorry about that girl.  And I am sorry for you.  But we have been entrusted with a task much greater than our own desires."  

Father and mother... we see the contrast in this case.  The mother seeks what will and can make her brood happy and good while the father remains steadfast in obedience and adherence to duties - no matter the consequence.  Ah, how we must all be wishing that duty and love are one and the same!

But I do think that the highlight of the film was the conversation between Ila and Noah, when Noah explained why he did not kill the twin daughters of Ila and Shem even when he believed before their birth that he was duty-bound to do so, "I looked down at those two little girls, and all I had in my heart was love."  And so, there it is... duty vs. love, love won!  But with 'The Creator' allowing Noah's decision to keep the twin girls alive, He must

"...it begins again with you."

have meant duty AND love can be one and the same, too.  It was a beautiful moment in the film... and a beautiful realization for the audience... well, at least, this audience.

The treasure of the film poured out in that scene, and it continued to pour out when, after Noah humbly admitted his failure to obey God by allowing Ila's twin girls to live, "I failed Him", he said; and Ila said, "Did you?  He chose you for a reason, Noah.  He showed you the wickedness of man and knew you would not look away.  But then, you saw goodness, too.  The choice was put in your hands because he put it there.  He asked you to decide if we were worth saving.  And you chose mercy.  You chose love."

Ah, there it is... my clue! 

And yet, the biggest moral of the film, I think, is what the emotionally tortured son, Ham, said to Ila as he bid her farewell, leaving the family to live on his own. "For all it's worth," he said, "I'm glad that it begins again with you. Maybe we'll learn to be kind."

So, yes, no matter what we decide to do in this life... we can't go wrong by going for, and going with kindness - true kindness, not self-righteousness or quickness to judge without truly knowing and clearly understanding, or worse, deciding that one's self is kinder than the rest without 'looking in the mirror' first.  True kindness... goodness from the heart that bears positive outcome that is love... and not merely for show nor feeding the ego by being widely liked and being popular.

***
Image credits:  All mages above were borrowed from Rotten Tomatoes - thank you.

***

Tuesday night movie...

...because the night calls for mindless entertainment.
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by PAM

The last five days have been quite a 'roller coaster ride', wherein health kept getting in the way in getting things done... and it was impossible to avoid annoying individuals who refuse to be team players because their personal agenda is bigger than the Institution's thrust. And what is worst is that when you try to pull them back on track, they 'yelp' loudly and play the 'victim'... and just like that, they divide the Team - the Team built for a long time with tears, joy and common vision... thriving in camaraderie and love.  While

Smiling in optimism regardless of odds.

it is true that the strength of a true Team should not be undermined by one annoying individual, when one's agenda is venomous enough, one strike can 'kill'!  And so, it's been a very toxic five days.

There were saving graces, so many of them, actually, thank goodness! I do love the commitment, and the innocent and sincere thirst for knowledge of my undergraduate students, especially my research students.  They cling to their vision of contributing something substantial to the body of knowledge in our area of research, and they maintain optimism as they look forward for this contribution to be making positive impact on the lives of farmers and other workers in the grassroots.  Yes, they subscribe to the wisdom of bringing Science & Technology to the grassroots... and it simply is inspiring to experience their dedication, optimism and unwavering perseverance no matter how challenging their circumstances are, and no matter how the odds seem to be against them most of the time.  Ah, to be young, idealistic and pure of heart - essential in a beautiful and rewarding life!

***
See a feel-good movie, and feel truly good 

But, yes, the staggering 'ups and downs' of the past five days have been emotionally taxing, no matter how huge the happiness dosage that my students provide.  Therefore, time to whip up some mindless entertainment to rid the thoughts of negative elements. So, I went for my trusty feel-good Hallmark TV Movies, and I found this...

"Manhattan is the best, but you gotta manage it.

Move faster, push harder, talk louder.  It's the survival of the fittest here... 

You're cool, Ohio. Just remember, just be yourself." 

The tv movie is called, "Summer in the City", and it stars two actors that I'm not too familiar of: Julianna Guill (Taylor Morgan) and Marc Bendavid (Philip Bartell), with support from the trusty actress, Vivica A. Fox (Alyssa Stone).  Taylor is this talented and smart gal from a small town in Ohio with a lovely personality.  She dreamt of becoming a big player in the fashion industry of New York City (NYC).  While she waited for that dream to become a reality, she worked in a women's clothes store in her town... until this NYC high fashion store owner, Alyssa, walked in.  Impressed by the apparent 'fashion psychic' in Taylor, Alyssa offered her to become the manager of her NYC store, A Line.  Hoping to expand her business, Alyssa pinned her hopes on Taylor to come up with a 'game changing' plan to bring in more customers and investors to A Line.  It was all going good... so much so that Taylor's honest and lovely 'small town' Ohio gal personality was not only winning new customers but also won the attention of Philip, a young realtor who was set to inherit his family's business... although his heart was somewhere else: to own a chain of food trucks, with a menu of his own creations. Being both kind and of lovely personalities, the two clicked right away, encouraging one another to pursue each other's dreams.  It was all going good until Taylor had a falling out with Alyssa, and she decided to go back to Ohio.

After realizing how Taylor was right in her assessment of A Line, and how it should move forward - carrying Alyssa's own designs - Alyssa went to Ohio to offer Taylor partnership in A Line.  Later, with encouragement from Philip, Taylor proposed a business plan to Alyssa that made the latter drop a pending big money agreement with an investor that was about to completely change A Line from a high fashion icon to a store of mass produced cheap clothes but with huge return of investment. Alyssa favored Taylor's proposal over the investor's, and they both work towards the attainment of their common goal.  With Alyssa's encouragement, Taylor sought Philip to admit her feelings for him and accept Philip's offer to bring their relationship to the next level.  She didn't find him in the Realty Office.  Disappointed, she turned away... only to be stopped by a call from the driver of a food truck - Philip!  And they lived happily ever after.

Hmmm... it was a simple feel-good movie, but it was special in that it was well-acted.  The characters are very good people with real concerns, making one realize that one can be in challenging situations and still retain good nature and kindness - a lesson for me, actually.  Taylor's looks, voice and kindness also reminded me of a very good friend of mine back in my days in Cornell University, Julia Fritsch from Brazil... who even have similar name as Julianna!  So, it inspired very good and warm memories... I love it, if only for that!

The verdict:  Instead of being idle and broody, go for it... it'll be worth your while.

***    
Video credit:  Thanks, YouTube, for the video link.

***

Saturday photo(s)...

...and love.

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by PAM

Love...
...the antidote to frustration and hopelessness. 

It feels great that when things are not all that good, we have our "go-to" gang to ease the pain from our current circumstances: family and good friends - loved ones... them who give unconditional love... tough love sometimes, but true love nevertheless.

I am so glad I have enough of those. Around them, I do not have to pretend to be someone else, or be desperate to beg for their attention, or to belong to their circle... they welcome me with loving arms. I can bare my soul without reservation, and they accept me - not for whatever title I have or whatever my professional or social status is, just me... simply me.  I can talk to them in the middle of the night... until we are all exhausted and sleep overcomes us. If I need to speak again when we wake up in the morning, they are all ears again...and they know exactly how to make me feel better, even when I don't sometimes.  Of course, I do the same to them when any of them are in a rough spot, too. Together we pray for better times... together we hope and wait for better times... and they hold my hand as we do, and it feels incredibly reassuring.  That's why I know they are God's gifts to me - their touch, their words, their gaze... are manifestations of what I hope and wish to feel from God's answers to our prayers.  They embody my hopes and wishes... and they bring nothing but joy - even in the worst of times.  And, I love them so... I thank God for them every single day. 🙏💖

***

When there isn't enough reason anymore...

...to stay.
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by PAM

When you dread getting out of bed in the morning to spend the rest of the day in a place that has become more and more suffocating, constricting, restricting and limiting your supposed steady growth...

When you feel that you need to keep 'sneaking out' of your space to catch air lest your lungs collapses, and to find a grain of inspiration and love to keep going because there isn't any in the said place...  

When you feel that the expectations are way too staggering and sometimes humanly impossible, and that you are judged very harshly by some self-righteous individuals who pretend that they know your heart and assume the worst in you based on your weaknesses without asking - ever - how you are, and why you are in pain...  

When you feel that, when 'forced' to be productive, you'd rather work late at night - alone - because the day is just way 'too crowded' for you, forcing you to see too many faces that you'd

When the sea beckons, should you set out and
sail... away?

rather not see because their owners drive daggers into your heart; feeling too much negative vibes that gnaw on your resolve to be productive...

When you feel that, no matter how you persevere what you do no longer excites you because they don't spark joy, they don't inspire optimism and the heartfelt desire to serve sincerely and earnestly; they don't stir your passion, they don't seem relevant or important in the greater scheme of things...

When you feel that many desire what you have - the very same thing that you've never desired in the first place - and it's painful to keep it because you know it is killing some of them, thinking that you are happy with what they believe you 'possess' when you merely are keeping stewardship...

When what you do feels more and more like a 'thankless job' - which should never be okay - in a place that seems to merely use you, squeezing out the last drop of passion from 

When the road bends to an exhaustive curve, do you
follow it to find out what it reveals... or do you
change course?

your heart until you bleed with 'nothing'; a place so unmindful of, or worse, ignoring your well-being...

When where you are makes you feel that you'd rather be somewhere else - just serving in peace, and joyfully, too; serving in a place where you are enabled to be the best you could possibly be rather than just getting reduced to play the role of a submissive slave who is expected to please and feed others' fat ego and cater to their whims; and be in that place where you are compensated enough, not with money but with very good reasons to stay...

When your environment makes you feel that you'd rather be with someone else who fill your heart with joy, who make you feel loved and appreciated, who accord you with mutual respect, and that your happiness is important to them, too...

When you feel that, perhaps, God is calling you somewhere else where you can thrive, and where you are enabled to multiply His wonderful gifts...

...then, it probably is time to go.  

***
And yet, wise and loving individuals who sincerely care remind you not to make critical decisions when things are at their worst, and that annoyance with one or a couple of individuals should not avert your attention from the task given to you by God in the very beginning. The truth is, it is between you and God - no matter what others feel... and no matter how you feel either.  If He chooses to close this chapter in your life, then accept and be thankful because, for sure, He has prepared something greater somewhere else. 

In the end, His will be done... and He wills the very best!

***