Life truly finds a way to begin and blossom in its own time. That is the stark truth. It doesn't matter where or when. Where there is a mix of fertile safety and
warm bed to nest, dawning life and its cycle takes its natural course. Take a winged insect's cycle of life, for
instance: an initial union, followed by a struggling, a clinging, and then
surviving all odds of growth process.
When the magical moment happens, life bursts from a cocoon, breaks away from its confinement, and
claims its adventure. Nature's surprise
of all good surprises in this complex, yet exciting life journey is its
"netting" gift. With it, a
cocoon gets protection from its predators and temperamental
weather. Don’t take my word. Look around, and close by. Search trees for winged insects' protective
"nets" and either be awed or get spooked. BOO!Friday, October 31, 2014
Boo!
Blog 100 …
Life truly finds a way to begin and blossom in its own time. That is the stark truth. It doesn't matter where or when. Where there is a mix of fertile safety and
warm bed to nest, dawning life and its cycle takes its natural course. Take a winged insect's cycle of life, for
instance: an initial union, followed by a struggling, a clinging, and then
surviving all odds of growth process.
When the magical moment happens, life bursts from a cocoon, breaks away from its confinement, and
claims its adventure. Nature's surprise
of all good surprises in this complex, yet exciting life journey is its
"netting" gift. With it, a
cocoon gets protection from its predators and temperamental
weather. Don’t take my word. Look around, and close by. Search trees for winged insects' protective
"nets" and either be awed or get spooked. BOO!
Life truly finds a way to begin and blossom in its own time. That is the stark truth. It doesn't matter where or when. Where there is a mix of fertile safety and
warm bed to nest, dawning life and its cycle takes its natural course. Take a winged insect's cycle of life, for
instance: an initial union, followed by a struggling, a clinging, and then
surviving all odds of growth process.
When the magical moment happens, life bursts from a cocoon, breaks away from its confinement, and
claims its adventure. Nature's surprise
of all good surprises in this complex, yet exciting life journey is its
"netting" gift. With it, a
cocoon gets protection from its predators and temperamental
weather. Don’t take my word. Look around, and close by. Search trees for winged insects' protective
"nets" and either be awed or get spooked. BOO!
Scoot!
Blog 99 …
Where did you come from?
Go away from my doorway, please.
Build your home somewhere else.
Build it up high where my eyes will
not find you. Build it strong, let it thrive,
and live awhile!
Go away from my doorway, please.
Build your home somewhere else.
Build it up high where my eyes will
not find you. Build it strong, let it thrive,
and live awhile!
Tuesday, October 28, 2014
HarryPotterLand
Blog 98 …
To both non-diehard patrons and HP enthusiasts, the Wizarding
World of Harry Potter at Diagon Alley,
Universal Studios Florida, is one trip to take and explore. There’s no doubt about its spellbinding effect
on guests. Once there, magical and
fantastic centers of interest deliver transforming experiences, especially
inside Leaky Cauldron Drop, Wesley's Wizard Wheezes, and wand shop, Ollivanders! There are no if’s or but’s about getting
swayed to immerse the self and to get mesmerized. Visual and audio “psychological
spells” are plenty for all senses. And when
all stimuli wither, there’s much more for the taking. There abounds endless entertainment to feed
interest and curiosity. Also, plunging
into the hunt for one souvenir or bundles of treasure for ‘after-the-visit’
extended thrill pulls. The search could
be somewhat tiring or frustrating for a fan because of items’ exorbitant prices.
Giving up though, on taking home even
just a memento, is a definite "NO".
Without trepidation, one should quickly step into the wizardry shops and
establishments with vigilance and purpose.
Fans and visitors must try on hats and cloaks, smell candles, get scared by hairy
creatures or spot for that striking, perfect wand and broom that wizards love
using as escape tools from sticky and dangerous plot situations. Preposterously insane, non-enthusiasts might
say, but HP world experienced in books,
movies or situation-simulation land, is one creative product of the mind filled
with continuous, tremendous critical thought, total wonder, and pure excitement! The ad, “Two parks ... Two lands .... One magical journey…", is an
understatement!
To both non-diehard patrons and HP enthusiasts, the Wizarding
World of Harry Potter at Diagon Alley,
Universal Studios Florida, is one trip to take and explore. There’s no doubt about its spellbinding effect
on guests. Once there, magical and
fantastic centers of interest deliver transforming experiences, especially
inside Leaky Cauldron Drop, Wesley's Wizard Wheezes, and wand shop, Ollivanders! There are no if’s or but’s about getting
swayed to immerse the self and to get mesmerized. Visual and audio “psychological
spells” are plenty for all senses. And when
all stimuli wither, there’s much more for the taking. There abounds endless entertainment to feed
interest and curiosity. Also, plunging
into the hunt for one souvenir or bundles of treasure for ‘after-the-visit’
extended thrill pulls. The search could
be somewhat tiring or frustrating for a fan because of items’ exorbitant prices.
Giving up though, on taking home even
just a memento, is a definite "NO".
Without trepidation, one should quickly step into the wizardry shops and
establishments with vigilance and purpose.
Fans and visitors must try on hats and cloaks, smell candles, get scared by hairy
creatures or spot for that striking, perfect wand and broom that wizards love
using as escape tools from sticky and dangerous plot situations. Preposterously insane, non-enthusiasts might
say, but HP world experienced in books,
movies or situation-simulation land, is one creative product of the mind filled
with continuous, tremendous critical thought, total wonder, and pure excitement! The ad, “Two parks ... Two lands .... One magical journey…", is an
understatement! 
Monday, October 27, 2014
Moss
Blog 97 …
I have always liked the olive green color of mosses, and their cool, soft
cushioning effect under my feet on hot summer days. What I did not know was that mosses also ‘grew
and lived’ on trees. Spanish Mosses that
is. Flimsy-looking, yet playfully
draped on tree branches and leaves, they dominate the landscape of trees along many Orlando, Florida
communities competing with lively green and stately palms. They gracefully move with the passing wind as
traveling guests on the roadways either arrive or leave. What a sight it was to find them. They seem to have taken the role of Florida state
greeters and cheerleaders!
I have always liked the olive green color of mosses, and their cool, soft
cushioning effect under my feet on hot summer days. What I did not know was that mosses also ‘grew
and lived’ on trees. Spanish Mosses that
is. Flimsy-looking, yet playfully
draped on tree branches and leaves, they dominate the landscape of trees along many Orlando, Florida
communities competing with lively green and stately palms. They gracefully move with the passing wind as
traveling guests on the roadways either arrive or leave. What a sight it was to find them. They seem to have taken the role of Florida state
greeters and cheerleaders! Surprise
Blog 96 …
Birthdays return us back to many nostalgic and wonderful memories
of joyful moments, but nothing better appreciated than all those meaningful and
cheerful presents received. One that
warmly touches me over and again is a “teacup rest”. It is a set of homemade box with four tiny hand-sewn
pillows filled with cinnamon and mint herbs whose aroma wildly bursts whenever I
set down on them between sips my hot cup of tea or coffee. Michelle Chen, one of my L2 students in the
mid-80s, pleasantly surprised me one very special Birth Remembrance Day. In
her then limited English, and still very strong Chinese accent, she radiantly
beamed as she stealthily appeared in my classroom. Not for long, she took out from her worn out
cloth satchel a paper bag-wrapped gift that was secured by a beautifully tied
red yarn. I could still hear her soft
voice that charmingly coaxed me to open it up quickly. My heart leaped with overflowing joy at the sight
of the teacup rest. I was also wonderfully
touched by her most humble present. I
could not remember other material gifts I received that day, but for many
years, and on many birthday remembrances, it was her humblest, and simplest of
gifts that from year to year has brought me unbridled joy. Wherever my charming Michelle Chen is these
days, I pray she knows that she made my birthday and me so very, very special!
Birthdays return us back to many nostalgic and wonderful memories
of joyful moments, but nothing better appreciated than all those meaningful and
cheerful presents received. One that
warmly touches me over and again is a “teacup rest”. It is a set of homemade box with four tiny hand-sewn
pillows filled with cinnamon and mint herbs whose aroma wildly bursts whenever I
set down on them between sips my hot cup of tea or coffee. Michelle Chen, one of my L2 students in the
mid-80s, pleasantly surprised me one very special Birth Remembrance Day. In
her then limited English, and still very strong Chinese accent, she radiantly
beamed as she stealthily appeared in my classroom. Not for long, she took out from her worn out
cloth satchel a paper bag-wrapped gift that was secured by a beautifully tied
red yarn. I could still hear her soft
voice that charmingly coaxed me to open it up quickly. My heart leaped with overflowing joy at the sight
of the teacup rest. I was also wonderfully
touched by her most humble present. I
could not remember other material gifts I received that day, but for many
years, and on many birthday remembrances, it was her humblest, and simplest of
gifts that from year to year has brought me unbridled joy. Wherever my charming Michelle Chen is these
days, I pray she knows that she made my birthday and me so very, very special!Breathe
Blog 95
...
Getting to point B from point A does not require internal rigidity,
but you couldn’t help it. You know for
sure that you must keep alert. You must
focus lest you swerve and then endanger yourself and others. Nevertheless, if you didn’t amuse yourself
while traveling on the road, you’d likely dangerously fall asleep or get
starkly bored. A pint of minding the
architectural beauty of buildings or the engineering and design of passing vehicles
doesn’t hurt. It lifts up the spirit and
celebrates humankind’s inventive mind. Even
admiring natural and man-made gardens on roads’ median is helpful to your
brain’s jittery state while on the highway.
A quick mental note of fresh, creative and natural landscape calms your
nerves as well. Rigidity constricts
breathing, for sure. Think about that next time you get on the road!
Getting to point B from point A does not require internal rigidity,
but you couldn’t help it. You know for
sure that you must keep alert. You must
focus lest you swerve and then endanger yourself and others. Nevertheless, if you didn’t amuse yourself
while traveling on the road, you’d likely dangerously fall asleep or get
starkly bored. A pint of minding the
architectural beauty of buildings or the engineering and design of passing vehicles
doesn’t hurt. It lifts up the spirit and
celebrates humankind’s inventive mind. Even
admiring natural and man-made gardens on roads’ median is helpful to your
brain’s jittery state while on the highway.
A quick mental note of fresh, creative and natural landscape calms your
nerves as well. Rigidity constricts
breathing, for sure. Think about that next time you get on the road!Brrr …
Blog 94 ...
Climate and weather have powers nerving to humans. They drive us mad. They wind us up. They tease and amuse. They rile and provoke. Worse, they frustrate and upset. Just when we think we could tell or calculate
what they might bring for the day, they jolt us with over the head and
irritating hot temps or surprise us with biting chill. We could work with climate’s changing
patterns, but with weather’s shocker of nature, nothing else takes us with a
blow. Yesterday’s 90’s was torturously
hot; today’s 16’s was sharply piercing!
Dogwoods
Blog 93 ...
To “bible belt” residents of southeastern U. S. states, spring blooms of Dogwood trees bring not only an awesome beauty to behold, but they also radiate a pure and reverent familiarity over and again. It is not a secret that during springtime, in this part of the world, the dominant blooms' cross-formed petals remind Christian believers of the sacrificed Lamb of God. Their summer fresh green leaves, juxtaposed with dainty white florets, cheer them too. It seems never ending likewise, that their exploding freshness draws in onlookers like me. After all, they invite “peaceful, easy feelings”. For many years, I did see Dogwood flowers bloom and fade, but I really had not given them extra special attention until recently. Exactly three weeks after autumn had come again, they gave me an astounding discovery. The trees' bright red berries and leaves' exploding hues of purple, orange and red had come in quiet splendor. They even put a graceful dance just for me, as soft winds passed by. Today their seasonal rebirth struck a chord within, and filled me with an extraordinary surprise. As I stood still in front of the Dogwoods, their open arms appeared to more than ever entreat and spread God's warmth and abiding love. Their perfect and spectacular display of color blend could not as well have been my day’s most gracious of gifts. I instantly told myself to not mind selfishly keeping the moment’s encounter deep down in my bosom. I doubt not that I would have the rare opportunity of re-unleashing the warmth and tenderness received today when the cold, bleak moments of yet another winter come.
Monday, October 6, 2014
High 'n' Low
Blog 92 ...
To freely move back and forth, and up high or low in the air is
one exhilarating experience swinging brings about. The swing, one simple play equipment, not
only gives you and me an instant thrill and an adrenalin rush, but it also lets
out that rare, yet awesome and almost endless free flight. There's not one hanging from your
sturdy/friendly tree or none assembled in your back/front yard? Building one now or finding a park with a
swing set close by gets you fast swinging low and high!
To freely move back and forth, and up high or low in the air is
one exhilarating experience swinging brings about. The swing, one simple play equipment, not
only gives you and me an instant thrill and an adrenalin rush, but it also lets
out that rare, yet awesome and almost endless free flight. There's not one hanging from your
sturdy/friendly tree or none assembled in your back/front yard? Building one now or finding a park with a
swing set close by gets you fast swinging low and high!50,000+
Blog 91 ...
Accept it or not, getting behind the wheel of a new vehicle brings
you and your machine a mix of craziness, delight, anxiety, and excitement. You even mutely have crazy conversations with
it without an intentional plan. For a
starter, you promise to care for it and ask that it gives back the same. Whether or not you believe it has interactive
capabilities with you, you anyway create a bond with it and promise to understand
its feelings as long as it does the same, with temperament, especially. You think ahead of the many journeys your very
own transport and you will take to desired destinations for pure, safe, and
responsible fun. You learn to believe
that you both are able to keep your cool on the road, specifically the very
rough ones on which to travel. You even also
warn, mind, and speak out of the places you would likely discover because of
wrong turns in uncharted paths. At one
time or more, when that becomes the course, you both despair and loudly scream the
frustration, but you hold your emotions and just let out a sigh. Before long, your companionship grows in
leaps and bounds. In a while, you proudly
celebrate miles you both cover ... a thousand, and then ten thousand, moving
farther in thousands more. After a year,
three years and four more, you awaken and note that your car has aged like you
have. You both take and give more … one
to the other … the much needed attention, extra tenderness, and symbiotic love. After all, you and your buddy have driven to
many necessary trips to the workplace, made countless stops at service
establishments, did leisure drives, took the critters to and from regular vet
visits, and explored fun community gatherings.
As with all new things and experiences, you both note, in time, that the
thrill of long and short drives to and from places suddenly eases. One lazy day on the road, in an unexpected moment,
you get jolted by the fact that you two have wandered in numerous distance and time. Your friendly moving machine has reached a bittersweet,
yet milestone mileage count: 50,000! You
wallow in wonder and ask, “Where exactly, have we really gone?”
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