UPDATED on 12/23.

IMAGE SOURCE. Picture shot 1,2 and 3 by Curtis Fletcher. I’ve done slight digital enhancements on these already beautiful shots
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To some of us who celebrate Christmas:

The Grinch perhaps has stolen our joy
Or perhaps, he has hid our peace in the deepest part of his attic

Brightness of Christmas lights failed to brighten one’s heart
And even, the beauty of winter couldn’t cheer up a clouded heart

As rows of candles beautifully illuminate a dark room,
may the true message of Christmas would touch every soul who longs and thirsts for …Hope

May hearts be restored, …. be mended

and to ALL of us as the New Year is around the corner:
Wishing you all a year filled with heaven wonders

From our home to yours, sending you a warm Season’s Greetings:
……… Merry Christmas 2007 and Happy New Year 2008 …….

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Special Note for my wonderful blogging friends:
Thank you for reaching out to me. Thank your for the friendships. I’m going to take an indefinite break from blogging … I guess I’d talk to you again ’sometime’ in 2008 … I’m dedicating this Kenny G Christmas song for all of you … Take care everyone ….

There was a time when I used to think that writing a tag post would be a breeze. Well, it’s obvious that my pre-assumption has been proven to be, ummm, very wrong.

Saw this interesting tag on Wendy’s blog, Delirante. And I must say this particular tag is one of those who did require me - to really think.

So, this is the rules I got from Wendy’s site: Use the first letter of your name to answer each question. Must be places, names…Nothing made up. Can’t use own name for boy/girl’s name question. If can’t answer, skip to next one.

1. Famous Singer: Alicia Keys
2. Four Letter Word: Amen.
3. Street: Annex.
4. Colour: ???? (definitely clueless)
5. Gifts/Present: A gift card (Geee, again, I’m clueless here)
6. Vehicle: Audi
7. Things in Souvenir Shop: Australian miniature flags
8. Boy Name: Austin
9. Girl Name: Anne
10. Movie title: Atonement (haven’t watched this movie though)
11. Drink: Apple Juice
12. Occupation: Anesthesiologist
13. Celebrity: Anthony Hopkins
14. Magazine: Allure
15. U.S. City/State: Arizona
16. Pro Sports: Australian rugby (????)
17. Fruit: Apple
18. Reason for Being Late to work: … (I am a SAHM now - currently ‘working’ for one little munchkin. Thankfully, she is a very much considerate boss).
19. Something you throw away: Apple seeds
20. Something you shout: Aww (usually after the munchkin stepped on my toes)

I’m not going to tag certain people this time. EVERYONE who feels tempted to do it are very welcome to tag along…. And of course, Have FUN!!! …

……. By the way, though I don’t know anybody whose name start with letter X, I’m just curious what kind of answers this person would come with ?????

IMAGE SOURCE. Pic Shot by Hidle Vanstraelen. I’ve done some digital enhancements on this pic shot.
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“This is the beginning of a new day. You have been given this day to use as you will. You can waste it or use it for good. What you do today is important because you are exchanging a day of your life for it. When tomorrow comes, this day will be gone forever; in its place is something that you have left behind…let it be something good.”

by Unknown Author

Yesterday as the day rolled in, snow flakes made a surprise visit. They eloquently entered a cold open space though overnight rains soon washed off some snow covered grounds.

Touched by the magic of nature, pansies have started to bloom while, way up on a tree, a young eagle hatched from his egg. His arrival was a define moment. And so was the bloom.

Today is indeed a new day.

Have a pleasant weekend everyone … Talk to you later next week ….

As you are in my grip,

I have found one of my life purposes. And words would fall short to describe who I am.

As you are in my grip,

there is a life chapter where God is molding me through - a little person. The last couple years, I had no choice but to have revisited over and over the meaning of mercy and grace.

As you are in my grip,

a lullaby song is not just simply a sweet soothing melody. It is indeed a precious psalm that holds some stories of your childhood.

As you are in my grip,

my well of ‘tough love’ would never run dry - either you like it or not.

Thus for now, where life is the stage,

I will keep on dancing with you. The three of us.

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One side note

About the picture: BEWARE as the above picture is a yr old. Thus, the munchkin has grown much bigger and so has her mom (though my hubby would obviously disagree on my statement). Sadly speaking, unlike her, I am still petite as I have always been. Only my cheeks have gotten chubbier as it’s winter time now (read: I eat a lot these days).

Yes, it’s another awards time

I’ve been overwhelmed by the generosity of fellow bloggers as they have showered me with precious surprises every month. Nahhh, I would not even get bored getting those lovely surprises

Friends, Thank You for thinking of me.

A dear fellow blogger, Jackie at Painted Veil awarded me the Winning Attitude Award. I think the creator of this award is Mel at Monday’s Morning Power. Another fellow blogger who has left this blogosphere for good, Rolando at RPlayground awarded me the Friendship Badge. Thank you for the friendship, Rolando. Blessings for you and Ebru.

My new friend, Ghee at Gentle and Compassionate with whom I just ‘met’ last month gave me the Fabulous award. And Ivy at Chuvaness… Chakaness .. Eclavuness, also surprised me with the Treat and Eagle Nest awards.

Ah, as I said, I am floored by everybody’s thoughtfulness.

Thus, with this opportunity I’d love to recognize other bloggers as well.

For the Winning Attitude and the Friendship Badge Awards, I’m passing them along to (By Alphabetical Order):
Erina
Ghee
Grace
Ivy
Janet
Hin Man
Sophiagurl
Wen
Zunnur

Then, there is the Eagle Nest Award. Last month, I also did receive the very same award. Did pass it along to some friends. Well, so now, I am passing it along to my new friends who I’ve found as intelligent and beautiful female bloggers!!! (By Alphabetical Oder): Ghee and Ivy

For the Treat award, I’m happily passing the torch to one of my sweet friends:
Ghee ..

And lastly, the Fabulous Award goes to a dear fellow blogger:
Ivy!!

And as it’s very close to the weekend, hope you have a restful and pleasant weekend (it has been a roller coaster week for me).

Take care everyone. Blessings.

IMAGE SOURCE. Pic Shot 1, 2, 3 and 4 by Mario Alberto Magallanes Trejo. These 4 beautiful shots have been digitally enhanced by me.

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A new friend and an awesome blogger mom, Ivy tagged me on this interesting meme (thank you for tagging me dear).

Well, here are the rules:
- Pick your birth month.
- Bold the 5-10 that best apply to you.
- Copy to your own journal, with all twelve months.
- Tag 12 people from your friends list.

AUGUST: Loves to joke. Attractive. Suave and caring. Brave and fearless. Firm and has leadership qualities. Knows how to console others. Too generous and egoistic. Takes high pride in oneself. Thirsty for praises. Extraordinary spirit. Easily angered. Angry when provoked. Easily jealous. Observant. Careful and cautious. Thinks quickly. Independent thoughts. Loves to lead and to be led. Loves to dream. Talented in the arts, music and defense. Sensitive but not petty. Poor resistance against illnesses. Learns to relax. Hasty and trusty. Romantic. Loving and caring. Loves to make friends.

~ Too generous. Definitely NOT to myself. People in my live have given me short (and long) lectures about this matter.
~ Angry when provoked. Most of the time, my emotions are like a content fish swimming in a calm pond. Don’t expect the fish remains in its best spirit when somebody decides to throw a rock into the pond.
~ Observant
~ Sensitive but not petty. Only applicable when I deal with a pure ignorant. Even a little fire will not set ablaze by itself.
~ Poor resistance against illnesses. Took health tests for Lupus twice. I’m thankful the results came back negative. Next year, I might take the same test again.
~ Hasty. Life decisions done in a careless mood? Been there and done that. Thankfully, to get married was not one of those reckless decisions.
~ Romantic. I shall add ‘too‘ here. Never mind to kiss my hubby while in a crowd. And the best part? He doesn’t mind it either. Hey, who doesn’t love to receive affections?

~ ……
~ ……

~ ……

Just in case you wondered why I purposely left blank those last few lines, lets say they are some positive sides of me. I’m just going to let you to guess/decide.

Well now, without further ado, I would like to pass along this tag to some people (By alphabetical order):

Ghee
Sophiagurl
Wen
Zunnur

Actually, there were more people who I wanted to tag. Those who I tagged please consider it as my way to get to know you much better.

Bye the way, I’m amazed that how our birth month could reflect so much as who we are. Is it a phenomenon coincidence or NOT??? ….. Let me hear what you think ….

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JANUARY: Stubborn and hard-hearted. Ambitious and serious. Loves to teach and be taught. Always looking at people’s flaws and weaknesses. Likes to criticize. Hardworking and productive. Smart, neat and organized. Sensitive and has deep thoughts. Knows how to make others happy. Quiet unless excited or tensed. Rather reserved. Highly attentive. Resistant to illnesses but prone to colds. Romantic but has difficulties expressing love. Loves children. Loyal. Has great social abilities yet easily jealous. Very stubborn and money cautious.

FEBRUARY: Abstract thoughts. Loves reality and abstract. Intelligent and clever. Changing personality. Attractive. Sexy. Temperamental. Quiet, shy and humble. Honest and loyal. Determined to reach goals. Loves freedom. Rebellious when restricted. Loves aggressiveness. Too sensitive and easily hurt. Gets angry really easily but does not show it. Dislikes unnecessary things. Loves making friends but rarely shows it. Daring and stubborn. Ambitious. Realizes dreams and hopes. Sharp. Loves entertainment and leisure. Romantic on the inside not outside. Superstitious and ludicrous. Spendthrift. Tries to learn to show emotions.

MARCH: Attractive personality. Sexy. Affectionate. Shy and reserved. Secretive. Naturally honest, generous and sympathetic. Loves peace and serenity. Sensitive to others. Loves to serve others. Easily angered. Trustworthy. Appreciative and returns kindness. Observant and assesses others. Revengeful. Loves to dream and fantasize. Loves traveling. Loves attention. Hasty decisions in choosing partners. Loves home decors. Musically talented. Loves special things. Moody.

APRIL: Active and dynamic. Decisive and hasty but tends to regret. Attractive and affectionate to oneself. Strong mentality. Loves attention. Diplomatic. Consoling, friendly and solves people’s problems. Brave and fearless. Adventurous. Loving and caring. Suave and generous. Emotional. Aggressive. Hasty. Good memory. Moving. Motivates oneself and others. Sickness usually of the head and chest. Sexy in a way that only their lover can see.

MAY: Stubborn and hard-hearted. Strong-willed and highly motivated. Sharp thoughts. Easily angered. Attracts others and loves attention. Deep feelings. Beautiful physically and mentally. Firm Standpoint. Needs no motivation. Easily consoled. Systematic (left brain). Loves to dream. Strong clairvoyance. Understanding. Sickness usually in the ear and neck. Good imagination. Good physical. Weak breathing. Loves literature and the arts. Loves traveling. Dislike being at home. Restless. Not having many children. Hardworking. High spirited. Spendthrift.

JUNE: Thinks far with vision. Easily influenced by kindness. Polite and soft-spoken. Having ideas. Sensitive. Active mind. Hesitating, tends to delay. Choosy and always wants the best. Temperamental. Funny and humorous. Loves to joke. Good debating skills. Talkative. Daydreamer. Friendly. Knows how to make friends. Able to show character. Easily hurt. Prone to getting colds. Loves to dress up. Easily bored. Fussy. Seldom shows emotions. Takes time to recover when hurt. Brand conscious. Executive. Stubborn.

JULY: Fun to be with. Secretive. Difficult to fathom and to be understood. Quiet unless excited or tensed. Takes pride in oneself. Has reputation. Easily consoled. Honest. Concerned about people’s feelings. Tactful. Friendly. Approachable. Emotional temperamental and unpredictable. Moody and easily hurt. Witty and sparkly. Not revengeful. Forgiving but never forgets. Dislikes nonsensical and unnecessary things. Guides others physically and mentally. Sensitive and forms impressions carefully. Caring and loving. Treats others equally. Strong sense of sympathy. Wary and sharp. Judges people through observations. Hardworking. No difficulties in studying. Loves to be alone. Always broods about the past and the old friends. Likes to be quiet. Homely person. Waits for friends. Never looks for friends. Not aggressive unless provoked. Prone to having stomach and dieting problems. Loves to be loved. Easily hurt but takes long to recover.

AUGUST: Loves to joke. Attractive. Suave and caring. Brave and fearless. Firm and has leadership qualities. Knows how to console others. Too generous and egoistic. Takes high pride in oneself. Thirsty for praises. Extraordinary spirit. Easily angered. Angry when provoked. Easily jealous. Observant. Careful and cautious. Thinks quickly. Independent thoughts. Loves to lead and to be led. Loves to dream. Talented in the arts, music and defense. Sensitive but not petty. Poor resistance against illnesses. Learns to relax. Hasty and trusty. Romantic. Loving and caring. Loves to make friends.

SEPTEMBER: Suave and compromising. Careful, cautious and organized. Likes to point out people’s mistakes. Likes to criticize. Stubborn. Quiet but able to talk well. Calm and cool. Kind and sympathetic. Concerned and detailed. Loyal but not always honest. Does work well. Very confident. Sensitive. Good memory. Clever and knowledgeable. Loves to look for information. Must control oneself when criticizing. Able to motivate oneself. Understanding. Fun to be around. Secretive. Loves leisure and traveling. Hardly shows emotions. Tends to bottle up feelings. Very choosy, especially in relationships. Systematic.

OCTOBER: Loves to chat. Loves those who loves them. Loves to take things at the center. Inner and physical beauty. Lies but doesn’t pretend. Gets angry often. Treats friends importantly. Always making friends. Easily hurt but recovers easily. Daydreamer. Opinionated. Does not care of what others think. Emotional. Decisive. Strong clairvoyance. Loves to travel, the arts and literature. Touchy and easily jealous. Concerned. Loves outdoors. Just and fair. Spendthrift. Easily influenced. Easily loses confidence. Loves children.

NOVEMBER: Has a lot of ideas. Difficult to fathom. Thinks forward. Unique and brilliant. Extraordinary ideas. Sharp thinking. Fine and strong clairvoyance. Can become good doctors. Dynamic in personality. Secretive. Inquisitive. Knows how to dig secrets. Always thinking. Less talkative but amiable. Brave and generous. Patient. Stubborn and hard-hearted. If there is a will, there is a way. Determined. Never give up. Hardly becomes angry unless provoked. Loves to be alone. Thinks differently from others. Sharp-minded. Motivates oneself. Does not appreciate praises. High-spirited. Well-built and tough. Deep love and emotions. Romantic. Uncertain in relationships. Homely. Hardworking. High abilities. Trustworthy. Honest and keeps secrets. Not able to control emotions. Unpredictable.

DECEMBER: Loyal and generous. Sexy. Patriotic. Active in games and interactions. Impatient and hasty. Ambitious. Influential in organizations. Fun to be with. Loves to socialize. Loves praises. Loves attention. Loves to be loved. Honest and trustworthy. Not pretending. Short tempered. Changing personality. Not egotistic. Take high pride in oneself. Hates restrictions. Loves to joke. Good sense of humor. Logical.

IMAGE SOURCE. Pics 1, 2 and 3 by Tye Wenzel. I have done digital touched up on these beautiful shots.
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Each person’s life is a story that is telling itself in the living.
~ A Quote by William Throsby Bridges

Rolando at R Playground has tagged on 3 Things that I Can’t Live Without. Wen at Delirante has also tagged me on a similar meme: 7 Facts of Me.

Frankly, since those two memes are very similar thus, I’ve decided to put them together in one post (Guys, I hope you don’t mind if I’ve done it this way).

So, here is the ABCs of Me.

#1. My Faith, My Coat.

Each person gets to choose their own coat. And I have chosen mine - my very own ‘coat.’

I am a born again Christian and I am who I am. There is the touch of God in everyone’s life - yours and mine.

#2. At the stillness of night, we send blessings prayer wrapped with much thoughts and love. It’s for our parents.

From outside a classroom, I spot a munchkin. She caught my gaze and suddenly blew me a kiss. I quickly caught the kiss before the jealous cold air steals it. The child is my daughter.

This man has given me a courage to believe in love. He has showed me that devotions can stand the test of time. Now, I have reasons to believe in - a marriage. We’ve been married close to 6 years. This great man is my husband.

Those people are my beloved. When I see my parents, I see my past. But when I see my own family, I see Present and … FUTURE

#3. Now, there is a tiny hand in my grip. There would be a special day when my husband gives my child away at a church altar. Without good health, my seat would be empty at any special moments in her life.

# 4. There are 3 thinkers living under our roof and only 3 of us here.

# 5. An English-AS-Second-Language Person

Being a bilingual person has taught me that none of any language in this world is better or above than the others.

# 6. Love those flat/ballet shoes.

In summer, flat shoes are my romance. In winter, I am always drawn back to my old romance - my comfy old sneakers. My irresistible boots (lined w/ thermal soles) are the other occasional affair. You could say that I have multiple on-and-off ‘affairs’ with … shoes.

# 7. This what Emily thinks of me. She wrote my name first and drew a picture of me. As always, a picture speaks louder than any written words. Perhaps.

All people have 24 hours a day. For little fingers who are still learning to count, 24 could be a big numerical number though adults may think differently.

Thus, I’m bending the MEME rules this time. As we are all approaching to the weekend, I’m not going to tag anybody.

Hope you could know me better after reading this post. Even if there are only 7 points, I think they do represent who I am.

Wishing you all a pleasant weekend filled with sweet memories and heaven blessings

Talk to you later,

~ Annita

IMAGE SOURCE. Pic shot 1 & 2 by Joseph Patau Bellart. I have slightly digitally enhanced these already beautiful shots

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Tonight we have a full moon

I told her Mr. Moon is not hiding again

In a whirl, she ran into my opens arms

And thereafter, an open space greeted us

Majestic white hue gracefully lit the dark sky

The moon mystique bedazzled us

And its charm swallowed our words

Only the stillness of night silently accompanied us

“Look up.” I finally broke the silence

I gazed twinkles on her eyes

There was a smile but not for me

Gently, I landed her a kiss

The kiss was my ‘thank you’

Something in the past was just being replayed

It’s not about the moon, it’s beyond that …..