Today, Thursday, is another beautiful day, like yesterday and the day after. It's another springtime-weather day. Thank God! I think I'm ready for Spring, my favorite season of all seasons. (At least, I've got a taste of snow this winter last week. that's when we got two-three inches of snow in our area. Truly a winter wonderland, it was!) Yes, it's the last day of the month of January. What can I say but enjoy and have fun, guys! Today is such a lovely "springtime" day, though it's still wintertime!
Since we have such an awesome and amazing weather today in Hampton Roads, with plenty of sunshine, like yesterday, I took the initiative again (like yesterday) to go out and stroll around the neighborhood. That is, after using the restroom and praying the Holy Rosary before 9:00 o'clock this morning. I didn't go that far around our subdivision this time because it's a little chilly/windy today, and a little cooler than yesterday. Unlike yesterday, I didn't see fellow walkers or strollers Gladys and Josefa today. (Yesterday, we had a little chitchat by the pedestrian side, exchanging pleasantries. These older black women are amazing because despite their age they still can manage to stay fit. I personally appreciate of what they're doing for themselves. And they're such inspiring and decent human beings.)
Anyway, after 30-40 minute of strolling around the neighborhood, I continued my physical conditioning right at my backyard, by our open, spacious wooden deck overlooking the elementary school playground. I did a little aerobic exercise, i.e., push ups, stretching, jogging, under the sun. Just to get sweaty a little bit. What a feeling! Being outside on a clear, blue sky with plenty of sunshine, by our wooden deck doing physical conditioning, on a springtime-weather like this, OMG, it's worth more than you can imagine! I feel good and fortunate, though. I'm thankful to God that I'm alive and well, and enjoying this beautiful, peaceful day outside. Thank you, Lord, for everything, all that I see, feel, and hear today---the bright warm sun, clear, azure sky, the leafless trees, the houses of different colors, personalities; the fresh, mild-pleasant air, the breeze, the birds, the flock of calm Canadian geese on the school playground, and the serenity around me. The only thing that's physically missing in my sight is a natural body of water, like a lake or a river, and/or a rugged mountain. But, I can always imagine, can't I? Yes, I can, for I'm still alive and can always dream. What a lovely, peaceful community/world we have!
What's for breakfast after that workout this morning? It's simply cereal (Kashi's Golden Goodness, Crispy Seven Whole Grain Flakes & Oat Clusters) with milk (Organic Valley's Reduced Fat Milk 2%) and a piece of banana. Yummy! Now, speaking of eating breakfast or meals, I've heard, and read Health articles, about the importance of eating breakfast every morning, that we should not/never miss it. Well, I always bear this info in mind. But, you know what, since 2005 when I retired from work, I don't always follow this info because, at times, I just eat two full meals a day, with snacking in between, of course. Nowadays, I just eat "brunch" (late breakfast, early lunch) and dinner. That's it.
Why I don't eat breakfast everyday? Well, let me explain. As a "young" retired person (with sorts of permanent physical disability, Service-connected/related), I don't have or follow set of routine schedule each day, with the exception of taking my prescribed medicines daily, one for the morning and one before bedtime. Since I don't work profitably anymore, I just chill out each day, contented with whatever life offers me. In short, I'm free, just trying to live and enjoy life simply each day, grateful for whatever comes my way, and stress-free as much as possible. There are times that I don't feel like eating something in the morning. Especially early morning when I'm still in bed. I can stay in bed for a longer period of time, unless it's time to use the restroom, you know. No pressure at all. Hence, no stress. But, I prepare something for dinner if I'm in the mood or if I feel like cooking or doing it. Don't get me wrong. I love to cook and to eat, too. I like to learn to cook other dishes/recipes that I haven't tried before. Actually, the past months, I've been into using the oven, doing baking simple cakes, from boxes of cake mix, of course. I'm still learning, though.
Now, what's for dinner today? I haven't figure it out. We still have some left-over pasta that I've cooked days ago. I've started cooking rice (steamed rice), while I'm "cooking" this blog post up. Anyway, I've got to sign off now. What can I say but it's just another beautiful day today. Thank God!
My dear folks and friends, this is all for now. Thanks for your company. Until next time around. Take care and have a nice day, everyone! As always, I pray, "May God bless us all!"-chris a. quilpa, 31January2013
Thursday, January 31, 2013
Monday, January 28, 2013
Living Each Day with Prayer and Thanksgiving
Good Monday, everyone! I'm still here, around, trying to live and enjoy each day/the present moment simply well, with my Faith. Thank God, we're doing good. Let's bundle up and keep warm, everyone! Winter weather is still with us. Let's pray for those homeless in our midst that they find shelter and comfort. May God bless us all.
How are you all doing, btw (by the way)? Hope you're doing great, in spite of the winter weather we have. I can't complain, though. I'm glad and thankful that we have had a taste of snow last week. Overall, I believe, we received 2-3 inches of snow accumulated in our area. (I took a couple of pictures of the event for posterity's sake.) As of now, we still have white spots in our deck by our backyard, while all the roads and streets are completely cleared of snow.
What's up with me lately? Well, aside from attending Mass on Sunday/s and eating out after Mass with my wife Freny and sis-in-law Rose, I've been engrossed with praying the Holy Rosary almost everyday (to the point that I even invite FB friends to do the same, encouraging them to visit www.comepraytherosary.org), watching some videos of YouTubers (or vloggers as they're called) that I stumbled with. Likewise, I read, and at times share to Facebook friends, articles and insightful photos posted on Facebook and by Catholic bloggers that I follow on a regular basis. I prepare meals for dinner, on most weekdays. I listen to NPR (National Public Radio) almost daily, and watch TV newscast. That's basically it. As I've said over and over, I just try my best to live (and to try to enjoy) the present moment simply well, thankful for all of God's blessings to me and my family.
As a retired veteran US Navy serviceman, since 2005, I just try to take it easy each day and do what I can to be useful to others (despite my having medical/physical concerns/issues). With what I have, I try to enjoy life even if I know that it's not that easy, at times, to do, especially when you're in constant pain or managing a chronic bodily/lower back pain. The present moment is what matters most to me, as I keep on saying all the time. I'm not worried about tomorrow. And neither yesterday, especially. Why? Because I know that yesterday is gone. It's done. We can't undo what happened yesterday, can we? That's true. To me, yesterday is but a passing scene, an adventure, another day that slipped by in one's life with all its perks, problems, and unfulfilled promises. I live now. That's what matters. I have to make the most of today, this very moment. How? By living the present moment simply well, with my faith, with Him, my true friend. Vivat Jesus!
My dear folks ans friends, this is all for now. I thank you for all that you do to make our world safer and peaceful. Take care and have a nice day, everyone! As always, I pray, "May God bless us all!"-chris a. quilpa, 28January2013
How are you all doing, btw (by the way)? Hope you're doing great, in spite of the winter weather we have. I can't complain, though. I'm glad and thankful that we have had a taste of snow last week. Overall, I believe, we received 2-3 inches of snow accumulated in our area. (I took a couple of pictures of the event for posterity's sake.) As of now, we still have white spots in our deck by our backyard, while all the roads and streets are completely cleared of snow.
What's up with me lately? Well, aside from attending Mass on Sunday/s and eating out after Mass with my wife Freny and sis-in-law Rose, I've been engrossed with praying the Holy Rosary almost everyday (to the point that I even invite FB friends to do the same, encouraging them to visit www.comepraytherosary.org), watching some videos of YouTubers (or vloggers as they're called) that I stumbled with. Likewise, I read, and at times share to Facebook friends, articles and insightful photos posted on Facebook and by Catholic bloggers that I follow on a regular basis. I prepare meals for dinner, on most weekdays. I listen to NPR (National Public Radio) almost daily, and watch TV newscast. That's basically it. As I've said over and over, I just try my best to live (and to try to enjoy) the present moment simply well, thankful for all of God's blessings to me and my family.
As a retired veteran US Navy serviceman, since 2005, I just try to take it easy each day and do what I can to be useful to others (despite my having medical/physical concerns/issues). With what I have, I try to enjoy life even if I know that it's not that easy, at times, to do, especially when you're in constant pain or managing a chronic bodily/lower back pain. The present moment is what matters most to me, as I keep on saying all the time. I'm not worried about tomorrow. And neither yesterday, especially. Why? Because I know that yesterday is gone. It's done. We can't undo what happened yesterday, can we? That's true. To me, yesterday is but a passing scene, an adventure, another day that slipped by in one's life with all its perks, problems, and unfulfilled promises. I live now. That's what matters. I have to make the most of today, this very moment. How? By living the present moment simply well, with my faith, with Him, my true friend. Vivat Jesus!
My dear folks ans friends, this is all for now. I thank you for all that you do to make our world safer and peaceful. Take care and have a nice day, everyone! As always, I pray, "May God bless us all!"-chris a. quilpa, 28January2013
Friday, January 25, 2013
After Snowfall, Winter Wonderland!
It's wintertime now
freezing cold, snowy, windy
Here in Hampton Roads.
It's snowy Friday
a day to welcome snowstorm
a rare, awesome day!
All over HR
on the ground, rooftops, the roads
pure white everywhere!
Here in Hampton Roads
after the snow has fallen
winter wonderland!
(c) 2013 by Chris A. Quilpa
freezing cold, snowy, windy
Here in Hampton Roads.
It's snowy Friday
a day to welcome snowstorm
a rare, awesome day!
All over HR
on the ground, rooftops, the roads
pure white everywhere!
Here in Hampton Roads
after the snow has fallen
winter wonderland!
(c) 2013 by Chris A. Quilpa
Snow Has Fallen in Hampton Roads!
Thank God, it's Friday
twenty-five of January
a cool snowy day!
Snow has fallen now
over Hampton Roads today
for the ground is white.
What a sight to see
snow covering the area
all of Hampton Roads!
Before it turns ice
it's time to enjoy the snow
before it melts down.
(c) 2013 by Chris A. Quilpa
twenty-five of January
a cool snowy day!
Snow has fallen now
over Hampton Roads today
for the ground is white.
What a sight to see
snow covering the area
all of Hampton Roads!
Before it turns ice
it's time to enjoy the snow
before it melts down.
(c) 2013 by Chris A. Quilpa
Tuesday, January 22, 2013
For Life
For Life*
I am here for Life
because I have faith and hope
because God loves me.
I am still living
Life has a purpose for me
because of His Love.
With Love I have Life
I have the right to exist
to love and to serve.
(c) 2013 by Chris A. Quilpa
Sunday, January 20, 2013
Like Every Other Sunday
A beautiful and blessed Sunday to you all! Thank you, loving God, we're alive and well!
Since I woke up early this morning at about 5:30 a.m., I prayed the Holy Rosary while still in bed, and after taking a leak in the restroom in our bedroom. I tried to get back to sleep but that's when the alarm-clock-radio in our room automatically sounded off. (It is permanently set at 6 a.m., for my wife Freny who goes to school-work weekdays, except federal holidays.) I just continued to lay down and listened to news broadcast from NPR (National Public Radio) while the wife was in deep slumber. And snoring! From the news broadcast, I learned that the newly-reelected 44th U.S. President Barack Obama is going to have a private swearing in ceremony today at the Blue Room in The White House, Washington, D.C., with the Hon. John Roberts, Chief Justice of the Supreme Court. But the public Inauguration Day ceremony marking the start of President Obama's second term will be tomorrow, Monday, January 21, which coincides with the nationwide observance of Dr. Martin Luther King Day, Jr., a federal holiday.
Well, as you know, when it's Sunday, it's church time for me and my family. This Sunday, it's a double treat for us because daughter Tintin (who has been here since late Friday afternoon from D-ville where she works) was scheduled to play the piano in that 11:00 a.m. Christian church services in Norfolk. Actually, she's home every other Sunday because of her being a paid pianist for that church in Norfolk. If she's home, we usually go to that 9:00 a.m. Sunday Mass at St. Mary's Catholic, one of the four clustered parishes in the area. But this morning, we finally decided to attend the regular 9:30 Sunday mass at St. Paul's Catholic, our regular parish where we (my family) have been registered parishioners for years.
Rev. Fr. Chris, our parochial vicar for the four clustered parishes, was the celebrant and homilist. He spoke about praying after those Scripture and Gospel readings. Normally, it takes an hour or less for a church worship service. After the Holy Communion, Tintin, my sis-in-law Rose, Freny and I quietly left St. Paul's for another church service in Norfolk where Tintin does play piano. As usual, we participated in the church worship service there. The second reading there was the same Gospel reading (from John 2:1-11) at St. Paul's Catholic in Portsmouth., which is about the wedding at Cana in which there was a shortage of wine, and Mary, the mother of Jesus called attention to his Son and Jesus did the miracle, turning water to wine.
After the church service in Norfolk, we drove back to Portsmouth and had buffet luncheon at a newly-managed Chinese restaurant. We used to dine there before, under the old management.
How was lunch at that newly-managed Chinese restaurant? Excellent! Food was very good. There's this Hibachi grill as an additional feature. Price was reasonable and the restaurant's ambiance was kinda neat. So were the restrooms. Lighting this time was better, brighter, eye-catching. Decor was simply awesome, with the addition of a man-made fountain inside the eatery. I don't mind going back there again, someday.
Back home after lunch, Tintin prepared herself and then left for D-ville this afternoon. I learned she'll hopefully be in C-ville with her female fellow college adviser and housemate tonight for two-three day in-service training/meetings at their alma mater/employer. As usual, I told her to "be safe and "drive safely" as I hugged her. God, bless her and her friend!
Well, this is all for now, my dear folks and friends. Thank you for your time with me. Take care and enjoy the rest of the day! And, to those residing in the US, enjoy your three-day weekend, everyone! For tomorrow, Happy Inauguration Day and Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day! As always, I pray, "May God bless us all!"-chris a. quilpa, 20Jan2013
Since I woke up early this morning at about 5:30 a.m., I prayed the Holy Rosary while still in bed, and after taking a leak in the restroom in our bedroom. I tried to get back to sleep but that's when the alarm-clock-radio in our room automatically sounded off. (It is permanently set at 6 a.m., for my wife Freny who goes to school-work weekdays, except federal holidays.) I just continued to lay down and listened to news broadcast from NPR (National Public Radio) while the wife was in deep slumber. And snoring! From the news broadcast, I learned that the newly-reelected 44th U.S. President Barack Obama is going to have a private swearing in ceremony today at the Blue Room in The White House, Washington, D.C., with the Hon. John Roberts, Chief Justice of the Supreme Court. But the public Inauguration Day ceremony marking the start of President Obama's second term will be tomorrow, Monday, January 21, which coincides with the nationwide observance of Dr. Martin Luther King Day, Jr., a federal holiday.
Well, as you know, when it's Sunday, it's church time for me and my family. This Sunday, it's a double treat for us because daughter Tintin (who has been here since late Friday afternoon from D-ville where she works) was scheduled to play the piano in that 11:00 a.m. Christian church services in Norfolk. Actually, she's home every other Sunday because of her being a paid pianist for that church in Norfolk. If she's home, we usually go to that 9:00 a.m. Sunday Mass at St. Mary's Catholic, one of the four clustered parishes in the area. But this morning, we finally decided to attend the regular 9:30 Sunday mass at St. Paul's Catholic, our regular parish where we (my family) have been registered parishioners for years.
Rev. Fr. Chris, our parochial vicar for the four clustered parishes, was the celebrant and homilist. He spoke about praying after those Scripture and Gospel readings. Normally, it takes an hour or less for a church worship service. After the Holy Communion, Tintin, my sis-in-law Rose, Freny and I quietly left St. Paul's for another church service in Norfolk where Tintin does play piano. As usual, we participated in the church worship service there. The second reading there was the same Gospel reading (from John 2:1-11) at St. Paul's Catholic in Portsmouth., which is about the wedding at Cana in which there was a shortage of wine, and Mary, the mother of Jesus called attention to his Son and Jesus did the miracle, turning water to wine.
After the church service in Norfolk, we drove back to Portsmouth and had buffet luncheon at a newly-managed Chinese restaurant. We used to dine there before, under the old management.
How was lunch at that newly-managed Chinese restaurant? Excellent! Food was very good. There's this Hibachi grill as an additional feature. Price was reasonable and the restaurant's ambiance was kinda neat. So were the restrooms. Lighting this time was better, brighter, eye-catching. Decor was simply awesome, with the addition of a man-made fountain inside the eatery. I don't mind going back there again, someday.
Back home after lunch, Tintin prepared herself and then left for D-ville this afternoon. I learned she'll hopefully be in C-ville with her female fellow college adviser and housemate tonight for two-three day in-service training/meetings at their alma mater/employer. As usual, I told her to "be safe and "drive safely" as I hugged her. God, bless her and her friend!
Well, this is all for now, my dear folks and friends. Thank you for your time with me. Take care and enjoy the rest of the day! And, to those residing in the US, enjoy your three-day weekend, everyone! For tomorrow, Happy Inauguration Day and Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day! As always, I pray, "May God bless us all!"-chris a. quilpa, 20Jan2013
Saturday, January 19, 2013
Life's Purpose
My Life and Faith
As a child of God
I have to take up my cross
I have to love Him.
To live in this world
to bear witness to His love
all I need is Faith.
Faith nourishes me
from here to eternity
now and forever.
To be a Christian
this is my purpose in life
know, love, and serve Him.
(c) 2013 by Chris a. Quilpa
As a child of God
I have to take up my cross
I have to love Him.
To live in this world
to bear witness to His love
all I need is Faith.
Faith nourishes me
from here to eternity
now and forever.
To be a Christian
this is my purpose in life
know, love, and serve Him.
(c) 2013 by Chris a. Quilpa
Friday, January 18, 2013
After (S/light) Snow and (Brief) Rain...
Note: It rained and snowed briefly in Hampton Roads last night. Announcements were made on local TV newscasts since last night about school delays for Friday. Now, today, Friday (early morning), there's snowflakes on the ground, in our wooden deck that's wet. But for a while, when the glowing sun has risen, this morning, eventually the snowflakes are gone, the wooden deck dry. TGIF! Yes, Thank God, It's Friday!
Now, here's what I just scribbled on some loose bond papers, this morning, after praying the Holy Rosary, with thanksgiving...I just titled it After (Slight) Snow and (Brief) Rain...
Now, here's what I just scribbled on some loose bond papers, this morning, after praying the Holy Rosary, with thanksgiving...I just titled it After (Slight) Snow and (Brief) Rain...
There's the glowing sun
after snow and rain and wind
we are all so blessed.
After snow and rain
business as usual again
busy is the world.
When our life seems dull
when there's turmoil everywhere
we need Faith and hope.
Finally the sun
after days of blue and gray
there's Light, Life, Love.
(c) 2013 by Chris A. Quilpa
Monday, January 14, 2013
Cooking and Dinner Time
It's rainy Monday
on a wintry January
it is cooking time.
It is always fun
it's a learning experience
Cooking for dinner.
For a dreary day
it's pasta with broccoli
that's for dinnertime.
Dinnertime is great
after cooking, then eating
with red wine or beer.
(c) 2013 by Chris A. Quilpa
on a wintry January
it is cooking time.
It is always fun
it's a learning experience
Cooking for dinner.
For a dreary day
it's pasta with broccoli
that's for dinnertime.
Dinnertime is great
after cooking, then eating
with red wine or beer.
(c) 2013 by Chris A. Quilpa
Sunday, January 13, 2013
Church Time
Church Service and Worship Time
Sunday worship time
praising God and thanking Him
with songs and prayers.
Going to church and praise
pray and thank Jesus our Lord
our Savior and God.
With parishioners
listening to the Good News
we're one with our priest.
Praying and singing
with our pastor and others
to Him we believe.
(c) 2013 by Chris A. Quilpa
Friday, January 11, 2013
Laundry Time
Laundry Time
On a day like this
cloudy, dreary, and drizzly
thank God, it's Friday.
On a shady morn
when everything is just fine
it is laundry time.
Living the moment
doing laundry on Friday
there's a feeling of relief.
(c) 2013 by Chris A. Quilpa
Thursday, January 10, 2013
Sunrise-Sunset
Sunrise in the morn
sunset in the afternoon
a day's Life/work is gone/done.
Life begins anew
as Sun rises in the East
dreams made realized.
The day's over now
sunset on the horizon
time to dream (rest and sleep) again.
(c) 2013 by Chris A. Quilpa
Tuesday, January 8, 2013
On a Bright, Sunny, Winter Day in Hampton Roads
Good Tuesday, everyone! And thank you, readers, from US, Russia, UK, Germany, Hong Kong, Italy, Belgium, Canada, China, and Taiwan. Hope you're doing well on this beautiful day in January 2013. Yes, we're still alive and well. Thank you, good and gracious God. Thank you, Jesus, and Mother Mary! And to all people of goodwill, thank you for what you do to make our world safer and peaceful.
Outside, I see the bright sun, clear sky, and about fifty or more Canadian geese on the school playground. Observing them intently as I continue my pace of walking (while praying and meditating on the Holy Rosary) in our backyard this morning, I can't help but admire these wonderful creatures. Hence, here's what I scribbled on a piece of paper after my thirty minute of being outside with plenty of sunshine, under the clear blue sky, and mild temperature...
Outside, I see the bright sun, clear sky, and about fifty or more Canadian geese on the school playground. Observing them intently as I continue my pace of walking (while praying and meditating on the Holy Rosary) in our backyard this morning, I can't help but admire these wonderful creatures. Hence, here's what I scribbled on a piece of paper after my thirty minute of being outside with plenty of sunshine, under the clear blue sky, and mild temperature...
The Canadian Geese and Me on a Bright, Sunny, Winter Day in HR
The Canadian geese
they're here again in school ground
this time of the year.
They're in groups and pairs
like people in the open
enjoying Freedom.
They're calm and quiet
unless disturbed and provoked
they're cool, free, playful.
Under a clear sky
with calm wind, on a sunshiny day
I feel free and blessed!
(c) 2013 by Chris A. Quilpa
Thank you, Almighty God, for this beautiful day! Thank you for your creation, and the blessings and graces we receive each and every day. Thank you for this very moment of peace and solitude.
May God continue to bless us all, always!
Friday, January 4, 2013
Poetic Reflections on the First Friday of 2013
Happy First Friday of 2013, everyone! TGIF(Thank God, It's Friday)! Glad and thankful we're alive and well! Thank you, God and Jesus, and Holy Spirit, and Mother Mary! St. Elizabeth Ann Seton, Patron Saint of Catholic Schools, pray for us!
About two hours ago this morning, I invited our Facebook friends to join me in praying the Holy Rosary of the Blessed Virgin Mary, the Mother of Jesus our Lord and Savior, and our Heavenly Mother, too. I hope someone out there did pray, too.
Since there's plenty of sunshine today, Friday, over Hampton Roads, though it's winter and cold, I got out (of our house) and began walking around by our spacious wooden deck in our backyard. There's frost on the ground and the air was so fresh and clean, with the clear, blue sky above me. I feel blessed and lucky to be out there under the sun! So thankful to God that I'm alive and well.
I tried to capture the mood and the moment while I was outside. And so, my dear folks and friends, here's sharing with you what I have scribbled this morning after that stroll in my backyard, in Haiku style...
Haiku on the First Friday of 2013
About two hours ago this morning, I invited our Facebook friends to join me in praying the Holy Rosary of the Blessed Virgin Mary, the Mother of Jesus our Lord and Savior, and our Heavenly Mother, too. I hope someone out there did pray, too.
Since there's plenty of sunshine today, Friday, over Hampton Roads, though it's winter and cold, I got out (of our house) and began walking around by our spacious wooden deck in our backyard. There's frost on the ground and the air was so fresh and clean, with the clear, blue sky above me. I feel blessed and lucky to be out there under the sun! So thankful to God that I'm alive and well.
I tried to capture the mood and the moment while I was outside. And so, my dear folks and friends, here's sharing with you what I have scribbled this morning after that stroll in my backyard, in Haiku style...
Haiku on the First Friday of 2013
Blue sky over me
sunlight so bright I can see
all around...beauty!
The sky above me
so blue, so clear, and so high
that I feel so small!
With the sun, I see
everything surrounding me
the beauty of God!
There's peace and calmness
when it's winter but sunny
I know, God loves me!
Sunlight and clear sky
Canadian geese on school ground
trees, houses stand still.
Leafless trees are calm
their limbs, branches extended
as if they're praying!
So quiet and still
outside only me walking
under sun and sky!
I feel blessed and well
witnessing God's creation
me, the sun and sky!
Breathing cool, fresh air
while in the open with Him
I've nothing to fear!
Thank God, I'm alive
living the present moment
with my Faith in me!
(c) 2013 by Chris A. Quilpa
This is all for now. Until next time around. Take care and Have a wonderful weekend, my dear folks and friends! As always, I pray, "May God bless us all!"-chris a. quilpa, 04Jan2013
This is all for now. Until next time around. Take care and Have a wonderful weekend, my dear folks and friends! As always, I pray, "May God bless us all!"-chris a. quilpa, 04Jan2013
Thursday, January 3, 2013
On the Third Day of the First Month of the New Year
Good day, everyone! How are we all doing today? Me? I'm good, doing well, too. Thank you. And thank God, I'm alive and well. Thank you, Mother Mary and Jesus! Thank you, Holy Spirit!
One of the news reports or articles today, Thursday, that captured my attention is the return of the students in school in Monroe, not Newtown, in Connecticut after that December school shooting massacre that claimed the lives of 20 school children and six educators and the 20 year-old shooter, Adam Lanza, and his mother.
Yes, they're back to school today, Thursday. The students and educators, and staff of the Newtown, Connecticut's Sandy Elementary School resumed school not at the Sandy Elementary School building (where the shooting rampage/massacre took place weeks before Christmas last year) but in a different school building, miles away from Newtown. I wonder what reaction/s do these students and staff have. And how do they feel now that they have celebrated Christmas and New Year's Day with their loved ones, families and friends, but without those fellow students and their principal and some other educators who became victims of the deadly mass shooting in their (former) school. Anyway, I pray and try to continue to pray for those victims and their families, and those volunteers who worked tirelessly to help in the healing and grieving and bring back normalcy in Newtown. May the soul of the departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen. May the families and all those affected by the tragedy have found comfort and peace, and joy this holiday season. May God bless them all.
This morning, while I was praying the Holy Rosary, meditating on the Luminous Mysteries, I invited my Facebook friends to pray along with me. Afterwards I listened to John Michael Talbot's music on YouTube while reading The Blue Book from our parish, St. Paul's Catholic Church.
I was about to write my blog post then but something wasn't working. I found out later on that we didn't have internet connection. So I went downstairs and ate my breakfast. I tried logging on and on and on but to no avail. Disappointed, of course, I was! But, I didn't feel bad. I asked myself, "what will I do then?" That's when I realized, aha, life is not what it used to be without the internet! But, on the other hand, I thought: I can manage my day without it. My life goes on and so does the world. I just continue to live the present moment simply well, sans internet today.
To keep myself busy, I listened to music that I've stored or uploaded (is that the word?) on my laptop months ago. And, re-visited the personal pictures or photos I saved on my laptop, too. So delighted to see those pictures. You see, pictures remind us of past events, what we did, who we were with, etc. Just like the ones we had last year's Christmas and New Year 2012. What a big difference compared to this year! I mean, the way we celebrated Christmas and New Year's last year, then and now. Simplicity is the word for me this time. Yes, it's not much the glitter and funfare but the spirit of the heart and faith that matters to me.
I resumed my cooking, this time, too. Previous days, I've been eating left-over food in the ref, matter-of-factly. I don't mind, though. I just don't want to waste food especially if they're still edible after two to three days. So, this afternoon, I boiled a bag of frozen black-eyed peas with snap beans. I added frozen collard greens and those left-over baked chopped pork, with a tablespoon olive oil, and when it was about to be done, I added those left-over three pieces of baked boneless milkfish ("bangus" in Filipino). For flavoring, I added a pinch of garlic salt since I don't have that oyster sauce. (I thought I still have a bottle of it from the Commissary.) And then when I was finished cooking, what else to do but to eat, to taste what I've prepared for dinner. Good, simple vegetable dish, using all left-over food. I ate it with a left-over steamed rice. I ate half of that pomegranate. ( I don't know about you, folks and friends, but I love to nibble this fruit, especially if it's ripe and sweet.) Yummy!
Four hours past, I had a snack of pita and a simple plain mashed avocado (guacamole dip?) with a small glass of Reunite's Lambrusco red wine, while watching the news on TV in our living room. I shared some to Freny when she arrived from school-work. She also ate dinner from the dish I prepared. For dessert, I had a slice of that left-over cassava cake that Freny and I bought at Felynn's in a neighboring city on the morning of New Year's Eve. I had to nuke it for a minute and a half. Freny had another slice of it, too.
Now, I got lucky to have our internet back. I don't know what happened this morning between ten in the morning to two in the afternoon that we didn't have internet connection at home even if we're supposed to have wireless internet connection. We have wireless internet for a year or two now? Anyway, we already have internet and, hence, I'm here blogging and about to finish it or sign off now.
Well, this is it, folks and friends, for today. Until next time around. Thanks for your time reading this post. Thanks for those readers who may have accidentally come across or visited this blog. Do appreciate it. Take care and have a nice day, everyone. As always, I pray, "May God bless us all!"-chris a. quilpa, 03January2013.
One of the news reports or articles today, Thursday, that captured my attention is the return of the students in school in Monroe, not Newtown, in Connecticut after that December school shooting massacre that claimed the lives of 20 school children and six educators and the 20 year-old shooter, Adam Lanza, and his mother.
Yes, they're back to school today, Thursday. The students and educators, and staff of the Newtown, Connecticut's Sandy Elementary School resumed school not at the Sandy Elementary School building (where the shooting rampage/massacre took place weeks before Christmas last year) but in a different school building, miles away from Newtown. I wonder what reaction/s do these students and staff have. And how do they feel now that they have celebrated Christmas and New Year's Day with their loved ones, families and friends, but without those fellow students and their principal and some other educators who became victims of the deadly mass shooting in their (former) school. Anyway, I pray and try to continue to pray for those victims and their families, and those volunteers who worked tirelessly to help in the healing and grieving and bring back normalcy in Newtown. May the soul of the departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen. May the families and all those affected by the tragedy have found comfort and peace, and joy this holiday season. May God bless them all.
This morning, while I was praying the Holy Rosary, meditating on the Luminous Mysteries, I invited my Facebook friends to pray along with me. Afterwards I listened to John Michael Talbot's music on YouTube while reading The Blue Book from our parish, St. Paul's Catholic Church.
I was about to write my blog post then but something wasn't working. I found out later on that we didn't have internet connection. So I went downstairs and ate my breakfast. I tried logging on and on and on but to no avail. Disappointed, of course, I was! But, I didn't feel bad. I asked myself, "what will I do then?" That's when I realized, aha, life is not what it used to be without the internet! But, on the other hand, I thought: I can manage my day without it. My life goes on and so does the world. I just continue to live the present moment simply well, sans internet today.
To keep myself busy, I listened to music that I've stored or uploaded (is that the word?) on my laptop months ago. And, re-visited the personal pictures or photos I saved on my laptop, too. So delighted to see those pictures. You see, pictures remind us of past events, what we did, who we were with, etc. Just like the ones we had last year's Christmas and New Year 2012. What a big difference compared to this year! I mean, the way we celebrated Christmas and New Year's last year, then and now. Simplicity is the word for me this time. Yes, it's not much the glitter and funfare but the spirit of the heart and faith that matters to me.
I resumed my cooking, this time, too. Previous days, I've been eating left-over food in the ref, matter-of-factly. I don't mind, though. I just don't want to waste food especially if they're still edible after two to three days. So, this afternoon, I boiled a bag of frozen black-eyed peas with snap beans. I added frozen collard greens and those left-over baked chopped pork, with a tablespoon olive oil, and when it was about to be done, I added those left-over three pieces of baked boneless milkfish ("bangus" in Filipino). For flavoring, I added a pinch of garlic salt since I don't have that oyster sauce. (I thought I still have a bottle of it from the Commissary.) And then when I was finished cooking, what else to do but to eat, to taste what I've prepared for dinner. Good, simple vegetable dish, using all left-over food. I ate it with a left-over steamed rice. I ate half of that pomegranate. ( I don't know about you, folks and friends, but I love to nibble this fruit, especially if it's ripe and sweet.) Yummy!
Four hours past, I had a snack of pita and a simple plain mashed avocado (guacamole dip?) with a small glass of Reunite's Lambrusco red wine, while watching the news on TV in our living room. I shared some to Freny when she arrived from school-work. She also ate dinner from the dish I prepared. For dessert, I had a slice of that left-over cassava cake that Freny and I bought at Felynn's in a neighboring city on the morning of New Year's Eve. I had to nuke it for a minute and a half. Freny had another slice of it, too.
Now, I got lucky to have our internet back. I don't know what happened this morning between ten in the morning to two in the afternoon that we didn't have internet connection at home even if we're supposed to have wireless internet connection. We have wireless internet for a year or two now? Anyway, we already have internet and, hence, I'm here blogging and about to finish it or sign off now.
Well, this is it, folks and friends, for today. Until next time around. Thanks for your time reading this post. Thanks for those readers who may have accidentally come across or visited this blog. Do appreciate it. Take care and have a nice day, everyone. As always, I pray, "May God bless us all!"-chris a. quilpa, 03January2013.
Wednesday, January 2, 2013
Post-Christmas and New Year's Day Flashback
Good Wednesday, my dear folks and friends! How are we doing today? Hope and pray you have had the best celebration of Christmas and New Year's Day you've ever longed for in years.
Btw, I've been listening to American country/liturgical singer-musician John Michael Talbot's songs on YouTube since this morning, after praying the Holy Rosary along with a video on YouTube. And even at this time that I'm back from mailing to the nearest post office a number of bills and a couple of Get Well Soon cards (one for my sister-in-law out of state and the one for our friend in the area. Both are nurses. The former is still working while the latter retired. Both have had minor surgeries, though and they're recuperating.), I still continue listening to John's music at this very moment that I'm writing this blog post. I don't know about you but I just love listening to the mellow, soothing music of John.
How was my Christmas and New Year celebration? Well, I'd say that I did celebrate Christmas simply, away from home, as I've mentioned in my previous blog posts. My wife Freny, daughter Tintin and I spent Christmas in D-ville. (Andrew was with his friends. They went to New York and back to Maryland and Washington, DC where he is currently employed. But he was with us before and after New Year's. Then on New Year's Day in the afternoon, he went back to DC because he has to be back to work the day after New Year's Day. Same thing with daughter Tintin. She left home for D-ville in the afternoon on New Year's Day.) In short, I had a good, relaxing time with my family and a couple of friends (Andrew's), with lots of food and a toast of Lambrusco red wine (not champagne) and Welch's sparkling red grape juice cocktail, and that Kraken rum on New Year's Eve. Then, On New Year's Day, I attended the Mass in our parish, with Freny. The kids were still asleep then. We didn't bother waking them up for they slept late, in the wee hours, I believe. I learned the day after New Year's Eve celebration that one of Andrew's friends, Thomas, spent the night at home while Brian went home. Actually, we offered our home to Andrew's friends to sleep over instead of being out there driving under the influence of alcohol.
I did watch a couple of Filipino and Fil-Am collaborated movies for the past days. I was kinda delighted to have watched a 1974? classic, an award-winning Filipino movie (with English subtitle, of course) entitled Tinimbangka Ngunit Kulang (Weighed but Wanting) by the late award-winning director Lino Brocka. The truth is, I haven't been watching Filipino movies that much for years. Having been away from my native land for nearly three decades, with the exception of a couple of visits there, I don't say that I don't miss them. I do. But not that much. Why? My only concern is that some, if not most, of the Filipino films are very slow-paced. I mean the editing was not good. Like the one I've mentioned above, that movie could have been edited and viewed for one-and-a-half hours instead of over two hours. I've seen some Filipino movies before and the same thing. The slow-pacing of depicting scenes are so evident and I kinda dislike that. Don't get me wrong but this is just me. I lose interest if the movie is soooo slow, and the editing poorly done. I get bored, sorry. I do hope the newer Filipino movies these days are well-edited. I'm sorry to say that I'm not really that fascinated watching so much melodramatic movies with poor editing, slow-pacing. (I do hope I didn't offend anyone. That's not my intention but I'm just voicing out my opinion here regarding some, if not most, Filipino movies.)
Now that Christmas is over and New Year's Day celebration behind us, it's back to normal. That is, back to school-work for those concerned. Freny did go to her school-work this morning at seven, while I was still cuddling in bed trying to get some more sleep. (That's the advantage of being retired; I don't have to pay attention to the clock. But I still have to know the time, though. I have no more rules or schedule to follow. I just live and try to enjoy the present moment simply well, with my Faith and (regained) freedom, as I've said several times in my previous blog posts.) I know Tintin is at work and so is Andrew. And my sis-in-law Rose. That's what it is---back to routine, to work, and business as usual, after holiday break. Such is life, huh.
Before I forget, I thank you, my dear folks and friends, for the gifts and Christmas greeting cards we received. Thank you, God, for all of our folks and friends everywhere. Thank you, Mother Mary and Jesus.
Well, so much for now. Until next time around, my dear folks and friends. Take care and have a nice day, everyone. May God bless us always!-chris a. quilpa, 02January2013
Btw, I've been listening to American country/liturgical singer-musician John Michael Talbot's songs on YouTube since this morning, after praying the Holy Rosary along with a video on YouTube. And even at this time that I'm back from mailing to the nearest post office a number of bills and a couple of Get Well Soon cards (one for my sister-in-law out of state and the one for our friend in the area. Both are nurses. The former is still working while the latter retired. Both have had minor surgeries, though and they're recuperating.), I still continue listening to John's music at this very moment that I'm writing this blog post. I don't know about you but I just love listening to the mellow, soothing music of John.
How was my Christmas and New Year celebration? Well, I'd say that I did celebrate Christmas simply, away from home, as I've mentioned in my previous blog posts. My wife Freny, daughter Tintin and I spent Christmas in D-ville. (Andrew was with his friends. They went to New York and back to Maryland and Washington, DC where he is currently employed. But he was with us before and after New Year's. Then on New Year's Day in the afternoon, he went back to DC because he has to be back to work the day after New Year's Day. Same thing with daughter Tintin. She left home for D-ville in the afternoon on New Year's Day.) In short, I had a good, relaxing time with my family and a couple of friends (Andrew's), with lots of food and a toast of Lambrusco red wine (not champagne) and Welch's sparkling red grape juice cocktail, and that Kraken rum on New Year's Eve. Then, On New Year's Day, I attended the Mass in our parish, with Freny. The kids were still asleep then. We didn't bother waking them up for they slept late, in the wee hours, I believe. I learned the day after New Year's Eve celebration that one of Andrew's friends, Thomas, spent the night at home while Brian went home. Actually, we offered our home to Andrew's friends to sleep over instead of being out there driving under the influence of alcohol.
I did watch a couple of Filipino and Fil-Am collaborated movies for the past days. I was kinda delighted to have watched a 1974? classic, an award-winning Filipino movie (with English subtitle, of course) entitled Tinimbangka Ngunit Kulang (Weighed but Wanting) by the late award-winning director Lino Brocka. The truth is, I haven't been watching Filipino movies that much for years. Having been away from my native land for nearly three decades, with the exception of a couple of visits there, I don't say that I don't miss them. I do. But not that much. Why? My only concern is that some, if not most, of the Filipino films are very slow-paced. I mean the editing was not good. Like the one I've mentioned above, that movie could have been edited and viewed for one-and-a-half hours instead of over two hours. I've seen some Filipino movies before and the same thing. The slow-pacing of depicting scenes are so evident and I kinda dislike that. Don't get me wrong but this is just me. I lose interest if the movie is soooo slow, and the editing poorly done. I get bored, sorry. I do hope the newer Filipino movies these days are well-edited. I'm sorry to say that I'm not really that fascinated watching so much melodramatic movies with poor editing, slow-pacing. (I do hope I didn't offend anyone. That's not my intention but I'm just voicing out my opinion here regarding some, if not most, Filipino movies.)
Now that Christmas is over and New Year's Day celebration behind us, it's back to normal. That is, back to school-work for those concerned. Freny did go to her school-work this morning at seven, while I was still cuddling in bed trying to get some more sleep. (That's the advantage of being retired; I don't have to pay attention to the clock. But I still have to know the time, though. I have no more rules or schedule to follow. I just live and try to enjoy the present moment simply well, with my Faith and (regained) freedom, as I've said several times in my previous blog posts.) I know Tintin is at work and so is Andrew. And my sis-in-law Rose. That's what it is---back to routine, to work, and business as usual, after holiday break. Such is life, huh.
Before I forget, I thank you, my dear folks and friends, for the gifts and Christmas greeting cards we received. Thank you, God, for all of our folks and friends everywhere. Thank you, Mother Mary and Jesus.
Well, so much for now. Until next time around, my dear folks and friends. Take care and have a nice day, everyone. May God bless us always!-chris a. quilpa, 02January2013
Tuesday, January 1, 2013
Baro a Tawen, Baro a Nakem*
*An Ilokano composition of mine first published in www.iluko.com in 2008. The poem simply speaks of New Year, New Thinking. The message is still relevant today.
Baro a Tawen, Baro a Nakem
Baro a tawen, baro a nakem
panangbaliw ugalitayo a di rumbeng
tapno napintas a gasattayo dumteng
manipud taaw ni biag a mangliwengliweng.
Baro a tawen, baro a nakem
padatayo a pinarsua intay' laglagipen
andingayen, linglingayen, tarabayen
tapno biagda-biagtayo sumayaaten.
Baro a tawen, baro a nakem
guran-gura intayo kadi lipaten
kabusortayo agbalin koman a gayyem
tapno langeb-manto ti lubong mapukawen.
Baro a tawen, baro a nakem
salun-at, sanikuatayo, intayo ilalaen
bagi ken panunottayo intay' taripatuen
tapno biagtayo umattiddog ken rumangen.
(c) 2013 by Chris A. Quilpa
Bye, Bye, 2012; Welcome 2013!
Thank God, 2012 is gone; a new year 2013 is here, finally! Welcome 2013!
Yes, 2012 is now a thing of the past. It's gone. It's now a part of our human-life history. Whatever happened last year already happened. It's already done and gone. But the memories and happenings it brought us will not easily be forgotten. They will be remembered still. It takes time to forget.
Life has to go on, we know. As they say, the show must go on...and business (continues) as usual. So, whether we like it or not, let's move on bringing with us the memories that hold us dear and together.
Fast forward to a new year, 2013! Welcome the new year with a renewed faith, hope and optimism! Let's pray and give thanks to God, our Almighty Father, and to Jesus, for we're alive and well. Mother Mary, thank you for bringing Jesus to us. Thank you, Holy Spirit, for guiding us and giving us good thoughts and ideas.
It's New Year 2013, a new beginning for us to resolve to live life well without reservation. Living the present moment well, simply well, in prayers and thanksgiving, is all that we can do. Enjoy the moment that is fleeting.
Love peace and love life!
Bye, bye 2012! Welcome 2013! Thank God, we're alive and good, sane and sensible, still. Let's pray for all of our deceased loved ones: May the souls of our faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen.
As always, May God bless us all!-chris a. quilpa, 01January2013
Yes, 2012 is now a thing of the past. It's gone. It's now a part of our human-life history. Whatever happened last year already happened. It's already done and gone. But the memories and happenings it brought us will not easily be forgotten. They will be remembered still. It takes time to forget.
Life has to go on, we know. As they say, the show must go on...and business (continues) as usual. So, whether we like it or not, let's move on bringing with us the memories that hold us dear and together.
Fast forward to a new year, 2013! Welcome the new year with a renewed faith, hope and optimism! Let's pray and give thanks to God, our Almighty Father, and to Jesus, for we're alive and well. Mother Mary, thank you for bringing Jesus to us. Thank you, Holy Spirit, for guiding us and giving us good thoughts and ideas.
It's New Year 2013, a new beginning for us to resolve to live life well without reservation. Living the present moment well, simply well, in prayers and thanksgiving, is all that we can do. Enjoy the moment that is fleeting.
Love peace and love life!
Bye, bye 2012! Welcome 2013! Thank God, we're alive and good, sane and sensible, still. Let's pray for all of our deceased loved ones: May the souls of our faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen.
As always, May God bless us all!-chris a. quilpa, 01January2013
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