it's the twelfth year now
i remember, don't forget
the nine-eleven!
the nine-eleven
OMG, where were You then?
it's unthinkable!
it's unthinkable
how and why did it happen
the nine-eleven?
the nine-eleven
i won't ever forget it
its tragic sights-sounds.
its tragic sights-sounds
of nine-eleven numb me
as i try to pray.
as i try to pray
remembering the victims
i thought life's precious!
i thought life's precious
but it did happen that day
the nine-eleven!
the nine-eleven
turned the world so upside down
twelve years ago now!
Copyright 2013 by Chris A. Quilpa
Wednesday, September 11, 2013
Tuesday, September 10, 2013
Like a Child
like a child
curious and cautious
like a child who asks questions
just to have answers.
active and awesome
like a child who plays some games
to keep him busy.
so sweet and sincere
like a child who tells the truth
to receive his rewards.
copyright 2013 by chris a. quilpa
Friday, September 6, 2013
TGIF in D-ville
Thank God, It's Friday!
Friday
Friday
not just another day
a special day
the first in September everywhere
in D-ville
simply living well
listening to classical music
on NPR, at Tintin's apartment
doing nothing but loafing
observing the rhythm and flow of life
in a laid-back but thriving country again
where there's peace and quietness
here and there, everywhere
with generous sun and greenery
on a bright and glorious September day
Friday
not only an ordinary day
it's a special day
to live free of anxiety
to taste a life of serenity and simplicity
however, temporary it may be
serendipity---a reality.
Friday
not just another day
a special day to seize the day
when Peace is felt
and God is here to hear our prayers
always a rare moment
a special day to appreciate the beauty of Life
today.
Copyright 2013 by Chris A. Quilpa
Sunday, September 1, 2013
Labor Day Weekend in 757, @The Rileys
Good Sunday, everyone! It's a day before Labor Day in the US of A! Thank God, we're alive and well...and blogging again! Yes!
So, what's up, my dear folks and friends, here and there, everywhere? Any interesting story to share us all? Well, I got one.
Daughter Tintin and I drove to 757 from D-ville Saturday afternoon and we arrived home safely after three-and-a half hours on the road. (It was a beautiful, bright and warm day Saturday that I took a 54-second video using my smart phone, when we're about to make an exit on 9B.) My wife Freny was, of course, glad to see/meet us once we parked at our drive way.
After unloading our stuff, I immediately went upstairs and changed clothes. Then, we ate early supper which Freny prepared. After about an hour, I decided to take a nap. So I went back upstairs to our room and changed clothes to sleep wear/PJ. I thought I could fall asleep but it just took me over an hour to feel kinda sleepy. Anyway, I remained in bed for another hour or two. Afterwards, I rose up, logged on to my laptop and visited one of the realty estate companies. I don't know why but I did watch virtual tour of a number of houses in their listing, until I got tired and my eyes were heavy. The rest is history.
Today, Sunday, Tintin, Freny and I participated Mass at St. Paul's Catholic Church in downtown Portsmouth where, before the Mass started, we came to know a young couple, Tony and Monique, who, that time, were filling out the registration forms because of their desire to become a part of St. Paul's Catholic community. Freny and I, at that time, were greeting parishioners coming in to church for the 9:30 Mass, part of our volunteer work in the church, in addition to being volunteer EMHC (Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion.) Btw, Rev. Fr. David, our pastor, celebrated the Mass with us. He re-echoed what the Gospel readings today by speaking about humility as one of the traits we, Christians, should always carry with us in our every day to day existence and dealing with our fellow human beings. Our friends Mike and Myrna were in attendance at the 9:30 Mass, and I wasn't sure if I heard it right that Myrna's inviting us to their house for lunch after church.
As you may know, daughter Tintin's with us this weekend in 757. That means, she has a commitment at that church in Norfolk as a paid pianist. So, when the clock stroke 10:30 a.m, and the Holy Communion was over, we had no choice but to leave St. Paul's for Norfolk. Glad and thankful that the downtown tunnel this morning was smooth-sailing as far as traffic is concerned. We arrived in Norfolk in time for the 11:00 church worship service. As always, we were welcomed by the congregation, which is mostly composed of older men and women, with a few younger ones. Pastor Dan's sermon, dealing about Christianity, is always inspirational and enlightening.
So, after the church, we stopped by at stores to buy something (pizza and cake) and then we found our way to the Riley's where we had fun, food and fellowship. Thank you, Mike and Myrna, for your warm hospitality. May God bless you and your family always! I must emphasize here that we love and always enjoy Myrna's cooking. She's such an excellent cook! (Fyi, Myrna used to work in hospitals as a registered nurse. Both she and her husband Mike have been enjoying their retirement.)
Here are some of the photos I've taken while we're @The Rileys...
Copyright photos 2013 by Chris A. Quilpa
Well, this is all for now. Thank you, my dear folks and friends, near of far, for visiting my blog. Until next time around. Take care and have a peaceful day/weekend, everyone. Happy Labor Day, to all of us! Thank you, all workers our there for what you do for all of us. May God bless US and keep US safe from harm always!-chris a. quilpa, 01 September 2013
So, what's up, my dear folks and friends, here and there, everywhere? Any interesting story to share us all? Well, I got one.
Daughter Tintin and I drove to 757 from D-ville Saturday afternoon and we arrived home safely after three-and-a half hours on the road. (It was a beautiful, bright and warm day Saturday that I took a 54-second video using my smart phone, when we're about to make an exit on 9B.) My wife Freny was, of course, glad to see/meet us once we parked at our drive way.
After unloading our stuff, I immediately went upstairs and changed clothes. Then, we ate early supper which Freny prepared. After about an hour, I decided to take a nap. So I went back upstairs to our room and changed clothes to sleep wear/PJ. I thought I could fall asleep but it just took me over an hour to feel kinda sleepy. Anyway, I remained in bed for another hour or two. Afterwards, I rose up, logged on to my laptop and visited one of the realty estate companies. I don't know why but I did watch virtual tour of a number of houses in their listing, until I got tired and my eyes were heavy. The rest is history.
Today, Sunday, Tintin, Freny and I participated Mass at St. Paul's Catholic Church in downtown Portsmouth where, before the Mass started, we came to know a young couple, Tony and Monique, who, that time, were filling out the registration forms because of their desire to become a part of St. Paul's Catholic community. Freny and I, at that time, were greeting parishioners coming in to church for the 9:30 Mass, part of our volunteer work in the church, in addition to being volunteer EMHC (Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion.) Btw, Rev. Fr. David, our pastor, celebrated the Mass with us. He re-echoed what the Gospel readings today by speaking about humility as one of the traits we, Christians, should always carry with us in our every day to day existence and dealing with our fellow human beings. Our friends Mike and Myrna were in attendance at the 9:30 Mass, and I wasn't sure if I heard it right that Myrna's inviting us to their house for lunch after church.
As you may know, daughter Tintin's with us this weekend in 757. That means, she has a commitment at that church in Norfolk as a paid pianist. So, when the clock stroke 10:30 a.m, and the Holy Communion was over, we had no choice but to leave St. Paul's for Norfolk. Glad and thankful that the downtown tunnel this morning was smooth-sailing as far as traffic is concerned. We arrived in Norfolk in time for the 11:00 church worship service. As always, we were welcomed by the congregation, which is mostly composed of older men and women, with a few younger ones. Pastor Dan's sermon, dealing about Christianity, is always inspirational and enlightening.
So, after the church, we stopped by at stores to buy something (pizza and cake) and then we found our way to the Riley's where we had fun, food and fellowship. Thank you, Mike and Myrna, for your warm hospitality. May God bless you and your family always! I must emphasize here that we love and always enjoy Myrna's cooking. She's such an excellent cook! (Fyi, Myrna used to work in hospitals as a registered nurse. Both she and her husband Mike have been enjoying their retirement.)
Here are some of the photos I've taken while we're @The Rileys...
Well, this is all for now. Thank you, my dear folks and friends, near of far, for visiting my blog. Until next time around. Take care and have a peaceful day/weekend, everyone. Happy Labor Day, to all of us! Thank you, all workers our there for what you do for all of us. May God bless US and keep US safe from harm always!-chris a. quilpa, 01 September 2013
Wednesday, August 28, 2013
I Also Have Dreams
(NOTE: Observing today, Wednesday, 28 August 2013, the 50th anniversary of the protest March in Washington, DC, highlighting civil rights leader, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.'s iconic and historic "I Have a Dream" speech, I conceived this piece this morning while having brunch and at the same time listening to NPR (National Public Radio) @Tintin's apartment in D-ville, VA.)
I Also Have Dreams
I have had many good dreams
And one of them I've realized it---
With hard work and generous help from others,
With guts, diligence, persistence and perseverance---
I've acquired a good education that liberated me,
Education that freed me from illiteracy and mediocrity.
Refreshing our amazing memory---
I belonged then to a big family
Where none, that time, had a college degree
Except me who trailed the blaze and glory,
Determined to make it in the City
Where there are ongoing wars, here and there,
Wars of words, weapons, rights, ideologies...
I worked that dream to reality
Because I've known life to be that not easy
I went from school to school that had molded and shaped me,
Equipped and provided me with knowledge and skills aplenty.
I have had other dreams, you know
One of them is the American Dream
In due time, it's becoming a reality
As long as I am alive and well, and faith-full, and free.
Copyright 2013 by Chris A. Quilpa
Tuesday, August 27, 2013
We're Imperfect; We Co-Exist
Good Tuesday, everyone! Hope you're doing well as I do. Thank God, we're alive and well...blogging again.
(NOTE: This piece was written at Tintin's apartment in D-ville while I was about to finish eating oatmeal for breakfast @1015 today, Tuesday, 27 August 2013. Initially, I had I See Myself in You as my original title of this piece. What changed? I don't know. It's probably the new title seems more universal, I guess.)
I See Myself in You; We Co-Exist
I see myself in you.
Silly, playful, inquisitive, cautious
Serious, sensitive, moody, grumpy, at times
Funny, hilarious, uninhibited, nerdy, sometimes
Pretentious, clever, observant, sensible
Though you and I are different
Because we're imperfect, we co-exist.
You also see yourself in me.
Reactionary, impulsive, explosive, coy
Dreamy, ambitious, curious, caring
Longing, lingering, secretive, livid
Docile, sectarian, private, factual
Though I and you are similar
We're different in thoughts and ideas
Because we're imperfect, we co-exist.
I see myself in you.
Disgusted, frustrated, dull, down, sometimes
Repulsive, compulsive, hype, hot and cool
Dry, indecisive, careless, meditative
Intuitive, unassuming, judgmental at times
Though you and I are unique
We're the same in name and game
Because we're imperfect, we co-exist.
Copyright 2013 by Chris A. Quilpa
(NOTE: This piece was written at Tintin's apartment in D-ville while I was about to finish eating oatmeal for breakfast @1015 today, Tuesday, 27 August 2013. Initially, I had I See Myself in You as my original title of this piece. What changed? I don't know. It's probably the new title seems more universal, I guess.)
I See Myself in You; We Co-Exist
I see myself in you.
Silly, playful, inquisitive, cautious
Serious, sensitive, moody, grumpy, at times
Funny, hilarious, uninhibited, nerdy, sometimes
Pretentious, clever, observant, sensible
Though you and I are different
Because we're imperfect, we co-exist.
You also see yourself in me.
Reactionary, impulsive, explosive, coy
Dreamy, ambitious, curious, caring
Longing, lingering, secretive, livid
Docile, sectarian, private, factual
Though I and you are similar
We're different in thoughts and ideas
Because we're imperfect, we co-exist.
I see myself in you.
Disgusted, frustrated, dull, down, sometimes
Repulsive, compulsive, hype, hot and cool
Dry, indecisive, careless, meditative
Intuitive, unassuming, judgmental at times
Though you and I are unique
We're the same in name and game
Because we're imperfect, we co-exist.
Copyright 2013 by Chris A. Quilpa
Monday, August 26, 2013
In D-ville, Loafing and Recollecting
Good Monday, everyone! Here we are...doing well and blogging again.
While in D-ville, since Friday night, we thank God for being alive and well...
Glad to be in the place again, spending some summertime remaining at daughter Tintin's.
Saturday morning was unexpected, while Freny and I were about to go to Ringgold's Flea Market.
Once she started our car, Freny noticed immediately on the dashboard (!), besides Maint Reqrd.
So, we drove it to D-ville's Auto Dealership and Service Center where we saw a "kababayan."
Freny said she and Tintin have met him before, when the two were there for tire pressure check.
So, while our car was serviced, we lounged in their waiting area with a number of customers, like us.
With a cup of coffee and a Danish breakfast's Svenhard's raisin-ette, I sat quietly like a good child.
Freny, on the other hand, was busy talking to a newly-found fellow educator, also a "minority."
I offered my coffee to Freny but she said No. So, I finished it while perusing Southern Living.
Wandering around the Dealership's lobby, curious of their flashy, shiny sales on display, I felt good.
Then I had the opportunity to talk to this fellow brother with ease, the one that Freny has already met.
Eventually, as we were in an animated conversation, Freny joined us and we continued our chat.
In about an hour and a half, our car was ready. We left the Dealership with our friend's business card.
On the road, we rolled down to D-ville's Community Farmer's Market and bought beans and fruits.
And visited the table of Cake Lady where we said "Hi, and Glad to see you again" with her hubby.
From there we found our way to realize Freny's indulgence at Ringgold's with minimal purchase.
Meanwhile, Tintin has been busy reading or reviewing a GRE book that unexpected Saturday...
That night was eating and bonding time, exchanging ideas, virtual-touring of houses on the market.
And the night punctuated with a good night's rest and zzzzzzz on our respective comfortable air beds.
Sunday, we all went to 9 a.m. Mass at D-ville's one and only Sacred Heart Catholic Church.
Had coffee and pastries and cookies, and fellowship and friendship here and there, after Mass.
Met fellow "kayumanggi," with awe and joy, and came to know a middle-aged FilAm couple.
While still in the church ground, we found out Doc's wife is from Ilocos and can still speak Samtoy.
Lively and lovely, friendly and heart-warming gestures reciprocated as we bid each others' See you...
With thanksgiving to God for welcoming and receiving Jesus in our midst, we're elated and euphoric.
Having met and befriended a young white man wearing a gray NAVY shirt at a fast-food restaurant.
After identifying myself a retired U.S. Navy veteran, I learned he just attended his buddy's wedding.
He's from Redding, California; an ET at Gunston Hall, and has an expectant Sailor wife in Italy.
Probably in his mid-20s, Elyk seems unassuming, unpretentious, determined and responsible Sailor.
So we talked and talked as we tried to enjoy our ordered fast food, on a sunshiny Sunday in D-ville.
Finally, we exchanged numbers after I invited him to our place for weekends if he's off-duty.
(After all, we're brothers in the Service, trying to take care of our own, and help out others striving.)
I'm sure, Freny and Tintin agreed with me on this...especially when it comes to being a Christian.
We reiterated for him to call us so we can pick him up and share him a part of our cultural heritage.
We can only hope and pray that he does and that he and his wife and their future baby are doing well.
Back at Tintin's apartment, Freny and I agreed that I'd stay for a while in D-ville to rest and relax.
She went back to 757 alone, yesterday afternoon, because they're back to school-work already.
Only they, not their students, she informed me. Students will report after September 2, Labor Day.
So here we are writing this blog post, recollecting our thoughts in D-ville, while alone but not lonely.
Listening to classical music that inspires me, at this time, to do what I like to do---loafing & praying...
Eating, observing outside, reading, writing-blogging, speaking to people, stretching, and watching, etc.
This is all for now. Thank you, my dear folks and friends, for having visited my blog. Until next time...
May God bless US and keep US safe from harm always!-Chris A. Quilpa, 26 August 2013
While in D-ville, since Friday night, we thank God for being alive and well...
Glad to be in the place again, spending some summertime remaining at daughter Tintin's.
Saturday morning was unexpected, while Freny and I were about to go to Ringgold's Flea Market.
Once she started our car, Freny noticed immediately on the dashboard (!), besides Maint Reqrd.
So, we drove it to D-ville's Auto Dealership and Service Center where we saw a "kababayan."
Freny said she and Tintin have met him before, when the two were there for tire pressure check.
So, while our car was serviced, we lounged in their waiting area with a number of customers, like us.
With a cup of coffee and a Danish breakfast's Svenhard's raisin-ette, I sat quietly like a good child.
Freny, on the other hand, was busy talking to a newly-found fellow educator, also a "minority."
I offered my coffee to Freny but she said No. So, I finished it while perusing Southern Living.
Wandering around the Dealership's lobby, curious of their flashy, shiny sales on display, I felt good.
Then I had the opportunity to talk to this fellow brother with ease, the one that Freny has already met.
Eventually, as we were in an animated conversation, Freny joined us and we continued our chat.
In about an hour and a half, our car was ready. We left the Dealership with our friend's business card.
On the road, we rolled down to D-ville's Community Farmer's Market and bought beans and fruits.
And visited the table of Cake Lady where we said "Hi, and Glad to see you again" with her hubby.
From there we found our way to realize Freny's indulgence at Ringgold's with minimal purchase.
Meanwhile, Tintin has been busy reading or reviewing a GRE book that unexpected Saturday...
That night was eating and bonding time, exchanging ideas, virtual-touring of houses on the market.
And the night punctuated with a good night's rest and zzzzzzz on our respective comfortable air beds.
Sunday, we all went to 9 a.m. Mass at D-ville's one and only Sacred Heart Catholic Church.
Had coffee and pastries and cookies, and fellowship and friendship here and there, after Mass.
Met fellow "kayumanggi," with awe and joy, and came to know a middle-aged FilAm couple.
While still in the church ground, we found out Doc's wife is from Ilocos and can still speak Samtoy.
Lively and lovely, friendly and heart-warming gestures reciprocated as we bid each others' See you...
With thanksgiving to God for welcoming and receiving Jesus in our midst, we're elated and euphoric.
Having met and befriended a young white man wearing a gray NAVY shirt at a fast-food restaurant.
After identifying myself a retired U.S. Navy veteran, I learned he just attended his buddy's wedding.
He's from Redding, California; an ET at Gunston Hall, and has an expectant Sailor wife in Italy.
Probably in his mid-20s, Elyk seems unassuming, unpretentious, determined and responsible Sailor.
So we talked and talked as we tried to enjoy our ordered fast food, on a sunshiny Sunday in D-ville.
Finally, we exchanged numbers after I invited him to our place for weekends if he's off-duty.
(After all, we're brothers in the Service, trying to take care of our own, and help out others striving.)
I'm sure, Freny and Tintin agreed with me on this...especially when it comes to being a Christian.
We reiterated for him to call us so we can pick him up and share him a part of our cultural heritage.
We can only hope and pray that he does and that he and his wife and their future baby are doing well.
Back at Tintin's apartment, Freny and I agreed that I'd stay for a while in D-ville to rest and relax.
She went back to 757 alone, yesterday afternoon, because they're back to school-work already.
Only they, not their students, she informed me. Students will report after September 2, Labor Day.
So here we are writing this blog post, recollecting our thoughts in D-ville, while alone but not lonely.
Listening to classical music that inspires me, at this time, to do what I like to do---loafing & praying...
Eating, observing outside, reading, writing-blogging, speaking to people, stretching, and watching, etc.
This is all for now. Thank you, my dear folks and friends, for having visited my blog. Until next time...
May God bless US and keep US safe from harm always!-Chris A. Quilpa, 26 August 2013
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)