“Have a happy wet Sunday.
Rainbows love the rain.”
― Anthony T. Hincks
Seasons are changing, and after the intense waves of summer heat, we're having more rain as summer rolls into autumn. This Sunday is particularly gloomy, although that's what CQ weather usually is for most of the year. The anticipation for sunnier days is not helping my homesickness, though. Sundays usually make missing family and the dogs Nemo, Pip, and Kimchi so much harder.
It's a rainy Sunday, and news of the storm pummeling some cities here after it wreaked havoc in the PH is all over Wechat. Wet Sundays do not make a happy camper out of me at all. But no complaints.
We bought Tomas his own pair of glasses from Daiso, just because it was cute and a pooch needs to look like he reads books from time to time. And we are home safe and dry. A lot of people are living through strong winds and rain right now and that can't be easy. Praying that all the people and animals caught in the storm will stay safe and get the help they need if they're not.
Hopefully, the rainbows will start peeking through the clouds soon.
The thunder and the rain
The way you say my name
After all the clouds go by
The simple things remain
The sun, the moon, the stars
The beating of two hearts
How I love the simple things
The simple things just are.
Simple Things,
Jim Brickman
I put off writing this post because for some reason, I hesitate putting very personal highs and lows online in great detail. I like to keep the most personal moments close to my heart and writing about them and sending them off to the great big virtual world seems like the opposite of that.
I think the only thing I remember vividly is the ride to my hometown on the day of the ceremony. Rain was pouring, like a big bucket was being emptied out from the sky. I sat in the car, thinking of a plan B. "I think four tables can fit in the garage," I tell JP in my calmest, I'm-not-freaking-out-voice. Holding the ceremony in my parent's house would be the likeliest Plan B we'd have, because at the rate the rain was going, the venue was going to a soaked, muddy, mess. Jeff, our friend and photographer, chimed in from the back that no, no, no, it won't rain.
“When I despair, I remember that all through history the way of truth and love have always won. There have been tyrants and murderers, and for a time, they can seem invincible, but in the end, they always fall. Think of it--always.”
― Mahatma Gandhi
Sometimes I catch myself saying or thinking something cynical or nasty about an issue, event, or a person and I realize that I really do not want to be that kind of person who sees the negative in every situation. You need to be smart and discerning, I get it, but to overdo it is bad for your health, too. This is probably the reason why it's a conscious effort for me to think the good and see it and look for it, because sometimes the world can be a really, really bad place and sometimes it becomes a matter of survival, that need to find goodness that balances it all out.
This is probably the reason why I like taking pictures because especially of friends and family in states of happiness, togetherness, bliss. It's a reminder that the world is a bleak place but we can create pockets of positivity, love and acceptance that means the world to the people who matter.
I need you before I'm too old
To have and to hold
To walk with you and watch you grow
And know that you're blessed.
Blessed
Elton John
I cannot believe it's been a week since I got together with the CQ ladies for brunch and good old adult conversations at Alpha Cafe. Afterwards we decided to take a quick shortcut through the park on the way home so we can sneak in a few mom and daughter shots of my friend Nochele and her toddler Cayla.
Cayla is a cutiepatootie with the biggest gap-toothed grin and the most adorable laugh. And she's fascinated by everything! I'm jealous at how she can look at a leaf and think that it's the most interesting thing in the world! She was particularly smitten by the flowers and flower-picked her way through the quick and impromptu session. It was a joy just watching and clicking, or occasionally bribing her with a flower to look my way.
Littles, with all their wonder and seemingly boundless energy, are rays of sunshine wrapped in tiny jumpers and toddler sneakers. They really are.
A few shots from that day.
“A Wasn’t just isn't. He just isn't present.
But you…
You ARE YOU!
And, now isn't that pleasant!
-- Dr. Seuss
Happy Birthday to You!
Spent a wintry Friday afternoon with this darling little girl and mommy at one of the Zoo Coffees in the city. Zoo Coffee has this theme going on, with horses and life-size giraffes as cafe decor, indoors and out. It's something to look at, really. They also serve pretty good comfort food and the usual waffles and coffee. When I arrived, there was a film crew taping on the top floor, but they were wrapping up so Sophie, Mommy and I were the first ones to get to our spots as soon as the crew left.
I first met Sophie when she was just half a year old, and now she's two and I can barely keep up with her. Mommy wanted photos to mark the start of the year for Sophie so when she messaged me about doing it at Zoo Coffee, I was all for it. Sophie is so easy on the camera and her smile is just infectious. And that energy! I'd give an arm and a foot for an ounce of the energy she has.
Photographing her and mom brought back all sorts of feels for me too. Shooting moms and littles is so much fun, especially when I scan through my camera and see all the adorableness in each snap. And because mom is a good friend of mine (she makes the best cakes in CQ, hands down) it felt natural, like I was just meeting a friend (and a half!) for afternoon coffee (or hot coco for me!).
Looking forward to more of moments like these all over this beautiful city.
Family, Family, Family, Family, Family, Family, Family, Famiy, Family, Family, Family, Family