Just Nothing

Sitting here, contemplating, I ask myself, "Do I have to make a story out of everything?" A voice within, answered, "ABSOLUTELY! That's what writers do. They make stories out of EVERYTHING. Heck, they make stories out of NOTHING at all!" Well, then...

Sweet Summer Surprises

As summer draws to a close and fall is at hand, I look back at all the things that we did as a family, I did as an individual over the summer, the expected and the unexpected, firsts and the repeats, the predictable and the sweet surprises.
I had made up a list of things I wanted to do before summer was over and I’ve fulfilled everything on my list except going to the Wisconsin State Fair this year. It was just too hot and humid during the fair days and we could only go in the evening as a family, which is the most crowded time of the day. We were gone the weekend it opened and we did not want to go on its last day. So we ended up not going. I had taken the boys to a movie and the zoo once a month; I painted my toenails red; I wrote a poem; went to Brewers’ game and I laughed, sang, pray and counted my blessings every single day! Car shows, picnics and trips up north were repeats and expected, though each of them was special in its own way and different from the previous years, while the storm that brought down a big tree in the backyard was unexpected. We had our first Road America camping experience and watched our first Brewers game at Miller Park.
I did have a few sweet summer surprises this summer.
I surprised myself with the amount of time I spent reading. My goal for the summer was to read three books. I ended up reading seven and loved each one of them!
The camping at Road America was amazing and made me realize how much I missed camping. The last one before that was in 2007 with my brothers and folks at Wisconsin Dells.
The movie, A Walk to Remember, as well as the book and the soundtrack, became a surprised obsession of mine over the summer.
I surprised myself by loving to play the guitar, and even the keyboard toward the end, where I learned enough notes on my own to play a couple of songs. (But as soon as school started, I’ve abandoned it. So I’m out of practice and probably can’t recall those notes I’ve learned over the summer. ;o) Ugh!)
Another sweet surprise was how I loved the motorcycle ride Tom and I took one fine summer evening to the Motor Restaurant at the Harley Museum downtown. The last time I rode with him was also in 2007 going to Wisconsin Dells while my dad drove the truck that pulled the travel trailer. I look forward to another good ride next year.
Another sweet summer surprise was seeing Bob Costas at the Press Box after the Brewers-Padres game. He was within my arm’s reach but I was so stunned, I just stared at him! I wanted to tell him how I never miss watching Inside the NFL on HBO! (Oops. Actually, it used to be on HBO, now it's on SHOWTIME. Good thing I didn't open my mouth. That would have been embarrassing!)
I was surprised at how much my kids have grown, though I have expected them to grow physically and emotionally.
The last and probably the most important surprise that happened for me this summer was signing up to be a Catechist. I thought writing was my calling but I was called to something more during the last lagging days of summer. I prayed for a week for guidance and for the Holy Spirit to reveal to me what God wanted me to do. It took one look at my oldest son for me to decide.
Surprises. Sweet Surprises. I’ve never had this many in one summer. :o)

A Special Prayer

At church yesterday, while waiting for Mass to start, a special prayer I've known since I was a child came to mind. I remember growing up in the Philippines that everyday at exactly 3 o'clock in the afternoon, the TV stations would interrupt their programs and the image of the Sacred Heart of Jesus is frozen on the TV screens. I remember also when I was in college at a Catholic University (USJ-R), everyone would pause and the prayer would reverberate throughout the campus on the speakers.

The prayer was simply called,

The Three O'Clock Prayer

You died Jesus, but the source of life
flowed out for souls
and the ocean of mercy
opened up for the whole world.
Oh, fountain of life,
immeasurable divine mery,
cover the whole world
and empty yourself out upon us.
Holy God, Holy Mighty One, Holy Immortal One
Have mercy on us and the whole world
Holy God, Holy Mighty One, Holy Immortal One
Have mercy on us and the whole world
Holy God, Holy Might One, Holy Immortal One
Have mercy on us and the whole world.
Amen.

Then at 6pm, the church bells would toll and the radio stations interrupt their programming and the "Angelus" would resonate on the airwaves.
I somehow miss all that, that structured prayer schedule. It forced us (me) to pause and reflect. In our busy lives these days, too often, there is no time set aside (or left, seemingly) for prayers.

"A Walk to Remember": A Movie to Remember

I don't know why it took me such a long time to see this movie. It came out eight years ago and where was I? I read the book back in 2006 (a very good friend of mine lent it to me) but was not compelled enough to see the movie. Don't get me wrong. I loved the book but I just didn't want my love for the book to be ruined by my high expectations of the movie. Anyway, more than a week ago, I was looking for something to watch when I saw it on HBO. So I recorded it. It started at about 11pm. I stayed up to watch it and I just had to finish it. I cried my eyes out. Then I got up early the next morning and watched it again before the kids woke up. I cried again. Thus, my obsession began. I haven't been obsessed about a movie in this magnitude since "Pride and Prejudice." I'd say my obsession with "A Walk to Remember" is more than I've ever had before. I now have the DVD, the soundtrack CD and bought a copy and re-read the book. It has impacted me on an intimate level emotionally and spiritually like no other movie had.

Margie's List of Things to Do Before Summer is Over (In No Particular Order)

1. Read at least 3 good books.
*The Five-Forty-Five to Cannes by Tess Uriza Holthe
*Cape Light by Thomas Kinkade and Katherine Spencer
*A Walk to Remember (re-read) by Nicholas Sparks
*Home Song (A Cape Light Novel) by Thomas Kinkade and Katherine Spencer
*The Last Song by Nicholas Sparks
*Miles to Go by Miley Cyrus
*Emma by Jane Austen
2. Paint my toenails red.
*Done.
3. Learn to play at least one song on the guitar.
*Everthing I Do (I Do It For You) by Bryan Adams - still learning.
4. Take the boys to the zoo once a month.
*June - twice
*July - once
*August - once
5. Go to State Fair. (August 5-15)
*Didn't make it.
6. Take the boys to the movies once a month.
*June - once (Alvin and the Chipmunks the Squeakquel)
*July - once (Planet 51)
*August - Diary of a Wimpy Kid; Tooth Fairy; Furry Vengeance
7. Memorize Corinthians 13:4 by heart.
*DONE!
"Love is always patient and kind. It is never jealous. It is not boastful or conceited. It is not rude or selfish. It does not take offense and is not resentful. It does not take pleasure in other people's sins; but delights in the truth. It is always ready to excuse, to trust, to hope and to endure whatever comes."
8. Get lost in a good movie.
*A Walk to Remember
9. Write a poem.
*"Summer"
10. Go to a Brewers' game.
*Brewers vs. San Diego Padres, 8/22/10

Lastly: Laugh, sing, pray and count my blessings every single day.

Desiderata

I took out the poem book I created when I was thirteen that my brother, Jonas, bound for me, so that I can add my new poem, “Summer” in it. I seldom write poems these days. The last one was about four years ago so my poem book was just sitting where it was for that length of time. I fondly gazed at the cover: the poem, “Desiderata” typed on pretty pink stationery. Reading it again evoked some memories and emotions.
Growing up in the Philippines I can recall two things that radio stations play constantly during Lent (more so during holy week), besides the usual story of Jesus: “Footprints in the Sand” and “Desiderata.” (Radio stations were a staple medium when I was growing up. Not everyone had TVs, but everyone had radios.) These two poems have stuck in my head and have lasting impact on me personally.
Desiderata, I know the words by heart. I can still hear that deep male voice, as if he were God Himself, reading the poem with the background music playing; the radio blasted, being the center of our tiny living room put up on the highest shelf so that its sound can resonate in the entire house. I can still sing the following verse, the only verse that is sung during the entire reading:

“You are a child of the universe
no less than the trees and the stars;
you have a right to be here.
And whether or not it is clear to you,
no doubt the universe is unfolding as it should.”

It is very uplifting and inspiring. Every time I read it, it gives me a new perspective on life, the world, its people and our Creator. It is a morale booster, I think.
Below is the full text. I hope it will inspire and uplift you like it does me every time I read it.


Desiderata
By Maxx Ehrmann

Go placidly amid the noise and the haste,
and remember what peace there may be in silence.
As far as possible, without surrender,
be on good terms with all persons.
Speak your truth quietly and clearly;
and listen to others,
even to the dull and the ignorant;
they too have their story.
Avoid loud and aggressive persons;
they are vexatious to the spirit.
If you compare yourself with others,
you may become vain or bitter,
for always there will be greater and lesser persons than yourself.
Enjoy your achievements as well as your plans.
Keep interested in your own career, however humble;
it is a real possession in the changing fortunes of time.
Exercise caution in your business affairs,
for the world is full of trickery.
But let this not blind you to what virtue there is;
many persons strive for high ideals,
and everywhere life is full of heroism.
Be yourself. Especially do not feign affection.
Neither be cynical about love,
for in the face of all aridity and disenchantment,
it is as perennial as the grass.
Take kindly the counsel of the years,
gracefully surrendering the things of youth.
Nurture strength of spirit to shield you in sudden misfortune.
But do not distress yourself with dark imaginings.
Many fears are born of fatigue and loneliness.
Beyond a wholesome discipline,
be gentle with yourself.
You are a child of the universe
no less than the trees and the stars;
you have a right to be here.
And whether or not it is clear to you,
no doubt the universe is unfolding as it should.
Therefore be at peace with God,
whatever you conceive Him to be.
And whatever your labors and aspirations,
in the noisy confusion of life,
keep peace in your soul.
With all its sham, drudgery, and broken dreams,
it is still a beautiful world.
Be cheerful. Strive to be happy.

For more info on Desiderata, go to: http://www.fleurdelis.com/desidera.htm

Summer

Summer

Sun. Fun. Cloudless blue skies. Sultry breeze.
Short shorts. Tank Tops. Flip-Flops. Barefeet.
Barbeques. Cookouts. Bonfires. Smores.
Picnics. Camping. Mosquitoes. Bees. Fireflies galore.
Fireworks. Parades. Car Shows. Festivals. Fairs.
Beach. Sand. Pool parties. No cares.
Swimsuits. Goggles. Slip ‘n Slides.
Rummage Sales. Baseball games. Park ‘n Rides.
Corn. Watermelon. Lemonade. Ice cream.
Kites. Bike rides. Chasing butterflies. Daydream.
Green grass. Pretty flowers. Sprinklers.
Tent concerts. Cold beer. Wine Coolers.
Long days. Short nights. Sleeping under the stars...
Sweet, lazy summer days…how painfully short you are!
Sun. Fun. Summer's just begun.
Enjoy it fully before it's gone...

Up North

(Picture: Sunset at Steven's Lake)
We had a full few days up north. We arrived midday on Thursday, which I did not expect Tom to do any work. He and the boys went around the property and made some trails for the ATVs. We stayed up late by the campfire and Tom blasted all the fireworks that we brought from home. The boys had fun with the sparklers. But I was surprised Friday morning when I asked Tom what he was going to do that day as far as working on the cabin. He said he was not going to do anything and consider this a real vacation. I've been accustomed to him just working his butt (pardon me) off every time we go up there that this came as a real surprise to me. Well, when I said that I was not expecting this to be a vacation but another work day, he started working! There's not much to be done anymore, just little things here and there. The main things are finished. So he started doing the baseboards and finished up the trims on the two highest windows. When he finished for the day, we went to Lost Lake where the boys had a blast swimming. Connor and Colin buried each other in the sand while Tommy waded in the shallow water. Then there was a little girl who told her mother that she caught a "swimming slug." Well, that "swimming slug" turned out to be a leech; then she caught another one--yikes! That was really cute (the name the girl gave the leech, not the leech!) Thankfully, none clung to anyone. We went back to the cabin and sat again around the campfire and roasted marshmallows. There were leftover sparklers from the night before so the boys lighted them. This time, Tommy was there to enjoy it and even hold a few!
The following day, Tom did a few more of the baseboards and then we went fishing at Steven's Lake. Tom caught a couple of little blue gills that he tossed back in the water. Connor did not catch any fish though a crayfish clung to his rubber worm bait. Colin did not catch any, either. They were both disappointed as they were looking forward to cooking and eating their catch when we got back. But it was fun to just get out there and do it. The water was really calm and it was very quiet. Tommy broke that silence a few times but in the end, he settled down. It rained on us a little bit but then it came to pass quickly. It was rather late when we got back so we did not have a campfire but went straight to bed.
During the day while Tom was working, the boys rode their ATVs to the point of wrecking the gravel driveway! They both had to repair it with shovels before we left on Sunday. Tommy and I went raspberry picking a few times. I usually ended up taking back to the cabin only a handful for he would eat them as we go. We had a really fun time. I only wish I had my bike and Connor's so we could have ridden them to Halsey Lake. We left Sunday, and as usual, it always feels good to be back home.

Late Night By The Pool

Just got back in from swimming and just sitting by the pool afterward watching the tiki torches burn and the light fountain streaming colorful lights on the water. It's our second late night out by the pool this season but we've never stayed out this late before. We were all swimming until night fell. (For me swimming is so much enjoyable when the sun is hidden behind the clouds with the temperature as warm as it was today.) Then I changed to dry clothes and put Tommy to bed and later went back out with Tom and the older boys to sit by the pool. Tom popped a few firecrackers which the boys enjoyed. The mosquitoes were particularly bad (the boys had a contest of who had the most mosquito bites--yikes!) but after a douse of Off!, they quit bothering us, leaving us to enjoy this sultry summer evening.
I told the boys of how we dealt with mosquitoes in the Philippines: how we would burn the leaves and small branches of a tree called "ipil-ipil" in the afternoons to ward off the mosquitoes and how I think the mosquito repellent coils are made from the same tree; how we burned those coils every night, like the one we burned tonight (Lion-Tiger, mosquito killer--is a popular brand that I remember); how sometimes we would spread vegetable oil on a plate and wait for the mosquitoes to swarm over our heads and just swat them with the oiled plate and how the mosquitoes would stick to that plate and die (then Tom added, "and they eat it" for effect. Both boys went "Ewww"); and how we slept inside mosquito nets for which Tom remarked at how uncomfortable and hot it was to sleep in because he had experienced it when he went to the Philippines.
My mosquito story-telling was cut short by raindrops. So the boys quickly gathered their things to take in the house while Tom and I covered the pool and blew out the citronella candles, mosquito coils and the tiki torches. Ah, what a lovely evening it was! Everyone should sleep good tonight.

Lazy Summer Days

Ah, I love waking up to lazy summer days when the days are long and the nights are short and wake up to the sound of birds chirping outside; when the sunshine seeps through the window urging us to get up; when I don't have a particular thing to do besides usual daily necessities.
I feel like I had a much needed break from the busy holiday weekend. Thank goodness there was no baseball game yesterday. I did have to take Tommy to the doctor for his two-year-old-well-baby-check-up. Tom met us at the doctor's office so he was able to help contain the boys in that tiny space. Other than that, we stayed home all day yesterday.
Today might be different. We have to run errands but at no particular time. I love< not having a schedule to follow right now. The boys are still sleeping and I can take my time on the computer before I have to make breakfast. :o)

Recovering from a Trip and a Storm all in One Week!

We just got home Sunday afternoon after a four-day camping trip at Road America in Elkhart Lake, Wisconsin, which was a lot of fun by the way and I still have to write about it, and I was still trying to recover from that trip (it takes me a few days) when the storm hit Monday night. After coming home from the boys' baseball games, we had a snack, prepared the boys for bed, did a few things here and there and finally relaxed and sat on the couch about 9:30pm. Tom turned the TV on. He tuned to NBC and there was this huge green color on the screen with some pink and purple in the middle from the radar. It was heading east on our direction. It did not look good.
There was no talk of bad weather, not at either baseball games. Of course, the boys and I stayed home all day trying to recover from our camping trip and I did not tune to the weather, I seldom do. But Tom is constantly keeping an eye on the weather so I was surprised when he himself did not even know the storm was coming.
We lost power about 10:30pm. The boys and I were huddled in the basement with their glow-stick/flashlight/whistle/flashers on while Tom kept an eye on what was going on outside from the main floor. He started gathering our computers, cameras and home movies and brought them downstairs. I went upstairs to light some candles when I heard this booming sound outside. I knew for sure something went down. I thought maybe it was debris from a tornado, I didn't know. I went back downstairs to check on the boys and we stayed there until the storm had passed.
We woke up to a very muggy morning since we had all the windows shut from the wind and the rain all night and no A/C for the power had not come back. It was a steamy day outside on top of not having power and water in the house. The aftermath of the storm almost became an extended camping for us since we didn't have water nor electricity at the campsite. Luckily, we still had ten gallons of water leftover from camping, which we used throughout the day. (Ten gallons was a lot of water when there was none at all coming out of the faucets.)
The booming noise I heard last night was the tree in our backyard. Luckily, it did not fall on the house. We had just cut the other branch that was bending toward the house last year. Good thing we did for that would have come down on the house. I discovered further that it had fallen on top of one of my flower gardens which destroyed more than half of my flowers in that particular garden. It's only two years old. I worked hard on making that garden look nice. It did, until the tree fell down on it! Oh, well...I had to whine somewhere in this article or whatever you call it. Blog. That's it. Oh, while I'm at it, did I mention the laundry that piled up during four days of camping that I haven't gotten into yet at this point? And then, a full day of no electricity? I should title this blog "Whining" and not what it is now. I know some people have more troubles and have more to whine about than I do but this is mine and am letting it out. Whew! There. I let it out. Really, I should be thankful. And I am, truly.
Now where was I before all this whining thing?
Oh yes. We worked on getting the tree cut and cleared all day long. The sound of chainsaws and generators were blaring in the neighborhood. Almost every household in our block had a tree down. Thankfully, there were no injuries or damage to property.
The town of Eagle, which is roughly fifteen miles west of us was not very lucky. A tornado touched down in the town and destroyed some homes. Only minor injuries, thank God!
Friends and family called to see how we were doing. Thanks for all your concern guys!
The power came back on at 7pm. Thank goodness or I told my husband we would have to spend the night at a hotel or some place where I could take a shower. We were all so sticky and dirty from working on the fallen tree all day.
Now, it's Friday and besides putting my flower garden back together (which I'm not sure anymore if I'll keep it as a flower garden or turn it into a green house area), I think I have recovered from the trip and the storm. Today is the first time I got up at 5am all week and have the energy to write. (Hurray!) It has been a trying week and I'm glad that it's almost over. I can just look back on it and leave it there. Exactly.

Homesick

Tom asked me to gather some old pictures of my neighborhood today to show to his co-worker who asked about it. I started rummaging through old pictures and I found a few that I would scan and email to him in the next hour or so. I also remembered the slideshow of Cebu from a few days ago posted on my profile. So I went and clicked on the youtube link. Seeing the pictures of Cebu brought tears to my eyes. It looks so different yet the feeling I get looking at it is the same. My emotions are mixed: pride, longing to be there again, memories stirring up in my head and emotions in my heart. It's been thirteen long years...

The Five-Forty-Five to Cannes

At last, I finished reading The Five-Forty-Five to Cannes. Since I started reading it last Wednesday, I haven't been able to concentrate on anything else. I had to force myself to forget about it so I could get on with my day-to-day activities. So relieved was I when we did not go to a car show Friday evening but I still had to get ready for the picnic the next day. So I read, little by little each day until I was more than halfway today and I was determined to finish it then.
The book did not disappoint. It was very engaging, fast-paced like a train ride, taking the reader to different places, seeing different nationalities and hearing different languages. Tess Uriza Holthe is brilliant. I love how she uses poetic language as if it were ordinary language; how she describes something poetically but without trying to emphasize it too much so that you read it ordinarily but the meaning is deep and the impact, lasting.
Ah, another good book to keep in my library. Now I can rest having finished reading it and let the story and characters just linger in my head...It is one that I can read again. I don't know when but I know I will.

FAAWIS Picnic

It had been two years since I went to the last FAAWIS picnic. And with the new location, I didn't quite know what to expect.
The weather held up though it was a little cool. It did sprinkle a little bit but it did not turn into a full-blown rain.
There was a good turnout. So many people were there that my dad had to constantly call me on my cell phone just to find out where I was! People stopped at our booth looking for me while I'd be somewhere else but eventually we found each other. I got re-acquainted with people I haven't seen for a while and met some new ones. If there was one person that stood out for me at the picnic, it was Renee (Inday) Mondano who really went out of her way to make people welcome. She was everywhere, tending to people, helping organize and just saying 'hi.' Thanks Renee for making everyone feel welcome! Everyone else was friendly and had a smile ready for everyone.
What gave me the goosebumps (besides the cold breeze blowing on my skin) was when the Philipine national anthem, "Lupang Hinirang" ("Beloved Land," I think is a fair translation) was sung. It just stirred the patriotic emotions inside me...not enough to bring tears to my eyes though!
The food was delicious as usual and there was so much of it that it was almost overwhelming. My favorite was the lechon (pig roast). It was especially good this time. I'm not a lechon person so if you get me to eat it, it must be good! Then there was a young-jackfruit-with-coconut-milk dish. It was pretty yummy! I never did catch who made it and couldn't find it the next time I went through the line.
I presented Connor and Colin with the T-shirts that I ordered for them. Printed on them was: Filipino, from East to West, We Stand Proud. It had the Philippine Flag and the Statue of Liberty on it. Colin was so excited that he wore it right away, over his sleeveless shirt while Connor was so-so.
Tommy liked being passed from one person to another: from Lolo to Lola to uncles, to daddy, to mommy and Connor. He watched his older brothers who had fun playing with the giant chess under the FANHS-WI tent and guarded the captured pieces. Then the boys played kick ball with their uncles afterward. They cheered on as they watched their Uncles Ondo and Ray play tug-of-war, who lost twice. "The Marine was defeated," we teased uncle Ondo. They wanted to watch them play volleyball but we could not stay any longer. We had to leave early for it had been a long day for everybody with Tom taking the boys to baseball practice the entire morning then running an errand on the north side of town before stopping at the picnic.
It was a great day and I'm so glad I went. The experience exceeded my expectations.

To Read or Not to Read?

I did it! I ordered "The Five-Forty-Five to Cannes" by Tess Uriza Holthe a few days ago. I couldn't resist. Now, I'm holding it in my hands. The question is, Do I dare read it? I know that when I start, I'm not going to be able to put it down. I just am that kind of person and right now, I have so many things to do with preparing for a car show on Friday, picnic on Saturday, 4-day camping next week and then trying to plan for my son's birthday party, baseball 4x a week! Not to mention constant Facebooking and emailing...I don't know how I'm going to fit reading a book in my schedule. On top of that, tomorrow is the last day of school for my two older boys. They're going to be home to constantly and sweetly bug me! Maybe I should wait until we go camping to read it. I'm looking at it right now and it's very tempting. I did read the first couple of pages that were allowed in the "See Inside" feature in either bn.com or amazon.com, can't remember which one. Okay (taking deep breath). I'll have to let you know what happens next...

Out of the Blue

Today, out of the blue, I thought about a Filipino-American author by the name of Tess Uriza Holthe whose first novel, When the Elephants Dance, is a New York Times bestseller. It was back in 2003 when I was invited by the president at the time, I believe, of the Filipino-American National Historical Society-Wisconsin Chapter to attend a book signing by the said author at the Schwartz bookstore in Shorewood. I instantly looked up the book and borrowed it from the local library and read it in 3 days!
She was already reading a portion of her book when I walked into the bookstore. There were a few attendants from FANHS-WI. When Tess was finished reading, I proceeded to buy a copy of her book and had her sign it. She and I posed for a picture that my husband took. I printed two copies of the picture: one I framed and the other I pasted on the book that she signed.
Anyway, I decided to look her up on Facebook and I found her! I started reading her blog and I visited her website where I learned that she had published another book in 2007 titled, The Five-Forty-Five to Cannes, which is a series of short-stories connected together. I can't wait to get my hands on this book and read it. She is one of my idols. I am proud of her and I am proud to be Filipino!

Wild Imaginings

When I told an acquaintance of mine that I just finished writing my third book, she asked me, "Where do you get all these ideas?" Good question. Where do writers get their ideas? Are we inherently just more imaginative than the next person? Everyone has wild imaginations but a writer takes it further. He takes the time and effort to put it down, to capture the moment and have it etched forever in something concrete. He plays with the beauty of the words coming together to make a story that's unique to his style and personality.
I told my acquaintance that if I had all the time in the world, I probably would have written more than a hundred books by now. That's how wild my imaginings are. Ideas come to me everyday when I'm awake and even when I'm asleep. I just have to filter them out and decide which one has the right elements to make it into a viable story.

Comments

I love it when I hear comments (especially good ones) about my books. I like it when readers feel the emotions that I felt when I wrote them. I like it when my readers cry for I like to pull on their heartstrings. When you cry reading the books that I wrote, that has served the purpose of my writing that particular story. But hopefully, for every tear you shed, there will be a smile. If you've cried and smiled and sighed, then I have fulfilled my duty as a writer--to take you away from (suspend) reality in the duration of your reading.

A Big Thank You

Thank you so much to everyone who stopped by at the book fair. It was a great success. I know it took a lot to come into the store for it was such a gorgeous day yesterday. Tommy and I kept looking out the window where it was sunny and wished we were outside running in the park or our backyard. Connor and Colin didn't really care for they each had "Diary of a Wimpy Kid" in their hands and were engrossed in reading. Hardly anyone was there for the 11am reading but majority of people I know came at the 1pm reading. There were also a few customers who sat down with their wee little ones to listen to the story telling.
Connor and Colin had fun being my camera men. Connor was behind the camcorder while Colin took the still pictures. They both took great pictures too! In between that, they had fun browsing at the books and eating lunch at the Food Court. It was a new place for both Connor and Colin for we seldom go to the mall these days, them being at school most of the time. When we do go, Southridge is always our choice destination for it's a straight shot on the freeway and we know almost every nook and cranny in that mall. I might have to take them back to Mayfair Mall on one of their off days for they (not to mention, yours truly) liked it so much.
Again, thank you to everyone who came to the book fair!

The Book Fair

All week, my two older boys have been trying to decide whom they're going with today: Daddy or Mommy. Daddy happens to be working overtime the same day Mommy is going to the book fair to do story time. Connor is the first one to decide, a few days ago, that he's going with Mommy. He said that he can always go with Daddy when he works overtime; he's pretty sure there'll be a next time and it'll probably happen sooner than later. Then he said that his Mommy doing story time at Barnes and Nobles doesn't happen often, if again. So that's how he decided to come with me today. He'll be my camera man too, something that he's very proud to do.
Colin just decided last night that he's coming with me too. So I'll have all three boys with me at the fair. I'm most concerned about Tommy. Hopefully, he will sit still and not cause a racket. His Tita Rosie will be holding him during story time and he loves his Tita Rosie. So he should be fine.
Well, we better start getting things ready...

One More Day

One more day and it's the book fair. From the responses I've received, it sounds like there will be a good turn out just from people I know. Facebook helped a great deal in getting the word out. Even Filipinos that I didn't know here in Wisconsin but met through Facebook are coming!
I'm a little nervous, but more excited, I think. I just hope I have enough books to read to the kids. Originally, I only planned on reading two Filipino books but I'm not sure now if that would occupy the entire thirty minutes. I might have to read a third story. So, today, I gathered up all my Filipino children's books (which aren't many) and plan on taking them all with me tomorrow.
Well, my time is limited right now. I have to take Colin to his soccer game...

A Writer by Heart

I am a writer by heart though my education and profession suggest otherwise.

Inside the Mind of a Writer...

...is a tangled mess (mine, anyway). It's people and events intertwining, colliding, waiting for the creative mind to sort, untangle and put them in their proper places and time.

Writing

I never cease writing. Even if I don't finish one, I start another. My head is full of stories waiting to be written. Sometimes, the typing or writing hands cannot keep up with the ideas flowing from my head. Writing is tedious but rewarding and gratifying. It can be my escape and it can be my prison. It is an integral part of my being, one in which I am grateful to have and from which I would never want to be apart.

Just Me

I may be quiet but I have a lot to say. My head may be on cloud nine but my feet are planted firmly on the ground. I am loyal in every sense of the word. I always make time to do the things that I love but my family always comes first. I live to love and laugh; I love to laugh and live.

Nice to be Back

Finally back to civilization--back to emails and Facebook and blogging. It was a nice break, though, from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. I ended up spending a lot of time writing, or rather, continuing to write a book that I've started a long time ago. The title and the plot have changed numerous times; but I think now, I have it down the way I want it. I also started making three photo books on my Mac. (Oh, yeah. I can't live without my Mac now.) One is a documentary about our up north property, from when we first bought the land to building the pole barn and the cabin. The cabin is not one hundred percent finished so needless to say, the book isn't either. But I'm caught up to the present. So far, I've compiled five years worth of pictures in that book. I also created a photo book of our Florida trip back in 2008. That I have to finish because I always like to add postcards, maps and such to complete it. I also got way ahead, considering that I stalled for a long time, on the Tayone Family Tree book. So, right now, I have three photo books in progress, one book waiting for publication and two I am writing.
So, I should be back here regularly again. It's nice to be back!

Up North

We're leaving today. I don't know how I'm going to survive more than a week of no internet. I've been so attached to Facebook, blogging and checking my emails a few times a day that I don't know how I'm going to keep myself from going anxiously insane everyday.
The change of pace would be great, though. The quiet solitude would be welcome--soothing the soul and invigorating the senses--up there amid richness of nature. I'm taking my beloved Mac so that I can still write in my journal. And who knows, I may have time to write another book. I also brought a couple of books to read. I'd be spending a lot of time with the boys. They'll keep me plenty busy too. On top of that, I'd be assisting Tom with the fireplace rocks that he's planning to mount on the wall. It's going to be a great vacation. It's been six months since we've been up there and I miss up north.

Very Late Night

I am very tired right now. I didn't expect to stay this late; but I got to searching the internet for book festivals. I got excited when I saw a few in Wisconsin. Hey, it's within the state. I can travel that far. So I ended up submitting application forms for two of them. Hopefully, I'll hear something positive. I had to take advantage of the time because we will be gone for more than a week without internet connection. I won't be able to do any searches or submit applications online until we get back. There's more to explore but my eyelids are very heavy right now and my neck aches. I long to feel the comfort of my pillow. Goodnight.

Making Time

I always have time to read. I always have time to write. If it's something that you love doing, you just have to make time. But not at the expense of the people you care most about. That's why I try to do my reading or writing when everyone else in the household is sleeping. That way, I don't miss spending that time with them.

Uninterrupted

Ah, I like it when I wake up early in the morning and have time to myself to read or write down my uninterrupted thoughts and ideas. It's my most productive time of the day as far as imagination and creativity is concerned.
I got up an hour ago reading a book that I bought at the Dollar Tree, "The People's Act of Love" by James Meek. It's set in Siberia/Russia/The Czech Republic at the turn of the 20th century. I finished two chapters so far and I like what I've read so that I would like to keep going. After this blog, I'd be writing some thoughts down on my journal and then I'm reading again before I have to get ready to take the boys to school.

If You Want a Copy of My Books at the Book Fair

Many people are asking me if I would be signing my books at the fair. Unfortunately, Barnes and Noble does not stock my books so if you want a copy of any of my books, you'll have to order it from Barnes and Nobles ahead of time. Tell them you want to pick it up at the book fair so that I can sign it. I apologize for any inconvenience.

May First Book Fair

The Filipino-American National Historical Society-WI Chapter & Barnes and Nobles at MAYFAIR MALL is having a bookfair!
Mayfair Mall is located at 2500 N. Mayfair Rd., Wauwatosa, WI 53226.
The bookfair is on Saturday, May 1, 2010 All Day from 9am-11pm.
Special events will take place from 11:00 am to 1:30.pm.
Present this flyer, or the attached Barnes and Nobles flyer for 2 additional coupons indicating FANHS-WI BOOKFAIR ID: 10179802 at the time of purchase, or let the cashiers know you are with the FANHS–WI bookfair and 10% will be given to FANHS-WI.
Can't attend the bookfair? Visit bn.com to support us online from May 1 to May 6, 2010 by entering Bookfair ID 10179802 at checkout.
SPECIAL FEATURES Filipino Martial Arts Exhibit with Marlon Patawaran and Students 11:30 am Upper Level
Guitarist Paul Estante and Friends The Starbuck’s Café lower level 12:00-1:00 ****Present flyers/ coupons at the Café for 10% donation to FANHS-WI
Story Telling by Filipino Author Margie Tayone Bruce 11:00 and 1:00 pm Upper Level
Please pass this to your families, friends and other communities in the US. It's the weekend before Mother's day, graduation days, Father's day. Purchasing a Barnes and Nobles gift card will not be part of the 10% support to FANHS-WI. Proceeds are used to help future educational events. FANHS is a 501(c) 3 society for donations and tax purposes. THANK YOU IN ADVANCE FOR YOU HELP.

Sporadically

People ask me, "When do you find the time to write?" I usually wake up two hours before my kids do and stay up 2-3 hours later than they do. That's usually when I do my writing. It's not everyday. I'm a sporadic writer. I write in spurts. I wait for the creative juice to fill me up and spill over. There is an article written about me in Bulalakaw, the newsletter of the Filipino-American Association in Wisconsin (FAAWIS) right about the time "Portrait" came out. I'll see if I can upload that, if not here, on FB.

Book Fair

I will still be attending the Book Fair on May 1st. I will be reading a book for story time for the kids at 11am and 1pm. I'm excited to go. I plan to take the boys with me and ask my mom to come along so that she can contain Tommy while I read a book.

Lessons

There's always a lesson to be learned in every book. One just has to acknowledge it.

Emotional Connection Between Writer and Character

We, as the readers, ride in the roller coaster of emotions that characters in a book go through. Even more so for the writer who writes the story. The connection to the characters' emotions is deeper. I feel their joy and their sorrow, their disappointments and their triumphs. I remember one day when I was still writing "Portrait of Young Woman." I was writing the emotional reunion of Eva and Marissa, I cried my eyes out. In the middle of my good cry, the doorbell rang. I couldn't help the tears that were falling from my eyes even when I opened the door. It was our neighbor. I was so embarrassed at the mess that I must have looked I had to explain to her why I was crying. I don't know if she truly believed me or if she could even comprehend it all.
Most of the emotional scenes are hard to write but only when a writer truly feels what the character is feeling at the moment that she conveys those emotions to her readers.