Foreign

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-bunny

Seeing chocolate bunnies and eggs on store shelves whenever I do my buying-list makes me feel foreign or alienated. We don’t celebrate Easter because of the tradition behind it. Well, supposedly it is celebrated in relation to Jesus Christ’s resurrection right? Tradition and practice however points to the pagan practice of spring worship, that of an Anglo-Saxon goddess, Estre from whom ‘easter’ was derived. Coincidentally, the Passover observed by then believers of God is close to the date of the spring equinox…reason why there is only one mention of easter in the Bible found in Acts 12:4 of the King James Version…there seems to be an error in translation.

I could go and on as I always have…but google would show what I mean…well, bunnies and eggs both; symbol of fertility are used in relation to the worship of the spring goddess…

Category: Photo Hunt, bible  2 Comments

Kalikasan (Nature)

(kuha sa liblib na parte ng Vienna)

Ecclesiastes 9:11 I returned to see under the sun that the swift do not have the race, nor the mighty ones the battle, nor do the wise also have the food, nor do the understanding ones also have the riches, nor do even those having knowledge have the favor; because time and unforeseen occurrence befall them all. 12 For man also does not know his time. Just like fishes that are being taken in an evil net, and like birds that are being taken in a trap, so the sons of men themselves are being ensnared at a calamitous time, when it falls upon them suddenly.

Sa mga nagdaang kalamidad, marami ang nagsabing pinaparusahan daw ng Diyos ang mga makasalanan…totoo ba ito? Hindi, ang matunog kong sagot. Sabi nga sa itaas ang panahon at mga di-inaasahang pangyayari ay sumasapit sa lahat. Totoo, ang lahat ay nilikha ng Diyos…(oopsss, mag-english na ko ha, ang hirap sa Tagalog :D –) This does not mean that he causes every movement of wind or every rain shower. God has set in motion certain laws that govern the earth and its environment. However, the Bible speaks of accounts were He did manipulated the forces of nature for a certain purpose. These include the parting of the Red Sea in Moses’ day and the halting of the sun and moon in the paths of the Israelites across the heavens in the time of Joshua. (Exodus 14:21-28; Joshua 10:12, 13) Even Jesus calmed the storm at the Sea of Galilee (Mark 4:37-39). So can we hold God responsible for the increased havoc and devastation/natural disasters recently?

The book Natural Disasters—Acts of God or Acts of Man? has to say: “There is no evidence that the climatological mechanisms associated with droughts, floods and cyclones are changing. And no geologist is claiming that the earth movements associated with earthquakes, volcanoes and tsunami (earthquake waves) are becoming more violent.” ? If the forces of nature are not to blame, the finger of guilt seems to point to human element. And, indeed, authorities have recognized that human activities have made our environment both more prone to natural disasters and more vulnerable to them. Sometimes too, natural forces may have provided the triggers of a calamity, but it is human activity—social, economic, political that must bear the responsibility…. For example, at one point in history, Japan had 43 earthquakes and other disasters and lost 2,700 lives, averaging 63 deaths per disaster. In the same period, Peru had 31 disasters with 91,000 deaths, or 2,900 per disaster. Or look at the Haiti and Chile quakes (thanks Teacher Julie for the article). Haiti’s corrupt system and government made no efforts in strengthening it’s construction of infrastructure opposed to Chile’s well researched and well built groundworks.

However, the Bible also gives a warning for us in Revelation 11: 18 that says “But the nations became wrathful, and your own wrath came, and the appointed time for the dead to be judged, and to give [their] reward to your slaves the prophets and to the holy ones and to those fearing your name, the small and the great, and to bring to ruin those ruining the earth.” To some, runing those ruining the earth may sound unfair, but God is just and so he is giving us time to change, because he “does not desire any to be destroyed” (2 Peter 3:9). No, God does not enjoy destroying even wicked people: he said “I take delight, not in the death of the wicked one, but in that someone wicked turns back from his way and actually keeps living.” (Ezekiel 33:11) Man has came a long way, past 6000 years in history and there were of course so many things that happened in between. In the end, I believe that God won’t let the earth be destroyed, especially because he promised “the meek ones themselves will possess the earth, and they will indeed find their exquisite delight in the abundance of peace” (Psalm 37:11).

Happy LP!

Disney’s Exclusive Movies

Not only Americans were enamored by Mickey Mouse when he first appeared on the big screen. To kids and us kids at heart around the world, the handsome mouse acquired a soft spot as well, simply put; “we all love the mouse.”  It was not only Mickey but other Disney characters too.  Generation after generation has a favorite Disney movie to share. For one it would be Snow White or The Little Mermaid yet for another it could be Toy Story or Finding Nemo.

Non-animated classic Disney movies are not to be forgotten. Maybe you’ve heard your dad tell the story of Condorman, he might not be the hero like Batman and Superman are but he has his share of fame, his own condormobile and damsels in distress to rescue ala 007. Now, you can watch Condorman with your dad as it was made available exclusively for members of the Disney Movie Club in May 2008. See the misadventures of Condorman as told by your dad in his stories.

There are also many rare/exclusive and classic Disney movies offered by the the Disney Movie Club, an online community for fans, kids and adults alike. Reliving the magic we had and shared by all those movies we watched as kids is now easier…(they are delivered right to one’s doorstep!) Recently released movies like Wall-E, Bolt, are listed, as are old favorites such as  Tigger’s Movies, Ducktales the Movie, Stub, A Mom for Christmas ( one that I won’t watch) and the 1958 hit, Tonka.  A majority of both the classic and newer Disney films are in their catalogue which one can browse alphabetically or categorically.

Joining the Disney Movie Club is easy, just register at their website and create an account. You can already place your initial order afterwards. (The website includes other means of registration and explains all the terms and “commitment” for being a member.) Shipping is free on certain conditions! Also, about once a month, you will be sent offers that would definitely remind you of old time favorite movies. If you want to get this offer then a simple yes will do…

Some of the members are Disney movie collectors and if you are contemplating on building your own collection of your beloved Disney films, this is the best  opportunity for that. As a Disney Movie Club member, you will get the original classic films that may not be in the market anymore. They are also great gifts. Imagine the joy your dad will have if he receives a copy of his favorite movie as a child.  Imagine your mom’s delight if she watches again the first Disney film she watched with your dad when they were still dating :D . Disney and the mouse has certainly been part of our lives and they continue to. No matter where or no matter the age, we are all connected to one another through Disney’s timeless creations.

Category: home stories  2 Comments

Daily Bread

bible

‘Man must live, not on bread alone…’

Ever heard of the sarcastic quote; “You are what you eat.” (Originally thought to be from Ludwig Andreas Feuerbach, “Der Mensch ist, was er isst,” simply translated “man is what he eats.” ) “Therefore, if you eat nothing, you are nothing!”

:D

Symbolically, we would starve spiritually if we do not take in this food…Bible knowledge. It is very important to take it into our daily routine. Have you eaten your bread today?

I used to update my other blog ViennaDaily regularly…now that I have been missing out on posts, should I change it’s title to Vienna Weekly? ;)

Category: Photo Hunt  7 Comments

Husay (Skill)

Hindi maikakaila ang husay ng manlililok ng mga orasang ito. Ito ay ilan lamang sa daan-daang koleksiyon na matatagpuan sa Uhrenmuseum (Clock Museum) ng Vienna. Ang ilan ay pagg-aari ng mga dating Emperador, mga artista at iba pang kilalang pangalan sa bansa. Ang pinakamatandang orasan na matatagpuan sa Museo ay may 600 taong gulang na (sa ibaba). Ang orasan na ito ay mas malaki pa sa akin. :D Kaya naman masasabi kong mahuhusay talaga ang mga nakaimbento ng kasalukuyang relo/orasan na ginagamit natin…maliliit pero pareho din naman ang gamit. Di simbigat ng isang ito! ;)

Love your own, so they say…that’s what I’m doing. I am my husband’s biggest fan. I admire his artworks be it illustrations (portrait, cartoons, wall prints), graphic designs, web layouts or photographs. Below is a copy of Norman Rockwell’s Freedom of Worship. It is in our living room at the moment (tumagilid na sa loob ng frame eh) along with some of his works.

It could be depressing for someone not to find a decent job to fit his/her profile.  (Language is also a barrier. Hubby doesn’t have the free time to study the language as I do, that’s why I am glad that English is becoming more and more in demand at work.) I saw how difficult it was for him to accept this dilemma…what I did then was find freelancing jobs  (English) for him so that his talent won’t go to waste. I would send his resume here and there…game development projects, card game illustration, a comic book of an austrian emperor and online ads were some that he did thereby establishing his portfolio in the process.

Now, I can see how work has been satisfying for him unlike then when he looks always tired and sad…finally, he was able to show and use his skills…

Ako? Saan ba ako mahusay? Ay wag na natin pag-usapan lol…pero ang isa sa nadiskubre ko na hindi ko inaakala ay yung matuto agad ng iba’t ibang wika. Kaya naman tuloy tuloy lang, natapos ko na ang Aleman at binabalikan ko naman ang Espanyol, pagkatapos ay seseryosohin ko naman ang Hapon… ;)

Happy LP!

Cuddly

pooh and charlie

Who else is cuddlier than Winnie the pooh? Ah……for me, that would be babies!

First photo was taken when my elder son was barely 2 years old. He loves cuddling stuffed toys and everyone around him. That sweetness of course rubbed on the little boy (2nd photo) as he is the same, not just cuddly but kissy too! (He’d also sing  an I love you song  in 7 languages.)

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The last photo is probably my favorite of theirs. This is one of those earlier moments when they don’t have the word “quarrel” in their vocabulary yet. The bigger brother would be very helpful when it comes to the needs of the little one. He’d bring me diapers when there’s a need to change. He’d fetch the bottle and give it to the little one when he cries (on instances that I might be in the toilet). He’d play with the little one and make him laugh by making faces, playing peek-a-boo and tickling.

It’s sad sometimes to think that change is inevitable and even kids ain’t spared. I know that it’s part of growing up and building bonds require those quarrels to make them stronger…they would anyway forget whatever caused the other to cry in seconds so it ain’t a big deal. It’s true what the bible says, “foolishness is tied up with the heart of a boy” (Proverbs 22:15) however, to be childlike is just as  wise…forget strife and live on, put a smile and be happy…enjoy the freedom but never use it as an excuse for badness. (Matthew 18:3, 4 and 1 Peter 2:16)

Happy cuddling!

Category: Photo Hunt  3 Comments

Cycling

During summer, hubby enjoys biking with the kids. One thing I don’t have the zest for. I always had problems when riding a mountain bike, I think my legs are too short for them. :D

When hubby still works at the central district he would take the bike, ride it until the train station, hop it in on the train and would get off somewhere near the workplace. On weekends he would go a trip round the Danube and take photos of the riverside. I don’t remember him wearing any special bike shoes, just his usual everyday wear. You probably know now how I enjoy browsing online shops, saves me time, saves me energy and saves me lots of money too especially when they are on sale! I learned that there are different types of bike shoes, depending on a rider’s use.

Cycling is very beneficial, that it helps lower toxins in the air, makes for a good exercise and saves parking spaces too. :D Using the appropriate shoes when riding could bring out the best experience. As usual, Shopwiki  (the ultimate  online shopping guide) provides helpful tips on how to find the best biking shoes. Stiff sole for less waste of energy, a snug fit to avoid slipping, breathable materials for feet’s comfort and of course the price for all it’s worth.

Batik/Mantsa (Spots/Stain)

dumi

Sakay ng bus kaninang umaga, ako ay nag-iisip kung ano ang pwede kong ipaskil para sa tema ngayon…pagtingin ko sa labas, nakita ko ang perpektong litrato…Ito! Bakit kamo? Naging gray ang litratong ito dahil sa alikabok na animo’y mantsa na dumikit sa bintana. Ganito ang nangyayari kapag umuulan ng niyebe ng sunod sunod, pero maliban doon ay malinis naman.

Sa baba, makikita ang isang salagubang na nagpupumilit magtago, mahiyain kasi ayaw magpapiktyur kaya ayan, pwet na lang ang nahagilap! :D Happy LP!

bug (Nakatulog ako paggagawa ng entry, ayan late tuloy.)

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Euphorbia

euphorb
Sentosa, Singapore (Jun 2009)
I’ve been seeing this pretty flowers from TF a lot and I was intrigued because I have never known them from when I was still in the Philippines. I was surprised to see that my mom has been growing a lot of them (she has a green thumb!) in our garden. She had this pale pink (below) and yellow variety.
Euphorbia grew in abundance in Singapore too! I took the top photo at the Palawan beach while idling some time off with the kids.
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Cavite, Philippines (June 2009)
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Join us!

Departures/Arrivals

arrival

—Manila, Philippines—
(Taken during our arrival from Singapore.)

A post earlier I mentioned that my dad worked as a seaman, with that I meant oil tankers, days at the sea, sometimes at the ports of Hamburg, Amsterdam and Thessaloniki among many others. In the photo below, he was seen off by the whole family at the airport (from left to right: aunt1, my grandma, aunt 2, dad, uncle1, a cousin, aunt3, uncle2 and uncle3 plus other cousins as well).  I feel nostalgic looking at this.

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When we learned of his death, we took the earliest flight we can get  home. Sad, he was supposed to be there to pick us up from the airport as he used to. It would have been the same feeling whenever we’d welcome him back from many years of being away. He was supposed to drive us to the airport and see us off when we leave…then, I would secretly shed a tear for the loneliness I feel. This time though I shed enough to last a lifetime.

A post for Unique Exposure’s weekly challenge, Departures/Arrivals.