Eat Pray 'Work' Love

This is probably one of the best years I've had since I came back in 2008. My world has expanded quite a bit from my virtual world through blogging to my work place and my mom's group in our neighborhood. I met the finest people in both worlds. 

As I leafed through the different chapters of my life, I saw how God worked on many areas I've grown comfortable with.

Should I say I was lucky to watch a movie adapted from Elizabeth Gilbert's masterpiece,
Eat Pray Love just before the year ended?

I led this kind of sabbatical period for ten years...

and I realized that it's something I could reflect about each time I wish to have a reality check on my
zest for life!

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December's probably the best month especially after my October hibernation.

I used to ask,

 " How could two people who were so in love not end up happily ever after?"



Piano piano my eyes were opened...

I ceased holding tightly...



I took my drawing pens through Roy's invitation to illustrate for his Christmas book. It paved the way for me to search things in another direction...


Hazel's photo

2011 has highlighted two issues of our journal (that means busy April and October preparation). It also took me away from the net for awhile and figure things out in the real world.





My sister's presence for the holidays brought a unique touch to our, otherwise, traditional Christmas celebrations.

We prepared chicken with herbs, pasta with meatballs and blueberry cheesecake.

Belle had her share of the dessert by preparing fruit salad with graham biscuits.



We had our make overs for Christmas day...







and we finally had our family picture taken after so many years. 

We've been through thick and thin together...

It isn't perfect but
 all I can say is
a family is a family is a family.




We were  also blessed with a new niece this month...

photo of  Rhea and Jaspreet by Michelle Tandoc-Alamil 


One of the best features of this year is having the children gathered every Saturday afternoons for catechism. 

I truly wish more for them... so I hope the generous ones would open their hearts to these kids.


I'm not really fond of attending parties but last 18th of  December, we were included in SAMAKA's party. 

Angel, Araceli and Mitzi 

with Mama Rosie, SAMAKA President
Arvy



God has led me a long long way pretty much like the Hebrews in the desert.  The journey's  far. I have always thought that God wanted me to marry soon but I guess He has other plans for me at this moment.


--------------------------------------------
"People think a soul mate is your perfect fit, and that's what everyone wants. 
But a true soul mate is a mirror, the person who shows you everything that is holding you back, the person who brings you to your own attention so you can change your life."

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In this road along with my co-travelers, I learned these words...

Forgive me ~ for all those moments I've failed to reflect God's love...

I love you ~ the best moment to say it is always NOW...

and

THANK YOU

God for all Your blessings...
for our family and friends...
for the graces and crisis...
for those who left and those who chose to stay


Adesso,

ATTRAVERSIAMO...






Comments

  1. When the mid-nite bell rings tonight... Let it signify new and better things for you, let it signify a realisation of all things you wish for, Let it signify a year of courage and believes, Wishing you a very...very...very prosperious 2012.
    Thank you for touching my life in a very special way...lots of love to you always.

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  2. These are very precious and memorable moments you have here....wishing you a very happy new year.

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  3. You have been a gift to me this year, Melissa and I've watched you grow in faith and beauty...Thank you for always managing to touch me deeply. Love you much!

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  4. wish you a very happy new year soul-sis. each year has it's own significance as an experience of life. since my entry in this blogging world, i have been into some wonderful relationships that has lifted my soul and taught me to rectify and grow. you are one of them. my medicine of life in between my thick and thin days. i hold your hand to walk for ever and never let you go. with all my prayers and heartiest warm wishes, let your dreams unfold in the world of reality.

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  5. You have captured your year and your love for God and family so beautifully in this post. Oh, how your faith and hope shine through!
    You have been a blessing to me, Melissa!
    May God bless you richly in the new year!

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  6. Such a heartwarming post! Indeed, very precious memories that will stay in your mind forever.

    Thank you for being a friend, Mel. :-)

    Happy new year to you and your wonderful family!

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  7. I loved the photos! Sounds like you had a great 2011, full of new beginnings and chapters that perhaps were closed, but only for new ones to open. I pray you have a wonderful new year with even more blessings , joy, and peace awaiting you. Love you sis. :)

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  8. I was teary eyed reading this...don't know why...just because...
    Well, it was rendered so honest that I can see your heart shining through in everything and anything.
    Artner, just because...

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  9. Melissa, one of my favorite parts of the year was getting to know you. this is very well written with love and awareness, thank you for sharing yourself with us. Happy New Year! <3<3<3

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  10. Melissa, You understood the true emotion of my poem, When you lose a lived one, and created a beautiful masterpiece with it. The musical notes are my most treasured possession. Thank you for coming into my life and enriching it with your generous and lovely nature. Loved your family pictures, Wish You all a wonderful and Happy New Year.

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  11. Hello Melissa. Happy New Year!
    I echo the sentiments of everyone before me.

    Life is full of its ups & downs, but I believe each experience, be it good or bad, makes us a better person. I haven't known you long, but I've already been the recipient of your generosity.

    As you embark upon a new year & a new chapter in your life, keep on looking forward. Life is too short for regrets. Embrace each moment in your life & always keep your faith in God, for He alone knows your destination.

    You are gracious, humble & kind. You have the love of your family & friends. I wish only the best things for you & hope this coming year brings you much happiness, laughter & of course love (smile).

    Lovely photos & post.
    Thanks for sharing & for your friendship. I shall cherish it always.
    Andy

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  12. Lovely pictures :)

    Happy new year :)

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  13. My kindest soul u look soo cute in the group picha...god has someone special for u love n this new year I request him to send the one soon in ur life..
    Glad I met u last year..XOXOXO!!

    Love
    Mani

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  14. Melissa you have grown beautifully .... One word from me to you... Angel

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  15. A delight to read Melissa! What wonderful memories you have made in 2011! I pray that you will be blessed in abundance this new year! Hugs!!! xxx

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  16. Real sweet post Melissa, and let me share that the person in your life who is like a fantacy prince, u should never marry. Marriage brings all prices to the dust. Women need their fantacy prince and he can exisit in only the parallel world of fantacy. Believe in the parallel worlds. They exist. ANd live out your real world with a down to earth man; as marriage has nothing to do with the romantic love that women usually desire.Marriage is about parnership, companionship kind of love

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  17. I'm sorry it took me so long to read this post. What a beautiful way to summarize your year in pictures, quotes, and love. I was blessed to become a part of your world through the net and blogging last year. I have learned much from you, have smiled and laughed as well. I pray that you receive all of the desires of your heart. You deserve them mamita!

    http://lyricfire.typepad.com/lyric-fire/2012/01/lyric-fire-soul-diving-partial-poempart-confession.html

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