Marriage is a life-changing experience to both man and woman. And I reckon, the wedding preparation is the perfect initiation to this new role.

My life was literally put to a hold for a year as I undertook the challenge of preparing for my wedding. My husband and I have been married for 2 blissful years but have decided a year ago to renew our vows with God, our family and friends as our witness. We thought it would be easy, it's our second wedding anyway, but to this day, it amazes me how this one-day event can cause so much trauma and stress to our once peaceful and loving life.

"Goodbye" was never my favorite word. It reminds me of all the times I have shed tears for a loss I wish never happened. It gives me this looming sense of fear from breaking from what I perceive as comfortable. Psychologists would have a field-day trying to decipher my animosity towards farewell. I would have been the perfect subject to test their theories on. =)

But as I experience life, I have learned that goodbye is as vital as hello. Change will always find a way to articulate itself in our lives. No amount of hiding can stop it from happening. When one opens her heart and eyes to the world around her, one can see how positive change can be. It allows you to plant your roots elsewhere, it allows you to touch other people's life as they touch yours, and most importantly, it brings about personal growth. A big step towards self-actualization.

Certain moments in our life triggers a reaction that usually catches us off guard. The recipient may either feel the exhilaration of excitement or the feeling of pain. As much as we hope for the prior, it's the latter that realistically happens.

Numerous times, she would ask what she done to deserve the things happening to her. I always have no answer, for the so many things i want to express, this is one moment that I am speechless...for she has been a kind soul to everyone who is privileged enough to know her acquaintance. She told me she has no one to depend on but herself. She deals with so many brutalities, though physical is not one of them. Pity is the last thing she needs, but I pity her for all the emotional wounds inflicted to her fragile heart.

Death is symbolic of Life. A great level of abhorrence is attributed to its concept but reality dictates that its varying form encompasses the existence of men. To abnegate its presence is to live in a world of disillusionment.

Hearts are broken everyday, dreams left unfulfiiled, fiasco consuming one's life, frustration permeating the walls of one's soul...death in its chameleon silhouette.

As heart-wrenching as the pain may be, it is vital to wallow in its melancholia to truly understand the depths of humanity. But AFTER one lives the varying levels of sadness and anger, one has to learn that the next step is simply...to move forward.

My thoughts has always been inspired by the circumstances surrounding my everyday living. Lately, seeing dear friends go thru separation with loved-ones has made my thoughts travel back in time when my broken heart and shatterd dreams were a common scenario in life.

midst of this vagabondage
poignant pain in the heart
restless soul seeking refuge
in a battle oh so familiar

midst of this vagabondage
bleeding heart of a woman warrior
yearning for understanding
unending quest for a benevolent soul

midst of this vagabondage
forlorn spirit staggering
seeking deliverance
enfolding passion

I grew up spending more time with my mom than my dad. He was busy working overseas as a CPA to a shipping company, thus, he traveled a lot. At first, we used to travel with him (which I truly love) but as I grew older my parents decided it was best that I stay put for my education (Bummer!!!)

That meant I was separated from my dad quite a lot. But that also intensified our reunion every year, for it was pure bliss! We did all these things together, he would teach me to sketch, how to make paper mache vases, screen etching and printing, we would go out every weekend, he helps me with school homeworks, and most importantly laughter filled our home.

by Karen

Remember me and that times we've shared
That I was once with you and I was once cared
Remember the times we had fun together
The times we thought would last forever
Remember me when I'm gone
When goodbye is said and all is done...

Christmas always bring out the finest in each and one of us. I remember as a child, people are always pleasant during this time of the year. Everyone has a smile to spare, a hug for everyone, and a passion for giving. I have always cherished this season.

To my surprise, Christmas is celebrated here in Sydney during the month of July. I woke up last Saturday (29th of July) and voila… got a big hug and kiss from my husband who was wishing me a MERRY CHRISTMAS! To add to my astonishment, he has purchased a PSP with a Tinkerbelle design on its playgear. The reason behind his gift was that I told him that I would get myself one after using his PSP non stop for 2 days!