tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-209884822024-02-09T04:16:16.644+08:00Life is so BeautifulLiving my life each moment to the fullest...Sheila Luhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05925674229272150628noreply@blogger.comBlogger54125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20988482.post-1047746665341673482011-03-29T21:38:00.016+08:002011-05-01T18:59:03.398+08:00Peacocks @ Eden Nature Park<center><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5148/5598165722_1f57c56fed.jpg"><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/shei1cdo/5602924046/" title="Peacock @ Eden Nature Park by shei1cdo, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5024/5602924046_79390b63d2.jpg" width="460" height="330" alt="Peacock @ Eden Nature Park"></a><br /></center><br />I was in Davao City last March 17-20, 2011 and stayed at Eden Nature Park for one night. This was the third time that I have been in Eden Nature Park but it was my first time to sleep here. I really love this place. I enjoyed every minute that I have spent here. It's a place where you can commune with nature. A place where you can feel the very cool air as you explore 80 hectares of man-made forest; flower gardens; vast gardens of herbs and vegetables; acres of lofty pines and fruit trees; various insects and birds while enjoying a spectacular view of Davao City and Davao Gulf.Sheila Luhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05925674229272150628noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20988482.post-67124707067218994602011-02-25T22:26:00.001+08:002011-02-25T22:38:06.770+08:00Divine Mercy Shrine<center><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5252/5475950163_ebd6ffae37.jpg"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5292/5476547768_118e5089aa.jpg"><br /></center><br />Divine Mercy Shrine - Nestled in the tranquil hills of El Salvador, Misamis Oriental. Strategically located on top of a hill 500 feet above sea level, the place commands a spectacular view of the Macajalar Bay of Cagayan de Oro City and the island of Camiguin. It is 19 kilometers away from the City proper of Cagayan de Oro. Photos were taken during the Feast of the Divince Mercy last April 19, 2009.Sheila Luhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05925674229272150628noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20988482.post-43495888022071467972010-10-31T23:54:00.000+08:002010-11-26T23:55:37.331+08:00<center><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4154/4960132160_ecdae0e793.jpg">
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<br />I do not know what they call this but I got this photo while I had my biking somewhere in Barangay Balulang, Cagayan de Oro City.Sheila Luhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05925674229272150628noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20988482.post-45060431712752613602010-10-25T22:05:00.001+08:002010-11-26T23:32:55.231+08:00Monument of the Heritage of Misamis Oriental<center><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4125/4976519718_c6554e37e1.jpg">
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<br />Another pictures I have taken while I had my biking just around the city on March 31, 2010. This is the Monument of the Heritage of Misamis Oriental at the Provincial Capitol, Cagayan de Oro City.Sheila Luhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05925674229272150628noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20988482.post-23410995925382187242010-02-27T00:17:00.002+08:002010-02-27T00:24:47.539+08:00Somewhere in Barangay Indahag<center><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2767/4389420563_0f137892cc.jpg"><br /></center>Sheila Luhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05925674229272150628noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20988482.post-38639883018942263592009-12-30T21:55:00.002+08:002009-12-30T22:07:57.777+08:00A Dad & MomFour years ago, an accident took my beloved away and very often I wonder, how does my wife, who is now in the heavenly realm, feel right now? She must be feeling extremely sad for leaving a husband who is incapable to taking care of the house and the kid. 'Coz that is the exact feeling that I have, as I feel that I have failed to provide for the physical and emotional needs of my child, and failed to be the dad and mom for my child. <br /> <br />There was one particular day, when I had an emergency at work. Hence, I had to leave home whilst my child was still sleeping. So thinking that there was still rice leftover, I hastily cooked an egg and left after informing my sleepy child. <br /> <br />With the double roles, I am often exhausted at work as well as when I am home. So after a long day, I came home, totally drained of all energy. So with just a brief hug and kiss for my child, I went straight into the room, skipping dinner. However, when I jumped into my bed with intention of just having a well-deserved sleep, all I heard and felt was broken porcelain and warm liquid! I flipped open my blanket, and there lies the source of the 'problem'... a broken bowl with instant noodles and a mess on the bed sheet and blanket! <br /><br />Boy was I mad! I was so furious that I took a clothes hanger, charged straight at my child who was happily playing with his toy, and give him a good spanking! He merely cried but not asking for mercy, except a short explanation: <br /><br />"Dad, I was hungry and there wasn’t anymore leftover rice. But you were not back yet; hence I wanted to cook some instant noodles. But I remembered you reminding me not to touch or use the gas stove without any adults around, hence I turned on the shower and used the hot water from the bathroom to cook the noodles. One is for you and the other is for me. However, I was afraid that the noodles will turn cold, so I hid it under the blanket to keep it warm till you return. But I forgot to remind you 'coz I was playing with my toys...I am sorry Dad..." <br /> <br />At that moment, tears were starting to run down my cheeks...but I didn't want my son to see his dad crying so I dashed into the bathroom and cried with the shower head on to mask my cries. After that episode, I went towards my son to give him a tight hug and applied medication on him, while coaxing him to sleep. Then, it was time to clear up the mess on the bed. When everything was done and well past midnight, I passed my son's room, and saw that he was still crying, not from the pain on his little buttock, but from looking at the photograph of his beloved mommy.<br /><br />A year has passed since the episode; I have tried, in this period, to focus on giving him both the love of his dad and mum, and to attend to most of his needs. And soon, he is turning seven, and will be graduating from kindergarten. Fortunately, the incident did not leave a lasting impression on his childhood memories and he is still happily growing up. <br /> <br />However, not so long ago, I hit my boy again, with much regret. This time, his kindergarten teacher called, informing me of my son's absence from school. I took off early from work and went home, expecting him to explain. But he wasn't to be found, so I went around our house, calling out his name and eventually found him outside a stationery shop, happily playing computer games. I was fuming, brought him home and whack the hell out of him. He did not retaliate, except to say, 'I am sorry, Dad'. But after much probing, I realized that it was a 'Talent Show' organized by his school and the invite is for every student's mommy. And that was the reason for his absence as he has no mommy..... <br /><br />Few days after the caning, my son came home to tell me, the kindergarten has recently taught him how to read and write. Since then, he has kept to himself and stayed in his room to practice his writing, which I am sure, would make my wife proud, if she was still around. 'Coz he makes me proud too! <br /> <br />Time passes by very quickly, and soon another year has passed. It’s winter and it’s Christmas time. Everywhere the Christmas spirit is in every passer-by...Christmas carols and frantic shoppers....but alas, my son got into another trouble. When I was about to knock off from the day's work, the post office called. Due to the peak season, the post master was also on an edgy mood. He called to tell me that my son has attempted to post several letters with no addressee. Although I did make a promise never to hit my son again, I couldn't help but to hit him as I feel that this child of mine is really beyond control. Once again, as before, he apologized, “I'm sorry, Dad” and no additional reason to explain. I pushed him towards a corner, went to the post office to collect the letters with no addressee and came home, and angrily questioned my son on his prank, during this time of the year. <br /> <br />His answer, amidst his sobbing, was: The letters were for Mommy. <br /><br />My eyes grew teary, but I tried to control my emotions and continued to ask him: "But why did you post so many letters, at one time?" My son's reply was: "I have been writing to mommy for a long time, but each time I reach out for the post box, it was too high for me, hence I was not able to post the letters. But recently, when I went back to the postbox, I could reach it and I sent it all at once..." <br /><br />After hearing this, I was lost. Lost at not knowing what to do, what to say.... <br /> <br />I told my son, "Son, mommy is in the heavenly kingdom, so in future, if you have anything to tell her, just burn the letter and it will reach mommy. My son, on hearing this, was much pacified and calm, and soon after, he was sleeping soundly. On promising that I will burn the letters on his behalf, I brought the letters outside, but couldn’t help opening the letter before they turn to ash. <br /><br />And one of the letters broke my heart.... <br /><br />Dear Mommy, <br /><br />I miss you so much! Today, there was a 'Talent Show' in school, and the school invited all mothers for the show. But you are not around, so I did not want to participate as well. I did not tell Dad about it as I was afraid that Dad would start to cry and miss you all over again. Dad went around looking for me, but in order to hide my sadness, I sat in front of the computer and started playing games at one of the shops. Dad was furious, and he couldn’t help it but scolded and hit me, but I did not <br />tell him the real reason. Mommy, everyday I see Dad missing you and whenever he think of you, he is so sad and often hide and cry in his room. I think we both miss you very very much. Too much for our own good I think. But Mommy, I am starting to forget your face. Can you please appear in my dreams so that I can see your face and remember you? I heard that if you fall asleep with the photograph of the person whom you miss, you will see the person in your dreams. But mommy, why haven’t you appeared? <br /><br />After reading the letter, I can’t stop sobbing. 'Coz I can never replace the irreplaceable gap left behind by my wife....<br /><br /><br />For the females with children: <br /><br />Don't do so much overtime. If you cannot finish the work, it must be some kind of problems within the company, and it is not your sole problem.<br /><br />Feedback to your boss. Endless overtime may not necessary be the answer to the problem. Take care of your health so that you can treasure and take care of your little precious. <br /><br /><br />For the married men: <br /><br />Drink less, smoke less, cos nothing can replace your good health, not even business nor clients. <br /><br />Try thinking this way, are you able to work till your clients are totally dependent on you? or your boss is totally dependent on you? In this society, no one is indispensable. <br /><br />Take care of your health, so that you can take care of your little precious and your loved ones. <br /><br />For those singles out there: <br /><br />Beauty lies in loving yourself first. <br /><br />With confidence and loving yourself, you will see the beauty in other things around you. You will be able to work better and happier. Don't let your health be affected by your work or your boss, so nothing matters more than your well being.<br /><br /><br />Source: Forwarded emailSheila Luhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05925674229272150628noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20988482.post-63528278151205659162009-12-12T21:47:00.002+08:002010-09-05T20:20:36.803+08:00Abba's Orchard School<center><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2656/4176324218_33a1b4fe44.jpg"><br /><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4048/4176302502_377c29a647.jpg"></center><br />One of the most expensive schools in our city is Abba's Orchard School. It's a Maria Montessori school located at Alwana Business Park, Cugman, Cagayan de Oro City. The one I have in the picture here is their second campus - the farm campus situated on top of the mountain of Pualas, Bukidnon. Just a 30 minute ride from the heart of the city of Cagayan de Oro. One can go there passing Barangay Macasandig and Taguanao.Sheila Luhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05925674229272150628noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20988482.post-53326610555692963232009-12-05T21:35:00.002+08:002009-12-30T22:43:25.470+08:00Beginning TodayBeginning today I will no longer worry about yesterday. It is in the past and the past will never change. Only I can change by choosing to do so.<br /> <br />Beginning today I will no longer worry about tomorrow. Tomorrow will always be there, waiting for me to make the most of it. But I cannot make the most of tomorrow without first making the most of today.<br /> <br />Beginning today I will look in the mirror and I will see a person worthy<br />of my respect and admiration. This capable person looking back at me is <br />someone I enjoy spending time with and someone I would like to get to know better.<br /> <br />Beginning today I will cherish each moment of my life. I value the gift bestowed upon me in this world and I will unselfishly share this gift with others.<br /> <br />Beginning today I will take a moment to step off the beaten path and to<br />revel in the mysteries I encounter. I will face challenges with courage<br />and determination. I will overcome what barriers there may be which hinder<br />my quest for growth and self- improvement.<br /> <br />Beginning today I will take life one day at a time, one step at a time.<br />Discouragement will not be allowed to taint my positive self-image, my desire to succeed or my capacity to love.<br /> <br />Beginning today I walk with renewed faith in human kindness. Regardless<br />of what has gone before. I believe there is hope for a brighter and better future.<br /> <br />Beginning today I will open my mind and my heart. I will welcome new experiences. I will meet new people. I will not expect perfection from myself nor anyone else: perfection does not exist in an imperfect world. But I will applaud the attempt to overcome human foibles.<br /> <br />Beginning today I am responsible for my own happiness and I will do things that make me happy... admire the beautiful wonders of nature, listen to my favorite music, pet a kitten or a puppy, soak in a bubble bath. Pleasure can be found in the most simple of gestures.<br /> <br />Beginning today I will learn something new; I will try something different; I will savor all the various flavors life has to offer. I will change what I can and the rest I will let go. I will strive to become the best me I can possibly be.<br /><br /><br /><br />Author: UnknownSheila Luhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05925674229272150628noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20988482.post-555309533926106302009-10-04T15:54:00.005+08:002009-10-04T17:22:42.968+08:00Press Freedom Monument<center><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2491/3979631472_4076f11d2b.jpg"><br /><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2557/3979632028_fdf90b1ac7.jpg"></center><br />I had my biking just around the city proper two weeks ago. When I passed the Provincial Capitol Grounds, I can't help but take a closer look at the newly constructed double life size monument which was designed and build by the renowned Sculptor Eduardo Castrillo. The monument depicts the life of journalists and the risks they take as they enter the profession. Beside the monument are the names of the slain journalists, their news clubs and the date of their death.<br /><br />The Press Freedom Monument was inaugurated on August 21, 2009 which coincides with the day former Senator Benigno S. Aquino, Jr. was assassinated who was himself a journalist.Sheila Luhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05925674229272150628noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20988482.post-42815699508917246912009-10-03T15:53:00.004+08:002009-10-03T18:31:57.626+08:00Macahambus Gorge<center><img src="http://farm1.static.flickr.com/215/482573677_09c1464293.jpg"><br /><img src="http://farm1.static.flickr.com/172/467127167_2e53747173.jpg"><br /><img src="http://farm1.static.flickr.com/220/458343556_9f4f487e0c.jpg"><br /><img src="http://farm1.static.flickr.com/192/458361325_7502cfc33e.jpg"></center><br />Photos were taken on August 6, 2006 at the Macahambus Gorge, Cagayan de Oro City.Sheila Luhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05925674229272150628noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20988482.post-85124621712258573902009-08-29T14:25:00.000+08:002009-09-21T15:35:26.185+08:00Balete Tree<center><img src="http://farm1.static.flickr.com/213/494226212_0f390c1b26.jpg"></center><br />This was taken during one of our inspection in Malasag, Cugman, Cagayan de Oro City in February 2007. The tree is called balete tree. Some or if not most Filipinos don't like balete tree especially the wild one because they say that it's a home to different kinds of spirits and demon-like creatures. In other cultures though, it is considered sacred and a wish fulfilling divine tree.Sheila Luhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05925674229272150628noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20988482.post-40271874773323721742009-08-15T13:43:00.000+08:002009-09-21T15:33:15.164+08:00The Story of RoseThe first day of school our professor introduced himself and challenged us to get to know someone we didn’t already know. I stood up look around when a gentle hand touched my shoulder. I turned around to find a wrinkled, little old lady beaming at me with a smile that lit up her entire being. She said, “Hi, handsome. My name is Rose. I’m eighty-seven years old. Can I give you a hug? “I laughed and enthusiastically responded, “of course, you may!” And she gave a giant squeeze. “Why are you in college at such a young, innocent age?” I asked. She jokingly replied, “I’m here to meet a rich husband, get married, and have a couple of kids…” “No, seriously,” I asked. I was curious what may have motivated her to be taking on this challenge at her age. “I always dreamed of having a college education and now I’m getting one!” She told me. <br /> <br />After class we walked to the student union building and shared a chocolate milkshake. We became instant friends. Everyday for the next three months we would leave class together and talk non-stop. I was always mesmerized listening to this “time-machine” as she shared her wisdom and experience with me. Over the course of the year, Rose became a campus icon and she easily made friends wherever she went. She loved to dress up and she revealed in the attention bestowed upon her from the students. She was living it up.<br /> <br />At the end of the semester we invited Rose to speak at our football banquet. I’ll never forget what she taught us. She was introduced and stepped up to the podium. As she began to deliver her prepared speech, she dropped her three by five cards on the floor. Frustrated and a little embarrassed she leaned into the microphone and simply said, “I’m so jittery. I gave up beer for Lent and this whiskey is killing me! I’ll never get my speech back in order so let me just tell you what I know.” As we laughed she cleared her throat and began, “We do not stop playing because we are old; we grow old because we stop playing. There are only four secrets to staying young, being happy and achieving success. You have to laugh and find humor everyday. You’ve got to have a dream. When you lose your dreams, you die. <br /> <br />We have so many people walking around who are dead and don’t even know it! There is a huge difference between growing older and growing up. If you are nineteen years old and lie in bed for one full year and don’t do one productive thing, you will turn twenty years old. If I am eighty-seven years old and stay in bed for a year and never do anything, I will turn eighty-eight. Anybody can grow older. That doesn’t take any talent or ability. The idea is to grow up by always finding the opportunity in change. Have no regrets. The elderly usually don’t have regrets for what we did, but for things we did not do. The only people who fear death are those with regrets!”<br /> <br />She concluded her speech by courageously singing, “The Rose.” She challenged each of us to study the lyrics and live them out in our daily lives.<br /> <br />At the year’s end Rose finished the college degree she had begun all those years ago. One week after graduation Rose died peacefully in her sleep. Over two thousand college students attended her funeral in tribute to the wonderful woman who taught by example that it’s never too late to be all you can possibly be. <br /> <br />When you’ll finish reading this, please send this peaceful word of advice to your friends and family, they’ll really enjoy it! REMEMBER, GROWING OLDER IS MANDATORY, GROWING UP IS OPTIONAL!<br /> <br />We make a living by what we get! We make a LIFE by what we give. God promises a safe landing, not a calm passage. If God brings you to it, He will bring you through it.<br /> --Author: Unknown--Sheila Luhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05925674229272150628noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20988482.post-5048406322257262872009-08-08T21:14:00.001+08:002009-10-04T18:26:07.410+08:00Making a DifferenceThere was a young man walking down a deserted beach just before dawn. <br />In the distance he saw a frail old man.<br />As he approached the old man, he saw him picking up stranded <br />starfish and throwing them back into the sea.<br />The young man gazed in wonder as the old man again and again <br />threw the small starfish from the sand to the water.<br />He asked, "Old man, why do you spend so much energy doing <br />what seems to be a waste of time."<br />The old man explained that the stranded starfish would die <br />if left in the morning sun.<br />"But there must be thousands of beaches and millions of starfish!" <br />exclaimed the young man. "How can you make any difference?"<br />The old man looked at the small starfish in his hand and as he threw <br />it to the safety of the sea, he said, "It makes a difference to this one!".Sheila Luhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05925674229272150628noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20988482.post-15506845775014522762009-07-18T12:05:00.001+08:002009-09-21T14:18:19.400+08:00Waig Crystal Spring Resort<center><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2613/3841077425_119cca0452.jpg"><br /><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2617/3841869408_8c58eb632e.jpg"><br /><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3518/3841870570_709bef3146_m.jpg"></center><br />My family and I spent our vacation here last May 6, 2009. Actually, we’ve been here too last November 2008 during the 2nd birthday of my niece. This spring resort is located in the province of Bukidnon. It’s a three-hour travel from the city of Cagayan de Oro. The place is known for its beautiful spring resorts and Waig Crystal is just one of the main attractions of spring resorts in Maramag, Bukidnon.Sheila Luhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05925674229272150628noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20988482.post-35967304809360379282009-07-11T14:12:00.004+08:002009-08-21T15:13:58.884+08:00"Stolen" Shots #2<center><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2460/3607404510_0906476c79.jpg"><br /><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3389/3607405348_2f90348bd0.jpg"></center>Sheila Luhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05925674229272150628noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20988482.post-14189478147265290392009-06-27T11:56:00.000+08:002009-07-11T15:00:36.270+08:00Naked King David<center><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2570/3709115460_0aa8bbb3e8.jpg"> <br /><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3431/3709115468_fafca70d34.jpg"><br /></center><br />Photos were taken at the Times Beach near the Queensland Hotel in Davao City last June 12, 2009. The statue is a replica of King David, sculpted by Michelangelo Buonarroti in 1501. It is one of his two best-known works. The original statue is set on the hilltop of Florence, Italy.Sheila Luhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05925674229272150628noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20988482.post-12876927116295378502009-06-24T20:26:00.006+08:002009-07-11T15:01:58.228+08:00Rainbow<center><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2478/3657087406_c9be35a7c0.jpg"></center><br />I took this photo when we had our stop over somewhere in Bukidnon. I just cant help sharing this beautiful rainbow...Sheila Luhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05925674229272150628noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20988482.post-23346537429465100292009-05-19T18:33:00.001+08:002009-08-15T15:19:55.641+08:00The Best Day of My LifeToday, when I awoke, I suddenly realized that this is the best day of my life, ever. There were times when I wondered if I would make it to today; but I did! And because I did I'm going to celebrate!<br /><br />Today, I'm going to celebrate what an unbelievable life I have had so far: the accomplishments, the many blessings, and, yes, even the hardships because they have served to make me stronger.<br /><br />I will go through this day with my head held high and a happy heart. I will marvel at God's seemingly simple gifts: the morning dew, the sun, the clouds, the trees, the flowers, the birds.<br /><br />Today, none of these miraculous creations will escape my notice. Today, I will share my excitement for life with other people. I'll make someone smile. <br />I'll go out of my way to perform an unexpected act of kindness for someone I don't even know. Today, I'll give a sincere compliment to someone who seems down. I'll tell a child how special he is, and I'll tell someone I love just how deeply I care for them and how much they mean to me.<br /><br />Today is the day I quit worrying about what I don't have and start being grateful for all the wonderful things God has already given me. I'll remember that to worry is just a waste of time because my faith in God and his Divine Plan ensures everything will be just fine.<br />And tonight, before I go to bed, I'll go outside and raise my eyes to the heavens I will stand in awe at the beauty of the stars and the moon, and I will praise God for these magnificent treasures.<br /><br />As the day ends and I lay my head down on my pillow, <br />I will thank the Almighty for the best day of my life. <br />And I will sleep the sleep of a contented child, excited with expectation because I know tomorrow is going to be the best day of my life, ever!Sheila Luhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05925674229272150628noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20988482.post-19551938397843228512009-05-11T17:21:00.004+08:002009-08-31T14:38:45.282+08:00Paradox of Our Time<p>A Columbia High School student wrote this.<br /><br />The paradox of our time in history is that:<br /><br />• We have taller buildings, but shorter tempers;<br />• Wider freeways, but narrower viewpoints;<br />• We spend more, but enjoy it less.<br />• We have bigger houses and smaller families;<br />• More conveniences, but less time<br />• We have more degrees, but less sense;<br />• More knowledge, but less judgement;<br />• More experts, but more problems;<br />• More medicine, but less wellness;<br />• We have multiplied our possessions, but reduced our values.<br />• We talk too much, love too seldom, and hate too often.<br />• We’ve learned how to make a living, but not a life;<br />• We’ve added years to life, not life to years.<br />• We’ve been all the way to the moon and back, but have trouble crossing the street to meet the new neighbor.<br />• We’ve conquered outer space, but not inner space;<br />• We’ve cleaned up the air, but polluted our soul;<br />• We’ve split the atom, but not our prejudice.<br />• We have higher incomes, but lower morals.<br />• We’ve become long on quantity, but short on quality.<br />• These are the times of tall men, and short character;<br />• Steep profits, and shallow relationships.<br />• These are the times of world peace, but domestic warfare;<br />• More leisure, but less fun;<br />• More kinds of food, but less nutrition.<br />• These are the days of two incomes, but more divorce;<br />• Of fancier houses, but broken homes.<br />• It is a time when there is much in the show window and nothing in the stockroom;<br />• A time when technology can bring this letter to you, and a time when you can choose either to make a difference or just hit delete.<br /><br /> </p>Sheila Luhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05925674229272150628noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20988482.post-1373583287730677392009-04-25T14:53:00.002+08:002009-08-21T15:16:09.933+08:00"Stolen" Shots #1<center><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3605/3591618077_9e23671f6b.jpg"><br /><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3634/3592426186_6932ba4582.jpg"><br /><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3560/3607393854_0288b0b57a.jpg"></center>Sheila Luhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05925674229272150628noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20988482.post-54121876713123115062009-04-11T20:50:00.003+08:002009-07-11T15:03:31.854+08:00Camiguin Island<center><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3302/3420575279_da45d5c752.jpg"><br /><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3311/3420574663_980eb0f711.jpg"></center><br />Approaching the beautiful island of Camiguin... Taken on July 28, 2008Sheila Luhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05925674229272150628noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20988482.post-69278297143426603662009-03-17T20:35:00.010+08:002009-07-11T15:10:48.506+08:00Alegria Hills<center><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3552/3362024487_e0e685a662.jpg"><br /><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3465/3362840384_bc809966f9.jpg"><br /><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3596/3362025261_d60c067e3d.jpg"></center><br />Biking at Alegria Hills. It's a newly opened residential subdivision owned by Ayala Land that straddle in the mountains of Barangays Camaman-an and Indahag, Cagayan de Oro City. The place is overlooking the city and Macajalar Bay. Just 10 minutes away from the heart of the city.Sheila Luhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05925674229272150628noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20988482.post-38263760716935544202009-03-11T21:50:00.001+08:002009-08-15T15:21:16.731+08:00Mother and SonMy mom only had one eye. I hated her... she was such an embarrassment. My mom ran a small shop at a flea market. She collected little weeds and such to sell... anything for the money we needed she was such an embarrassment. There was this one day during elementary school. I remember that it was field day, and my mom came. I was so embarrassed. How could she do this to me? I threw her a hateful look and ran out. The next day at school..."Your mom only has one eye?!" and they taunted me. <br /> <br />I wished that my mom would just disappear from this world so I said to my mom, "Mom, why don't you have the other eye?! You're only going to make me a laughingstock. Why don't you just die?" My mom did not respond. I guess I felt a little bad, but at the same time, it felt good to think that I had said what I'd wanted to say all this time. <br /> <br />Maybe it was because my mom hadn't punished me, but I didn't think that I had hurt her feelings very badly. <br /> <br />That night...I woke up, and went to the kitchen to get a glass of water. My mom was crying there, so quietly, as if she was afraid that she might wake me. I took a look at her, and then turned away. Because of the thing I had said to her earlier, there was something pinching at me in the corner of my heart. Even so, I hated my mother who was crying out of her one eye. So I told myself that I would grow up and become successful, because I hated my one-eyed mom and our desperate poverty. <br /> <br />Then I studied really hard. I left my mother and came to Seoul and studied, and got accepted in the Seoul University with all the confidence I had. Then, I got married. I bought a house of my own. Then I had kids, too. Now I'm living happily as a successful man. I like it here because it's a place that doesn't remind me of my mom. <br /> <br />This happiness was getting bigger and bigger, when someone unexpected came to see me "What?! Who's this?!"... It was my mother...Still with her one eye. It felt as if the whole sky was falling apart on me. My little girl ran away, scared of my mom's eye. <br /> <br />And I asked her, "Who are you? I don't know you!!!" as if I tried to make that real. I screamed at her "How dare you come to my house and scare my daughter! Get out here now!" And to this, my mother quietly answered, "oh, I'm so sorry. I may have gotten the wrong address," and she disappeared. Thank good ness... she doesn't recognize me. I was quite relieved. I told myself that I wasn't going to care, or think about this for the rest of my life. <br /> <br />Then a wave of relief came upon me... one day, a letter regarding a school reunion came to my house. I lied to my wife saying that I was going on a business trip. After the reunion, I went down to the old shack, that I used to call a house...just out of curiosity there, I found my mother fallen on the cold ground. But I did not shed a single tear. She had a piece of paper in her hand.... it was a letter to me. <br /> <br />She wrote...<br />My Son, <br />I think my life has been long enough now. And... I won't visit Seoul anymore... but would it be too much to ask if I wanted you to come visit me once in a while? I miss you so much. And I was so glad when I heard you were coming for the reunion. But I decided not to go to the school.... For you... I'm sorry that I only have one eye, and I was an embarrassment for you. <br /> <br />You see, when you were very little, you got into an accident, and lost your eye. As a mother, I couldn't stand watching you having to grow up with only one eye... so I gave you mine... I was so proud of my son that was seeing a whole new world for me, in my place, with that eye. I was never upset at you for anything you did. The couple times that you were angry with me. I thought to myself, 'it's because he loves me.' I miss the times when you were still young around me. <br /> <br />Your Mother <br /> <br />Having read the letter "I miss you so much, mother. I love you. You mean the world to me".I said in my mind. My world shattered! Then I cried for the person who lived for me, that is. My Mother.Sheila Luhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05925674229272150628noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20988482.post-62433783309672870342008-10-19T21:59:00.005+08:002009-07-11T15:06:15.895+08:00Oro Gardens Memorial Park<center><img src="http://farm1.static.flickr.com/228/458365426_b1b319bb9d.jpg"><br /><img src="http://farm1.static.flickr.com/249/458380659_688de3aa8b.jpg"><br /><img src="http://farm1.static.flickr.com/226/458364456_90c034de20.jpg"></center><br />Biking pictures at the Oro Gardens Memorial Park located at Upper Carmen, Cagayan de Oro City. Overlooking the memorial park is the meandering Cagayan River.Sheila Luhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05925674229272150628noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20988482.post-79001700294882809722008-10-15T21:32:00.004+08:002009-07-11T15:04:50.388+08:00Gotcha #1 - Frog<center> <img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3144/2954496942_bd9921b212.jpg"> <br /></center><br />Taken on my front porch.Sheila Luhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05925674229272150628noreply@blogger.com1