Lyrics, Sentiments and Me is twelve-years young—and I am thankful! For this blog is a testament that I have been in hell and high waters. And whether knowingly or unknowingly, my ups and downs are mostly documented in this blog. Then you, kind souls, are my beautiful witnesses. I am truly grateful. Thank you, all!.

Nonetheless, I started this blog with musical accompaniment courtesy of YouTube videos (Thank YouTube) and along with my novice photography or a digital art. Love was the most used theme along with nature in my non-fiction creative writing. In many instances, I scribbled like a teenager so immersed in love. Some appreciated, labeling me as romantic and wistful. Others were not so much, calling me silly and gullible (and so much more). But folks, I have no regret. I even want to keep it that way forever.

Because not to be cheesy about it: Love and/or to love, is the only thing, we should never get tired of doing (note that it’s an act and a virtue). For with it, simply, we cannot go wrong. Besides there’s is no such a thing as love overdose. Most importantly, love’s “user instruction,” is pretty rudimentary: “To love and be loved,” and “To have and to hold.”

To end, allow me to extend love and my deepest gratitude to these amazing fellow bloggers:

Brad

https://writingtofreedom.com

Burning Heart

https://konekrusoskronos.wordpress.com

Cindy Knoke

https://cindyknoke.com

Danaiana

https://danaiana.com

Esther

https://hortusclosus.wordpress.com

Ivon Prefontaine

https://ivonprefontaine.com

Oredrum

https://orededrum.com

Paul Militaru

https://photopaulm.com

Thank you, WP for another wonderful year! Happy blogging to y’all. Alooooooooha. . .

YouTube/Kat McPhee & David Foster/Dionne Warwick/What the World Needs Now

In drones, wars loom
As conflicts brew—
Yes, it matters who is in the big room.
Is peace doomed?

Famine from afar,
Killing mothers’ and children—
Isn’t that another war?
Bellies have rights to grumble.
Check the food banks’ radars.

Solemn weddings ended in ugly divorces.
Ring in finger;
Ten worn fingers are not credible enough;
Just not enough to count.
Perhaps the satin and silk lost their graces;
Perhaps the vows and promises just meant for the laces?
Oh,only when tag price amazes. . .

If only all heads would bow
and thumbs would up:
Love is love. Love love. Love.
But then again, no.
Just not enough, no.

YouTube/Trijnjte Oosterhuis/Dionne Warwick/What the World Needs Now

See in every isle,

Understanding and wisdom are present.

Who hears

The Greatest with the Unsketchable Face says

“Get them;

Get as much as you can?”

Both left and right

Have green, yellow, and red.

But the invisible counter

Of Truth

Summons all:

Head straight.

Nothing is more precarious than a roach’ life.

It’s almost zero-crime in lizard society.

Listening is a thing of wise.

Aloha kakou, WordPress! It’s been a while since my last post. And I just miss you all—so, so, so much! For the most of you who know me since I started blogging way back 2008, you know how writing and blogging means a lot to me. They have been my refuge when I was at the bottom rock of unemployment and depression. And you, beautiful people, have been so generous of lending me your ears and keeping me company. Thank you all! Thank you all. Thank you all. . . Thus, I hope and pray that everyone is safe, healthy, in love and happy. As for me, yes: I am getting old and going back to fat. But, but, but I am optimistic that I am heading to full recovery. My reasons are below.

Last May, I finally completed my baccalaureate degree in business administration (with the concentration in accounting). Although I barely made it to my goal, I feel blessed attaining such a milestone amid debilitating health challenges and demoralizing string of financial issues. Although I struggled, I am convinced that I earned something noble and humbling enough to inspire my kids to pursue their dreams—pursue knowledge and education and be the best versions of themselves.

However, I know that I didn’t get this far solely on my own. And I am grateful having my teachers and my alma matter to whom I owe the skills, knowledge, and wisdom. For it was at school, in academia, where I felt I belonged. Because if it was just me alone, wow! With all my challenges, issues, and imperfections: In a single step, I could have crumbled like a sandcastle. Simply, I am a living testimony that goodness still reigns in this world.

Another newsworthy reason: I just made amends with my two older sisters, Lisa, and Camille. We grew up and got old in a seemingly endless sibling rivalry. Admittedly, being the youngest, I was pampered by my parents. Admittedly, I withdrew and distanced myself away from all of them, thinking I don’t have time for unhealthy conversations. But the old me died in December 2017 following a nerve-wracking and death-defying employment (and I’m just happy to be alive). Seriously, now, more than ever, I am compelled that humility tops honesty. That perhaps the latter is the best policy; but the first, is the golden policy. Most importantly, a simple “I love you,” can heal deep wounds and cuts from the past. “I love you” must be the best bandaid then, as we ended the competition and started just being sisters to one another.

Finally, with my bachelor’s degree out of the way, I am very few steps away from my dream. And to convince myself that I still have time to chase it, I avoid the mirror (just so the skeptics know). But it isn’t because, I am overconfident. It’s just that all dreams deserve to be pursued with perseverance, resilience, determination, tenacity, courage, hope and faith. Rest assured, I am still chasing mines. I hope you’re chasing yours too.

Aloha nui loa! To God be all the glory. Happy blogging everybody!

Recommended Song:

Hawaiian Roller Coaster Ride

Kamehameha Schools Children’s Chorus & Mark Keali’i Ho’omalu