I stumbled on this video while scrolling in LinkedIn. The power of human connection, that song or even a single word becomes a lifeline for someone else. This is worth sharing. Hugs!
-madt-
(You can follow him on Tiktok @fultonlee.music if you want to listen more to his wonderful music)
(This is me getting interviewed rather than interviewing.)
“What do you think is the reason why people, when in a relationship, suddenly disconnects to their friends? Or become less available to their friends?”
A question raised by my teenage daughter when we were cooking food for dinner today. At first, I was astounded. My mind was like, does she have a boyfriend? Did her friends disappear on her? So, I asked her back if this was what she was feeling. She said no, but she knows a lot of people going through it.
I am also not sure how to answer this nor an expert on this matter, but the question deserves an answer. My thoughts, and what I told her, “I am really not sure because I’ve never done that, but maybe, some people thought that their friends will understand if they spend more on the partner than their friends. Being in a relationship, especially if it still new, that person might be wanting to focus and invest on it to make it work. Personally, being your mom, I don’t advise this. I prefer you have a balance of both, not losing yourself in the process. It should be yourself and your friends and your partner.”
Please share your thoughts on this.
-madt-
What motivates you?
Filipinos are known for being happy and resilient. We have been colonized for years and every year, we suffer from natural disaster. Despite these difficulties, we find joy in simple things and exhibit remarkable strength in overcoming challenges. Dreams, family, love or even a simple glimmer of hope is what it takes to keep as moving forward.
The question reminded me off the Nescafe Commercial titled “Para kanino ka bumabangon?” It featured different people in different walks of lives and what motivates them to wake up every morning. Below is one of my personal choices. It featured Mr Erwin Macua, who from being a security guard persevered to become a teacher. He did it not only for his dreams but for his family.
So, what motivates me? Just as the commercial “Para Kanino ka Bumabangon?, I find my inspiration from my love ones. I remember how I was struggling personally in 2013. I felt the world crumbling upon me, dreams being shattered. Juggling my career and raising up my daughter was hard. But, giving up was not in my vocabulary. Every morning, I wake up determined to provide for my daughter and show her that life is beautiful.
July 21, 2023 5:00 pm
Part of my daughter’s birthday wish was to attend the Van Gogh x Japan exhibit. As a very supportive mom and for the love of Art and Japan, I surprised her a ticket to the show.
Van Gogh was fascinated with Japan’s Ukiyo-e. “Ukiyo-e” means picture of the floating world. The vibrant colors and intricate details in Japanese woodblock prints captured the fleeting moments of life. It depicts the life of beautiful courtesans, landscapes, and mythical tales. Van Gogh even coined the word “Japonaiserie,” which reflects his admiration for Japanese culture and his attempt to infuse its aesthetics into his work.
The digital show was for an hour and there was an added exhibit featuring other Japanese artists beside it.
Experiencing the Ikebana and Haiku could have made this experience better if it was free. As a caution, the show is not for people with vertigo, nor for those who are sensitive with flashing lights and fast-moving pictures. It was still a fun and educational show that made us love to experience Japan even more.
We were riding a bus on our way to Olongapo when suddenly you asked the bus to stop. You wanted us to go down even if we haven’t reached our destination. You took my hand, kissed it, whispered I love you and we walked towards the exit. I turned right to the door of the bus but you walked straight to the front and faded like a mist.
This was the last time I saw you alive, in my dreams. You made sure that even in your last breath, you assured me that you love me.
Lola, you have showered me with love and warm embrace that filled me with comfort every time I am missing you.
Lola, you were the Grandma and I was your little red riding hood. Every time you were around town, the little me, in my red hoodie, tagged along. We were inseparable. You made sure our summer vacations were well spent soaking in the sun and having fun with my cousin’s.
My bedtime stories were full of wonder and enchanting stories about courage, love, values and dreams. And every tale ended with a moral story and a good night kiss as you tucked me to bed.
I miss you so much and I find solace in knowing that you are watching over me in heaven. I imagine you shining brightly like a star hoping that I made you proud.
-madt
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