Listening to a prayer

The nephew turns 13. Is that when kids officially become a teenager? I did think Cacoi may boycott this cake. But being the crazy aunt I could sometimes be, I went ahead and bought him what I call the Beatrix Potter Beauty; and at the same time wondered how I could make it up should he not like it. But bingo! He debuted a promising teenager smile and I exhaled happily.

At the food-laden table the birthday boy's friend said grace. His words were elegant and cute for one so young. I realized how mature this boy sounded than many adults I know including myself.

We concluded the party at King's Park where we had lakeside pizza and body stretching in the park gym; explored a minor maze and walked flower-lined trails. It felt really good after long months of stilettos, drab AC hums and ear-ritating lift bells.

Cacoi in blue shirt, his friend in white, and siblings Jovi and John

Ralph Waldo Emerson: "Passion rebuilds the world for the youth. It makes things alive and significant." Watching these kids feels good.

We had Wai Kru (tribute to teachers) at work. Students and some alumni came with wreaths and chocolates, in pretty boxes but mostly loads of flowers intricately arranged in huge vases. The faculty office looked like a flower shop. Scents of roses, lilies and lotuses wafted around for two days. The little buds on the photo are particularly fragrant. It's a lovely day in the academic calendar.

~0~

Linking with: Friday's Fave Five * Picture Clusters * Share the Joy

THANK YOU from the bottom of our hearts!

Tacloban . It's where I spent two months of great adventure with college buddies at about the same age as the young adult artists in this video We Are The World for Philippines ( Cover by Filipino Artsts ) This is the church where I served as piano accompanist for the 1990 summer student choir, and some of the services. According to reports it was filled with dead bodies when this shot was taken. Photo Courtesy: AUP Network on FB On Saturday, November 24th, Central World management (the former WTC Bangkok) lent space for a Haiyan fundraiser without charge. I'd like to commemorate the highlights: One Voice: Help Haiyan Victims was a serendipity. Organizing events is something I had to pay money to study in grad school. But it was live learning right there that night and observing the process was free. Skywatch : Mission Tacloban The Bangkok Charity Orchestra reflected tranquility in their music. Poor typhoon victims would benef

Dreaming up a surprise

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Mapping

"Gratitude makes sense of our past, brings peace for today, and creates a vision for tomorrow." ~ Melody Beattie Happy Thanksgiving, my bloggity friends! Skywatch : mapping Forensic Accounting Reflections : at the Sweet Secret Cafe Can you tell if a mushroom is edible or poisonous? Flowery hangout I can tolerate my own cooking ;) November is waving goodbye. That fast, wasn't she? It's been a good month. Now time to wrap up the week - Mapping Forensic Accounting . It was part of a 4-day seminar which I enjoyed doing. With time pressure though my screws splattered in all directions and my mind wandered to the - Sweet Secret Cafe . Not a bad place to mentally be to make up for the frustration of not having enough time for concept mapping. The photo is an old one; taken when I was physically present and had a sweet time there. Hundred Foot Journey . Three reasons why this film was so much fun to me - Helen Mirren, food, an

Hazel Ceej

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