Drown

"Crying all the time had made her more beautiful. Grief will do that sometimes." (Boyfriend)

"Rafa was right. It wasn't the first time. Two years after he left, Papi wrote her saying he was coming for us and like an innocent Mami believed him. After being alone for two years she was ready to believe anything. She showed everybody his letter and even spoke to him on the phone. He wasn't an easy man to reach but on this occasion she got through and he reassured her that yes, he was coming. His word was his bond. He even spoke to us, something that Rafa vaguely remembers, a lot of crap about how much he loved us and that we should take care of Mami.

"She prepared a party, even lined up to have a goat there for the slaughering. She bought me and Rafa new clothes and when he didn't show she sent everybody home, sold the goat back to its owner and then almost lost her mind. I remember the heaviness of that month, thicker than almost anything. When Abuelo tried to reach our father at the phone numbers he'd left none of the men who'd lived with him knew anything about where he had gone." (Aguantando)

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One of the books that I chanced upon, bought, read and loved it. Diaz makes his characters - immigrants from the Dominican Republic - come alive with a raw energy. His words are sparse, his writing taut and razor-sharp. The stories pack a quiet punch and lead you on a poignant trail. This is an excellent collection of 10 short stories that will move and dazzle you.

Driven by Monday Blues

I drifted into Borders after work today, half intending to find a book to buy. It's the Monday blues and I needed to do something nice to finish the day off.

Didn't find any good read. Reckoned my print-out vouchers aren't going to be used after all. Then i went to the magazine section as usual. Picked up two but bought only one in the end, coz i can't justify buying another magazine (pictured above). But i quite like the one that i didn't buy, especially some of the nice pictures in it. Even though the idea is to own the magazine, i decided to do what hordes of others do: get the magazine, find a seat, get seated, and read.

Slow

The most pretty sight this morning was here. Got to take it slow to soak in the moment though.

Take me away

Take me away from home
Take me on the road to
the House of Chill
Where a river lies at its doorstep
And the sky above, Bue and Vast,
Changes its cloud formation
Like destiny changing every second.
The wind scurries and the rain cometh
But Im inside the House of Chill
Feeling warm comfy and happy.

Sunday Happy Day

Last Sunday, i managed to spent a bit of 'Me' time doing what i like and fancied myself doing when im free. I browsed Borders, bought a book and a magazine, then sat down at Toast Box and enjoyed tea and toast bread while reading my book (not the one i bought).

I think i need more of such 'Me' time. Especially for reading all the books that i want to read. Yesterday i finished one book and on Sunday i started the one that i had just bought. Both are captivating in their own ways and I feel so happy and satisfied just reading them.

I am looking forward to this weekend which i hope i will be able to find time to do what i did last Sunday - sitting down at a cafe, reading a good book. Relaxing.

Cheery

It's comforting to know that there's this virtual abode i can still retreat into without having to care too much about consequences, opinions and being feeling exposed. It's my transit inn, and thank god it still is.

A most horrible week it has been, and i should like to bring a little cheer by posting pictures! I owe too many people photos that i've taken and not shared. Promise i will upload them soon.


Happy Street


Happy Kangaroo


Happy Ramen


Happy Dessert