"One Author's Family History Is A Heartfelt Success..."

      
A Book Shout Out...

My logical affinity with Brad is the disposition to read what fuels that embers the soul to write and hoping to resonate that to others...
I occasionally see Brad @ Barnes & Noble in the past years and maybe a couple of times at Hastings bookstore. Our conversations were "just in passing" may be more of a rampant coincidence. I was just glad to see him enjoying the gift of opportunity, that is, reading for creativity.

Thus, when he told me early last year that he was working on finishing his book, I was thrilled for him. He never languishes on this special project. He is a visual thinker. He remained true to what he perceives to be right for his readers. The big promos and online marketing tools were not perpetually on his frame of mind. His natural instinct is to share his book primarily with us, his colleagues and friends at school proved to be revelry. 
John's Java Coffee House was to me like a tailored setting for the new author to put his signature on each book sold with great fervor. I do have pictures to support it.

Brad's sheer descriptive of his ancestors and close family relatives is reminiscent to any of us who grew up on the grasslands near the forests and still celebratory life. It is how the author immersed on the traditional rhythms of living; how they weave every incident, happening and event of their lives less complicated, yet, still a wondrous life because it's their humbling story. And Brad tapped the playful, contemplative, sometimes vulnerable allure of the truth about the Americanization of the Prairie and Piney Woods Cajuns of that beautiful era.

I implore you to get a hold of his book.

By the way, my favorite part of this book is echoed in chapter three where Hortere and Regina moved to Toomey, Calcasieu Parish and had all these kinds of work virtually sustainable and have become adaptable, comfortable to their new environment. This summed up with "Hortere " who would frequently receive musical inspiration in his dreams and would frequently wake up to get his fiddle and play the tunes he dreamed about." How cool is that?

Celebrating A Longhorn/First-Time Published Author

"What It Means To Move Forward In 2015..."

Tomorrow, all of these Christmas embellishments will be stored in boxes again. I could probably extend it till after three kings but it's better to put my house in order before I go back to work on Monday.
I thank the Lord so much for enabling me to enjoy Christmas with family especially both of my sons were home for Christmas. Their presence was my Christmas gift.

So this first day of 20015, I made a decision to text New Year's wishes to all of my friends (far & near) in & outside the U. S. Also had called several of them over the phone just to let them know that they matter to me. And the response was liberating--praying that this resolution of keeping in touch & reconnecting to those worth keeping will last without me wavering. I hope that "when the going gets tough" that I don't easily get discouraged. After all this is a good thing...for all I know.

God Bless You All
May your 2015 be filled with the spirit of gratitude of what you have; strengthened/loving relationships anchored in God's Word and life's moments be marveled about your faith in Him. 
You Take Heart...

Happy New Year To You...

It happens to the very best of us--
I'm so glad I insisted 7-up on my champagne glass; so did my friend Seny.
Otherwise, we'll be cynosure of all eyes!!!

Matthew West Performs "The Heart of Christmas"

May you guys be ushered with this song beautifully rendered by Matthew West & his band. I was actually torn with what version & video image I should be sharing but I believe this performance captures his soul for the heart of Christmas. I have a great knack for acoustic guitar, keyboard
esp. the soft strokes of the violin. 

Merry Merry Christmas. May your heart be filled with the lyrics of this song. "Pause for a moment: Cherish the moment with the ones that you love"


H

Here are my cherished Christmas moments with the ones close to my heart--with my Family & a lovely, kindred mentor.

My two beloved sons...both home for Christmas. Thank you Lord Jesus.

"More than a genetic profile..."

The one thing I know for sure is that my mom is the best mom for me.,to all of us nine siblings anyway.She may be older now but we're all getting older anyway. Now I see her hair thinning, her back slightly curved, her teeth all gone except for two on mid-top & two on the lower mid point of her mouth. Oh, how he hates wearing dentures. Understandable. I would be doing the same thing.

I'm 5'4 1/2 and my mom is only 4'11. Who would have thought she'll have me this tall because for a Filipino female or woman, 5'2 is the common height. I remember when I was in high school, I was one of the tallest girls in class. Whenever we have assembly, I was always the second to the last person in line. To tell you the truth I didn't appreciate that much until I came to the U.S. in 1985. It was liberating to see many tall or taller women than me. It felt like the taller you are the wavelength of your brain is, too. What a concept, huh?

When I'm with my mom, I see to it that I'm not missing the moment of every aspect of affectionate gestures and the flow of words that connect. I make sure that she hears every word that I want her to hear. But oftentimes, holding her hand to let her know that it's okay that she doesn't have to catch on every word I say. 

I thank God for my mom...and I love the way she championed the longevity of being an amazing mother. To have an affinity to good genes is an advantage but not as greater than when your genes are covered with "the blood of the Lamb." That's all it takes to get through life's detours & setbacks.My mom is all that--the pillar & the anchor of what is keeping  me                                    smile & hope. And I love her so much...

What Random Moments Could Be...?

Add caption

 Today I was over the pie section at the Commissary exchange @ Ft. Hood. I admit, I joined the crowd of those who wait on the last minute to buy their Thanksgiving turkey and all its trimmings & pecan pies. 

Dairy whipped toppings are a necessity when eating a piece of pie especially pumpkin pie. After I got one, this sweet lady asked me if I wanted to sample an apple pie. By the way, her name is Pam. This time I asked candidly before this random moment took place. So, I could post her name here; for I take pleasure and joy snapping pictures spontaneously. I just thought that it is fitting to catch people doing a generous act and taking pride in what they do to serve people.

That did give me powerful insight: To be in the moment of sheer random moments could be more meaningful than those moments filled with do's & don't's... meaning planned, calculated & mundane. 
I wish sometimes that we take time to gravitate to the inherent quality of a person and to something that never ceases its value--a smile that Ms. Pam possesses. A smile that hinges hope.

Make it happen...on your way Home.

Mark's Post-Birthday Celebration

Add caption

Me...reading the card with Mark for his 7th birthday in mom's house. Seeing my nephew so excited reading his cards, opening his gifts and taking pictures is transcendent. His real birthday is actually Nov. 14 but since we couldn't celebrate it with him then, it's worth waiting to have this with his family, the Degano family.. You can't deny a child to have 2 birthdays now. That is, if he can, and he is...